asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the price of synthetic indigo in Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy and India?

As the answer to the question contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Dyestuffs Advisory Licensing Committee publish any particulars giving the names of the dyes for the import of which licences have been granted; and, if not, what safeguard exists against unfair discrimination between various applicants for licences?

Particulars of the dyestuffs for which licences are granted are not published by the Advisory Licensing Committee. As regards the second part of the question, the safeguard is the constitution of the Committee, and the fact that each application is considered separately.

Suppose that one firm objects to other firms getting the dyes which it has been refused, how can its doubts be set at rest?

Such cases do not, in fact, arise, because the Advisory Committee, on which the makers are in a minority, treats all applications alike.

asked the President el the Board of Trade whether it is the practice of the Dyestuffs Advisory Licensing Committee, when asked for permission to import, to require the applicant to disclose the names of his customers and thereafter to furnish these names to the applicants' competitors; and, in general, on what grounds the Committee withhold licences?

I presume the hon. and gallant Member's question relates to applications other than those made by actual users. It is not the general practice of the Committee to require applicants in such cases to disclose the names of their customers, but in certain cases, where licences would not normally be granted, it has been found necessary to require that the application shall be made by the actual user. As regards the second part of the question, licences are refused when the Committee are satisfied that adequate substitutes are available at. reasonable prices from British manufacturers.

Is it the case that some people, who allege that they cannot carry on their business without foreign imported dyes, are refused licences?

No, I think not. The practice of the Committee is to find out whether a suitable British substitute is available. If there is not, a licence is granted.

I beg to give notice that, on the Adjournment to-night, I shall call attention to the hardships under this system.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is intended to continue the appointment of the British Dyestuffs Corporation, Limited, as sole agents in this country for the distribution of dyestuffs taken from Germany on reparation account?

The operation of the reparation provisions of the Treaty of Versailles, so far as they related to dyestuffs, ceased on the 15th January last. The agency service of the British Dyestuffs Corporation will be continued until the existing stock of reparation dyestuffs has been liquidated.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if any decision has been arrived at as to whether, under the London Agreement of 30th August, 1924, the Government will continue to indent on Germany for bulk quantities, or at all, of dyestuffs on reparation account as was the case up to the 10th January, 1925, under the Peace Treaty?

The London Agreement provides that con tracts for deliveries in kind (including dyestuffs) which are to be treated as being on reparation account, shall be made under ordinary commercial conditions, that is, by contracts between buyers in the Allied countries and the German producers. It is not the intention of the Government to make any call on Germany for dyestuffs on Government account.

Will this whole business be modified when we get the proposed pact with Germany and France, and they are secured '?

That is too hypothetical a question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the Trade Agreement with Germany will come into force; and whether, pending its ratification, this country's products are receiving most-favoured-nation treatment from Germany?

The Treaty will come into force when ratified, and before ratifications are exchanged the parties are required by Clause 8 of the Protocol to pass the necessary legislative and administrative Measures. The only Measure which will have to be passed in this country is the Former Enemy Allens (Disabilities Removal) Bill, which has already been introduced in this House. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether His Majesty's Government are taking any part in the Paris Exhibition of 1923; whether the British Pavilion is being paid for by His Majesty's Government; and, if so, whether he can state the amount it is proposed to spend?

Yes. His Majesty's Government are taking part in the Paris Exhibition of 1925. The cost of the British Pavilion is included in the total expenditure estimated to amount to £62,500. It is expected that that amount will be reduced by a sum of approximately £12,500 which will probably be obtained from exhibitors and concession- aires in the British section and from proceeds of sales at the end of the exhibition.

Will this matter come before Parliament except in the Estimates? Will you have to seek authorisation to spend this money?

No, Sir. I think it will be taken in the Estimates, and the hon. and gallant Gentleman will then have an opportunity of raising the question.

What method is being adopted to bring this scheme before the various producers with a view to their being represented?

