asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there are any captains of British ships who do not possess the Board of Trade certificate of competence; if so, how many; and how many aliens are included in this number?

Masters of home trade cargo ships are not required by law to have certificates of competency, and it is not possible to say, without examining the papers of each ship, how many of the masters have not got certificates. Section 5 of the Aliens Restriction Act prohibits the employment of aliens as masters of British ships, except those employed habitually in voyages between ports outside the United Kingdom.

Is it not a fact that there are many captains of British ships possessing masters' certificates who are unemployed, and does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the practice of employing non-competent men in this capacity is contrary to the best interests of the British mercantile marine?

No. I deprecate the use of the adjective "non-competent." The law is that a particular certificate is required for ships carrying passengers, but I deprecate the suggestion that masters of British coasting vessels, who arc very competent as British seamen, are not competent for their job.

I beg to withdraw that adjective.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of any ships flying the British flag and registered in London which are entirely manned, commanded and officered by aliens; and, if so, what steps the Board of Trade propose to take to ensure that vessels registered in the United Kingdom and having the right to claim protection of the British Empire are manned by British subjects?

I am aware that there are cases of the kind referred to, where vessels are trading between foreign ports. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of an answer given on 26th June, 1923, which sets out the reasons why an amendment of the law would foe ineffective for the object he has in view.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that on the British steamship "River Tyne," whose articles were opened at Palermo in October, 1924, alien labour was engaged at wages £3 per month less than the standard rate laid down by the National Maritime Board; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with such infringements of the law?

The attention of the Board has recently been called to this case, into which investigations are being made. Instructions are being given to consular officers concerned to inform masters that the standard rates must be paid.

What steps will be taken by the Board of Trade to enforce those conditions and to penalise owners who transgress?

With regard to this particular case, I could not say until I have had an investigation made. With regard to the general question, as I have said, consular officers concerned have been instructed to see that masters understand the Regulations.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any figures he can give the House showing the numbers of British seamen, firemen, cooks, and stewards at present unemployed; and the number of British ships' officers without employment?

I have been asked to reply. The number of seamen, firemen, cooks, stewards and other workers employed on board ships, registered as unemployed at Employment Exchanges in Great Britain at 2nd March, 1925, was 17,841. It is not possible to give separate statistics for the various categories mentioned, or for ships' officers not insurable under the Unemployment Insurance Acts.

I am very much obliged to the hon. Gentleman. Can he tell me what is the position of ships' officers? Are there no suggestions at all with regard to them?

The position as regards ships' officers is this: If an officer is in receipt of more than £250 a year he does not come under the Act at all. If he is in receipt of less than £250 a year it depends in each particular case upon whether he falls within the First Schedule of the Act of 1920, and it depends, therefore, upon the circumstances of each case.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the term "British seamen" in the question covers Lascars as well as whites?

I should like notice of that question, but I think not.

Are not these figures vitiated to a very large extent by the regular practice of ships, after a half-yearly voyage, discharging their men and re-engaging them a month afterwards, after they have really been on holiday?

I should also like notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Brazilian Congress has adopted a Bill under which employés will be entitled to a dividend of at least 10 per cent. on the profits of undertakings, which dividends will be divided between them in proportion to their wages; and whether, if this is so, he can make arrangements to have a Report furnished on the working of this industrial innovation?

I have been asked to reply. I understand that a private Member's Bill, containing the provision mentioned by my hon. Friend, has been referred to the Social Legislation Committee of the Brazilian Congress, and been adopted by that Committee, subject to certain Amendments. So far as I am aware, however, no law containing this provision has yet reached the Brazilian Statute Book.

If that Bill be definitely put on the Statute Book, will the hon. Gentleman have a report made as to its working?

Certainly if it is put upon the Statute Book we will look into that matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any evidence that a large proportion of the merchant shipping of this country is out of date, inefficient, and in some cases unseaworthy; whether he proposes to take steps to re-classify and re-grade ships in the mercantile service; and whether he will take action to secure the restoration of the Plimsoll line of 1906, and thus give a stimulus to the shipbuilding industry?

The Board of Trade have no evidence to support the suggestion that a large proportion of the merchant shipping of this country is out of date, inefficient and, in some cases, unseaworthy, and I do not think that anything would be gained by attempting to reclassify and regrade merchant ships. The whole question of load line was examined by a Special Committee under the chairmanship of Sir Philip Watts, which reported in 1915, and proposals based on their recommendations will shortly be laid before the Merchant Shipping Advisory Commitee, on which all the interests connected with shipping are represented. The position of the load line is governed, and should be governed, by considerations of safety alone.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that nearly 70,per cent. of the vessels engaged in the coal carrying trade of South Wales ports are of foreign nationality, and that the ship-repairing and marine engineering trade of South Wales ports is in a languishing condition; Whether he could state what foreign countries insist upon the vessels under their flag being repaired at their home ports under a tax penalty; and whether he will take action to avoid the unfair foreign competition which exists in ship-repairing and marine engineering under which many workers are rendered idle?

