asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the National Oil Refinery in South Wales has been unable to obtain from the central council long-term contracts for supplies of coal; and what action he intends to take in the interests of the South Wales coal industry?

The position is not, I understand, exactly as stated in the first part of this question, but as the matter is the subject of a complaint now before the National Committee of Investigation set up under Section 5 of the Coal Mines Act, 1930, I can make no statement at this stage.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many colliery companies since 1st January, 1936, have reduced the wages of certain grades of workmen in their employ?

While minor local adjustments in basic wage rates, either up or down, are made from time to time in accordance with the ordinary custom of the industry, I have no detailed information in the matter.

Has my hon. and gallant Friend asked the districts individually whether any reductions have taken place other than those stated, or is it the case that those figures are given just as a comparison?

I have given such information as I have, and the hon. Lady knows that the general trend of wages has been distinctly upwards.

Is it not the case that there are a number of colliery owners whose men are working on piece rates, and it has been decided that they must accept a lower piece-rate, and that that means a reduction in the rate-time percentage?

That may or may not be the case, but that is not the question I was asked.

But is it not the case?

asked the Secretary for Mines what decisions have recently been taken by districts with regard to the treatment of accumulated deficiencies; and whether such decisions are uniform?

The position during 1935 is summarised in Table 20 of my Annual Report for that year, from which my hon. Friend will see that the practice is not uniform. Since then, I am informed that agreements involving the cancellation of accumulated deficiencies have been made in Scotland and in Yorkshire.

Will my hon. and gallant Friend consult all districts as to the advisability of wiping out all accumu- lated deficiencies, in order that the miners may be assured of an increase of wages with returning prosperity in the industry?

Is it not the case that, even if all the deficiencies were wiped out, unless the profits are increased by very many pence, and in some cases shillings, per ton, the miners will never secure an increase over what they are receiving?

That point does not arise out of this question.

But is the hon. and gallant Member not aware that the imposed terms of 1926 leave the colliery owners in a position in which they can refrain from giving advances?

Will my hon. and gallant Friend consider consulting the districts on the lines I have suggested?

asked the Secretary for Mines how many colliery companies employ fully certified mine managers as safety officials; and how many companies issue free safety helmets to their men?

In November last there were about 40 mines or groups of mines where special safety officers had been appointed, additional to the manager and other safety officers required by law. I do not know how many of these safety officers held managers' certificates. The arrangements between the owners and the workmen for meeting the cost of the safety helmets now widely used vary considerably. There is no settled practice, and I have not got the information asked for in the second part of the question.

This seems to be a matter of some importance, and would it not be advantageous to the Mines Department to have that information filed?

I feel that it is of more importance to bring about an increase in the use of these safety precautions.

Is not my hon. and gallant Friend aware that certain colliery owners make a practice of giving safety helmets, and would it not be an advantage to the rest of the colliery companies if the Mines Department knew how many companies had adopted this advantageous practice?

I cannot see that a figure of that sort would be of any advantage one way or the other. The great thing is to get these helmets into use, and I am glad to say that their use is increasing every week throughout the whole of the mining industry.

Would not the ascertainment of this information separate the sheep from the goats?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has given consideration to the resolution passed at the national conference of the Mineworkers Federation of Great Britain on 20th January with reference to the dispute at Harworth Colliery, Nottinghamshire; and whether he is taking any steps to deal with the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, my Department is in touch with the parties, and I shall continue to watch the position closely, with a view to assisting in any way I can towards an amicable solution of the difficulty.

While the Mines Department are watching the situation, is it not the case that hundreds of miners are being driven from their homes, and that the coalowners are adopting barbarous tactics such as have not been used since 1850?

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this dispute in Harworth is likely to spread to the whole of the coalfields in this country unless some early settlement is arrived at; and does he not think it is his duty to the public to take some active initiative in the matter?

I cannot go beyond what I have said in a carefully prepared reply.

Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman received a letter from the Miners' Federation asking him to meet a deputation on the subject?

I did receive a letter last week—to the best of my recollection.

Are you taking any action?

asked the Secretary for Mines the quantity of tar, creosote oil, and other coal products used by Imperial Chemical Industries, Limited, at their Billingham hydrogenation plant consequent upon their production during the year 1936 of 112,000 tons of refined motor spirit?

I am not in a position to supply the information asked for.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of coal pits in the county of Durham where men and boys commence their day's work in the pits at 4 a.m. or earlier in the morning; and the number of pits where men and boys on the second shift do not finish work in the pit until 6 p.m. or later in the evening?