We shall do everything in our power. If my hon. Friend can suggest anything helpful we shall be glad to know of it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the official figures of the import and export trade of Germany in 1913, 1923 and 1924, respectively?

As the answer includes a table of figures, the hon. Member will, perhaps, not object to my circulating it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the restrictions on the importation of British cotton goods into Germany are still enforced; and, seeing that this is contrary to the Treaty recently concluded, will he made representations to the German Government to remove the restrictions?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I would remind my hon. Friend that the Treaty has not yet been ratified, and, is, therefore, not yet in force. His Majesty's Ambassador at Berlin, however, has recently been in communication with the German Government with a view to securing that licences should be accorded more freely for the importation of British goods of descriptions for which such licences are required.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what were the total values of imports into the United Kingdom of raw materials from the self-governing Dominions, other British Possessions, and all foreign countries in 1923 and 1924, respectively; what was the value of our re-exports of such produce; and what were the proportions of raw materials derived from each of these sources and retained for home consumption in the United Kingdom?

This answer also contains a table of figures, which I would propose to insert in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state, for any convenient date early in 1921, what was the total capital invested in the fine chemical industry; and what is the corresponding comparable figure to-day?

I regret that I have no means of arriving at the particulars desired by the hon. and gallant Member.

Has the right hon. Gentleman enough information to tell us whether the capital invested has increased or decreased since that date?

The reason why it is impossible to give figures is that a very large number of firms which manufacture fine chemicals also manufacture other kinds of chemicals, and it, would be impossible to take out a proportion of the capital.

Cannot we be told one way or the other? Has recent legislation increased the manufacture in this country or not?

Yes. There are other questions on that subject on the Paper. Yes, enormously.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of manufactured goods imported into this country during 1924 from France, Holland, Belgium and Germany':'

The answer contains a table of figures, and I would propose, if my hon. Friend does not object, to have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the amount of foreign tonnage now employed in British coastwise trade; whether he has received any representations on this question from the British shipowners; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

In 1924 the net tonnage of foreign ships arriving and departing with cargo in the coasting trade was in round figures 200,000, the corresponding figure for British ships being 20,000,000. One firm of shipowners has made representations to me in favour of excluding foreign ships from the coasting trade. As at present advised, I do not propose to take any action in the matter.

Is it not a fact that most, if not all, foreign countries either differentiate against British tonnage or exclude it altogether from their coastal trade?

I would not like to give a positive and detailed answer in reply to a supplementary question, but it always has been the considered practice of Britain, concurred in and advised by British shipowners, to pursue the practice that we are pursuing.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that from time immemorial the inhabitants on the western seaboard of Ross-shire have used the seaweed on the seashore for the purpose of cultivating their holdings; that the Board of Trade is now challenging their right to do so; and will he take steps to restrain his subordinates from interference with the inhabitants in their use of a commodity which is of vital importance to them in the cultivation of their holdings?

I am aware of the importance of seaweed for agricultural purposes, and that its removal from Crown foreshore has been carried on with the tacit consent of the Board of Trade for many years. I am, however, advised that, for the purposes of safeguarding the Crown's title to the foreshore, formal permission should be obtained, but this will be given freely in most cases, without payment, on application to the Department's local officers.

In view of the fact that only last year the Government gave £100,000 to relieve distress in the Highlands, does my right hon. Friend think it wise at this time to attempt to revive an antiquated and challengeable right of this kind?

I would not be in order in discussing the questions of foreshores. The question relates to seaweed. I can assure my right hon. Friend that the seaweed will be available to his constituents in the future as in the past.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many of the 7,927 consignments sampled by the Customs and analysed by the Government chemist under Part I of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, 1921, during the year ended 31st March, 1924, were found to be liable and how many not liable to duty under this Act?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The information asked for is not available, and I regret that I am unable to authorise the expenditure of the considerable time and labour which would be involved in its preparation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that considerable time and expenditure are involved on the part of the unfortunate merchants who have to wait for consignments of goods before getting on with their business?

