asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the comparative retail prices of bread in Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Russia?

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour will answer this question, and he has asked me to say that, as the reply is somewhat long, he will, if the hon. Member agrees, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

Data from which it would be possible to compute a true national average retail price of bread at the present time for each of the countries named by the hon. Member are not procurable. I have however, succeeded in ascertaining the retail bread prices ruling at a recent date in the respective capital cities, and the figures have been used in preparing the following tabular statement:

NOTES.—The conversions into sterling have been made at the rate of exchange quoted for the date to which the prices relate.

The prices for London, Paris, Berlin and Rome are those ruling in a free market on or about 1st April. The Moscow prices, apart from the fact that they relate to a somewhat earlier date (11th March), are controlled, as is also the rate of exchange used in converting roubles to sterling. The validity of the comparison between Moscow and the other capitals is, therefore, somewhat doubtful.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the complaints of shipmasters as to the lack of wireless direction stations as the coasts of Great Britain; and whether, in view of the importance of the country's maritime traffic, and the fact that our navigators are obliged to rely largely on stations installed by foreign owners, and the invidious position in which Great Britain stands in comparison with the merchant fleets of other nations in regard to utilising such apparatus, having for their object the safety of life and property at sea, he will not seek the authority of Parliament for the erection of additional stations worthy of our mercantile marine's importance and of the issues at stake?

Representations have been made to the Board of Trade on the subject of wireless direction finding stations, and this subject has for some considerable time been under the close consideration of the Departments con- cerned. Under present financial conditions expenditure must, in any case, be limited, and invention is proceeding so rapidly that it is difficult to say in present which system will ultimately be best suited to the needs of the mercantile marine. In these circumstances, we are watching this question very closely, and proceeding as far as circumstances will permit.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, seeing that surveyors of his Department are sent to Continental ports to survey steamships for the passenger certificates required by the Merchant Shipping Acts, he will, in the interests of British shipping, see that these surveys are carried out in this country?

Surveys abroad are allowed in special cases when sufficient cause is shown, a typical instance being the ship whose terminal port is on the Continent and which only stays a short time in this country. These surveys are kept within as narrow limits as possible, but it would not be to the interest of British shipping that they should be abolished.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the survey conditions in relation to the s.s. "Majestic" are done on the tideway and have relation to the portions of the turbine engines which are dealt with year by year; that 20 out of 24 boats are without compasses; that tanks were not tested; that the C deck davits in an emergency would be found almost unworkable; whether any of the lower boats are stove in by chocks; and, as this vessel is due to leave on Wednesday, will he cancel sailing pending investigation of these conditions?

May I say that the allegations mentioned in this question relate to the condition of affairs on Friday of last week?

As stated in reply to questions on 1st April, the whole of the survey of the "Majestic," with the exception of the inspection of the hull in dry dock, which cannot for the mement be carried out in the United Kingdom, will be complete before the vessel sails. Under the. Regulations, four of the boats are re- quired to be fitted with compasses; 34 are so fitted. All the boats on board, which are about two years old, have been examined and found to be in excellent condition. The air cases of a selected number have been taken out, tested, and found to be satisfactory. Each of the C deck davits has been examined and found to be in easy working order. None of the lower boats have been damaged by the chocks, and these boats are in the same excellent condition as the others. There is no reason whatever why the vessel should not sail on Wednesday.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is closely watching the operations and formation of trusts, rings and combines in the United Kingdom; whether he considers the powers to deal with these combines, etc., are adequate; and, if not, what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether legislation will be introduced at an early date to deal with trusts, rings and combines, both in the interests of the business community and of the public, and especially with regard to building materials?

The Board of Trade are keeping themselves as fully informed as practicable on the operations of trade combinations. The remaining points raised in the questions are under consideration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of my question as to what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

I do not think the powers of the Government on any subject are adequate.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has a majority on this side of the House to secure the passing of the necessary legislation, and why does he not take time by the forelock?

It does not always seem so.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Professor Green, when engaged as head of the Research Department of the British Dyestuffs Corporation, devoted his whole time to the duties; and that Professor Perkin, who has been appointed in his place, only devotes a small portion of his time to the duties, and has other professional appointments; and what were the respective salaries, including directors' fees, paid by the British Dyestuffs Corporation to Professor Green and Professor Perkin?