I regret that the information asked for is not available, and I am not able to supply accurate statistical information without an undue expenditure of time and labour. I will, however, find out what information can reasonably be obtained and then communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any step has been taken, or will be taken, to request the Government of the Irish Free State to put into force the provisions of the Foreign Enlistment Act, 1870?

The Free State Government were immediately informed of the action which His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom were taking on this matter. The question of the action to be taken by the Irish Free State is one for the Free State Government, who have, of course, their own representative on the Non-Intervention Committee. Any statement which they may wish to make on the question will presumably be made to that committee.

Is it not very important that the units of the British Empire should act together in this matter, and cannot my right hon. Friend press the Irish Government to act on similar lines to the British Government?

I think that the importance of getting effective action in this matter is fully appreciated by both Governments.

What is the use of it being a Free State if there is not to be freedom of action?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what action the Government are taking with regard to the offer of the New Zealand Government, through Mr. Walter Nash, the Minister of Finance, to take British-manufactured goods in exchange for permitting the entry of New Zealand agricultural products on an equitable basis into this country?

The discussions with Mr. Nash are proceeding, and I have nothing to add at present to the reply which I gave on this matter to the hon. Member for North Newcastle-on-Tyne (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle) on 17th December.

In view of the fact that these discussions have been going on for many months now, cannot the right hon. Gentleman give some date when a settlement may be arrived at?

I think it would be an exaggeration to say that these discussions have been going on for many months.

For some months.

We are making progress, and I shall report progess whenever I properly can.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent the procedure under the Anglo-Spanish Payments Agreement is enabling trade with Spain to proceed under present conditions; and whether he is satisfied that British importers and exporters are properly protected against the present German efforts to dominate Spanish trade?

As regards the first part of the question, I am satisfied that the suspension of the clearing procedure under the Anglo-Spanish Payments Agreement, which was referred to in the reply given to my hon. Friend on 17th December last, has removed certain obstacles to Anglo-Spanish trade. There remain, however, other difficulties inherent in the present situation in Spain. As regards the second part, His Majesty's Government will take any appropriate action that is open to them to ensure that British traders are not placed at an undue disadvantage in relation to any foreign competitors in trading with Spain.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware of the fact that goods consigned to importers in this country are being seized by representatives of the Spanish Government; is he taking any action in the matter?

That is a different question, and I ought to see it on the Paper.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Arms Export Prohibition Order still applies to all Continental countries; whether the export of all arms or munitions is still subject to licence from his Department; and is any undertaking given to his Department that arms and munitions so exported shall not in future be re-exported?

The answers to the first and second parts of the question are in the affirmative. With regard to the last part, licences for the export of arms are only issued on condition that the owner or shipper, if so required by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise, shall produce to them proof to their satisfaction that the goods were delivered to the destination to which the goods were consigned.

Can the Minister say whether any complaints have been received that much of this ammunition has been re-exported to Spain?

Not without notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the date on which he proposes to commence negotiations with the Norwegian Government for a revision of the trade agreement; and whether he can give the assurance that imports of Norwegian herring will be restricted to an extent that will meet the widespread representations recently made on behalf of this national industry and British fishermen?

I am sorry I am not at present in a position to say when negotiations will take place for the modification of the Trade Agreement with Norway; but I can assure the hon. Member that the representations which have been received regarding the importation of Norwegian herrings will be borne in mind in any such negotiations.

May I take it that I have the assurance that the negotiations are not to be delayed owing to too sympathetic consideration of the interests of the opposition in Hull?

I am afraid that the hon. Member cannot have any more assurances than the one I have given him.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now furnish a statement as to the operations of the Cotton Spindles Board?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 1st December to the hon. Member for Eccles (Mr. Cary). As my hon. Friend has no doubt seen from notices in the Press, a statement as to the results of the first inquiry under the Cotton Spinning Industry Act was issued by the Spindles Board last week.

Will the information be placed at the disposal of Parliament in some convenient way?

I think the information is public property, but, it there is any particular matter that I can make available to my hon. Friend, I shall be glad to do so.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity and value of pectin imported in 1935 and 1936, respectively?

The total imports of fruit pectin into the United Kingdom amounted to 4,466,000 lbs. during the year 1935, and to 6,910,000 lbs. during 1936. The corresponding declared values were £62,000 and £76,000.

