asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of instructing the British delegates at the next assembly of the League of Nations to oppose deletion in the League budget of the grant of 1,050,000 francs for anti-epidemic work in China?

One and a half million francs was voted by the League Assembly last September for anti-epidemic work in China during the current year. The question of the allocation for next year will be raised in the course of the Assembly next September. His Majesty's Government fully recognise the value of the League's anti-epidemic work in China, but their attitude must await the discussions of this matter at the Assembly meeting.

In the discussions, do the British Government intend to advocate the continuance of this support for China?

The hon. Member will see from what I have said that our attitude must await discussion of this matter in the Assembly. I also said that we appreciate fully the value of this work, and I think the hon. Member can draw his own deductions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give a clear answer to my question? What is the policy of the British Government, regardless of anybody else?

It is not customary to announce our action in advance, before we have had an opportunity of discussion.

Do the Government intend to give the League a lead in the matter?

I said quite clearly in my original answer that we fully recognise the value of this service and this work. I cannot say more.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of proposing that the Council of the League of Nations be immediately summoned under Article II of the Covenant; that in accordance with Article 5 of the Danzig constitution, prohibiting the use of Danzig as a military or naval base or the erection of fortifications without the previous consent of the League, and Article 42, the Senate of Danzig be required to furnish forthwith official information as to the alleged violations of Article 5 of the constitution; and further, that in accordance with the resolution of the League of Nations' Council, of 17th November, 1920, the Council should establish an international police force in order to protect Danzig against aggression and, in accordance with its resolution on 22nd June, 1921, should instruct the High Commissioner in Danzig to invite Poland to collaborate in its defence?

In reply to the first part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for South East Leeds (Major Milner) on 12th July. The task of obtaining information from the Senate is, by the report adopted by the Council on 27th January, 1937, entrusted to the High Commissioner of the League of Nations in Danzig. The texts of the resolutions referred to by the hon. Member in the last part do not appear to support the interpretations which he seeks to place upon them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to consider the advisability of sending a detachment of British and French troops to the neighbourhood of Danzig, in order to make clear our determination to stand firm?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make inquiries and inform the House whether heavy artillery capable of threatening Gdynia has been imported into Danzig by Germany contrary to Statute?

The information in my Noble Friend's possession does not confirm any such report.

Are the Government satisfied that no artillery of this kind has yet arrived, and if it is sent will they regard it as an act of aggression, to be resisted?

I have been asked to answer the question on the Order Paper, and I have given the hon. Member the information in my possession.

asked the Prime Minister whether the provisions of Article 10 of the League Covenant whereby the territorial integrity and political independence of all member States of the League of Nations is to be maintained, applies to Danzig; whether the resolution passed by the League Council of November, 1920, entrusting the defence of the Free City to the Polish Government if the circumstances warrant it, is still in force; and whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government that Polish resistance to German aggression against Danzig should be considered as action taken to protect the Covenant of the League of Nations?

Danzig is not a separate member of the League of Nations and the provisions of Article 10 are not therefore applicable. The operative resolution of the Council concerning the defence of Danzig is that of 18th June, 1921. The last part of the hon. Member's question is hypothetical, but he may rest assured that the policy of His Majesty's Government is to act in accordance with the principles of the Covenant.

May I ask whether in view of the situation His Majesty's Government propose to raise the situation in Danzig at the forthcoming meeting of the League Council?

As I have explained previously, the League Council has appointed a committee of three to follow the situation, and they are doing so.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give any further information as to the result of the inquiries made relative to the smuggling in Northern China; and whether the situation has appreciably altered since his last statement on this subject?

The most recent reports received by my Noble Friend indicate that smuggling in this area has been reduced to negligible proportions.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any reply has been received from the Japanese Government to the last representation made on this subject?

We have collected what information we have from several sources.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has yet received any reply to the representations made to the Japanese Government, on 6th June, in regard to the action of the so-called Reformed Government in Nanking in endeavouring to insist upon certificates from Japanese authorities before clearance to inland ports is granted to British ships?

No, Sir, but His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo will continue to press the matter.

