asked the President of the Board of Trade what quantities of French pig-iron and other Continental pig-iron, respectively, have been imported into this country during the months of January, February, March, April and May for the years 1914, 1924 and 1925, respectively?

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

Following is the answer:

The following statement gives the registered imports of pig-iron (not including ferro alloys) into the United Kingdom consigned from France and other European countries in the year 1913, and in each of the months January to May, 1924 and 1925, respectively. Corresponding particulars for the first five months of 1914 are not now available: Period. From France. From other European countries. Tons. Tons. 1913 (year) 914 164,278 1924. January 4,418 8,135 February 10,324 19,848 March 7,259 15,372 April 9,252 22,779 May 9,682 26,809 1925. January 17,453 7,948 February 11,922 9,891 March 16,877 9,950 April 9,905 11,999 May 11,267 6,402

asked the President of the Board of Trade how soon he will be in a position to make any statement as to whether or not an application has been submitted by the iron and steel trades for a protective tariff against the importation of foreign goods?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether a decision has yet been reached as to the institution under the White Paper of an inquiry into the steel trade?

I would refer the hon. Members to the statement made in the Debate yesterday by the Minister of Labour.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether trades which are allied to the iron and steel trade, and which will be affected by any bounty or duty, will be heard before the Research Committee which is inquiring into the question.

The Research Committee will examine all relevant considerations.

Who is to decide What is relevant?

The Committee.

What does this prove? If certain trades require to be assisted in this fashion, is it not proof conclusive that the capitalist system is breaking up?

Is there anything in the pledges given by the Government which in their judgment prevents their granting a duty to steel under the safeguarding scheme?

The Government stand by all their pledges.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question?

Surely I have a right to get an answer before the hon. and gallant Member for Leith (Captain Benn).

I thought the hon. Member answered his own question.

I want an expression of opinion from the other side.

The answer to the hon. Member's question is in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the present unsatisfactory position of the iron and steel industry in this country, the Government will consider the necessity of taking effective steps to secure to this country orders for such of the requirements of India in these commodities as cannot be provided by the Indian factories?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer to a similar question given by the Under-Secretary of State for India on the 18th February of last year, of which I am sending him a copy.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a great Indian industrialist was here in the House a few weeks ago, begging of British Members of Parliament and others to invest money in India for the purpose of producing steel, thereby making it more difficult for British workmen to secure work?

The hon. Member should put that question down.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department will publish information showing, in the light of dividends paid, the relative prosperity of limited liability companies now and in 1913 (assuming they existed in the former period) as a guide to the progress of national industry?

There are no available figures relating to limited liability companies as a whole. Some interesting information, however, is published quarterly in the "Economist"; and for particulars of recent years I would refer my hon. Friend to the number of that journal published on the 26th April. In respect of the limited liability companies whose accounts are reviewed in the "Economist," the dividend paid in the year ending June, 1914, represented a return of about 5.1 per cent. on the issued preference capital, and of nearly 10.5 per cent. on the issued ordinary capital, while the corresponding figures for the 12 months ending March, 1925, were 5.4 per cent. and 10.0 per cent.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that the terms of this return really do show the progress or otherwise of national industry?

No; I think it would be extraordinarily difficult to found any argument one way or another upon what is admittedly a very limited set of figures, but as these figures are published by the "Economist," I thought probably my hon. Friend might like to have them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department has any recent information indicating dumping by foreign countries into this country; and, if so, of what nature?

I have not received any special information of the nature indicated.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many spindles are actually employed in the cotton trade in Great Britain; and what is the number actually employed in the United States of America at the present time?

It is reported in an American periodical that in April 33,413,000 cotton spindles were "active" in the United States of America. Later information is not at present available. I regret that I am unable to state the number of cotton spindles actually employed in the United Kingdom, but I am informed that in April the spinning industry as a whole was working at about 70 per cent. of productive capacity.

With regard to the spindles employed in this country, does that mean full time or short time?

