asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in order to prevent the increased use of automatic counter scales having a prejudicial effect upon the public by facilitating short weight, he will appoint a Committee to examine the Weights and Measures Act with a view to improved safeguarding Regulations?

I have no evidence that the particular type of machine to which the question relates has the effect suggested. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on the 23rd February. In the circumstances, I see no need for the appointment of a Committee of the kind proposed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if it is intended to introduce a Bill embodying the proposals of the Food Council in regard to short weight or measure in the sale of foodstuffs and oral misrepresentations of weight or measure?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government have considered the recommendations of the Food Council on short weight; and what action they propose to take?

The Government have considered the Report of the Food Council, and accept generally the recommendations made in that Report. They propose to prepare and introduce legislation based thereon.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the legislation will be introduced?

No, I cannot say that.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that every facility will be given to his Bill, and that opinion on the Matter is pretty well unanimous?

I am much obliged to the hon. Gentleman, but it necessarily depends on the facilities which he gives to other Bills what progress I can make with this one. I hope there will be complete unanimity in favour of it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the desirability of legisla- tion making it a penal offence for anyone to allow fresh food, fit for human consumption, to rot; and whether, in any case, he will make inquiries into the possibility of such a course?

I shall be prepared to receive any evidence which my hon. Friend can supply as to the existence of such a practice, and to consider whether such evidence would justify the introduction of legislation.

Is it not the fact that fish and fruit are wasted in that way, in order that there shall not be a glut on the market?

I want to have evidence rather than mere statements, and one must consider the question of practicability.

If the President of the Board of Trade cared to go to any fishing centre he would see any amount of fish being wasted there by being thrown overboard or turned into refuse.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has any information that the great food-producing and distributing trades are making any arrangements to provide additional cold storage in the depot, the shop, and the home, in view of his Regulations in the prohibition of certain preservatives; and whether he proposes to take any steps to meet the difficulty?

My right hon. Friend thinks it may be assumed that the provision of any additional cold storage which may be necessary will engage the attention of the trades concerned. In reply to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given on Thursday last to the hon. Members for Bishop Auckland (Mr. Spoor) and North-West Camberwell (Mr. Campbell).

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of belated reparation claims made since 1st June, 1924?

The number of claims notified since 1st June, 1924, is 2,524.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these claims are receiving speedy attention?

No, Sir; as I understand, these were belated claims, which were ruled out.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received from the Public Accounts Committee the amount received from Germany in respect of loss of property?

I would like the hon. Gentleman to give me notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the large amount of zinc oxide being dumped into this country from America and Germany at about the same price, in the case of America as that country is prepared to sell us the raw material (spelter), and at a price in the case of Germany of about £8 per ton less than the figure quoted in that country; and whether he will, by legislative action, safe guard the British manufacturer against such competition?

The imports of zinc oxide from the United States have recently shown a considerable increase, and complaints have reached me as to the price at which it is being sold in this country. If imported zinc oxide is being sold here at prices below the cost of production in the country of manufacture, it is open to the British interests concerned to apply under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, 1921, for the imposition of an anti-dumping duty.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that British and other foreign manufacturers of artificial silk are precluded from exhibiting samples at the Leipzig Fair this month; and whether he will draw the attention of the Leipzig Fair authorities to the usual practice of such international fairs of permitting and encouraging exhibits from all countries without restriction?

I understand that British and other foreign manufacturers of artificial silk are precluded from exhibiting at the German Artificial Silk Exhibition, which it to be held at Leipzig shortly, though I have no official information on the subject. With regard to the second part of the question, it is within the discretion of the organisers of an exhibition to admit or exclude foreign participation. I understand that the exhibition in question is not an integral part of the Leipzig Fair, but I am making inquiries and will communicate further with my hon. Friend.

Are foreign manufacturers prohibited from exhibiting at our British Industries Fair? Is it like for like?

Yes, Sir.

Were any firms precluded from exhibiting at the British Industries Fair, either at Birmingham or in London?

Yes, Sir; it is part of the understanding that all goods sold at this fair should be British.

Why, then, does the Minister expect that other countries are not going to give the same treatment to British firms?

The Minister cannot be responsible for the form in which the question is put down.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that certain Eastern markets are being supplied with sail-makers' needles made in Japan and marked with the name of a well-known firm of needle makers of Redditch, Worcestershire, labels being attached stating that the needles are manufactured by the firm in question in England, and that, as a consequence of this practice, loss is being caused to the manufacturers and work- people employed in the needle industry in Worcestershire; and will he take action, by representation to the Government of Japan, to put a stop to this imitation of business names and labels which is at present going on?

The case to which my hon. Friend is referring was brought to the notice of the Redditch firm concerned by the Department of Overseas Trade. I am in communication with the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in regard to the case.

