asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the need for an increase in benefits or allowances to be made at the Christmas period to all applicants for insurance benefit and applicants for assistance from the Unemment Assistance Board; and can he state the amounts that are to be allowed?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Southwark, Central (Mr. Day) on 10th November.

Are steps taken to inform the recipients of standard benefit that they can apply to the Unemployment Assistance Board for weekly allowances if their circumstances require it?

I think that they understand that. If the hon. Gentleman knows of any cases in which he thinks that they do not know their rights, perhaps he will let we know.

Is it not a fact that it is not generally known? If the right hon. Gentleman will make it known I am sure that many more will apply.

I think the hon. Gentleman is referring to the weekly allowances, and the question on the Order Paper deals with allowances for Christmas.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can make a statement on the arrangements that are to be made at the Employment Exchanges and the offices of the Unemployment Assistance Board during the Christmas and New Year periods; and will he take steps to minimise the inconvenience to applicants and avoid the formation of queues as far as is possible?

In general, Employment Exchanges and area offices of the Board in England and Wales will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, 26th and 27th December; certain offices in the north of England may also be shut on Monday, 2nd January; offices in Scotland will be closed on Monday, 26th December, and Monday, 2nd January. Payment of benefit and allowances will take place on the usual days. Posters will be exhibited some time before Christmas giving details of the arrangements. Every effort will be made by officers of the Ministry and the Board to meet the convenience of applicants for benefit and allowances, and it is hoped that if the guidance given in the posters is followed, waiting will be reduced to a minimum.

In order to assist the officials and those applying for benefit, will the Minister take steps to see that those who are in employment will be informed of the arrangements so that those who are on short time and those who desire to get in this waiting period can do so with the minimum of inconvenience?

We will do our best to put it in a suitable and convincing form.

What about the case of a man able to find work and starting work on the Wednesday if he has not been able to sign on at the Employment Exchange on Bank Holiday Monday and Tuesday?

As the hon. Member knows each manager does his best to meet the special circumstances.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is the intention of the Government to establish trading estates in Durham other than those on the Team Valley, St. Helens, and Pallion sites, with a view to providing work for the large number of unemployed in the county; and, if so, when and where?

In addition to financing the establishment of the Team Valley Trading Estate and the provision of factories on the sites at Pallion and St. Helens Auckland, the Commissioner is always prepared in suitable circumstances to assist the establishment of an industrial undertaking elsewhere by the provision of a factory or otherwise. It is, however, not the intention to establish another Trading Estate or to acquire any further large sites for groups of factories.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what plans the Government really have to deal with unemployment in Durham?

Perhaps we shall be able to deal with that matter next Monday.

Is it not the case that the Improvement Association are providing for the clearance of certain sites at Shildon and elsewhere, and is it not intended to take steps to facilitate the setting up of new factories there?

That is covered in my answer. What the hon. Member asked for in his question was information about the trading estates, and I have given him the facts.

Is any arrangement to be made for the transfer of the workmen from the St. Helens site to other parts of Durham in view of the fire which occurred recently?

I think that it would be rather difficult to do so, but I should like to have notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of industries established in the county of Durham, excluding the trading estates, established as the result of overtures made to industrialists by the Commissioner for the Special Areas?

The number of industrial undertakings established or in course of being established in Durham, with assistance from the Commissioner for the Special Areas, outside the trading estate at Team Valley, is 15. Negotiations are in progress with three other undertakings.

Are any of those in derelict villages that are far removed from these trading estates?

I shall be glad to send the hon. Member a list.

Is the Minister satisfied that this method alone will meet the needs of these areas?

I am never satisfied. We are constantly adding to our good deeds.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with a state of things in which 20,000 people have been out of work for years in one comity alone?

I certainly am not, and we are applying all our energies to overcome it.

asked the Minister of Labour the reason for the refusal of the district committee of the Unemployment Assistance Board to give assistance to Mrs. E. Lebow, of 41, Nathaniel Buildings, E.1?

