asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether a decision has yet been arrived at regarding the grant of a medal to the troops engaged in operations on the North-West Frontier of India in 1938?

:The matter is still under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what was the full wording of the resolution passed by the conference of Indian Princes at Bombay on 12th June?

The text of the resolution is understood to have been as follows:

The Conference of Princes and Ministers assembled at Bombay, having considered the revised draft Instrument of Accession and connected papers, resolves:

That the terms on the basis of which Accession is offered are fundamentally unsatisfactory in the directions indicated in the Report of the Hydari Committee of Ministers and confirmed by recommendations of the Gwalior Conference, and are, therefore, unacceptable.

At the same time, the Conference records its belief that it could not be the intention of His Majesty's Government to close the door on an All-India Federation

What are the Government going to do about it?

My hon. Friend will understand that at the moment we have no official information of what decision the Conference arrived at, and that the information that I have given is, therefore, unofficial.

Are we to take it from the statement just made that the Government are reconsidering the whole question of Federation?

No, the hon. Gentleman ought not to draw that conclusion.

Are the Government aware of the great danger that arises if Federation is indefinitely postponed?

I think that the whole question of Federation is recognised as an extremely important one.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this particular scheme of Federation has been attacked both from the left and the right, and would it not be better to reconsider the whole matter?

It is very often the case that a thing is attacked from several points of view without necessarily being bad.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what action has been taken by the Governors of the Provinces concerned to prevent the collection of organised bodies of men in their own Provinces intending to carry on agitation in the Indian States; and whether their departure to these Indian States has been prevented?

Apart from Bombay, where, for internal reasons, the Provincial Government decided to prohibit the concentration of a large body of individuals in a certain district, no Provincial Government has, so far as I am aware, considered it necessary to take action of the kind referred to in the question.

Is there any doubt that infiltration into the native States is still going on?

I think that It is true to say that there is a certain amount of infiltration into the native States, but it has not been such that any of the Provincial Governments have thought it necessary to take action.

Have the Princes made any objection and notified His Majesty's Government about it?

Certainly no representation has been made which has led any Governor to feel that his special responsibilities are involved.

asked the Undersecretary of State for India whether he can obtain figures showing the number of people in the Hyderabad State who have been in prison during the last six months in connection with the struggle in that state for civil and religious liberty; and whether he will obtain also information as to the condition and treatment, and the number, of those now in prison?

I presume that the question is intended to refer to the Satyagrahi movement. According to the latest report that I have seen, the total number of arrests up to the end of May was something over 5,000. I have no reason to think that the treatment of prisoners is open to criticism.

As these prisons are under our direct control, would it be possible for the hon. and gallant Gentleman to ask for a special inquiry into the condition existing in those prisons at the present time?

My noble Friend feels that nothing has occurred so far which has made out a case for a special inquiry, but the Resident is, of course, in close touch with the Hyderabad Government.

asked the Prime Minister what reply has been received from the Japanese Government to representations concerning the murder of Mr. Tinkler?

My Noble Friend is still awaiting a reply.

Is it not the case that the Japanese Government have made no reply whatever to our representations concerning this murder, which took place in particularly atrocious circumstances?

Certainly no reply has been made to the representations to which the hon. Member refers, but the statement which I made shows that exchanges of view have taken place.

Is not this matter merged in a very much bigger question?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give particulars of any British lives and/or property that have been lost in China during the previous six months, especially during the evacuation of Hankow and Canton?

With the hon. Member's permission I am circulating a statement with the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Has any claim been made against the Japanese?

Without notice I cannot say.

asked the Prime Minister whether any further particulars have been received from the Japanese Government with reference to the newly formed Huak-sing commercial bank organised under the laws of the reformed Government of China; and whether he has information that the notes issued by this bank are now fully covered by a reserve in foreign currencies equal in every way to the notes issued by them?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given him on 5th June to which I have nothing to add.

Have the notes issued been accepted?

I must refer the hon. Member to the somewhat complicated statement which was issued, and which showed that we are watching the matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the statement of the Japanese official spokesman at Shanghai that, in spite of British extra-territorial rights, the Japanese reserve the right to take summary action against any foreigner who, in their opinion, endangers the safety of Japanese forces in the occupied areas, which action might include detention for indefinite periods and even execution; whether His Majesty's Government accept this view as regards any part of the International Settlement and its surroundings; and, if not, what action they are taking in the matter?

