asked the Secretary of State for Scotland at what places conferences have been held with the Scottish local authorities with a view to expediting unemployment relief schemes; who were represented at these conferences; and what progress has been made as a result of the conferences in expediting the carrying out of local unemployment relief schemes in Scotland?

Representatives of Scottish County and Town Councils were present at the Unemployment Conference addressed by the Prime Minister in London on the 17th June last. On the 5th July my right hon. Friend, in conjunction with the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and myself, held a conference in Edinburgh which was attended by representatives of a very large number of county and town councils. As regards the last part of the question, in the period from 1st July, 1930, to 31st October, 1930, 122 Scottish schemes involving expenditure of approximately £866,000 were approved for grant purposes by the Unemployment Grants Committee. In addition to the general conferences officials of my right hon. Friend's Departments have visited numerous centres for the purpose of stimulating the submission of employment schemes by local authorities.

Can the hon. Member say whether, as a result of these conferences steps have been taken to short circuit the procedure, and thus to enable other schemes to be dealt with?

We now have a committee sitting in Edinburgh to deal in the first instance with all these schemes, in order to expedite matters.

Can the hon. Member say how many unemployed men may be employed as a result of these schemes?

I can give that information if the hon. Member will put down a question.

Have the committee the power to approve or only to recommend?

They recommend to London; it is a mere matter of 12 or 24 hours.

Does that mean that the applications still have to go to London, or are they dealt with in Edinburgh?

Finally, they all come to London, but it is only a matter of 24 hours.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he is aware that Mr. James McMillan, of Bridgend, Renfrewshire, has been detained for four months in Greenock gaol without being brought to trial: and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

Mr. James McMillan has been confined in prison since the 16th June, 1930, for failure to implement a decree of the Paisley Sheriff Court, granted at the instance of the local authority, to quit a condemned cottage. The case is a civil one in which my right hon. Friend has no jurisdiction to intervene, but he is in communication with the local authority, inquiring as to what alternative accommodation is available to tenants of condemned houses.

Can I have an assurance from my right hon. Friend that he will use his influence with the local authorities to secure alternative accommodation for this father of a family of nine children and his wife, who at present are still living in a condemned house?

I am authorised by my right hon. Friend to say that he will certainly make representations on that point.

What was the charge on which this gentleman was detained?

He was not detained upon any charge. What happened was that an order was made upon him to quit the house of which he was tenant. The order was made as far back as November, 1928. No attempt was made to enforce the order for 18 months, in order to give him ample time to obtain alternative accommodation. He failed to obey the order, and he is now in prison for disobedience to an order of the court.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that Patrick McBeth, of Johnstone, Renfrewshire, aged seven, on his first appearance in court was sentenced to be detained in a reformatory for nine years; and if it is his intention to review the sentence?

In the case referred to the boy, aged seven years 10 months, was committed to an industrial school until he should reach the age of 16 years. My right hon. Friend is making inquiry into the matter, but he is not yet in a. position to make a statement.

Is this ferocious sentence due to the child living with unsuitable parents, or to the nature of a crime by this hardened criminal, an infant 7½ years old?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many schemes have been submitted under the recent Slum Clearance Act by local authorities in Scotland?

Up to date the Department of Health for Scotland have approved proposals for the erection of 500 houses by two local authorities for the purposes of subsidy under the Act. In addition clearance resolutions have been submitted to the Department by three other local authorities in terms of Section 1 (3) of the Act in respect of 33 areas embracing 1,652 houses occupied by 6,943 persons. I understand that many other subsidy proposals are under consideration by local authorities.

Is the hon. Gentleman quite satisfied with the progress made by the local authorities in this connection?

No, Sir, and it is because of that that we are spending considerable time in conferences with them.

Were all the schemes referred to initiated before the passing of the last Act?

I could not answer that question without notice.

If at the end of the conferences the local authorities still refuse to take advantage of the Net, can the Under-Secretary state whether the Government then intend to do anything?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill to prohibit weddings in the blacksmith's shop at Gretna Green?

The question of legislation to amend the law of marriage in Scotland, which involves also consideration whether it is desirable that some form of authoritative inquiry should precede any such legislative proposals, is now having the attention of my right hon. Friend, and he is not in a position to make any pronouncement as to the introduction of a Bill.