Does my right hon. Friend agree that if we acquiesce in the demands of the Japanese Government in this connection it means, in effect, recognition of the form of Government in Nanking, and does it not mean also agreeing to the Japanese authority to manipulate the Customs as they desire?

These important considerations are present to the mind of my Noble Friend, and that is why instructions have been sent to His Majesty's Ambassador to press the matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any further statement to make on the proposed Anglo-Japanese negotiations in Tokyo?

His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo was to have a further interview with the Japanese Foreign Minister this morning, and my Noble Friend is at present awaiting his report.

What is holding up these negotiations?

The discussions are going on.

Has he Prime Minister noticed the suggestion in the American Senate that the Brussels Conference might be recalled?

I have not noticed it.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to take any action in consequence of the trial by Japanese courts of the Military Attache to His Majesty's Embassy in China?

His Majesty's Ambassador in Tokyo is at present awaiting a reply to the inquiries which the Japanese Government are making in this matter and the nature of this reply must naturally affect any action by His Majesty's Government.

Surely it is an unheard of thing for an accredited diplomat to be tried. Cannot we do something by economic action to bring the Japanese Government to their senses?

The House will be aware from the answers which I have given of the seriousness with which His Majesty's Government regard this matter. We are now awaiting a reply from the Japanese Government, and the hon. and gallant Member can rest assured that we shall give it serious consideration.

Is it not the case that this man has been in prison for some time, and is it not time that we took some more definite action?

Will the right hon. Gentleman look at the report of what happened when the engineers were tried in Moscow?

May I ask whether the diplomatic immunity enjoyed by this officer has been specifically raised with the Japanese Government and, if so, whether any reply has been received on that point?

That aspect of the case has been fully studied. There are special circumstances in the case which have to be taken into account in considering diplomatic immunity.

When were the first representations made to the Japanese Government?

Very soon after we heard that Colonel Spears had been detained.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the increasing action of the Japanese authorities against British trading interests in China, he will give notice to the Japanese Government that unless the blockade at Tientsin is immediately brought to an end, and discriminatory action against British trade in China ceases forthwith, definite economic action will be taken by this country against Japan?

Conversations have been opened in Tokyo, and it is the present hope of His Majesty's Government that outstanding questions at Tientsin may be settled by negotiation.

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

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now make any statement about the relations between Russia and the United Kingdom?

The British and French Ambassadors in Moscow had a further meeting with M. Molotov on Monday. Their report is now being considered by His Majesty's Government in consultation with the French Government.

Are we any nearer an agreement as a result of these instructions and transmissions of information one way or another?

We certainly have not got an agreement yet.

Has the Prime Minister observed the new proposal for a German loan of £25,000,000 to the Soviet Government?

No, Sir.

Can the Prime Minister say whether these negotiations will be concluded in order that he may be able to make an announcement before the Summer Recess?

I hope so.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that it would be most unfortunate if the House were to part before we know the result of these vital negotiations?

Ought not these questions to be addressed to the Russian Government?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered a statement of the treatment meted out to Mr. Robert Oldiner by the German Government with regard to his property in Germany; whether any representations have been made to the German Government by His Majesty's Ambassador in Berlin; and, if so, with what results?

I should be much obliged if the hon. Member would provide me with particulars of this case.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any further information in regard to Mr. Frank Ryan, member of the International Brigade and still prisoner of war in Spain; and has the British Government made, or will be prepared to make, representations to the Burgos Government in conjunction with the government of Eire in regard to this man, with a view to his release?

As I have previously stated, Mr.Frank Ryan is a citizen of Eire and his case is accordingly being dealt with by the Eire Minister in Spain. His Majesty's Ambassador has informed his colleague that he will be glad to lend his assistance should the latter ever desire it.

How many men are still in prison?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will inform the House as to the names of British subjects, members of the International Brigade, who are still prisoners of the Burgos Government in Spain; what is the cause of their detention; are they under any definite terms of imprisonment; and what steps have the British Government taken to obtain their release?

Apart from Mr. Frank Ryan, there are three British subjects still in prison in Spain, Mr. Julian Hickman, Mr. James Cameron and Mr. Thomas Jones. His Majesty's Ambassador in Spain is pressing energetically for details of the charges against them, and of any sentences that may have been passed.