My Noble Friend has seen Press reports of the statement in question. His Majesty's Government do not recognise the right of the Japanese authorities to arrest or detain British subjects in any circumstances, and the Japanese Government have been left in no doubt of His Majesty's Government s attitude in the matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether there is any alteration in the decision of the Government not to recognise the legality of the German annexation of Bohemia and Moravia, and which are the Governments he is consulting concerning the representation of national interests in Bohemia and Moravia?

asked the Prime Minister what decision has been reached concerning the future representation of British interests at Prague?

His Majesty's Ambassador in Berlin has been instructed to make application to the German Government for an exequatur for a Consul-General in Prague. The practical reasons for which His Majesty's Government have taken this step were given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Debate on 26th May. I would refer, for instance, to the importance of having an officer at Prague competent to grant visas, among others to refugees whom it is proposed to admit into this country. While, in His Majesty's Government's opinion, the step taken implies de facto recognition of the present position in Bohemia and Moravia, it does not involve any modification of the views already expressed by His Majesty's Government on this question. Before taking their decision His Majesty's Government were in communication with other interested Governments, including those of France, the United States of America, the Soviet Union and Poland.

By making this application for an exequatur, have not His Majesty's Government recognised the legality of the annexation?

No, Sir. I have said that it does not involve any modification of the view of His Majesty's Government in this matter. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will remember, His Majesty's Government have said that they regarded the original action as devoid of any basis of legality.

Would there have been any objection to delay in this matter, in view of the provocative attacks on the Czechs now taking place by the Germans?

If the hon. Member will refer to a statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 27th May he will see that 20th June was the last date on which the exequatur could be asked for.

What action have the French Government taken in this matter? I was under the impression that there was still a Czecho-Slovakian Minister in Paris accredited to the French Government.

I am not authorised to give the opinions of the French Government.

Which were the Governments that His Majesty's Government consulted in this matter?

I have said that they included the Governments of France, the United States, the Soviet Union and Poland.

Have all those Governments applied for an exequatur?

I am not in a position to answer that question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information as to what extent Slovakia is under the military occupation of German forces; and whether he can give any information as to the present internal situation in Slovakia?

Under Article 2 of the treaty of 23rd March, between Germany and Slovakia, German armed forces have the right at any time to erect military works and to garrison them in a zone which is defined in that Article. I understand that there have been no recent developments of special significance in Slovakia.

asked the Prime Minister whether in order to minimise popular misconceptions and to disseminate more accurate information, he will consider approaching the German and Italian Governments with a proposal to arrange or facilitate the exchange of visits between representative British, German and Italian groups who would be free to consider and discuss international problems, and, if possible, secure publication in each country of the respective viewpoints expressed in their gatherings?

Visits by private groups, particularly to and from Germany, have taken place in the past and have been encouraged by the authorities in both countries. Whilst my Noble Friend would be glad to see them extended there are certain difficulties in the proposal made by the hon. Member.

Would the right hon. Gentleman at least consider the matter, particularly the suggestion that there should be an opportunity for free discussion of international matters; and could he not at least introduce these principles, in the hope that there will be some response from the German nation?

Yes, Sir, my Noble Friend will give full consideration to the matter.

If the exchange of visits between such groups is going to be organised, will the right hon. Gentleman see that it is not confined to Germany and Italy, but extended also to France, Poland and other countries?

I am glad the right hon. Gentleman has drawn the attention of the House to the importance of that aspect.

Would the right hon. Gentleman not agree that we have to approach this matter through international channels first?

asked the Prime Minister whether in view of the danger attached to the submarine even in times of peace, as was made evident by the tragic disaster to the "Thetis," and its relatively small value in time of war, he will enter into negotiations with the Powers with the object of having the submarine abolished in warfare?

Proposals for the abolition of submarines were put forward by the British Empire Delegation at the Washington Conference 1921–22. They have been repeated on a number of occasions since, the last being at the Conference held before the conclusion of the London Naval Treaty, 1936. The proposals, however, did not on any occasion meet with general acceptance, and although the views of His Majesty's Government have not changed, they are not proposing to raise the question again at the present juncture.

Is it not true to say that at that time the Germans stood in the way of the abolition of submarines?

There were more than one occasion to which I referred, and I should like to have notice of any further questions.

