asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what are the arrangements under which judges are appointed to deal with criminal cases involving the death penalty for any of the inhabitants of the three High Commission Territories of South Africa; whether the judges are under the direct control of the Crown; and by whom are their salaries paid?

The courts in the three High Commission Territories in which criminal cases involving the death penalty are tried are presided over by a judge who was appointed by the High Commissioner for Basutoland, the Bechuanaland Protectorate and Swaziland, and holds office under the Crown. He is paid from the funds of the three Territories.

Are these cases tried by a judge alone, or by a judge and jury as in this country?

There is no jury, but the judge is assisted by assessors, or individuals answering to that description.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has now any statement to make on his conversations with Mr. Pirow?

When Mr. Pirow was in London a fortnight ago he gave to a number of Ministers here an account of the impressions which he gathered during his journey through Europe, and these were discussed with him. Beyond certain talks on questions of trade and communications, his conversations with members of the Governments of the various countries he visited were informal and personal, and I have no statement to make upon them.

May I ask whether, in the course of his conversations with His Majesty's Government, any discrepancy was discovered between the views of the British Government and the Union Government as regards the cession of Mandated Territories to Germany?

Obviously, I cannot report the upshot of private and personal conversations, but an answer is to be given later on the attitude of the Dominion Governments towards the question of the cession of territories.

Was anything detrimental to British trading interests revealed as a result of these conversations between Mr. Pirow and members of foreign Governments?

Not that I am aware of.

May we take it that His Majesty's Government do not agree with the pessimistic outlook of Mr. Pirow as regards the possibility of war in the spring?

The attitude of His Majesty's Government has been very faithfully stated by the Prime Minister and other Ministers.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, on the occasion of Mr. Pirow's visit to this country, the opportunity was taken of considering the adequacy of the arrangements for insuring the naval defence of the South African Union in time of war; and whether any consideration was given to the desirability of the Union Government undertaking a larger share in the joint naval defence of Union territory in the future?

The object of Mr. Pirow's visit was to discuss certain technical aspects of the Defence programme of the Union of South Africa, including questions of naval defence, and the questions involved were settled as a result of discussion with him. As to the details of the discussions, I cannot anticipate any statement which Mr. Pirow may make after his return to South Africa, since this is a matter for His Majesty's Government in the Union of South Africa.

In view of the fact that the Union of South Africa is the only Dominion which has no naval forces of any kind, and in view of the fact that the very existence of the Union depends on naval security, will not my right hon. Friend take an early opportunity of suggesting that the Union Government should contribute some naval units towards the joint defence of Union territory?

I think my hon. Friend is aware that the Minister of Defence in the Union did recently announce the expenditure of very considerable sums of money on the defence of the Union, and a good deal of that, of course, is involved in certain naval defences.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will inquire if a Press Officer of the Union of South Africa is to be appointed in London for informing this country on the Union policy in respect to the High Commission Territories; and whether His Majesty's Government have been consulted upon the matter?

I am aware that His Majesty's Government in the Union of South Africa have recently appointed a Press Relations Officer in London; I understand that his duties will be the ordinary duties of a Press Officer, without any particular reference to the matter to which the hon. Member refers. Consultation with His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom regarding an appointment of this kind is not appropriate.

Is it proposed that a somewhat similar appointment should be made by this Government in the Union itself?

I think the hon. Member has completely misunderstood the purpose of the appointment of this officer. His functions are simply the normal functions of a Press Officer, and I am advised that they have nothing to do with the spreading of this or that view regarding native policy in South Africa.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what protest he has had from the Government of New Zealand on the statement made by the Empire Director of the Federation of British Industries respecting our trade relationship with that Dominion in the eventuality of their proceeding with their import-control plans; and will he, in reply, assure the New Zealand Government that this country will do nothing prejudicial to the good relationship existing between Great Britain and New Zealand?