I am informed that the chairman of the appeal tribunal, whose decision on an appeal on such a matter is final, decided that Mrs. Lebow was not within the scope of the Unemployment Assistance Act, and the Board therefore had no power to grant her an allowance.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this woman had completed the maximum period of unemployment insurance, which proves that she had been for years in employment—

No, that is not right.

—and that when I applied to the local branch of the Unemployment Assistance Board for an explanation, the letter I received was vague and meaningless?

There is nothing vague or meaningless about the finding of the appeal tribunal, which confirmed the officer's decision, which was that she was a person whose normal occupation was not one in respect of which unemployment assistance is payable.

asked the Minister of Labour how many applicants for unemployment assistance had the means test applied to their application in the most recent week for which the information is available; what was the average amount consequently deducted from normal assistance; how many nil determinations resulted; and what was the total economy involved?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a similar question put by him on 23rd June last. I am not in a position to add to that reply except to say that recent inquiry has shown that in the week ended 4th November the number of nil determinations given in cases where the applicant was adjudged to be not in need of an allowance was 2,797.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the reply which he previously gave did not disclose the answer to the latter part of my question, namely, the total economies resulting from the means test; and may I ask whether that was due to his inability, or to his unwillingness, to give the information?

I refer the hon. Member to the replies which I have given to this question, one of which covered nearly a column of the OFFICIAL REPORT. The reasons were there very fully set out, and have been repeated on many occasions.

How is it that the reasons and the amounts were given in the first year of the operation of this matter and cannot be given now?

It is not a question of the amount but of the form of the question, which goes far wider than any particular amount, and raises other issues as well.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has made any recommendations recently to ensure the lengthening of the period of additional winter allowances to the unemployed?

No, Sir.

Do the Government or does the right hon. Gentleman intend to re-examine in the near future the whole question of winter allowances?

The answer is that the Government have just passed a great reform whereby, over the whole field, winter allowances in terms of need are possible.

Is there any indication in the Government's Measure that they intend to lengthen the term of the winter allowances?

Those with material need can get winter allowances between 14th November, 1938, and 15th April, 1939, and if the hon. Member will compare that with the 20 authorities who have done it locally, he will find that the period compares very favourably.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is in a position to make a statement with regard to the disturbances at Islington, Stepney, and Lewisham Unemployment Assistance Board's offices concerning the disagreement between officials of the Unemployment Assistance Board and the unemployed as to winter allowances?

I am informed by the Board that on the morning of Wednesday, 16th November, three separate groups of men (30 in all, of whom some were applicants to the Board), gathered in the Board's offices at Camden Town, Camberwell and Shoreditch and demanded a general flat rate for winter allowances irrespective of needs. They barricaded themselves in rooms on the premises and declared their intention of not coming out until their demands were met. Police officers were called in, and at Camden Town the men were persuaded to leave, but in the other two offices entry to the barricaded rooms had to be forced. All the persons concerned subsequently dispersed without further incident.

Are not these disturbances symptoms of the dissatisfaction which has been caused by the economies which have been introduced at these exchanges in individual cases?

No, Sir, I am not aware of that. All the facts in my possession show careful planning and organisation, not too efficient, and I see no reason why I should do anything to advertise action of this kind.

In view of the fact that in the matter of winter allowances discrimination as between one man and another is bound to cause discontent, will the Minister see that where allowances are being paid the winter allowances should also be given?

That is the general position. In this case the material left behind by the demonstrators, the provisions, the wedges for barricade purposes and the fact that the Press had been informed and that photographers were there, show that this was not a spontaneous demonstration.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will receive a deputation from the Hornchurch Council to discuss their proposal for building a temporary Employment Exchange on a suitable site in the town; and, if not, whether he has any other site in view on which work can start immediately?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 10th November last. I think he is fully aware of the difficulties in finding suitable accommodation in existing premises, and he will be glad to know that in view of these difficulties my hon. Friend the First Commissioner of Works is considering urgently the erection of a new building in the locality. In the circumstances, I do not think that a deputation would serve any useful purpose.