I understand that the answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the remainder of the question, I have no knowledge as to the amount of time which Professor Perkin is able to devote to the affairs of the corporation, or as to the financial arrangements between the corporation and the gentleman named.

Will the Government not receive a report from the Government directors on the Dyestuffs Corporation?

It is not the practice for the Government directors to report regularly to the Government upon the ordinary procedure and the commercial work of the corporation. We maintain communication with the Government directors and with any special matters in which the permanent interests of the industry are concerned.

Is the permanent interest of the industry being promoted by a part-time officer supplanting a whole-time officer?

I am afraid that I cannot accept that description of the substitution of Professor Perkin for Professor Green. I do not think that accurately describes the situation, but I can assure the hon. Member that the whole position is very seriously engaging the attention of the Government. It is hardly possible to deal with it effectively by way of question and answer.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can supply statistics as to the quantity and value of hosiery shipped from Germany to Ireland and America and then reshipped to England in order to avoid the payment of reparations duty?

I regret to say that the information asked for is not available, as the official statistics of re-exports from the Irish Free State and the United States, like those of other countries, do not specify the countries of origin of the goods.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the continuance of fatal accidents due to the method of fixing gas-heating geysers, he will expedite the Report of Mr. Better-field on this subject; and whether, in view of the importance of the question, he will seek powers to enable him to safeguard the public?

I have received a comprehensive Report from Mr. Butterfield on the fatal accidents due to gas poisoning and propose to publish it very shortly. I hope it may be possible to take steps to safeguard the public without recourse to legislation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that there are 296 coastguard stations under the Board of Trade, 185 of which have station officers in charge whose pay is £2 19s. 5d. a week; that there are 97 stations which have a senior coastguard in charge, and no station officer, whose pay is £2 8s. 8d. a week; that the Board of Trade has granted Is. a week charge pay for senior coastguards in charge of stations where there is no station officer, with arrears only from 1st January, 1924, whereas they have actually been in charge from 1st April, 1923; and whether, in view of the fact that the Admiralty are paying their men 7s. a week charge pay, and that station officers are paid 10s. a week charge pay as from the 1st April, 1923, he will consider granting an increase of charge pay to senior coastguards in charge where there is no station officer with arrears from the 1st April, 1923, the date from which the coastguard service was transferred to the Board of Trade?

The answer is rather long, and I would propose, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, to have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not see the injustice of not giving these men their pay from the time they were transferred?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will make further inquiries as to the statements in his question, I think he will find that he has not got them quite correct.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of the senior officers in charge of these 97 stations are in a similar position to the 185 station officers?

That is no doubt the case, but I should like to say that the Board of Trade have gone very carefully into this question. As at present advised, I do not see that any injustice is being done.

Following is the answer:

The statements in the question are correct, so far as regards the Board of Trade coastguard force, except that charge pay of Is. a week is given to senior coastguardsmen at 111, not 97 stations. As regards the rates of pay in the Royal Naval shore signal service, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the Admiralty. The date from which the concession of charge pay to senior coastguardsmen in charge of Board of Trade stations should operate was fixed, with the approval of the Treasury, after careful consideration of all the circumstances, and I do not think there are sufficient grounds either for an alteration in the date or an increase in the amount.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make any statement as to the Government attitude with reference to the Safeguarding of Industries Act and its extension?

His Majesty's Government have decided not to introduce legislation to extend the duration of the provisions of Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act which deal with the making of Orders on the ground of depreciation of foreign currency.

These provisions, and the duties which have been imposed under them, will accordingly lapse on 19th August next.

With respect to the special cases of lace and embroidery on the one hand, and silk on the other, it will be recalled that the late Government set up a Committee, but not under the Safeguarding of Industries Act, to inquire into the causes of unemployment in those industries. As regards lace and embroidery, the Committee recommended a duty of 33⅓ per cent, for five years; in the case of silk, two members of the Committee were in favour of duties ranging up to 33⅓ per cent., and the other two were against any duties. The Government have carefully considered the Committee's Reports, but do not propose to ask Parliament to impose the duties.

Are the Government going to allow this Act to lapse without taking a decision of the House upon it?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the case of the inquiry into the lace industry the Committee found that their proposals were the only possible means of preventing this industry's complete destruction?

I believe that the Committee came to something like that conclusion, but it does not necessarily follow that they were able to convince His Majesty's Government.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if we can have a day for the discussion of this subject?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a very large number of people will be thrown out of work by this decision, and will he give an early opportunity for a discussion?