It is taking the corrected figure of 70 per cent. of productive capacity, because short time has to be included. I think that that is really a better figure than anything regarding the number of spindles.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress is being made in dealing with claims made through the Clearing Office (Enemy Debts) by British merchant seamen in respect of the detention of their ships prior to the declaration of war under Clause 4 of the Annex to Section IV, Part X, of the Treaty of Versailles; whether he is aware that great delay continues in dealing with these cases; whether anything can be done to expedite matters; and whether he can give particulars of the awards made by the arbitrator and the sums, if any, paid over to the claimants?

In order to expedite the delay which has occurred in the settlement of these claims, a special agreement has recently been concluded with the competent German authorities with a view to effecting a settlement without the necessity of inquiry by an arbitrator. I am hopeful that this agreement will lead to a satisfactory and speedy settlement of these deserving claims. Under the judgments of the arbitrator, who has now resigned, two awards of £300 and £350, respectively, were made, both of which have been paid in full.

Will the right hon. Gentleman reply to the last part of the question, as to whether any claims have actually been paid, and, if so, what is the amount?

I think that is replied to in the second part of the answer.

Is it not a fact that in the Enemy Debts Clearing Office there are 1,000 officials employed at a cost of £300,000 a year; and, in view of the very slow procedure which has hitherto taken place, would it not be better to get rid of some of these gentlemen?

The hon. Member has completely misunderstood the position. The Enemy Debts Clearing Office is engaged in a very large number of transactions running into tens of millions of pounds, the great majority of which have been liquidated. The difficulty in this case arises from the objection of the German Government, which they are entitled to take under the Treaty, to meet particular claims. We have now arrived at an arrangement which is, I think, practicable, and which I hope will be expeditious.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Bahamas Trust Company, Limited, 14, Regent Street, London, is offering 100,000 £l shares of the Bahamas International Trading Company, Limited, for the purpose, among others, of smuggling wines, spirits, etc., into the United States of America; and whether he will introduce legislation to prevent a company domiciled in this country from carrying on a trade for the purpose of violating the laws of a friendly country?

As the answer is a very long one, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Read it.

I would like to put a question to the right hon. Gentleman on one particular point, namely, is he aware that three of the members of the board of this company are declared in the prospectus to be members of the Legislative Assembly who have succeeded in so bringing about a change in the laws as to enable this smuggling to be a success.

Read the answer.

I think the House would prefer that the answer should be read.

I wanted to give the fullest information, and not to detain the House, but if the House desire the answer to be read, I shall comply with that request.

I have seen the offer of sale referred to. I have no power to prohibit a company registered in this country from offering for subscription shares in the Bahamas company referred to, but, as my attention has been drawn to this offer, I think it right to say that, so far as any facts are disclosed on the particulars, it does not appear to be a proposal which should command either confidence or support, and I observe that comments in the Press have already been made in a similar sense.

The question, however, raises several problems with which it is not easy to deal in the space of a Parliamentary answer.

In the first place, the only way in which it would be possible to control issues of capital, which are not contrary to the provisions of the Company Law of this country, would be by a general control of all issues. Such administrative control was found to be very disadvantageous to trade and very difficult to operate fairly. The war-time control was consequently abolished. It would clearly require very strong reasons and a very wide consideration of all the issues involved if this policy were to be reconsidered.

Secondly, the question is involved of what particulars should be required in an offer for save which is not a prospectus. This is a matter which is being considered by the Committee on amendments of the Companies Act.

Thirdly, the Convention concluded between this country and the United States respecting the regulation of the liquor traffic shows the desire of His Majesty's Government, not to encourage, but rather to put down, this trade.

I beg to give notice that, at the first opportunity I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the statement in the prospectus—which I hold in my hand— with reference to the good offices of certain members of the board who are also members of the Legislative Assembly, and who have materially assisted in the making of these new laws; and has he drawn the attention or will he draw the attention of the Governor of the Bahamas to this statement that members of the Legislative Council are acting in this manner?

I should be obliged if the hon. Member would put down any question of that kind to the Colonial Secretary.

Is any rebate paid to this company on the stores which they ship in respect to duty?

Perhaps the Ron. and gallant Member will put that question down to the Treasury.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether permission was given during 1924 to export any war materials, in particular machine guns, for the use of the Soviet Government in Russia; and, if so, whether he will state what these war materials were and the grounds upon which permission was granted?