Is this large importation affecting employment, and, if so, does the Parliamentary Secretary propose to take any steps?

I think that this importation and the corresponding effects are all to the advantage of employment in the United Kingdom.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state, in relation to the dealings of the British Iron and Steel Federation in imported iron and steel (other than steel imported under the cartel arrangements), what are the total profits on those transactions which have shown a profit and what are the total losses on those transactions which have shown a loss?

I am informed that, for the first 240,000 tons that were delivered, the losses amounted to about £2,250 and the profits to about £32,000.

Is the Minister right in suggesting that there is any serious risk of the Federation making a loss on these dealings as a whole; and ought not the House to have some knowledge of what is going to happen to the profits?

I think that the latter part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question might, perhaps, be put on the Paper; I am not sure that the destination of these profits is yet known to us. With regard to the first part, I have never, of course, known a Minister to be wrong.

Will the hon. Gentleman arrange that the Import Duties Advisory Committee, when they are making this inquiry, should take cognisance of these profits?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any negotiations have been or are taking place for the relaxation of trade restrictions as a result of the currency agreement of last September between His Majesty's Government and the Governments of France and the United States of America?

No actual negotiations are faking place at the moment, but, as I have stated in previous answers, His Majesty's Government will continue to keep in constant contact with the other Governments concerned, and every opportunity will be taken of promoting the policy set out in the Agreement of last September.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the recent budget proposals of the Swedish Finance Minister under which the Swedish Government are taking definite steps to counteract the normal succession of events associated with a trade cycle; and whether His Majesty's Government propose to take any specific action to prevent a recurrence of conditions which might be considered likely to produce an economic crisis similar to that of 1931?

I have only seen a report in the Press, which indicates that in the opinion of the Swedish Finance Minister no positively restrictive measures are required at the present moment, though he deprecated any reduction in the existing rates of taxation and expressed his intention of using caution in raising Government loans for investing in new enterprises. In reply to the second part of the question, my hon. Friend may be assured that general questions of this character are kept constantly under review.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear the matter in mind in framing his Budget proposals?

And will he see that no Socialist Government is again returned to power?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the maltreatment of the property of British subjects under the Aranha scheme of default upon all Brazilian contractual obligations, he will appoint a Treasury official to represent British interests generally, so that any proposals next year to continue the scheme shall be controlled by a Treasury intimation of retaliatory customs duties against Brazilian products unless the scheme is amended and acceptable to British creditors of Brazil?

I do not consider that it would be desirable to depart from our normal practice in such cases, which was set out in the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Mr. Liddall) on 5th November last, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us how much British creditors would have been in pocket if other foreign Governments had observed their contracts as well as Russia?

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether the British Government were giving any support to the development of British trade in Turkey; and, if so, on what lines?

Yes, Sir, the Government are making efforts in various directions to co-ordinate the interests of British trade with the planned economic development which is now taking place in Turkey. For instance, the Export Credits Guarantee Department is cooperating with Messrs. Brasserts in the erection of an iron and steel plant valued at about £2,750,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he is taking, officially, to protect British investments in Argentine and Brazilian public utility companies against gradual confiscation owing to the unfriendly attitude towards foreign capital shown by the Argentine and Brazilian Governments?

While I cannot accept the general supposition on which this question is based, I can assure my hon. Friend that His Majesty's Government are at all times ready to consider specific requests for assistance for British enterprises in foreign countries.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the subject of the migration of British subjects within the Empire will be on the agenda for discussion at the forthcoming Imperial Conference?

The agenda for the Imperial Conference has not yet been finally determined, but the Government certainly hope that it will be possible to discuss the question of migration with Dominion delegates at the time of the Conference.

Is my right hon. Friend prepared to receive any representations from the Dominions upon this matter, which must form a very important topic in Imperial development questions?

I am always prepared to receive representations from Dominion Governments on any matter which is a subject for my Office.

Is my right hon. Friend, in fact, bearing in mind the many representations that have been made as to the importance of re-opening this very important question?

Will the Minister not agree to raise the question of the return of British subjects who are stranded and suffering in various Dominions?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of complaints that have been brought to the notice of his Department during the previous five years concerning the compulsory repatriation of British citizens from Canada; and what have been the final results of representations and/or discussions that have taken place between His Majesty's Government and the Canadian Government on this subject?