Is the President of the Board of Trade going to repeal Part I of this Act?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received from members of the glassware trade an application for the Depreciated Currency Order of October, 1922, issued under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, to be reconsidered by a Committee set up by the Board of Trade in accordance with Section 9 of the Act, on the ground that German exports to this country are no longer assisted by a depreciated currency; and whether he proposes to set up a Committee forthwith?

I would refer to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Boothe on the 18th March. The position remains as then stated.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the adverse Report by two members of the Departmental Committee against a duty being imposed upon manufactured silk in the silk inquiry; if he is aware that one of the reasons given was that the duty would interfere with the re-export trade and in that way cause dislocation of our shipping industry; that this amount of silk referred to, namely, five million pounds worth, would weigh approximately 52 tons annually, or one ton weekly; and if, in view of this fact, he will set up another Committee to reconsider the whole question?

I am aware of the passage in the Report to which the hon. Member refers. The particular point is one only of a number of considerations to which the two members of the Committee draw attention. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Is the right hon Gentleman aware that all the reasons given by these two gentlemen are equally inaccurate, and that this one was chosen simply for the purpose of illustration?

On a point of Order. Is it in order to impute these allegations against members of a Committee set up by this House?

No; it should not be done.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the inconvenience arising in the administering of the Safeguarding of Industries Act with regard to certain kinds of toys, such as toy magic lanterns and toy magnets used for children's fishpond games; and whether he will consider the advisability of issuing a Treasury Order, under Section 10 of the Finance Act, 1922, extending Order No. 149 so that toys of all kinds, whether scientific or not, shall be excluded?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Fishpond games containing magnets as parts are already exempt from duty under the Treasury Order quoted. There is no power under Section 10 of the Finance Act, 1922, to make an Order exempting articles which are dutiable as a whole, such as magic lanterns.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether full repayment has been received of the excess payment of £250,000 made on account of Chinese bacon supplied to the Food Ministry, as reported in the Auditor-General's Trading Accounts for 1919–20; and whether he can give the names of he two officials in the Ministry at the time who were stated in the Report to have been responsible for the oversight?

I would refer the hon. Member to the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor-General on the 1921–22 "Trading Accounts, page ix, which sets out for the information of this House the details of this settlement. These accounts are in process of investigation by the Public Accounts Committee, and I suggest that the hon. Member should a wait their Report.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the reason why the First Division of the Anglo-German Mixed Arbitral Tribunal sat only 11 times during the months of January and February last; and will he state how many times the First Division and the Second Division, respectively, sat during the month of March?

As the hon. Member is aware, the Anglo-German Mixed Arbitral Tribunal is an independent international tribunal, and it is not subject to control by the Board of Trade or any other Department of His Majesty's Government. With regard to the second part of the question, during the month of March, 1924, the First Division of the Tribunal sat on four days and the Second on 10 days. Between 24th and 3lst March, the President of the Second Division and the British member, with the substitution of an Austrian for the German member, also sat on five occasions to hear Austrian cases.

Is it the case that the Board of Trade is content to remain ignorant as to why this Tribunal only sat 11 times during four weeks; and, if so, is the Board going to remain impotent even if the Tribunal sits much more infrequently?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the members of the Enemy Debts Mixed Arbitral Tribunals are paid by salaries or by fees; and, in either case, what the payments amount to per annum per member and on which Vote the expenses of these tribunals are borne?

The answer contains a table of figures, and the hon. Member will perhaps permit me to have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT

Following is the answer:

The members of the Mixed Arbitral Tribunals are paid by salaries.

The salaries are as follows:

Anglo-German Mixed Arbitral Tribunal

Second chamber of Anglo-German Mixed Arbitral Tribunal and Anglo-Austrian-Bulgarian-Hungarian Mixed Arbitral Tribunal :

≈other expenses of the tribunals is borne by His Majesty's Government, these charges being provided for under subhead "NN" of the Vote for Diplomatic and Consular Services.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will inform those claimants for compensation, in respect of loss and damage caused by illegal enemy action, whose claims have been rejected, what were the grounds of rejection?

As to the first part of the question, rejection notices are being sent as fast as possible to all claimants in whose cases the Royal Commission has recommended that no ex gratia payment should be made. As to the last part, it is not open to me to discuss the reasons which may have influenced the Commission in making their recommendation in any particular case, but the principles upon which claims were dealt with by the Commission are described in their First and Final Reports.