Is it not casting a reflection on the commercial honesty of our Allies?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with reference to the recent decision of the Trade Facilities Act Committee to provide a guarantee of £650,000 for the extension of the works of the Appleby Iron Company, the matter was submitted to him before the Trade Facilities Act Committee approved the guarantee; and whether, seeing that the productive capacity of rolling-mill plant already in existence exceeds the actual requirements at the moment or the estimated requirements for some years to come, this matter can be reconsidered?

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend was aware of the scheme, but the guarantee was given, as usual, on the recommendation of the Trade Facilities Committee. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. At the present moment there are large imports of foreign steel into this country, and if, by cheaper production resulting from modern equipment, we can reduce these imports, I think it will be for the general advantage.

Is it not the fact that evidence was given before the Imperial Research Committee, in reference to the heavy steel trade, to the effect that the production of steel, and particularly of steel plates, is far in excess of the demand?

I should not like to make a statement with regard to the evidence without having had an opportunity of reading it.

Are there not many mills of the newest construction and with the most modern plants standing idle for want of orders, and what advantage will it be to put up other new plants?

That is for debate.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it has been suggested to him that on all footwear sold in this country an analysis of the article should be stamped; and whether, in the public interest, he will give the fullest consideration to any such proposal?

I understand that the Joint Industrial Council for the Boot and Shoe Industry is to discuss the marking of footwear with my Department. I shall be glad to consider any proposals which may be made.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider strengthening the provisions of the Income Tax Act, so as to provide more effectively against tax evasion by American film-production houses through

asked the President of the Board of Trade which Clauses of which commercial treaties preclude the imposition of a tax on the hiring fee of foreign films which would not apply to British films; and how long such treaties remain in force?

With my hon. Friend's permission I will have a statement giving the desired information printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

His Majesty's Government would be debarred by the Treaty provisions noted below from imposing a higher internal tax on films produced or manufactured in the undermentioned countries than on films produced or manufactured in this country. The dates on which the Treaties in question can be terminated are given in the third column. In addition, a number of other countries are, in virtue of the Most-Favoured-Nation Clauses in their Treaties with this country, entitled to treatment not less favourable than that accorded in the matter in question to the countries specified below, so long as they received it:

their system of distributing companies in this country?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the replies which the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave to the question on the same subject asked by him on the 23rd February and to the question asked by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Dulwich on the 9th February. As he has already intimated, the Chancellor of the Exchequer is considering the whole subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, for the convenience of Army pensioners, all pensions can be paid weekly instead of monthly?

Pensions awarded to soldiers below the rank of warrant officer Class I since the beginning of the War are paid weekly in advance. Pre-War pensioners are entitled, under the Royal Warrant then in force, to be paid quarterly in advance, but, if they so desire, arrangements are made for them to draw their pensions weekly.

Would it not be desirable that the drawing of these pensions weekly should be made compulsory, on the same lines as police pensions, thus avoiding the trouble which is often caused by people spending the money in the first few weeks?

No, Sir; I think that if a man likes to draw his pension quarterly in advance it may be of some advantage to him to do so, and I do not propose to compel him to take it weekly.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the situation with regard to the tank training grounds and ranges at Lulworth Cove, when does he propose to evacuate the district, and where is it proposed to establish these training grounds and firing ranges in the future?

The arrangements under which the War Department are in occupation of the land at Lulworth hold good until 31st August, 1929. The scheme for the provision of an alternative site is not sufficiently advanced to enable me to make any statement in answer to the second and third parts of the question.

In case the right hon. Gentleman can make these arrangements for an alternative site, does he propose to evacuate this beauty spot before 1929?

That is a hypothetical question.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider the desirability of exempting the 220 cadets who were at Woolwich, and the 549 cadets who were at Sandhurst, on the 17th October, 1925, the date of the promulgation of the revised rates of pay, from the incidence of these rates on the ground that these cadets were already committed to a military career, and in the case of cadets from the ranks the new order altered the material conditions under which they had signed a contract to serve for five years as officers?

As I stated in answer to a question on this subject on the 4th February, I cannot agree to any general departure from the rule that officers commissioned on or after 26th October, 1925, come under the new rates and conditions of pay. The question of a possible concession to Woolwich cadets who suffer in comparison with Sandhurst cadets of equal seniority is under consideration. My hon. and gallant Friend is mistaken in thinking that cadets from the ranks are required to sign a contract to serve for five years as officers.

Does not my right hon. Friend think that these cadets have been unfairly treated, as they were committed to a military career?

That is a matter of opinion. It is always very hard when there is an alteration in conditions of service, and sometimes it may well be said that it is unfair, but I have tried to do what is fair in this particular case.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the Woolwich cadets who went in at the same time are not prejudiced as compared with the Sandhurst cadets?

I have already said that that is under consideration.