During 1924, 610 machine guns with spare parts and l½ million Prideaux links were exported to the Soviet Government. The necessary licences were issued on the instructions of the late Government, and I am not in a position to answer for the grounds upon which they were granted.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any further applications for the export of machine guns to Russia in the last six months?

I should like notice of that question.

In view of the fact that the Board of Trade found it possible to let trade of this kind go on, will the right hon. Gentleman see his way clear to encourage the export of agricultural machinery?

I should also like notice of that question.

In view of the fact that 600 machine guns were exported to this Government in 1924, may we have an assurance that no exports of machine guns will be allowed in future for this or any other Government.

I think a question was put to that effect, and the answer was that we had no intention of granting these licences for the export of machine guns.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the last Report issued by the French War Department; and if he will inform the House what is the present active and reserve strength of the various branches of the Army of the French Republic?

I presume the hon. Member refers to the Report of the Finance Commission on the 1925 Budget for the French Army. My attention has been called to this Report. As the information asked for in the second part of the question contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Could the right hon. Gentleman tell me simply what is the total strength of the acting Reserve of the French Army?

Yes. I am giving the details in the answer, but the total of the Active is 686,000 and of the Reserve, worked out on a certain basis, which I have explained in the answer, 5,280,000.

Following is the information promised:

The present active and reserve strengths of the French Army are shown in the following table by branches of the Service. In calculating the reserve strengths, a mobilisation affecting 20 classes has been assumed.

Arm of Service. Active Strength. Reserve Strength. Infantry 380,000 2,776,000 Cavalry 55,000 616,000 Artillery 104,000 944,000 Engineers 30,000 280,000 Air Service 40,000 200,000 Intendance and Administrative. 57,000 464,000 War Office, Staff, etc. 10,000 — Military Schools 10,000 — Total 686,000 5,280,000

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the statement made to the Russian Soviet Union Congress, on 19th May last, by a representative of the Russian Government to the effect that the total strength of the land forces of the Russian Soviet Republics does not exceed 520,000; and whether the official estimate of his Department has been revised?

I have seen a statement in the Press that the Army of the Russian Soviet Republics is reported to have been reduced to 562,000 men. This total, however, omits a large number of formations which are maintained by conscription, and are embodied for training during eight months in the year. I see no reason at present to revise the estimate which I have given in answer to previous questions on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the rate of pay of soldiers of the Royal Army Service Corps, classified as cleaners, on the 27th May, 1925; what will be the rate payable at the conclusion of their current engagement; whether there have been other reductions in the rates of pay of men in the Army since the 1st January this year; and, if so, what is the nature of the reductions and the number of men affected?

Up to the 27th May, 1925, cleaners, Royal Army Service Corps, were classified as tradesmen in Trade Group E, of which the rate of pay is 3s., rising to 4s. after two years' service. From that date they ceased to be classified as tradesmen, and the pay of a cleaner is now the normal private's rate of 2s. 9d., rising to 3s. 6d. after two years' service. Men who were mustered as cleaners on the 27th May, 1925, retain their right to the Group F. trade rate until the termination of their current engagement; on entering upon a new engagement, if still employed as cleaners, they can only draw the normal rates of pay. As regards other reductions since January, 1925, there has been the reclassification of motor drivers and drivers of steam lorries and tractors from Trade Group C to Group E; I would refer the hon. Member to Army Order 213 of 1925 for details. The number of cleaners is about 350, and the number of motor drivers, etc., is about 5,000.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the desire of the health and seaside resorts of the country that the date of the military manœuvres should be announced each year as early as possible; and whether he can agree to this course?

I am not aware of any failure to give early notice to the localities in which military manœuvres and training are to be held1 Notice of the area and period of this year's manœuvres was given in March, when the draft Order applying the provisions of the Military Manœuvres Act was published. The dates and places of the Territorial Army training were published with the Army Orders in April.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say that there will be no repetition of what happened before, when farmers who lent their horses out for manœuvres were done out of their money? I put a question some time ago about it.