It is very necessary to take these samples, so that the deterrent effect may induce people to make accurate returns.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many, and which, of the 2,000 and more chemicals scheduled as liable to duty under Part I of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, 1921, which were not being made in this country at the time the Act came into operation are now being produced here in satisfactory quality and adequate quantity?

It is not possible to furnish precise details of the kind asked for by the hon. and gallant Member. I am, however, informed that one company alone is manufacturing over 1,000 of the listed products which it was not manufacturing in 1921, and that the manufacture of some hundreds of products has been commenced by other makers since the passing of the Act.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's answer include the qualifications which I put at the end of the question as to satisfactory quality and adequate quantity?

Yes: I have every reason to believe that the quality is steadily improving. Practically no complaints about quality are being received. The manufacture is going on in steadily increasing quantities.

Would the right hon. Gentleman lay on the Table the evidence to which he has referred?

is there any truth in the statement that these dyes are being made for turning yellow into blue and transferring from this side of the House to the other?

The hon. Gentleman is late on the Order Paper. This question relates to chemicals other than dyes. I think it is generally acknowledged throughout the industry that a great advance is being made in this trade.

But the right hon. Gentleman is not in a position to give any actual data?

I have given a great deal of actual data.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that phenacetin, phenagene, and many other chemicals scheduled as liable to duty in Part I of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, 1921, are still not manufactured in this country; and if he will at once order the removal of such articles from the dutiable list in order to lessen the cost to hospitals and similar institutions where they are so largely used?

I shall have to give an answer to the revised question on another occasion. The answer I am giving now refers to phenagene. Phenagene does not appear in the list of goods dutiable under Part I of the Safeguarding of Industries Act. As regards phenacetin, I am aware that the manufacture in this country is at present sus- pended. The number of listed products produced in the United Kingdom is steadily increasing, and I am, consequently, not prepared to introduce the legislation which would be necessary to remove articles from the dutiable list.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it will be an instruction to each Committee appointed under the safeguarding scheme to take into consideration the effect of its decision on the ultimate consumer, or whether the question of consideration or not of the consumers' interests will be left to the discretion of each Committee?

The scope of the reference to the Committee appointed in respect of any application is clearly indicated in the White Paper. As the hon. Member is aware, all duties recommended by a Committee, and approved by the Government, will be submitted to the House of Commons in a Finance Bill.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question: Have the Committees power to investigate this very important question or not?

I have given an answer to that question in the second part of my reply. The Committees are to report on the facts referred to in the White Paper and then this House will give its decision on the facts. The House has already pronounced in favour of the general policy and its particular application in each case will again come before Parliament.

Have the Board of Trade yet appointed a Chairman for the Central Committees?

That does not arise' out of the question.

Are we to understand from the right hon. Gentleman's answer that the Committees are not to take into account at all the interests of the consumer?

The hon. Member is to understand precisely what is in the answer.

As the White Paper to which the right hon. Gentleman refers does not instruct the Committees to take the consumers' interests into account, does not his answer mean that the Committees are not to do so?

My answer means that the Committees are not to go over a roving inquiry, but are to report on the specific facts referred to them.

(for Mr. T. THOMSON) asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make it a condition, under the Safeguarding of Industries proposals, that no industry shall be entitled to the protection of a tariff which supplies goods for export at a lower price than it supplies the same goods under similar conditions for the home market?

As the hon. Member will notice from the White Paper, the comparison which the Committee, to whom any application is referred, will be asked to make, will be between the prices at which foreign goods are being sold, or offered for sale, in the United Kingdom, and the prices at which corresponding goods can be profitably manufactured or produced in this country. Whether the question raised by the hon. Member could arise in connection with the price at which goods can be profitably manufactured in this country, it would be for the Committee, who have to take all relevant circumstances into account, to decide.