Will a decision be arrived at before these cadets will be due to be gazetted, in September or October of this year?

I cannot say.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what was the total amount expended by his Department in the last financial year in regard to military purposes and establishment generally in the Channel Islands; and the estimated expenditure for the coming year?

The estimated full effective cost to Army Funds of military establishments in the Channel Islands is £290,000 in 1925–26, and £280,000 in 1926–27.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that this money is not wanted and not needed, and is absolutely throw away?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider the advisability of appointing an additional sheriff-substitute at Hamilton, in view of the large increase in and the congested state of the work of that Court?

The position with regard to the business in Hamilton Sheriff Court is under consideration. I am unable at present to form an opinion as to the necessity for the course suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that in the case of loans from a land improvement company Scottish applicants have to advertise the loan in a local paper, a stipulation which does not apply in the case of English applicants in precisely the same circumstances; and if he will introduce legislation to remove this inequality?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I shall keep the point in view when an opportunity occurs for amending legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is taking any steps to prevent imported insulated electric wire, in which reclaimed rubber has been used, being utilised in buildings in the erection of which his Department has jurisdiction, in view of the risk of fire arising owing to the reclaimed rubber disintegrating the insulation and setting up short circuit?

My attention has not been called to any instance in which material such as is referred to has been used. Having regard to the terms of Section 10 (1) of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924, I am precluded from taking any steps to prevent the use of imported materials on assisted housing schemes, but all houses erected with State subsidy must comply with the requirement of the Scottish Board of Health that the materials used must be of good quality such as is ordinarily specified by a local authority in a contract for working-class houses. In the event of the Board being satisfied that materials not in compliance with their requirements had been used in subsidised houses, they would take steps to withhold payment of the State subsidy. Material such as is referred to in the question is not according to Board's general specification, and if brought to their notice would not be passed as complying with Board's requirements.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the public right of way at Kenmure Wood, on the banks of the Clyde, at Carmyle, is being obstructed and destroyed by the operations of Kenmure colliery; and if he will make inquiries into the matter with a view to the preservation of the public interest in the right of way?

I have no information as to the matter referred to in the question, nor have I jurisdiction in questions of rights of way. Local authorities (in this case probably the District Com- mittee) are charged by Statute with the protection of rights of way, and the hon. Member may think it desirable to bring this case to the notice of the District Committee.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that, not a mile away from this spot, there has been a beauty spot on the Clyde covered up, and it was covered up during the War, when our minds were occupied with things abroad and not at home, and that this is an attempt to cover up another beauty spot—Kenmure Wood? I am giving you this as evidence that the district committee you refer to take no interest in it. I want to know if the right hon. Gentleman will use his influence with that district, in order that this vandalism may be stopped at once.

Order!

Is it not possible for the right hon. Gentleman to cause inquiries to be made and see if some pressure cannot be brought to bear on the local authority to see that this does not happen? Surely it is the duty of some one to take care of rights of way?

As I have explained, I have no jurisdiction in the matter. If the attention of the local authorities is called by those interested, I have no doubt action will be taken.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware of the fact that in England, when a local authority defaults in its duty, the Minister of Health takes the matter up? All we are asking is that the right hon. Gentleman should make some inquiries into this and see if he cannot find a way of bringing some pressure on the local authority if he finds it necessary to do so.

I should, of course, be quite willing to confer with the hon. Member who raised the question, but it must not be taken that I admit any liability.

Will the right hon. Gentleman depute the hon. Member for Bow and Bromley (Mr. Lansbury) to inquire into the matter for him?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many juvenile Courts have been established in Scotland under Section 111 of the Children Act, 1908; and, if any have been established, will he state the names of the burghs?

As I informed the hon. Member in my answer to his question on this subject on 4th February, I have no reason to suppose that the requirements of Section 111 of the Children Act are not given effect to in Scottish Courts. If, however, the hon. Member can supply me with any information to the contrary effect, I shall be glad to make inquiries.

Is it not a fact that it is for the Secretary of State for Scotland to give information to the House and not to ask the hon. Member for Midlothian to give him information in connection with the Scottish situation? Further, is it not a fact that in a reply I have received this week from his own Department they have not stated that there are any juvenile Courts set up?

My information would not lead me to believe the Courts are not carrying out what the law lays down. If the hon. Member has any reason to suppose they are not doing it, I shall be glad of any information.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of ex-service men who have applied for small holdings in Scotland; and how many have been placed?

The numbers of applications received by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland from ex-service men, excluding those withdrawn subsequent to lodgment, are 5,704 for new holdings and 328 for enlargements of existing holdings. Of these applicants, 1,976 and 211, respectively, have been settled by the Board.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of small holdings that were being operated in Scotland prior to 1914; the number that have been granted each year since then; and the number of applicants who are still waiting upon the granting of small holdings?

