asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) the total cash value of the retail business of the country in foodstuffs for 1926 and 1927;

(2) the total cash value of the retail business of the country during 1926–27?

As no returns of turnover in retails trade are obtaained by my Department, I am not in a position to furnish the information desired by the hon. Member.

Would it not be advisable for the Board of Trade to consider having as good information in regard to this matter as they have in regard to production?

Yes, I will consider it, but legislation would be required similar to that governing the census of production in order to obtain such information.

When the right hon. Gentleman wants information on this subject, what does he do about it?

When I want information, I go to the quarter from which I think I can get it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say which quarter that is?

That varies with the character of the information I desire to obtain.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the cost of setting up these boards and other bodies?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to state the constitution of the Advisory Committee to be set up under the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927, giving particulars in each case as to which section of the trade these gentlemen represent?

The information desired by the hon. Member was published in the Press on 11th January. I am sending him a copy of the announcement.

Is it not the fact that members of that Committee, as far as the exhibitors are concerned, all belong to the Cinema Exhibitors' Association?

They were selected from names put forward by the Association, and I understand the Association took a plebiscite of the employers in order to ascertain whom they most desired to represent them.

Is it not a fact that the Cinema Exhibitors' Association, which supported the Government's Measure, has all the representation on the Committee, and that the cinema exhibitors' organisation in Manchester and elsewhere which did not support the Government Measure, has received no representation?

No, Sir. That would be a completely erroneous way of putting the case. There are in the trade union—if I may so put it—which represents the exhibitors, the great bulk of the exhibitors, some who supported the Measure and some who opposed it. It was that body, in that representative capacity, which I approached in order to ascertain whom they would suggest to represent the trade.

Is it not a fact that the P.E.P.M.A.—

What is that?

Is it not a fact that the Provincial Entertainment Proprietors' and Managers' Association, which controls £28,000,000 worth of invested capital in cinemas, has not been asked to nominate or suggest one member?

That organisation is primarily concerned with quite another type of undertaking, namely, music-halls and other places of entertainment of that kind. Moreover, as the hon. Gentleman will remember, the type of entertainment they give is to show a short film occasionally as part of a programme, and that is expressly excluded from the Act.

May I press this point on the right hon. Gentleman? Is it not a fact that this association controls some of the most important cinemas in the country?

We are accustomed to a position in which there may be a small minority in some other organisation, but I have never yet heard it suggested from those Benches that when there is one large organisation covering the bulk of the workers in any industry, that is not the organisation to be consulted.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can furnish any information as to the number of British feature films that were made in 1927, and if he has any information which will show the number that were made with the assistance of either the War Office, the Admiralty, or the Air Council; and how many of these are long films as defined in the Cinematograph Films Bill?

I have not exact information as to the numbers of British feature films actually made in 1927, but the number trade shown in that year, was, I am informed, 41. All these were long films as defined in the Act. As regards the second part of the question, I would ask the hon. Member to address his inquiries to the Departments he mentions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any further information of any legislation that has been introduced or passed in the Dominion Governments carrying out the resolution passed by the Imperial Conference of 1926, which called attention to the importance of an increasing proportion of Empire-produced films being exhibited throughout the Empire; and whether any negotiations have taken place between his Department and the various Dominion Governments calling attention to and giving full particulars of the provisions of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927?

I have been asked to reply to the hon. and gallant Member's question. As regards the first part, I have no information additional to that given to him on the 13th December last by the President of the Board of Trade. As regards the second part, copies of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927, have been communicated to the Dominion Governments, together with the Regulations dated 22nd December, 1927, issued under Section 29 and the explanatory memorandum which appeared in the Board of Trade Journal of 29th December.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any negotiations have taken place between the Government and the Dominion Governments, with a view to enacting the same legislation in the Dominions as we have here?

No. These documents were only sent off in December and in some cases they can only just have reached the Dominion Governments, which would hardly give time for negotiations.

Had the right hon. Gentleman any conversation with the Ontario Government in regard to the use of tie State studio there for the production of films?

