asked the Secretary of Sate for Scotland whether he is satisfied with the progress being made in the improvement of housing in the rural districts of Scotland under the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, 1926, in those counties and county districts in which the Act is being worked; whether he has yet decided what steps to take to deal with the housing situation in those districts in which the local authorities are unwilling or unable to put the Act into operation; and whether proposals for improving Scottish rural housing will be included in the Housing Bill which is about to be introduced?

Without in any way disparaging the good work done by several county councils, I regret to say that as a whole I am not satisfied with the progress made under the Act referred to. As regards the second part of the question, in view of the fact that district committees as housing authorities wilt, in terms of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1929, cease to exist as from 15th May next, I do not propose to bring further pressure to bear on those of them that are not already operating the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, but the attention of the new county councils will, immediately after that date, be directed. to the provisions of the latter Act. As regards the last part of the question. I would ask the hon. and gallant Member to await the introduction of the Bill.

Seeing that the hon. Gentleman is not satisfied with the progress that is being made even in those counties that are working,.he Act, that he admits that there arc a number of counties in which the Act is not being worked at all, and that it comes to an end next year, cannot, he give an assurance that this vital question will be dealt with in the new Bill?

I have already assured the hon. and gallant Gentleman that immediately after 15th May, when the new authorities are constituted, I propose to draw the attention of such authorities as are not operating the Act to its provisions.

Even those that are operating the Act are not doing it to the satisfaction of the hon. Gentleman, or of the people of Scotland. Cannot he give us an assurance that some better legislation will be introduced to deal with the rural housing situation under the new Bill?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman had better await the introduction of the Bill.

Is it not the case that there is more work being done under the Act in Scotland than in the whole of England with its very much larger area?

Questions of comparison of that kind are very difficult to answer on the spur of the moment.

May we take it that the Government propose to introduce a Bill to deal with rural housing during their term of office?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he can say what has been the total expenditure incurred since 1918 by local authorities in acquiring land for housing schemes under the Housing Acts; what is the total acreage acquired; what proportion of that expenditure and acreage had reference to compulsory acquisition decided at arbitration; and, in respect of such compulsory acquisition, what was the total amount of legal costs falling upon the public funds, in addition to the actual cost of the land?

I regret that the information desired is not available.

Is there any chance of getting a grip on what the question asks for in the course of, say, three months?

We are advised that a special return would be required from all local authorities on the subject, and it is doubtful whether the expenses of obtaining and tabulating it would be justified by the results.

Is it not going to be the business of the Department to obtain reports so that the Government may understand the extent to which they will have to give financial assistance?

It is very doubtful whether the results of such an inquiry would justify the expense.

Is it not the intention of the Government to make sure that, wherever they are spending money, they have to know every detail?

The Housing Acts do not provide that we ought to be informed of every detail. The amounts of the subsidy are fixed by the House.

Is it not the case that the returns will be made by the local authorities and that, therefore, very little expense will be thrown upon the Government Department itself?

No, that is the point. We do not get the return now, and we should require to ask for a special return of all those figures.

Would not the return be submitted by the local authorities?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total sum paid to date from public funds as subsidies on houses under the Housing Acts; and if he can give an estimate of the total deficit on such houses that has been borne by the local authorities out of the rates apart from State grants?

As at the 21st, instant, the total amount paid in Scotland in housing Exchequer subsidies was £10,880,258. I regret that the information desired in the latter part of the question is not available.

Is it not going to be the duty of the Government to know all that takes place? Surely the Government could put pressure on the local authorities to make returns giving details of where the expenditure has taken place?

Whether the Housing Acts ought to be altered would be a matter for discussion in the House. As the law at present stands, we are not called upon to ask for the provision of all details from local authorities in the matter of how they spend their share of the housing money.

Will the hon. Gentleman see that the time of the local authorities which might usefully be used in getting on with housing is not taken up by filling up forms?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the annual contribution made during 1929–30 or latest year 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?

The information desired will not be available for the financial year 1929–30 until after the end of the current month, but I am sending my hon. Friend a statement giving particulars for the financial year 1928–29.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of houses at present under construction by local authorities with State assistance, and the numbers under construction at the corresponding date last year?

As at the 28th February, the latest date for which particulars are available, the number of houses under construction by local authorities with State assistance in Scotland was 7,269. The number under construction at the corresponding date last year was 11,838. The figures, however, began to decrease, as the hon. and gallant Member is aware, in September, 1928, and the rate of decrease between that date and June, 1929, is as great as since the present Government took office. It must also be remembered that last year the then Government were allowing about 60 per cent. of two-roomed houses, whereas the proportion now permitted unless in exceptional cases has been reduced to 25 per cent.

