asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is keeping a close watch on the cinematograph films producing industry; how many films of three reels and over in length, other than news items, are being produced in British studios at the present time; and if he is satisfied that the necessary steps are being taken to resuscitate and revive the industry within the time limit he has given to the whole trade?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part. I am not aware of the number of films of the kind referred to at present being produced in British studios. As regards the last part of the question, I shall not be in a position to express an opinion until I receive the considered report of the industry upon the suggestions which I pat before them.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman see that his answers to the first and second parts of my question are contradictory?

No, I do not see that; either answer is contradictory.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman get a return from the trade, which they are willing to grant, showing the number of films produced.

I daresay I can do that, and I will try to get it. The fact that a number of films are being produced does not afford any guide as to the progress of the industry.

Are any steps being taken to encourage the production of British films in this country?

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will bring the question of British Empire films before the Imperial Conference in the autumn, with a view to encouraging the production and distribution throughout the Empire of films that are in keeping with our national life?

Yes, Sir. I have already suggested that this item should be included in the agenda of the Conference.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that films of a very undesirable nature are being shown in different parts of the Empire which are not of British manufacture?

I think that is very likely.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any power to stop them?

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what were the values of exports of British manufactures to Europe and imports of manufactures from Europe in the last completed year; and what were the similar figures for 1913?

My hon. and gallant Friend will, perhaps, agree to my circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving the information for which he asks.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the value of the excess of imports over exports in the last 12 months for which returns are available?

During the 12 months ended March, 1926, the declared value of the total imports of merchandise exceeded that of the total exports by £386,785,000.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that a large number of typewriting machines coming into this country from America bear the name of Royal typewriter, and that this use of the word Royal is calculated to mislead the public into believing that this machine is a British. production; and if he will take steps by registration or otherwise to stop the use of such word in this connection in this country?

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, but whether the machine is generally believed to be of British origin I cannot say. I regret that, in the existing state of the law, it is not possible to take any action of the nature suggested.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many glass furnaces were put out of use in the year to 31st March last or in the last completed year of which he has records?

I regret that there are no official records bearing on this matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries?

I have made inquiries, and neither officially nor unofficially can I get the information.

Will the President consider the information if I send it to him?

Is it not a fact that 60 furnaces have gone out of operation lately?

I have no official information, and I shall be glad to consider any information that the hon. Member can give me.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of bankruptcies in 1925 in which the unsecured liability amounted to under £500; and how many were there of between £500 and £1,000?

There were 2,128 bankruptcies in England and Wales in 1925, in which the unsecured liability was under £500; and 1,077 where the unsecured liability was between £500 and £1,000.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the number of bankruptcies is increasing rapidly under the present Government?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action it is proposed to take on the Report of the Credit Insurance Committee?

The Government have given careful consideration to the Report of the Credit Insurance Committee, and we propose to accept generally the scheme recommended by the Committee and to put it into force at an early date. I hope that the simplification of procedure and the larger measure of guarantee offered will be of material assistance to manufacturers and traders. I should like to take this opportunity of thanking the Committee presided over by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Ripon (Major Hills) for their valuable work and Report.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what liability this scheme will place on the Exchequer?

There is no increase in the liability on. the Exchequer. I hope, on the recommendations of the Committee, that it will operate, paying its way, as in the past, more effectively.

I hope the Government will not exclude any export trade with Russia from the terms of the scheme?

The hon. Member has no right to assume that. The policy of the Government will continue to be what it and its predecessors have followed.

Will legislation be. required?

No, Sir. The House has already passed the Trade Facilities Bill, which has given us power to carry on export credits for another three years, and a simplification of the scheme can be done by Regulation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many members there are on the Advisory Council of the Board; what trades are represented; who are the employers' and who are the workers' representatives; and will he state particularly who are the coalowners and miners who have seats on this Board?

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

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question, as to whether there are any coalowners' or miners' representatives on this Council?

Perhaps I had better read the answer, instead of circulating it, as intended. It is as follows:

There are 28 members of the Board of Trade Advisory Council, and the trades with which they are connected are as follows: Iron and steel, non-ferrous metals, shipbuilding and engineering, electrical trades, coal mining; cotton, wool, silk and artificial silk; food industries, pottery, rubber, chemicals; banking, railways, shipping, merchant interests, the co-operative movement.

