House Of Commons
Thursday, 23rd January, 1930.
The House met at a Quarter before Three of the Clock, Mr. SPEAKER in the Chair.
Private Business
Borough Market (Southwark) Bill
"to incorporate the trustees of the Borough Market (Southwark); to confer further powers upon the trustees as incorporated; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered to be read a Second time.
Bournemouth Corporation Bill
"to extend the boundaries of the Borough of Bournemouth; to empower the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the borough to provide a separate police force; to run trolley vehicles and omnibuses within and beyond the borough and to abandon and discontinue the tramways of the Corporation; to make further provision with regard to the health, local government, and improvement of the borough; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered to be read a Second time.
Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road And Feery Company (Bridge) Bill (Certified Bill)
"to authorise the Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company to construct a bridge in substitution for their existing chain ferry and to raise further money; to change the name of the Company; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered, pursuant to the Order of the House of 11th December, to be read a Second time upon Monday next.
Brighton And Hove Gas Bill
"to confer further powers upon the Brighton and Hove General Gas Company; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered to be read a Second time.
Bristol Cattle Market Bill
"to authorise the sale to the Postmaster-General of part of the site of the Bristol Cattle Market; to provide for the vesting in the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the city of Bristol of the remainder of the said site and the Wool Hall in the said city; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered to be read a Second time.
Bristol Corporation Bill (Certified Bill)
"to authorise the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the city of Bristol to execute street works and to acquire lands for those and other purposes; to extend the boundaries of the city; to alter the limits of the port and harbour of Bristol; to make further provision for the improvement, health, and good government of the city; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered, pursuant to the Order of the House of 11th December, to be read a Second time upon Monday next.
Burnley Corporation Bill
"to confer further powers upon the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the borough of Burnley in regard to the running of omnibuses; to repeal and amend provisions of their local Acts; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered to be read a Second time.
Cardiff Corporation Bill
"to empower the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens of the city of Cardiff to construct waterworks and execute street improvements, and to acquire lands for those and other purposes; to confer upon them further powers with reference to their water, tramway, and omnibus undertakings; to make further provision for the improvement, health, and good government of the city; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered to be read a Second time.
Chester Water Bill (Certified Bill)
"to authorise the Chester Waterworks Company to construct new works and to raise additional capital; to extend the limits of supply of the Company; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered, pursuant to the Order of the House of 11th December, to be read a Second time upon Monday next.
Coventry Corporation Bill (Certified Bill)
"to empower the Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens of the city of Coventry to acquire lands and construct street works and a bye-pass road; to empower the Corporation to construct an improvement of the River Sherborne and an extension of their Windmill Road Cemetery; to make special provision with regard to the cost of constructing the bye-pass road; to confer further powers upon the Corporation with regard to the health and good government of the city; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered, pursuant to the Order of the House of 11th December, to be read a Second time upon Monday next.
Croydon Corporation Bill (Certified Bill)
"to empower the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the county borough of Croydon to execute street works and waterworks and to purchase a well from the Metropolitan Water Board; to confer further powers upon the Corporation in' regard to their water undertaking and the health, local government, and improvement of the borough; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered, pursuant to the Order of the House of 11th December, to be read a Second time upon Monday next.
Dartford And Purfleet (Thames) Tunnel Bill (Certified Bill)
"to authorise the construction of a tunnel under the River Thames between Dartford, in the County of Kent, and Purfleet, in the County of Essex, and approaches to such tunnel; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered, pursuant to the Order of the House of 11th December, to be read a Second time upon Monday next.
Derby Corporation Bill (Certified Bill)
"to authorise the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough of Derby to construct river improvements and street works; to provide and work trolley vehicles; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered, pursuant to the Order of the House of 11th December, to be read a Second time upon Monday next.
East Surrey Water Bill
"to provide for the transfer to the East Surrey Water Company of the undertakings of the Limpsfield and Oxted Water Company and the Chelsham and Woldingham Waterworks Company, Limited; to extend the area of supply of the East Surrey Water Company, and authorise them to raise additional capital; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered to be read a Second time.
Great Western Railway Bill (Certified Bill)
"for conferring further powers upon the Great Western Railway Company in respect of their own undertaking and upon that Company and the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company in respect of an undertaking in which they are jointly interested; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered, pursuant to the Order of the House of 11th December, to be read a Second time upon Monday next.
Kingsbridge And Salcombe Water Board Bill (Certified Bill)
"to constitute and incorporate a joint board consisting of representatives of the urban district councils of Kings-bridge and Salcombe with power to construct works for intercepting and distributing the waters of the Bala Brook; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered, pursuant to the Order of the House of 11th December, to be read a Second time upon Monday next.
Kingston-Upon-Hull Corporation Bill
"to authorise the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens of the city and county of Kingston-upon-Hull to construct street improvements and waterworks, and to provide and work trolley vehicles; to confer further powers in regard to their omnibus undertaking; and to make further provision for the health, local government, and improvement of the city; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered to be read a Second time.
Leeds Corporation Bill
"to increase the number of the wards of the city of Leeds; to empower the Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens of that city to construct street improvements and tramways; and to make further provision in regard to the several undertakings of the said Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens, and for the health, local government, and improvement of the city; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered to be read a Second time.
Liverpool Corporation Bill (Certified Bill)
"to authorise the Corporation of Liverpool to construct street works, a new tramway, a storage reservoir, and other works; to confer further powers upon them with respect to their waterworks, tramways and electricity undertakings; to make better provision for the health and local government of the city; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered, pursuant to the Order of the House of 11th December, to be read a Second time upon Monday next.
London And North Eastern Railway Bill (Certified Bill)
"to empower the London and North Eastern Railway Company to construct new railways, widenings and other works, and to acquire lands; to extend the time for the completion of certain railways; to revive the powers and extend the time for the compulsory purchase of certain lands; to abandon certain works; to make provision with reference to the rates and charges which may be levied at certain harbours, docks and piers of the Company; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered, pursuant to the Order of 11th December, to be read a Second time upon Monday next.