Yes, and I answered it then.

But has the right hon. Gentleman taken precautions to see that it is not repeated? A large number of these farmers have been done out of the money which has been raised from the taxpayers of this country.

I cannot allow that to pass. That is not a fair statement, and it is quite impossible for me to answer, as a supplementary question, a question which I have already answered two or three months ago.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that upon the arrival of the "Berengaria" at Southampton on Wednesday last a detachment of the Hampshire Heavy Artillery Territorials and a band were employed to act as a guard of honour and play "The British Grenadiers" in order to welcome an American who brought over a film to this country; that later the band and 50 of the soldiers accompanied the American and his film to London and escorted the film through the crowded streets to Wardour Street, Soho; and will he state whether this is permissible under the Army Regulations and take steps to prevent a recurrence of the possibility of any portion of His Majesty's Forces being used to advertise the importation of American films into this country?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made yesterday in answer to questions by the hon. Members for Cardiff South (Captain A Evans) and Dumbarton Burghs (Mr. Kirkwood).

Can the right hon. Gentleman now answer the question I put to him yesterday in regard to the film which was actually escorted, as to whether the Government have any power to prevent it being shown on the screen?

That does not arise out of the question. I am asked about a totally different film.

asked the Secretary for; Scotland whether he intends to introduce legislation this Session to carry out the recommendations of the Rent Commission which recently sat in Scotland?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to add anything to the answer which I gave to the similar question put by the hon. Member last Tuesday.

Can the Minister not tell us whether he is intending to introduce legislation this Session?

I hope to be able to make an announcement very shortly.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what steps, if any, he intends to take to encourage and assist allotment holders in Scotland; and whether it is his intention to introduce legislation this Session in this connection?

As I informed the Scottish National Union of Allotment Holders after a deputation which I received in March, I am prepared to consider any proposals which may be put forward by the allotment holders or by local authorities or others with the object of assisting the development of allotments other than the proposed utilisation of moneys from the Agriculture (Scotland) Fund for the purchase of land for allotments. Neither the local authorities nor the allotment holders have hitherto informed me that they desire the application to Scotland of any of the main proposals of the Bill which passed this House on Friday last. In the circumstances, I am not in a position to make any statement with regard to prospective legislation at present.

Is the Minister aware that allotment holders and the Corporations of Glasgow and Edinburgh understood that, since Conservative, Liberal, and Labour Members of this House representing Scotland were alike backing the Bill that was brought forward, there would be no difficulty in regard to its passing?

If the hon. Member refers to the Bill of the hon. and gallant Member for Leith (Captain Benn), I have already explained to my hon. Friend that I cannot agree to that.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say in a word why he objects to the Bill?

asked the Secretary for Scotland how many houses have been built in Scotland under the 1923 Housing Act; how many under the 1924 Housing Act; and how many of these in each case have been built in Glasgow?

3,938 houses have been built in Scotland under the Act of 1923, of which 934 were built in Glasgow. 75 houses have been built under the Act of 1924, of which none were built in Glasgow.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state if the reason why there have been none under the 1924 Act is that his Department held up the plans in Edinburgh for schemes under that Act?

No. There is no foundation for such a statement.

Is it not a fact that the Glasgow Corporation approached his Department in Edinburgh, and that as the officials were on Holidays they could not get any answer, and is there anything further being done with these plans that were then held up?

No. To say that there was anybody on holiday and that anything was held up by my office is perfectly incorrect.

Is it not a fact that the Glasgow Corporation officials ap- proached his Department during the Recess, that these plans were held up because the officials at the office in Edinburgh could not say "Yes" or "No" to the Glasgow Corporation, if there have been certain approachments made to him since, and what are the results of those approachments?

The hon. Member should put a question on the Paper.

I beg to give notice that I intend at the first opportunity to raise this question on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will give the figures showing the volume of reparation coal

exported, month by month, to the various countries concerned; whether any of this coal has been re-exported in competition with British coal; and, if so, whether he will state the prices at which such re-exports have taken place?