Is the Minister aware that the Hornchurch Council have found a site which they think reasonable, and that they recommended it to the Ministry, but that so far the Ministry have given no decision on that site?

That may be so, but, as the hon. Member knows, this is not a matter for me alone, but for me in conjunction with the First Commissioner of Works. We are dealing with the matter urgently.

Would not the visit of a deputation enable the difficulty to be gone into and a way out found?

I do not think so. I think we can ascertain all the facts without them. If on further inquiry I find further information necessary, I will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour when the scheme came into operation for dealing with all disputed claims for unemployment benefit through the chief insurance officer in the Glasgow Exchange instead of by the insurance officer at each local exchange; whether he is aware that in the South Side Exchange delay is now taking place in dealing with these claims; and whether he intends to take any action?

These arrangements came into operation at Glasgow on 17th October, 1938. Unfortunately there was some delay at first in dealing with some of the claims, but I have no reason to fear that this will happen again.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps have been taken, or are being considered, to provide additional winter allowances for applicants to the Unemployment Assistance Boards in the Islands and Highlands of Scotland; and what special provision is being made for applicants with children who require additional food and clothing against winter conditions on their way to and from distant schools?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply to his question on 3rd November, 1938. I am informed by the board that the cases in the Islands and Highlands have now been considered for allowances under the Unemployment Assistance (Winter Adjustments) Regulations, 1938, and that additions have been granted where the circumstances of the case appear to require it.

How many additional allowances will be paid?

I am informed that a count was taken on 22nd November as to the cases. I am not sure of the exact number of cases, but I believe that in the Island of Lewis 450 will get it. Perhaps the hon. Member will communicate with me, or put a further question a little later, when the inquiry has been completed.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement on the fire which has destroyed one factory and damaged another on the trading estate at St. Helen's, Auckland; and whether the Commissioner for the Special Areas will make good the loss or any part thereof, and will take steps to see that these factories are repaired and resume work as soon as possible?

I have not yet received a final report on this unfortunate accident, but, according to available information, a fire on the evening of 19th November destroyed all but the shell of a leather-goods factory at St. Helen's, Auckland, and occasioned considerable damage to the roof of an adjoining factory and some of its contents. I regret to say that, as a result, some 350 persons will be—I hope only temporarily—thrown out of employment. I should like to take this opportunity of expressing my sympathy with all who have suffered from this fire, which has occasioned an unhappy setback to two undertakings which have recently been established in this district with assistance from the Commissioner for the Special Areas. Arrangements are being made to expedite the work of repair and rebuilding, and the possibilities of providing temporary accommodation are being examined. The loss of plant, machinery and material within the factories is not a matter with which the Commissioner is directly concerned, but I am informed that it is in the main covered by insurance.

So far as the damage was not covered by insurance, will the Commissioner be prepared to make good the loss so that work can start again as soon as possible?

I should like to see that question down in definite terms.

asked the Minister of Labour how many Employment Exchanges, in addition to those in Denmark Street, W.C., and Tavistock Street, W.C., have been set up in the last five years to deal only with the workers in one industry?

Three special domestic employment offices dealing solely with applicants for domestic employment have been opened at Cardiff, Sunderland and Keswick.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that on a recent occasion there was insufficient money at the Romford Employment Exchange to enable 40 men to draw benefit; and what was the reason for this?

Yes, Sir. An abnormally large number of cases arose for payment at short notice after the banks were closed. The number of unpaid cases was about 20 (out of a total of 1,628), and the money was available for all next morning.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there are many cases of unemployed men in Liverpool who have not yet received winter allowances; and whether he will expedite payments?