Does the right hon. Gentleman in fact suggest that it was Germany that stood in the way?

No, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the regular system of encirclement propaganda in Germany emanating from official sources; and whether, in recognising the threat to peace implied in such deliberate misleading of public opinion in Germany, His Majesty's Government will take immediate steps to counter it by every means at their disposal?

Yes, Sir.

Will His Majesty's Government continue to impress on the German people that agreements have been entered into with foreign Powers solely for defensive purposes?

I did not quite hear the last part of my hon. Friend's question.

Seeing that all the agreements that have been entered into with foreign Powers have been for defensive purposes, could not His Majesty's Government tell this to the German public?

The policy of His Majesty's Government, as has been made quite clear, shows that we have no aggressive desire.

asked the Prime Minister what progress has been made in the negotiations being conducted by Mr. Strang in Moscow to further a Franco-Russo-British pact against aggression, in view of the expressed reluctance of the Baltic States to accept a guarantee against aggressive acts on the part of Nazi Germany?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now make a further statement on the progress of the negotiations between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics?

On the afternoon of 15th June, the French Ambassador at Moscow and His Majesty's Ambassador, accompanied by Mr. Strang, were received by M. Molotov, to whom Sir W. Seeds explained the latest Anglo-French proposals. A further meeting took place the following afternoon, when M. Molotov communicated to the French and British representatives certain observations of the Soviet Government on these proposals. Discussions are still proceeding.

Are the instructions which have been furnished to Sir William Seeds wide enough to enable these discussions to be carried on without reference back?

I think that that must obviously be determined by the way in which the discussions proceed. It may be that some fresh point may be raised which would require reference back, but I am not aware of it.

Are there any difficulties now outstanding, besides the position of the Baltic States?

Yes, Sir, there are several other points.

asked the Prime Minister whether, with a view to preparing the ground for an eventual world conference, His Majesty's Government would be willing to enter into consultations with the United States, French, Russian, and other Governments desiring a peaceful solution of outstanding international questions, with a view to securing an agreed policy with regard to Colonies, raw materials, world markets, disarmament, and other international questions?

His Majesty's Government are already in contact with other Governments on matters concerning the peaceful solution of outstanding questions. Moreover, as the Prime Minister has stated on previous occasions, His Majesty's Government are ready to take any opportunity to promote the necessary work of preparation for a general settlement, which would demand the restoration of a general feeling of international confidence?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of an increasing public movement in Great Britain and the United States of America in sympathy with the principle of a federation of nations and a world parliament; and whether he will take the initiative in inquiring of President Roosevelt and the heads of other Powers whether they will consider supporting and sharing responsibility for the calling of such a convention for the above purpose?

His Majesty's Government are fully aware of the desire among many nations for as wide a measure of international co-operation as possible, and will always, as the Prime Minister has stated on numerous occasions, be ready to consider any useful suggestions to achieve that end. His Majesty's Government's attitude is well known to all, and the present circumstances do not seem propitious for any initiative such as that mentioned by the hon. Member.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that one of His Majesty's own Ambassadors has been proposing something very much along these lines, and, in view of the considerable public opinion which is being organised in America, would not initiative on these lines be valuable at this juncture?

There are certain difficulties at this moment.

Are we always to be obstructed by difficulties, or should we not try to overcome them?

We do overcome them.

asked the Prime Minister what salary Lord Perth will receive in respect of his duties in connection with the Publicity and Information Department of the Foreign Office?

asked the Prime Minister at what salary it is proposed to appoint Lord Perth; and will such salary be in addition to his pension?

asked the Prime Minister what pension Lord Perth now receives; and whether such pension was taken into consideration when deciding any additional payment as regards his new appointment?

The salary which Lord Perth will receive will be £1,100 per annum in respect of his duties as supervisor of the Foreign Publicity Department of the Foreign Office and of his duties as Director-General designate of the Ministry of Information which it is contemplated will be set up in the event of this country becoming engaged in a major war. In addition to this salary Lord Perth is in receipt of a pension of £1,900. The salary and pension together are equivalent to the salary of the permanent head of a first-class Department.

Does the salary for the post at the Foreign Office carry with it pension rights also?

I should require notice of that question.

In view of the pension of £1,900 a year which the Prime Minister has mentioned, would he not consider raising the pensions of the old age pensioners by 10s. a week?

asked the Prime Minister what will be the working relations between the new Department for Foreign Information and the British Broadcasting Corporation?