London And North Eastern Railway (Hull Level Crossings) Bill (Certified Bill)
"to empower the London and North Eastern Railway Company to construct new railways, widenings, and other works, in and adjoining the city and county of Kingston-upon-Hull and to abandon certain railways; to confirm an agreement between that Company and the Corporation of the said city; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered, pursuant to the Order of the House of 11th December, to be read a Second time upon Monday next.
London County Council (Charing Cross Bridge) Bill
"to empower the London County Council to erect a new bridge over the River Thames at Charing Cross and to execute street improvements and construct and work new tramways in connection therewith; to provide for the removal to the Lambeth side of the River Thames of the terminal station of the Southern Railway Company at Charing Cross and to confer powers upon that Company and upon the London County Council in connection with such removal; to confer powers upon the London Electric Railway Company and the Metropolitan District Railway Company in connection with the said purposes; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered to be read a Second time.
London Electric, Metropolitan District, Central London, And City And South London Railway Companies Bill (Certified Bill)
"to empower the London Electric Railway Company to construct new railways, subways, and works, and to raise additional moneys; to empower the Metropolitan District Railway Company to construct widenings of portions of its railway and to raise additional moneys; to empower the Central London Railway Company to construct subways and works and to raise additional moneys; to empower the City and South London Railway Company and the Metropolitan District Railway Company to construct a subway; and to confer further powers on the said and other Companies; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered, pursuant to the Order of the House of 11th December, to be read a Second time upon Monday next.
London, Midland And Scottish Railway Bill (Certified Bill)
"to empower the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company to construct railways and works and to acquire lands; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered, pursuant to the Order of the House of 11th December, to be read a Second time upon Monday next.
Manchester Corporation (General Powers) Bill (Certified Bill)
"to make further provision with respect to the terms for the supply of water in bulk by the Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens of the city of Manchester, to empower them to acquire by agreement the water undertaking of the Salford Corporation, to confer further powers upon them for the construction of street improvements, and to make further provision in reference to their water, electricity, and tramway undertakings, the granting of superannuation allowances, and the health, local government, and improvement of the city; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered, pursuant to the Order of the House of 11th December, to be read a Second time upon Monday next.
Manchester Extension Bill
"to extend the boundaries of the city of Manchester; and for purposes incidental thereto," presented, and read the First time; and ordered to be read a Second time.
Metropolitan Railway Bill (Certified Bill)
"to authorise the Metropolitan Railway Company to construct new railways and to acquire lands; to authorise the Company to raise further moneys; to confer further powers on the Company; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time, and ordered, pursuant to the Order of the House of 11th December, to be read a Second time upon Monday next.
Milford Haven Urban District Council (Water) Bill (Certified Bill)
"to empower the urban district council of Milford Haven to construct additional waterworks; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered, pursuant to the Order of the House of 11th December, to be read a Second time upon Monday next.
Newport Corporation Bill (Certified Bill)
"to authorise the construction of street works, the deviation of a railway, and the closing of part of a canal in the county borough of Newport; to authorise the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the borough to provide and work trolley vehicles and to enlarge their powers with respect to their water, electricity, tramway, and omnibus undertakings; to make further provision for the health, local government, improvement, and finance of the borough; and for other purposes," presented and read the First time; and ordered, pursuant to the Order of the House of 11th December, to be read a Second time upon Monday next.
North Cheshire Sewerage Board Bill (Certified Bill)
"to constitute and incorporate a joint board consisting of representatives of the county council of the county palatine of Chester, the urban district council of Altrincham, Ashton-upon-Mersey, Cheadle and Gatley, and Sale, and the rural district council of Bueklow, all in the said county, and to authorise the board to construct main trunk sewers and other works and to acquire lands for the disposal of sewage; and for other purposes," presented and read the First time; and ordered, pursuant to the Order of the House of 11th December, to be read a Second time upon Monday next.
Nottingham Corporation Bill (Certified Bill)
"to authorise the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens of the city of Nottingham and county of the same city to run trolley vehicles on existing and authorised tramway routes and on further routes within and without the city and to abandon and discontinue tramways; to extend the Corporation's limits for the supply of water; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered, pursuant to the Order of the House of 11th December, to be read a Second time upon Monday next.
Reading Corporation Bill (Certified Bill)
"to authorise the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the borough of Reading to acquire the undertaking of the Tilehurst, Pangbourne, and District Water Company, Limited; to authorise the said Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses to execute waterworks and street works; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered, pursuant to the Order of the House of 11th December, to be read a Second time upon Monday next.
Rochdale Corporation Bill (Certified Bill)
"to empower the Corporation of Rochdale to construct additional waterworks; to authorise the abandonment of certain tramways in and near Rochdale and the substitution of omnibus services therefor; to make further provision with respect to the tramway, water, and electricity undertakings of the Corporation; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered, pursuant to the Order of the House of 11th December, to be read a Second time upon Monday next.
Rotherham Corporation Bill
"to empower the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the county borough of Rotherham to construct street improvements; to confer further powers upon them with regard to their tramway, trolley vehicle, omnibus, electricity, and water undertakings; to make further provision with regard to the health, local government, and improvement of the borough; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered to be read a Second time.
Sheffield Corporation Bill (Certified Bill)
"to empower the Corporation of the City of Sheffield to construct additional waterworks and to confer further powers upon them in connection with their waterworks undertaking; to authorise them to provide central stations in the city for motor omnibuses; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered, pursuant to the Order of the House of 11th December, to be read a Second time upon Monday next.
Southend-On-Sea Corporation Bill
"to empower the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough of Southend-on-Sea to execute street works; to confer further powers upon them with regard to the provision and working of trolley vehicles and omnibuses and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered to be read a Second time.
Southern Railway Bill
"to empower the Southern Railway Company to construct works and acquire lands; to extend the time for the completion of certain works and the compulsory purchase of certain lards; to make provision with reference to the rates and charges which may be levied at certain harbours of the Company; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered to be read a Second time.
South Staffordshire Mond Gas Bill
"to amend certain provisions relating to the sale of gas by the South Staffordshire Mond Gas Company; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered to be read a Second time.