I am informed by the Unemployment Assistance Board that the review of current cases in Liverpool in accordance with instructions issued by the Board in connection with increased allowances under the Winter Adjustments Regulations—of which a copy was placed in the Library—has now been completed. Each case has been considered on its merits and an addition has been made where the circumstances require it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman able to say that all those entitled to pay received pay?

I could not say that, but if the hon. Member will put down another question I can give him the whole of the facts.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons who were in receipt of unemployment allowances in the Ilkeston, Mansfield, Barnsley, Mexborough, and Rotherham areas on 17th January last; the number who were in receipt of winter allowances at the same date; and the average amount paid in each area?

As the reply includes a table of figures I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Has the right hon. Gentleman observed, in the figures previously published, the wide disparity that exists between area and area, and would he seek to secure more generous consideration of cases?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Government of the United States of America has ratified five International Labour Office Conventions covering the regulation of working hours on merchant ships with the stipulation of an eight-hour day and the determining of the minimum manning scale to be operative during such working hours, the granting of paid holidays to seamen, the liability of shipowners when seamen are the victims of sickness, injury, or death, the minimum standards of professional capacity required of masters and officers of merchant ships, and the fixing of the minimum age for the admission of children to employment at sea, revised 1936; what other countries have ratified these conventions; and whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to accord similar ratification at an early date?

With the hon. Member's permission I propose to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing the countries which have ratified each of these Conventions. With regard to the last part of the question, the decisions of His Majesty's Government were set out in a White Paper (Cmd. 5745) published in May last of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

Is the Minister aware that quite a number of countries have ratified this Convention, and is he satisfied that this country should lag behind them?

I think that would be an unfair inference from the facts. The

Perhaps the hon. Member will look at the answer and then consider what steps he thinks we might take.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can now give further particulars of any agreement that has been reached between the employers' and the employés' associations following the inquiry he instituted into the hours and working conditions of the persons employed in the cinema industry?

Agreements for different districts are still in course of discussion and negotiations are also taking place on such matters as joint machinery for dealing with differences. As regards the details of these, I would suggest that the hon. Member should seek information from the parties themselves.

How will the Minister be able to get a bad employer who is not a member of an association to fall into line with any arrangements made?

The details of the conditions in the trade are being discussed between the trade unions and the employers, and that is the democratic way of doing things.

Does the Minister not intend to take action against the persons who are employing their people for very long hours?

The hon. Member is always suggesting compulsory action, but that is not always effective.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that this matter could be dealt with by means of a trade board?

Considerable progress has been made and a number of conclusions arrived at. Discussions are still proceeding between the trade unions and the employers on the working of the machinery, and I shall not interfere on the Floor of this House with the good work.

asked the Minister of Labour what are the intentions of the Government with regard to the ratification of the Convention for the maintenance of pension rights?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for West Leeds (Mr. V. Adams) on 21st July of this year.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that 11 States have ratified the Weekly Rest in Industries Convention without any general limitation of their weekly working hours, he will now consider ratifying this Convention before a decision has been reached on weekly hours of work?

No, Sir. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for West Leeds (Mr. V. Adams) on 21st July of this year.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that 31 States including the United States have ratified the Convention since 1921? Why should we lag behind?

The answer was given. If the hon. Member will look at the matter he will see that conditions in the United States in regard to collective agreements between trade unions and employers are entirely different from ours. I do not think that the hon. Member would say that the position in the United States is anything like comparable with ours. It is because of the conflict between many agreements in this country and the terms of the Convention that we have not ratified it.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered taking the advice of the Government's chief Diplomatic Adviser—if he is not required elsewhere?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many members of the Home Office staff have been diverted from their ordinary duties for work in connection with air-raid precautions; and what steps are being taken to make good the gaps thus created in existing Departments?

Amongst the Home Office staff now employed on work connected with air-raid precautions there are 66 officers who were formerly employed on other branches of Home Office work. The consequential vacancies have been or are being filled by ordinary methods of Civil Service recruitment.