It would not be possible, without a good deal of research, to give a definite figure for the number of complaints referred to by the hon. Member. But in a general review of the records, less than a dozen such complaints have been traced. As regards the second part of the question, I am satisfied that the Canadian authorities give careful and sympathetic consideration to the cases of persons from this country who have become legally liable to compulsory repatriation, and make every endeavour to secure their satisfactory settlement in Canada.

Are we to understand that there are no outstanding complaints of cases at present before the Dominions Office?

I do not think that (here are any complaints under this category at present before the Dominions Office.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has considered the effect upon Swaziland of the Customs union created in 1909–10; and whether he proposes to take any measures to counteract the subsequent deterioration in the economic condition of the Protectorate?

The Customs arrangement between Swaziland and the Union of South Africa has come under consideration from time to time, but it has not been thought hitherto that it would be practicable or desirable to propose any modification of the present system.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the widespread anxiety which exists among the settlers in the Protectorate, and will he take measures to allay that anxiety, which is owing to the feeling that there has been in the past neglect by the Imperial Government?

I am giving the matter very careful consideration. My hon. Friend will realise that this is not one of the points upon which Sir Alan Pim made a recommendation when he inquired very carefully into the administration of the territory.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the cattle exports from Swaziland to the Union of South Africa represent more than 40 per cent. of the total exports from the territory to the Union, and in view of the impediment to the trade of Swaziland constituted by the present weight embargo on Swaziland cattle entering the Johannesburg market, he will make representations to the Union Government with a view to obtaining a reduction of this burden?

This matter has been discussed with the Union authorities on various occasions, but they have not hitherto seen their way to modify the present restrictions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the proposals that have been formulated as a basis for discussion with the Dominion Governments on the subject of the report of the Imperial Shipping Committee?

Until agreement has been reached with the Dominion Governments concerned as to the course of action to be taken on the report, I am not in a position to make any statement.

If the proposals have been communicated to the Dominion Governments, why can they not be communicated to this House?

Negotiations are in progress with those Dominion Governments, and during those negotiations it would be better to await a further stage before we communicate the result.

May we take it that there will be no commitment to subsidies in advance?

While negotiations are in progress, there are obviously no commitments.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will, for the better protection of the public, strengthen the operation of the Assurance Companies (Winding Up) Act of 1935 by requiring companies, firms, societies, or persons transacting compulsory third-party motor car insurance to maintain a specified minimum ratio of reserves to cover estimated liability for current risks and unpaid claims and furnish an annual valuation of assets made by an independent valuer?

The whole question of compulsory insurance business is at present being considered by the Departmental Committee appointed by my right hon. Friend last year under the chairmanship of Sir Felix Cassel. I cannot anticipate the Committee's conclusions.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary ask the Committee to look into the question for the use of insurance funds for speculative investments?

The position of this inquiry, which is a very wide one, is that the evidence has been completed and the Committee are considering their report, but no doubt the question asked by the right hon. Gentleman will not be lost sight of.

What protection have the public against concerns which do not conform with the conditions set out in my question, if such regulations are not complied with in the meantime?

Will the evidence given at the inquiry be made available to Members of the House?

That is another matter, which must be considered later.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in any cases where the housing accommodation for coastguard members has been found inadequate in any parts of Scotland, he is taking steps to improve it?

So far as I am aware, the housing accommodation provided at all coastguard stations in Scotland is adequate. If my hon. and learned Friend has, however, any particular case in mind and will send me particulars, I will make further inquiries.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the diffities encountered by the Customs and Excise Department owing to the shortage of houses in various parts of Scotland; and whether his Department is taking any action in the matter?

I am aware that Customs and Excise officials experience difficulty in obtaining houses in parts of Scotland, and the matter is now under consideration.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman keep in view that it is the general opinion that the Government ought to set the example to all employers of housing their employes adequately and comfortably.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the financial position of the Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada for the years 1930 to 1936, or latest available year applicable, giving the number of policy holders, policies that lapsed, amount lost by the lapsed policy holders, annual income of the company, management cost, including collecting expenses, dividends to shareholders, amount paid to policy holders; and annual funds accrued from profits each year?

I have no information in regard to the items mentioned by the hon. Member other than is provided by the returns furnished by this insurance company to the Board of Trade under the Assurance Companies Act, 1909. These returns do not give any particulars in regard to policies which may have lapsed. A summary of the returns is published annually in the volumes entitled "Assurance Companies' Returns," which are laid before Parliament, and the detailed returns are open for inspection at the office of the Registrar of Companies at Bush House, W.C.2. I would refer the hon. Member to these sources for the information he desires, so far as it is available.