South Yorkshire And Derbyshire Gas Bill
"to provide for amalgamation of the undertakings of the Dinnington and District Gas Company, Limited, the Staveley Gas Light and Coke Company, Limited, the Whitwell and District Gas Company, the Bawtry and District Gas Company, the Beighton and District Gas Company, Limited, and the Maltby and Bramley Gas Company, Limited; to incorporate and confer powers on the South Yorkshire and Derbyshire Gas Company and vest in that Company the amalgamated undertakings; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time: and ordered to be read a Second time.
Stockport Corporation Bill
"to empower the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the county borough of Stockport to construct new reservoirs and other works in connection with their water undertaking; to construct a new road in the said borough; to acquire lands; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered to be read a Second time.
Stockton-On-Tees Corporation Bill (Certified Bill)
"to empower the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the borough of Stockton-on-Tees to construct street works and railways; to discontinue tramways and to authorise the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the borough of Thornaby-on-Tees and the Mayor, Aldermen and Burgesses of the borough of Middlesbrough also to discontinue tramways and to enable the three corporations to run omnibuses between Norton, in the borough of Stockton-on-Tees, and North Ormesby Road, in the borough of Middlesbrough; to confer further powers on the Stockton-on-Tees Corporation with regard to streets and buildings and the health and good government of their borough; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered, pursuant to the Order of the House of 11th December, to be read a Second time upon Monday next.
Stoke-On-Trent Extension Bill
"to extend the boundaries of the city of Stoke-on-Trent; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered to be read a Second time.
Tees (Newport) Bridge Bill (Certified Bill)
"to empower the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the county borough of Middlesbrough and County Council of the administrative county of Durham to construct a new bridge over the River Tees, and to execute other works in connection therewith; to provide for the vesting of the said bridge and approaches; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered, pursuant to the Order of the House of 11th December, to be read a Second time upon Monday next.
Tees Valley Water Bill (Certified Bill)
"to authorise the Tees Valley Water Board to construct additional water- works; to confer further powers upon the Board; and for other purposes," presented, and read the First time; and ordered, pursuant to the Order of the House of 11th December, to be read a Second time upon Monday next.
Oral Answers To Questions
Unemployment
Statistics
1.
asked the Minister of Labour how many more persons are unemployed than when the Government took office in June last?
The number of persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Great Britain on 13th January, 1930, was 363,469 more than on 10th June, 1929.
Is that number more or less than it was a year ago?
It is more. A year ago it was 285,054.
8.
asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed men, women and juveniles at the various Exchanges in the Parliamentary Divisions of Derby, Belper, Ilkeston and South Derbyshire, together with the figures for the corresponding period of 1929?
I will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT as soon as the information desired can be tabulated.
Shipweights And Boilermakers
12.
asked the Minister of Labour if any statistics are available to show the average length of the spells of employment obtained by shipwrights and boilermakers over any recent convenient period?
I regret that the information for which the hon. Member asks is not available.
Will the right hon. Lady consider the advisability of having a simple test made having regard to the fact that these workers are classed as being in casual employment?
As a matter of fact, as the result of the hon. Member's question, I have decided to make some such test.
Grimsby
14.
asked the Minister of Labour if she will give the total number of unemployed men, women, and juveniles registered at the Grimsby Employment Exchange on the latest available date and for the corresponding date a year ago?
At 13th January. 1930, there were on the registers of the Grimsby Employment Exchange 2,846 men, 326 women, and 322 juveniles, as compared with 3,020 men, 261 women, and 344 juveniles at 14th January, 1929.
Insurance Acts (Consolidation)
17.
asked the Minister of Labour if she will consider the framing of an Unemployment Insurance Act consolidating all the Acts now existing, with a view to a simple reading of the Act?
Yes, Sir. I propose to take this in hand as soon as the Bill now before Parliament becomes law. I ought to point out that a Bill to consolidate the Unemployment Insurance Acts must be confined to what consolidation implies. It can only contain provisions that reproduce the law as it exists and cannot add to or detract from that law.
Do I understand that 26 Acts have been passed since the inception of that Measure, and would not the consolidation of those Acts be an advantage?
That is, of course, the point.
Does the Minister of Labour think that the consolidation of these Acts will be so simple as is suggested in the question?
Bethnal Green
18.
asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed persons in Bethnal Green at any convenient date in January, 1928, 1929 and 1930, respectively?
The number of persons resident in the Metropolitan Borough of Bethnal Green who were on the registers of Employment Exchanges at 13th January, 1930, was 3,390. It is estimated that the corresponding figures for 14th January, 1929, and 16th January, 1928, were about 3,300 and 2,800 respectively.
Deptford Exchange
19.
asked the Minister of Labour if her attention has been directed to the lack of accommodation at the Deptford Bridge Employment Exchange and particularly to the absence of shelter for applicants lined up outside; and what steps, if any, will be taken to improve the accommodation?
My attention has been called to the inadequate accommodation at the Deptford Employment Exchange, and arrangements are in hand to extend the building and to make other alterations with a view to facilitating the work generally.
Rationalisation
46.
asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire into the general effects upon unemployment of the rationalisation of industry?
The factors affecting the volume of employment, of which rationalisation is only one, are under constant examination by the Departments concerned and in other ways. I do not think that a Select Committee would be an appropriate body to consider this question.
Might not this matter be dealt with by the new Economic Council that is to be appointed, and cannot we have this year some report on what obviously is a most important matter in relation to unemployment?
I have no doubt at all that this is one of the matters that the Economic Council will deal with.
Does not the right hon. Gentleman think industry is quite capable of rationalising itself?
Breconshire (Afforestation)
99.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade as representing the Forestry Commissioners whether, in view of the unemployment in the Brynmawr district, he can include in his planting programme for afforestation an area of at least 1,000 acres in south-east Breconshire?
The Forestry Commissioners regret that they are unable to include in their planting programme for this season an area in south-east Breconshire, where they have no land. Every effort to secure suitable land in the district has up to the present proved fruitless, mainly on account of the existence of common rights and unsuitable soil and exposure. Over 1,000 acres have however been planted by the Commission in other parts of the county.
