Written Answers Written Answers India Royal Commission On Agriculture Major POLE asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is now in receipt of the Report of the Government of India showing the progress that has been made in carrying out the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Agriculture in India? Mr. BENN The Government of India expect to send the Report in time to reach me towards the end of February. Communal Electorates, Fiji Major POLE asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the resignation, as a protest against the system of communal electorates set up recently in Fiji, of the three Indian members elected to the Legislative Council; whether he is aware that at the elections which were called as a consequence no Indian candidates were nominated by the Indians in Fiji for these three seats; and whether the Government of India have made representations to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, placing before him the objections of the Indians in Fiji to the electoral roll of the Legislative Council in the Colony being divided along lines of communal difference? Mr. BENN The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part, the situation that has arisen is now under the consideration of Government. Legislative Assembly And Provincial Councils' Elections Major POLE asked the Secretary of State for India as to the present position in regard to the postponement of the elections to the Legislative Assembly and the provincial legislative councils? Mr. BENN The Governor-General has recently extended the life of the Assembly to the end of July next, and similar decisions have been taken in respect of some of the provincial councils. The date of the elections has not yet been fixed. Maharaja Of Bharatpur Major POLE asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the sending away of the young Maharaja of Bharatpur and his little brothers to Europe is against religious custom so soon after the death of their parents and before their parents' death anniversary, and in the winter season with no relative or friend or Indian attendant; whether he will cause inquiries to be made in regard to this matter; and if he will consider the possibility of allowing the return of the young princes to be educated and trained in India? Mr. BENN I have seen a representation to the effect stated by my hon. and gallant Friend. I am informed that there is no obligation of religion for the son to attend any ceremony that has not already been performed. The boys are in the charge of a British officer of the Indian Civil Service who has had previous similar experience. The party includes an Indian attendant and the Government of India have decided to send the boys' previous Indian tutor to join the party in England next April. The first few months of the Maharaja's stay in Europe are being spent in Switzerland on medical advice. I am satisfied of the wisdom of sending these boys to Europe for a few years in the circumstances of the case and having regard to the medical history of the family. Air Force Major POLE asked the Secretary of State for India whether, since Cranwell has been opened to Indian cadets and in view of the fact that Indian cadets who pass through Cranwell will not be permitted to enter the Royal Air Force, the Government have before them proposals for the creation of an Indian air force; if so, whether he will inform the House as to the constitution of the proposed force; and whether it is intended that this force shall take over the functions performed now by the units of the Royal Air Force stationed in India. Mr. BENN The creation of an Indian air force forms part of the accepted policy of Indianisation, and is already under consideration. Matters have not yet advanced far enough to enable me to give any details as to the constitution or future functions of such a force. Factory Inspectors Major POLE asked the Secretary of State for India how many of the 39 regular whole-time and nine part-time additional factory inspectors in India are women? Mr. BENN One of the whole-time inspectors is a woman. All the part-time inspectors are men. Woolwich County Court (Accommodation) Sir K. WOOD asked the First Commissioner of Works whether his attention has been called to the need of a properly equipped County Court for Woolwich, and the the present Court is in many respects unsuitable for the administration of justice; and whether he is prepared to take steps to deal with the matter? Mr. LANSBURY The defects of the Court accommodation in the Old Town Hall have been the subject, of investigation, and certain minor improvements were effected in 1928. Negotiations with the borough council, the owners of the premises, are at present in progress, and it is hoped that further improvements will be proceeded with in the near future. Archæological Excavations Mr. MANDER asked the First Commissioner of Works whether the Government propose to adopt the recommendation in the Final Report of the Royal Commission on Museums and Galleries in favour of an active policy of excavations in this country; whether