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will supply the following information, namely, the monthly returns of outputs of pig-iron from 1st January, 1920, up to 31st December, 1927, in the pig-iron trade; the number of furnaces on blast during the same period; the percentage of unemployed in the pig-iron trade for each month during the same period; and the percentage of unemployed in the trade in the years 1913 and 1914?

With the hon. Members permission, I will circulate the figures so far as they are available, in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following are the figures:

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the desirability of collecting such information as will enable him to publish, within a reasonable time after the end of each year, an index of British production?

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend that material of the character described in the question should be gathered, and have for some time been taking steps to secure the necessary information. I hope to be able to arrange for the publication of, not merely an annual, but a quarterly index of industrial production in this country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the value of British motor vehicles and chassis exported in 1924 and 1927, respectively; and whether he can give the approximate amount of labour employed on their manufacture in the same years?

The value of the exports of motor vehicles for touring and commercial purposes, and complete chassis, produced or manufactured in the United Kingdom amounted in 1924 to £4,869,000, and in 1927 to £8,456,000. I am not in a position to state how much employment is represented by these figures.

Is it not a fact that the exports of vehicles and chassis actually increased more rapidly than the increase in the imports?

Speaking from memory, I think that is so. There has certainly been remarkable progress in the industry, and, while I cannot give the actual employment figures completely, they represent a great increase in employment in these industries.

Did not the export of motor vehicles also increase to a greater extent in 1924–25, when there was no duty?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what increases have been made by the Spanish Government in the new scale of tariffs operating in the Spanish Guinea colony and Fernando; and whether the new duties on some goods are so drastic as materially to affect the Lancashire cotton trade?

The new tariff introduced in the Spanish Possession of the Gulf of Guinea involves heavy all-round increases in duties and increased preference for Spanish goods. It is obviously impossible to give full details within the limits of an answer to a question, but some particulars are given on page 23 of the Board of Trade Journal for 5th January, copy of which I am sending to my hon. and gallant Friend. Full particulars are available at the Department of Overseas Trade. As regards the second part of the question, I understand that the increases in the duties on textiles are particularly severe. His Majesty's Ambassador at Madrid has received instructions to endeavour to secure the best terms possible for British goods.

Assuming that the answer from the Spanish Government is not satisfactory, what steps will the Government take to get some satisfaction for Lancashire cotton?

That is an easier question to put than to answer, because my hon. Friend will appreciate that each Government in a foreign country is in control of its own administration. What steps we shall take here in future will naturally be a matter for our consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of applications for safeguarding received to date; and what has been the result of these applications?

The total number of applications received is now 47, of which 19 have been referred to committees of inquiry. In other respects the position remains as indicated in the answer given to the hon. Member on 22nd November, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantities of cider and of cider apples imported into this country during the year 1927?

In 1927, the imports of cider or perry, not containing added spirit, amounted to 623,000 gallons. Separate particulars of the imports of cider apples are not available.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that you cannot buy foreign cider in this country, and can he say what happens to it?

No; I am afraid I cannot, but it suggests an interesting speculation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received any explanation from the Inter-departmental Committee upon Prices of Building Materials as to why the price of glazed-ware sinks, second quality, cane and white fire-clay, has risen in London from 12s. 1d. each in April, 1914, to 37s. 6d. in January, 1924, and 40s. in November, 1927?

I am replying for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, to whom this question should have been addressed. No, Sir; but my right hon. Friend is making inquiry of the Committee, and will communicate with the hon. Member further.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think any useful purpose is being served by keeping this Committee in existence, seeing that in no single case yet have any of the facts about increased prices brought to the notice of the Government by this Committee resulted in any action by the Government?

I think it is generally admitted that the Committee have done admirable work.

Has my right hon. Friend considered in this case giving the security of safeguarding, as that might bring down prices as it has in other cases?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will obtain information as to the rate of wages paid to workers in match factories in Finland; and what are the average hours worked in those factories?

I have been asked to reply. I have addressed an inquiry to the International Labour Office at Geneva, and will communicate further with my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the amount of dried sugar-beet pulp exported from this country for the last four months; and, if not, the latest figures available?