Is the hon. Member aware that, when I asked a similar question before Christmas as to whether the Forestry Commissioners had taken powers in this respect, he informed me that they already had the powers. If they have, why do not they exercise them?
Washington Hours Convention
2.
asked the Minister of Labour whether the Government have taken any further steps towards ratifying the Washington Hours Convention?
I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Buckingham (Sir G. Bowyer) on 21st January, of which I am sending him a copy.
Industrial Workers (Annual Holiday)
4.
asked the Minister of Labour whether Reports have been made to her Department as to industries and trades which have recently decided to give their employés an anual holiday with pay?
The only general and district Collective Agreements providing for holidays with pay which have come to the notice of the Department since August, 1929, when a list of such Agreements was published in the Min- istry of Labour Gazette, have been those applicable to the industrial staffs of Government Departments, boot and shoe repairers employed by Co-operative-Societies in Lancashire and certain areas in Scotland, and mill sawyers at Liverpool. Eight Agreements affecting the employés of individual firms have also been reported.
Has any report been made by the tin-box trade?
I have not seen it up to the present.
Artificial Silk Industry (Wages)
5.
asked the Minister of Labour whether any general increase in the rates of pay of men and women in the artificial silk industry has taken place during the last three years?
I regret that the information at my disposal is insufficient to enable me to state whether any general increase in the rates of wages of artificial silk workers has taken place during the last three years.
Has the right hon. Lady any information regarding the rates of pay for the silk industry?
We have secondary information, but the point is that there are no accurate statistics before 1929. After this year, we shall be able to make a comparison.
Is this not one of those industries which has become stable and secure after having obtained the benefits of safeguarding?
Government Departments
Ministry Of Labour
6.
asked the Minister of Labour whether the discharge of ex-service temporary clerks from her Department is contemplated; whether she is aware that boys and girls are at present being recruited to the Civil Service; and whether she will give an assurance that no such entrants will be admitted to her Department until the ex-service men now employed are assured of security in their employment?
7.
asked the Minister of Labour if she is aware that some 100 men, temporary clerks, are being dismissed from the Claims and Record Office; what is the reason for such dismissals; and, in view of the difficulty for these men of obtaining other employment, what steps will be taken to find them alternative employment?
In order to avoid the risk of having to make a larger number of discharges later on, it is necessary to reduce the staff at the Claims and Record Office, Kew, by about 100 in the immediate future. A month's notice of discharge will be given to all the temporary clerks concerned. In accordance with the usual procedure every effort will be made to provide other employment for these men elsewhere in the Ministry or in other Government Departments, and it is not anticipated that any large number will actually be out of employment owing to the termination of their engagement at Kew. As regards recruitment of new entrants, I would refer my hon. Friends to the answer given by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to the right hon. and learned Member for Ealing on 31st October, 1929.
Is the Minister of Labour aware that at the same time that notices are being given to a large number' of men considerable recruitment is taking place in the Employment Exchanges of the Ministry of Labour throughout the country, and cannot those two things be brought together?
The whole question of discharges and recruitment is receiving careful scrutiny.
Is any preference being shown to ex-service men?
I think there is another question on the Order Paper on that subject.
Can the right hon. Lady state definitely that none of these ex-service temporary clerks will be thrown out of work as a result of a preference being given to conscientious objectors?
10.
asked the Minister of Labour whether she proposes to give a prefer- ence to ex-service men when recruiting the additional staff of the Employment Exchanges rendered necessary if the Unemployment Insurance Bill becomes law?
The rules common to the service will be observed in connection with the recruitment of any additional male staff required.
Perhaps the right hon. Lady can answer the question which I put just now as to the retention of ex-service men in preference to others in case of dismissals?
The regulations common to all Government Departments will be observed.
How does it come about that we are positively recruiting for one section of the Ministry of Labour while we are sacking people from another section?
The hon. Member is perfectly well aware that, in spite of the fact that there are certain categories of labour that may for the time being finish in regard to the work in which they are engaged, it does not at all follow that the same labour can be immediately put into occupations of a different grade or class.
Will the Minister of Labour indicate the difference in the type of labour, the rates of pay, and the hours?
Ex-Service Men
74.
asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will cause instructions to be issued that no further dismissals of efficient ex-service men are to take place from the Civil Service pending the receipt of a recommendation from the Royal Commission on the Civil Service on the subject of the future of ex-service men in the Civil Service; and whether, as a means of preventing such dismissals, he will arrange for the suspension of further open recruitment to the Civil Service pending the receipt of the Royal Commission's recommendation?
In reply to the first part of the question, the retention in the Government service of the men concerned must necessarily depend on the existence of work on which they can be employed. In reply to the second part I would refer to the pledge contained in the answer I gave on the 31st October last to the right hon. and learned Member for the Ealing Division (Sir H. Nield) and to the answer to a similar question from the hon. and gallant Member for the Dulwich Division (Sir F. Hall) on tine 4th November last.
Is not the hon. Member aware that there is tremendous insecurity among the temporary staffs now employed in the Civil Service, at a time when we are extensively recruiting boys and girls from schools through open competitive examinations? Inasmuch as the Minister is able to determine upon open competitive recruitment, can he give an assurance that the men now in possession will not be disturbed?
It is not possible to go further than the pledge already given. The hon. Member knows perfectly well that it is a question of different grades and occupations in the Civil Service.
May I give notice that, in view of the unsatisfactory reply which I have received from the Minister, I will raise this matter on the Adjournment tonight?
May I ask the Financial Secretary to say that if anybody is to be sacked from the Civil Service it will be "conchies" first, and ex-Service men last?
Co-Operative Insurance Society (Dispute)
9.
asked the Minister of Labour whether her attention has been called to the dispute between the National Union of Distributive and Allied Workers and the Co-operative Insurance Society; and whether, in view of the decision of the union to call a strike for 6th February, she proposes to take any action in the matter?
I am aware of the dispute to which the hon. Member refers. A meeting between the parties is taking place to-day, and, in these circumstances, I do not think I ought to make any further statement.
Municipal And Private Under-Takings (Wages)
13.
asked the Minister of Labour if she can state whether the average earnings of persons employed by municipal gas, electricity, tramway and water undertakings are higher or lower than the average' earnings of persons employed by similar company-owned undertakings; and if she can furnish the statistics for the latest date for which they are available?