As the answer contains a table of figures, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate the reply in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

In 1913 there were 51,614 holdings in Scotland not exceeding 50 acres in size. There were also a number of holdings exceeding 50 acres in size, the annual rent of which did not exceed £50, but I have no accurate information regarding these. The numbers of new holdings constituted each year since 1913 are as follows: 1914 … … … 318 1915 … … … 70 1916 … … … 52 1917 … … … 29 1918 … … … 11 1919 … … … 282 1920 … … … 227 1921 … … … 415 1922 … … … 433 1923 … … … 322 1924 … … … 269 1925 … … … 102 The outstanding applications at the present time number 6,838.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on what grounds the decision to sell the estate of Erriboll has been reached; what number of ex-service men and civilian applicants in the county of Sutherland are still without the holdings or enlargements for which they have applied; and how the proceeds of the proposed sale will be utilised?

As stated in the Report of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland for the year ending the 31st December, 1924, no applicants were found ready, in spite of the widest publicity and advertisement, to take holdings under the Board's scheme for Erriboll Estate, owing to lack of sufficient capital to enable them to make the initial cash payment of 25 per cent. of the price of the sheep stock on the ground. The outstanding applications from Sutherlandshire for new holdings and enlargements number 185 and 11 respectively from ex-service men and 119 and 770 respectively from other applicants. The method of utilising the proceeds of the sale has not yet been determined.

Is it not a fact that these men were required to advance capital of no less than £400 or £500 each before they were allowed to take part in the scheme, and seeing that the farm is now considered unfitted for the purpose of land settlement, and that 1,000 applicants are still unsatisfied, will not the right hon. Gentleman at least give an assurance that the proceeds of the sale will be devoted to settling these unsatisfied applicants?

It is clear that this property is unsuited, as I think the hon. Gentleman admits, and that is the reason why I have given directions for the sale. As to which particular scheme we may use the money for—which will be used for land settlement—I cannot commit myself.

Seeing that it was bought for the benefit of the applicants in Sutherland, will not the proceeds of the sale of the unsatisfactory scheme be used for these people?

All I can say is that, of course, every consideration will be given to the settlement.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of houses that have been built in connection with schemes of State assistance under the Housing Acts in Scotland and the number still remaining to be built; the number of houses built without Exchequer subsidy; and what the total cost has been to the Exchequer up to January, 1926?

In reply to the first two and last parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my answer to his previous question of 23rd ultimo on the same subject. With regard to the third part of the question, returns received from local authorities show that the total number of houses built in Scotland without Exchequer subsidy during the years 1919 to 1925 inclusive was approximately 8,700.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses have been erected in the Camlachie Division of Glasgow under the Housing Acts; how many are available for letting; and what is the number of houses approved but not yet erected?

No houses have yet been erected under the Housing Acts in the Camlachie Division of Glasgow. A proposal for the erection of 192 houses at Duke Street under the Corporation's scheme for the improvement of insanitary areas, has however, been approved by the Scottish Board of Health. Tenders for the erection of these houses have now been received and are under consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the infantile mortality figures for that division are the highest in Glasgow and will he give his attention to the matter, with a view to securing better housing accommodation for the people?

There is evidence of the Government's desire to improve the housing conditions in Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of barrels of cured herring exported from Scotland to Germany and Russia in 1911, 1912 and 1913, respectively, and the number exported to Germany, Russia and the Baltic States in 1923, 1924 and 1925, respectively, together with the average prices received; and the amount of unsold stock on hand at the latest available date?

With the hon. Member's permission, I propose to circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The number of barrels of cured herrings exported from Scotland to Germany in 1911, 1912 and 1913 was 768,375, 687,790 and 647,087 respectively; the corresponding figures for Russia were 655,814, 750,187 and 619,680 barrels. The number of barrels exported to Germany, Russia and the Baltic States in 1923, 1924 and 1925 was as follow: — 1923. 1924. 1925. Germany 494,301 724,137 460,845 Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. — 130,432 56,350 Baltic States 232,548 228,666 121,348 The exports to Germany for 1923–25 include exports to Danzig, to make the figures comparable with the figures for 1911–13. The exports to Danzig for the years 1923–25 were, respectively, 231,686, 223,893 and 82,710 barrels. The average prices received are not known, but the average value per barrel before export was returned as, approximately, 30s. 3d., 32s. 9d. and 39s. 3d. in the years 1911–13, and 27s. 8d., 43s. 7d. and 49s. 2d. in the years 1923–25. The number of barrels on hand in Scotland at the 31st January last (the latest date for which figures are available) was 5,286; it is not known, however, whether these were all unsold.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the depression prevailing in the Scottish fishing industry due to the closing of the trade in cured herrings with Russia; that before the War Russia imported through her own ports or over her frontier 75 per cent. of the total catch of the Scottish herring fishermen; that, in the considered opinion of the industry, the key to prosperity lies in reopening the Russian market; and whether, in view of these facts, he is now prepared to extend the benefits of the export credits scheme for this particular trade with Russia?