Is the right hon. Gentleman giving any safeguard against protective duties being used to benefit the foreign consumer and exploit the home consumer

What the hon. and gallant Gentleman is suggesting is that no facilities should be afforded to a firm or to a trade which is doing its best, in difficult circumstances, to maintain its foreign trade.

Would the right hon. Gentleman kindly answer the question? Is it intended to give any safeguard against firms using the duty for the purpose of benefiting the foreign consumer at the expense of the home consumer?

I gave the supplementary reply which I gave after consideration, and I repeat it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a recommendation for increased pay for the police at the Royal Army Ordnance Corps Depot, Hereford, was forwarded to the Western Command on the 28th November, 1924; that this document was returned from the Western Command on the 13th February, 1925, with observations on a few minor points; and what was the reason for such delay?

The delay was due to the document in question having, I regret to say, been overlooked in the Western Command Office. The application has recently reached the War Office and I will see that a decision is taken upon it as early as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of places for officers in the staff colleges at Camberley and Quetta; the total number of officers in the British and Indian armies below the rank of colonel; and when any addition was last made to the buildings and teaching staff at each establishment?

There are 57 places to be filled each year at the Staff College, Camberley, and 53 at Quetta. The total number of officers in the British and Indian armies below the rank of colonel on 1st January, 1925, was 16,313. Two officers have been added to the pre-war teaching staff at Camberley since the re-opening in April, 1919, and quarters for 21 married officers have been added. Questions as to additions to the teaching staff and buildings at the Staff College, Quetta, should be addressed to my right hon. and gallant Friend the Under-Secretary of State for India.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any intention of snaking the staff college accommodation adequate to meet the needs of the Army at the present time?

That, of course, is one of the questions which has to be and is being considered, but financial limits are imposed here as elsewhere.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any report was directly received from the Commission sent to Oppau to investigate German methods of fixation of nitrogen; whether the original Report is in the hands of the War Office and whether it is signed by any or all of the members of the Commission?

The Commission reported direct to the Ministry of Munitions, and the documents relating to it are in the custody of the Treasury Surplus Stores, etc., Liquidation Department, and not of the War Office. I am informed that the Report is signed by the Chairman on behalf of the members.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House the number of members of the Commission?

I believe the report was signed by the Chairman, on behalf of tin members.

asked the Secretary of State for War the date on which the Government factory for the fixation of nitrogen was sold, the price paid for it, and the name of the purchasers; and whether any members of the Government Commission to Oppau shortly after the Armistice are employed there?

asked the Secretary of State for War to whom the Government factory at Billingham was sold, and when, and at what price, and what part of this price was held to represent the value of secret information in the possession of the Government regarding German methods of fixing nitrogen from the air?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give the name of the firm who purchased the Government factory at Billingham; whether he will state the terms of sale under which it was disposed of; whether the sale was effected by private negotiation or by public advertisement; and whether he can state the original cost of the factory and the price paid for it at the sale?

The Government Nitrogen Factory at Billing-ham was sold by the Minister of Munitions in April, 1920, to Messrs. Brunner Mond & Co., Ltd., for a company to be formed by them. I am informed that it would be contrary to the public interest to disclose the terms of the sale. I have asked the Surplus Stores, Etc., Liquidation Department for information as to the original cost of the factory; reference, is required to documents which are not immediately available. The factory was sold by private treaty, but it was extensively advertised before sale. I have no information as to who is employed at the works.

Did the sale of the factory include the whole of the research work done on behalf of the Government?

I understand this sale took place in 1920, and if the hon. and gallant Member wants further information, I must ask him to put a question down.

Is it a fact that Lieut.-Colonel C. P. Pollitt, D.S.O., who was a member of the Commission, is a director of Synthetic Ammonia and Nitrates, Limited, who purchased the Government factory?