The rates of wages in the industries to which the hon. Member refers are fixed by joint industrial councils, upon which both municipal and private undertakings are represented. The rates vary according to the zone in which a municipal or private undertaking is placed by the council. A statement of the average earnings in these industries was published in the Ministry of Labour Gazette for December, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.
Trade Boards Act
15.
asked the Minister of Labour whether any further applications have been made for inquiries into the establishment of trade boards in the distributive or other trades?
The answer is in the negative.
Does the Minister of Labour intend to sit waiting for action to be taken by others? Can she not take some independent action?
At the present moment, yes.
Industries (Conciliation Bodies)
16.
asked the Minister of Labour whether it is the policy of the Government to encourage the formation in suitable cases of joint industrial councils, Whitley Councils, and similar bodies; and, if so, what action is being taken by the Government in the matter at the present time with this object in view?
The Government's policy is to encourage the formation of such bodies as those to which the hon. Member refers and takes action by giving assistance to this end when so desired.
Are the Government not prepared to take the initiative as has been done by previous Governments in this matter and try to bring the parties together?
No. In connection with this matter, it is presupposed that organised groups will take the initiative rather than that the Government should interfere. The other group of cases in which the Government might take the initiative is in connection with trade boards.
Why has the Minister of Labour gone back to a reactionary policy instead of following the forward policy of the last Government?
I do not regard this as a reactionary policy.
Benefit Clubs
21.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of complaints made since 1st January, 1929, to the Metropolitan Police about defalcations and fraud in connection with slate, loan and Christmas benefit clubs?
The number was 44 during the year 1929.
In view of the right hon. Gentleman's reply, would the Government be prepared to give immediate facilities for passing the Bill covering this subject which I presented to the House a few days ago?
I am afraid I cannot promise facilities for further legislation.
Workmen's Compensation (Silicosis Order)
23.
asked the Home Secretary if he has decided to extend the Silicosis Order under the Workmen's Compensation Acts; and, if so, when will it come into operation?
If, as I assume, my hon. Friend refers to the proposed inclusion of employment on the machines known as Slack's machines under the Metal Grinding (Silicosis) Scheme, I have not yet come to any final decision. As my hon. Friend knows, a deputation on this question has been received from the representatives of the workers, and certain representations on the subject have been received from the Sheffield Employers' Association, who asked for an interview. This has recently taken place, and I have just received a report of the discussion. I will give the matter my immediate consideration, and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as a decision is reached.
If I put down a question in a fortnight's time, will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give me an answer?
I hope so.
Is it not the fact that there is very little difference of opinion between the employés' and the employers' organisation with regard to these representations?
Yes, I am glad to say that there is very little: difference of opinion.
Vivisection
24.
asked the Home Secretary what has been the number of operative experiments on living animals, witnessed by the inspectors under the Cruelty to Animals Act, 1876, during the years 1924–28, inclusive?
The number of operative experiments witnessed by the inspectors during the years mentioned was 769.
Metropolitan Police Force
27.
asked the Home Secretary upon what date the establishment of the Metropolitan Police Force was increased and by what number; and whether any further increase in the establishment is now proposed?
I approved an augmentation by 250 men on 15th November last. The question of a further augmentation is under consideration.
Education
Reorganisation Schemes
28.
asked the President of the Board of Education from how many local education authorities he has received completed schemes dealing with accommodation for reorganisation and the raising of the school age; from how many he has received preliminary schemes; from how many he has received no schemes at all; and how many have informed him that, in their view, it is impossible to get the work done in the time at their disposal?
I have received complete programmes from 95 local education authorities, and preliminary programmes from 31. Programmes have not yet been received from 191 authorities, but I expect to receive most of these shortly. Only six authorities have expressed doubts as to their ability to carry out a complete scheme of reorganisation within the time at their disposal.
Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us how many of those replies have been received from county authorities?
I cannot offhand, but I will give the hon. Member the information.
Are the six authorities referred to within the area of the London County Council?
I must have notice of that question.
Medical Services
29.
asked the President of the Board of Education if he has made any estimate of the increased personnel and extra cost for the school medical services necessitated by the compulsory raising of the school age?
Although some extension of the existing arrangements will be necessary, I am advised that the raising of the school age will not in itself involve any material increase in the personnel and cost of the school medical service.
Does that mean that the Board of Education intends to work the present medical staff more fully than they are being worked at present?
No. I said that there was no reason to suppose that it would involve any material increase in the personnel; that is to say, there will not be an additional school inspection, and therefore no increase of work will be required.
Maintenance Allowances
30 and 31.
asked the President of the Board of Education (1) if he proposes to make regulations that the inquiries into the means of parents whose children are affected by the compulsory raising of the school age for the purpose of assessing the amount of maintenance grant shall be made in each case by means of a committee of the local education authority or that they shall be made through their paid officials;
(2) if maintenance grants for children at school to be granted where the school age is compulsorily raised to 15 years will vary according as the father is at work or simply dependent on unemployment benefit?36.
asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is now in a position to give further details as to the means test which is proposed by the Government in relation to the payment of maintenance allowances in respect of the children affected by the raising of the school age?
I have invited a Committee of representatives of Local Authorities to make recommendations as to scales of need and the procedure for determining eligibility for maintenance allowances. The Committee held their first meeting last week, and until I have received their recommendations it would be premature for me to deal with the particular points which are raised in the hon. Members' questions.
I take it that there is no question of the Government withdrawing from their proposals, and that the means test is necessary under this particular proposal?
No, Sir.
Does the right hon. Gentleman's reply mean that this Committee is considering a means test, as opposed to a flat rate?
As I explained to the House before we broke up last time, I have asked the local authorities to make recommendations to me on the basis of what I explained.
Are we to understand that the President of the Board of Education wishes to throw the onus of the unpopularity of this Measure on the local authorities?
Mr. Gould.
School-Leaving Age
32.
asked the President of the Board of Education what will be the effect of his proposal to raise the school-leaving age to 15 years in the Administrative County of Somerset in regard to increased numbers of school children to be provided for, the increases in teaching staff, and the new building programme necessitated?