The amount of dried sugar-beet pulp produced in the 1927–28 campaign is estimated at 87,658 tons; of this quantity 20,745 tons have been sold for export. The quantity actually exported in the past four months is not known.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that at the present moment there is a considerable number of dealers and farmers who are unable to obtain a supply of this pulp, and, at the same time, large quantities of it are being exported from this country? Will he take steps to deal with that position?

The factories are most anxious to dispose of their produce in this country, and they have taken steps to bring its advantages as a feeding stuff to the attention of farmers; they are most anxious to encourage the use of it in this country.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any power to prevent any body of people from selling their commodity where they can get the highest possible profit?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress is being made by the committee set up to stimulate and assist the transfer of workers from distressed areas to openings in other areas both at home and overseas?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Commission appointed to transfer miners has made any transfers, and the number of miners for whom they have found employment and where?

I have been asked to reply. This Board was appointed on 7th January, and since then it has necessarily been wholly engaged in surveying the problem before it.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us if the Committee have made any transfers? Have they done anything?

It is quite true that I am unable—and I think it would be unreasonable to expect me—to give specific examples at present, but I have every expectation and hope that practical results will follow from the Committee's activities.

Have they approached the coalowners who are refusing to give work to miners unless those miners desert the Miners' Federation and join the non-political union?

I cannot answer that question, because I do not know in what quarters they have been making their inquiries. What I do know is, that since their appointment on 7th January, they have had a great many meetings, and I have no doubt they have sought information in many quarters.

Will the hon. Gentleman approach the Committee and point out the desirability of appealing to the coal-owners not to force the miners to desert the Miners' Federation and join the non-political union?

I have no doubt the Committee will take such steps as may be desirable in order to attain the object which they have in view. I do not think it would be right on the part of the Minister to attempt to dictate to them how they should conduct their business.

Does this Committee deal only with mines, or will it have power to deal with dockyard workers, for instance?

That point really arises on a question which stands later on the Paper. The Committee deals particularly with miners but is not, I understand, limited to miners.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the conditions upon which the Commission to transfer miners was appointed; whether any salaries are being paid; and the estimated cost of the Commission?

I have been asked to reply. As announced in the Press on the 7th January, the industrial Transference Board was established for the purpose of facilitating the transfer of workers and, in particular, of miners for whom opportunities of employment in their own district or occupation are no longer available. No salaries are being paid to members for their services on the board.

May I apologise for having addressed this question to the Board of Trade instead of to the hon. Gentleman, but can he give an answer as to the estimated cost?

No, Sir. It is impossible to give any estimate at present. In view of the fact that no salaries have been paid the cost will, I think, necessarily be small, but an estimate now would be of no real value.

Has any sum of money been placed at the disposal of the Committee?

Not as far as I know. I do not think so.

Has this Committee regular days of meeting and how often does it meet?

That, again, is a question which I cannot answer except to say this—that the Committee was appointed on 7th January, which is about five weeks ago, and since then, I understand, they have held 10 or 11 regular meetings in addition to informal gatherings.

Are we to understand that this Committee have no money at their disposal for the purpose of transferring miners? Will the hon. Gentleman try to find out whether they have or not?

If the hon. Gentleman wishes for a specific answer to that question, I would ask him to put it down. I could not give a definite answer offhand.

Is it not true that the value of a committee is not to be measured by the amount of money it spends?

asked the Secretary for Mines how many mine workers have migrated to Yorkshire from other counties during the year 1927?

I have been asked to reply. I regret there are no statistics available giving the information desired by the hon. Member.

Will the hon. Gentleman intimate to the Transference Board the inadvisability of migrating miners to Yorkshire, since there are over 20,000 miners out of work there already?

I have no doubt that the Transference Board will see the copy of the hon. Member's question and the answer.

May we take it that this information will be available after the Transference Board has been at work for a few months?

Quite obviously, I could not say that. I hope so, but I could not say.

If the hon. Gentleman has no figures with regard to this migration to Yorkshire, can he tell us where the Prime Minister got his figure of 30,000 which he quoted last night?

asked the Secretary for Mines the total number of miners and their dependants affected by unemployment in the coalfields?