I have received no communication from His Majesty's Government in New Zealand with regard to the statement referred to, and the latter part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that, in his capacity as Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, he should be vitally interested in what, surely, is a most deplorable statement made by the Empire Director and one likely to be most prejudicial to the future relationship of this country and New Zealand; and, further, would he agree that, in fact, this particular statement by the Director is likely to accelerate the very process of Imperial disintegration to which he referred?

The authors of the statement were perfectly within their rights in expressing their views on this matter, and I have yet to learn that either the Government or anyone else in New Zealand regard them as having gone beyond their rights in expressing those opinions.

Do I take it that the right hon. Gentleman agrees with the sentiments expressed by the Empire Director?

I did not say anything of the sort, or intend to imply that. I merely said that they were within their rights in stating their own views.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman fully agree that the New Zealand Government have a perfect right to conduct their trade in their own way, without the interference of anybody in this country?

Certainly, but there are certain agreements between the New Zealand Government and this Government, and the New Zealand Government are just as anxious as we are to pursue these trading matters in a spirit of cooperation. I have no doubt that frankness on both sides will help forward that spirit.

Is it not true that the agreements to which the right hon. Gentleman referred have not been violated by the New Zealand Government in a single instance?

Yes, Sir. I have never suggested that they have been violated either in the past or now.

Will the right hon. Gentleman express, on behalf of His Majesty's Government, his disapproval of any attempt being made by financial quarters in this country, to bring pressure to bear on the New Zealand Government because they do not agree with that Government's economic policy?

I think the New Zealand Government are very capable of looking after themselves.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman's interest does not lie far more with the New Zealand Government than with these private concerns?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the representations which have been made by the County Councils Associations of Scotland and England in regard to the need for an inquiry into weights and measures legislation, suggesting many lines of amendment and extension of existing legislation which would afford better protection for the public, and that these suggestions cannot be met by amendment or extension of the regulations made under the Weights and Measures Acts; and is he now in a position to say whether he is prepared to introduce the necessary amending legislation?

As I have already explained to the hon. Member, the examination of the regulations is being put in hand and I hope that this examination, which must necessarily take some time, will show that it is possible, by amendment of the regulations, to meet in considerable part the representations by the County Councils' Associations. The question whether a committee of inquiry or legislation is desirable will be considered when the review of existing regulations has been completed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the County Councils' Associations and their technical advisers definitely challenge the statement that it is possible to deal with the proposals which they have submitted for the consideration of his Department by means of amendments, that only two things can be dealt with by amendment, and that all the other proposals must be of necessity require legislation?

It is in order to see whether that view is correct that I am examining these regulations.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an indication as to when the inquiry will be completed, as there is doubt on the part of some authorities as to whether amendment of the regulations would be effective from the point of view of the safety of the public, which could be provided for by new legislation?

I think we shall deal with it more speedily and effectively in the way I have suggested.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is aware that the Cinematograph Films Act has not proved beneficial to the British film industry; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy the matter;

(2) whether he is aware that British cinematograph exhibitors are faced with a shortage of feature films, while simultaneously large numbers of persons normally employed in the home studios are out of work owing to the greatly reduced production of such films, due to the lack of financial confidence in the future of the industry; and whether he will take remedial action?

The number of long films, both British and foreign, registered since the beginning of April shows a considerable decrease as compared with the same period last year, and I am aware that exhibitors are complaining of a shortage of feature films. I hope that in these altered conditions, new finance may be attracted to British film production. I cannot admit that the effect of the new legislation has not been beneficial to the industry. The average quality of the British films produced this year has undoubtedly improved, and the decrease in their numbers is due to other circumstances.

Is it not the case that if British film production continues as it has been doing during the first eight months of this year, there will be, at the most, only 85 British long films produced in the year, as against 225 last year; that, with the intense American competition, the British film industry cannot exist unless it is protected, and that there is nothing in the Act to encourage British finance to come into the British film industry?