Will the right hon. Gentleman now answer my question —will he tell the claimants whose claims are rejected what are the grounds on which their claims have been rejected?

The only answer that can be given to the claimants is the statement of the Royal Commission, and that answer is being given to them as fast as possible, but I would ask the hon. and learned Member to recollect that they number a great many thousands. I am afraid it is not possible to inform" the claimants on what grounds or for what reasons their claims have been rejected, because the Royal Commission does not state those grounds.

Do I understand that the Board of Trade do not know on what grounds any claim is rejected?

As a general rule, no. The Board of Trade cannot go behind the recommendations of the Royal Commission.

Would it be possible for one of these claimants to bring an action in the Courts in order to test the validity of the action of the right hon. Gentleman?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the officials of the Reparations Claims Department, referred to in the Report of the Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action, who finally assessed and audited claims, ever paid visits to the special areas affected and there made local inquiries?

The answer is in the affirmative. I would refer to the observations of the Royal Commission in paragraph 3 of their Final Report.

Would the right hon. Gentleman state whether the attitude of the Government towards these claims is a charitable attitude?

That does not arise here.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any part of the £10,898,187 8s. 2d., which: formed the balance of the amount left in the hands of His Majesty's Government by the aircraft insurance scheme during the War, is being paid to claimants for compensation applied for to the Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action; and,, if not, whether an equivalent sum could be allocated to these claimants?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. In reply to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave to questions put by him on the 10th and 24th March.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that these people have a moral claim to a sum of money equivalent to this sum which was taken by the Government after the War?

No. The only people who have claims on this balance are the people who paid the premiums. The people to whom my hon. Friend refers are the people who did not insure and have no claim on this fund.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what would be the net increase in taxation per head in this country if all the preference proposals of the Imperial Conference were adopted?

I regret that I am unable to give a figure that would be of any value in answer to this question, as several of the proposals for new or increased taxation were of indefinite character, and the actual imports of the goods affected in certain other proposals are unknown.

Are we to assume from this question that the consumer pays the duty?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to give the details in regard to the granting of commissions in the Army from the Territorial Army?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to give the details asked for. The draft Regulations on the subject are still under consideration, and I hope within a short time sufficient progress will have been made to enable them to be published.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the date of the most recent issue of the King's Regulations and of the Manual of Military Law?

The date of the last edition of the King's Regulations is September, 1923, and that of the last edition of the Manual of Military Law is February, 1914. A new edition of the Manual is about to be prepared, which will, I hope, be available for the use of the Army next year.

asked the Secretary of State for War what action it is proposed to take to recruit junior officers for the Royal Army Medical Corps, in view of the present serious shortage?

The matter is receiving consideration, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement regarding it.

asked the Secretary of State for War what sums are paid annually for window cleaning in the various military commands in the United Kingdom; and whether he will see if this expense can be saved by employing military defaulters to do the work?

The information asked for in the first part of the question is not available without special inquiry, and I do not think that the cost and trouble of such inquiry would be justified. As regards the last part, the present rule is that windows are to be cleaned by the troops, except in cases where the employment of skilled contract labour is desirable for reasons of safety.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter rune into thousands of pounds a year, which might easily be saved?

If the hon. and gallant Member's request were granted, would not several ex-service men lose the jobs that they now have?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, seeing that the duties of the officere of the staff for Royal Engineer services are of the same nature and are carried out side by side and in collaboration with officers of the Royal Engineers, he will say what is the reason for the difference in pay and prospects of the officers of the staff for the Royal Engineer services and those of the Royal Engineers?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the pay, allowances, promotion prospects, retired pay, disablement pensions, and widows' and orphans' compassionate allowances of the 29 officers of the staff for the Royal Engineer services is less than that of the other commissioned officers in His Majesty's Army; and whether he will state the reason for the differentiation and the degree of the same?

The duties of the 29 officers who form the staff for Royal Engineer services are not identical with those of Royal Engineer officers generally. The officers in question are surveyors, and they all entered the Service as such many years ago. When in 1906 they were granted the status of officers, they retained the civilian basis of their pay and pension. It is impossible at this stage of their careers to alter the whole character of their emoluments from the civilian basis which they originally accepted to a military basis. Their position and claims have, however, recently been investigated, and they have been given material improvements in pay and pension. No new entrants have been taken for this class since 1901, and the method of obtaining surveyors for the Army in future in under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider, in setting up of the Committee to inquire into the suggested amendments to the Army Act, the desirability of adding any service Members of the House who served overseas in the War, both officers and other ranks, in addition to his colleagues, the Parliamentary and Financial Secretaries to the War Office?