he will consider in this connection the amount of work that would be at once provided for the unemployed and the additional attraction for visitors from abroad; and whether, in this connection, he will give due weight to the claims of the buried Roman city of Uriconium? Mr. LANSBURY I would point out to the hon. Member that the recommendation in the Report is that the British Museum should pursue an active policy of excavations in this country. This is a matter for the trustees. So far as my Department is concerned, it can only deal with the sites actually in its charge, of which Uriconium is not one. My Department has, during the present winter season, put in hand an extensive scheme of excavations at monuments in its charge, with the object of giving some extra employment, with consequent improvement to the monuments. Government Departments Enemy Debts, Clearing Office Mr. RAMSBOTHAM asked the First Commissioner of Works what steps he is taking to reduce expenditure on office accommodation at the Clearing Office for Enemy Debts, Cornwall House; whether he will remove the staff to a less expensive district; and has he considered the possibility of housing the diminished staff of the clearing house at Bromyard Avenue, Acton? Mr. LANSBURY The expenditure on accommodation for this office and the location of the office are matters with which the Board of Trade is primarily concerned. The cost of the accommodation, which is provided by my Department, on repayment terms, is not a charge on the Votes of the Office of Works, but is met from fees earned by the Clearing Office. Claims And Record Office, Kew Lieut.-Colonel JAMES asked the Minister of Labour the number of P-class clerks who have made applications to date for transfer from the Claims and Record Office of the Ministry of Labour, Kew, to the Ministry of Health? Miss BONDFIELD Applications were received from 192 P-class clerks for transfer from the Claims and Record Office, Kew, to the Ministry of Health. Unemployment Insurance, Children Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE asked the Minister of Labour whether she proposes to issue any notification to all parents, irrespective of position, calling their attention to the need for insuring their children at the age of 15 under the Unemployment Insurance Act should they not be attending school? Miss BONDFIELD I assume that the hon. Member refers to the provisions of Clauses 1 and 14 of the Unemployment Insurance (No. 2) Bill. When those provisions become operative, the obligation to pay unemployment insurance contributions will rest with the employer, and appropriate notices will be issued for the information of the employer and all others concerned. Local Authorities' Schemes Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE asked the Minister of Labour the number of schemes of work promoted by local authorities to relieve unemployment to which grants have been actually made since July last; the numbers which are now under consideration; and the amount of employment which they are expected in each case to produce? Miss BONDFIELD A statement on the lines requested by the hon. Member is being prepared and will be included in the White Paper which the Lord Privy Seal proposes to issue shortly. Washington Hours Convention Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE asked the Minister of Labour if she can now make any statement as to the intention of the Government with regard to the introduction of legislation to carry into effect the Washington Eight Hours' Convention; and whether she is now satisfied that the adoption of such a measure will not exercise any prejudicial effect on industry? Miss BONDFIELD As I stated in reply to a question on 21st January, it is hoped to introduce the Hours of Industrial Employment Bill before Easter. It is the view of the Government that the measure in question will not be prejudicial to the interests of industry. Naval Construction, Germany Sir N. MOORE asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what are the restrictions imposed upon Germany with reference to naval construction either for herself or for other nations? Mr. DALTON The number of naval unite which Germany may keep in commission, together with their maximum tonnage and the method and date of their replacement, is fixed by the Naval Clauses of the Treaty of Versailles, to which I would refer the hon. Member. Germany is forbidden to construct or acquire any ships of war except for the purpose of replacing unite of her own navy withdrawn from commission. She is also prohibited from manufacturing for, or exporting to, foreign countries, munitions and war material of every kind. Beer (Excise Duty) Viscount WOLMER asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs which commercial treaties would be violated if a lower excise duty were charged upon beer manufactured entirely with British barley and hops? Mr. W. GRAHAM I have been asked to answer this question. Provisions which would prevent discrimination in the matter of excise duties in favour of beer brewed from British barley and hops are