I think there is only one thing which will induce British finance to come into the industry, and that is that the industry should make better films. As I said, there have been signs during the past year that, since the passage of the Act, the quality of the films has improved considerably.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of British long films registered in the years ended 31st March, 1937, and 31st March, 1938; and the approximate number which it is estimated will be registered in the year ending 31st March, 1939?

In the year ended 31st March, 1937, 225 British long films were registered and in the succeeding year 228. During the present quota year 68 have so far been registered and six applications are under consideration. I am unable to say how many will be registered during the remaining part of the quota year.

In view of the tremendous unemployment which persists in this industry, will my right hon. Friend consider setting up a commission to investigate the matter?

No, Sir; the recent Act set up a council which will investigate the matter, and they will have to report in a few months' time on the state of the film trade.

Does my right hon. Friend consider that number satisfactory?

No, I should like to see more, but what I consider is satisfactory is that the films which are being produced are better than they used to be.

Is it not a fact that last year the number of British films of good quality produced was twice that of this year?

It depends on what is called "good films."

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of films in production in England in December, 1937, and to-day?

I regret that I have no official information about the number of films in production at any given time.

Though he has not the exact figures, does not my right hon. Friend agree that they have, at any rate, very much decreased in recent months; and in view of that fact, and of the other fact which he gave in the previous answer, can he still say that the Act has had a satisfactory effect upon the industry as a whole, seeing how many fewer people are getting employment in the industry?

I believe it will have a satisfactory effect, but, as I said in answer to an earlier question, the only sound basis for British films is good quality, and in that respect there has been a very substantial advance recently.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of people employed in film production in this country in December, 1937, and to-day; and what percentage of this number are British?

I am afraid that the information is not available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, as a result of the visit of His Majesty the King of Rumania to this country, negotiations have been started for a commercial treaty between Rumania and this country?

No. Sir. Commercial relations between Rumania and this country are governed by the Anglo-Rumanian Commercial Treaty of 1930 and the Anglo-Rumanian Payments Agreement which was revised as recently as last September.

Is there no intention of doing anything to further our trade with Rumania other than the export credit guarantee proposals of the Government in the new Bill?

The hon. Gentleman asked me whether we had negotiated a new commercial treaty. I have answered that. What he is now asking goes far beyond his original question.

I have asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he is prepared to go beyond what is proposed in the new Bill and to negotiate a treaty for the encouragement of our trade with Rumania?

Perhaps the hon. Member would put that question down.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is aware that it has been for some time the policy of the British Iron and Steel Federation to eliminate all middlemen and merchants from the business of selling, through their agency, the products of iron and steel manufacturers; and will he consider taking action to prevent this in future;

(2) whether he is aware that old-established factors and agents in the business of selling iron and steel products are not permitted by the British Iron and Steel Federation to place orders to factories which are desirous of making and delivering such manufactures until they disclose who are the principals of such agents; and whether he will take steps to put an end to this practice;

(3) whether he is aware that many iron and steel manufacturers are not allowed by the British Iron and Steel Federation, acting through their subsidiary associations, to accept orders from merchants because the latter are not members of their federation, in spite of the fact that many of the factories are working short time, with resulting unemployment; and what action does he propose to take to remedy this situation?

I am informed that working arrangements exist between the producers and merchants in regard to the distribution of iron and steel products, but difficulties have recently arisen in certain districts with regard to sales of heavy steel. Discussions are proceeding between the National Federation of Iron and Steel Merchants and the British Iron and Steel Federation with a view to an amicable settlement of the points at issue.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the steel-makers and the shipbuilders have been negotiating and that the price proposed by the makers, which is a reduction of 17s. 6d., does not meet the demand of the shipbuilders who desire that it should be 30s.; and what action are the Government prepared to take to meet the discrepancy between the makers and those who are going to be the users of the steel in the shipyards?

The point which the hon. Member has raised is quite different from that raised in these questions. As I have informed the House, I am in communication with the shipbuilders with regard to the very difficult position of the shipbuilding industry, and I hope we shall be able to find some solution.