These members are: Mr. J. S. Addison, Sir Thomas Allen, Sir Alan Anderson, Mr. Walter Andrews, Mr. John Baker, M.P.; Sir Arthur Balfour, the Hon. R. H. Brand, Lieut.-Colonel N. Seddon Brown, Sir Cecil Budd, Mr. Arthur Dorman, Mr. W. Gallacher, Mr. Arthur Hollins, Mr. R. J. Hose, Mr. Alexander Johnston, Mr. E. Judson, Mr. David Landale, Sir W. Clare Lees, Colonel Sir James Lithgow, Mr. Stanley Machin, Sir Max Muspratt, Sir Philip Nash, Sir Adam Nimmo, Mr. It. 0. Perry, Sir Felix Schuster, Mr. R. H. Tennant, Sir John E. Thornycroft, Sir Herbert Walker, Lieut.-Colonel the Hon. F. V. Willey.

A number of the members are employers: Sir Thomas Allen and Mr. Gallacher are connected with co-operative societies, and Mr. Baker, Mr. Hollins and Mr. Judson are officials of trade unions.

Apart from any incidental coal-owning, e.g., by any iron and steel firm, a member of which is on the Council, the only member who is a coalowner is Sir Adam Nimmo. There is no official of the miners who is a member of the present Council.

Is not a Council of 28 a case of too many cooks?

No. I think there is some misunderstanding about this Council on the part of hon. Members opposite. The object is to have a Council completely representative of all the industry and commerce of the country, so that month by month they may give the Board of Trade and the Government a complete review of the economics of the position in the various industries. It is very important to have a Committee for that purpose.

As there is no miners' representative on the Council, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman to take steps to see that the position is equalised between the miners and the coalowners?

No, Sir. In the first place the representation of the labour side is exactly as it was when the right hon. Member for Seaham (Mr. Webb) was President of the Board of Trade. The object of this Council is not to discuss questions of labour negotiation. The object is entirely to get an economic appreciation of the industries of the country. It would be a great mistake to divide representation between employers and employés. In the case of the pottery industry, I get a good report from a trade unionist. It would be impossible to have both labour and employers' representatives of all the industries. Any one engaged in an industry on either side can speak for the economic side of that industry.

Is is not rather important that. yon should get from the side of the miners something with regard to the export trade? You have up to now, or until lately. had a representative on that Advisory Council, and he was able to give reports.

I understand that my hon. and gallant Friend was himself a member of the corresponding Committee in the Department of Overseas Trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any steps have been taken by his Department to consult trade and industrial organisations in this country in regard to the questions affecting inter-Imperial trade which may be brought to the attention of the forthcoming Imperial Conference?

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is in the position to make known the recommendations of the Committee which inquired into the application of the enamel hollow-ware trade for a protective duty against unfair foreign competition; and, if so, will he inform the House of the decision arrived at?

The Report of the Committee has now been published. In view of the findings set out therein the Government do not propose to take any further action in this case.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state how many industries there are in which the Government is not prepared to take action?

I should like to have notice of that question.

Is the right bon. Gentleman aware that in the issue of the "Financial News" of the 14th April it was stated by the Parliamentary correspondent that a decision had been arrived at in regard to the enamel hollow-ware trade, and will he take steps to inform the House of these decisions before they are communicated outside?

I have given no information of any kind to the "Financial News" or to any newspaper, and I cannot be held responsible for what a newspaper publishes on its own responsibility.

Is it part of the Government's policy to give work to foreigners which could be done equally well by Britishers?

No Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total value of gloves, on which duty is now chargeable, imported during the first three mouths of 1925 as compared with the first three months of this year; has he any knowledge of any new factories being opened in this country; and can he state whether the depression that has existed in this industry is becoming less?

declared value of the imports of gloves of kinds now chargeable with duty was, for the first three months of 1925, £1,001,572, and for the corresponding period of 1926, £284,476. I am not aware of any new factories, but I am informed by the trade that several of the existing concerns are being extended, and that there has been a marked improvement in employment.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the corresponding loss of re-export trade and also the corresponding loss of export trade?

Does not the President of the Board of Trade think it more desirable to find employment for our people than to consider the re-export trade?

I am satisfied from the information that has reached me that the glove trade in this country is expanding to the benefit of all concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantities of gloving leather produced in and imported into this country during the first quarter of 1925 and 1926, respectively?