The existing relations between the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Foreign Office in regard to foreign language broadcasts will under go no change; that is to say, although responsibility for what is broadcast rests with the British Broadcasting Corporation, I understand that the corporation will continue to maintain the closest contact with the Foreign Office and will make full use of the information at the disposal of the Foreign Publicity Department.

asked the Prime Minister whether the new Information Department of the Foreign Office will be concerned only with international relations and foreign policy, or will also devote attention to making better known abroad our democratic institutions, sociological developments, industrial organisation, and cultural achievements; and, if so, what expert advice and assistance, outside the Foreign Office, will Lord Perth have at his command?

In the Prime Minister's replies to the hon. Members for Nuneaton (Lieut.-Commander Fletcher) and Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson) on 15th June he made it clear that the Foreign Publicity Department of the Foreign Office would strengthen the existing contacts between the Foreign Office and other bodies, and would seek to coordinate them more effectively. As explained, the matters mentioned by the hon. Member are already included in the activities of these existing bodies. I have no doubt that Lord Perth will avail himself of their expert advice and assistance.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say what is the nature of the bodies, because, so far as we are aware, there is no body in the Foreign Office that is well qualified to give the kind of information indicated in my question, which is the kind of information that the general public in foreign countries are anxious to have— information as to how British democracy actually works?

There are several bodies, including the British Council, the British Broadcasting Corporation, and the new Foreign Publicity Department, and I think that between them they can be relied upon to perform the service which the hon. Lady desires.

Would it not be advisable that the new Department should have some special advisory department which could furnish the type of information in which they know people to be interested, and which the British Council are hardly qualified to furnish?

I have no doubt that in the early days of the functioning of this new system that consideration will be borne in mind, with a view to securing the type of advice which the hon. Lady suggests.

asked the Prime Minister what position will be held by Mr. Arthur Bryant in the Foreign Publicity Department of the Foreign Office?

Mr. Arthur Bryant is not a member of the Foreign Publicity Department of the Foreign Office.

Is it true that Mr. Bryant will be connected in some way with the work of the department?

I am not aware that he will be connected with the work of the department, but he is a man of such value that I hope he will not be out of touch with it.

Why is the Minister anxious to have working in that department a man whose Fascist sympathies are so well known?

I must, first of all, repudiate the suggestion of the hon. Member. I never said that Mr. Bryant would be working in the department, and it is not contemplated that he will be working there. But that there should never be any connection between Mr. Arthur Bryant and the department would, I think, be a bad thing.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will ensure that the function of the Foreign Publicity Department of the Foreign Office will be primarily to publicise those principles of international justice, co-operation, and peace, to which Great Britain subscribes, and for which it would make appropriate sacrifices, rather than to defend and advocate the virtues of British diplomatic, economic, and Imperial interests?

I can assure the hon. Member that none of the causes for which Great Britain stands and in which her interests are involved will be overlooked.

Do I understand that the right hon. Gentleman does identify British Imperial interests with international justice, or is there some discrimination between the two?

British Imperial interests are just.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have now received any official representations from the Japanese Government adopting the demands put forward by the Japanese spokesman at Tientsin; and whether he can make a further statement on the position at Tientsin?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in regard to her action at Tientsin, Japan is endeavouring to make a test case affecting the International Settlements in China, and, in any decision at which the British Government arrives, will this factor be taken into consideration?

asked the Prime Minister whether the British Government propose at Tientsin to maintain, in view of the gravity of the principle involved, the inviolability of the British settlement?

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether his attention has been called to the case of Mr. H. G. Mackenzie, of Aberystwyth, who was stripped of his clothing by Japanese searchers, and of Mr. Ivor House, of Alverstoke, Hampshire, who was roughly handled and struck by a Japanese officer at the exit from the British Concession at Tientsin on 15th June; whether any other British subjects have been submitted to a similar indignity; and what action he has taken or proposes to take to prevent the maltreatment of British subjects;

(2) whether he can give any information as to the circumstances in which a detachment of the Durham Light Infantry in the British Concession at Tientsin were called up to prevent the Chinese mob, acting under the instructions of Japanese agitators, from rushing the barricades into the British Concession?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Japanese have declared martial law on the river between Tientsin and the sea, and have stopped all traffic between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.; and what provision has been made to keep communications open between the British Concession and the sea?