Is it not the case that a fortnight ago I put the same question, and the right hon. Gentleman gave me the same answer?

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether the manufacturers of iron and steel are not able to do their business without employing middlemen; and is there any necessity why this additional cost should be put upon the price of the article?

Is it not true that it would be to the general interest of consumers that middlemen should be done away with?

We have had experience, quite recently, to show that whereas everybody joins in a general demand for the abolition of middlemen, when you come down to particular cases there is not the same unanimity. I think it will be found in many instances in the steel trade, that the merchants, with their unique experience of the trade, do, in fact, serve a very useful purpose.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in addition to measures already announced, he proposes to take an early opportunity of informing hon. Members of the schemes in contemplation to improve the position of our export trade?

I have at present nothing to add to the statements which have already been made.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that there is considerable disquietude in export trade quarters in this country, regarding the state of our export trade; and has he seen the report of the Associated Chambers of Commerce on this important matter?

This is not a matter which we can discuss by way of question and answer. We have had several interesting Debates on the subject recently in the House, and I have nothing to add to what was said then.

Do we understand that that is all the right hon. Gentleman proposes to do in connection with our export trade?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the methods which are now being adopted are all that could be done to accelerate our export trade, and that the Government ought to be complimented on what they have done?

Has anything been done, particularly in relation to the coal trade?

If the hon. Member was in the House on Friday he must have heard the announcement of a very valuable new agreement with France.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the imports and exports in general merchandise traffic in the River Tyne for the first 10 months of 1938, compared with the corresponding period of 1937?

I regret that the desired information is not available, as particulars of the aggregate value of imports and exports at individual ports of the United Kingdom are compiled only in respect of calendar years.

Will the Minister undertake to obtain this information for me?

No, Sir, I am afraid we cannot obtain information of this kind for broken periods. We shall be able to give it for the full 12 months.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the imports of Lancashire goods into Morocco have fallen from £1,250,000 to £50,000, roundly, during the past 10 years, whilst Moroccan exports to this country have recently substantially increased; and what steps are to be taken under the new trade arrangements with Morocco to ensure that this inequitable balance will be remedied?

I am aware that the facts are broadly as suggested in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, my hon. Friend will, no doubt, be aware that a quota system designed to assist exports of United Kingdom cotton goods to French Morocco was provided for in an exchange of notes annexed to the Commercial Treaty signed last July. The enforcement of the quotas, however, depends on the consent, to be obtained by the French Government, of certain foreign Governments possessing treaty rights in Morocco. His Majesty's Government are watching the matter closely and will take any steps in their power to facilitate the entry into force of the quotas.

Is my right hon. Friend going to enter upon new discussions with the French Government?

It is not a question of any fresh discussions, but of seeing that the results of the previous discussions are put into force as soon as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of his assurance that the proposals for the reorganisation of the cotton industry are to receive the urgent consideration of the Government, he will endeavour to arrange to pass the relative legislation through all its stages in Parliament during the current Session, provided that he receives satisfactory assurances as to the general approval of the cotton textile industry for its provisions?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the large volume of opinion in Lancashire that, in view of the present condition of the cotton industry, legislation on the lines of the draft Enabling Bill should be introduced without delay; and whether he will take steps to expedite the action necessary for drafting the Bill and obtaining the approval of those concerned so that the Bill in question can reach the Statute Book early in 1939?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now give an undertaking that, in the event of a substantial measure of approval being forthcoming for the draft of the Cotton Industry Enabling Bill from the interests concerned, he will arrange for the introduction of the Bill into Parliament at an early date after the Christmas Recess?