Is it not the case that a. Bill to deal with this matter is in draft, and may we not be informed of the nature of the provisions contemplated? Is it the intention of the Government to make the marriage laws of Scotland conform to those of England?

No!

The practice of irregular marriage is very widespread in Scotland, and while there may be a strong and, indeed, overwhelming case for its alteration, this ought not to be done without careful inquiry into the form the legislation ought to take and as to the consequences that might follow. There may be a Bill in draft, but certainly nothing has been settled as to the form the legislation ought to take.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether he has had any complaints from the people who have been married at Gretna Green?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the discontent amongst the second class clerks of the Department of the Registers and Records of Scotland owing to the failure to grant to them the terms given to the second division under the Civil Service Reorganisation Report of 1920 and the fact that their representations over a lengthy period have not resulted in the grievance being remedied; and from what date the better conditions contended for will be granted?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that prior to the year 1920 the second class -clerks in the Department of Registers and Records of Scotland, being a specially qualified body, were put on the same footing as the ordinary second division clerks (now executive officers) and the officers of Customs and Excise, the maximum salary for all these three classes being for the time fixed at £300; that, whilst the executive officers and the officers of Customs and Excise have had various increases of salary and emoluments, the increases to the second class (Register House) clerks have been fractional; that the salary and bonus at the present time for executive officers is £435, for officers of Customs and Excise £442, and for the second class (Register House) clerks £339; and why these second class (Register House) clerks employed in Edinburgh are not treated on the same level as the corresponding classes in England?

The same considerations do not apply to the second class clerks of the Department of the Registers and Records of Scotland as applied on reorganisation to the other classes mentioned; and I understand that a claim by the second class clerks for similar terms to those applied to second division clerks was heard by the Civil Service Arbitration Board in 1923 and that after discussion a settlement by agreement was reached allowing for the differences in the conditions.

I am aware that the second class clerks have since expressed dissatisfaction with the terms of the settlement to which they agreed; and while I can hold out no prospect of going back on that settlement I am prepared to consider any representations made by them on the basis of any change of conditions since that date or of any changes in organisation which may be proposed as a result of the consideration now being given to the recommendations of the Committee on the Registration of Writs presided over by Lord Fleming.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that an appeal by these clerks was made as long ago as 30th May, to which no reply has been given, and is it not time that a reply was forthcoming to the reasons adduced for the improvements they seek?

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think, whatever may be said about cases not being strictly comparable, that the particular and important work of these clerks in the Registry of Sasines in Scotland entitles them to rather more? Does he not think, also, that, through there being only 39 of them, their real interests and their real claims are in inverse ratio to the influence they are able to bring to bear on the Government?

Is it not a fact that these men are highly qualified; also, that a scheme was forced upon them in 1923, and that seven years' operation of that scheme has proved detrimental both to the staff and the department?

I have already said that I am considering representations on that particular point.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether representations have already been made by them?

I have stated in my reply that I was aware of the representations.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why there are so few tuberculin-tested herds in Scotland as compared with England; and whether the Department of Agriculture is endeavouring to bring about uniformity in the percentage of butter-fat required in England and Scotland for tuberculintested milk?

I think that having regard to the relative populations of the two countries the proportion of milk from licensed tuberculin-tested herds in Scotland does not compare unfavourably and the supply is rising with the demand. I do not think that the higher butter-fat content required in graded milk in Scotland has to any material extent deterred the owners of herds from seeking a graded milk licence.

Is not the testing in England less satisfactory than in Scotland, and has not the failure to have a fixed standard of butter-fat percentage proved disadvantageous in Scotland?

Not according to the information that I have.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the continued unemployment in the quarrying, brickmaking, woodworking and allied industries, he will consider what further steps can be taken to ensure the use of British materials in State-aided housing schemes in Scotland?

In my reply to a question on this subject by the hon. Member on 3rd June last, I detailed the steps taken to foster the use of goods and materials of home production on State-aided housing schemes. I am not aware that foreign stone or brick is being used on State-aided housing schemes by Scottish local authorities. Where the Department of Health find that foreign material is being specified in connection with such schemes their practice is to advise the local authority concerned to obtain alternative offers for British material where it is available of equal quality.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the quantity of material used represents employment for many men, and does he not think that the changing circumstances in the trade call for an alteration in the law?