On 15th June a crowd gathered by Chinese and Korean agitators collected outside the British Concession. A detachment of the Durham Light Infantry were sent to support the British Municipal Police, but were later withdrawn when the mob had been reduced to about 200. The barrier restrictions at Tientsin continue. All British subjects have been held up at the barriers and rigorously searched, and in some cases were subjected to indignity. The entry of perishable foodstuffs and ice into the British Concession has been delayed by rigid search carried out at the barriers, and continues, therefore, to be spasmodic. Normal supplies are reported to be reaching the market in the adjoining French Concession. No special arrangements appear to be called for as yet, but further information on the subject is being sought from the authorities on the spot.

On the morning of 18th June, two British coasting steamers came up river to Tientsin without stoppage or search. Generally speaking, however, British vessels, including tugs and lighters, have been stopped and searched by the Japanese military authorities.

Protests have been addressed by His Majesty's Consul-General at Tientsin to his Japanese colleague, and His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo has been instructed to take these matters up with the Japanese Government.

The general position is not yet clear. It would appear that the original demand for the handing over of the four men has been confused by the introduction of larger issues of general policy. No formal representations have been received from the Japanese Government on this subject, and it is still hoped that a local settlement will be found possible. His Majesty's Government cannot but believe that the Japanese Government share their own desire not to widen the area of disagreement or to render more acute an already difficult situation. At the same time they are fully alive to the reactions of the present dispute on the position of other British and International Settlements in China.

My Noble Friend the Foreign Secretary is seeing the Japanese Ambassador today, and His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo is endeavouring to clarify the situation with the Japanese Government. As I informed the House on Thursday last, His Majesty's Government is maintaining the closest touch with the French and American Governments.

I will, of course, make a further statement at the earliest possible opportunity.

Does the offer of His Majesty's Government that the question of the four Chinese suspects should be settled by an international advisory committee still hold good?

Yes, Sir it still holds good.

Can we assume that it has been made clear from that statement that all concerned now understand that it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to ensure that supplies of foodstuffs for these British subjects reach them, if necessary?

Yes, Sir. Of course we are making inquiries into that point, and will take whatever steps may be necessary to ensure them supplies of foodstuffs.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the blockade at Kulangsu is being maintained, or whether it has been withdrawn?

I think it is being maintained.

asked the Prime Minister whether any special arrangements are being made to provide adequate food supplies for those residing in the British concessions at Tientsin and Kulangsu?

For the position at Tientsin, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement just made by the Prime Minister. The food situation at Kulangsu is not yet acute, but difficulties may arise concerning supplies of firewood, meat and vegetables. A food committee has been formed, and it is hoped to arrange for supplies from other ports by British ships.

In view of the alarming reports reaching this country as to actual food shortage at both these places, and particularly at Kulangsu, will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that, if necessary, His Majesty's Government will take direct action to see that our nationals are properly and adequately fed?

The hon. Member will have heard the assurances given by the Prime Minister on the subject of Tientsin. With regard to Kulangsu, it is hoped that supplies will be secured by British ships from other ports.

Have the Government taken steps to see that the problem of Kulangsu shall be treated at the same time as that of Tientsin, so that there may be settlement of the whole problem?

The importance of Kulangsu is fully recognised by the Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to increase the naval forces in the neighbourhood of Tientsin for the protection of the British Concession; and whether he is aware that at this season there is ample depth of water in the river for protective vessels?

Owing to the depth of water over the Taku Bar, the largest ship which can reach Tientsin is His Majesty's ship "Lowestoft," which is there now. It is not at present considered that the presence of other British men-of-war at Taku, which is the nearest point which can be reached by larger ships and which is 30 miles from Tientsin, would be of value. Such ships are available in North China waters if required. As regards the last part of the question, reports on the depths and conditions in the river are regularly received from local sources.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to recent broadcasts from Bari; and whether he is satisfied that these broadcasts are in accordance with the terms of the Anglo-Italian Agreement?

My Noble Friend is kept informed of the nature of the broadcasts from Bari. His Majesty's Government have not thought it desirable to address representations to the Italian Government about any recent broadcasts.

Is it not a fact that a recent broadcast from this station included a report of a rising in Trans jordania which was quite fictitious; and is it in keeping with the Anglo-Italian Agreement that these statements should be made?