The joint committee of cotton trade organisations have just submitted to me a revised draft of their proposals. This draft embodies certain modifications that have been introduced as a result of conversations with various interests affected both in Lancashire and elsewhere, but a number of points of difference that arose in these conversations are still outstanding. I hope, however, that it will be possible early in the new year to complete the drafting of a Bill so that those concerned may have an opportunity of expressing their considered views in regard to its provisions. If the Government are then satisfied that there is a substantial majority of the industry in favour of these provisions, it is their desire to pass a Bill into law this Session.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say that no Bill will be introduced which is against the wishes of the Yorkshire manufacturers?

I have no doubt that the Yorkshire manufacturers will take every opportunity when the Bill is introduced of expressing their views upon it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value, in £'s, of the cotton piece goods going from the United Kingdom and from Japan into Belgian Congo, Nyasaland, Tanganyika, Kenya, and Uganda, taken together?

During the year 1937 imports of cotton piece-goods into the Belgian Congo (including Ruando Urundi), Nyasaland, Tanganyika, Kenya and Uganda from the United Kingdom were valued at £350,000 and from Japan at £2,430,000.

Is the Minister aware that his colleague the Secretary for Overseas Trade informed the House on 30th November that the total amount going into the Congo Basin Treaty countries was £1,400,000, and will he draw the right hon. Gentleman's attention to the fact that it now appears the amount is three times what he thought?

The explanation is easy. The hon. Gentleman has included in his question a number of territories to which my right hon. Friend did not refer. The Belgian Congo is not a British colony, and Tanganyika is under the mandate, and no quotas can be imposed even if the Congo Basin Treaty were denounced. That explains the discrepancy.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the statement of the Secretary for Overseas Trade gave the total imports of cotton goods from all countries in the Congo Basin Treaty area, but that I asked only for some of the countries?

I have explained the countries to which my right hon. Friend referred, and they are different from the territories contained in the hon. Gentleman's question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the policy of His Majesty's Government not to accept any new trade agreement with India unless it gives a satisfactory deal to the Lancashire cotton industry, implies that the interests of all other trade between the United Kingdom and India are to be subordinated to a reduction in the Indian import duties on Lancashire textiles?

It is the object of His Majesty's Government to conclude the best agreement with India that can be negotiated in the general interests of this country's trade. While, as I have indicated to the House, the interests of the Lancashire cotton industry in the Indian market call for special consideration, the interests of other industries will not be overlooked.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total amount of the exports from British India to the countries of the British Empire, other than the United Kingdom, during the year 1937?

Figures for the calendar year 1937 are affected by the separation of Burma from India as from 1st April, 1937. During the year ended 31st March, 1938, the total value of exports of Indian merchandise to countries of the British Empire, other than the United Kingdom, amounted to £24,500,000, including about £8,000,000 to Burma.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that that answer means that India has a market of about 70 per cent. of her exports in the Empire, including the United Kingdom, and will he bear that striking figure in mind when he is negotiating with Indian representatives?

Certainly, but, of course, I shall have to take into account what proportion of that is to the self-governing portions of the Empire.

What proportion of that trade is carried in British ships?

I cannot say without notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) the total amount of the import duties charged by British India on the £39,104,000 imports into British India from the United Kingdom during 1937, stating the separate amounts charged on the different classes of materials and manufactures, making up the said total of £39,104,000;

(2) the total amount of the import duties charged on the £64,820,000 imports into the United Kingdom from British India during the year 1937, stating the separate amounts charged on the different classes of materials and manufactures making up the said total of £64,820,0400?

I regret that the desired information is not available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total imports in 1913 of feeding-stuffs for animals now included in Class I, Group B, of the Trade and Navigation Returns?

During the year 1913 the total imports of feeding-stuffs for animals into the United Kingdom, which then included the whole of Ireland, amounted to 856,000 tons, valued at £4,870,000.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that £1,500,000 is still owed to this country by Turkey, mostly to Lancashire cotton concerns, which, until paid, makes it impossible to do further trade with Turkey; and is he prepared to earmark a part of the loan lately arranged for the reduction of this outstanding debt of £1,500,000?