The question of legislation does not arise. The Government have done everything that it is possible to do by circulars, and other advisory steps, to induce all local authorities in Scotland to use articles of British manufacture.

Does not "doing everything they can" by this Government mean doing nothing at all?

Is it not the case that what prevents the using of more British materials is largely the building trade rings which keep up prices?

That is another question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the Ross and Cromarty County Council pay wages to employés on road schemes monthly; that such a system inflicts hardship on the men concerned; and whether he will make representations to the county council on the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The county council inform us that monthly payments, which have hitherto been in operation in most districts of the county, do not entail any special hardship, and that weekly payments would involve an increase in the clerical work of the district surveyors. Arrangements have been made whereby any workman desiring an advance of wages after two weeks may obtain it. The matter is within the discretion of the county council, with whom my right hon. Friend is, however, in communication on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will inquire into the circumstances under which the workmen employed upon Government-aided road schemes were granted an increase of 1d. per hour by the Isle of Lewis district committee, which was withheld when the employés concerned were transferred to the jurisdiction of the Ross and Cromarty Council under the Local Government (Scotland) Act?

I am informed that the increase referred to was granted five days before the district committee demitted office owing to the transfer of functions under the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1929. The workmen in question had previously been paid at the same rate as the other road workmen of the county, and the withdrawal of the increase was the result of a. decision of the highways committee, approved by the county council, on a. motion to increase the wages of all county road workmen by ld. per hour.

Is it not a fact that the powers of administration have not been delegated by the Council in the Isle of Lewis and that the rates of pay which obtain are the rates which are general all over the county?

I think that is what I stated in my answer. It is a matter entirely within the discretion of the county council. The county council has fixed what they consider to be a uniform rate in the county, and therefore they are not prepared to agree to an increase of one penny per hour, which the district committee voted to the men five days before the Act came into operation.

Is it not a fact that the rate of wages paid by the Ross and Cromarty County Council is as high as that which is paid in any other county?

I cannot answer that question without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any figures to show the increase in the number of persons engaged in agriculture since the derating of agricultural subjects in Scotland?

The returns of the numbers of persons employed on agricultural holdings on 4th June, 1930, as compared with those employed on 4th June, 1929, show a decrease of about 2,500.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that, while officers of vessels under the Fishery Board for Scotland are entitled to superannuation for service after 1925, the crew are only allowed small gratuities after 15 years' service; and if he can explain why this difference exists?

I am informed that the position is generally as stated in the first part of the question. As regards the second part I understand that the decision which was reached in 1923 was based on the general practice in dealing with the personnel of Government vessels in civilian employment. I may add that the gratutities provided for are on the scale applying to unestablished civil servants generally.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to reconsider this grievance to see if anything further can be done?

Certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is prepared to take any steps in furtherance of the proposal made to him by representatives of the Dundee town council whereby free postage of municipal candidates' electioneering literature would be made available, as in the case of candidates for parliamentary representation?

As the hon. Member is aware, legislation would be required to give effect to the proposal of the town council, and I am not in a position to hold out any hope of this meantime.

Seeing that the Post Office is so well placed financially for meeting this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the question?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he can state the charge preferred against Robert Smith, at present an inmate of Perth criminal lunatic department, who was ordered to be detained during His Majesty's pleasure, by order of Glasgow sheriff court on the 13th October, 1921; the maximum penalty involved if the prisoner had been found guilty; the date since which the prisoner has been certified sane; and the number of years of imprisonment the prisoner has served since becoming sane?

Robert Smith was indicted for assault and attempt to rob and previous convictions. If he had been convicted, the Sheriff could have sentenced him to two years' imprisonment with hard labour, or could have remitted him to the High Court, where a sentence of penal servitude for such period as the Court might think proper would have been competent. Smith was first reported sane on the 28th March, 1923. Since then he has never undergone imprisonment, but excluding time spent under conditional liberation on various occasions, has been an inmate of the Criminal Lunatic Department for about 6½ years. As my hon. Friend is aware the Prisons Department have been endeavouring to find suitable guardianship for Smith in order that he might again be liberated on licence.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that this man, who has been sane since 1923, should be released, seeing that the authorities are not prepared to deal with the charge preferred against him; and are the Government going to keep this man in prison during the rest of his life?