As the answer is rather long, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is possible to afford assistance to the ship-repairing industry under the Trade Facilities Act?

Yes, it is, provided that the ordinary regulations are complied with and the application is entertained by the Committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he car give an analysis of how the German cost of construction of steamers compares with the British cost of construction?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, considering the continued depressed state of the shipbuilding industry and the repeated loss of work due to foreign competition, he will be willing to set up a Commission to inquire into the causes?

I am not in a position to give a detailed analysis of comparative costs. I have, however, put such information as I have been able to obtain at the disposal of the Federations of Employers and Employed in the shipbuilding industry. As regards an inquiry, I would refer to the answer given yesterday to the hon. Member for Kennington, of which I am sending my hon. Friends copies.

Will the House of Commons be put in possession of that information?

Yes, I am quite willing to give any information I can, but I think really the best thing I can do with regard to any information I get about shipbuilding conditions in foreign countries is to put it unreservedly at the disposal of both employers and employed in the British shipbuilding industry. It would not be possible to lay a whole succession of reports in the House of Commons, but if my hon. Friend requires any particular information I shall be willing to give it.

In view of the tremendous importance and the interest which is being aroused in the public mind on this point, would it not be as well that the House should be put in possession of any available information?

Yes, Sir, I will certainly consider that, and also what is a convenient way of laying the information. It is quite possible to put in the Library a copy of the information I have, and I will consider that.

With regard to laying the information before the interested parties, if not before this House, will the right hon. Gentleman consider including in that information the amount of British capital which is now being utilised amongst foreign shipbuilders?

I am only too anxious to put at the disposal of those concerned in this great industry all the information I possess.

Will the right hon. Gentleman put the information in the shape of a White Paper, so that we may all have it?

One is getting information from, time to time, and I think that probably the course which I suggested of putting in the Library a document summarising the Reports I have would in the first instance be the best.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has, or is able to obtain, information with regard to the payment of any subsidy by the German Government to German shipbuilding concerns; and, if so, whether he can state what is the amount of that subsidy?

I do not know of any subsidy. But 50 million marks have been set aside for loans for shipbuilding Such loans, I understand, are to be for a period of five to six years, bearing interest at ½ per cent. during construction, and thereafter at 4, 5 and 6 per cent. in subsequent years.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to how the British steel plate makers are subsidising foreign shipowners by selling them plates at 30s. a ton cheaper than they sell them in England?

I have no information at all that any British firm is selling to a foreign firm at a lower price than the firm can get elsewhere.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether, when making the April final payment of 5s. in the £ in respect of awards for compensation under Article 297 (e) of the Treaty of Versailles, there will be added the amount of interest awarded by the Anglo-German Mixed Arbitral Tribunal or whether it is proposed to hold up such awarded interest till a date later than April next; and, if so, for what reason, in view of the fact that adequate funds are already in the hands of the clearing office?

The final dividend will be paid on all amounts awarded by the Anglo-German Mixed Arbitral Tribunal under the Article in question inclusive of any interest awarded by the Tribunal.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can make any statement as to the relations between the Agent-General for Reparations, the Transfer Committee, and the British Treasury in the carrying out of the German Reparation Recovery Act?

The Dawes Plan treats payments made by Germany through the German Reparation (Recovery) Act as a form of payment by deliveries in kind (see the last paragraph of Section XI of the Report: Command Paper 2105, page 34). The duties and powers of the Agent-General for Reparations and the Transfer Committee in relation to deliveries in kind are set out in Section XIII and in Annex 6 of the Report (Command Paper 2105, page 35 and page 111) and apply to the Recovery Act in the same way as to any other delivery in kind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will state the present number of the Clearing Office staff at Cornwall House; and what staff reduction he proposes to make after the April payment of the final 5s. in the £, making a total of 20s. in the £ on accepted claims for compensation under Article 297 (e) of the Treaty of Versailles;

I have been asked to reply. As the answer is somewhat long, my hon. Friend will, perhaps, agree to my circulating it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the Post Office is the only Government Department which pays its women doctors less than its men doctors for similar work; and whether, in view of the fact that the Post Office advertisements for posts at present vacant are being refused by the medical journals in consequence, he will bring his Department into line with other Departments in this matter?