Will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that there has been no reduction in the staff of the factory inspectorate?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in connection with an explosion at the Hackney Wick Stadium on Tuesday, 15th November; how many people were injured; and what was the cause of the explosion?

I understand that this explosion occurred in connection with the demolition of an old petrol-storage tank. Three men were seriously injured, and I much regret that two of them subsequently died from their injuries. The inquest has been adjourned for further inquiries, and it is not possible at present for any statement to be made as to the cause of the explosion.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in connection with the explosion at the works of Wessex Aircraft Engineering Company, at Highport Aerodrome, near Salisbury; how many people were injured; and what was the cause of the explosion?

An ignition, followed by a fire, occurred at these works on the 15th instant, during the mixing of a smoke composition. I regret to say that two persons were injured, but one of them was able to resume work on the following day. The accident is being investigated, but the cause of the ignition has not yet been ascertained.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in connection with a furnace accident at a Redcar works where two men were killed and others injured; and what was the cause of the accident?

I understand that a blast furnace which had been idle since August was being renovated, and that four men were engaged in removing old brick lining from some flues. The work commenced on the morning of Sunday last, and in the afternoon the men were affected by gas. Two of them climbed out and appear to be fully recovered; one was rescued but died in hospital; the body of the fourth was extricated later. Four other men were affected by gas in attempting to recover the body. The case is being further investigated.

asked the Home Secretary whether he proposes to introduce during the current Session a Coroners Amendment Bill to give effect to the recommendations made nearly four years ago by Lord Wright's Committee?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to a question on this subject by my hon. Friend the Member for the Hitchin Division of Hertfordshire (Sir A. Wilson) on the 14th instant.

asked the Home Secretary how many reports have been made to the police within the Metropolitan police area in the last year of the loss of carpenters' and joiners' tools by thefts; in how many cases were prosecutions instituted and in how many were convictions obtained; and in how many cases were any or all of the tools recovered?

Separate statistics of this class of simple larceny are not kept, but from an analysis of crime reports, which has been specially made for the three months ended 31st October, it appears that 454 cases of thefts of tools of various descriptions were reported during that period; in 32 cases the crimes were cleared up and in 26 the tools were recovered, but my right hon. Friend regrets that without further research it is not possible to give statistics of prosecutions and convictions.

asked the Home Secretary what action he proposes to take in light of the Resolution passed by this House on Wednesday, 16th November, in favour of the abolition of the death penalty?

To give effect to the Resolution in question, legislation would be required, and I explained in the course of the Debate the objections to legislation altering the law on this subject for an experimental period.

If I put down an Amendment to the Criminal justice Bill, will the Home Office leave that matter to a free vote of the House?

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Resolution in question does not represent the view of the country?

If, in spite of the objections which were stated by the hon. Gentleman on behalf of the Government, the House came to a decision in favour of the proposal, why should not the Government respond to the desire of the House?

Will the Under-Secretary and the Secretary of State also bear in mind the fact that within the last few days two little girls, aged six and four, have been foully done to death, and that nothing ought to be done that would encourage such fiends?

Will they also bear in mind the fact that the death penalty is in operation at the time when these things have happened?

asked the Home Secretary whether he will introduce legislation to promote deportation in the case of all aliens who are convicted of criminal offences?

Legislation is unnecessary, as the powers of deportation contained in the Aliens Order are adequate.

asked the Home Secretary in how many cases of the 205 aliens recommended by the courts for deportation in 1936 and of the 167 in 1937 the deportations were, in fact, carried out?

As the answer includes a number of figures, I will, with my hon.

If the Home Office are about to abolish the "cat," how can they logically retain the rope?

asked the Home Secretary the number of appeals made in each of the last 10 years to the Court of Criminal Appeal against a sentence of detention in a Borstal institution; and the number of cases in which the appeal has been successful?

As the answer is in the form of a tabular statement, I propose, with my hon. Friend's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can my hon. Friend say what is the reason for not carrying out all these orders?