I have been asked to reply. With regard to the first, third and fourth parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Merthyr on 16th February, a copy of which I am sending him. With regard to the second part. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL BEPORT a statement taken from the Reports of the Fishery Board for Scotland, from which it will be seen that in 1913 the proportion of the total quantity of herrings caught and cured in Scotland, which was exported to ports in the countries comprising pre- War Russia, amounted to 32.8 per cent., the corresponding percentage in 1924 being 34 per cent. The corresponding proportions exported to ports in Germany were 35.7 per cent. in 1913, and 31.8 per cent. in 1924.

Has the right hon. Gentleman had any request to receive a deputation for representatives of all parties on the herring fishing industry, and, if so, is he prepared to receive it?

No, Sir. I do not think I have had such a request. Probably on a subject connected with Scotland it would be convenient that it should be addressed to the Secretary of

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the damage recently done by foreign trawlers to fishermen's gear in the Moray Firth; whether the closure of the Moray Firth has yet been discussed by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea; and, if so, what conclusions were reached and what action His Majesty's Government proposes to take?

The Fishery Board for Scotland have not received any recent complaints of damage alleged to have been done by foreign trawlers to fishing gear in the Moray Firth. The question of the closure of the Moray Firth to trawling has been considered by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea and has been remitted to a committee for investigation.

State for Scotland, to whom this question was addressed. I have answered it because I have the statistical information.

Is there any difficulty other than the fact that Russia will not pay?

Following is the statement:

The following statement shows the quantity of herrings cured (gutted and ungutted) in Scotland during the years specified, together with the quantities exported from Scottish ports to ports in Russia, Germany, etc., in the same years, according to the Annual Reports of the Fishery Board for Scotland for the respective years:

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire about the damage done by trawlers, because I know there is some information on the way to his Department.

We made inquiries, but nothing up to date has been received.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much money was expended on drainage in Scotland during the year 1924–25 out of moneys voted by Parliament for the relief of unemployment; how much is being provided from the same source for the year 1925–26; how much in addition is being provided during the current financial year for agricultural drainage under the Government's new scheme; and whether any money is being provided for drainage of agricultural or pastoral land during the current year from any other source?

The amount spent in the financial year 1924–25 was £32,518. Provision has been made for the current financial year 1925–26, to the extent of £43,000. No additional money will be provided during the year 1925–26 for the purposes of the new agricultural drainage scheme, but the Treasury are providing in the 1926–27 Estimates of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland for an expenditure of £20,625 under the new scheme. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Will money be available under the old scheme, as under the new scheme, in the forthcoming year?

There will be a certain amount of drainage scheme proceeding in this year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of ex-service men in receipt of parish relief in the Govan Parish Council area?

During the week ended 27th February, 1926, relief was paid by Govan Parish Council to 5,643 able-bodied unemployed men of whom 2,311 were ex-service. Information as to service is not available in the case of applicants for ordinary Poor relief.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the amount of relief expended by the Glasgow Parish Council for the months of January, 1925 and 1926, respectively?

The amount paid by Glasgow Parish Council in aliments to destitute able-bodied unemployed persons during the four weeks ended 30th January, 1926, was £27,711. During the four weeks ended 31st January, 1925, the corresponding expenditure was £12,996.

The expenditure on aliments to persons on the outdoor roll in respect of ordinary Poor relief during the month of January is not available. The expenditure on aliments to this class during the four weeks ended 15th February, 1926, was £21,859, and in the corresponding period of 1925, £22,925.

The above figures do not include the cost of relief to mental cases or the cost of relief in institutions regarding which the desired information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the rules, instructions, and recommendations to parochial authorities previously issued by the Local Government Board for Scotland, in connection with the Poor Law, Vaccination, and Local Government (Scotland) Acts, are still available for the use of members of parish councils in Scotland; and, if not, if he can arrange for their reissue?

The volume is now out of print and is to some extent out of date. A copy of the volume was supplied to every parish at the time of publication and copies of circulars and instructions issued since then have also been supplied to every parish. The issue of a new edition of the volume is not contemplated at present in view of the expense that would be involved.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how members of the parochial authorities are able to carry out their duties if this volume, the only volume which can give them information, is out of print? Will he reconsider the decision not to reissue it, in view of the importance to these people of having full information as to their powers?

As I understand it, ample information is at the disposal of these authorities, but it is a matter I am prepared to look into. I am not satisfied that it is desirable to reissue it at the present time.

Is the right hon. Gentleman giving the parish councils all possible information as to the value of vaccination?