The conditions under which women medical officers are employed in the Post Office are not analogous with those of other Departments. The question of equal pay for men and women is one which affects the whole of the Civil Service, and I am not in a position to recommend an exception in respect of this particular class of civil servant.

Why is there no analogy between the Post Office and the other Government Departments? Is not the work the same in each case, and has not the principle of equal pay been accepted by every other Government Department?

I do not think that the circumstances in other Government Departments are analogous to those in the Post Office.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why they are not analogous?

I cannot go into explanations in answer to supplementary questions. I believe that there is one other Government Department in which the service might be regarded as being approximately something of the same character. That is in the case of the Prison Medical Service. I think—I speak subject to correction—that in that case the same Regulation exists.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, as the medical papers will not insert advertisements for women medical officers for the Post Office, it is necessary for the Post Office to enter into surreptitious correspondence with certain medical schools in order to obtain candidates, and does he consider that that is a dignified procedure for a Government Department?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he intends to set up a panel from which to select the members of Committees under the Safeguard of Industries proposals, and, if not, what plan he intends to adopt?

I do not think any useful purpose would be served by setting up a panel, but suitable persons will be selected to serve on Committees as occasions arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet appointed any committees under the new plan for the safeguarding of industries?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what applications have been received for inquiries under the plan for the safeguarding of industries?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will supply a list of industries which applied for safeguarding under Part II since the inception of the 1921 Act?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade what progress is being made with the safeguarding of industries; how many trades have applied for safeguard- ing; and how many applications have been granted and how many refused since the constitution of the present Government?

As I have already stated in this House, I do not think it would be expedient to give information as to applications, whether under the Act of 1921, or under the new proposals of the Government, other than those referred to committees of inquiry. In this I am adhering to the practice under the Safeguarding of Industries Act. The application of machine-made lace and machine-made embroidery has been referred to a Committee, as already announced. The Board have also decided to refer an application in respect of superphosphate to a Committee, and a formal announcement of the appointment of this Committee will be made to-morrow. I will have a list of applications referred to Committees under the Act of 1921 circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

For the convenience of the House, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he would give us a report from time to time of the applications as they come in, without any waiting?

No, certainly not. As I explained very fully to the House and following the precedent under the earlier Act, I only propose to publish information about inquiries actually referred to the Committee.

Is it always announced as soon as an application is referred to the Committee? Are we always informed of that?

Certainly. When the Committee is set up a notice is published in the Press.

Are there any reasons why an industry which is applying to be safeguarded should have that application kept secret until it is referred to the Committee? Surely we ought to know.

There are two very good reasons. In the first place, it is desirable that there should be no more time elapsing than is necessarily occupied between the reference to the Committee and the making of the Report and action in this House if action is to be taken. In the second place, I think it is very unfair on the industry if it makes an application and it is turned down that that fact should be made public.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the event of Parliament imposing import duties under the safeguarding scheme to counteract unfair competition, as provided in Clause 5 of Instructions to Committees, provision will be made for the abrogation of such duties if and when the causes of such unfair competition, as reported by the Committees, cease to operate?

If the hon. Member will refer to the White. Paper, he will see that it is intended that any duties which may be imposed in consequence of the recommendations of Committees shall be imposed by a Finance Act. They will be for such period and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed in such Act in each case.

also asked the President of the Board of Trade whether an industry using in production goods of a class for which a safeguarding duty is claimed will have its case automatically considered by the relative Committee under Instruction No. 7, or whether it will be necessary for the damnified industry to be present, by counsel or otherwise, in order to prove its ease against the proposed duty?

Full opportunity will be given for any using industry that may consider itself likely to be affected by the imposition of a duty to bring its case to the attention of the relevant Committee, in such manner as it may think proper.

My question relates to the case of an industry which is not organised and could not bear the expense. What is the provision for dealing with that case?

I think that any industry which really has a claim as a material-using industry is quite in a position to bring its case before the Committee.

If the names of industries making application are to be kept secret, how can subsidiary industries within them make an application to be heard, when they do not know which industry is applying?

But they do know, because, as soon as an application is referred to a Committee, that is published, and it is only in that case that a using industry is interested.

May I ask whether the term "damnified," used in the question, is a correct term to use? What is the meaning of the word "damnified"?

It is a classical term.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether interests who are not permitted to give evidence before a Committee appointed under the safeguarding scheme may appear by counsel who shall have the right of cross-examination?