to be found in our treaties with the following countries: Austria, Estonia, Finland, France (including Algeria), Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Japan, Latvia, Portugal, Siam, Spain and Yugoslavia. A number of other countries could claim equality of treatment with these by virtue of treaty clauses which give them the right to most-favoured-nation treatment. Scotland Fishing Industry (Relief And Loans) Mr. MILLAR asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the principle upon which the Scottish Fishermen's Relief Fund is to be distributed, and the powers and duties of the central and local committees appointed to administer the fund? Mr. W. ADAMSON The central committee for the administration of the relief fund has decided that grants shall be made therefrom to Scottish fishermen pro rata to the actual losses of fishing gear incurred by them during the storm in East Anglian waters on 11th November, and these grants are to be applied by the recipients in the purchase of fishing gear. The central committee will be responsible for the administration of the fund. The local committees will advise the central committee on the applications received for grants. Mr. MILLAR asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the conditions applicable to loans made to fishermen from the loan fund which has been provided for replacement of nets und gear lost during the gale on 11th November, 1929; and whether, in view of the inadequacy of the sum of £50,000 provided for that purpose and of the need for replacement of nets and gear lost at sea on other occasions than on 11th November last, he will consider as to providing loans at a low rate of interest to all fishermen who are at present unable to replace their lost and damaged gear? Mr. ADAMSON I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the replies which I gave to questions on this subject on Tuesday. I see no reason to suppose that the loan fund of £50,000 will be insufficient for the purpose for which it is to be provided. Administrative Schemes Mr. MILLAR asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will afford to the smaller burghs in Scotland an opportunity of considering the draft schemes relating to the administration of the transferred services under the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1929, before these are finally approved; and what steps he proposes to take to obtain their views on the subject? Mr. W. ADAMSON As the small burghs are represented on the reconstituted county councils, who are responsible for the preparation of the administrative schemes, the town councils of these burghs will doubtless be kept informed of the proposals submitted, and I am prepared to consider any representations which they may timeously submit to me. Rent Restriction Mr. SULLIVAN asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if his attention has been drawn to the action of house-property owners in Scotland in declaring that dwelling houses are decontrolled by the changing of tenants, and thereby raising rents above the amount permitted by the Rent Acts; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter? Mr. W. ADAMSON I have received a representation to the effect stated. The law is laid down in the judgment of the Court of Session in the Caledonian Heritable Estates Limited v. Methven, and the question of its application to a specific case is for the determination of the Court on an application under Section 11 of the Kent and Mortgage Interest Restriction Act, 1923, and I have no power to intervene. Beet-Sugar Subsidy Mr. HARDIE asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the amount of beet-sugar subsidy paid in Scotland in each of the years 1926, 1927, 1928 and 1929? Mr. W. ADAMSON The figures are as follow: ------------ | | | | | ------------ | | | | || ------------ |1926|…|…|…|…| ------------ |1927|…|…|…|…| ------------ |1928|…|…|…|…| ------------ |1929|…|…|…|…| ------------ Income Tax Mr. KIRKWOOD asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has any estimate showing what was the amount of money obtained in Scotland last year from Income and Super-tax payers? Mr. P. SNOWDEN The net receipt of Income Tax in Scotland in the year ended 31st March, 1929, amounted to £15,610,432. I regret I am unable to apportion the receipt of Super-tax for the whole country so as to show how much was paid by taxpayers resident in Scotland. Education Physical Training, Elementary Schools Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in connection with the raising of the school age, he is making any arrangements for improvement in the physical training facilities in the elementary schools? Sir C. TREVELYAN The importance of the physical side of the education to be provided for these older scholars is fully realised, and I am encouraging local authorities to provide plenty of space for this purpose both inside and outside the school. A pamphlet on school playing fields is being prepared and will be issued shortly. Statistics Mr. J. GARDNER asked the President of the Board of Education if he will furnish a return