asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any export credits have been granted to Poland, and, if so, what amount?

Since the introduction of the guarantee system in 1921, guarantees amounting to £601,545 have been given by the Export Credits Department in respect of the export of British goods to Poland.

Is it the policy of the Board of Trade to satisfy themselves of the settled nature of the Government of a country before granting credits?

The question as to whether an export credit should be guaranteed for British goods exported to Poland rests entirely with the Export Credits Committee.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that part of the credit given to Poland was for the development of the beet sugar industry, to compete with our own?

The Committee, which is a very capable one, looks into every point in connection with all applications, and would, therefore, consider that factor.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether any loss has been incurred by the British taxpayer on this transaction?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put that question down.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to state what steps he has taken, or proposes to take, in view of the fact that the Shipbuilding Joint Inquiry Committee have reported that the high prices of materials which have to be purchased by builders for use in the construction of ships are prejudicing the total costs of shipbuilding, and that these high prices are due to the operations of rings and price-fixing associations?

I understand that the joint Committee decided to seek first an interview with the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer on the subject of the discontinuance of the Trade Facilities Act, and only subsequently to approach the Departments concerned with the other matters dealt with in the Report, including those to which the hon. Member specially refers. The interview with the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer has recently taken place, and I expect now to be approached shortly by the Joint Committee.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that in the Report issued by this Joint Committee it was specifically asked that the Board of Trade should inquire without delay into these rings and price-fixing associations?

Yes, Sir; but, as I have said, we are ready to see the Committee whenever the Committee invites us to do so. It is not for the Board of Trade to approach the Committee. For one reason or another, an invitation to the Board of Trade has not been received, but, as I say, we are quite ready to meet them.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that nine months ago inquiries were promised? Have any preliminary inquiries been made into the serious allegations in the Joint Report, and are the Government now convinced that a prima facie case has been made out for a full inquiry into this matter?

I could hardly say that until we have had our conference with the Joint Committee, which has been the subject of discussion for some time, and I cannot say more than that we are ready to meet that Committee and go into these matters whenever they like to invite us to do so.

rose—

We cannot debate this now.

On a point of Order. I have put this question to the President of the Board of Trade three times since June of last year, and, having regard to the very unsatisfactory reply which the hon. Gentleman has now made, I beg to give notice that I shall call the attention of this House to this matter at the first opportunity.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of the retained imports into the United Kingdom during 1926 were dutiable goods; and what percentage of the imports of foodstuffs and manufactures respectively, were dutiable in 1926 and, for comparison, the corresponding figures for 1913?

The information desired by my hon. Friend for the year 1926 is not yet available. But he will find particulars on these lines given for 1925 and other years, including 1913, at page 453 of the recent volume, "Factors in Industrial and Commercial Efficiency."

Is it the case that the figures in the report go up only to 1923?

That is so. I have not got the figures which my hon. Friend requires, but if he will wait until publication of Vol. II of the Annual Statement in the autumn, he will find the information he is now seeking.

May I ask why an important document like this does not contain information laser than 1983, when it is rendered out-of-date owing to the changes which took place in 1925.

Obviously, I have no control over what the Balfour Committee does. They publish such information as is available.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of boys under 18 who were enlisted in the Army during the past year, and how many came from Poor Law schools?

1,795 were enlisted as boys during 1926. I regret that the information asked for in the second part of the question is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the number of and the annual charge for the headquarters staff at the War Office in June, 1914; the number of all ranks in the Army at that time; and the respective figures and cost in January, 1927?

I have had the information drawn up in tabular form, and will, with the hon. Member's permission, have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT. As was explained in answer to the hon. Member for West Middlesbrough (Mr. T. Thomson) on the 15th instant, the numbers are those included in Estimates for the respective years.

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to page 31 of Army Estimates, 1926. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will deal with the second part in connection with next year's Army Estimates.

asked the Secretary of State for War what the cost of the Army of Occupation was in 1926 and 1925, respectively?

I can only repeat the information given to my hon. Friend on 21st July last, namely, that the estimated cost for 1925 was £2,089,000 and that for 1926, £1,854,700; and add that the actual expenditure in 1925 will be lower than the estimate, owing mainly to a considerable credit for returned stores.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention is still being called to the charge of 60s. per ton for the best kitchen coal in London; and whether, in view of the hardship to small householders, he is satisfied that such a charge can be justified on the allocation of expenses between the pit-head and the private coal cellar of the householder?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Stratford (Mr. Groves), a copy of which I am sending him.