Is the right hon. Gentleman issuing any warning as to the dangers of vaccination?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the amount of the subsidies paid for the current year to Messrs. McCallum, Messrs. Martin Orme and Company, and Messrs. MacBrayne; how much has been paid during the last five years to each of them; and whether any supervision or control is exercised over these firms as to the charges for passengers and freight or as to ports of call or frequency or infrequency of steamers, or whether they are entirely unrestricted except in so far as the Postmaster-General considers requisite for postal facilities?

I am informed that the payments for the current year are £500 jointly to Messrs. McCallum and Messrs. Martin Orme and Company, and £36,000 to Messrs. MacBrayne. During the last five years the two companies first mentioned and Messrs. MacBrayne have been paid £2,500 and £232,000, respectively. The agreements with the Postmaster-General bind the companies to make calls at specified ports at fixed times and intervals and Messrs. MacBrayne are required generally to maintain efficiently such passenger and cargo services as were in operation in 1923. The firms in question are not required by the terms of their agreements with the Government to submit for approval their rates of freights and fares.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not see that one result of giving a grant to private firms, without any restraint over their charges, is to combine all the vices of Government monopoly with all the vices of private enterprise, without any of the restraints which prevail in the adoption of either? It is a blend of both and it makes a bad blend.

That is a matter for debate.

It is a very serious matter.

I should like an answer to my supplementary question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the fact that the existence of a Board of Agriculture, a Forestry Commission, a section of the Office of Woods and Forests, a Public Health Department charged with rural housing, a Land Court, a Road Transport Department, and a section of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, all operating and dealing with the same area on rural problems, all independent, and all with separate staffs and offices, is a serious menace to the carrying on of administration of public duties in the Highlands of Scotland, he has considered the advisability of unifying all these bodies under one authority with a view to efficiency in the problems arising in that area and consequent saving in cost of administration and hotel and travelling expenses?

The suggestion of my hon. and learned Friend would apparently involve the creation of an additional department dealing with a large number of diverse subjects. I am fully alive to the importance of securing the greatest possible measure of efficiency and economy in administration, but my hon. and learned Friend will realise that the suggestion made in the question raises issues much too wide to be dealt with by way of question and answer.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not see that the officials of seven Departments going over these sparsely populated districts is an enormous expense upon them and upon the Government, and that it would be very much better expended in giving them reasonable transport so that they can dispense with all these officials?

What does the Secretary of State for Scotland mean in giving these replies? He says that it is going to have his careful consideration. What does he mean by "careful consideration"?

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of tons of coal produced in Great Britain for the months of August, September, October, November, December, 1924, and January, 1925, respectively; the number of tons exported during that period; the average price per ton for the exported coal; and the figures for August, September, October, November, December, 1925, and January, 1926, respectively?

As the reply involves a table of figures I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it with the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The information is as follows: Month. Output of Saleable Coal. Coal Exported Month. Output of Saleable Coal. Coal Exported Quantity Average Declared Value per ton f.o.b. Quantity. Average Declared Value per ton f.o.b. 1924. Tons. Tons s. d. 1925. Tons. Tons. s. d. August … 20,106,300 5,074,744 22 7 August 16,461,100 3,272,110 19 4 September … 21,960,400 5,098,406 22 6 September 18,709,300 3,902,006 18 9 October … 22,954,600 4,932,852 22 3 October 20,894,900 4,337,768 18 4 November … 21,098,000 4,758,800 21 9 November 20,363,200 4,337,768 18 5 December … 22,000,400 5,167,525 21 7 December 22,526,000 4,632,051 18 6 1925 1926 January … 22,534,200 4,366,051 21 7 January 21,591,800 4,148,042 18 5

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of boys of 16 years of age or under employed in or about coal mines in Great Britain at the latest date for which figures are available?

In 1924, the latest year for which information is available, the number was 64,799

The following question stood on the Order Paper in the name of Mr. HAYDAY:

To ask the Secretary for Mines whether he will state the number of fatal and nonfatal accidents, respectively, to boys of 16 years of age or under employed in or about coal mines in Great Britain for the year ending 31st December, 1925?

I have been asked to postpone this question. In doing so, I should like to know when it is possible for me to get the information.

I ask the hon. Member to postpone this question because we have not yet got the complete figures. As he knows, my Department has been working very hard lately, and we never get complete figures until some time after the end of the year. If the hon. Member puts the question down towards the end of the month, I will endeavour to give him a reply.

asked the Secretary for Mines the amount paid from mining royalties to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners for the years 1920 to 1925, inclusive?

The Secretary for Mines has asked me to reply to this question. The amounts received by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners from mining royalties (including royalties on surface minerals and rents of surface for mining purposes) were as follow: £ 1920 … … … … 452,000 1921 … … … … 298,000 1922 … … … … 426,000 1923 … … … … 459,000 1924 … … … … 465,000 The figures for the year 1925 are not yet available, but the estimated amount is £415,000.