No, Sir. It is not intended that the Committee should be compelled to hear counsel on behalf of persons whose evidence is not in the opinion of the Committee relevant to their inquiry.

In the case of an industry which is not in fact used by some other industry, how are the facts relating to the applying industry to be brought out?

By the relevant evidence. The position, really, is quite clear. The Committee have to find certain facts, and any evidence relevant to those facts the Committee will be entitled to hear, and to hear counsel upon it. I do not propose that the Committee should be burdened with cross-examination by counsel on matters that are not relevant to the inquiry.

I understand that the only industries which can, appear are those using the goods of the industry applying under the Act, and, if no such industry is using the goods, how can it appear to cross-examine?

The facts as regards an industry using the goods are relevant in so far as there is a claim that a duty would damnify an industry which is using the goods. If no industry uses the production of the industry applying, obviously evidence on that point is irrelevant; but it would be perfectly relevant to submit rebutting evidence on the ground of either efficiency or foreign conditions.

But who will submit that evidence?

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the average period served by the artificers in the Royal Artillery before they are promoted to non-commissioned rank; and how does this period compare with the promotion of gunners?

Taking as the basin of comparison the average service before promotion of the present bombardiers, artificer bombardiers served seven years and nine months as artificers, other bombardiers four years and one month as gunners or drivers. The total Army service of the former group is, on the average, appreciably longer than that of the latter, and the conditions of promotion are consequently not comparable, but I may say that these conditions in the case of artificers are now under examination.

asked the Secretary of State for War what new land defences will be necessary for the protection of the proposed Singapore base; what will be their cost; and when it is proposed to commence work on these defences?

The question of the defences required for the protection of the Singapore Base is still under consideration by the Committee of Imperial Defence. It is not possible to make any statement at present regarding their cost or the date of commencing work upon them.

May we take it, however, that the present position, with only one battery of artillery, is quite inadequate, and that there will have to be increases?

I am afraid the hon. and gallant Gentleman must wait. I cannot give information on the point at the moment.

Am I in order in asking the right hon. Gentleman, are the present defences sufficient, or will they have to be increased?

It will depend upon the report finally of the Committee of Imperial Defence.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider approaching Australia and New Zealand on the matter?

That really does not arise out of this question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will sanction the award of battle honours to the Leicestershire Yeomanry for the period from March, 1918. until the Armistice, when the squadrons of that regiment were attached to the three cavalry regiments then comprising the 3rd Cavalry Brigade?

I greatly regret that I cannot depart from the decision, which was arrived at by the Army Council after careful and sympathetic consideration, that the Leicestershire Yeomanry are not eligible for the award of battle honours in respect of the period in question. During this period the Leicestershire Yeomanry and other Yeomanry regiments wore absorbed as reinforcements in the Cavalry Corps, and did not take part in any engagements as individual units. Their application could not be granted without reopening one of the main principles on which battle honours have been awarded.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the regiment of Life Guards went out as a composite regiment and received battle honours at the beginning of the War?

I am aware of that, but that does not state the whole case, and I am afraid I cannot argue at Question Time.

Is it not a fact that the Leicestershire Yeomanry were brigaded as a unit in the same cavalry brigade for nearly three years?

For all the time the Leicestershire Yeomanry were fighting as a separate unit they have received battle honours. The period in question was that period during which their individual members were absorbed in another cavalry regiment.

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the rates paid to soldiers disabled in the recent disorders in the Sudan; what are the allowances to widows and parents of soldiers killed; and why these rates and allowances arc less than those in similar casualties in the Great War?

As the reply to this question involves a large number of figures, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the comparative figures show that they are greater or smaller?

They are smaller. The answer gives the comparative figures.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the Government of the Irish Free State has given or is giving notice to terminate the employment of some 300 British ex-service men taken over whilst employed in Government Departments in Ireland when the Free State was established; that these men in most cases were domiciled in England before they were taken over to serve in the Departments of the British Government in Ireland; that they are now being discharged to make room for ex-soldiers from the Army of the Irish Free State: and that they have no prospect of any employment in Ireland; and whether ho will take steps to offer employment in the British service to such of the British ex-service men now discharged as may apply for such employment?

I am informed that the total number of temporary civil servants who have been or are being discharged by the Government of the Irish Free State up to the present docs not exceed 100, but I have no information as to how many of these arc ex-service men or what was their domicile prior to their employment by the British Government in Ireland. The reason for these discharges is partly the cessation of the temporary work on which these temporary staffs have been employed, and partly the replacement of temporary staff recruited without examination by permanent staff recruited after competitive examination. Ex-service men discharged are eligible for competitive examinations limited to temporary civil servants in order to give them an opportunity of entering the permanent service. I regret that it is not possible to extend the recent arrangements regarding ex-service men in British Government service so as to include those who are no longer in that service.