I thank the hon. Gentleman.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give particulars of the number of applications that have been made to his Department for a certificate of exemption for non-compliance with the quota provisions of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927; in how many cases have they been granted; and can he say when it is proposed to introduce legislation to amend the provisions of this Act?

Details are not available of the number of applications made for certificates of exemption. In general all exhibitors or renters who are in default are given an opportunity of claiming such a certificate and practically all do so. The number of defaults, in the case of renters, for the four years ended March, 1936, was 29; no certificates of exemption were issued. The number of defaults in the case of exhibitors, for the four years ended September, 1935, was 585, and 42 certificates were issued. The examination of the exhibitors' returns for the year ended September, 1936, has not yet been completed, but 16 certificates have so far been issued. As regards the last part of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 19th January.

Can the Minister say what is to happen to those exhibitors who have not received their certificates? Have prosecutions been instituted?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1), in what way the grant of £10,000 from the proceeds of the last Aldershot Tattoo to the Eastern Command Trust has been or will be used; and, seeing that the grant was made for the services rendered by the troops of that Command, will the said troops in any way be directly benefited; and, if so, in what way;

(2), whether since, arising out of the last Aldershot Tattoo, £18,000 was distributed by the trustees of the Eastern Command Trust to service charities and for recreational facilities, he will state how much was allocated for each purpose and what service charities benefited?

The grant is administered by the trustees and is used for the benefit of the troops, and their wives and families, in the Command. The benefits take the form of increased recreational and welfare facilities and of the assistance which is derived from service charities receiving grants. As regards the last part of question No. 42, these are charitable and non-public funds, for the administration of which I am not responsible, and the information asked for is not available in my Department.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the total amount of the reserve fund built up from moneys contributed from the Aldershot Tattoo; what is the purpose of this fund; and whether, and how, it is invested?

The reserve fund now stands, I am informed, at a figure of £15,000. Its object is to enable the Command Trust to meet possible losses on the Tattoo and to continue to make grants, though possibly of a reduced amount, to beneficiary charities in any year the Tattoo fails to show a profit. The information asked for in the last part of the question is not available in my Department.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the question whether it is now worth while to divert the troops from their training and other duties for the purpose of this entertainment and the quite small sum which accrues from it?

I have taken that question into consideration, though I think the right hon. Gentleman will agree that it hardly arises out of the question on the Paper. We are satisfied that the purpose which this entertainment sets out to fulfil is one of military importance, and that the troops who take part in it are not wasting their time.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me where I can get the information which is not available in his Department?

The hon. Gentleman might apply to the Eastern Command Trust Fund; or, if he thinks it important, I could perhaps obtain the information. I only wish to emphasise that I am not responsible for the way in which this money is spent, as it comes under a charitable trust fund for which the Department is not responsible. If, however, the hon. Gentleman wishes to have this information, I will do my best to, obtain it.

Why should this tattoo, which is of a military character, be in the hands of anyone but the military authorities of the country?

It is under the Charity Commissioners in the last resort, but the funds are distributed by military people. It is a result of military activities; it does not come to the Exchequer; it is a purely charitable fund; and I think it is better that it should be distributed on that basis rather than form part of the revenues of the War Office.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make a statement regarding the construction of new arsenals at Bridgend, Irvine, Hereford, and Chorley; as to cost of sites and buildings and railway sidings; and as to the future of Woolwich Arsenal?

The work at Irvine and Hereford consists of reconstruction and extension of existing factories. At Bridgend land has been purchased in preparation for the building of an ammunition filling factory. A contract has recently been placed by His Majesty's Office of Works for the erection of an ammunition filling factory at Chorley. As the purchase of land and other negotiations are still proceeding, it would not be in the public interest to give details of the estimated cost. The erection of the new factories will provide alternative sources of production in localities less open to air attack for certain of the factory activities at Woolwich, but the total volume of work there will not be affected for some time to come.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any statement to make concerning the rioting at Bangalore on 24th and 25th December, 1936, when shops and restaurants were forcibly entered and looted by men of the Wiltshire Regiment, especially as to the underlying causes of this state of indiscipline in the regiment; and what action has been taken to restore discipline?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any information regarding incidents at Bangalore in which members of the 1st battalion Wiltshire Regiment were engaged?