I understand that leather for glove making is not always identifiable as such, and it is not separately classified in the official returns.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has considered the Report of the Worsted Committee; and whether, in view of the depreciation in the value of the franc, he will consider the advisability of a duty being imposed on those goods which were the subject of this inquiry?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that the Committee which considered the Safeguarding of the Worsted Trade recommended the imposition of a safeguarding duty of 122 per cent. in the event of further depreciation in the French and Belgian currencies causing unemployment in the industry and took French currency at 130 and Belgian at 107, and, as these exchanges are now approximately 145 and 136, he intends to take steps to impose the safeguarding duty of 12½ on imported worsted goods?

I will answer these questions together. Having regard to the finding of the Committee that employment is not at present seriously affected, the Government have not proposed a duty in the present Budget. The Committee recommended that close observation should be directed to the future trend of currency fluctuation, imports and employment. This is being done, and the progress of the industry will he carefully watched

May I ask whether the attention of the President of the Board of Trade has been called to the facts given in yesterday's papers to the effect that the imports of manufactured woollen and worsted goods have been increased by £3,000,000 in three years, and is not this an adequate reason for the Government taking action?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since the Report the French hank rate has recently fallen away seriously, and is not that a further reason for putting on a duty?

What is being watched are three things—the fluctuations in currency, imports and employment.

Is it not also a fact that unemployment has increased, unemployment. in the worsted industry?

That is a matter of opinion.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the value of foreign-made carpets imported into this country during the last three months of 1925 and the first three months of 1926; and what steps he proposes to take to protect the wages of British carpet makers from Oriental and Continental cheap labour?

The retained imports of carpets, carpeting and rugs of wool (including carpets and rugs on a wool or jute basis) amounted in the last three months of 1925 to £352,642, and in the first three months of 1926 to £465,208. As regards the second part of the question, it is open to the industry to make application, in accordance with the Safeguarding of Industries procedure, if it is of opinion that it can establish a case.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the success of the steps that have been taken to safeguard certain British industries, as shown by the trade returns and the marked decrease in un employment; and whether, in view of these facts and figures, he will expedite the safeguarding of those industries which are still suffering from unfair foreign competition?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given by the Prime Minister on the 3rd December to the hon. Member for St. George's, Westminster (Mr. Erskine), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the steamship "Portvale" left Falmouth on the 15th March for Rotterdam without a wireless operator on board, contrary to the provisions of the Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Act, 1919; whether the Board of Trade granted an exemption to this vessel; if so, on what grounds; and, if not, does he propose to take disciplinary action against the responsible official?

I have ascertained that the s.s. "Portvale" called for orders at Falmouth on 15th March and proceeded on her voyage (which was from Rosario to Rotterdam) without engaging a wireless operator. No exemption had been granted. The vessel did not require clearance, and the last part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

Is any action being taken by the Board of Trade in view of the contravention of the law?

I think the hon. Member is under a misapprehension as to this case. The vessel sailed from Rosario, and only put into Falmouth temporarily for orders. There was no question of getting a clearance there, and therefore I could not act.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that an apprentice attached to the s.s. "Buteshire" recently failed in the Board of Trade examination; whether, seeing that such failure was due to this apprentice's time being largely occupied on wireless watches instead of spending his time training as a professional seaman and that the Board was assured by the owners of the vessel that only a small percentage of this apprentice's time was spent keeping wireless watches, the Board of Trade has satisfied itself as to the truth of this assurance; and, if not, what steps will be taken to inquire into the matter?

My attention has not previously been drawn to the case to which the hon. Member refers; but if he will give me the name of the candidate, and the date and place at which he was examined, I will inquire into the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is able to make any statement as to the suggestion that merchant ships should compulsorily carry line-throwing appliances for the purpose of establishing communication between two vessels or between a vessel and the shore?