I have been asked to reply. At 23rd January, 1928, there were recorded as unemployed in Great Britain 211,183 persons classified as belonging to the coal mining industry of whom 138,538 were wholly unemployed and 72,645 temporarily stopped from the service of their employers. Statistics are not available regarding the number of dependants of these workpeople.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there are thousands of miners receiving notices almost every week, and has he any information concerning the notices given during the past few months?

That question does not arise here.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether any special grants have been made by Parliament to relieve distress in the coalfields?

I have been asked to reply. While no special grant has been made for this purpose, the hon. Member will be aware that, in those coal-mining areas in which the need is greatest, the usual sources of relief are being drawn upon to a far greater extent than the average, and I have no reason to anticipate that these sources will prove inadequate. Apart from the direct relief of distress, the Government is actively pursuing various remedial measures in connection with the position in the coalmining areas, as stated in detail by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health in the Debate on the Address on Thursday last.

What remedial measures are the Government taking in the distressed areas?

No doubt the hon. Member heard the speech of the Minister of Health last week, and, if he will look at that speech again, he will see that my right hon. Friend referred to three or four specific instances, and he mentioned transport, the training of the unemployed, and an inquiry into the rating question.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary contend that any of those subjects mentioned by the Minister of Health will give any relief at all to the distressed areas?

I certainly think that the scheme of training for the unemployed is giving some relief to those men to whom the hon. Member has referred.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that, in spite of the speech of the Minister of Health, it is a fact that nothing whatever has been done to relieve those men in the mining areas?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the recommendations of the Washington Conference providing for the prohibition of the discharge of oily water from ships within zones of 50 miles width from the coasts have been confirmed by international convention?

The draft convention on oil in navigable waters is being considered by the Governments concerned, but it has not yet been signed. As I have previously informed the House, the main provision of this convention has been adopted voluntarily by the shipowners of this and some other of the principal maritime countries.

Is there any international agreement?

No. A form of convention was settled at Washington, and the United States Government are now trying to secure the signatures of all the Maritime Powers to that convention, and we are assisting them as much as we can to expedite those signatures. In the meantime, in order that action may be taken this country and several other countries have agreed voluntarily to put all these provisions into force.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is proposed to transfer the mercantile marine offices of the Board of Trade in North Shields to South Shields; whether he is aware of the inconvenience and hardship this would inflict upon the seafaring population on the north bank of the river; whether he has received any representations from the Tynemouth Borough Council and other bodies representing the various interests likely to be affected; and whether he has come to any decision in the matter.

The question of amalgamating the Mercantile Marine Offices at North and South Shields in one office at the latter port is now under consideration, and the local interests which may be affected have been informed of this proposal in order that they may have an opportunity of stating their views before a final decision is arrived at. Representations have been received from the Tynemouth Borough Council, and these are being considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that since the operation of the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pen- sions Act, 1925, the offices of the Scottish Board of Health in Glasgow are becoming increasingly used, particularly by persons of 65 years of age and over; that the present building is situated in a part of Glasgow difficult of access to elderly persons; that the room for inquiries is small and confined; that no lavatory accommodation is provided although they have to wait for some time; that on more than one occasion persons have fainted; and if he intends taking any steps to provide accommodation suitable for the present needs?

I am aware that as a result of the passing of the Contributory Pensions Act the number of callers at the office in question has greatly increased. As regards accessibility, while the nearest approach is hilly, the office may be reached by an alternative tram route more convenient to elderly people. The answer to the third part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the fourth part I am informed that while there is no public lavatory on the floor of the building on which the Board's office is situated, such accommodation exists on the ground floor. As regards the fifth part I understand that there have in fact been one or two cases of persons having fainted while in attendance at the office but such occurrences are rare. With regard to the last part of the question the position is that the present volume of business being conducted at the office is unusually great owing to the introduction of the Contributory Pensions Act, and until conditions return to a normal level it is not possible to estimate what accommodation may be necessary. If, however, it is found that the available accommodation is inadequate or unsuitable for the normal needs of the office I shall take the matter up with the Office of Works.