I have not yet received the programme of the Somersetshire Local Education Authority. I expect, however, to receive it shortly, and I will then be glad to give my hon. Friend the information for which he asks.
33.
asked the President of the Board of Education how many more children are estimated to be at school in April, 1931, as a consequence of the raising of the school-leaving age then to 15 in England and Wales; and whether any estimate has been made of the number who will be at school under these proposals in 1936, in view of the drop in the birth rate in the last few years?
As a consequence of raising the school-leaving age to 15, it is estimated that the number of children in attendance at public elementary schools will increase by degrees between the 1st April, 1931, and the 1st April, 1932, from 5,342,000 to 5,771,000. The number on the 1st April, 1936, is estimated at 5,487,000.
Is it not possible, in view of the figures which the right hon. Gentleman has now given, that, if the proposal had been postponed for a year or two, there would have been ample accommodation for the children at the increased age even without expenditure at the present time?
No, Sir; I do not think that the eventual increase of cost will be material.
Costs
35.
asked the President of the Board of Education the cost per school-place, including building and furnishing, of elementary schools and secondary schools in the county boroughs of Birmingham, Coventry, Derby, Leicester, Nottingham, Sheffield, and Wolverhampton; and the average cost for England and Wales?
I have not yet been able to provide myself with all the figures necessary for a reply to my hon. Friend's question, and I will, therefore, ask him to allow me to send them to him as soon as they are available.
School Commencing Age
37.
asked the President of the Board of Education if he will make inquiries as to what other countries in the world commence compulsory education at the ago of five; and whether he can give the comparative ages at which compulsory education starts in the principal countries of Europe, in the United States of America, and Canada?
So far as I am aware, this is the only country in which compulsory education begins at the age of five. I understand that the age is fixed at seven in Denmark, Norway, Holland and Poland, and at six in France, Germany, Italy and most other European countries. It is fixed at six in some Canadian towns and at seven in the rest of the Dominion, while it varies between six and eight in the different American States.
Is it correct that, as has, I believe, been publicly stated, if the age here were raised to six there would have been ample accommodation under the new proposals for all children, without any further expense of any kind?
No, Sir.
Is it the fact that in Germany, where the compulsory age is only six, there is a general provision of nursery schools all over the country for children between three and five?
There are a great many more than there are here yet.
Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the starting age in Russia?
In order to make the matter clear, may I ask whether it is not the case that attendance at nursery schools in Germany is compulsory?
No, I do not think so; I imagine not. I do not think that that was the hon. Member's question.
Nursery Schools
38.
asked the President of the Board of Education how many new nursery schools have been approved in the period July to December, 1929, inclusive; what number are now under construction; and the average initial cost of building a new school?
Proposals for nine new Nursery Schools were approved in the period 1st July to 31st December, 1929. So far as my information goes, there are nine schools at present under construction. The average cost of providing a new Nursery School, on the basis of a number of recent examples, is about £34 per place.
School Accommodation, Selsdon, Surrey
39.
asked the President of the Board of Education when he will be in a position to announce his decision with regard to the plans for a new school at Selsdon, in the urban district of Coulsdon and Purley, from the Surrey County Council?
I am in communication with the Local Education Authority in regard to this proposal, and I hope to be able to announce my decision shortly.
Juvenile Employment (Cinema Entertainments)
34.
asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the fact that an increasing number of children under the age of 16 are taking part in entertainments in cheap suburban cinemas under conditions that are detrimental to their health and education, he will consider the desirability of making regulations that will prevent the continuance of this employment of children under detrimental conditions?
I am having inquiries made into this matter, and when I have further information I will consider whether there is any action which I can usefully take in regard to it.
Public Health
Nurses Registration Act
40.
asked the Minister of Health whether he intends to bring forward legislation to amend the Nurses Registration Act, 1919?
No, Sir.
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that very considerable dissatisfaction has been expressed by representative organisations with recent decisions of the General Nursing Council under this Act?
I daresay there is a certain amount of dissatisfaction, but there are so many more pressing subjects for legislation.
Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to call the attention of the General Nursing Council to their duties and to this Act?
I must assume that the General Nursing Council is familiar with the Act.
Dutch Skimmed-Milk Cheese
44.
asked the Minister of Health what steps his Department is taking to prohibit the sale of skimmed-milk Dutch cheese without the buyer being made aware at the time of purchase that it is not whole-milk cheese?
The sale of skimmed-milk cheese under any description indicating that it is whole-milk cheese would be an offence under the Food and Drugs (Adulteration) Act. I have no power to impose any further requirements as to the sale of this commodity.
Will not the right hon. Gentleman take some steps to protect the purchaser of these cheeses, who are for the most part among the poorest of the population? They are being cheated.
That may be true, but it is not part of my duty. I am only concerned with adulteration.
Is it not part of the right hon. Gentleman's duty to protect the poor from being cheated?
Psittacosis
57.
asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the recent outbreaks of psittacosis in Warwickshire; whether any inquiry into the causes of the disease is being instituted; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. All recent alleged cases of this disease in this country that have come to the notice of my Department have been studied, and in some instances medical officers of the Ministry have taken part in the investigations. The question of further administrative action will be considered as soon as the inquiries now in progress are completed.
Is it a fact that there is at present no obligation to report these cases once they have been diagnosed by the medical officer of health, and does the right hon. Gentleman not think, in view of the seriousness of the disease, that notification ought to be made compulsory?
That may be so, but I imagine in all these cases of relatively rare diseases that, as soon as they occur, they do, in fact, report them to the medical officers of health.
Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of inviting all port medical officers of health to pay particular attention to all parrots being brought into this country?
London Refuse Disposal
61.
asked the Minister of Health when the Departmental Committee will issue its Report on the disposal of London refuse?
I regret that I am unable at present to add anything to the reply given to the hon. Member for the South-Eastern Division of Essex (Mr. Oldfield) on the 12th ultimo.
Insurance Benefit And Poor Law Relief
41.
asked the Minister of Health how the average Poor Law out-door relief grant to husband and wife compares with the payment made to both under the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1929, assuming that the man is unemployed and qualified to receive benefit and his wife is not, and also assuming that both are unemployed and qualified to receive benefit?