I am ready to consider any representation with regard to the Italian broadcasts which may be made to me by the hon. Member. His Majesty's Government take into consideration all the reports which they receive of these broadcasts, and the answer I have just given is based upon such consideration.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of children of ex-service men who continued to have the dependants' allowance until they reached the age of 21?

I regret that the records of my Department do not enable me to give the precise particulars asked for. I may, however, say that up to 31st March last the total number of allowances to children of deceased or disabled soldiers which had been continued beyond the normal age of 16 years, though not necessarily to the age of21, was approximately 47,000.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has had the case of Thomas Minshall, of Mosley Common, Boothstown, investigated by an officer of his Department; and, if so, what assistance can be given to him?

I sympathise with the circumstances of this distressing case, and the hon. Member will be aware that the King's Fund, of which I am the trustee, has already assisted this boy with grants for such purposes as invalid chairs and clothing during the past eight years. I am prepared to consider further occasional help from this source in co-operation with other ex-service funds. As the hon. Member has been informed, however, this case has been the subject of correspondence between my Department and the appropriate local authority who, after inquiry into the circumstances, have found that the case is not one in which they can render assistance.

I think the hon. Member will agree that this is about the most pitiful case from the whole of the War period; and cannot I ask him in this case to do something more?

I quite agree that this is a very distressing case. I should like to have an interview with my hon. Friend, as there are some matters I should like to put to him.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the proposal that the State should enter into partnership with smallholders in different parts of the country in order to encourage them to grow an abundance of health foods on something like the metayage system; and whether he will consider experimenting with that system?

No, Sir. I do not think the hon. Member's proposal is suitable to conditions in this country.

Would the Minister agree that this is rather a favourable moment for such an experiment, seeing that the Exchequer is prepared to spend a great deal on agriculture now?

asked the Minister of Agriculture what proposal does he consider making with a view to restoring the derelict land not only in the Eastern counties but also in other parts of the country to a condition of prosperity?

I would refer the hon. Member to the provisions of the Agricultural Development Bill, now before the House, which, together with other measures in pursuance of the Government's policy, is intended to enable farmers to make the fullest possible use of their land.

Does the Minister think that this will restore the derelict areas we have in this country, and would it not be well to consider taking some of these areas over by the State, as has been advocated by expert agriculturists?

No, Sir. I think the job of the Government is to create conditions in which the farmers themselves can do this work; and I think a lot of that work is really being done.

Would not the Minister agree that what he saw in the Eastern Counties is typical of the country as a whole?

No, Sir.

Would not the Minister agree that private enterprise in farming has failed?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give the approximate value of bacon-pig products consumed in Great Britain for the last year for which figures are avail able; and what proportion of this value was home-produced?

I regret that particulars are not available to enable me to give the value of bacon-pig products consumed in Great Britain, but the value of such products consumed in the United Kingdom in 1938 is estimated at approximately £54,000,000, of which rather more than one-third represents the value of home produce. The figures are exclusive of the value of lard and offals, for which adequate statistics are not available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether in view of the decrease in the pig population of Great Britain since the present price formula for bacon-pig was embodied in the Bacon Industry Act, 1938, and of the widespread dissatisfaction of pig-producers with that formula, and of the uncertainty of the future of the contract system in consequence, he can now make a favourable reply to the requests for an improvement in the price formula and undertake to introduce legislation during the current Session to give effect to such improvement in time for the next contract?

I can hold out no prospect of legislation to amend the Bacon Industry Act during the present Session. I am, however, well aware of the difficulties which have arisen, and I am giving, and shall continue to give, in consultation with the Bacon Development Board, earnest consideration to various suggestions which have been made for improving the working of that Act.

Is the Minister aware that all three boards responsible for pigs and bacon are agreed that the price formula must be revised during this Session, failing which the future of the contracting system is doomed and the industry will be plunged again into chaos; and what immediate action can be taken to prevent such a disaster to a vital home food industry?

As I have said, I am in consultation with the various bodies, and I hope to see them again within a very short time.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend consult the consumers?

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider that this price formula can be altered without legislation?

No, Sir.

Would not the retention of one only of these three boards do away with a lot of overlapping?

Is this industry to be allowed to collapse completely?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider establishing a company with some such title as the Agricultural Industries Development Corporation, Limited, and guaranteeing as to principal and interest £25,000,000 at 2½ per cent. on debenture stock, the security for such loan being the land and buildings which the development company purchased, taking as a precedent the moneys lent to the Railway Finance Corporation, Limited, in December 1935, which were guaranteed as to principal and interest by the Treasury?