This matter is now the subject of an inquiry, and when its report is available I will take an early opportunity to make a statement. Meanwhile, however, I may say that I have every reason to believe that reports appearing in the Indian and the English Press have grossly exaggerated both the seriousness of the incident and the number of men involved, while the story of baton charges made on soldiers by the civil police is, I am informed, a pure fabrication.

Has my right hon. Friend been able to trace the source of these slanders on a famous regiment; and is he able to give the names of the papers that have published these statements without prior inquiry as to their truth?

I could not do that at present.

Is there any evidence in support of the insinuation against a whole regiment which is contained in the first of these questions?

So far as I am aware, there is none.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the widespread dissatisfaction with the new scales of accommodation for the Territorial Army, he will cancel these scales and issue new improved scales?

Territorial Army schedules of accommodation comprise broadly training, office and store, and social accommodation. I assume my hon. Friend has the last of these in mind. The provision for social accommodation in the new schedules is based upon wide experience of conditions throughout the country, and embodies many amendments and improvements made from time to time since the War. I have received representations from one quarter that the scale is not up to modern standards, which I am considering.

Is my right hon. Friend really satisfied with a scale of 490 square feet for 185 men in one room?

I have told my hon. Friend that I am looking into that point now.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the cost of the present arrangement in the Territorial Army, whereby men receive one shilling per drill after the completion of 50 drills, plus travelling expenses; and what would be the cost if these arrangements were changed so that each man received sixpence for every drill without travelling expenses?

My hon. Friend is under some misapprehension as to the facts. Generally a Territorial soldier receives the following payment for drills and for travelling expenses to drills.

1. Trained men receive one shilling a drill up to a maximum of 30 drills after they have completed the 20 drills which are necessary for proficiency grant.

2. Both recruits and trained men are eligible for a refund of travelling expenses to drill halls. Refund is limited to 1s. for each attendance necessary for the performance of 60 drills by recruits and 50 drills by trained men. These drills include those necessary for the proficiency grant.

As my hon. Friend will see from the above facts, the suggestion contained in the second part of his question would apparently be to the disadvantage of the Territorial Army soldier, and I assume that that is not his intention.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that, unless he makes the Territorial Army more attractive, he will not get recruits?

asked the Secretary of State for War how many individual cases have been brought to his notice of reservists who were in employment at the moment they were called up for service in Palestine, and whose employers have since refused to reinstate them?

Only one individual case has been brought to my notice, and on my making representations to the employers concerned, work was found for the man in question who, in fact, had previously been employed in a temporary capacity.

May we take that answer to mean that every other reservist has resumed his normal occupation?

No, I am afraid the hon. Member cannot take that.

If that is the case, what steps are being taken to secure the employment of these men?

Every possible step that we can think of has been taken, and I have received every assistance from the Ministry of Labour.

Could not the right hon. Gentleman make an appeal to the Jewish people in this country to find employment for them as they are very grateful for what these men did in Palestine?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in view of the introduction of mechanisation, a number of farriers and saddlers of the Royal Artillery are to be discharged; and whether the matter will be reconsidered, in view of the fact that the men concerned would have been serving otherwise for 21 or, at least, 18 years with a view to qualifying for a pension in the normal way?

Yes, Sir, I am afraid that the progress of mechanisation renders inevitable the discharge of a number of surplus farriers with 14 or more years' service and saddlers with 17 or more years' service in the Royal Artillery. All the men discharged will receive pensions, providing that at the time of their discharge they are serving to complete 21 years, and that they have at least 10 years unforfeited colour service over the age of 18.

Will the pensions be as large as they would have been on the expiry of 18 or 21 years' service; and, if not, could the matter be looked into, as there are individual cases in which there is great hardship?

I will look into the matter.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what kind of work these farriers and saddlers are likely to be put to when they leave the Service?

They will not all finish 21 years' service, but they will obtain pensions, and some may be offered to remain in the Service as ordinary soldiers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make a statement on the proposed improvement of service conditions in the Regular Army?

I am unable to add to the answer given on Thursday last to similar questions by the hon. and gallant Member for Nuneaton (Lieut.-Commander Fletcher) and the hon. Member for Norwood (Mr. Sandys).

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give time for discussion on the Notice of Motion relating to agricultural expansion, standing in the name of the hon. Member for South-West Norfolk, which has received the signed support of over 100 hon. Members?