In view of the tremendous increase in this work and the total inaccessibility of the offices, will not the right hon. Gentleman consider obtaining temporary premises for the purpose of inquiries being made?

I have gone fully into this matter and I am considering it. As the hon. Gentleman must understand, offices are very difficult to get in Glasgow at anything like a reasonable cost.

In view of the fact that the Glasgow Corporation are embarking on certain schemes of building in the centre of the town, will the right hon. Gentleman approach them with a view to getting suitable premises?

I will, if the difficulty continues, take the matter up with the Office of Works, which is the Department concerned.

Is the right hon. Gentleman fully aware that these are old people, in many cases infirm people, and that it is very difficult for them to get to the offices?

I am fully aware of all the circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for War the cost of the Shanghai Defence Force to date?

The estimated extra cost to Army funds of the additional troops sent to China is about £4,100,000 up to 31st March next.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of reservists who responded to the call to the colours in order to bring up the various units to full strength prior to despatch to China; how many failed to report; the number who have since been returned to this country; and of this number how many have not yet been able to secure re-employment?

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can supply information regarding the placing in employment of the Section A reservists returned from China; the number of men returned; the number in employment; and the number unable to return to their former employment?

Over 2,900 Section A reservists rejoined the colours, of whom 2,700 were sent to China, the rest being relegated to the reserve or discharged for medical unfitness. Only 10 Section A reservists failed to report. The only Section A reservists now retained abroad are two who are in hospital. As regards the numbers who are still out of employment, there is considerable difficulty in keeping in touch with the men on this point after they have left the colours, and figures, if they are not up to date, are apt to be misleading. I have had a special communication sent to each Section A reservist who has returned from China asking whether he is resettled in civil life and whether he wishes his name still to be registered with the societies engaged in obtaining work for ex-soldiers, who are making special efforts on behalf of these men. As soon as I have the latest figures based on these inquiries I will communicate them to the hon. Members.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of men who volunteered to serve in His Majesty's forces during the 12 months ended 31st December, 1927; the number accepted; the number rejected; and the reasons for such rejection?

I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the latest figures, which relate to the recruiting year ending in October, 1927.

Following are the figures:

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) the comparative total costs of maintenance for an average period of 12 months in Great Britain, including pay, rations, forage, fuel, repairs, and replacements of a regular infantry battalion, a cavalry regiment, a field artillery brigade, mechanically-drawn and horse-drawn, respectively, of a tank battalion, light and medium, respectively, and of a machine-gun battalion;

(2) the comparative total costs of maintenance for an average period of 12 months in Great Britain, including pay, rations, forage, fuel, repairs, and replacements, of a Territorial infantry battalion, of a Territorial field artillery brigade, of a Yeomanry cavalry regiment, of a Yeomany machine-gun unit, of a Yeomanry scouts regiment, of a Yeomanry armoured-car company, and of an officers' training corps battalion;

(3) the comparative total costs of maintenance for an average period of 12 months in Great Britain, including pay, rations, forage, fuel, repairs, and replacements, of a horse-drawn field battery, tractor-drawn battery, and an S. P. battery, of a rifle company of infantry and a machine-gun company, of a sabre squadron of cavalry and a machine-gun squadron, of a light tank company, and an armoured-car company, Rolls and Peerles, respectively, in the Regular Army?

My Noble Friend will find the information as to the cost of many of the units mentioned on page 67 and in Appendix II of Army Estimates, 1927. To work out the figures for other units will involve a considerable amount of time and labour, but if my Noble Friend will let me know what information he requires supplementary to that in the Estimates, I will endeavour to meet his wishes.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the lance is to be abolished altogether as a weapon for war or whether it will be retained for lancer regiments abroad and in India?

The lance has been abolished as a weapon for war for lancer regiments on the British Establishment at home and abroad, but is being retained for ceremonial purposes. The question whether it will be retained as a weapon for war in India is a question for the Government of India.