I am aware that a sum of over £1,500,000 is at present awaiting transfer through the Anglo-Turkish Clearing to United Kingdom exporters to Turkey. As was explained by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary to the Department of Overseas Trade, in the Debate in this House on 4th July, the Turkish Government, under the terms of the Supplementary Anglo-Turkish Trade and Clearing Agreement of 27th May, 1938, arrests the accumulation of fresh arrears in the clearing, by limiting imports from this country for which payment is made through the clearing to the amount of the sterling estimated to be available to pay for them. Provision is also made in the Clearing Agreement for reducing the volume of outstanding arrears by the appropriation of substantial sums in connection with the Anglo-Turkish Guarantee Agreement of 27th May which I assume my hon. Friend has in mind in the last part of the question. These arrangements were made after consultation with, and with the general approval of, the United Kingdom trade organisations concerned. I would add that there is no quantitative restriction on United Kingdom goods imported into Turkey under the compensation provisions of the Clearing Agreement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the present low price of cocoa and the adverse effect which this is having on the British cotton textile export trade, he will consider whether any remedial effects can be achieved by increasing the quantities of cocoa which are being stored in this country under the scheme for increasing the food reserves of the country against emergency?

In view of the commercial stocks normally held in the United Kingdom I do not regard cocoa as a commodity in respect of which action should be taken under the provisions of the Essential Commodities Reserves Act.

Will my right hon. Friend say whether there is any alternative plan in view for meeting the situation due to the low price of cocoa?

That is a different question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what has been the value of sugar imported from foreign countries during the past five years; how this amount was divided among the principal supplying countries; and whether, in the case of any of these countries, arrangements have been made that they shall take an increased import of British cotton textile goods in return for the continued large purchase of their sugar?

During the five years 1933 to 1937 the declared value of the sugar imported into the United Kingdom from foreign countries amounted to £30,118,000. Of this total £15,225,000 represented consignments from Cuba, £5,119,000 from St. Domingo and £3,878,000 from Peru. It is not possible in trade negotiations with other countries to obtain concessions for one particular class of goods on account of imports of some other particular class of goods, but every effort is made when conducting trade negotiations with sugar exporting countries, as with all other countries, to obtain concessions for United Kingdom cotton goods. Such concessions were obtained in the Anglo-Peruvian Trade Agreement, 1936, and every effort will be made to obtain them if trade negotiations with St. Domingo, which are at present in the exploratory stage, are pursued.

Do those figures of imported sugar include sugar molasses?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why our own British colonies in the West Indies—

rose—

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether Part II, Section 2, of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, 1923, has ever been repealed; and, if not, in view of the fact that Section 3 of Part II of that Act was repealed by the Finance Act, 1930, whether His Majesty's Government still intend to exercise the power to establish antidumping duties within the meaning of the Act of 1921?

The whole of Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, 1921, was repealed by Section 53 and the Third Schedule of the Finance Act, 1930.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information in regard to the excessive profits made by British shipping companies trading with Government Spain; and whether seamen receive increased rates of pay, in view of the additional risks incurred?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and to the second part in the affirmative. I am sending my hon. Friend the circulars issued by the National Maritime Board setting out the particulars of the bonus on wages of seamen on British ships visiting Spanish ports.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also send the hon. Member the number of seamen who have been killed from Hartlepools?

Will my right hon. Friend have the information circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT, so that it may be available to all hon. Members?

Certainly.

Is it not true that these firms are making enormous profits?

As I said in my answer, I have no official information on that matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of contracts placed by British shipowners for vessels built or building in foreign yards in the past three years?

No, Sir, I have no means of knowing the value of shipbuilding orders placed abroad.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in another place, a figure was given; and does he accept the figure which was then stated?

I do not know what figure was given, and, as I have said, I have no official knowledge of whether it is accurate or not.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman's Department take the necessary steps to find out the value of these contracts?

No, Sir, we have no power and no means of asking the people who place these contracts abroad, what the prices of those contracts are.