The question whether ships should be required to carry line-throwing appliances is being considered, but there is no power to require this under the present law, and I am not in a position at present to make any statement about future legislation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the proposal to abolish the tuition and examination centre for marine engineers at Aberdeen, and transfer its functions to Leith, will cause inconvenience and expense to young engineers seeking to qualify for certificates; that the economy likely to be effected will be disproportionate to the difficulties it will cause; and will he, in view of the circumstances, reconsider the matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 20th April to the hon. Members for Caithness and Dundee, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the terms of the Electricity (Supply) Bill now before the House, any investigation is being carried on by His Majesty's Government with regard to fuel economy; and whether, in view of the importance of this question to the trade and industry of the country, information on the subject will be made available at the earliest possible moment?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Research on the economical utilisation of fuel is being carried out under the Fuel Research Board of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. An account of the work in progress is given in the Report of the Royal Commission on the Coal Industry (Chapter IV), and fuller information will be found in the annual reports of the Fuel Research Board and of the Department of Scientific and industrial Research.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many of the soldiers in the Army are buying safety razors, as they are unable to use the long-handled, unprotected type issued; and whether he will consider the advisability of authorising an alternative issue of safety razors?

The question of issuing safety razors to the troops in lieu of the long-handled type is already under consideration.

Will my hon. and gallant Friend see that these razors and razor blades are made in England?

That is obviously one of the points for consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, seeing that an Order has been issued withdrawing the supply of mutton in the rations supplied to the troops, he will say if, before doing so, he had consulted his medical advisers as to the desirability of this course; and if he has considered the effect his action will have upon the sheep farmers of this country?

I am advised that the withdrawal of the mutton issue will not have any adverse effect upon the health of the troops. As regards the second part of the question, I do not think that the action in question will affect the sheep farmers of this country, since, with the exception of quite negligible quantities, all mutton supplied to the troops was imported.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any tattoo displays, similar to those given in the Stadium at the British Empire Exhibition last year, are being arranged for Scotland; and, if so, will he state the towns in which it is proposed to hold them?

A military tattoo will be held in Edinburgh from 29th September to 2nd October. The holding of a tattoo in Glasgow at the end of September is also under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in the event of Colours being presented to the Royal Scots on their return to Maryhill Barracks, Glasgow, from Aden, he will decide that the pikestaff should bear the Scottish national crest?

My right hon. Friend regrets that he is unable to recommend the change advocated by my hon. Friend. The proposed alteration in question has been exhaustively considered on several previous occasions, and I am advised that no departure from existing practice is warranted.

is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the crest which appears on the pikestaff of the Colours is not that which appropriate to the Royal Crest of Scotland?

it is the crest authorised by the Army Regulations.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any decision has been arrived at with regard to the future of the West India Regiment?

No, Sir; the matter is still under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state how many officers and soldiers, respectively, have refused duty or been guilty of other acts of insubordination during the last 12 mouths as a result of supposed Communist propaganda and incitement; and whether he has traced any weakening of the discipline of His Majesty's Army as the direct or indirect result of such alleged incitement, and propaganda?

It is not possible to analyse, the mental process which culminates in an act of insubordination and I am therefore unable to say whether any such act which has occurred during the past. year is the result of Communist propaganda. The answer to the second part of the question is therefore in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any inquiry has been, or will be, held into new charges and allegations against the Secretary of State and senior officers of the Army, contained in a pamphlet recently published by Lieut. C. H. Glendinning?

No, Sir. The case of this officer has already been the subject of the fullest investigation and there is nothing new in the pamphlet referred to which would warrant the re-opening of this case.

Has this man had any opportunity of appearing before any committee which has investigated the case?

I require notice of that particular question. The matter was very fully investigated by the right hon. Gentleman who was Secretary of State for War in the Socialist Government.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this man s grievous complaint is that. he himself and his witnesses have never been heard? Is it not time, in view of the man's continual propaganda on his own behalf, and the statements that he is making, to give him that opportunity?

I have already replied that the question has been very thoroughly considered in the past, and we see no reason for re-opening it.

asked the Secretary of State for War the numbers employed at the War Office in April, 1914; the numbers so employed at the present time; and the personnel of the Army on both dates?

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

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the delay to the presentation of the case of the super-cut of the War Bonus, which the staff side of the National Whitley Council desire to submit to the Civil Service Arbitration Court; and what are the reasons which prevent the Government, through the official side of the council, from agreeing to terms of remit to the court?

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the answer which I gave to him on the 20th April in reply to a similar question.

If the decision of the Treasury is ultimately going to be in the negative to this scheme, is it not possible to say "No'' straight away?

That is not the only question which we are considering. Apart from the special question of whether this advance should be agreed to now or not, on which we have a per- fectly clear opinion in the negative, there is also the question of the general responsibility of the Government in regard to these matters.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the trading accounts of the Government printing works at Harrow, Hare Street, and Cricklewood for the last certified period show that profits have accrued to the State; and, if so, will he state the gross and net profit earned by each of the three establishments?