Could the Parliamentary Secretary tell us whether the Board of Trade is now taking any action at all with regard to increased supplies of coal? Until they get supplies, they cannot reduce prices.

That hardly arises on this question.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of persons employed underground in coal mines under the age of 16?

The number of persons under 16 years of age employed underground in coal mines at the end of 1926 was approximately 25,000. The total number of persons employed was then approximately 920,600 and is now 1,001,000, but I have no later figures giving an age classification.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that boys under the age of 16 are working on night shifts from nine o'clock to five o'clock on the following morning, and can he amend the Act in order to put those boys in the same position as the boys working on the surface, who are not allowed to work those hours?

I will mention that matter to the Secretary for Mines.

Are children allowed to work underground without previous medical examination, and will the hon. Gentleman take steps to see that they have to undergo a medical examination similar to that which children have to undergo under the Factory Acts?

I will see that my hon. Friend's question is put before the right Department.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many men holding first and second-class certificates of competency under the Coal Mines Act are employed in mines on manual work; how many men are acting as firemen or deputies; and how many men holding firemen's certificates only are employed as officials intermediate between the under-manager and the firemen, giving the numbers for Scotland separately?

The only information available relates to the year 1921, and it is only approximate. In that year there were about 850 men holding first or second-class certificates (including 180 in Scotland) who were employed below ground otherwise than as managers, under-managers, overmen or firemen. About 1,100 men holding first or second-class certificates (including 160 in Scotland) were employed as firemen. The number of overmen holding firemen's certificates only was about 2.400, including 360 in Scotland.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, although there are hundreds of practical working miners holding first and second-class certificates of competency, they can never become managers or officials by reason of the Government's policy under Section 22 of the Mining Industry Act of last year.

I think the hon. Member should give notice of that question.

asked the Secretary for Mines the amount of money spent per annum from funds provided by the State, local authorities, and the miners' welfare fund, in promoting education devised to enable young miners to qualify themselves for first and second-class certificates of competency under the Coal Mines Act, and the number of students availing themselves of the opportunities provided?

My right hon. Friend has been asked to reply to this question. The Miners' Welfare Committee have set aside, for the purpose of improving the accommodation and equipment for higher education in mining, a sum of £750,000, to be expended over a period of several years. As regards the provision made by local authorities and aided by my Department, it would not be possible, without special inquiries and the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of time and labour, to supply the statistical information desired. The hon. Member may, however, take it that provision for the technical instruction of young miners is made in practically all the coalfields of England and Wales.

May I ask the Noble Lady if she is aware of the fact that in Durham County very few miners can manage to attend these classes because of the hours they are called upon to work, and is she also aware that the classes are being ruined?

Would it be possible without great expense to reply to the last part of the question as to the number of students availing themselves of the opportunities provided?

I will endeavour to ascertain if the figures can be obtained, but, as the answer I have given indicates, it is difficult to get any figures on this question which are really complete.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has authorised the Officer Commanding the Shanghai Defence Force to resist the entry of any Chinese forces, victorious or defeated, into Shanghai?

It is not in the public interest to disclose the terms of the instructions given to the General Officer Commanding the Shanghai Defence Force.

Does not this question go to the root of the foreign policy of the Government? How are the Government going to preserve their pledged policy of neutrality if the defeated army is to be allowed in and the victorious army refused admission?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the reason for withdrawing from Shanghai a Punjabi batalion which arrived there a few weeks ago; and whether it will be followed by the withdrawal of the other troops recently landed at Shanghai?

I can make no further statement as to troop movements at present.

Can the hon. Member not consider the very great danger of playing the Asiatic races one against the other in this way?

Is the hon. Member aware that there is a rumour current that they are shelling Shanghai? Can he say whether that is true or not?

I have no information.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give any estimate as to the monthly cost of the occupation of Shanghai by the present Shanghai Defence Force if that occupation be stabilised as at present; and whether any contribution towards this cost can be obtained from the beneficiaries in Shanghai?

I have been asked to reply. The cost of the Shanghai Defence Force will be dealt with in connection with the Supplementary Estimate which will be presented shortly.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman answer the second part of the question—whether there is any prospect of a contribution towards this expense coming from the beneficiaries?

I am not in a position to make any statement.

Am I to understand that we are to get no assistance from the people we are protecting?

The right hon. Gentle man is certainly not to understand anything from what I have just said, except that I am not in a position to make a statement.

Why cannot the hon. and gallant Gentleman answer when a question is put on the Paper?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has now been able to obtain any information as to the number of aeroplanes and aeroplane armament in the possession of the Cantonese forces?