Did the Army Council, before making this decision, take into consultation Generals commanding mounted units employed in various theatres of war, such as Palestine and Iraq; are they aware that it was the opinion of officers on those fronts that the lance was the more efficient weapon of the two, and that three Australian brigades applied, after the 1917 operations, to be armed with the lance; and in view of those facts, will they not reconsider the decision?

Is the lance being abolished on account of economy or on account of being an inferior weapon, and, if the latter, why is it the only weapon they use for pigsticking?

This seems to be an interesting subject for debate on the Army Estimates.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that a youth of 16 years was charged on 9th January at Brighton with desertion from the Army; that the boy's reason for desertion was that he was being sent to India illegally; whether this youth has since been sent to India; and what is the earliest age at which it is possible to send soldiers to India or anywhere overseas?

My attention has been drawn to the case of a band boy who was charged at Brighton on 9th January, 1928, with being an absentee from his unit. The boy had been enlisted to fill a vacancy as such in the Foreign Service Battalion of his corps, and is now under orders to embark for India in March. Under the Regulations, boys enlisted as such to fill vacancies in units-abroad may be sent overseas provided they are at least 15 years of age at the date of embarkation.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that that age is too low for boys to be sent overseas, and will he make representations to his chief for it to be raised?

No; special care is taken of boys when they are overseas, and the consent of their parents is obtained before they are enlisted.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many times MacBrayne's steamer "Fusilier" has failed to reach Tarbert, Lochfyne, this winter; whether he is aware that the steamer was seriously injured in the rough weather on Friday, 13th January, and could not get round Ardlamont Point; and whether he considers that the steamer is a suitable boat to carry the mails?

I have been asked to reply. Since the 1st of November last the "Fusilier" has failed to reach Tarbert on only two occasions, the failure in each case being due to stress of weather. I have no knowledge of any damage being sustained by the vessel on the 13th of January. I am satisfied that the contractors are doing their best to maintain a satisfactory service, having regard to the exceptionally severe weather and the casualties their fleet has suffered during the past year, and I am not now in a position to press for the provision of a better vessel on this service, but the matter is under consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Kilcalmorell Parish Council have passed a resolution saying that this boat is absolutely unfitted for the service; is he aware also that an ordinary Lochfyne herring boat can go round Ardlamont Point in any weather; and will he make sure that the mail boat is capable of doing as good work as a Lochfyne herring boat?

As I have already informed my hon. Friend, the weather during the past six weeks in that locality has been exceptionally severe.

In view of the great age of the "Fusilier," will the right hon. Gentleman consider giving it an old age pension and making a younger vessel do the work?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made with the building of the swifter steamers promised for the Hebridean mail services?

The building of the new boats referred to is dependent upon the conclusion and ratification of a contract with the company concerned, and no contract has yet been signed.

Will the Minister keep in mind the statement which he made to me in this House that he expected one at least of those new steamers to be on duty this year?

As soon as ever the contract is concluded work will, no doubt, be proceeded with.

Will the Minister see that no contract is signed with this monopoly company, who are already liquidating the Highlands, and whose charges none of the Highlanders can pay; and will he take steps to see that a system of transport, under proper supervision, and with charges which are suitable, is instituted?

Can the right hon. Gentleman give this House an undertaking that no contract will be signed with this firm until the House has had an opportunity of discussing it?

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has not already given an undertaking to me that this contract will be first submitted to the House before he signs it?

Of course, any contract entered into with the Government has to come to this House for ratification. In regard to what the hon. and learned Member for Argyllshire (Mr. Macquisten) says, as far as the Government are concerned their desire is to get the best possible service at a reasonable price.

Is it not necessary that the charges for ordinary passengers and freights should be supervised?

Certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any decision has yet been arrived at regarding the application of three ex-service men for small holdings on the Shiel Deer Forest, Ross-shire; and whether; seeing that parts of this deer forest were surveyed and declared suitable for small holdings six years ago, he can say what has been the cause of the delay in arriving at a decision in this case?

The question of formulating a scheme of land settlement to provide for applicants in the neighbourhood of Shiel Deer Forest is still under consideration. A previous scheme framed after the survey referred to in the second part of the question was not proceeded with principally on account of the excessive cost.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman say a word a year ago to the effect that this was still under consideration, and can he give any date when he is likely to make a decision?