Am I to understand that the British Government denies all responsibility in the case of these men?

No, it is clear in my answer that when the job ceases to exist their temporary employment comes to an end, but they will, as in this country, have an opportunity of sitting for an examination so that they can become permanent.

Does my hon. Friend undertake that these persons discharged from the Government in the Free State will have the same opportunity of employment as ex-service men who have held appointments in Great Britain?

The difficulty there is that I understand a large number of ex-service men—there is no reason to suppose that all these who are now being discharged in Dublin are ex-service men—who have had to be discharged from British Government offices in this country, have a greater claim.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of finding employment for these discharged ex-service men from Ireland?

The question of the employment of ex-British service men in the employment of the Irish Free State Government by this Government is a matter obviously for the Treasury rather than for myself.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether any complaints have been received in regard to the sanatoria accommodation in Glasgow: whether he can state how many persons were waiting for admission to sanatoria in Glasgow on 7th March: and what is the longest period any of these applicants had been waiting for admission?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. On the 7th March the number of cases of pulmonary tuberculosis waiting admission to institutions was 71, of which 23 were cases recommended for sanatorium treatment. Normally the period of waiting for pulmonary cases recommended for institutional treatment does not exceed from 10 to 14 days. During winter pressure a case may wait for as long as two months, but regard is had in every case to the patient's condition, and in the event of urgency admission would be arranged without delay.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what results have been obtained from the investigations of the salp in northern waters, and as to its effect on the herring industry?

In the summers of 1920 and 1921 salps were found in enormous numbers in the north-western part of the North Sea, where they had not been observed since 1905. The presence of these Atlantic organisms was evidence of an extensive invasion of the area in question by warm Atlantic water. The precise effect of these abnormal conditions upon the herring fishing has not been established, but it is the fact that in 1920 and 1921 they coincided with poor results in the great herring fishery off the coast of Scotland. Research into these questions is being continued. The abnormal conditions have not recurred since 1921. The circumstances were reviewed by the Fishery Board in their Annual Report for 1921, of which I am sending a copy to my hon. and gallant Friend.

Has my hon. Friend any information from American sources on the subject?

Not that I am aware of.

What is salp?

Salp, I understand, is a peculiar organism of a trumpet shape.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been directed to the final deliverance of the Land Court on the application of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland (Gretna) holding issue at Edinburgh on the 14th February, 1925; and whether, in view of the fact that the note attached to this deliverance contains a recommendation that the authorities should make every effort to remedy the undoubted grievance in the distance of certain of the present dwelling houses from the steadings and the holdings, ho will consider the desirability of assisting the present holders to exchange their existing dwellings for any suitable permanent buildings which may come on the market closer to the steadings and the holdings, such assistance to take the form of a loan to the smallholder at a suitable rate of interest?

I have seen the note referred to, which is in more qualified terms than my hon. and gallant Friend's question suggests. I do not consider that it would be justifiable to incur further expenditure in the provision of other dwelling-houses for these holdings. Any disadvantages to the holders arising from the distance of their dwelling-houses from the holdings have been taken into account by the Scottish Land Court in fixing the rents of the holdings and the valuation of the existing holdings.

Do not the Land Court in fact recommend that steps should be taken to remedy this?

No, they drew attention to the circumstance.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that there is a fence at Totegan, near Strathy, in the county of Sutherland, now in need of repair; that a fence is urgently required along the cliff further to the west; that over 100 people are concerned in the application for material to fence the cliffs, and that this fence would prevent constant loss of stock and enhance the prospects of success of the Board's recent scheme at Armadale; and whether the Board will grant the material for the construction of this fence?

I am aware of the request made to the Board of Agriculture to repair and provide the fences referred to by the hon. and gallant Member. The Board have given it their careful consideration, but have come to the conclusion that they would not be justified in granting the application.

Is the hon. Baronet not aware that this property belongs to the Board of Agriculture? I am sure the Board of Agriculture will fulfil its obligations.

I understand that the upkeep of the fence is maintained by the holder.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the amount of under-employment and consequent distress in congested districts of the Highlands of Scotland, he will in future consider crofters paying less than £10 of rent as eligible for employment on unemployment relief works, and especially upon land drainage schemes?