There are certain cases where it is not possible to establish the nationality of the persons concerned, and when that is so there are technical bars to the carrying out of the order.

Does not my hon. Friend think that the removal from this country of aliens of bad character would give more room for the introduction to this country of alien refugees of good character?

asked the Home Secretary whether in view of the fact that the Minister of Transport informed the St. Marylebone Borough Council on 2rst October, 1938, that he had no jurisdiction over the announced intention of the Traffic Commissioner for the Metropolitan area to establish omnibus standings in Cavendish Square, except upon an appeal from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, he will direct the Commissioner of Police to lodge such an appeal upon the dual grounds that the inhabitants of the square, as well as the local authority, are in determined opposition to the proposal and that it will tend largely to increase traffic congestion?

I understand that the Traffic Commissioner for the Metropolitan area has not yet announced a decision as to the omnibus standings in question, and at present, therefore, the question of an appeal does not arise. In any event the power to appeal to the Minister of Transport against any decision of the Traffic Commissioner is a power conferred directly upon the Commissioner of Police by Section 6i of the London Passenger Transport Act, 1933, and my right hon. Friend has no jurisdiction in the matter and no authority to give the suggested direction to the Commissioner.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, at an adjourned inquest held at Tettenhall, Staffordshire, on 3oth September, to inquire into the death by a motor cycle acci- dent of a youth named Maurice Grainger, of Bradmore, Wolverhampton, the parents of the youth received no notice of the inquest and were unaware that it had taken place till informed afterwards; and whether he will inquire into this case?

My right hon. Friend's attention had not previously been drawn to this case. Although he has no jurisdiction in this matter, he is causing inquiries to be made, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the widespread interest taken in the question of Jewish refugees, he will arrange for the weekly publication of figures showing the number of adults and children admitted to this country?

As my right hon. Friend previously explained, there are difficulties in the way of giving figures showing the number of refugees who arrive in a given week, because amongst those who come here as visitors or students there are some who apply later to be allowed to stay as refugees, but my right hon. Friend will consider whether figures can be compiled of those who are identifiable on arrival as refugees.

asked the Home Secretary the duration of time that Jewish refugee children are to be allowed to remain in this country; and whether he will see that steps are taken to keep trace of the children and arrange for their leaving the country at a fixed age?

It is proposed that refugee children admitted to this country under the care of the Inter-Aid Committee for Children may be permitted to remain in this country for purely educational or training purposes until they have completed their education or training, on condition that they are not placed in ordinary employment. A record will be kept of each individual child.

Will the Government consider issuing a White Paper with regard to aliens coming into this country, giving the exact conditions and guarantees under which they will be admitted?

In the interests of the good name of this country, will the hon. Gentleman do his best to discourage questions such as this?

In the interests of the future of this country, will he see that undesirable people are not admitted?

Will the Government act in the spirit of the Home Secretary's speech, and consider the interests of the children first?

If all these children are to be allowed to come here, will the Government consider the claims of the Chinese?

asked the Home Secretary whether, since the plight of part-Jews in Greater Germany is even more tragic than that of whole-Jews, owing to the latter having the support of wealthy and influential organisations, and having regard to the fact that, owing to their lesser degree of distinctiveness, part-Jews are less difficult of absorption into non-Jewish populations, he will give an assurance that the ratio of these two classes will be approximately adhered to in respect of both children and adult refugees admitted into this country for permanent settlement?

Applications made by or on behalf of refugees are considered on their merits without discrimination as to race or religion, and it would not be possible for my right hon. Friend to promise that, if so many refugees of one description are admitted, an equal number of another description will be admitted, but my right lion. Friend is in entire agreement with the view that as sympathetic consideration should be given to the one class as to the other.

Will an endeavour be made to keep a record, so that we may be able to check how far the Home Secretary implements his good intentions?

I will consider that point.

asked the Home Secretary whether His Majesty's Government have under consideration the provision of any financial assistance for the accommodation and training of German or other refugee children who may be brought to this country?