May I ask the hon. and gallant Member to use his influence with the Government in order to restrain outbursts of distinguished ecclesiastics against the miners and in favour of the mineowners?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to make any statement as to when the recommendations of the Committee in regard to Imperial contribution for taxation purposes from the Channel Islands will be discussed?

The Report has not yet been con- sidered by the Government, and I am therefore not in a position to make any statement at the present time.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state when the Merchandise Marks Bill will be introduced?

I have been asked to reply. The Bill is to be introduced to-day.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is considering, or will consider, the formation of a Ministry of Defence for the purpose of the better allocation of the available money for the defence of the Empire?

I have nothing to add to my statement in reply to the Leader of the Opposition on Thursday last, which sets forth the intentions of the Government in regard to our defence organisation. As I have already intimated, if there is a general desire for discussion of this question, arrangements can be made through the usual channels. I should, however, prefer to await the expressions of opinion during the Debates on the Service Estimates.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that, owing to the Service Estimates being taken separately, it is very difficult to debate this question, and will he take that point into consideration?

Yes, but there is no lack of ingenuity amongst hon. Members, and I think the best occasion on which we could debate this matter—and I should prefer it—would be on my own Estimates. Then we could discuss the question of the Committee of Imperial Defence.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the question does not in any way concern the independence of the Air Force?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that foreign barley has recently been imported into the North of Scotland for the purpose of distilling whiskey, subsequently sold as Scotch, in such quantities as to render barley grown locally practically unsaleable; and whether, in view of the difficulties with which Scottish farmers are contending, he will consider the advisability of imposing a Customs duty on barley imported in to this country for distilling purposes only?

Some barley has recently been imported into the North of Scotland, but I have no information as to its disposal. As regards the last part of the question, I am unable to anticipate the Budget statement.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether this imported foreign barley, which is being bought by distillers, is quoted at Lossiemouth at 53s. a quarter, while the price of malted barley grown locally has sunk as low as 32s. per quarter, and will he not, therefore, put a Customs duty on this imported barley to prohibit this importation altogether, as he ought to do, or use his influence with distillers to induce them to buy British barley?

The hon. Member is now giving information rather than asking for it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amount of allowances off the Income Tax allowed on income derived from the rent or royalty charges on the total output of coal chargeable to royalties for expenses of management or supervision of the said minerals for each of the fiscal years 1922–23, 1923–24, and 1924–25?

I regret that the information asked for is not available. It is, however, estimated that at the current rate of Income Tax, the Income Tax repayable in respect of expenses of management of mineral royalties is about £25,000 per annum.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in future, the costs of appeals made by the Inland Revenue from decisions of the High Court will be paid by the Crown in any event, so that no portion of the costs of interpreting the Income Tax Acts by the Court of Appeal and the House of Lords shall fall upon the taxpayer after he has succeeded in the Court of first instance?

The matter to which my hon. Friend refers is receiving the careful consideration of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who will shortly be receiving a deputation on the subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are our present gold reserves; and what export of gold has taken place since the restrictions have been removed?

The gold coin and bullion in the Issue Department of the Bank of England at the close of business on the 24th February, 1926, was £143,186,170. The net reduction since the 29th April last has been £10,720,145.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the extent to which, and the terms on which, British Government credit has been pledged to the Irish Free State and Northern Ireland for the purposes of land purchase, lands improvement and agricultural short-term credits, respectively?

Under the Irish Free State Land Purchase (Loan Guarantee) Act, 1924, the Treasury have guaranteed the principal of, and interest at a rate not exceeding 4½ per cent., per annum on, the Land Bonds to be issued by the Government of the Irish Free State within a period of eight years from the passing of that Act for the purpose of land purchase under the Free State Land Act of 1923 up to a limit of £30,000,000. Under the Northern Ireland Land Act, 1925, the Treasury are responsible for the issue of 4½ per cent. bonds, estimated to amount to nearly £9,000,000, for the purposes of that Act, guaranteed by the Consolidated Fund. Any cost falling on the Exchequer is recoverable from the Northern Irish share of reserved taxes under the Government of Ireland Act, 1920. There is no pledge of British credit to the Irish Free State or Northern Ireland for agricultural short-term credits.

Has the limit of £30,000,000 been reached?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the extent to which, and the terms on which, British Government credit has been pledged in the Overseas Dominions (other than the Irish Free State), Crown Colonies, and Dependencies, for the purposes of land purchase, lands improvement, and agricultural short-term credits, respectively?