I am not prepared to adopt the principle suggested by the hon. and gallant Member with regard to eligibility for employment on land drainage schemes. If, however, a crofter was formally habitually and necessarily engaged on wage-earning work, which at present through economic reasons is not available, and is accepted as an unemployed man at the local Employment. Exchange, the Board of Agriculture for Scotland would regard him as eligible for employment upon land drainage schemes.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if ho has any statement to make with regard to the position of the Glasgow Veterinary College in reference to a continuation of the present grant till the end of the college session; and if the college will still be entitled to receive grants as a central institution from educational authorities?

As regards the gap between the end of the current financial year and the end of the college session, I am awaiting a Report which the governors of the college are preparing, and which I have undertaken to consider. The discontinuance of the annual grant from the Board of Agriculture will not affect the position of the college as a central institution within the meaning of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1908.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he will consider the desirability of appointing a commission to inquire into and report upon the pier accommodation in the West Highlands and Islands?

I do not think that it is necessary to appoint a commission of inquiry into this question. I am, however, examining the situation in the light of existing information.

Will the Minister take some steps to reopen Loehboisdale pier, while he is still young?

That question was answered last week.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has yet considered a resolution passed unanimously by the Corporation of Dundee on the 5th instant, urging the immediate introduction of legislation to prevent the conversion of dwelling-houses into shops and business premises during the present scarcity; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take?

I have received a copy of the resolution referred to in the first part of the question. I am not in a position to make any statement concerning it except that full consideration will be given to its terms in the event of legislation being introduced on the point to which it relates.

Seeing that such conversions are taking place in England and Scotland, should not Sections 5 and 6 of the expired Housing (Additional Powers) Act. 1919, now be introduced?

No. not without very careful consideration. I do not think it is necessary, as my information is that there is a very small number.

asked the Prime Minister what measures he proposes to take to prevent the continued decline in the numbers of men engaged in the fishing industry, in view of the serious ultimate effect it must have on recruiting for the Navy, on the provision of men for the merchant service, and the food suply of the country?

I have been asked to reply. The decline referred to arises mainly from decreased activity in the herring industry, general post-war depression, and the increased adoption of mechanical methods of fishing. I am glad to say that there are strong indications of the arrest of the decline, as there were 600 more men employed in 1923 than in 1922, and I expect the figures for 1924 will show a further increase. The Government is fully alive to the importance of the industry as a recruiting ground for the Navy and the Mercantile Marine, and, as I have indicated in a previous answer, will do whatever is reasonable and practicable to foster it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the refusal of Government to continue the credit facilities for Scottish fishermen which were afforded in the last Parliament must have the reverse effect to that which he indicates in the answer he has given?

I was not fortunate enough to catch all the hon. Baronet said, but what I did catch made me suppose I could not answer the question completely without notice.

Is not the improvement in this industry due to the reopening of trade with Russia?

I have no evidence to that effect.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what salary is paid to the Professor of Publicity of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave to him in reply to a similar question on the 4th March.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that the Government guarantee certain sums of money, and if they guarantee the money ought not they to know how it is spent?

We give certain sums of money with a definite object, but we have no financial liability, and therefore we have no control.

What does the Professor of Publicity do? Does he profess, or does he practise?

As a Department we have no knowledge of the existence of the gentleman.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that on 3rd March there was an explosion of firedamp at No. 3 colliery, Clock Face, St. Helens, Lancashire, causing injuries to two men; and, in view of the consequences that can arise from accidents of this character, will he have the strictest inquiry made into the cause, so that every precaution can be taken to prevent their occurrence?

Yes, Sir. For the reasons given by the hon. Member, the inspectors of mines arc doing everything possible to find the cause of this accident.

asked the Prime Minister if the Committee of Imperial Defence has yet reported on the suggested setting up of a Ministry of Defence and the institution of a joint staff college; and whether he is yet in a position to make a statement on this matter

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave on the 3rd March to a question by the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland, from which he will see that the Report of the Sub-Committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence, under the chairmanship of Lord Salisbury, which inquired into this question in 1023. was presented to Parliament (Cmd. 2029).

asked the Prime Minister whether, before any decisions are taken on the expenditure of the State grant of one million sterling to encourage the importation to this country of Empire overseas produce, he will allow a full discussion of the matter in the House of Commons in order to insure that, whilst encouraging the importation of such produce, the position of the home producer is not injuriously affected

No expenditure can be incurred on this service until the necessary Vole has been passed by the House of Commons. When a full scheme has been prepared, an Estimate will be presented, and there will thus be abundant opportunity for discussion. Meanwhile, I should like to take this opportunity of repeating the assurance already given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, that great care will be taken in the administration of this policy to make sure that no injustice is done to home producers.