As the answer contains numerous figures, I am circulating it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The figures of monthly deliveries of coal on reparation account are given below. As regards the second and third parts of the hon. Member's question, I have no information to the effect that any of this coal has been re-exported. I would add that an undertaking to prevent such re-exportation as far as possible, except by agreement between the Transfer Committee, acting unanimously, and the German Government, was given by the Allied Governments concerned in the London Agreement of August, 1924.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the development that has been effected in the process of low-temperature carbonisation of coal, he will consider obtaining assistance for its commercial development, either through the safeguarding of industries scheme or by some other means, in order to improve the state of our coal trade and to secure a home supply of oil to meet our national requirements?

I cannot add anything at present to what was said yesterday on this subject by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.

Has the hon. and gallant Member any knowledge whatever of any firm in this country having made any

application for assistance in any shape whatever to develop this low-temperature carbonisation process?

Yes. There have been two cases already before the Trades Facilities Committee, but I have not heard the actual and final result.

May I understand from the hon. and gallant Member that in all cases where this application is made it will be given his favourable consideration?

Really the answer to that must depend on the application that is made. I cannot reply to that until I know what is the application.

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman think that the process of low-temperature carbonisation has gone far enough now to warrant him recommending that these people should be helped in the development of it?

It depends on the process to which the hon. Member is referring. There are various processes, in various stages of development, and any help we can give to these processes I certainly hope will be given.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether His Majesty's Government intend introducing, and passing through this House, a Bill to nationalise mines and minerals this Session?

The answer is in the negative.

Is the Minister aware that every miners' branch in Great Britain is unanimously of the opinion that this is the best means of dealing with the difficulties in the coal industry, and, in the absence of any policy by the Government and by the coalowners, why not take a practical suggestion from the workers?

We cannot now debate that question.

Does the Minister's answer apply to minerals as well as to mines?

Yes. The question asked was whether the Government intend introducing a Bill to nationalise mines and minerals this Session.

Then does the hon. and gallant Gentleman's reply apply to minerals as well as mines, or what proposal does he intend to make?

asked the Secretary for Mines what steps are being taken by the Mines Department to ensure that pumping operations are being fully maintained in all the coal mines that are now closing down in the British coalfields, due to depression of trade or other causes, so as to prevent any danger of neighbouring mines being inundated?

On the general question of danger from waterlogged workings, I would refer the hon. Member to pages 46 and 47 of my Department's Report for 1924, from which be will see that this very important matter is receiving close attention. An accumulation of water in a mine does not always endanger other mines. The owners of any mine that may be threatened are responsible for taking whatever precautions may be necessary, and the inspectors make a point of looking into the question whenever notices of abandonment are received.

In view of the fact that there are 360 out of the total number of mines which have closed down within the last few months, how is it possible for those inspectors to examine into them for waterlogging?

I am receiving reports regularly in the case of every mine from the inspectors, and the matter is being carefully watched.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question? What steps is his Department taking in the case of mines shut down to secure that the pumping arrangements are kept going? Will he kindly answer the question instead of referring us to page 1 or 2?

If the hon. Gentleman will do what I ask him to do, he will find fuller information than I can give him in an answer to a question.

But, Mr. Speaker, the hon. and gallant Gentleman is asked a definite question. In interests of the House we ask, and I want to know, and Members here want to know, what steps his Department are taking to secure that pumping arrangements at these pits are kept going, so that when the re-start is made the men will be sure of getting back to their work That is what we want to know.

The Minister has given his answer.

He has not answered the question:

further asked the Secretary for Mines how many coal mines have been abandoned in each coalfield during the three years 1922, 1923 and 1924; will he state what steps are being taken by the Mines Department in such cases to keep accurate records of the underground plans of such mines; and can he state how many of such mines in each coalfield are waterlogged?

As the reply includes a tabular statement, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has made any investigation in regard to the causes for the closing of any one of the 361 coal mires closed since 1st November, 1924; and, if so, will he give the name of the mine, the date of investigation, and the result thereof?