I have not the slightest idea. This sale took place at the Ministry of Munitions in 1920, and I have no personal knowledge of it. If the hon. Member wants more information he should put a question down.

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment to-morrow night.

Does not this matter relate to the Disposal Board?

Yes; the whole records were with the Disposal Board, and the reason I could not answer the former question more fully was that the documents are at Manchester in a warehouse.

Is it not the custom in this House to refuse to give any details of the transactions of the Disposal Board?

I hope there is a precedent to that effect.

Did the advertisement of the sale of the factory contain any announcement that, along with the buildings, these secret documents were for sale?

I really have not the slightest idea.

When is the right hon. Gentleman likely to have an idea?

This matter is four or five years old, and involves some little research.

asked the Secretary of State for War for what offences 12 soldiers were sentenced to death during the years 1920, 1921 and 1922, as shown on page 50 of the General Annual Report of the British Army for the year ended 30th September, 1924?

In eleven of these eases the offence was murder: in the twelfth case, the offence was mutiny. All the executions were for offences committed abroad; nine out of the twelve men belonged to native or locally raised units.

asked the Secretary of State for War if his Department requires an explicit relinquishment of trade union membership from all candidates on the establishment?

Speaking generally in the case of outstation establishments, severance of connection with Trade Unions is a condition attaching to appointments on an established, i.e., pensionable list. The rule is of long standing in the case of foremen and others holding supervisory industrial posts in the ordnance factories and elsewhere, and it was applied with the concurrence of the staff side of the War Office Whitley Council when, more recently, pension rights were extended to certain other classes.

Was this rule in operation prior to 1923?

Oh, yes.

Was it in operation under the right hon. Gentleman's predecessor?

Certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number and nature of the staff employed at the Chemical Warfare Research Department and the cost of the Department for each financial year since its inception?

The staff employed at the Chemical Warfare Experimental Station, Porton, consists of 22 naval, military and Air Force officers and 26 civilian scientists, together with certain subordinate staff. As regards the cost of the establishment, with the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury in what Departments, if any, has the question of common seniority between men and women been under consideration, in accordance with the recommendations of the Report of the Committee appointed by the Treasury in 1922 to examine and report on the application of the principle of common seniority lists for men and women; and what action the Treasury has taken to bring the recommendations to the notice of Departments?

A draft Treasury Circular bringing to the notice of heads of Departments the Report of the Committee to consider the application to the reorganisation classes of the principle of common seniority lists for men and women was discussed on the motion of the staff side at the last meeting of the National Whitley Council and at their request further consideration was postponed until the next meeting which will be held shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the statement by Mr. Nield, Registrar at Liverpool Bankruptcy Court, on Tuesday, 4th March, to the effect that it was a common practice in that district for moneylenders to take pension warrants as security for loans and that this practice was illegal: and, if so, whether he will have inquiries made with a view to prosecuting the usurers who are breaking the law?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for East Lewisham (Lieut.-Colonel Assheton Pownall) yesterday.

(for Mr. LANSBURY) asked the Secretary of State for 'War whether his attention has been directed to the remarks of Mr. Registrar Nield, at the Liverpool Bankruptcy Court, on 3rd March, 1925, that the War Office were parties to the financial troubles of officers by issuing to them drafts for their pensions 12 months ahead, on which loans were advanced by moneylenders; and whether the rank and file are entitled to receive drafts for their pensions similarly 12 months in advance?

As regards the remarks made by the Registrar of the Liverpool Bankruptcy Court, I would observe that an officer who elects to receive his retired pay through a bank, monthly or quarterly in arrear, is furnished, for convenience, with sufficient forms to last for one year; these forms are not drafts, and they do not become negotiable until the last day of the period to which they relate. It is clearly stated on the forms that the allowance cannot legally be assigned as a security for the loan of money, and the possession of the forms by an unauthorised person is punishable under Section 156 of the Army Act. Soldiers are not paid through banks, and no supply of forms in advance is required.

asked the Secretary for Scotland how many tubercle-free dairy herds there are in Scotland, and where they are situated?