If the Unemployment Insurance Bill becomes law, the position as regards unemployment benefit will be as follows. In the first case postulated by the hon. Member the man will receive 17s. a week or, if he is entitled to additional dependant's benefit in respect of his wife, 26s. In the second case, the man will receive 17s. a week and his wife 15s., totalling; 32s. As regards outdoor relief, it is a principle of Poor Law administration that the relief granted to any applicant should be assessed on the applicants needs. The use of scales is optional and they do not require my approval. Scales, if adopted, can only be properly used as a general guide and their application would depend upon the practice of individual boards of guardians. I regret, therefore, that no comparable figures are available.
Rating (Sporting Rights)
42.
asked the Minister of Health what is the total assessable value lost to the rates on sporting rights which are privately held and the sum made up to the local authorities by the Ministry thereon?
Where sporting rights are separately assessed, the valuation is not affected by de-rating, and no value is in consequence lost to the rates. As I informed my hon. Friend in reply to a question on the 21st instant, the question as to the liability of sporting rights in certain other circumstances is the subject of a case which will probably come before the Courts shortly. Figures of the value of such rights are not available.
Poor Law
Harton Hospital (Patient's Death)
43.
asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been directed to the circumstances surrounding the recent death of a patient in the Harton Hospital of the South Shields Board of Guardians, into which a committee of inquiry appointed by the board has investigated; if he has caused further investigation to be made; if the officer investigating it on his behalf has had at his disposal a full transcript of the shorthand note made at the guardians' inquiry; and what action he proposes to take thereon?
My attention has been drawn to this case. I am awaiting the result of the guardians' investigation which, I understand, is still proceeding.
Test Work
59.
asked the Minister of Health whether stone-breaking and stone-shifting work is still being performed by men on relief?
The inquiries which I have undertaken with a view to the improvement of conditions in relation to test work are not yet complete, but I may say that in a few cases work of the kind described is performed.
Are not the Government going to take some action in this matter? Is not this a Government of action with regard to stone-breaking and stone-shifting, and does not the right hon. Gentleman remember all he said by way of abuse of his predecessors in office?
Has the right hon. Gentleman received any representations on this matter from the First Commissioner of Works?
Has my right hon. Friend had any trouble from anybody but Tory boards of guardians?
Housing
Slum Clearance
45.
asked the Prime Minister what facilities he proposes now to afford for slum-clearance legislation affecting Scotland?
The present intention is that the proposed slum-clearance legislation affecting England and Scotland should, if possible, be dealt with in the same Bill.
When will the text of the Bill be available, inasmuch as the Chancellor of the Duchy stated that the draft was ready?
I do not know that anything can be added to the statement made a few days ago.
Surely this is a very important matter. The House wants to see the Government's proposals. Cannot the right hon. Gentleman give us some idea when we can see them?
The Government, unlike the previous Government, realises that this is a very important matter, and I can assure the House that no unnecessary delay will be incurred.
Why were we told at election time that all these plans were matured?
62.
asked the Minister of Health when he anticipates that the Government's projected Bill as to slums will be passed into law; and whether meanwhile he is refusing to consider and approve housing schemes submitted by local authorities?
I regret that I cannot at present add anything to the statement made on Tuesday by the Prime Minister on the subject of the first part of this question. As regards the second part, no schemes for providing new houses are being delayed in my Department by the expectation of the new Bill; but in the case of slum-clearance schemes I have in some instances suggested that in view of certain difficulties which have arisen it would he better to await the proposals which I hope shortly to submit to this House.
Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication of the delay which will be involved in view of the hardship that will be incurred by the working population?
It is very difficult to calculate that, but in so far as there is any delay in slum-clearance schemes, it has arisen out of the decision of the Court, which must be put right by this House.
Is not the present position this, that slum-clearance schemes have been stopped and housing progress decreased during the last few months?
Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the introduction of declaratory legislation to overcome, in a short space of time, the difficulties to which he has referred?
I think that it is much more preferable to deal with it in a general Bill.
Policy
63.
asked the Minister of Health when the House may expect a declaration of policy on housing?
I regret that I cannot at present add anything to the statement made on Tuesday by the Prime Minister on this subject.
Has the right hon. Gentleman any policy at all on housing?
Rural Areas
65.
asked the Minister of Health whether he can now declare his policy for an improvement of rural housing conditions?
I would suggest that the hon. Member should await the proposals for legislation which I hope shortly to be able to submit to the House.
Will the right hon. Gentleman take any steps to expedite legislation now in force?
Most certainly. I have done everything I can to expedite the matter.
Do we understand that there is going to be a separate Rural Housing Bill, or is the right hon. Gentleman going to deal with little bits of rural housing in his slum clearance scheme?
I am interested in this interest which has been shown. I must ask hon. Members to wait and see.
Scotland (Subsidy)
92.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the annual contribution made during the year 1928–29 in respect of housing schemes in Scotland under the Housing Acts of 1919, 1923, 1924 and 1926; and the number of houses in each case in respect of which subsidy was paid, including houses reconditioned under the last Act?
A statement containing the information desired is being prepared and I shall send a copy to the hon. Member as soon as it is available.
London Naval Conference
47.
asked the Prime Minister if it is proposed to discuss the question of the Singapore base at the Naval Conference?
48.
asked the Prime Minister if the existing British naval bases are to be a subject for discussion at the Naval Conference?
The Prime Minister is not aware that any delegation intends to raise these questions at the Conference.
In view of the Prime Minister's declaration that the object of the Naval Conference is to decide naval strength and not naval policy, is not the question of retaining a fleet base in the Pacific rather a question of policy than of strength?
That is a much wider question than what is raised by the one on the Paper.
49.
asked the Prime Minister if the questions of the size and replacement of battleships entered into the discussions which he had on naval questions during his visit to the United States?
I understand that the subject was before those who took part in the discussions.
May I ask for further information as to what that answer means?
It obviously means that those who took part in the conversations discussed the question.
Am I to understand that battleships were the subject of conversations in the United States when the Prime Minister was there?