No Sir. I regret that I cannot consider the suggestion. As I indicated in Debate last week, it is proposed that the Board of Admiralty and the Army and Air Councils, as being responsible for the discipline of the three fighting Services, should consider these amendments and should report to the Government.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are four generals on the Army Council, and is it not desirable that the point of view of the other ranks should be put before this Committee?

That in a different question from the one on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will inform the House the cause of the delay in granting bars for war medals, following the custom in previous wars; and whether such bars will be granted to staff officers who were concerned in the operations but not in the field?

It has not been possible, for reasons of financial stringency, to issue battle clasps to medals for the late War. Both matters, the issue and conditions of eligibility, are under consideration.

Does the opposition come from staff officers? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is very keen feeling among a large number of officers who have served in the front line in favour of the grant of these bars?

I am perfectly aware there is a very strong feeling. I am pevfectly aware also of the great cost it entails. As I have said, both matters are still under consideration. They are not being lost sight of.

As this matter has been under consideration for five years, does not the right hon. Gentleman really think it is time to arrive at a decision? As regards cost, would it not be possible to allow people who are entitled to these bars to purchase their own?

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider saving money on the window cleaning?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will investigate the present method of discharging men from the Army, having regard to the housing shortage; and whether he can make relaxations in the Regulations when a discharge has to be made, pending suitable accommodation being obtained?

I regret that I am not in a position to consider this suggestion. I much regret the necessity under present conditions of requiring time-expired men to vacate their quarters on discharge, but no public advantage could result from retaining such men on pay for an indeterminate period until it suited them to leave.

Will the Minister, in view of the distressing case I brought to his notice, do something for this man in particular?

I do not know that I can take the responsibility of making special exemptions.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the Deptford market has yet been bought by the War Office; and can he state the price the vendor paid for the market and the price the War Office has paid the vendor?

As I indicated on 25th March to the hon. Member for Greenwich, it has been decided to exercise the option for purchase of Deptford market. Purchase has not yet, however, been effected, and 1 am not in a position to answer the remainder of the question.

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect this purchase will be completed, and what price does the Government propose to pay?

There is something Shakespeare says about "the law's delay"

And the "insolence of office."

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange that, in the case of officers on consolidated rates of pay, so much of their pay as equals the total value of their allowances shall not be subject to the 5½ per cent, deductions from July, in view of the fact that allowances as such are not subject to reduction?

This and other questions connected with the detailed application of the 5½ per cent, reduction of officers pay due on 1st July are receiving consideration. I am not in a position to announce a decision at the present moment.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that protests have been made, both by the Association of ex-Civil Servants, and the British Legion, against the re-employment of pensioned civil servants on clerical duties in his Department; and whether, in view of the fact that temporary' ex-service clerks are being dismissed, he will give immediate instructions that redundant ex-service men shall be employed on the work being performed by these pensioned officials?

I understand the hon. Member to refer to the ex-officials, now reduced in number to 14, who are employed on examining War Office records and papers, and deciding on their retention or destruction. As I indicated last month to the hon. Member for Edinburgh East, this is very special work, which can only be done by men of long Departmental experience, and I regret, therefore, that I do not see my way to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.

What is the skilled nature of this work that any ordinary man could not do? Even a War Minister could do it.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the impending completion of the new prison at Saughton and the consequent evacuation of the Calton gaol, he will favourably consider adapting the Calton for the purpose of centralising the various Scottish administrative Departments at present housed in different parts of Edinburgh?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The possibility of utilising the Calton gaol site for the purpose of centralising the various Scottish administrative Departments has received serious consideration on more than one occasion recently, but has been rejected on account of the heavy capital cost involved.

May I request that the question be answered by one of the few Scottish representatives on the Treasury bench?

Will the right hon. Gentleman use the good offices of the Labour party to prevent the eviction of these poor unemployed tenants in Calton Gaol?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he will cause a Report to be compiled showing the cost to the ratepayers of the polls held in Scotland under the Temperance (Scotland) Act, and the exact results achieved in the creation of dry areas, limitation of licences, and no change?