The last certified accounts, covering the year ended 31st March, 1925 show the following profits: Harrow—gross profit, £92,679, net profit, £63,219; Hare Street—£18,643 and £7,139; Cricklewood—£12,585 and £5,928. Total gross profit,£123,908; net profit, £76,286.

Does the right hon. Gentleman regard those returns on State trading as satisfactory?

I have no reason to think them unsatisfactory.

Has the net profit been ascertained after provision for sinking fund as well as interest?

That I could not answer without notice.

In assessing these profits, has the work done for the various Departments been charged at rates which would have been charged by contractors, or have higher prices been credited to the Stationery Office?

I should require notice of that also.

asked the First Lord of the. Admiralty the number of persons employed in the years 1905–06, 1913–14 and 1925–26, as follows: Fleet appointments, civil appointments, naval establishments, and other salaried positions, showing rates of pay and salaries for 1905–06, 1913–14 and 1925–26, respectively, for the respective positions, and giving the number of men and ships in commission for the years specified?

A detailed comparison of the staffs of all Admiralty establishments in 1914 with those in 1922 and 1923 is contained as an Appendix to the First Report of the Select Committee on Estimates, 1923. A perusal will show the enormous amount of labour which would be involved in carrying back the comparison to the year 1906, or in bringing it forward to 1926, but a comparison for this latter date may be made by comparing the statement with the current Navy Estimates. For the numbers of ships on the effective list and of the personnel of the Navy, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply of the 12th March to the hon. Member for Gorton (Mr. Compton) (OFFICIAL, REPORT, column 2782).

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware of the inadequate accommodation at Embo for the boats of the large fishing community in that village; and whether he will have the harbour inspected by the Fishery Board and a scheme drawn up for its improvement?

I have received no recent representations regarding the pier at Embo. As the hon. and gallant Member is aware, the question of an improvement scheme was the subject of correspondence in 1922 and 1923 between the county council, to whom the harbour belongs, and the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, and I understand that the proposals then under consideration were the result of inspections carried out on behalf of the county council. If the county council have any fresh proposal to make, it will be considered, but, in view of the commitments and claims on the limited funds available for such purposes, I am afraid that there is no prospect of any grant being made in this case at the present time.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether it is proposed to make any financial provision for land drainage in Scotland during the year 1926–27 under the Government schemes for unemployment relief; and, if so, how much money will be available for this purpose?

A sum of £11,500 has been provided in the Estimates to meet claims for work done up to the 29th May, 1926, under the 1925–26 scheme for the relief of unemployment, which will mature for payment during the current financial year. As the hon. and gallant Member is aware, a scheme for the assistance of agricultural drainage in Scotland has recently been introduced as part of the Government's Agricultural policy. The financial provision for this scheme during 1926–27 is £20,625.

Is it not the case that the only provision which is being made is under the drainage scheme, and is only half the provision made in recent years under the unemployment relief schemes, although the Government's own conference reported last year that drainage was the most important work that could be done in the interests of agriculture in Scotland?

We are getting our reasonable proportion of what is being expended.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, as an arrangement was made between the Scottish Board of Agriculture and the late Lord Leverhulme suspending the policy of land purchase for small holdings in Harris for a period of 10 years, and as the employment provided by the late Lord Leverhulme is now no longer available, he can say if it is now his intention to resume the policy of providing land for smallholders?

So far as I am aware the understanding as to land settlement in Harris rested upon an arrangement between the late Lord Leverhulme and the people of Harris. As, however I informed the hon. Member for the Western Isles (Mr. Livingstone) on Tuesday last, the Board of Agriculture for Scotland in view of the new situation in Harris, have recently formulated schemes under which 41 applicants have been settled on two farms in Harris. The question whether anything more can be done in this direction consistently with what I said in my reply to the hon. Member's question on the 14th April is being considered but I take this opportunity of stating that any person who engages in illegal seizures of land will seriously prejudice his chances of inclusion in any settlement schemes which may be promoted.

Are we to understand that the Scottish Board of Agriculture was no party to the arrangement with the late Lord Leverhnlme?