No general statistics upon this subject are available. In connection with the sale of higher-grade milk the Scottish Board of Health have received intimation of the existence of 31 dairy herds in Scotland certified to be free from tuberculosis. These figures should not be taken as representing the total numbers of such herds, but only as comprising such cases as are, intimated to the Board of Health for the purpose stated.

Could not the right hon. Gentleman see his way to get these figures, as they are of considerable importance

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the Rouse whether the 30 herds he mentions are situated mainly in the West or the East of Scotland?

A considerable number of these are situate in the West:

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the January Report of the Scottish Fishery Board on the failure of the winter fishing; and whether he will reconsider his decision in respect to the credits for the replacement of lost and damaged gear, extend these credits after the 31st March next, and modify the conditions, especially in respect of the demand for cash payments, so as to make them more helpful to those fishermen who need them most?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The decision that the period for receiving applications for loans should close on the 31st March was reached after full consideration of all the circumstances, and I am not prepared to reconsider it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not prepared to modify the condition under which loans must be applied for before 31st March, and is he not aware that many of his supporters at and before the last General Election told the fishermen in Scotland that special support would be given to their claims?

I do not see how I can reconsider the terms.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, seeing that large lime kilns are lying derelict on the Government's property at Loch Eribol, that such lime kilns could be worked without loss to the State to the immense benefit of the farmers and smallholders in Caithness, Sutherland, and Orkney, that they would be useful in connection with the reclamation of land for the purpose of constituting small holdings on Government property in the immediate vicinity of Loch Eribol, and would provide much needed employment in the locality, he will state the estimated cost of putting these kilns into operation and the Government's intentions in the matter?

The lime kilns referred to by the hon. and gallant Member have been out of use for many years and are now in a ruinous condition. The capital cost of restarting them would, I am informed, be about £3,000 I am not satisfied that this expenditure, together with the running costs of working, would be justified by the return that could he obtained from the product of the kilns.

Surely this could be brought in under the Trade Facilities Act, which must be adequate for the purpose?

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he will give for the year 1924 the average price of herrings per cran at Oban Pier; the railway cost of carrying to Glasgow; and the average retail price of the herrings in Glasgow?

The average price of herrings at Oban Pier in 1924 was 55s. 9d. per cran, the range of prices being from 15s. to 128s. per cran. The railway charges from Oban to Glasgow were as follows:

Has the right hon. Gentleman gone into these figures to discover that the herrings are landed in Glasgow market under a 1d. per lb., and will he try to get reasons why the public are fleeced to the extent of 6d. and 8d. a lb. when they go to buy them?

asked the Secretary for Scotland how much of the £200,000, Agriculture (Scotland) Fund, was applied during each of the three years 1922–24 for the purpose of the constitution of new landholders' holdings; how much for the enlargement of landholders' holdings; and how much for the improvement and rebuilding of dwelling-houses and other buildings of landholders and cottars?

As the answer contains a large number of figures, I propose to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he will inform this House of the amount of money that has been granted or has been promised each year to the Dick Veterinary College, Edinburgh, and the Glasgow Veterinary College, respectively, from 1916 down to the present date; will he state what rental, if any, is being paid by the Animals' Disease Research Association for the premises to be occupied by them within the Dick Veterinary College; and what sum of money has been allocated by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland towards the furnishing of these unfurnished premises?

As the question involves a tabular statement of figures, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate the reply in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if, in view of the importance of Members of the House of Commons being fully informed regarding the evidence submitted to the Committee inquiring into the rent problems in the West of Scotland, he will arrange for a full report of such evidence being supplied to every Member who desires it when the Commission has completed its inquiries?