Does not the hon. Member consider that it is a very grave dereliction of duty on the part of his Government to do nothing to implement its election pledges about accelerating the rate of house building and, further, does he not think that by standing on a petty point about two-roomed houses—

The hon. and gallant Member seems to be asking for the Minister's opinion.

On the point of the size of the houses. it is of very great importance to local administration in Scotland to know the opinion of the hon. Member, because the opinion of the hon. Member and his right hon. Friend prevents certain houses being built.

The hon. and gallant Member must put down a question to ascertain the policy of the Government with reference to these matters.

What does the hon. Member propose to do to accelerate the programme of building at present going on in Scotland? Does he not think that it is more necessary to build houses than merely to attack his predecessors in office?

It has been frequently announced in this House that the Government propose to introduce a Bill for that purpose, and I would advise the Noble Lord to await that Bill.

When will it be introduced?

At an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of building trade workers at. present employed on local authority housing schemes; and the number so employed at the corresponding date last year?

As at the 28th February, the latest date for which particulars are available, the number of building trade workers employed on local authorities' housing schemes in Scotland was 4,723. As at the corresponding date last year the number was 4,838.

Does not the hon. Member think that the necessity of bringing in housing legislation at an early date is greatly reinforced by the figures he has read to the House?

There is a difference of 100 building trade workers. To the extent of that 100, certainly I agree.

Does the hon. Member mean by that answer that be is quite satisfied with the rate of progress? Does he not look for acceleration and increase in the houses built?

The fact that the Government are not satisfied is evident from the fact that they are bringing in a Bill.

It has taken them nine months.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many members of his staff are engaged upon work in connection with local authorities' housing schemes; and what has been the amount of Departmental expenditure in salaries, etc., upon such work during the past 12 months?

A total of 38 officers of the Department of Health for Scotland are engaged whole-time on work under the Housing Acts. The expenditure on salaries during the present financial year is approximately £14,300.

Do not the duties of these officers include what I have asked in previous questions to-day, the obtaining of information as to what has taken place?

No, Sir. They do not at all involve meticulous examination of the expenditure of local authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he can state the estimated cost of the housing which will be created by the Department of Agriculture on the farm of Wester Hailes; and from what financial sources this cost will be met?

The estimated cost of the building equipment on the 17 holdings to be formed on the farm of Wester Hailes is £12,805, and the cost will be met from the Agriculture (Scotland) Fund.

Is it right that the cost of housing within the area of a wealthy corporation like the City of Edinburgh should be borne out of the Agriculture (Scotland) Fund, which is so urgently needed to provide small holdings in the rural districts?

The allocation of the Agriculture (Scotland) Fund depends on the provisions of half-a-dozen different Acts. The matter is too complicated to be discussed within the limits of a Parliamentary question.

Is it right that the money should be used—

Mr. Hardie.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is prepared to extend the period during which applications may be made by fishermen for Government loans for the replacement of nets and gear; and whether he will arrange that fishermen who have been unsuccessful or only partially successful in their applications for grants from the voluntary fund will be given facilities for applying for Government loans?

As intimated in the course of the Debate on 6th March, I am anxious to give all reasonable facilities to the fishermen to apply for the loans referred to, and I have decided that the period should be extended. 30th April is in view as the new closing date. The extension of time will, I hope, meet the point raised in the second part of the question.

Have the Government under consideration any permanent scheme in addition to the present one to provide for these fishermen?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his inquiries into the question of the destruction by foreign trawlers of cod nets in the Moray Firth have been completed; if so, what is the result of his investigation; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that in future the local fishermen will be allowed to pursue their legitimate calling without interference from foreigners?

The investigations made into the damage which occurred during the week-end from 8th to 10th March have been completed. I am communicating the particulars to the Board of Trade for consideration whether any action towards recovery of compensation can usefully be instituted. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave him last Tuesday.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he gave me no reply on this point?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of fishery cruisers and other vessels employed in policing the seas round the coasts of Scotland; and whether it is proposed to add to their number?

Eight vessels—two of which are equipped with hydroplanes—are regularly engaged in this service. It is not meantime proposed to add to their number, but another cruiser will shortly be equipped with a hydroplane, subject to the money being voted by Parliament.

Does this refer to any of the Admiralty vessels which are involved?

Yes, Sir, they include one Admiralty vessel, His Majesty's Ship "Spey."

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any agreement has been reached with regard to the relief of the able-bodied poor coming from the South of Ireland who have not acquired a settlement in Scotland?