Even with a majority Government?

Is the Minister not aware of the fact that last year Holland built 24,000 tons of shipping for this country?

I have been asked before and have given an answer as to the number of ships and the tonnage. What I cannot do is to give an answer as to the value.

Is it not a fact that the Co-operative Society ordered a ship to be built in Holland?

I am not prepared to answer that.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when and where the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses propose to establish further radio beacons?

I am informed by the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses that the only radio beacon proposal which they have at present under consideration is for the establishment of such a beacon on the Isle of Stroma in the Pentland Firth.

Are any arrangements made to radiate signals in case of emergency?

This is a proposal to establish a beacon. It is not an established beacon.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why it was that, at a time when 165 British vessels were laid up in the United Kingdom, including three on the Gareloch, and many other British ships, not laid up, were available for charter, the Government chartered 15 non-British shops, of which 11 were Greek vessels laid up at the Piraeus and elsewhere, and took up to 36 days to report at the port of loading, for the shipping of Rumanian grain purchased by the Government, from the Danube to United Kingdom ports; and whether he will order an inquiry into the circumstances?

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the answer I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Chertsey (Commander Marsden) on 22nd November and to my hon. Friend the Member for Dudley (Mr. Joel) on 6th December. I do not think that an inquiry is necessary.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter has caused grave disquiet in the public mind, particularly at a time when unemployment among seamen is verging on 20 per cent. and that the freights paid for these boats, which are known on the Baltic Exchange, are again causing grave disquiet and require an inquiry?

I gave a very full answer, and I think the House felt that in offering preferential rates to British shipowners I have gone as far as possible.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that on 22nd October, when most of the Greek vessels were chartered, a British vessel was refused at the same rate, namely, 20s. per ton, and on the same day—

rose—

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of lighthouses and lightships around the coast of Britain are not equipped with radio transmitting installations?

As the answer involves a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department will consider taking over the responsibility for the maintenance of the lighthouse, lightship, and other navigational warning service from the present authority?

No, Sir. I consider that the present arrangements under which the superintendence and management of the lighthouses and lightvessels are vested in the General Lighthouse Authorities, subject to the financial control of the Board of Trade, are satisfactory.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider introducing legislation to make the equipping of lighthouses and lightships with radio-telegraph and radio-telephony compulsory?

The position in regard to the equipment of lighthouses and lightvessels with radio transmission installations is regularly under review and proposals for the equipment of particular isolated lighthouses and lightvessels are made from time to time by the General Lighthouse Authorities and are considered on their merits. Up to the present time 37 have been or are being so equipped.

What would be the cost of equipping all lighthouses with radio?

I cannot give the exact figure, but it would be a very substantial sum, running to many thousands of pounds.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make a statement on the position of the Territorial Army units in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire; what other units are likely to be formed; what is the state of the equipment of the anti-aircraft units; and whether it is intended to utilise the services of the units in the area itself?

The Territorial field units in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire as a whole are over establishment. The searchlight battalion was at the end of November slightly under establishment, and has an adequate supply of training equipment. It is not possible to say where any given unit will be used in war.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether certain vacant quarters at Warley Barracks will be given to the families of married men during reconstruction of their present accommodation, or, if this is not possible, that some allowance will be made towards the expenses involved by temporary removal?

There are no vacant married quarters at Warley. I have arranged that, in this and similar cases, if no suitable lodgings are available at the station concerned, the families may be conveyed at public expense to selected places of residence.

asked the Secretary of State for War the total amount of beef, mutton, lamb and pig meat, provided last year for the Army and Air Force stationed in this country; and what proportion of each was imported?

Some 32,200,000 lbs. of beef and mutton were purchased during the 12 months ended 31st March, 1938, for the Army and Royal Air Force at home. Of this quantity, it is known that 31,443,000 lbs. were imported from the Dominions, and 373,000 lbs. from South America. Very small quantities of other kinds of meat, of which details are not available, were provided for hospitals, but, apart from these purchases, no meat other than beef and mutton is provided for the troops. Bacon is purchased by units at home out of a cash allowance, and all bacon so purchased during the period in question was of Canadian origin. Information as to quantity is not available.