That is a matter which, in accordance with the usual practice, will be considered when I receive the Report of the Committee. I shall keep the hon. Member's representation in view.

asked the Secretary for Scotland how many nights the craft stationed at Plockton for detection of illegal trawling has been under weigh from dark to daylight during this winter: if he has received a Report that on 18th February, while this craft was anchored in Kishorn Bay, a trawler was operating in Applecross Sound and did irreparable damage to the nets of local boats: and, if not, will he call for a Report and take immediate action?

I do not consider that it is in the public interest to publish details of the movements of the fishery cruisers or their auxiliaries, hut I shall he pleased to communicate the desired information to the right hon. Member personally. Complaints have been made that on the night of 18th February, part of the nets which had been shot during the day by two fishing boats were taken away or destroyed. The damage is attributed by the fishermen to a trawler which they had seen during the day. None of the fishermen could give any particulars to assist in identifying this vessel, and a telegram sent on the evening of the 18th to the auxiliary cruiser was not received until next day. I greatly regret the damage suffered by the fishermen, but in the absence of any identification of the alleged offender no proceedings or remedial action can be taken.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has any intention of taking any steps to have Lochboisdale Pier reopened; and, if so, what steps?

I regret that I cannot add anything to the replies which I gave to the hon. Member on this subject on the 17th and the 24th of last month.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is not willing to rouse himself in this matter?

I am sure if the hon. Member had his way I should be distinctly roused.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the average number of hours per week and the minimum wage and the minimum wage per hour of adult agricultural labourers in Scotland; and how these rates compete with similar figures for the northern counties of England?

As the answer is long, and contains a number of figures, I propose, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is a matter which is attracting much interest, not only in the South-West of Scotland, hut even as far as Bridgeton?

asked the Secretary for Scotland if any decision has been reached on the question of the sheep-dipping Regulations enforced by certain English local authorities, which require the double-dipping of all sheep passing from Scotland to England; and whether, as the Regulations apply to districts in Scotland not affected by disease, he will take steps to secure a modification of what are regarded as unnecessary restrictions, which have a prejudicial effect on the interests concerned?

I have been asked to reply for the Minister of Agriculture. The whole question of the Regulations with regard to sheep-dipping is at present under consideration. My right hon. Friend hopes to be in a position shortly to announce certain new proposals which will, he thinks, go far to meet the difficulties arising from the present situation.

Can the hon. and learned Gentleman state whether the same Regulations operate in Scotland as operate in this country with the men who handle the sheep-dipping?

Yes, they do.

Has the hon. and learned Gentleman considered the advisability of applying this process to all shades of political thought that crosses the border?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of the loss sustained by the State as a result of trading transactions in connection with Australian zinc?

I have been asked to reply. The latest completed accounts for Australian zinc concentrates are those for the financial year 1923–24. The net loss as from April, 1918, to 31st March, 1924, was £1,328,000.

asked the Prime Minister if he has any further statement to make to the House as to the progress the Government are making with an all-in insurance scheme?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Government are retaining the electrical generating plant, at Gretna, which is the only lighting service in the district, or if they contemplate placing the plant under the control of the local authority for the area?

The electrical generating plant at Gretna, which was intended for manufacturing purposes, is quite unsuitable for the present limited requirements. I understand, however, that negotiations are being conducted with persons locally interested, on the basis that they shall obtain a small generating plant and acquire from the Government such distributing cables, etc., as would be necessary for the supply of electric current to houses.

Have not the Government considered the position of the inhabitants of that war time town called Gretna; are they not aware that by placing this in the hands of a local body of individuals they are placing the inhabitants at the mercy of what may become a company, and are they not aware that the present plant is not only equal to lighting Gretna town, but also the roads?

I have no evidence that the local authority have applied. If the 'hon. Member will give me any details, shall be glad to look into them.

I shall be glad to supply them.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the length of time which has elapsed since the constitution of the Blanesburgh Committee; whether this body has reported; if so, to what effect; and, if not, whether he can expedite the compilation of such Report?