showing the numbers, or estimated numbers, of children aged three to 15 on the registers of public elementary schools in England and Wales at 31st March in the years 1917 to 1929, respectively? Sir C. TREVELYAN The figures are as follow: Public Elementary Schools in England and Wales Maintained by Local Education Authorities. ----------------------- |1917 (31st January)|…| ----------------------- |1918 (31st January)|…| ----------------------- |1919 (31st January)|…| ----------------------- |1920 (31st March) |…| ----------------------- |1921 (31st March) |…| ----------------------- |1922 (31st March) |…| ----------------------- |1923 (31st March) |…| ----------------------- |1924 (31st March) |…| ----------------------- |1925 (31st March) |…| ----------------------- |1926 (31st March) |…| ----------------------- |1927 (31st March) |…| ----------------------- |1928 (31st March) |…| ----------------------- |1929 (31st March) |…| ----------------------- Note.—Before 1920 the returns were made up to 31st January. Straits Settlements (Rubber Plantations, Wages) Major POLE asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that, since the introduction of the standard wage on the estates in Malaya, a system of payment to the rubber tappers by the number of pounds of dry rubber contained in the latex brought out by each tapper has been introduced; and if he will inform the House to what extent this system of payment by results now obtains on the estates? Dr. SHIELS My Noble Friend is not in possession of this information, but he will ask the High Commissioner to supply it. East Africa (Railway Construction, Labour) Mr. MANDER asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether forced labour is being employed in con- nection with the new railway in Uganda; whether voluntary labour only is being employed in the building of the railway at Kavirondo, Kenya; and what are the rates of pay in both cases? Dr. SHIELS As regards the first part of the question, a report has recently been received from the Governor of Uganda. The criterion which distinguishes forced labour from voluntary labour is that forced labour is exacted under the menace of a penalty for its non-performance. The railway now under construction in Uganda runs wholly through the area occupied by the Baganda; and the Kabaka of Buganda, being anxious to avoid the importation of labour from other districts, made it known through the channels of the native Government that it was his wish that his people should undertake the work of constructing the railway, with the result that no difficulty has been experienced in obtaining volunteers who have presented themselves willingly for the work in response to the calls made upon them by the chiefs. It is no doubt the case that the Kabaka's wish was regarded by the majority of the Baganda as tantamount to a command, but it was not an order enforceable at law. Unfortunately, a few persons were punished in the native Courts for refusing to work on the railway before the matter came to the notice of the district officers, who took such action as was then possible. The Governor of Uganda recognises that any such prosecutions are inconsistent with the Protectorate legislation, and steps have been taken to prevent, as far as possible, any recurrence.As regards the second part of the question, my Noble Friend has no reason to suppose that the labour employed on the construction of the railway in Kavirondo is not entirely voluntary labour. As regards the last part of the question, information regarding the rate of wages being paid for work on the railway in Uganda will be obtained. According to the latest available report of the Native Affairs Department in Kenya, the rate of wages for work on the Kavirondo line averaged from Sh.16 to Sh.20 a month plus rations. British Army (Hay Supply) Mr. HANNON asked the Secretary of State for War whether any precautions have been adopted by his Department to ensure that the hay which is purchased for use in His Majesty's Army has been grown in this country; if foreign hay is purchased by the War Office, from what sources is it secured; and if any consultation has taken place with the Minister of Agriculture on the import of foreign hay as a medium of infection of foot-and-mouth disease? Mr. SHINWELL In normal circumstances, all contracts placed by the War Department for the supply of hay to the Army at home stipulate that it shall be home-grown. Owing, however, to the prolonged drought last year, it has been found necessary to purchase a proportion of Canadian hay. No foreign hay was bought. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative. No hay can be imported from a country in which foot-and-mouth disease has been declared. Coal Industry (Amalgamations) Mr. E. EDWARDS asked the Secretary for Mines the number of amalgamations that have taken place since the passing of the Mining Industry Act, 1926, up to the end of 1929, together with the number of collieries involved and their annual output? Mr. TURNER I have no information to add to that contained in the Report which I presented to the House in December (Cmd. 3454), a copy of which I am sending my hon. Friend. British Ships (Foreign Purchases) Captain W. G. HALL asked the President of the Board of Trade the numbers and gross tonnage of British-owned vessels that have been sold to foreign owners during 192b and 1929? Mr. W. GRAHAM The numbers and gross tonnage of British registered vessels removed from the Register on sale to foreigners were:1928–318 vessels of 676,088 gross tons.1929–336 vessels of 772,638 gross tons. Post Office Advertisement Space Contract Mr. LEES asked the Postmaster-General (1) who is responsible for the advertisement spaces in the head post office, Alfreton, Derbyshire; and, if a contractor, the amount of revenue derived therefrom during 1926, 1927, 1928 and 1929;(2) whether the advertisement spaces in the post offices throughout Great Britain are let by his Department or are they let to contractors; and the amount of revenue derived therefrom during 1927, 1928 and 1929? Mr. LEES-SMITH Under a 10-year contract expiring at the end of 1935, the letting of advertisement space in Crown post offices throughout this country is in the hands of a contractor. The Department's total revenue from this source was (in round figures): -------------- | | | | | | -------------- |1927|…|…|…|…| -------------- |1928|…|…|…|…| -------------- |1929|…|…|…|…| -------------- The figure for Alfreton is about £13 per annum. Mails (Protection Against Theft) Viscount WOLMER asked the Postmaster-General whether he has appointed a committee of inquiry into the present methods of guarding mail bags in transit; and whether he has taken any steps to provide greater security against postal thefts? Mr. LEES-SMITH A committee was appointed in my predecessor's time to examine in detail the question whether any additional means of providing protection for mails in transit are practicable within reasonable limits of cost and without involving such delay to mails as would inconvenience the public. The committee has reported: some of its recommendations have been adopted and others are receiving consideration. Savings Bank Deposits (Interest) Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Treasury has been considering the possibility of increasing the rate of interest paid to depositors in the Post Office Savings Bank; and, if so, whether any decision, and, if so, what, has been reached? Mr. P. SNOWDEN This matter is under consideration, but I am not in a position to announce a decision. Local Government Municipal Incorporation Mr. MILLS asked the Home Secretary if he is now able to make a statement as a result of the consideration of the Report of the Royal Commission on Local Government; and whether it is proposed to proceed with those petitions for incorporation which have been before the Privy Council for some time and have been held up pending the final Report? Mr. CLYNES I understand from my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council that a communication will shortly be addressed to those who have petitioned for municipal incorporation indicating the requirements of the Privy Council in the light of the Report of the Royal Commission, and that he anticipates that it will subsequently be possible to resume consideration of certain of those petitions. Public Assistance Committees Mr. LOVAT-FRASER asked the Minister of Health when he will be able to say how many women have been elected on the public assistance committees of the county councils and county borough councils and how many on the guardians committees? Mr. GREENWOOD Under the Local Government Act, 1929, the appoinment of the Committees to which my hon. Friend refers is a matter for the local authorities, and I have not thought it necessary to request them to report to me on the detailed constitution of the committees. Capital Expenditure Mr. SIMON asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the growing tendency on the part of local authorities to pay off capital expenditure out of revenue; and whether he will take the necessary steps to prevent the undue spreading of this practice, in view of the fact that the extra burden thereby laid upon the rates must tend to prevent expenditure on urgently needed social services? Mr. GREENWOOD I am aware that some local authorities are interesting themselves in the question whether they cannot lessen the burden of interest on loans by meeting their capital expenditure, or some of it, year by year, out of revenue. But I do not think that there is any serious risk of the principle being carried too far because it runs counter to the obvious tendency to avoid shouldering a burden which can legitimately be deferred. Indebtedness Mr. SINKINSON asked the President of the Board of Trade the total amount of money owing by local authorities, city and borough; and what is the amount of interest paid annually? Mr. GREENWOOD I have been asked to reply. The total outstanding loan debt of town councils in England and Wales (including the councils of Metropolitan boroughs) on 31st March, 1928, was £589,000,000, towards the repayment of which £40,260,000 was standing to