I would refer the hon. Member to the Returns regarding the cost and the results of the 1920 and 1923 polls which have been presented to Parliament. I am sending him copies of these Returns.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of local representations on the matter, he intends to restore the pre-War practice of having Parliamentary polls counted and declared in the constituencies affected; and whether he can state which of the burghs in the Montrose division has been chosen as the centre?

I have recently received a report from the Sheriff from which it would appear that for administrative purposes the present arrangement is the most convenient. I may point out that the term "place of election" means primarily the place for nomination of candidates. Before reaching a decision as to whether any change should be made I would propose to confer with the hon. Member and with the Member for Forfar County.

Might we be informed what interest the hon. Member has in any future declaration?

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware of the transport difficulties with which those engaged in the fishing industry in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland have to contend in the marketing of their fish; and will he now consider the advisability of erecting one or two experimental freezing stations, at one or two carefully selected places, such as are in use in the Dominions, with much advantage to the scattered fishing communities?

I am aware of the difficulties of transport referred to. The question of possible developments of the resources of the Highlands and Islands is at present being investigated and the suggestion put forward by the right hon. Member will be borne in mind, but it is doubtful whether fish frozen and stored as proposed would be able to command remunerative prices in competition with fresh fish available in large quantities from other sources.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Dominion of Canada this has been put into practice and it has been found most satisfactory?

You cannot compare the conditions in Canada with the conditions here.

asked the Secretary for Scotland how many acres of Templar potatoes were included under Certificate IV 778/1922?

Four acres were included in the certificate referred to in the question.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that Messrs. Halsall and Company, of Ormskirk, purchased 13 tons of Templar seed potatoes from Messrs. Stevenson Brothers, of Stirling, in March last, with a certificate from the Scottish Board of Agriculture that they were immune from wart disease and true to type; that Messrs. Halsall ordered these potatoes to be consigned direct to four different farmers; that, when the potatoes were lifted in September they proved to be badly infected with wart disease, and were, in fact, as to 40 per cent. Northern Star, a non-immune variety; that the above facts were communicated to the Ministry of Agriculture on 5th September and the Ministry immediately communicated with the Scottish Board; that the Scottish Board allege that they had insufficient time to prepare a prosecution within the statutory limit of six months from the date of the transaction; will he state under what Statute a criminal prosecution must be undertaken within six months of the offence; whether his Department was advised by the Scottish Law Officers that they could not prosecute in this case; and what steps he proposes to take to protect English farmers from being victimised by fraudulent certificates in future?

As the reply is rather long I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the answer be given to the House, as it is a matter of great importance?

It is very hard on other Members of the House to have long answers read.

The right hon. Gentleman said "with my permission" he would circulate it. I have not given my permission.

That is the common courtesy of the House.

May I not ask for my answer to be given? I am sorry to persist.

It must be at the discretion of the Minister, or we might have one answer taking up the whole of Question Time.

If it is always left in the discretion of the Minister, might he not refuse to give any verbal answer, for fear of embarrasing supplementary Questions?

This question, though it is long, is capable of one very short answer. Will the right hon. Gentleman not tell us, because the matter is of great importance?

May I direct attention to what I have already called your personal attention, Sir—the tendency of Ministers to ask for the circulation of answers which are very small. The President of the Board of Trade last week circulated an answer only nine lines long. I should like to have your views on it.

I put down a similar question to the Minister of Agriculture last week, and was entirely put off by the fact that he circulated it, instead of reading it to the House.

If the Minister be agreeable, I do not mind.

Circulate!

Is it not the case that we Scottish Members have only one day in the week on which to put our questions, and are we not entitled to get an answer in the House?

The hon. Member who put the question is not a Scottish Member.

We must not waste further time. Mr. Adamson.