This man can be liberated any time if that course can be followed in the public interest, but my hon. Friend must understand that this man is detained during His Majesty's pleasure under an order of detention pronounced by a competent Court under the statutory authority of the Lunacy Act of 1857. The authorities have no interest in the world in detaining this man if he can be liberated consistently with his own welfare and the public welfare. If the hon. Member will submit some further proposals for his proper guardianship, and, if they are acceptable, this man can be liberated to-morrow.

rose—

The hon. Member has had his full share.

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. This involves the liberty of a man who has been detained for six years since he has been sane, and I think it is a horrible thing that this should be allowed—

That is not a point of Order.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any licences for the export of war material from this country to China have been issued since 11th July last; and, if so, what is the date on which the last of such licences has been issued?

Only one such licence has been issued since 11th July, the date of issue being 9th August.

Will the President of the Board of Trade tell us what portion, if any, of this war material was manufactured under a Liberal Government?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the number and nature of the licences he has granted since 1st June, 1929, in connection with the exporting of munitions of war to Russia?

Eight such licences were issued. The material comprised tanks and armoured vehicles, with trailers, armament, and ammunition therefor, together with some armament for aircraft.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Soviet Government is advising its people to prepare for inevitable war?

All questions of policy are really for the Foreign Office: My duty in this connection is restricted to the issue of the licences.

Will the right hon. Gentleman do me the honour of reading this pamphlet?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what countries have yet ratified the tariff truce up to date?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply I gave on 4th November to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Woolwich, West (Sir K. Wood). Since that date Luxemburg has also ratified.

As only a few countries have ratified, and those are not of first importance, will the right hon. Gentleman give instructions to our representatives at Geneva next week not to tie our hands on this question more than they are at present tied?

I have already dealt with that question in the House, but I would say to the hon. Member that other

Can the right hon. Gentleman throw any light on the attitude of San Marino towards this treaty?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the figures for the imports into Germany through the port of Hamburg of chocolates and other sweets, and what are the figures for the corresponding exports from the port of Hamburg for the years 1926, 1927, 1929, and 1930, respectively; what are the German tariff duties on such imports into Germany; and is he aware that, to avoid the import duties, two British confectionery firms have recently set up factories in Hamburg consular district?

As the answer to the first two parts of the question contains a table of figures, I propose, with the permission of the hon. Member, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made with the work for promoting the reorganisation of industries that require treatment with a view to mitigating unemployment?

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the statements made on behalf of His Majesty's Government during the debate on the Amendment to the Address moved by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Edgbaston (Mr. Chamberlain).

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman state what is being done in this matter, and whether any progress is being made or not?

Since we have been in office we have been very active in a large number of cases. Coal has been dealt with by legislation, and cotton and iron and steel by report, followed by discussions with the industries; and many steps have been taken in other industries.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say which of these industries has been assisted by the Tariff Truce?

I should think, Mr. Speaker—

Sir William Davison.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Russian Soviet Government have made arrangements to dump 600,000 doors on the British market at prices considerably under the wage cost involved, quite apart from any charge for the materials used; and what action it is proposed to take in the matter in the interests of British joiners?

I have seen reports in the Press that arrangements have been made to import large quantities of ready-made doors from Russia. During the three months ending 30th September last, builders' woodwork (window frames, doors, etc.) to the value of £10,782 was imported from Russia. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my hon. Friend the Secretary for the Department of Overseas Trade gave on the 3rd November to the hon. Member for Kingston-on-Thames (Sir G. Penny).

Do the Government contemplate that the British market shall be permanently flooded with joinery of this dumped character, so that British joiners are put out of work?

I have given the latest figures for three months to the end of September, which amount to rather less than £11,000. No one would call that a flood.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the trade agreement recently signed between Russia and Italy, by which there is to be an exchange of goods between the two countries to an agreed amount; and if he will consider initiating similar negotiations with the Soviet Government?

I am not aware of the precise terms of the Trade Agreement in question, the text of which has not been published. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take pains to find out about this trade agreement, and, if it is on the lines suggested in, I think, the "Manchester Guardian," will he consider the application of something of the same sort by this country in regard to Russia?