the credit of sinking funds. The amount of interest paid by town councils on their outstanding loan debt during the year ended 31st March, 1928, was £26,350,000. Foreign Tenders Mr. RAMSBOTHAM asked the Minister of Health the number of tenders of local authorities over £50,000 in value which have been placed abroad in the course of the last six months; and whether in each case he will state the reasons for this policy? Mr. GREENWOOD I am not aware of any such case, but I do not receive particulars of every tender that is placed by a local authority. Hayes And Cranford (Amalgamation Proposal) Sir J. FERGUSON asked the Minister of Health why the amalgamation of Cranford with the Hayes Urban District Council is being pressed forward against the wish of the Middlesex County Council to amalgamate Cranford with Heston and Isleworth District Council; and will he receive a deputation of Cranford residents? Mr. GREENWOOD This decision is incidental to the splitting up of the Staines Rural District between adjoining urban districts, and was made after careful consideration of all the circumstances. Two public inquiries were held by my inspectors, and full opportunity was afforded to all persons affected by the proposals to make representations. In the circumstances, I do not think a deputation would serve any useful purpose. Agriculture Potatoes Lord FERMOY asked the Minister of Agriculture if, taking East Anglia, he can state the average cost of growing an acre of potatoes and the average amount received by a firm for selling the crop derived from it? Dr. ADDISON My right hon. Friend regrets that, in the absence of reliable statistics, he is unable to furnish the desired information. Dutch Skimmed-Milk Cheese Mr. HURD asked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the increasing sale of Dutch skimmed-milk cheese in a manner which leads the housewife to accept it as full-cream British cheese; and whether means can be devised of carrying the mark of origin to the shop counter so as to protect the consumer from this fraud? Dr. ADDISON I can only refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a similar question by the hon. Member for Macclesfield on 9th July last, of which I am sending him a copy and to which I have nothing to add. French Wheat (Import) Mr. HURD asked the Minister of Agriculture (1) if the agricultural reporters of his Department have called his attention to the position in the Mark Lane wheat market last week, when port millers rejected offers of English wheat because of the cheap French wheat available; whether that French wheat is exported from France under any and, if so, what form of bounty; and what action he proposes to take;(2) the character and effect of the steps which the French Government has taken to stimulate the export of grain during this winter in competition with British production? Dr. ADDISON My right hon. Friend is aware that a certain quantity of French wheat has recently been on offer at Mark Lane at prices below those ruling for British wheat. The steps taken by the French Government to stimulate the export of grain are contained in an Act passed on 1st December, 1929. Article 3 of this Act abolishes the option formerly given to millers importing wheat under the temporary admission system to retain in France all or a part of the flour produced from such wheat. They are now under an obligation to re-export within three months a quantity of flour, to be fixed by decree, corresponding to the quantity of wheat imported. This applies to all wheat imported under the temporary admission system since 17th November, 1929. Article 4 provides that, within the limits------------------------- |October 5th |…|…|…|…|…| ------------------------- |October 12th |…|…|…|…|…| ------------------------- |October 19th |…|…|…|…|…| ------------------------- |October 26th |…|…|…|…|…| ------------------------- |November 2nd |…|…|…|…|…| ------------------------- |November 9th |…|…|…|…|…| ------------------------- |November 16th|…|…|…|…|…| ------------------------- |November 23rd|…|…|…|…|…| ------------------------- |November 30th|…|…|…|…|…| ------------------------- |December 7th |…|…|…|…|…| ------------------------- |December 14th|…|…|…|…|…| ------------------------- |December 21st|…|…|…|…|…| ------------------------- |December 28th|…|…|…|…|…| ------------------------- |January 4th |…|…|…|…|…| ------------------------- |January 11th |…|…|…|…|…| ------------------------- |January 18th |…|…|…|…|…| ------------------------- |Total |…|…|…|…|…| ------------------------- Cattle (Marketing) Mr. RAMSBOTHAM asked the Minister of Agriculture the exact nature of the quantity of wheat imported under the temporary admission system in July and August, 1929, and of the funds available from the duties deposited on that wheat, wheat exported within three months from the date of the promulgation of the law whether converted into flour or not, shall be entitled to a refund of customs duties under conditions to fee fixed by administrative regulations. As regards the last part of the second question, my right hon. Friend has nothing to