The reply to the first, third and fifth parts of the question is substantially in the affirmative, but as stated in the answer given on 31st March by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, to the hon. Member s question on the same subject, the Board of Agriculture are satisfied as to the purity of the crop certified by them and the result referred to in the third part of the question cannot therefore be connected with the official certificate as to purity of the crop inspected by the Board. Proceedings under the Seeds Act, 1920, must be taken within six months of the date of the offence in accordance with the provisions of Section 26 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Scotland) Act, 1908. It was unnecessary to consult the Law Officers. The transaction referred to took place on or about the 23rd March, 1923, and it was impossible to investigate the facts and collect the information necessary for the purpose of instituting proceedings in the short time available after the first report of the case reached the Board on 13th September. It is impossible to ensure that no misuse will be made of certificates issued in respect of an article such as potatoes; but the form of certificate contains a warning that any grower or merchant who misuses the certificate will be liable to prosecution, and every endeavour is made to secure the punishment of such offenders. In addition to any such proceedings, it is open to injured parties in any transaction of this kind to claim from the offending parties compensation for damage at common law.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that these potatoes were inspected by an inspector of the Ministry of Agriculture, and were found, in fact, to be 30 per cent, rogues? Is he also aware that this same firm was prosecuted by his Department and fined £5, and his Department did not press for costs? Has that been a deterrent?

rose —

We have taken time enough on this question.

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. Do you rule out all supplementary questions arising out of this question?

Certainly not. I have allowed many.

rose —

I cannot allow further supplementary questions. I have called another question.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if, in view of the emigration of the pick of the population in the north-western Highlands and Islands of Scotland, he will take steps by the appointment of a Select Committee of Inquiry or otherwise, to inquire into the most effective means of restoring economic security and sufficiency to the population in these crofting areas; if his attention has been drawn to the proposals for the provision of silos, which would prevent the recurrence of the disasters consequent upon the failure of a harvest; and what steps it is proposed to take in the matter?

I would refer to the reply given on Tuesday last to a question by the hon. Member for the Western Isles respecting the suggested appointment of a Commission of Inquiry. My attention has been directed to the question of providing silos, and I stated in reply to a question on the 25th of March that arrangements had been practically completed by the Board of Agriculture for the erection of silos and for the growing of silage crops in Skye for experimental purposes. The arrangements for the erection of experimental silos in Skye have now been completed. Should these experiments be successful, their?extension to other areas will be considered.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say, in a word, if he proposes to set up a Commission of Inquiry into the conditions in the Western Highlands or Islands?

I am getting a Report from the various Departments in the Scottish Office as to the possibility of economic development in the Islands and Highlands, and I shall be largely guided by that Report.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the importance of launching his scheme for assistance to fishermen in the replacement of lost and damaged gear in time to enable the greatest number of boats and crews to participate in the summer fishing, he is yet in a position to make an announcement of its terms?

I cannot at present add to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member on this subject on Tuesday last, but I appreciate the general desire for an early decision, and every effort is being made to expedite matters.

If I repeat this question next week, will the right hon. Gentleman be able to answer?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has received representations as to the desirability of repealing Section 37 of the Poor Law (Scotland) Act, 1845, and placing all rating on the gross valuation; and whether he proposes to introduce any legislation with that object in view?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The question of repealing Section 37 of the Poor Law (Scotland) Act, 1845, will require to be considered in connection with any general measure of rating reform.

While the right hon. Gentleman is considering the question of the introduction of a Bill for rating reform in Scotland, will he undertake to see that this matter receives attention?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, having regard to the representations he has received from the Fife Education Authority, he is pre pared to approach the Treasury with a view to obtaining an adequate grant for the purpose of providing an experimental farm near Cupar, Fife, to be used for the demonstration of scientific farming in all its branches and for the practical education of small farmers, agricultural workers, and other members of the farming community?

I recently received a deputation from the Fife Education Authority on this subject, and their representations are having my careful consideration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to see that this matter is considered immediately?

I had the matter fully stated before me by a deputation from the Fife Education Authority, and it is receiving my consideration.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is prepared to issue instructions for the completion of a detailed survey of the rural houses and cottages in Scotland, as recommended by the Royal Commission on Housing in Scotland, and to call for Reports from the local public health officers as to the condition of the houses at present occupied by agricultural and rural workers and as to the additional accommodation required to meet the needs of these workers in each area?

As stated in the reply given to a similar question put by the hon. and learned Member on the 26th February last, the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Housing are before the Government in their consideration of housing policy, but I am not yet in a position to state what action will be taken on the particular recommendation referred to in the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the extreme urgency of dealing with the question of rural housing, and will he undertake that the matter will receive prompt consideration?

Sir George McCrae.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware— [HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]

The hon. Member for Montrose Burghs must not be on his fees while I am on my feet. The next question has been called.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he can state the amount of expenditure incurred to date by parish councils in carrying out the provisions of the Poor Law Emergency Provisions (Scotland) Act, 1921?