Are we to understand that after this long period we do not know what charges are preferred against these men who are still in prison?

When I can, I will communicate them to the House. That is why the Ambassador is pressing the cases and endeavouring to obtain their release.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will publish the correspondence that passed between the French Government and His Majesty's Government relating to the transfer to Germany of the Czech gold held by the Bank for International Settlements?

The communications which passed between the French Government and His Majesty's Government on this subject were made orally, and not in writing.

Were there and written communications at all from the French Government?

No, Sir.

Has any money been transferred by the Bank of England to the German account?

I cannot answer that question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a tea and cake party was held at the German Consulate in Liverpool on Saturday last which many Germans attended; that the swastika emblem was displayed over the doorway and that Nazis in uniform were at the entrance; that this gathering caused resentment among loyal residents of Liverpool who assembled in large numbers necessitating the use of large numbers of police; and can he take steps to have this Consulate run on lines that are less provocative?

I understand that about 20 persons attended a social gathering at the German Consulate at Liverpool on 15th July. Some police officers were stationed in the vicinity as a precautionary measure, but the few persons who had assembled in front of the Consulate dispersed without any serious incidents. The police saw no German nationals in uniform, and there is nothing abnormal in the German national emblem being displayed on the premises of a German Consulate. In these circumstances by Noble Friend does not consider that any action is called for in the sense suggested in the last part of the question.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to keep a close watch on the actions of this Consulate in Liverpool; otherwise I am afraid there will be a serious incident one of these days?

I have investigated the case which the hon. Member brought to my notice, and I did not find the matter quite so serious as indicated in the hon. Member's question.

May I ask whether the wearing of a Nazi uniform would be an offence under the Act prohibiting the wearing of political uniforms?

I cannot say

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the South Tyrol is the only place in Europe where frontier revision provides a simple solution of the racial problem, but that Herr Hitler apparently prefers settling this problem by a scheme to remove the German population from their land, he will take steps to obtain detailed information regarding this scheme with a view to the application of similar principles in the case of other German demands?

His Majesty's representatives in Germany and Italy are reporting on developments in the plan for dealing with the problem of the South Tyrol. Full details are not yet available, but His Majesty's Government will bear in mind the possible applicability of these principles to other areas.

Has the right hon. Gentleman, on his present information, any reason to suppose that Herr Hitler would prefer war rather than settle his other demands by a similar scheme of the kind in operation in South Tyrol? Moreover, does he think that Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini have initiated a new principle of settling racial problems by negotiation rather than war; or, on the other hand, in view of the fact that the South Tyrol is inhabited by about the oldest German population, is Herr Hitler merely for the sake of expediency acting as treacherously to his own people as he acted to the Prime Minister at Munich?

I am afraid that I cannot answer for Herr Hitler. Hon. Members must draw their own deductions.

Is it not the case that the South Tyroleans refuse to be moved?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been called to a resolution passed by the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators of the British Empire to the effect that foreign competitors of British air lines have considerable advantage owing to their superior advantage against the danger of ice secretion; and whether he will consider introducing legislation making it compulsory to equip all public service air vehicles with de-icing systems?

Yes, Sir. This question is under review and I hope to make an early statement.

In view of the urgency of this matter, can the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be able to make another statement on it?

I hope at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered a resolution of protest passed at a mass meeting of citizens in Sierra Leone on 15th June, against, and demanding the repeal of, the Sedition, Disaffection and Undesirable Literature Ordinances, passed in the May session of the Legislative Council; and what steps he proposes to take in this matter?

I am deferring further consideration of the Ordinances until I have received the report of the discussions in the Legislative Council. With regard to the rest of the resolution to which the hon. Member refers, I would refer him to the reply which I gave on 12th July to a question by the hon. Member for Winchester (Mr. Palmer).

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to a case of smuggling in East Africa, in which fines amounting to £900 were imposed by the Commissioner of Customs; how many breaches of the law were proved; why these penal proceedings do not take place publicly; and why the name of the guilty person was suppressed?