I fully appreciate the importance of home food production in connection with National Defence, and I can assure my hon. Friend that every aspect of this matter is receiving the fullest attention. I regret that I cannot undertake to provide special facilities for the purpose indicated, but, as my hon. Friend is aware, there is still an opportunity for this subject to be ballotted for as a Private Member's Motion. The matter can also be raised in the normal course of business.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that the Government are taking steps to expand the home production of home agriculture before war breaks out?

asked the Prime Minister which Minister is responsible for the Special Areas; and what powers he has for co-ordinating any expenditure of Departments generally so that the Government may play its part in the restoration of these areas?

The Minister of Labour in England and Wales and the Secretary of State in Scotland are generally responsible for the exercise by the Commissioners of their powers and duties under the Special Areas Act. The coordination of Government policy and expenditure generally is the responsibility of the Government as a whole.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the copy sent to him of a resolution passed at a meeting of the county council held at the Glamorgan County Hall, Cardiff, on 19th December, 1936, indicating concurrence with the Commissioner for the Special Areas in his third report on the attraction of new industries to the Special Areas, the desirability of initiating action for the erection of a bridge over the Severn, and the proposal to equate the burden of public assistance throughout the country; and what steps the Government propose to implement these recommendations?

I have seen the resolution to which the hon. Member refers. As regards the recommendations of the Commissioner generally, I am not in a position to add anything to the answer given on 19th January by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Neath (Sir W. Jenkins).

Is it the intention of the Government to give encouragement to the establishment of a calcium carbide factory in South Wales in accordance with the suggestion in the report?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will await the further discussions which will take place.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the total amounts of the loans now granted by the Special Areas Reconstruction Association, Limited, in the respective Special Areas concerned?

I am informed that up to the present date the association has agreed in principle to make loans totalling £222,450. For the reasons given by my right hon. Friend in his reply to the hon. Member for Whitehaven (Mr. Anderson) on 3rd December I am not in a position to sub-divide the figures according to the areas concerned.

Is the Minister satisfied with this trivial kind of grant advanced in the Special Areas?

The hon. Member will recollect that only last month I gave the figure of £103,000, and he will see that since that date there has been a very considerable increase in loans approved in principle.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend say what he means by the phrase "in principle" in his reply?

Yes, Sir. There are inevitably legal and other delays before cash can be passed over.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to provide the houses required in any cases where the new unemployment insurance regulations affecting agricultural labourers have created any difficulty in finding accommodation for members of his staff administering them?

A few instances of difficulty have been brought to my notice and are receiving my consideration.

asked the Prime Minister why he decided to establish a shadow factory at Maidenhead without reference to the condition of certain Special Areas and to the Minister responsible for the Government policy in respect to these areas?

The site for the proposed shadow factory at White Waltham, which is three miles from Maidenhead, was chosen on account of its advantages for the rapid production of aircraft. It adjoins an existing aerodrome, and is well situated for railway facilities. Careful inquiry showed that sufficient suitable labour could be obtained in the surrounding district without diverting labour from agriculture and without making it necessary to build dwelling-houses. From the productional point of view the site was found to present advantages over a site in any of the Special Areas, and it was on this consideration that it was selected. In view, however, of the wider considerations involved, my Noble Friend the Secretary of State for Air is prepared to waive his preference for the White Waltham site on the grounds mentioned, and he is taking immediate steps to find a suitable site in Lancashire to take its place in the shadow factory scheme. Mr. Rootes and his firm, who will be responsible for the management of the proposed factory, regard the White Waltham site as particularly well adapted for securing the quickest production of aircraft, but, in deference to the wishes of the Government, he and his firm will use their best efforts, in co-operation with the Air Ministry, in the selection of a new situation for the factory in Lancashire and in mitigating as far as possible any delay consequent upon the Government's decision.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this decision will give great satisfaction in the country, and particularly in the distressed areas, and also will he see that the Minister who is responsible for co-ordinating expenditure is taken into consultation before such a decision is given again?

I do not think similar cases are likely to arise in the near future.

May I thank the Prime Minister on behalf of my constituents?

Arising out of what happened at Fulham, is this a desperate attempt to save St. Pancras?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, as there is annually a credit due to Germany on Anglo-German trade, he will, next month, replace the expiring standstill agreement by a clearing and bilateral standstill arrangement by which to collect the contractual amounts due to British subjects on defaulted German long-term obligations, and to accelerate recovery of the unpaid balance owed to British exporters for goods sold to Germany before 1931?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has in reserve a working plan with which to meet a sudden collapse of the German financial structure so far as it relates to German obligations to British subjects?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now reexamine the ratios fixed by the AngloGerman Payments Agreement of 1934 and then reconstitute the machinery for an Anglo-German exchange clearing so as to be in a position, in the event of an emergency, to secure immediately the full contractual services of interest and sinking funds on German loans floated in London after 1918 and held by British subjects continuously since a specified date?