The question whether financial assistance should be given by Governments was one of the matters considered at the Evian Meeting, and the view taken by the countries represented at that meeting was that the Governments of the countries of refuge and settlement should not assume any obligations for the financing of involuntary emigration.

Has the Minister received any representations from the Inter-Aid Committee or other refugee organisations with regard to financial assistance; and does he consider that it will be possible to deal with the urgency of these refugee children?

I am not aware of any representations of that nature.

Will not my hon. Friend reconsider that decision, in view of the increase in the nature of the problem? Would not the Government be prepared to contribute, to responsible private agencies, at least £1 for £1?

Will my hon. Friend consider the interests of the British taxpayer?

Will any representations that are made be considered?

My right hon. Friend is always prepared to consider all representations, but in saying that I must not be taken to imply any particular undertaking.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in order to avoid prolonged delays, he is prepared to grant a bloc visa for groups of Jewish refugee children from Austria and Germany in cases in which provision for maintenance is guaranteed?

Yes, Sir. It has been decided to waive the requirement of a visa for refugee children brought to this country for education purposes under the care of the Inter-Aid Committee for Children. I would refer to the reply which I gave yesterday to the right hon and gallant Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood).

What is the upper age limit for a child?

Seventeen.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the special needs of refugees, he will consider reserving for the present new permits to aliens to reside and work exclusively for such refugees, and will also cause the permits already held by aliens to be reviewed and withdrawn when the alien might, without hardship, be required to return to his own country in order to make more room for refugees?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on this matter to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, East (Mr. Mander) on 7th July.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government would be willing, in conjunction with the other members of the Inter-Governmental Committee for Refugees, to contribute financial assistance or support an international loan to assist in the settlement of German or other refugees overseas?

asked the Prime Minister whether instructions will be given to the representatives of His Majesty's Government at the forthcoming meeting of the Inter-Governmental Commission on Refugees to support the issue of an international loan to aid the settlement of Jewish refugees; and whether His Majesty's Government are prepared to make a substantial contribution to such a loan under suitable conditions?

It is not possible at present to form any reliable estimate of the expenditure which the settlement of Jewish refugees will involve, but hon. Members will appreciate that Government support for an international loan would involve reconsideration by the Inter-Governmental Committee of the recommendations made to the Governments which participated in the Evian Meeting.

Has the right hon. Gentleman noticed the statement made by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in a broadcast on Tuesday, that we have to envisage not fewer than 600,000 refugees leaving Germany in a short time, and does he think it possible to deal adequately with a problem of that kind by voluntary effort? Will he consider what representations the Government should make to the Inter-Governmental Committee on the question of financial assistance?

I have not noticed that particular statement, but my right hon. Friend himself is very closely associated—I think he is the principal member—with that Inter-Governmental organisation.

Who will guarantee this loan?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the extreme urgency of the question, as it has developed since the Evian Conference, and will he see, therefore, that the British Government give a lead to this Conference?

I did not refer to the Evian Conference myself, but I observed that the stipulation had been made, as I stated at the time when the Evian Conference was created, on the proposal of the American Government.

Will my right hon. Friend remember that we have a large number of unemployed in this country?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that two young Frenchmen with their passports in order, on arriving last Saturday at Newhaven for the sole purpose of attending as delegates a meeting in aid of the Youths' Foodship for Spain and returning next day to Paris, were questioned as to their political opinions, and on admitting they were Communists were prevented from landing; whether the passport officers had authority to exercise this kind of discrimination; and under what regulation?

The two persons referred to, each of whom denied any knowledge of the other, did not disclose to the immigration officer that they were coming to this country to attend a meeting. On the contrary, they stated that they were coming to visit friends for a week-end, but they could produce no evidence on the point, and the immigration officer was not satisfied that they could properly be given leave to land. As regards the last part of the question, the papers which they produced showed that they held Communistic views, which they readily proclaimed, and that the object of their visit might be to engage in propaganda connected with the Spanish struggle. As has been stated on previous occasions, it is the policy of His Majesty's Government not to grant facilities to foreigners to enter this country for the purpose of furthering the interests or engaging in propaganda on behalf of either side in the Spanish struggle.