The negotiations begun by our predecessors in office have not yet led to any definite result.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he can give a return showing totals for the counties, burghs, and all other rating authorities, respectively, of moneys payable in 1929–30 by the Treasury in respect of grants in aid, with particulars under the following heads: in compensation for rate-relief under the Agricultural Rates Acts and the Local Government Act; housing subsidies; education; Poor Law relief and mental deficiency; highways; and police, public health, and other services, apart from the housing subsidies mentioned above?

I shall be glad to send these figures to my hon. Friend as and when they become available.

Will the hon. Gentleman undertake to see that these figures, as well as being supplied to the hon. Member who asked the question, are circulated to all Members of die House?

If that is the desire, perhaps an hon. Member will put a question at a later date to enable the figures to be circulated in the OFFPICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any decision has been made as to the date upon which the raising of the school age will come into operation in Scotland and, if so, whether he is now in a position to state the date?

The proposed date for raising the school-leaving age is 1st April, 1931.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of local authorities in Scotland who have adopted the Ministry of Health model by-law 9b in regard to the slaughter of pigs up to 28th February?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to his question on this subject on 17th February. The position as I then explained it remains unchanged.

Has the hon. Gentleman any information as to the efficacy of the methods adopted under the model by-law 9b with regard to this. matter?

No, Sir. As I understand the matter, the conditions explained in the previous answer have not changed since that date.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the amount expended by the local authorities in Scotland upon legal costs in connection with the rate reliefs under the Local Government Act?

The information desired in the question is not in my possession and it could only be obtained by inquiry which would involve an undue expenditure of time and money.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he can, with reference to the Local Government Act, state the original gross rental and the reduced assessed rental. respectively, of the agricultural, industrial, and transport lands and heritages that have benefited under the Act; and if he can state what is the total rate-reduction on each of these classes of land and heritages, and what is the amount of the grants the Treasury has to pay in compensation to the local authorities?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the actual cost of the Scottish Health Department in salaries, office establishment, and general expenditure in 1929–30, and the cost in 1913–14 of the Department and other Departments since coalesced with it; and how the expenditure in connection with agriculture and housing in the latest year compares with that in 1913–14?

The estimated net expenditure to be incurred by or on behalf of the Department of Health for Scotland during the year ending 31st March, 1930, is £3,160,000. The combined expenditure incurred by the Local Government Board for Scotland, the National Health Insurance Commission (Scotland) and the Highlands and Islands (Medical Service) Board in the year 1913–14 was £674,000. As regards the latter part of the question the estimated expenditure of the Department on housing during 1929–30 is £1,652,000, while the corresponding expenditure in 1913–14 was nil. The gross expenditure from the Vote for the Department of Agriculture for Scotland (which is a separate Department) for 1928–29 was £522,536, as compared with £246,591 in 1913–14.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to

As the answer involves a tabular statement, I propose to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, notwithstanding decisions of the Courts in England that local authorities may attach to licences under the Cinematograph Act, 1909, conditions other than "safety" conditions, I am advised that the Courts in Scotland would be unlikely to take the same view. In the circumstances I do not propose in the meantime to issue any circular to Scottish licensing authorities.

Has the hon. Member received copies of resolutions passed by several education authorities in Scotland with regard to the necessity of doing something in this matter?

Yes. Sir.

What does the hon. Member propose to do?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made with the proposals for the incorporation of a company to operate Part I of the Agricultural Credits (Scotland) Act, which was passed a year ago; and whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction among Scottish farmers at being denied credit facilities which are available to farmers in England?

For reasons which I have explained in reply to questions put to me on 28th January, 4th, 11th and 18th February, it has unfortunately not been found possible, as yet, to bring Part I of the Act into operation. Negotiations are, however, being actively pursued in two different directions, and I am still hopeful that some way out of the difficulty may be found.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the agricultural community of Scotland some idea when they may get the advantages that were proposed to be given by that Act?

The agricultural community realise the difficulties in regard to this matter as keenly as I do myself. The agricultural community are satisfied that I am doing my best to overcome the difficulties.

Is it not a fact that four of the eight Scottish banks have agreed already to co-operate with the Government, and cannot the right hon. Gentleman proceed to put Part I of the Act into operation with the co-operation of those four banks, and leave out the others?

Is it not a fact that the banks in Scotland have been primarily responsible for the condition of agriculture in Scotland by refusing to give these credits before?

asked the Prime Minister if he can state the approximate number of resolutions and petitions he has received asking the British Government to make proposals to the Naval Conference for definite reductions in naval armaments, and particularly for the abolition of battleships

I have received a large number of resolutions and petitions from bodies representative of every shade of opinion urging limitation of armaments and the abolition of certain categories of ships. As the hon. Member will, I am sure, appreciate, it would take some considerable research to ascertain the number of such resolutions, which continue to be addressed to me from day to day.