I regret that I am unable to adopt my hon. Friend's proposal.

Does not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman realise that the public are quite prepared to lend money to agriculture under Treasury guarantee; and why should not agriculture be given that help in the same way that the railway companies receive Treasury assistance?

:I am not sure whether I quite understood all the implications of the suggestion of my hon. Friend and perhaps he will be good enough to come and talk the matter over with me.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider a grant for the training of men for farm work who are without experience but who wish to go on the land, since farmers cannot afford to pay a standard wage to men without experience?

:The general question is under examination in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the reduced grant is endangering the quality of the British exhibit at the forth coming World Poultry Congress in the United States of America; and what steps does he intend to take to see that the British exhibit is worthy of this country at the present time?

The contribution promised by the Government towards the expenditure to be incurred by the poultry industry in preparing and staging the exhibit referred to is much higher than has been given for such an exhibit at any previous congress overseas, and was authorised only in view of certain exceptional circumstances including, of course, the higher cost of transport on this occasion. The effectiveness of the exhibit is the responsibility of the National Committee set up by the industry to prepare it, and I have no reason to suppose that the result will be that suggested by the hon. Member.

Is not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the British Government accepted the invitation of the State Department in America to stage this exhibit and called upon two bodies in this country to do so on their behalf. As the fund is not sufficient at this moment to put the exhibit satisfactorily before the American public, what does he intend to do?

I do not entirely agree with the hon. Gentleman.

If I represent to the right hon. and gallant Gentleman that I have received representations from the authorities concerned this morning that they are not adequately provided for this purpose, what does he intend to do?

I shall be very glad to hear the hon. Gentleman's representations.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the extent of the existing shortage of agricultural labour?

I have received reports of a shortage of agricultural labour, and especially of skilled workers, in a number of districts, but it is not possible to state precisely the extent of the deficiency.

Is it not the fact that the success of Government agricultural policy must depend upon an adequate supply of skilled agricultural workers, and will the Minister take steps to find out the exact extent of that shortage?

It is not possible in any given district to say how many workers these should be, but that there is a shortage and that we want to get men back to the land, there is no doubt at all.

Is it not true that there is a decrease each month of agricultural labourers on the land?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has concluded his negotiations for an emergency supply of tractors; and whether all the manufacturing firms concerned have agreed to co-operate in the scheme?

Agreement has been reached with the Ford Motor Company for the supply of Fordson tractors, which will be stored by Ford dealers throughout Great Britain, as part of the national reserve of agricultural machinery. This company is the only one in Great Britain which has the necessary productive and distributive capacity to enable a reserve of tractors of the size contemplated to be rapidly acquired and regularly turned over within a reasonable period. This arrangement does not preclude the possibility of acquiring some additional supplies of tractors from any other manufacturer in this country if suitable arrangements can be made.

Was no attempt made directly to approach known manufacturing firms established in this country other than the Ford Company?

Certainly there have been conversations with other firms.

Has my right hon. and gallant Friend considered the possibility of laying in a stock of producer-gas tractors in view of the fact that other tractors depend upon imported fuel, whereas the producer-gas tractors depend upon fuel produced in this country?

The producer-gas is still in an experimental stage, but it is being examined with care.

May I assure my right hon. and gallant Friend that he is mistaken?

Is not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there is considerable resentment within the tractor manufacturing industry in this country that they have not been approached, and that possibly that will make them a little indifferent to his scheme in the future?

As I have said, the arrangement with the Ford Company does not preclude the possibility of acquiring tractors from other manufacturers.

Why does not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman approach the other firms?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the still growing number of committees, commissions and councils, he will consider a scheme for their rationalisation in order to ensure that they are being used for the promotion of industry rather than for the destruction of private enterprise?

I cannot accept the implication in my hon. Friend's question.

Is the Prime Minister aware that the Wheat Commission and the Food Council have allowed the grain trade to be completely wiped out, and will he take some steps to appoint a commission to protect the interests of the small men, as many of the existing commissions are simply agencies for the protection of monopolies in this country?

I understand that my hon. Friend is now proposing a new commission.

May not the small men have some protection against the monopolists?