I am informed in the ordinary course when a pit is closed and for what reason. The reasons given in the cases referred to fall under one of the following headings: unremunerative

Following is the reply:

The statement below shows the number of mines at which one or more seams were abandoned during the years 1922, 1923, 1924. As the law requires, plans were deposited at the Mines Department at the time when they were abandoned. These are examined and classified and retained in the Department, and a list of them is published from time to time. I cannot say how many of the abandoned mines are waterlogged.

working, insufficient trade, exhaustion of workable coal, disputes, accidents to machinery, and repairs. I have made no further investigations of the kind which I understand the hon. Member to have in mind.

Is the deliberate policy of the Government to make no investigation at all, when there are 200,000 men out of work, although it is their policy to make an investigation were there 3,600 out in another industry?

As the hon. Gentleman knows, there has been considerable investigation going on in the industry itself, by the owners and the men, who have been meeting to consider the situation. I do not know that any inquiry which this House could set up could achieve more than has been done in this way.

Is the Minister of Mines satisfied as to the answer he has received after the pits have been closed, or has he made representations to the owners to keep the pits going?

I have had reports whenever these pits have been closed.

But has the hon. and gallant Gentleman urged upon the owners of these collieries to keep these collieries working?

Before that question is answered, Mr. Speaker— [HON MEMBERS: "Order, order!"] This is a very important question.

I think the hon. Member should give other Members a chance.

asked the Secretary for Mines what is the average amount paid per ton in mineral royalties in each of the following coalfields: South Wales, Durham, Northumberland, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Fifeshire and Lanarkshire; and what is the amount of the average mineral royalty per ton paid on Cleveland iron ore, on Cumberland iron ore, and on Northampton iron ore at the present time?

As the answer is necessarily long and full of figures, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will the Minister give cognisance to the fact that it is not only the royalties on coal but on iron ore; are not these a great charge upon the cost of production?

That is the very reason why I say that the answer is too long to give now.

Will the Minister of Mines give some attention to putting our own heavy steel industry on an equal footing with that of Germany, and is the Government considering the way Germany did it—nationalising the mining royalties?

That is quite another question.

Following is the answer:

The average royalties per ton of coal raised in the first three months of 1925 were as follows: — Per ton. d. South Wales and Monmouth 8.34 Durham 6.13 Northumberland 6.24 Lancs., N. Staffs and Cheshire 4.66 Eastern District (including Yorkshire, Notts, Derby, Leicester, Cannock Chase and Warwickshire) 4.17 Scotland 6.19

Separate particulars for Lancashire, Yorkshire, Fifeshire and Lanarkshire are not available.

There are no official statistics of the royalties on iron ore and ironstone, but I am informed that in Cleveland they range from 2½d. to 6d. a ton, in Northamptonshire from 4d. to 6d., and in Cumberland 2s. 6d. may probably be regarded as a representative figure.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the Government will take steps with a view to the devising of means by which the amount now paid as mineral loyalties can be transferred to the Miners' Welfare Fund immediately or, alternatively, will see they are paid into the national Exchequer?

No, Sir. The acquisition of royalties does not form part of the Government's programme, and I have introduced a Bill, to which I hope the House will assent, making provision for continuing the Miners' Welfare Fund from the same source as at present.

May I ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman what useful service is rendered by this body of people who receive 6½ million pounds sterling in mineral royalties? Could not that money be used for a much better purpose in view of a great depression in this industry?

I think that hardly arises out of the question—

It does!

It is a very big question. I should like to point out that whether the royalties are paid to the State or to private persons does not make any difference to the wage capacity of the industry.

Is not this a question which largely affects the state of industry, in view of the fact that this huge amount of money is being paid to people who do nothing for it? Would not the hon. and gallant Gentleman take into consideration the question, helping of industry with that money?

Is it not a fact that, in addition to the 400 millions sterling paid in royalties on coal during the last 60 years, 4,000,000 tons of coal have been allowed to waste underground because of this royalty system?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his Department has now completed the promised independent inquiry into the question of short weight in coal received by rail from collieries; if so, what is the nature of the Report he has received; and what action he proposes to take?

I am not yet in a position to add anything to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member on the 20th May last. The inquiries that are being made are not yet completed.

asked the Secretary for Mines what is the depth of the deepest coal mine shaft in Great Britain now being worked; and what is the greatest distance from the shaft or pit bottom where men are now employed?