Does that mean that there will be no discussion in this House until after the Imperial Economic Committee has considered the matter?

I would not like to say that. The discussion of principle will, obviously, come on the Colonial Office Estimates, because the Colonial Secretary will desire to gay something on it.

Will the home consumer be considered when this matter is discussed, and not simply the home producer?

Seeing that at the Imperial Conference every one of the Dominion representatives said that he agreed that the first place must be given to the British producer in the British market, could not we have a discussion on the subject before the Committee makes its Report?

I have said that the discussion will obviously arise on the Colonial Office Estimates.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the present amount of the unpaid assessed arrears of Corporation Profits Tax and the estimated amount of this duty still to be assessed?

The approximate amount of Corporation Profits Tax in assessment (less arrears shown due to be remitted) at the end of February, 1925, was £15,500,000. It is thought that the amount of this duty still to be assessed may approximate to £10,000,000. In regard to both these figures it should be explained that considerable reductions will fall to be made as the result of objections and appeals, and the sum to be received by the Exchequer is likely to fall substantially short of the aggregate assessment stated.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the total issue of notes, the total reserve of gold and silver, and the total fiduciary issue should the Bank of England note issue and the Treasury note issue be combined; and what would have been the corresponding figures five years ago?

As the reply contains many figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has had his attention drawn to the loss of spirit in the manufacture of perfume and that this loss places the British producer at a serious disadvantage in competition with the foreigner; and if he proposes to take any action to remedy this anomaly?

Taken on the average, the import duty appears to have a distinctly protective element, and I am not therefore satisfied that the British producer is placed at the disadvantage suggested in the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the present incidence of the tax is very disadvantageous to the gardening industry?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when it is proposed to introduce legislation providing pensions for widows on a contributory or any other basis?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which the Prime Minister gave yesterday to the hon. Member for the Western Isles.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, in the case of guarantees under the Trade Facilities Act for purposes other than public utility purposes, the Trade Facilities Advisory Committee has definitely refused to accept the principle that the recognised association in any trade should be given an opportunity of expressing the views of the trade as a whole on the effect likely to be produced on it by the granting of any such guarantees; and whether he will issue instructions that, before granting facilities in such cases, inquiries shall be made to avoid excessive increases of plant and capacity in competitive industries?

I am informed that the Committee were asked to agree to consult with trade associations in every case of guarantee which might concern any existing British manufacturers. The Committee felt that it was quite impossible for them to tie their hands by a general pledge, although they do in fact consult with trade associations and other competent authorities from time to time as they consider necessary. As regards the second part of the question the hon. Member may rest assured that the Committee are aware of the danger mentioned. I think the Committee are the proper persons to settle their own procedure, and I do not propose, as at present advised, to limit their discretion.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Committee also consults with trade unions?

I hope they make all the inquiries in any quarter which they think will be fruitful.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the answer he has just given would apply to a non-federated firm, and in that instance, would it not be prejudiced evidence?

Here is a Committee charged with the distribution of important public credits, and I am sure that they are using their discretionary power with the sole object of making as much work as possible during these exceptional times. I am certain that it would greatly hamper them were we to lay down a lot of hampering conditions.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that successive Chan- cellors of the Exchequer and successive Financial Secretaries of the Treasury have assured us that this Advisory Committee is outside and detached from any influence of one business concern or another?

I am sure that is so. I am sure they endeavour to do their work in an impartial and honourable manner.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Board of Inland Revenue have instructed collectors of Income Tax, in cases where assessments are made on the same person under Schedules D and E, and where the combined instalment due exceeds £50, that the limit of £50 applies to the Schedule E assessment separately, although the whole amount demanded exceeds this; and whether, in view of Section 30 of the Finance Act, 1924, he will have, these instructions withdrawn?

I am advised that my hon. Friend appears to be under a misapprehension in thinking that the instructions go beyond the provisions of Section 30 of the Finance Act, 1924. That section applies where the amount of any Income Tax for the time being due and payable under any assessment, is less than £50.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the necessity of seeking contributions to the revenue from those avenues which have not already been exploited, he will adopt the view of the Select Committee on Betting that the imposition of a duty on betting was practicable, and take the necessary steps to secure to the revenue the £5,000,000 it was estimated this tax would produce?

I am unable to anticipate the Budget statement.