I would refer the Noble Lord to the reply which I gave on the 11th February to the hon. and gallant Member for Devonport (Major Hore-Belisha), of which I am sending him a copy. I understand that the Committee now hopes to present its Report at an early date, and in the circumstances I do not think any action on the part of the Government is called for.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if lie will give a list of the subsidies and bounties paid by His Majesty's Government during the year ended 5th April last to industries in the United Kingdom?

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate the list in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Are those bounties the class of bounties that would justify other countries in imposing a countervailing duty?

Are they similar to the bounties in respect of the Scottish fishermen?

I had better read them out. The only payments of which I am aware of, that would fall under the description of subsidies and bounties to industries in the United Kingdom, are as follow, the figures relating to the financial year ended 31st March, 1924:

is the right· hon. Gentleman not aware that the Hebridean mail service subsidy is much too low?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the receipts to date this year in respect of Stamp Duty on the transfer of dwelling-houses?

The net receipt of Stamp Duty on conveyances of land and houses in the 11 months ended 28th February, 1925, is, approximately, £2,800,000. No division of this total can be made as between dwelling-houses and other classes of property.

also asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the receipts to date this year in respect of the Stamp Duty on cheques?

The Let receipt of Stamp Duty from cheques in the 11 months ended 28th February, 1925, is approximately T3,250,000.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of reducing this duty, in order to economise in currency?

I cannot be expected to answer that in advance of the introduction of the Budget.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the existing duty on imported cigars, which is assessed by weight, has affected adversely and unfairly the industry in India by penalising the lower-priced Indian cigars in comparison with the higher-priced cigars of foreign origin; and whether he will consider the advisability of reducing this to an ad valorem basis, in order that Empire-grown produce may have an equal opportunity of securing a British market?

I am not aware that the existing duty has affected the consumption of Indian cigars in this country more than the consumption of foreign cigars. I have noted the suggestion contained in the latter part of the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is a matter that is agitating the agricultural workers in the South of Scotland very much?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the possibility of encouraging profit-sharing in the industries of this country by conceding some advantage in taxation to companies and firms dividing a certain percentage of their profit amongst their workers in addition to the standard wage?

I am not by any means indifferent to the advantages of profit-sharing, but I fear I could not approve any proposal to encourage it in the manner suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the advisability of imposing a tax of 1 per cent. annually on the capital amount of all loans in future raised with the British Government guarantee under the Trades Facilities Act, seeing that this, besides being of benefit to the Exchequer; would overcome many of the objections inherent in the present emergency measure?

I am not prepared to adopt this suggestion, which would clearly deprive most borrowers of any inducement to come forward with schemes under the Trade Facilities Acts.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether a contract secured by the Royal Mint for 140,000,000 copper coins for Lithuania has been sub-let to the King's Norton Metal Company, of Birmingham; and, if so, what were the reasons for sub-letting, in view of the fact that 37 men have recently been discharged from the Royal Mint owing to lack of work?

The order in question, which is for 42,000,000 coins, was obtained independently by the King's Norton Metal Company. The Royal Mint, however, assisted by undertaking to manufacture the necessary punches and inspect the finished coins on behalf of the Lithuanian Government.

asked the Secretary for Mines for how long the question of silicosis among coal mines has been under investigation by the Health Advisory Committee; and when they are likely to reach a decision as to its scheduling under the Workmen's Compensation Act?

The alleged prevalence of silicosis among coal-miners has been under consideration by the Health Advisory Committee for about two years. The evidence so far laid before the Committee is quite insufficient to justify any recommendation in respect of compensation, and the Committee would welcome further data.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that for a month past the main arterial Kensington Road has been partially closed to traffic owing to a private firm constructing a subway beneath the road, thereby causing loss and inconvenience to the general public; whether a time limit has been put for this construction; and whether the work can be proceeded with continuously by day and night?