Will my right hon. Friend consider whether it would be possible to give encouragement to stock raisers and agriculturists generally by increasing those amounts?

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) how many officers there are in the Regular Reserve; and how many of these officers indicating the ranks thereof, have had any military training of any kind during the year 1938;

(2) What methods are adopted to ensure that officers on the Regular Reserve, who are liable to be called up in a case of emergency, shall be kept efficient and acquainted with up-to-date military developments?

The strength of the Regular Army Reserve of Officers was 9,915 on 1st July, 1938, the latest date for which figures are available. Any military training carried out by these officers is at present a matter of arrangement with their former units, and no record has been collated. The provision of training facilities for them is one of the matters to be considered in connection with Army Estimates for 1939.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the great importance of keeping these 9,000 officers efficient and up-to-date?

Does the right hon. Gentleman carry with him his right hon. Friend the Secretary for Overseas Trade on this Vote, and if so will he have the appropriate Section of the Army Act relating to mutiny read to him?

Is any information collected from year to year as to the general health of these officers on the Reserve?

I do not think so.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the desirability of knowledge as to the continued efficiency of the Territorial Reserve officers, he will cause to be kept an annual record of those Territorial Reserve officers who attend camp, courses, or otherwise perform military duties?

I will, in considering Army Estimates, see whether this can be conveniently arranged.

Is it not possible to do this before the consideration of the Army Estimates?

My hon. Friend is asking for an annual record, and I thought that that was the most appropriate moment.

Could he not make a decision?

Is it not a fact that the junior Ministers wish the Secretary of State for War to be on the Reserve?

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the present established strength of the air defence troops of the Territorial Army; and what steps are being taken to increase the establishment?

The establishment of the anti-aircraft units of the Territorial Army on 1st November last was 54,649, and on 1st December last, 87,405. The corresponding figures for strength are 51,302 and 65,870.

Can the Minister answer the last part of the question?

I think that the hon. Gentleman will see that I have answered it. There has been a considerable increase.

Have the cinematograph exhibitors been asked to show the advantages of these Forces?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether area commanders are required to address officers' training corps, both senior and junior, within their areas with a view to encouraging recruitment in the Forces of the Crown, including the Regular Army, the Supplementary Reserve, the Territorial Army and the Officers Emergency Reserve?

There is no requirement, but area commanders do frequently act in the spirit of the question.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of encouraging the tapping of those very good sources of recruiting for these various Forces?

I am aware of the goodness of the sources, but I think that area commanders as a whole do avail themselves of it. I should be very pleased to encourage it in any way possible.

Have area commanders always the gift of eloquence?

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the estimated annual requirements of recruits necessary to maintain the Army at full strength; and whether these requirements are now being fully met?

The number of recruits required depends on the establishment in any particular year. It is estimated that 60,000 recruits may be required for the Regular Army next year. I hope we shall have obtained 40,000 recruits before the expiry of the current financial year.

Do not these figures disclose a rather serious position; and, in view of current events abroad, has the right hon. Gentleman any further proposals for bringing the Army up to establishment at an early date?

The War Office has done its best to exploit the voluntary system to its utmost, and recruiting has been doubled this year as compared with last year.

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's last reply, may I ask whether he is now of opinion that the voluntary system is not capable of fulfilling the requirements of the Army?

I made no such statement.

asked the Secretary of State for War the establishment of the British battalion in India; and the average strength at the present date?

The present peace establishment of a British battalion in India is 28 officers and 863 other ranks, and the average strength of British battalions in India on 1st December last was 26 officers and 716 other ranks. The establishment is under review by the Indian Government.

Is it not a fact that this establishment has been greatly reduced lately?