Is it not a fact that Income Tax is collected from bookmakers at the present time?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been drawn to the non-payment of certain accounts by the Surplus Stores Department in respect of the lease by the Office of Works of certain gravel pits near Stonehouse, Gloucestershire; whether he is aware that these accounts are some two years overdue and have long been passed for payment by an officer of the Government; if he will cause inquiries to be made as to the delay in settlement; and is he aware that the Department have not replied to many letters addressed to them on the subject by parties interested?

It is presumed that the hon. Member has in mind two small claims for rent and wayleaves which have now been paid. The delay in settlement, which is regretted, was due to a change of staff following reductions in establishment.

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been called to the remarks of Mr. Justice Rigby Swift, at Leicester assizes, in which the learned Judge referred to the vital necessity at an early date of legislation rendering compulsory insurance of all motor vehicles against third-party risks; and if he will consider the advisability, from the point of view of all road users, of initiating such legislation?

My attention has not been drawn to the remarks of the learned Judge. I may say, however, that I have received many representations on the question of compulsory insurance by motorists against third-party risks, and I am carefully considering the point in connection with the proposals which are now before mo for legislation with regard to road vehicles.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the mileage of rurai roads in the care of rural district councils; to what extent are these roads the subject of grants from the Road Fund; and how many rural district councils have received no grants from the Fund?

At 31st March, 1924, the mileage of highways for the maintenance of which rural district councils were responsible was 93,938 miles, out of which 3,394 miles were subject to grants from the Road Fund as Class I or Class II roads. Out of a total of 651 rural district councils, 171 councils have not received any grants from the Fund since 1st April, 1923, either under the classification scheme because they have no Class I or Class II roads, or under the special allocation for the improvement of important roads in rural areas.

asked the Minister of Transport if it is his intention to order the Borough of Rawtenstall and the Ramsbottom Urban District Council to grant licences to the Ribble Motor Services, Limited, to run services from Burnley to Rochdale, from Burnley to Bury, and from Burnley to Bolton, all three of which routes traverse the whole length of Burnley Road West tramway route, at present served by corporation omnibuses and tramways; and, in view of the fact that such action will involve the Corporation of Rawtenstall in serious financial loss, he will postpone his decision and make further inquiries into the financial results of such action upon the municipally-owned undertakings?

The refusal of the local authorities to grant licences, and the application of the Rawtenstall Corporation for consent themselves to operate an omnibus service outside their area to Burnley on the route referred to, were fully investigated at a local inquiry which occupied three days. At this inquiry the corporation were legally represented and the financial position of the tramway undertakings was exhaustively dealt with. I have intimated to all the parties interested that I cannot support the local authorities in their total refusal to grant any licences to the company, and also that my consent will be given to the corporation operating a service of omnibuses as far as the borough boundary of Burnley outside their own area. I have also suggested that the parties concerned should meet in an endeavour to agree with regard to the services and conditions of operation in the general interests of the public, and have offered to render any assistance in my power.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the effect of his attitude towards the local authorities not only involves a loss of trade, but also a very severe loss in rates and, in connection with the previous answer, a loss on the upkeep of roads?

I cannot admit that that contention is correct. I always do my best to safeguard the local traffic of local omnibus or tramway companies.

Is not a decision like this, which may involve a serious loss to municipalities, putting too great a responsibility upon an individual?

The duty is put upon him by the Act of 1920, and if the hon. Gentleman does not like it he should seek to have it changed.

Does not this go to show that Socialist enterprise can succeed only where it has a monopoly?

Is not the action taken with regard to municipalities in the provinces contrary to the action taken in the case of London?

I do not agree with my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Transport how many additional omnibuses were placed on the streets by the London General Omnibus Company and its associated companies during December, 1924; how many of these vehicles were of the obsolete B type; and how many further omnibuses have been placed on the streets since 1st January, 1925, by the combine and by other proprietors, respectively?

I am informed that no addition was made during December and January last by the London General Omnibus Company and associated companies to the numbers of omnibuses which were in service prior to 1st December. Sixteen new omnibuses were placed on the streets by the company in January last, but these were in substitution for "B" type vehicles withdrawn from ser- vice. With regard to other proprietors I have not comparable figures. Ninety-eight omnibuses were licensed to ply for hire in January last, but I am unable to state how many of these were vehicles which had previously been licensed or how many, if any, were substituted vehicles.

Is it true, or is it not true, that a large number of obsolete omnibuses were placed on the streets by the London General Omnibus Company during the months of November or December in order that they might have their licences increased?

I have no knowledge of that. If my hon. Friend will put down a question I will endeavour to ascertain.

This is part of the question which I particularly want to have answered.

I have not been able to get the information.