I have been asked to reply. The position is still as stated in the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member on the 15th February.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any further information as to the agreement in respect of the British concession at Kiukiang?

Yes. An agreement was signed at Hankow on the 19th February in regard to the British concession at Kiukiang. Its terms are as follow:

"Agreement relative to the British concession at Kiukiang.

"A settlement on similar lines to that concluded in the case of the Hankow concession will immediately be made in the case of the concession at Kiukiang. If any direct losses due to the action or culpable negligence of the agents of the Nationalist Government were suffered by British subjects during the recent disturbances at Kiukiang, such losses will be compensated by the Nationalist Government.'

Mr. O'Malley is now proceeding to Kiukiang to discuss the question of compensation with His Majesty's Consul there.

Does that refer to Hankow? Will the nationals in Hankow receive the same compensation as those at Kiukiang?

I understand that at Kiukiang there was intensive looting, which was not the case at Hankow.

Oh! It was.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of new holders registered on lands acquired by negotiations initiated since the present Government came into power, and the total acreage, total cost, and average annual rent of holdings formed on land thus acquired?

The number of holders settled on schemes initiated since the present Government came into power is 117, of whom 43 have been formally registered by the Land Court. The schemes, when completed, will provide for an additional 21 new holdings. The total area made available is 8,061 acres. The total gross cost of carrying the schemes to completion is estimated at £107,600, of which part is recoverable, and the average rent per holder is £11 6s.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that, unless greater progress be made, it will take many years

The rate of progress must be limited in respect of the cost, as well as of other factors.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of teachers, male and female respectively, who left the teaching profession after 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years' service respectively, between the years 1922–25?

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

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that 6,361 pupils attending primary schools were in 1925 granted exemption from school attendance after reaching 12 years of age; and whether he will cause arrangements to be made by education authorities for continuing educational supervision of exempted pupils and imposing conditions for compulsory attendance by these pupils at continuation classes carried on either lay the same or some other authority?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, subject to the qualification that in the great majority of cases where the exemptions were not, as they frequently were, temporary, they were granted either to pupils who were already almost 14, or to pupils who, having actually passed that age, were being detained in school under a "fixed date" arrangement for leaving. As to the second part of the question, I think that, in the circumstances just explained, the fact that a condition of attendance at continuation classes was attached in as many as 2,453 of the 6,361 cases, is evidence that as a rule education authorities take a serious view of their responsibilities in this matter. The Department certainly are fully alive to its importance, and exercise a constant watchfulness.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can state the number of primary classes in Scottish schools in which one teacher has to teach 30, 40, 50, or more pupils, respectively?

I regret that the figures available do not quite cover the ground required for a categorical reply. But I may say that last year's returns show 22,279 primary classes as having fewer than 50 pupils habitually under the charge of one teacher, 2,205 as having between 50 and 60, and 40 as having a number in excess of 60. Later information from the areas concerned indicates an all-round improvement, the last figure being now reduced from 40 to 26.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the International Labour Organisation adopted a convention in 1921 prohibiting the employment in agriculture of children under 14 during the hours fixed for school attendance and, if they are employed at other times, employment of such a character as will prejudice their attendance at school; whether he is aware that although His Majesty's Government failed to allow Great Britain to ratify this convention, several States, including Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, the Irish Free State, Italy. Japan, and Sweden, have done so; and whether, seeing that His Majesty's Government are parties to the international Labour Organisation, he will refuse to consent to the by-law proposed by the Kincardineshire education authority?

I am aware that the International Labour Conference held in 1921 adopted a draft Convention containing provisions generally to the effect stated in the first part of the question subject to certain exceptions. I am informed that the draft Convention has been ratified by several States which, however, do not include Canada. With regard to the byelaw referred to in the last part of the question, I would refer the right hon. Member to the reply given on Tuesday last to the hon. Member for the Kirkcaldy Burghs. I have under consideration the objections lodged with me and have not yet reached a decision in the matter. The proposed amendment of the Kincardine Byelaw does not affect the employment of children in seasonal occupations on school days.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether inquiries were received from prospective purchasers or agents subsequent to the last public exposure of the estate of Erribol as to the possibility of any offer of a lump sum for the estate of Erribol and the sheep stock on the farm being accepted; and whether any indication of an inclusive figure was given by inquiries?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In one case an inclusive figure was tentatively indicated which, on examination, did not appear to be so favourable as the offer I accepted.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question on the Paper, and tell me what was that inclusive figure?