Nine hundred and ninety-three yards is at present the greatest distance that men are raised and lowered for the purpose of coal-getting; and the greatest distance that any workings lie from the pit bottom is about four miles.

Could not the hon. and gallant Gentleman say what is the maxi- mum distance of which his Department approves of for men working at the shaft bottom?

I cannot answer that question without notice.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman say what the colliery was that has a depth of 933 yards?

The Parsonage pit in Lancashire.

Could the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether there is any maximum depth now provided by law?

I am afraid I cannot; I should like to have notice.

Is it right, Mr. Speaker, that mining Members should be putting questions to the Minister of Mines that he knows absolutely nothing about?

also asked the Secretary for Mines the maximum time allowed, beyond the seven hours per shift for coal-winding, for the purpose of lowering the men into the mine before the shift and also for withdrawing them after the shift is over; and whether he can say what are the average times allowed, for pits employing a 1,000 men or over, for the purpose of lowering or winding men?

The longest approved winding time is 90 minutes. As regards the second part of the question, I cannot give the average for the country as a whole, but the averages in the different inspectoral divisions vary from 26 to 55 minutes.

Is it not a fact that in the collieries where the winding time allowed is 90 minutes, that it is possible for the men to be in the colliery 10 hours without any breach of the Act; and is it not a fact, further, that if the average time for the larger collieries were given, the bulk of the men employed are actually called upon to spend 8 hours or more in the pit.

Ninety minutes is a very exceptional case. The hon. Member will see from my answer that the average time is a good deal less than that.

My question was meant to suggest that I want an average for the pits that really count: pits where the bulk of the men are employed. The hon. and gallant Gentleman has not given that average.

I was giving what information I had at my disposal. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will explain to me in conversation exactly what he wants, and I will certainly try to get him the information.

Will the hon. Gentleman give the name of the colliery where an hour and a-quarter is allowed for changing time? Is he not aware that at the average colliery the miner now spends between 7¾ to 8¼ hours underground?

I could not at this moment give the name asked for. I know it is in Yorkshire; but I will try and get the information for the hon. Gentleman.

asked the Secretary for Mines the average consumption of coal per 1,000 pounds steam raised in our manufacturing and industrial areas, and the corresponding figures taking an average over the electric power stations?

I regret that no statistics are available which would enable me to answer this question.

Am I to understand from the answer that neither the Board of Trade nor the Mines Department have the least idea as to what is produced by one pound of coal burnt for steam or used for any other purpose of raising power? Are we to understand that the Departments are so inefficient that we cannot get a figure such as that relating to a big industry?

Mr. Rennie Smith.

I want to protest. I want to ask whether I can have an answer to guide me in future? It is no use my putting down questions, and wasting the time of the House. The reason for not putting down questions will be the absolute ignorance and inefficiency of the Department; and unless I am going to get an answer I give you notice—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"] —that I will raise this question as to the inefficiency and the ignorance of the Board of Trade and the Mines Department, on the first opportunity.

Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the employers in the mining industry have decided to give notice on 30th June next of the termination of the existing agreement in the mining industry; and, if so, if he can state the reasons for this decision?

Yes, Sir. I understand that the colliery owners have this morning given notice to terminate the present national wages agreement, on the ground that, in the present conditions of the industry, it is not economically possible to continue it.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that certain collieries, in various parts of Yorkshire at any rate, are even now paying 20 to 25 per cent. dividends, and will his Department at least make some investigation to prevent the calamity that may occur?

Yes, it is true that some pits are doing much better than others, but I would point out that the termination of the agreement merely clears the ground, to make other arrangements where they may be necessary.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that unless there be some real unification of the mines, taking the good with the bad, there is no possibility either of peace in the industry or a living for the miners?

We cannot now go into that.

asked the Secretary for Mines the coal areas of Great Britain in which the State has royalty rights, the areas from which revenue is being drawn, and the amount for the last financial year?