Not while you have this Government.

asked the Postmaster-General how many complaints were received by his Department in the 12 months to the last convenient date concerning wireless interference caused by neon-sign installations; and whether any action is contemplated to compel owners of these installations to fit interference-suppression devices?

About a thousand complaints were received during the year 1938 concerning interference with wireless reception caused by neon-sign installations. In most of these cases the owners of the installations agreed to fit interference-suppression devices, although there is at present no legal power to compel them to do so. Inquiries regarding the possible scope and operation of a new Wireless Telegraphy Bill to deal, inter alia, with the question of electrical interference with wireless reception are being actively pursued. The problem is however one of great complexity, involving consultation with many interests which would be affected; and some time must elapse before these consultations can be completed.

In view of the fact that many of the people who have licences are getting very bad results, will the Minister speed up any negotiations that are taking place in connection with the legalising of the position?

I shall be glad to get the matter concluded as soon as possible.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the general position here and take into account the fact that one of the prime offenders is the Central Electricity Board with their high tension cables?

That is one of the points which makes the matter a difficult one with which to deal,

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that the group of manufacturers of telephone equipment which operate as a ring are engaged upon non-competitive agreements with his Department, he will assure the House that the public will be protected in regard to profits made by these firms in the same way as those engaged upon the production of armaments?

The Bulk Equipment Agreement to which the hon. Member refers was made several years ago with a group of contractors in order to secure to the Post Office the benefits of standardisation of equipment, planned production and the pooling of patents. Prices have been revised from time to time as the agreement fell due for renewal. These conditions seem to me substantially different from those governing armament contracts but, as I indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for Birkenhead, East (Mr. White) on 12th June, certain additional facilities have been accorded by the contractors for checking the reasonableness of prices, and a detailed investigation is now proceeding as a preliminary to the arrangement of a new agreement.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will supply a complete list of firms concerned in the supply of Post Office telephone equipment under non-competitive agreements with his department; and state their individual profits for each year since 1933, including the latest published figures?

As the list for which the hon. Member asks contains the names of 23 firms, I will circulate it in the Official Report. I have no information as to the individual companies' profits, beyond that made available to the public by the Registrar of joint stock companies.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that one firm, Messrs. Ericsson, engaged upon the supply of Post Office telephone equipment under non-competitive agreements has issued a balance sheet showing annual profits of 25 per cent., the same as the profit made the previous year; and whether he is satisfied with his Department's position with regard to this matter?

I am aware of the facts referred to by the hon. Member, but I do not think it would be safe to draw any conclusion that the Department's interests—which represent only a part of the firm's business—are not reasonably safeguarded. The prices paid under the agreements with the equipment contractors are common to all the firms interested and are at present under detailed investigation.

Does that mean that the Government are not prepared to protect the public against the charges of these telephone companies?

If the hon. Member reads my answer he will see that we are taking active steps to investigate this matter in order to secure fair prices for the public. He will realise that as a Department we are concerned to obtain proper prices for our contracts. We are not concerned with the profits of a firm over its whole business but to get proper prices for our own particular contracts.

Are the Post Office using the machinery for checking profits and costs?

We are going into the question of checking, and if the hon. Member reads my answer of 12th June he will see what we are doing,

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the British Broadcasting Corporation accounts as at 31st December last, showing balance at bank as being £591,526, cash at bank less balance on secured loan account; whether he will state the actual size of the loan and what assets are pledged as security there for?

I am informed by the British Broadcasting Corporation that the amount of the loan is £ 200,000 and that it is secured on the whole undertaking and assets of the Corporation. I understand that the loan is now nominal, as it is covered by a corresponding sum maintained in the current account of the Corporation, and no effective interest charge arises.

While thanking the right hon. and gallant Gentleman for that information, would it not be as well to include information of this nature in the public accounts, and is not the method of presenting these accounts by the B.B.C. somewhat unusual from the accountancy point of view, and would not be tolerated in private business?

I understand that the method by which the B.B.C. present their accounts has been approved, but if the hon. Member has any suggestion to make, I will send it on to them.

asked the First Commissioner of Works for what reason he proposes to abolish the freedom of the public to ride in the Royal parks; whether it is possible under the Parks Acts to impose charges for those riding in such parks; and whether he will withdraw for amendment that part of the draft Richmond Park Regulations recently submitted to Parliament which will enable the park authorities indirectly to impose such charges?