Really I think my answer covers all that. The right hon. and gallant Gentleman asked whether the subject of battleships entered into the discussions. My reply was that I understood the subject was before those who took part in the discussions.
Why were we not told this at an earlier stage, and were the Admiralty previously consulted?
The Admiralty, of course, have had cognisance of all that has been going on in regard to all these discussions, and their views, of course, received the consideration which opinions coming from such a body are entitled to receive. These conversations in America were personal between the Prime Minister and the President, and I have no official knowledge of what took place. They were simply preparatory to the discussions of the Naval Conference.
Fishing Grounds (Inquiry)
50.
asked the Prime Minister whether he will refer the question of exploration for new fishing grounds to the Sub-Committee of Civil Research which is inquiring into the fishing industry?
The Sub-Committee in question have considered the problem of exploration for new fishing grounds, and, in view of the evidence put before them as to the need for systematic and well planned investigations, have presented an Interim Report to the Committee of Civil Research. After considering this Report, His Majesty's Government authorised the construction of a survey vessel at an estimated capital cost, including scientific equipment, of £80,000. The vessel is to be constructed and equipped by the Admiralty in a naval dockyard, and is to operate under the control and direction of the Hydrographer of the Navy. His Majesty's Government propose to ask Parliament to provide annually a sum of £34,000 to cover running expenses in each of the five years next succeeding the completion of this vessel.
Will this inquiry include a search for new fishing grounds for shell fishing or only for deep-sea fishing?
I cannot tell that.
Are arrangements being made for this Committee to visit fishing ports and to take evidence from people who have knowledge and experience of it?
That does not arise out of this question.
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this pronouncement will give great satisfaction to the fishing industry, seeing that it is a continuation of the policy of the last Government?
I am sure it will give very great satisfaction. It will also prove that this Government, unlike the previous Government, is a Government of action.
Will the Committee include within the ambit of its inquiry the damage done to fishing boats?
That is far beyond the question on the Paper.
Reservoirs (Safety Provisions) Bill
51.
asked the Prime Minister if he will state when it is proposed to take the Second Reading of the Reservoirs (Safety Provision") Bill?
The hon. and gallant Member will have seen that this Bill is on the Order Paper for this evening, and I am not without hope that it may be reached.
Superannuation (National Scheme)
53.
asked the Prime Minister whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the desirability of adopting a national scheme of superannuation of a voluntary character to be available for all persons irrespective of their occupations?
If my hon. Friend has in mind a scheme of general voluntary insurance for old age pensions, I would inform him that the subject is being considered by the Cabinet Committee which is engaged in the general survey of schemes of national insurance and pensions.
National Health Insurance
54.
asked the Minister of Health whether, in the cases of men who have been insured under the National Health Insurance Act for three years or more, he will consider abolishing the existing period of three days before any benefit can be drawn?
Payment of sickness benefit from the first day of incapacity, instead of the fourth, may be made under the present law where an approved society is able to make the necessary financial provision out of a disposable surplus and the members decide to do so. Any general abolition of the normal waiting period of three days would, however, necessitate an increase in the contributions, and would entail difficulties in administration, and I am not aware that there has been any demand for such a change on the part of societies.
64.
asked the Minister of Health what arrangements, if any, the Government propose to make to enable a person insured under the Health Insurance Acts who wishes to settle in our Dominions to obtain a transfer of the values standing to his credit with his approved society?
There is already statutory provision under which the payment of transfer values may be made in respect of insured persons who emigrate to the Dominions and become insured in a society in the Dominions, subject to corresponding rights being given in respect of insured persons who come from the Dominions to this country. Any claim for the payment of a transfer value under these conditions should be made by the society through whom the emigrant is insured in the Dominions.
If I send the right hon. Gentleman a case where the applicant says that he was unable to obtain that transfer of values, will he consider it?
Oh, yes.
Insurance And Pensions Acts
58.
asked the Minister of Health whether the Cabinet Committee engaged on a general survey of existing insurance and pensions legislation has yet reached any conclusions?
The right hon. Gentleman will appreciate that it would be anomalous for me to make any statement as to the progress of a Cabinet Committee.
Is not the right hon. Gentleman going to announce any of the conclusions which are arrived at by this Committee? Is this a Government of action, or is it a farce?
Announcements will be made in due course.
Have any conclusions yet been arrived at?
When conclusions have been arrived at, they will, quite willingly, be announced.
I understand, then, that the answer is, that there have been no conclusions reached?
Silk Duties
66.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amount received, for the year ending 31st December 1929, on account of the silk and artificial silk duties?
£6,323,000.
Import Duties
67.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amount received on account of the McKenna and Safeguarding Duties for the year ending 31st December, 1929?
£6,205,783.
In view of his answer to these two questions, does the right hon. Gentleman still persist in his intention to have these duties repealed?
Male Servant Licence Duty
68.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in the interests of employment, he will consider the abolition of the tax of 15s. on male domestic servants; and what is the present reason for the retention of this tax?
As I have explained on several previous occasions, the Male Servant Licence Duty is not an Imperial but a Local Taxation Duty, and I am afraid that I could not undertake to introduce legislation which would deprive local authorities of part of their revenue unless I were sure of their unanimous consent, and that a demand would not be made upon the Exchequer to replace the revenue surrendered.
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some years ago a similar tax was imposed on female domestic servants, and, in view of the present political equality of the sexes, will he remit this tax?
International Bank
69.
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the proposals regarding the suggested international bank, so far as British participation in it is concerned, will be submitted to this House before Great Britain is in any way committed to the scheme?
The draft Statutes of the Bank for International Settlements provide that British participation in the shares of the Bank shall be guaranteed by the Bank of England. Accordingly, no action on the part of His Majesty's Government is involved. On the other hand, the functions of the Bank in relation to German reparation form an integral part of the agreements for putting into force the Experts' Plan which have been concluded at The Hague and in regard to these generally the normal constitutional practice will be followed.
It was difficult to hear the right hon. Gentleman's reply. Am I to understand that, except in respect of the Bank of England, this country cannot be committed to any policy affecting our currency and credit, without the matter being brought before the House of Commons?