When the immigration officer questioned these two young men, did be question them on the fact that they were coming to speak for a relief organisation, or that the week-end was to be spent in being entertained by the Cambridge Union?

I was not aware of those facts, but I think it is time that someone said a word of commendation of the very difficult work done by the immigration officers. Every day they have to decide extremely difficult points, and I am really not prepared to make any apology for their action, particularly in cases where applicants have made patently untrue statements.

Can the hon. Gentleman give any guarantee that, when any Members of the Government go abroad, they do not commit themselves to any Fascist ideas?

Will my hon. Friend convey the congratulations of the Government to the immigration officers?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make any statement as to when the Cotton Enabling Bill is likely to be brought before this House for Second Reading?

The proposals for this Measure are at present under discussion between the Joint Committee of Cotton Trade Organisations and various interests that are likely to be affected by it. In these circumstances, I am not yet in a position to announce when the Bill will come before the House.

Is there a chance of it being brought in before Christmas?

I cannot give a definite answer. A good deal will depend on how rapidly these negotiations progress.

Whenever a decision has been come to, will the Bill be brought in?

If agreement is reached, I think the Bill will be brought in soon afterwards.

If no agreement is reached, is there no alternative legislation calculated to improve the condition of the cotton industry?

It is hoped that the negotiations will result in agreement.

Is the Scottish section of the cotton trade being consulted?

Yes, it is being consulted.

Is it the new policy of the Government to bring in Bills only when there is complete agreement with everybody concerned?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the local councils concerned recently objected to advertisements which they consider injuriously affect the views of rural scenery, but that the magistrates took a different view and refused to interfere with the advertisements; and whether he will consider strengthening the law whereby elected bodies will have more power of decision in cases of this nature with a view to protecting public amenities?

The question of strengthening the Advertisements Regulation Acts is now being examined by a committee set up by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. Friend.

Will my hon. Friend take steps to make certain that the bureaucrats are not left unchecked by the courts of justice?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can now state what steps local authorities should take regarding those trenches dug during the crisis which are suitable for retention?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he has now decided on the best type of trenches suitable for the shelter of the civil population in air-raids; and whether instructions have gone out to the local air-raid authorities advising them on the best types for their district?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether local authorities have yet received instructions as to the action to be taken with regard to the trenches prepared during the recent emergency; and, if not, when such instructions will be dispatched?

As the House knows, the decision that properly sited trenches should be made permanent was taken some days ago; but if that decision had been communicated to the local authorities at that stage, a detailed scheme of the work to be carried out would have had to be submitted for approval in every case before the local authority could know whether Government grant would be available. This would have involved a large amount of correspondence and much delay; and, in order to avoid this, I decided that it would be preferable to defer sending any circular to the local authorities until we could give them clear guidance showing what type of permanent construction would be approved for purposes of grant. A standard plan, with a general specification and a bill of quantities, has now been prepared in consultation with public works contractors and technical officers of local authorities; and I am communicating this forthwith to all local authorities, so that they may proceed at once with the knowledge that, if they carry out the work in accordance with this plan and within the cost indicated in the specification, the expenditure will rank for grant under the Air Raid Precautions Act, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health will also be prepared to agree that the expenditure falling on the local authorities shall be treated on a loan basis. The details of the arrangements for giving unemployed labour opportunities of paid employment in connection with this work are included in the circular.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the strong opinion among experts and many well-informed members of the public as to the great dangers attaching to trenches as air-raid refuges, and will he take into full consideration the question of whether they are suitable in view of the dangers connected with them?

Are the many long, straight trenches which were dug during the crisis considered perfectly sited?