I have seen a reference in the Press to the case to which my hon. Friend refers, but I have no further information regarding it. I am asking the Governor for a report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many fruit trees have been provided to develop fruit production in Gambia; what is the amount of land irrigated under the schemes for growing rice and garden crops; what number of men will be put into work as a result of the above schemes; and does this represent the total effort being made by the administration to develop the colony and to improve the low standard of life of the natives?

As the answer is Long, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the Official Report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the considerable amount of additional work entailed, and the waste of public money involved in bringing domestic disputes of a minor character before the Supreme Court, such as the recent appeal of Mrs. W. Wood of Nairobi, to the Supreme Court of Kenya, he will consider the possibility of the setting up of special labour courts, or of taking some other steps where such cases could be dealt with efficiently and speedily?

I understand that the case to which my hon. Friend refers only came before the Supreme Court because the magistrate had stated a case on a question of law for the opinion of the Supreme Court, which is the proper place for points of law to be decided. I see no occasion, therefore, for adopting the course which my hon. Friend suggests.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the Public Meetings Law enacted on 23rd June, in Jamaica, giving the Governor power to restrict the right of public meeting and processions at will, was submitted to him for his consideration; whether he considered other means of controlling the hooligan and criminal element, on whose account the Governor stated the law was essential, before imposing repressive legislation on peaceful citizens seeking to ventilate their grievances in a legitimate and normal way, and why, as the unrest which exists in Jamaica is due to the fact that little has been done to improve the economic and social conditions responsible for the trouble in May, 1938, he did not take steps to deal with these evils instead of sanctioning legislation of this kind passed without proper consideration by the local legislature?

The Public Meetings Bill was not submitted to me before being introduced in the Legislative Council, but I approved the principle of the legislation before it was introduced. With regard to the last part of the question, much has been done in the last year through increases of wages, new public works, land settlement and other means to improve conditions. The full development of these activities will take time. As hon. Members know, the Royal Commission has also visited the island and is now preparing its report.

Is it not a fact that the troubles which have arisen, and which have been mainly responsible for the new legislation, have arisen because very little has been done in the fifteen months or more that hare elapsed since the troubles of May, 1938, and is it not a fact that no houses have been built, that the land settlement has made no provision for the unemployed, that trade unions are still at a disadvantage, and that the unemployed generally have had no relief of a suitable character given to them?

I do not accept that sweeping description of the situation. A great deal has been done during the last twelve months, but I would make the point that in all cases it takes time for schemes for the relief of unemployment and so on to produce their maximum effect, and the pace during the last twelve months has necessarily been slower than it will be as the schemes develop.

If the right hon. Gentleman will not accept the sweeping description, will he look at the individual items I have mentioned and tell me where I am wrong?

Is the legislation in connection with public meetings of a temporary or permanent character?

I am still expecting the text of the Bill. My impression is that it is not a temporary measure, but I should like to have notice before giving a confident answer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of children of school age in Cyprus; the number of children actually attending school in the Colony; the average length of attendance at school; and the proportion of children attending school who are receiving instruction in English?

The estimated number of children of elementary school age in Cyprus is 77,000 and of secondary school age 60,000. Of these 46,926 and 4,784 respectively are at present attending schools. In addition many of those of elementary school age who are not now attending school have attended school in the past, but have been withdrawn by their parents to help in agricultural work. The average length of attendance at school is four years in the elementary schools, and in the secondary schools five years for boys and four years for girls. Ten percent. of the children in elementary schools and the whole of the pupils in secondary schools receive instruction in English.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the proportion of children receiving instruction in English in view of the fact that Cyprus is now part of the British Empire, and it is imperative that these young children should be brought up as citizens of the Empire?

I shall look into that matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (I) whether he is aware that on 29th May, the municipal councillors of Famugusta were notified by the provincial commissioner that any participation by them in any movement for the reform of the machinery of government in Cyprus would be regarded as inconsistent with their duties and responsibilities as councillors, and that on receipt of such notification four councillors resigned from office; whether any of these councillors communicated the reasons for their resignation to the Government of Cyprus; and whether he has been made aware of the terms of their communication; and what action he has taken;

(2) whether he can state the grounds upon which, on 25th May, Mr. Tsan-garides was relieved by the Acting Governor of Cyprus of his office as a municipal councillor of Nicosia; and whether he has received from the Acting Governor a copy of the communication sent by Mr. Tsangarides to the Commissioner of Nicosia on receipt of notification of his dismissal?