I never had any firm offer, except the one I have dealt with.

Was another bidder encouraged to compete against the purchaser who eventually got it, or was he choked off?

I am bound to say that I can only do business with those who make me a firm offer.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the customary procedure in Scottish arbitrations, for the arbiter to issue proposed findings and to allow each party a limited time within which to make representations if so advised against his proposed findings in order to assist him before he issues his final award, was followed in the case of Erribol; and whether any representations have been lodged by him or the Board of Agriculture against the valuation of the Erribol sheep stock?

In the case of Erribol the parties agreed that the valuation should be made by the valuator, whose opinion should be taken as final, and it is the practice in such cases for the valuator to issue his award without proposed findings. This practice was followed in the case of Erribol. The answer to the second part of the question is accordingly in the negative.

Is not the reverse procedure being almost universally followed in Scotland, and universally followed by the Board of Agriculture? Why was an exception made in this case?

The hon. Baronet is confusing arbitration and valuation. This was a case purely of valuation and an agreed arrangement, come to by both parties, to accept the findings of the individual concerned.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us the approximate cost to the country of these persistent questions?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the lack of any sanitary conveniences, the broken ceilings, the almost roofless byre, and the other complaints, referred to in the report by the medical officer of health for Stirlingshire to his Department in November, 1926, as made by the tenant at Burnhouse Cottage, Binn's Farm, Stirlingshire, are still unattended to; and what steps he can take to expedite the necessary repairs?

I understand that, following upon the issue of an intimation to the proprietor under Section 19 of the Public Health (Scotland) Act, 1897, estimates have been taken for the execution of certain repairs on the premises at Burnhouse Cottage. Having in view the isolated situation of the premises, however, the proprietor has indicated his intention to delay the commencement of the work until the advent of the good building weather.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any indication of when these repairs, which are absolutely vital from a sanitary point of view, will be executed? Is he aware that there have been complaints for years?

I understand that the matter was before the local authority, who were satisfied that the delay was reasonable, and I have no reason to doubt that the repairs will be carried out as soon as possible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman have regard to certain farms in and around Glasgow where great damage was done by the storm, and where landlords and factors have refused to carry out any repairs, though the present state of things is a menace to health?

That is another question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he, is taking to make it clear that crofters' houses are eligible for grants or loans from local authorities under the recent Rural Workers (Housing) Act?

I would refer the hon. Member to the terms of the circular issued on the 5th instant by the Scottish Board of Health to all Scottish local authorities including those for the crofting areas, wherein attention is called to the fact that special provision is made in the Act for its application to landholders under the Small Landholders (Scotland) Acts.

In view of the special importance of this Measure to the Highland crofters, will the right hon. Gentleman send a special letter to the crofting authorities explaining crofters' rights under this Act, and thus remove many misunderstandings?

I shall be prepared to consider that, but I have already circularised the authorities in question.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman send a special letter to the Highlands?

asked the Minister of Transport, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the ink used for inscribing motor taxation licences is liable to fade upon exposure; that a conviction has been obtained against a motorist for using a car the excise licence of which was not legible, due to the above fact; and will he stipulate that licence-issuing authorities shall be obliged to use fadeless ink for the purpose in question?

With the assistance of His Majesty's Stationery Office, various makes of ink have been tested from time to time, and the results communicated to licensing authorities, with a view to ensuring that the entries on licences should not fade upon prolonged exposure to sunlight. I am satisfied that the authorities are fully alive to the importance of the question. I may add that the Regulations specially provide that where the licensing authority is satisfied that the entries on the licence, or the colour of the licence, have faded owing to causes not due to any neglect of the licensee, a duplicate licence may be issued free of charge.

asked the Minister of Transport how many motor cars, commercial vehicles, and motor cycles, respectively, were registered for the first time in 1926, and how many in each class were of British manufacture?

The periodical returns made by licensing authorities are not in such a form as enable me to give the figures required by my hon. Friend. I have, however, made arrangements for returns, as from the 1st March next, showing the number of first registrations under each of the various taxation classes and sub-classes. These returns will be collated and issued periodically by my Department, but they will not indicate the different makes of vehicles or their country of origin. As my hon. Friend is doubtless aware, information as to the number and value of motor vehicles imported into the United Kingdom is contained in the returns published by the Board of Trade.

asked the Minister of Transport when the new by-laws for the London and North Eastern Railway Company's docks in the port of Hall will become operative; and whether it is his intention to include the clauses similar to those operative at Swansea and pressed for by the Hull Vigilance Association and by the Hull Watch Committee?