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

Following is the information:

With the exception of small areas in the Counties of York, Durham, Carmarthen and Pembroke, and an extensive area in the neighbourhood of Dean Forest, the coal areas in which the State has royalty rights are practically confined to lands under the sea and foreshore. Revenue is being derived from areas in the Counties of Cumberland, Durham, Northumberland, York, Kent, Carmarthen, Pembroke, Argyll and Ayr, and the Firth of Forth and Dean Forest districts. During the year ended 31st March, 1925, royalties from coal amounted to the gross sum of £121,734 9s. 11d.

It is very important that we should know in what parts of the country there are ground rights for royalties.

If the hon. Member will not mind waiting, he will have that information to-morrow in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

We want it now, and I do not see why we should not get it now. There are not many parts of the country where there are ground rights.

asked the Secretary for Mines the amount of revenue to the State from the royalties in the Cumberland coalfield during 1924; whether these royalties have now been leased to private persons; and, if so, whether he will give the names of those concerned?

I have been asked to reply. The revenue received by the State from the royalties in the Cumberland coalfield during the year ended 31st March, 1925, amounted to the gross sum of £8,787 2s. 2d. These royalties are reserved in four leases, the lessees being The Earl of Lonsdale. Mr. Alan D. Curwen. The Risehow Colliery and By Products Company, Limited. The St. Helen's Colliery and Brickworks Company, Limited.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in order to reassure the employés of gas undertakings throughout the country, who fear that the Government proposes to subsidise the electrical industry, thereby handicapping and causing unemployment in the gas industry, he can give any indication of the Government's proposals or their attitude upon this specific point?

I am not in a position to add anything to the replies given by me on the 18th and 25th May to questions on this subject by my hon. Friend the Member for South-East Essex (Mr. Looker), copies of which I am sending to the hon. Member.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman make any statement to allay the anxiety of thousands of gas workers throughout the United Kingdom, that, whatever the Government proposals are, they will not prejudice their employment?

Yes; no electricity proposals will entail anything that need perturb gas employés. I can only say that.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the Manor Way railway bridge, London and North Eastern Railway, at East Ham, has now been under repair for some months and still appears to be far from completed; that it is causing great inconvenience to the travelling public; and whether he can state to the House the reasons for the delay and if he is to expedite in any way the completion of the job?

I am fully aware of the importance of the Manor Way bridge which, as the hon. Member is aware, is a road bridge over the railway line. I have done my best to facilitate its reconstruction by offering a substantial grant. Several public bodies, however, are concerned in the matter, and I regret to say that no agreement has yet been reached enabling common action to be taken.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that many local authorities are now engaged in the annual tarring of roads and that this work is carried out in the crudest possible manner; and will he make representations to such authorities suggesting that greater care be exercised when covering roads with tar, so as to avoid the damage at present being caused to the carriage work of vehicles using the roads?

I think that, generally speaking, tar-dressing is carried out with due regard to the convenience of road users, but if the hon. and gallant Member will let me have details of specific instances to the contrary, I will gladly have them investigated so that, if necessary, representations may be made to any authorities that are at fault.

Has my hon. and gallant Friend had occasion lately to pass down the Fulham Road and to see its condition?

If my hon. Friend will give me the details of the case he has in mind, I will at once have it investigated?

asked the Minister of Transport if the Government intend to take any steps with regard to the electrification of the main railways?

As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the Government are considering the whole question of electricity. It may be assumed that any improvement in the supply and distribution of electricity will facilitate its use as a motive power on railways, as well as in other directions.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his Department is prepared to make good any damage to the railings of squares which have been declared to be parking places for cars, in the event of the offender not being identified; and, if not, who will relieve the resident householders of the cost of such repairs for damage caused by persons whose cars are so parked contrary to the wishes of such householders?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I am making Regulations for the better regulation of parking places in the London Traffic Area, which, I hope, will diminish the likelihood of occurrences such as my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when these Regulations are going to be published?

In the course of next few weeks.

asked the Prime Minister what would be the approximate cost of raising the school age to 15 years and providing each child with a maintenance grant of 5s. per week; how many children would this include; and the approximate cost for unemployment pay to a corresponding number; of persons with the average number of dependants?