The expenditure incurred by parish councils in granting relief to the destitute able-bodied unemployed during the period August, 1921, to 15th March, 1924, is approximately £3,230,000.

Have the Poor Law authorities in Scotland the same powers as the Poor Law authorities in England?

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is now in a position to state the number of classes in Scottish schools containing from 50 to 60 and over 60 pupils on the roll?

A few replies to my request for detailed information are still outstanding. But as soon as the return I have asked for is complete, I will send a copy to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if, in view of the amount of unemployment among juveniles and to allow of the necessary preparations being made by the local education authorities, he is prepared to appoint a date for the raising of the school-leaving age to 15, as provided for in the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918?

I am sure my hon. Friend will realise the difficulty of fixing a date which would at once assist the immediately pressing problem of unemployment and also allow of reasonable time being given to the education authorities to make the necessary preparations. But I am considering the matter carefully.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that there is complaint regarding the distribution of seed oats, potatoes, and fuel in many parishes in Ross-shire; that in other parishes there has been as yet no distribution at all; and, in view of the imminence of seed-time, what action he is taking or proposes to take?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. I am informed that distribution of seed under the Board of Agriculture's scheme has taken place as quickly as possible after receipt of the demands, and that practically all orders have now been complied with.

:If I send my right hon. Friend complaints from three separate parishes, will he have the matter looked into?

I will.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he will state how much of the £32,000 granted to the island of Lewis for road making and repairing has been paid in wages to the workmen employed, and how much has been paid away in administrative charges?

I am obtaining information regarding this matter and will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has received a petition from South Uist protesting against the proposal to close down Lochboisdale pier; and, in view of the hardship, loss, and inconvenience such an action would involve, is he prepared to make a statement?

I have received a copy of resolutions passed at a meeting in South Uist respecting the proposal of the proprietress to close this pier which is in a defective condition. I am advised that the Board of Agriculture have no power to take over the pier, but they are considering whether any action could be taken with a view to assisting to meet the 'difficulties. In the meantime I am requesting the Board to ascertain from the proprietress whether it is practicable to make temporary arrangements for the continued use of the pier wholly or partially.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has received a petition from the inhabitants of Benbecula for the provision of lights at the approach to Petersport pier; whether he has received further information; and whether he will make inquiries immediately with a view to the provision of the necessary lights in order that the people of this island may be no longer subjected to their present conditions?

I have received a communication from Benbecula conveying further information on this subject and I am making inquiries.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the normal grant per pupil for secondary education; and whether an additional grant can be paid in cases of exceptional difficulties as in the Island of Arran?

There is no normal grant per pupil for secondary education, and therefore the question of an additional grant does not arise. But my hon. Friend may rest assured that, in the framing of the minutes by which the distribution of grant is regulated, the fullest consideration is given to the exceptional difficulties of sparsely populated districts like Arran.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that there is no provision in the Island of Arran for continuing the education of children to the secondary stage; that they have to make a sea journey of 13 miles to Ardrossan for this purpose, which necessitates their taking lodgings; that the expense of this falls mainly on the parents; whether he will inform the House what is the reason for the failure of the local education authority to provide such education when the children are not over 14 years of age without additional expense to the parents; whether the local education authority assumes responsibility for the transport of such children; whether they pay the full cost of the lodgings for such children: and whether he will take steps to see that suitable provision is made for the education of such children without their having to leave the island?

I am aware that in Arran, as in many other districts of Scotland, educational arrangements are gravely hampered by geographical conditions. With regard to the remainder of the question I am having inquiry made with a view to giving the hon. Member a reply.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government are prepared to bring in a Bill to rectify the present unequal incidence of local rating; and, if so, when he expects to be able to do so?

A Bill is at present being examined by the Ministry of Health, but I am not at present in a position to make any statement.

asked the Prime Minister if the Industrial Courts Amendment Bill has been under the consideration of the Government?

The reply is in the affirmative.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether the Government propose to help or to hinder the passage of this Bill?

The Government do not favour the principle of the Bill in question, nor consider that by means of it a greater measure of industrial peace in this country will be obtained.

Are we to understand that the Government propose to oppose the Bill?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the Secret Service Fund stands at £180,000 this year and is only £20,000 less than last year; whether he can hold out any hopes of a reduction in this money; which Minister is especially responsible for the disbursement of the Secret Service Fund; and whether that Minister scrutinises the expenditure and satisfies himself personally as to the use to which the money is put?