I cannot at this stage make any promise regarding action, but I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that I will get the details as soon as they are available. I have not yet obtained them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that Fascist Italy is giving Russia four years' credit; and will he see if the British Government cannot be equally businesslike?

I am afraid that that point does not arise on this question. The length of the credit, as my hon. Friend knows, is an entirely different matter.

But is not the length of the credit the main relevant point in the development of business with Russia?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will cause inquiries to be made as to what steps have been taken in France to counteract the dumping of Russian imports?

By a decree issued on 3rd October the importation into France of certain descriptions of goods originating in or coming from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is made dependent on the grant of a licence. A special committee has been set up to control the issue of such licences. A list of the goods in question will be found in the issue of the Board of Trade Journal of 9th October, 1930.

Cannot the President of the Board of Trade consider suggesting to the Government that they should follow this very excellent example?

I have always informed the House that this is a matter of debate, and, on very close examination, I am quite satisfied that any step of that kind would do our aggregate trade more harm than good.

Are not representatives of the Woodworkers' Union included on the Licensing Committee which decides whether these goods shall come in?

I should require notice of that question.

Do not these embargoes on Soviet exports release far more for shipping to this country at cheap prices, and give a great impetus to our unemployment figures?

There is no doubt that a diversion of that kind would affect the aggregate amount reaching this country, but I am bound to say that, on the analysis applied to many trades so far, the quantities have been very small, and in some cases actually less than last year.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in addition to what he said as regards France taking this action, France has for a long time imposed a heavier duty on Russian timber than on other timbers?

That is part of the tariff problem, which I cannot discuss now.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in regard to the official figures of the declared value of Russian imports of timber and grain, on whose information does the Board of Trade rely for the accuracy of these figures; and what is the relation between the declared values figure and the actual figure at which the British syndicate has bought this year's Russian timber?

The official figures of the declared values of imported goods are compiled from particulars required by law to be furnished by importers or their agents, who have to make a signed declaration as to the accuracy of the particulars. The value to be declared is the cost plus insurance and freight to the port of landing, except in the case of goods consigned "for sale," in respect of which the value to be declared is the latest market value of the goods. I have no information regarding the terms of any contract placed for the importation of Russian timber.

Would the right hon. Gentleman get information, because there is reason to believe that the figures are entirely inaccurate?

They follow the basis set forth in the answer and I am afraid there is no more efficient way in which we can go about it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the total value of manufactured articles from this country exported into Russia for the 10 months of this year; and the total value of all exports from Russia to this country for a similar period?

Particulars of the trade of the United Kingdom with the Soviet Union (Russia) during the month of October are not yet available. Detailed particulars of this trade during the first nine months of this year were given in reply to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for North Hackney (Captain Hudson) on 6th November, and I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy.

Can the right hen. Gentleman say whether the miserable results of the exports from this country coincide with the promises of unlimited trade?

That does not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that by the constitution of the Russo-British Chamber of Commerce half the executive committee are Russian Government officials, who thus secure effective control of the chamber to the Russian Government; and whether, seeing that an organisation so constituted can afford no adequate protection to the interests of the British traders, he will see that any new trade agreement with Russia shall provide for facilities for independent organisations of British traders to maintain their representatives in Russia?

Under the constitution of the Russo-British Chamber of Commerce the executive council must be composed in equal proportions of British and Russian members. I have noted the suggestion in the second part of the question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman accept the statement in the question that this organisation is controlled by Russian Government officials and is he satisfied with such an arrangement?

I can only define the constitution. I am not clear as how far I have any influence at all.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to recognise an organisation of this kind which is controlled by the Soviet Government? It is not an independent organisation to give the traders of this country the information they require.

That I am afraid is beside the point. I could not reply to that in answer to a supplementary question.

That is the question on the Paper.

asked the President of the Board of Trade from what trades and industries he has received complaints regarding Soviet dumping?

I have received complaints from the trades concerned regarding glucose and, confidentially, regarding another material. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture has received similar complaints regarding cereals and fruit.

Has any action been taken upon these complaints?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman means by import prohibition, or tariff, or anything like that, the answer is in the negative.

Do not the Government propose to take any action whatever?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the amount of liquid milk and what was the amount of liquid cream imported into this country from Denmark, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the Irish Free State in the last six months for which information is available, and how does it compare with similar importations last year?