The outstanding trade debts which were due from Germany to the United Kingdom at the date of the signature of the Anglo-German Payments Agreement of 1st November, 1934, have been satisfactorily liquidated in accordance with the terms of that agreement. As regards financial debts, the short-term debts are being dealt with in accordance with the standstill agreement between the German authorities and the financial institutions concerned which is in force till 28th February, 1937. Interest on bonds of the German Government loans owned by British holders on 15th June, 1934, is being paid in full and under an agreed arrangement which is in force till 30th June, 1937, 4 per cent. Funding Bonds are being issued in respect of interest on other German medium and long-term obligations owned by British holders. The arrangements to be made both in regard to short-term debts and in regard to medium and long-term obligations (other than the German Government loans) after the existing agreements expire will no doubt form the subject of negotiations in the near future between the creditors concerned and the German authorities. His Majesty's Government will, should the creditors so request, give to them the fullest support during the course of these negotiations, and I trust that agreed settlements will be reached which will take account of all the factors of the situation including the favourable balance of trade which Germany enjoys in relation to the United Kingdom. At the present time I do not consider that any question arises of denouncing or amending the Anglo-German Payments Agreement.

In view of the considerably changed economic circumstances now existing compared with 1934, will my right hon. Friend use the persuasion of the Government to see when this agreement comes up for readjustment next month, that all the contractual obligations of the German Government shall be performed towards British creditors as there is on net balance enough credit available to the German Government to fulfil those obligations?

That is all answered in the answer that I have given.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the possibility of arranging for the temporary abolition of Entertainments Duty on all forms of living entertainment during the Coronation week, so as to encourage the maximum amount of employment in such entertainments during that period?

I am afraid that I cannot see my way to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the losses suffered by cricket clubs on account of Entertainments Duty; and whether any such clubs can qualify for exemption from this tax under the regulation permitting exemption in the case of societies which do not operate for profit whose activities are concerned with the revival of national pastimes?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second part in the negative.

In view of the fact that these clubs are not run for profit but for the encouragement of this great national game, does not my right hon. Friend think that they have a very good case, at any rate for an adjustment of tax, if not complete exemption?

My hon. Friend will observe that the case which he cites is one which is concerned with the revival of a national pastime. I am not aware that cricket is a pastime that requires revival.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the resentment in this country caused by the excessive duties levied by the Customs and Excise Department on Christmas presents from the United States and elsewhere; and whether, as the United States post office make concessions on Christmas and other presents sent from Great Britain by forgoing such charges, he will consider making similar concessions before next Christmas?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on 9th November last to a similar question by the hon. Member for Evesham (Mr. De la Bere) of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether he will, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, import or take steps to develop, over a period of years, nursery stocks of Juglans regia and nigra walnut trees, and then plant them out in suitable districts controlled by the Forestry Commission in order to provide timber for cabinet-making and interior-building fittings, as well as for fruit, in place of imports of this timber and fruit?

The Forestry Commissioners have been experimenting for the last six years on the raising of walnut trees. Results appear promising but until a few more growing seasons have elapsed and more definite information is available it would be unwise to create walnut plantations.

asked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, what wages are paid in the different counties where the operations of the commission are carried on?

The time rate of wages paid by the Forestry Commissioners in England and Wales is 39s. per week in Glamorgan, 36s. in Carnarvon and 35s. in all other counties. In the north-eastern counties in Scotland the rate is 38s., and in others 40s. 6d.

asked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether there is any intention of increasing the wages of the forestry workers in consequence of the increased cost of living?

The Forestry Commissioners are undertaking an investigation into the rates of wages of their forest workers and revisions may result.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say why the rate of wages should be lower in the North of Scotland than in other parts of that country?

It is higher than it is in England.

I said lower than in other parts of that country.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether the rate of wages quoted a moment ago includes the payment of rent for their holding or exclude it?

Oh, no; it is the cash wage on time rates.

Have the men small holdings or a bit of land attached to their cottages?

asked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether it is the intention of the Commissioners to instal electric light in the workers' cottages, seeing that the wires are already attached to the gable-ends of one set of cottages?