Does the right hon. Gentleman attach any serious value to these resolutions?

That is a matter of opinion.

asked the Prime Minister if he is now in a position to make any statement regarding the Naval Conference?

No useful purpose would be served by any statement at the present time.

Is there any truth in the statement that the Conference is about to adjourn for about six months?

Mischievous!

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state the nature of the investigations now being undertaken by the Economic Advisory Council?

The nature of the investigations of the Economic Advisory Council is fully set out in the recent White Paper (find. 3478). The proceedings of the Council are confidential; and it would be contrary to the public interest for details of its inquiries in every instance to be made public.

Will the right hon. Gentleman from time to time make arrangements to publish the conclusions, or some of the conclusions, arrived at by the Council?

If the bon. Member will look at the White Paper, he will find that those conclusions are all set out.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the advisability of including in the next Finance Bill a provision to give the trial judge or superior tribunal, before whom a case might come, resulting from an appeal by the Inland Revenue from a decision in favour of a taxpayer, power to direct that the Inland Revenue pay the taxed costs of the taxpayer, even though the taxpayer fail, lf the judge or tribunal is satisfied that the case raises a point of principle not covered by previous authority?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the case of Jones v. James Leeming; and whether he proposes to take action to revise the instructions respecting the taking of Income Tax cases to the House of Lords?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in the case of Jones v. Leeming, the costs of the action in the Court of Appeal and in the House of Lords will be borne by the Crown or by the respondent?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider taking steps to ensure that, when the Inland Revenue authorities appeal against a decision of the courts in favour of a taxpayer, the costs of both sides shall be borne by the Inland Revenue if the result of the action is unfavourable to the latter?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the inclusion in the Finance Bill of a provision giving the trial judge or superior tribunal before whom an Inland Revenue case had been tried power to direct that the Inland Revenue should pay the taxed costs of the taxpayer, even though the taxpayer should fail, if the judge or tribunal was satisfied that the case raised a point of principle not covered by previous authority; and what action he proposes to take in this matter?

I do not think that legislation in the sense suggested is necessary or desirable. The case specifically referred to was one in which the Board of Inland Revenue felt bound to seek an authoritative ruling from the highest tribunal on a point of income tax law on which the guidance given by previous judicial decisions in other cases was uncertain. In accordance with their established practice in appeals of this type they undertook from the outset to pay the taxpayer's costs, whatever the event, both in the Court of Appeal and in the House of Lords. I see nothing in this case that calls for an alteration in the existing law or practice as regards Revenue appeals.

In view of the fact that the Income Tax authorities have twice received a very severe rebuke from the highest legal tribunal in the land, can the right hon. Gentleman take some action to stop this bluffing and bullying of Income Taxpayers?

I do not think that a question addressed in such offensive terms calls for a reply.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Law Officers of the Crown were consulted before the case was taken to the House of Lords?

I suppose they were, but it is quite evident from the supplementary questions that the purport of my reply has not been appreciated. This was a matter upon which there was some doubt, and the Inland Revenue authorities were anxious that there should be a decision by the highest judicial body in the country, and therefore they undertook to pay the whole costs, both the costs of the Crown and the costs of the taxpayer, in order to get that decision. I do not see that anybody has any grievance at all.

Is it not a fact that the Law Officers of the Crown are employed for the purpose of advising the Chancellor of the Exchequer on these matters?

In view of that statement, is it quite clear then, that in future, in eases where the Law is in doubt and which the Inland Revenue take to the highest court, the costs to the taxpayer will be reimbursed by the Inland Revenue Department?

The hon. Member must draw no such conclusions.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the House of Lords has passed such comment before?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount collected by the Inland Revenue from duties on foreign imported goods of any kind during the current financial year?

The approximate net amount of revenue derived from the duties on imported goods up to the 28th February of the current financial year was £110,615,000.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman impressed by the magnitude of this amount?

I am impressed mainly by the fact that the bulk of that is made up by the Tobacco Duty.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the revenue derived from duties on sugar imported from the British West Indies during the current financial year as compared with the previous financial year?

Up to the 28th ultimo the duty collected on sugar from the British West Indies during the present financial year amounted to £321,000 approximately, as compared with £402,000 for the corresponding period of the previous financial year.

On a point of Order. I wish to ask a supplementary question on Question No. 56.

I had called on the hon. Member to ask Question No. 57.