The total quantity of fresh milk imported from the Irish Free State and registered during the six months ended 31st October, 1929 and 1930, was 30,017 and 28,152 cwts., respectively. During the same periods no fresh milk was imported from Denmark, the Netherlands or Switzerland. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing the quantity of cream imported in these periods from the countries specified.

Has there been an increase or a decrease?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman's question refers to cream, the figures indicate in three cases an increase arid in the other, I think, a decrease.

Has an attempt been made to find out whether the herds from which this milk comes are subject to the same tests as herds in this country?

I think that is rather outside our powers, but I will look into the question.

What quantities of powdered milk are imported into this country?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will kindly give me notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in his proposals for the compulsory reorganisation of the cotton trade, he intends to include the introduction of more looms per weaver?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the precise reorganisation he requires from the cotton industry, in default of which His Majesty's Government intends to ask for powers to interfere with its conduct?

The lines for the reorganisation of the cotton industry are contained in the report of the recent inquiry into that industry. The question of the number of looms per weaver is a matter for adjustment between the operatives and the employers themselves.

Are we to take it that this question of compulsion in respect to the reorganisation of the cotton trade was merely an empty threat?

There is no question of a threat in this case at all. We have always made it clear that we want this work to be done on voluntary lines, but the industry has always recognised that, if that fails—and I earnestly hope it will not fail—all parties must consider other measures.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give particulars of the financial assistance created by the Government for the reorganisation of the cotton trade?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what financial assistance the Government have created for the cotton industry?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the precise financial assistance which His Majesty's Government claims to have created for the reorganisation of the cotton trade?

The statement made by the Prime Minister as to financial assistance during the debate of 4th November on the Address related to the Bankers' Industrial Development Company which was also referred to in the report of the Committee on the Cotton Industry. That company was set up to receive and consider schemes submitted by the basic industries of this country for the purpose of their rationalisation, either by industries or by regions. Particulars regarding the company were given in statements made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, as Lord Privy Seal, on 15th and 29th April last.

Have the Government any responsibility whatever for the policy of the Bankers' Industrial Company?

No. That is an organisation dealing with the matter on business lines.

In view of the fact that the Government have no responsibility for the policy of the Bankers' Industrial Development Company, would it not be equally true to say, in view of the fact that no financial assistance has been forthcoming, that the Government have set up an organisation to prevent financial aid?

No, that I have already so far debated with the hon. Member and with representatives of the industry in Lancashire. That is not admitted for a moment.

Is it not a fact that the new Department that is announced to-day under Sir Horace Wilson is for the very purpose of co-ordinating such activities?

It is designed to deal with the reorganisation of industry, and, of course, it must study financial and other facilities. That does not mean that the Government are directly involved in the finance.

Is it a fact that the Government have given no financial assistance for Lancashire and that the Bank of England is the sole means from which Lancashire can expect assistance?

The Government are not directly involved in finance at all. It is well known that the Bank of England has been the foundation of a great deal of the effort of the Lancashire cotton reorganisation and for all I know of other efforts.

Does the right hon. Gentleman—

This matter is developing into a debate.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the balance of exports from this country to Australia in the quarter ending 30th September and the corresponding figures for the same quarter of last year; and the percentage change in quantity of exports after allowing for the decline in prices?

The total declared value of merchandise exported from Great Britain and Northern Ireland registered during the quarter ended 30th September, 1930, as consigned to Australia, amounted to £7,605,000, or £1,480,000 less than the value of the imports received from Australia. The corresponding figures for the third quarter of 1929 were: exports, £15,145,000, or £4,826,000 more than imports. I regret that the available information is insufficient to enable me to answer the last part of the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state what the present position is with regard to the clause in the treaty of commerce and navigation between Great Britain and Rumania, signed in London on the 6th August, providing for its denunciation by Rumania one year after it has become operative if, during that period, import duties have been placed on agricultural products coming into this country from Rumania?

The Treaty has not yet been ratified, but is provisionally in operation by virtue of an exchange of Notes, which can be terminated by either party at two weeks' notice. No question with regard to this particular provision has therefore arisen.

Am I to understand that in the event of the imposition of food taxes in this country, we shall lose all the advantages of this Treaty?