add to the statements which have already been made on the subject of imports of cereals from certain other European countries. Beef (Grading And Marking) Mr. RAMSBOTHAM asked the Minister of Agriculture the quantity of national beef marked and graded during each week since October, 1929? Mr. N. BUXTON following are the particulars desired:of the scheme whereby farmers are to sell their cattle direct to the abattoirs; and at what date it is proposed that the scheme should be initiated? Mr. N. BUXTON Suggestions for improving the marketing of cattle in England and Wales are made in the Ministry's Report on the Marketing of Cattle and Beef in England and Wales, Economic Series No. 20. The Department has under consideration the possibility of arranging a voluntary scheme of an experimental character, in which a number of farmers would sell their cattle direct to abattoirs, but no details have yet been arranged nor has the proposal been discussed with representative organisations concerned. It is not possible, therefore, to say when any scheme of this nature is likely to be introduced. Transport Repair Garages (Stolen Cars) Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been called to the proposal that all motor garages where repairs are carried out should be registered, so as to facilitate inquiries regarding stolen cars; and whether he will consider the introduction of legislation for the purpose? Mr. HERBERT MORRISON This proposal has been brought to my notice, but I am not clear that legislation is necessary or would be effective. Automatic Traffic Signals Mr. RAMSBOTHAM asked the Minister of Transport whether grants are being made from the Road Fund, and, if so, for what amount, towards the cost of the installation of automatic traffic signals in the provincial towns? Mr. HERBERT MORRISON Grants are not being made from the Road Fund at the present moment towards the cost of automatic traffic signals in the provinces, but I hope to be in a position to issue a circular letter on this subject to the local authorities concerned very shortly, and so soon as it is available I will send the hon. Member a copy. Accidents, Camomile Bottom Sir K. WOOD asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the dangers of Camomile Bottom, near Shooter's Hill, and of the number of fatal accidents and serious collisions that have taken place there; and whether he will take action, in conjunction with the local authority and the Metropolitan Police, to mitigate the dangers to life and limb both of pedestrians and occupants of motor cars and other vehicles? Mr. HERBERT MORRISON My attention has been called to this matter, and I have been in consultation with the London County Council and the Greenwich Borough Council as to the steps to be taken to reduce the dangers at this point. Juvenile Offenders (Treatment) Mr. CADOGAN asked the Home Secretary whether he proposes to take any action to implement the findings of the Departmental Committee on the Treatment of Young Offenders to the effect that the juvenile court should have jurisdiction to deal with all offences, except homicide, committed by persons under 17; that no child under eight should be charged with any offence; and that a young person should be defined for the purposes of the Children Act as a person who is 14 years of age and under the age of 17? Mr. CLYNES Yes, Sir; it is intended to incorporate these recommendations in a Bill to amend the Children Act, 1908. I cannot make any statement at present as to when such a Bill can be taken. Cinematograph Films (Fires) Dr. FORGAN asked the Home Secretary if he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation for the purpose of securing that, as from and after a date to be appointed by Parliament, where films are used for public exhibition to any audience composed mainly of children, such films shall be of a non-inflammable type? Mr. CLYNES Before answering this question, my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Scotland and I should like to express, on behalf of the Government—and I am sure every Member of the House will wish to be associated with what I say—our great concern at the terrible disaster which recently occurred at Paisley and our deepest sympathy with the relatives of the children who lost their lives or who were injured. I should be very glad if it were possible to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion, not only for exhibitions given to children, but for all cinematograph exhibitions. The Home Office has watched this question closely and has considered for a long time the possibility of insisting upon the adoption of a less inflammable type of film; but I am assured that on technical grounds it would not be feasible in the present stage of development to forbid the use of the more inflammable material in the case of films which have to fulfil the exacting requirements and stand the wear and tear of constant use in the cinema theatres. The regulations made by the Home Office under the Cinematograph Act were specially framed to meet the dangers from the use of inflammable films, and if properly