As I have stated, the arrangement in regard to Harris was an arrangement between Lord Leverhulme and the people of Harris. There was another arrangement in regard to Lewis, which was on a different footing.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the gross rental or gross rateable value of all land in Scotland assessed as agricultural for purposes of local rates; and what was the total amount of rates paid in respect of that land, respectively, in the years 1913–14 and 1924–25?

The gross rental of subjects in Scotland assessed as agricultural was £5,663,958 in 1924–25 and approximately £5,700,000 in 1913–14. The total amount of rates paid in respect of that land in 1924–25 is estimated at £1,260,000. The corresponding amount for 1913–14 is not available, but the figure would probably be about £900,000.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the increase in the number of fatal and nonfatal street accidents in Great Britain from 98,215 in 1924 to 115,473 in 1925, more than a third of which occurred in the Metropolis, he has any plans or recommendations under consideration for minimising the dangers responsible for this increase in the number of such accidents?

The matter to which the hon. Member refers is constantly under consideration. I may refer in particular to the Circular which was recently issued to highway authorities on the subject of the use of "white lines" on highways, to the new powers secured under Section 4 of the Roads Improvement Act, 1925, for the elimination of blind corners, and to the various improvements with regard to omnibus and tramway stopping places, refuges, and the regulation of traffic generally which have been made in the Metropolitan area on the advice of the London Traffic Advisory Committee.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to serious damage caused to roads in various parts of the country by the use thereon of traction-engines and tractors fitted with steel tyres; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to prevent similar damage being occasioned in the future?

My attention has been drawn, on several occasions, to this matter, particularly in connection with certain roads in Scotland last summer. I have been in communication with the Showmen's Guild and the Traction Engine Owners' Association, and both organisations have agreed to urge the adoption of rubber tyres or pads on all the types of vehicles referred to, other than those used for purely agricultural purposes on the land. This alteration has already been made on a considerable number of vehicles, and I am informed that the results have proved very satisfactory to the users. I hope that this practice will shortly become universal. If, however, the use of steel tyres on vehicles intended for the roads continues, I shall endeavour to secure power to prohibit them.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the proposal to adopt the gyratory system of traffic at Ludgate Circus, London, and the very large number of persons crossing the circus at all times of the day, and especially in the morning and evening, he will make representations to the responsible authority for the construction of underground subways at that point?

There is not at present any proposal to introduce the round-about system of traffic working at Ludgate Circus.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that in many cases in the Metropolitan area omnibuses and trams stop side by side for the purpose of picking up and setting down passengers, thereby causing a complete stoppage of the stream of traffic; and whether he is prepared to recommend the issue of regulations to prevent this practice?

It is my general practice when reviewing traffic matters in the London traffic area to arrange for omnibus stopping places to be fixed a distance of two tramcar lengths to the rear of the corresponding tramway stopping places, although it is sometimes found necessary to depart from this general rule owing to local conditions. However, if my hon. Friend will furnish me with a list of stopping places where the difficulties he refers to are experienced, I will have them investigated.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is great difficulty in Trafalgar Square at the present moment with regard to stopping places?

I am hoping that the arrangements made in Trafalgar Square will largely eliminate the difficulty.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have yet considered the Report of the Departmental Committee on the question of grants-in-aid to necessitous areas; and what action they propose to take?

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, after giving careful consideration to the matter the Government have decided that they are unable to accede to the request of certain local authorities for special assistance from the Exchequer towards the cost of Poor Law relief. They are not prepared to agree in principle that any specific assistance should be given and, as the Report of Sir Harry Goschen's Committee shows, no equitable scheme of distribution has been submitted by local authorities.

Is that the final word of the Government in reply to the plea of the necessitous areas?

Yes Sir, I have just made the statement.

asked the Postmaster-General whether His Majesty's Government refused to conduct experiments in wireless telephony with either Australia or Canada on account of their commitments in the United States of America; and, if so, whether he will explain the nature of these commitments and how long they will last?

No, Sir. The only reason why the experiments have so far been confined to the United States is that the United States is the only country equipped with suitable transmitting and receiving apparatus for the purpose of reciprocal experiments. The Government are under no obligations to the United States which would preclude their undertaking experiments with Canada or Australia in the event of stations equipped for the purpose being provided in those Dominions.

Is it a fact that the Australians and Canadians have asked the Post Office to conduct these experiments with those countries, and that the Post Office have refused?