These by-laws were confirmed on the 16th February, with the inclusion of the. Clause suggested by the Hull Vigilance Association and the Hull Watch Committee, and they will become operative on the 3rd March.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has been able to take any steps to relieve the shortage of railway wagons, felt from time to time in Hull, and particularly inconvenient for the timber trade; and what these steps are?

The provision of adequate facilities for the conveyance by rail of timber imported at Humber ports is a matter for which the London and North Eastern Railway Company are responsible. But I have had occasion from time to time to discuss this matter with them. As regards the present position, the company recognised that during last month, when for various reasons they were exceptionally pressed for wagons, there was not a full supply for the timber trade, but I am informed that during recent weeks there has been, in spite of the occurrence of fog, a distinct improvement.

Is the Minister of Transport aware that this difficulty has arisen at intervals for the last five or six years, ever since the amalgamation of the railways, and can he represent the matter to the railway companies, in order that this difficulty may not occur again after trade improves?

I certainly will direct the special attention of the companies to the point raised by the hon. and gallant Gentleman.

Seeing that we have some connection with the railway companies, will the right hon. Gentleman not make inquiries into what is happening now because they are making one man on the railways do the work of two men?

asked the Minister of Transport (1) if he can give the freightage costs per ton for goods carried by rail, road, and canal, respectively, operating at the present time;

(2) whether be can give the tonnage quantity of goods carried in the United Kingdom during the year 1926, or the latest year for which figures are available, by rail, road, and canal, respectively; and whether he can state the percentage increase or decrease in each case as compared with the years 1921 and 1913?

As the replies to these questions include a number of figures, I will circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I have no information as to the tonnage of goods carried by road.

asked the Minister of Transport what action he has taken or proposes to take regarding smoke from steam vehicles?

I am considering this question in connection with the Bill' for the regulation of traffic on roads.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the steam wagons going through London are a perfect scandal?

I think primarily that is a matter for the police.

Has the right hon. Gentleman ever sat on the top of a motor omnibus anywhere near one of these steam vehicles?

Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Home Secretary, in order to get the police busy on this job, as it is getting a perfect nuisance?

Yes, I ought to have mentioned that I am in communication with the Home Secretary on this very subject.

I raised this matter here a year ago, and the right hon. Gentleman has done nothing.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the inconvenience caused to those who use the new Sutton by-pass road by the absence of a bridge over the railway to connect its two sections; why the necessary steps were not taken to permit a, bridge being built while the road was under construction; who is responsible for this neglect; and when it is proposed to remedy it?

I fully realise the urgent need for the erection of the bridge, so that the entire length of the new road may be brought into use. The delay is due in great part to the necessary negotiations between the highway authority and the railway company. I am glad to say, however, that agreement has now been reached and tenders obtained for the construction of the bridge, thus enabling the work to be put in hand.

Could the Minister say how long the Sutton by-pass road has taken to make?

I could not say that without notice.

asked the Postmaster-General what were the receipts of the telephone service for the last quarter of 1325 and for the last quarter of 1926, respectively?

The receipts of the Telephone Service, excluding deposits, for the last quarter of 1925 and for the last quarter of 1926 were £3,965,000 and £4,298,000 respectively.

Is this a paying service?

Yes, Sir; on a commercial account it shows a balance.

May I ask what steps the Department are taking to speed up the process of installing telephones? is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are complaints of people having been waiting two and three months?

That should be put as another question.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that these receipts could be considerably improved if he could cheapen the service?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the distinction drawn by his Department between members of Has Majesty's Navy serving in foreign waters (for example, in the Persian Gulf) and members of His Majesty's Army and Air Force on foreign service (for example, in Iraq) whereby the former can receive letters at lid. for the first ounce and ld. thereafter, while letters addressed to the latter are charged at the ordinary civil rate of 2½d. for the first ounce and l½d. thereafter; and whether he can see his way to arrange for members of His Majesty's Army and Air Force on foreign service to be treated in the same way as members of His Majesty's Navy?

I regret that I am not in a position to adopt my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion. Letters addressed to the Army and Air Force in Iraq are delivered through the civil Post Office and are therefore subject to the same rates and conditions as civil correspondence. The Iraq administration has not adopted Imperial postage rates, and the foreign rate therefore applies. Letters for His Majesty's ships abroad are, under a special arrangement embodied in the International Convention of the Postal Union, conveyed in direct bags for the various ships, which undertake the duty of delivery, and the Imperial rate can thus be applied to them wherever the ships may be stationed.