Apart, possibly, from certain liabilities under the Empire Settlement Act, 1922, there is nothing, so far as I am aware, in relation to the self-governing Dominions which falls within the scope of my hon. Friend's question. Grants or loans-in-aid have been made by His Majesty's Government to Colonies on the occasion of a natural disaster, such as the Mauritius hurricane of 1892, or for other causes, part of which was in some cases no doubt expended in improvements as well as in repairing damage. In 1898 a grant of £15,000 was made to St. Vincent for peasant settlement. Apart from such grants or loans, I am not aware of any Imperial guarantee of loans for the purposes described.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what control is exercised over the class of advertisements on the back of printed letters used by inspectors of taxes for purposes of communication with Income Tax payers; and what steps are taken to see that such advertisements are of a suitable character?

The acceptance of advertisements for display in the vacant space on printed letter-forms used by His Majesty's Inspectors of Taxes is in every case subject to the approval of the Controller of His Majesty's Stationery Office, who consults the Board of Inland Revenue before giving that approval.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think the Board of Inland Revenue would consider it suitable that letters from Inspectors of Taxes to Income Tax payers should contain on the back advertisements as to methods of saving Income Tax such as the one I have in my hand?

I cannot discuss with the hon. Member the suitability of these advertisements.

Is it not a curious policy for the Government to advertise drink, when they have to pass laws prohibiting its sale?

No, Sir, there is nothing curious in it at all.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it is consonant with the dignity of the State to advertise on State documents at all?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the virtual exclusion of women from the Junior Executive Grade, before pressing Departments to fill junior executive vacancies by redundant ex-second division male clerks, steps will be taken in each case to examine the position with a view to ascertaining whether a proportion of the vacancies could be reserved for ex-first class women clerks where they are senior to their male colleagues, seeing that these women entered the service by an examination similar to that of the second division men and were then promoted to a higher grade?

I am afraid that I can see no justification for departing from the present arrangement under which vacancies in the Junior Executive Grade are filled wherever possible by the transfer of officers who are paid on the scale of pay of that grade but for whom posts in that grade have not yet been found.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any regulation forbids the discharge of steam by road tractors; and whether he will consider the possibility of insisting that condensers should be fitted?

Tractors which are light locomotives must, under Section 1 of the Locomotives on Highways Act, 1896, be so constructed that no smoke or visible vapour is emitted except from a temporary or accidental cause. As regards tractors which are locomotives, as distinct from light locomotives, there is no provision forbidding the discharge of steam, although under Section 30 of the Highways and Locomotives (Amendment) Act, 1878, such vehicles must be constructed to consume, so far as practicable, their smoke. The point raised in the latter part of the question has been considered, but I am doubtful whether it would be practicable to require all steam driven vehicles to be fitted with a condensing apparatus.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of using these implements here with a view to expediting business?

asked the Minister of Transport the number of omnibuses which have been destroyed by fire in each of the last five years, the cause of the outbreak of fire, and the resultant casualties?

I regret that the available information regarding street accidents is not such as would enable me to extract the particulars asked for by my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will make representations to the Southern Railway Company for the improvement of the train services between Victoria and the Crystal Palace, Sydenham, Forest Hill and Honor Oak Park?

As my hon. Friend is aware, I have no direct control over railway train services, but I will bring to the notice of the railway company any specific suggestions he may have to make with regard to the services between the stations mentioned. I may add that I understand that the Southern Railway Company are considering the introduction of electrical traction on the remainder of their suburban lines, including those to which my hon. Friend refers.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into account the necessity for an additional tube railway in South-East London?

The whole question is under review.

Is it not a fact that the electric train service between Victoria and the Crystal Palace has been greatly worsened since the new electrification scheme has been introduced between Victoria and Thornton Health?

also asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the condition, which has steadily been becoming worse, of many of the stations on the line between Norwood Junction and London Bridge; and whether he will take steps to get the Southern Railway Company to remedy this state of affairs?

The responsibility for the proper upkeep of railway stations rests with the railway companies, and I have no control over them in this respect. I will, however, bring my hon. Friend's complaint to the notice of the railway company concerned if he will give me some further particulars of the defects which, in his opinion, require to be remedied.

Will the Government consider the desirability of taking over this railway and working it themselves?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has yet received the Report of the recent public Inquiry into the travelling facilities in North London; and whether the Report will be published?

The London Traffic Advisory Committee are now considering the Report of the members who were appointed by them to hold the inquiry. No Report has yet been presented to me by the Committee.

Can we take it that the right hon. Gentleman will publish the report as soon as he receives it, in view of the anxiety of the local authorities in North London who took part in this inquiry; and in view of the fact that all the evidence has been taken will he publish the report?

I am waiting to see what the report contains.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to a collision between a steam lorry and a motor cycle in Bristol, as a result of which the cyclist was pinned underneath the motor lorry for nearly half-an-hour; and whether he will consider the desirability of making it compulsory for all such vehicles to carry lifting jacks?