That is far from being the fact, and that request could not in fact have been made, because, as I have stated in my answer, there are no stations in Canada or Australia capable of conducting such experiments.

asked the Postmaster-General what was the amount received in respect of Press telegrams for the last completed financial year, and for the longest period since for which figures are available; and what would have been the amount receivable for the same period if those telegrams had been sent at the rates chargeable Fe the public for similar services?

The revenue from Press telegrams was £84,000 in 1925–26. At ordinary rates the revenue from the same amount of traffic would probably have been between £500,000 and £600,000, but considerable labour would be involved in obtaining the in formation necessary to estimate it with any accuracy.

Is it a fact that the services rendered to the Press by the Poet Office involve a loss to the Post Office?

Yes, it is.

But is it not a fact that every civilised country grants a rebate on Press telegrams?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that, an independent electric generating plant is being installed by his Department at Taunton, where there is already an efficient and cheap public supply of electricity available with an adjacent main from the Taunton Corporation; and whether, in the interests of national economy, he will reconsider the erection of this plant and make use of the power generated from the existing system?

I am aware that arrangements are being made to install an independent electric generating plant in the new telephone repeater station at Taunton. It is essential from a service point of view to equip repeater stations with a complete electrical power unit, for use in emergency. At the smaller stations, such as that at Taunton, it is more economical to provide a second power unit and thus make the station self-contained, than to instal the special plant which would be necessary to utilise current from the public supply.

Will the right hon. Gentleman communicate that information to the Ministry of Transport?

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the village of Ditchling, Sussex, has no telegraph office; and can he state when a telegraph office will be established?

There is already a call office at the Ditchling Post Office by means of which the public can despatch telegrams by telephone, and there is a telegraph office at Keymer less than a mile distant. The number of telegrams likely to be handed in at Ditchling is inappreciable, and the establishment of a telegraph office would not be warranted.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can see his way to provide a public telephone call office for day and night service in Ditchling?

A telephone call office is available at the Ditchling Post Office, and the sub-postmaster has expressed his readiness to attend to calls which may be required after the normal hours of counter business, under the usual condition of the payment of a fee for disturbance. The provision of a call office kiosk available for day and night service in addition to the facilities provided at the post office would not be justified unless a guarantee were furnished to make good any deficiency between the annual expenses and the receipts.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what. would be the fee for this service?

Usually a shilling.

asked the Postmaster-General if his Department is in process of providing public telephone call-offices available for day and night service in the villages; whether any such call-offices have been established and, if so, where; and, if not, what the prospects are for providing these modern necessities; and whether there are any difficulties?

Rural call-offices installed in local post offices are normally available only during the hours when the post office is open but urgent calls can generally be made at other hours upon payment of a disturbance fee if there is a responsible person on the premises. Such calls are rare, and to provide villages with kiosks available for night service would in most cases involve expense out of all proportion to the use made of the facilities. A kiosk can, however, often be provided if the annual deficit is guaranteed by persons interested. A list of villages where day and night telephone service is provided is not readily available.

Cannot these be provided with automatic telephone boxes?

asked the Postmaster-General if, in view of the fact that the pre-paid rate of postage on sample packets for all places abroad is 1d. for the first 4 ounces, he will grant similar facilities for inland sample packets?

I regret that I am unable to reintroduce the inland sample post. which would entail a considerable sacrifice of revenue; and, financial considerations apart, experience has shown that it is impossible to prevent the use of an inland sample post for articles of merchandise which are not samples at all, or for small parcels sent from one individual to another, except by imposing restrictive Regulations which are both harassing to the public and difficult to administer.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, for the purpose of protecting the public, he will consider issuing a Regulation that senders of articles cash-on-delivery should sign a declaration that the consignment in question is being forwarded in response to a bona-fide order?

A Regulation of the nature suggested by my hon. Friend was in force for some years in the cash-on-delivery services with British Colonies. It was abolished because practical experience showed it to be unnecessary. The public can safeguard themselves by refusing to accept parcels of goods which they have not ordered.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of complaints received of the abuse of the cash-on-delivery system, in so far as the delivery of unordered goods is concerned; and whether he will consider legislation with a view to dealing in an effective manner with offenders who take such advantage of the system?

asked the Postmaster-General if he has received any complaints of abuse of the cash-on-delivery system in connection with the sending to householders of unordered goods?