carried out they reduce the risks, as long experience has shown, to a minimum. The causes of the Paisley disaster are being investigated by my right hon. Friend, and if, when the results of the investigations are known, there is any reason to believe that the regulations require amendment at any point, or that their enforcement by the local authorities is not effective, I can assure the House that immediate action will be taken. Economic Policy Mr. DIXEY asked the Prime Minister whether he would be prepared to set up a committee of business men to inquire into the question of the advisability of attempting to create a single economic unit for this country and its Dominions? Mr. P. SNOWDEN No, Sir, but questions of economic policy will naturally be discussed at the Imperial Conference. Public Health Tuberculosis Mr. DAY asked the Minister of Health the total expenditure in England and Wales on carrying out approved schemes for the treatment of tuberculosis during the 12 months ended to the last convenient date, and the amount expended for slum-clearance schemes for the same period? Mr. GREENWOOD Comparative figures for expenditure incurred in carrying out approved schemes for the treatment of tuberculosis and of slum clearance during the last financial year are not available. In regard to the first part of his question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 18th July last. Small-Pox Mr. DAY asked the Minister of Health the number of cases of small-pox that have been notified since 1st January, 1929, in England and Wales, giving separate figures for London and the number of fatal results? Mr. GREENWOOD During the 52 weeks ended 28th December, 1929, 9,066 cases of small-pox were notified in England and Wales (excluding London), and 1,903 cases in London. Among these cases, 39 deaths occurred which were classified to small-pox. These figures are at present provisional. Housing Non-Parlour Houses Mr. SIMON asked the Minister of Health the average cost of non-parlour houses completed during each quarter year since the beginning of 1924? Mr. GREENWOOD Particulars as to the average cost of houses completed during the periods mentioned are not available, but the following statement shows the average price of non-parlour houses included in contracts let by, or in direct labour schemes of, local authorities in England and Wales during each of the quarter years in question.------ | | ------ |1924| ------ |1925| ------ |1926| ------ |1927| ------ |1928| ------ |1929| ------ Demolition Mr. CROOM-JOHNSON asked the Minister of Health the number of dwelling-houses of a rateable value of £105 per annum and under which were demolished in England and Wales during the year 1929 for reasons other than that they were unfit for human habitation? Mr. GREENWOOD No statistics are available on the matter referred to by the hon. Member. Mr. CROOM-JOHNSON asked the Minister of Health whether any dwelling-houses in respect of which any subsidy has been granted upon their erection were demolished in the year 1929; and, if so, in what circumstances? Mr. GREENWOOD I have no information of any case of this kind. Statistics (London) Mr. DAY asked the Minister of Health whether he can state from the information he has the extent of overcrowding as it now exists in London, and the number of families who are living more than two persons per room? Mr. GREENWOOD The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, the latest complete statistics available are contained in the Report of the Census of 1921. At the date of the Census, 683,498 persons in the county were living more than two to a room. It is estimated that between 1921 and 1928 the population of the county decreased by 55,000, while the number of houses increased by 30,000; and 22,622 houses were built by the London County Council outside the county. No later estimate of population is available, but over 2,500 more houses had been built by the London County Council by the end of 1929. Southwark Mr. DAY asked the Minister of Health whether he has any statistics and can state the number of houses in the Metropolitan borough of Southwark which have been condemned or found unfit for human habitation; and will he state the latest particulars he has on this subject? Mr. GREENWOOD During the last five years four houses in the borough of Southwark have been condemned as unfit for human habitation, eight other houses have been demolished, and 143 houses are in course of demolition under schemes of the London County Council for the clearance of slum areas. A further scheme dealing with an area comprising 180 houses is under consideration. In the same period houses found not to be in all respects fit for habitation have in 48,000 cases been rendered fit in consequence of action taken by the local authority. Slum Clearance Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE asked the Minister of Health the date of the introduction of the Government's slum-clearance scheme? Mr. GREENWOOD I regret that I cannot at present add anything to the statement made on Tuesday by the Prime Minister on this subject.