I have no information regarding the matters referred to in these questions, but have asked the Acting Governor for a report.

Is the reason for which the right hon. Gentleman knows nothing about the matter that he has taken no interest in it, or is it that the Administration in Cyprus thinks he takes no interest in it?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

Is it not a fact that the information was asked for some weeks ago at least and that the Minister then gave the same answer? Has he not got any report yet about this business?

No, it was not some weeks ago. It was some time ago, and 1 am still awaiting the report.

In any event, is it not more than one week and probably nearer three weeks?

I should not like to give an exact answer to that question. I asked for a report as soon as the question was asked. As the hon. Member knows, communication with Cyprus is not as good as it is with some other parts of the world, and it does take time for full reports of these detailed matters to come in, but there is no avoidable delay.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman use the air mail? Is not the island connected with the air mail?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what articles calculated to disturb good relations in Cyprus have been published by Embros and Eleftheria which justified the recent censorship of those papers?

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the warning which was given to newspaper editors at the end of May. I would refer him to the answer which I gave to a question which he asked on 12th July.

In view of the responsibility that rests not only upon the right hon. Gentleman but upon this House to see that proper conditions prevail in Colonies, does the right hon. Gentleman not realise the importance of letting us have, in a proper way, information about what is objected to in these newspapers?

I have answered questions on this matter very fully, I think, and described to the House how these newspaper articles must be considered in the light of the general situation in Cyprus, and the articles by themselves do not give a proper picture of the situation.

Is it still forbidden to publish in Cyprus reports of Parliamentary Debates concerning Cyprus?

No, Sir, no such ban exists.

Yes, it does.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the late Governor of Cyprus, in a public lecture the other night, said the situation in Cyprus had never been dangerous and that except for a few agitators it is perfectly calm, and therefore why has this censorship been imposed?

I do not think that I can be expected to have knowledge of every lecture or about the details of every individual case which is brought to my attention in this House, and that is one reason why I have to ask for so many reports in order to serve hon. Members of this House properly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that many prominent Cypriots who were promoters of the petition to the Government asking for a representative constitution deny that there was any intention or action on the part of the promoters to obtain signatures by misrepresentation and fraud; and whether he will therefore appoint a committee independent of Government officials to inquire into the matter?

I am glad to know of this assurance from some of the promoters of the petition, but I am satisfied that there were cases of misrepresentation and improper pressure. I would see no purpose in setting up the committee of inquiry which the hon. Member suggests.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will provide time for a discussion of the Motion standing in the name of the hon. Member for East Fife, on the subject of the duties, powers and authority vested in the Secretary of State for Scotland?

[That, in view of the greatly-increased responsibilities placed in recent years upon the Secretary of State for Scotland without commensurate addition to the staff attached to his office, of the continued unsatisfactory state of economic and social conditions, and of the urgent need for comprehensive schemes of national development in Scotland, this House, bearing in mind that the Report of theCommittee on Scottish Administration presented to Parliament in 1937 dealt only with the form and inter-relations of the various Departments under the control of the Secretary of State, is of opinion that the time has come for an examination of the duties, powers, and authority vested in the Secretary of State and urges the immediate appointment of a Joint Committee to inquire into these and related matters and to recommend what changes, legislative or otherwise, should be made with a view to equipping the Secretary of State adequately for the tasks confronting him.]

I regret that I can hold out no hope of time being found for discussion of the Motion standing in the name of my hon. Friend.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult with or call for a report from the Secretary of State for Scotland, and various ex-Secretaries of State for Scotland who are now Members of the House, in order to satisfy himself of the need and urgency for an inquiry of the nature suggested in this Motion?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give an assurance that it is not contemplated that the pensions proposed to be provided for ex- Members of this House who have no other means of livelihood shall involve any additional burdens on the taxpayer?