I have sent someone to make a full report on the whole district, and when I get it I shall be happy to take it into consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has visited recently any schools situated in the Gorbals Division of Glasgow; if so, the names of such schools; and if he proposes any action in conjunction with the local authority to alter or replace them?

I recently visited Cleland Street Public School, formerly known as Greenside Street. My Depart- ment continue to keep in close touch with the education authority regarding this building and they will lose no opportunity of advising as to further action.

When does the right hon. Gentleman intend to treat the schools in the Gorbals Division as he has treated the schools in his own Division?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the representations which have been made by the creameries of Scotland regarding the effects, both on their business and on the supply of cream, to large towns, of the recent Order restricting the use of preservative in cream have been investigated; if so, with what result; and whether he is prepared to receive a deputation of interests affected in the near future?

Only a few creameries in Scotland have made representations regarding the effect of the prohibition of boric acid in cream. Since 1st January, the date when the Regulations came info operation in regard to cream, the Scottish Board of Health have made inquiries in many districts and cities affected. The reports obtained show that in the south and south-west of Scotland there has been some trouble with cream going sour, but to a considerable extent this is to be attributed to the fact that no sufficient use was made of the two and a half years given as a period of grace by the Preservative Regulations so as to secure improvement in the methods and conditions of production and distribution. Active steps are now being taken by many creameries, including the promotion of clean milk competitions among producers to improve the hygienic and keeping qualities of the milk from which cream is produced. There is substantial evidence that cream, properly produced from clean milk and properly handled, will keep sweet for several days. The Scottish Board of Health accordingly see no reason to rescind the Regulations as far as they apply to cream, and as a deputation from the creameries concerned was received last September there appears to be no necessity for a further interview on the subject at present.

If bad results have been obtained in the cold weather, does not the right hon. Gentleman see that in the summer the results will be so disastrous that these creameries will have to close down?

No; as I have stated, it is nothing to do with the weather, but with the methods of treatment.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that certain creameries have information which they desire to put before him by deputation but which they are not prepared to put before him in writing, and will he consider receiving a deputation?

As I saw this deputation as late as last September, I do not think there is anything fresh at the moment which has a further bearing on the question, and I think it will be well to defer any question of a further deputation.

If, after this Order has been in force a few more weeks, they have more information than they had in September, will the right hon. Gentleman receive a deputation?

I do not think it ought to be a matter of weeks; it ought to be a matter of a longer period, and I am quite prepared to receive a deputation at a later date.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Order is affecting the cream business not only in Scotland, but all over England, and does he think it is the right time to put further difficulties in the way of the farmers?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the acreage of arable land in the Orkney Islands in the years 1919 to 1927, inclusive?

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

Will my right hon. Friend say generally whether the figures show an increase, a decrease, or no change?

I think the hon. Member had better wait for the copy of the answer.

Following are the figures:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that on the south side of Glasgow three parish councils are operating; that there is a wide difference in the amount of rates to be paid in each area although in the same city; that in one new housing area, built by aid of Government subsidy, the rates operating in two different streets have a wide difference; and if he intends to take action under the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1894, to exercise his powers to combine the parish areas together?

I am aware that within the City of Glasgow there are several parishes or parts of parishes separately administered under the Poor Law Acts and that on account of the different industrial conditions in those parishes the poor rate in some areas is much less than in others. Under Section 46 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1894, and Section 51 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1889, I have power to make an Order uniting several parishes or parts of parishes into one parish on the representation of the town council or other authority mentioned in these sections. I have, however, no such representation before me at the present time, nor would it be proper for me to commit myself beforehand as to my decision on any such representation.

In view of the facts in the question, which are admitted, will not the right hon. Gentleman consider setting up some form of inquiry to investigate the position which has now arisen in Glasgow?

No, Sir. I think the procedure ought to be on the other side.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of convictions obtained in respect of offences for illegal trawling in Scotland during the year 1927, showing also the number of cases in which the guilty parties had been previously convicted for similar offences?

The figures for the year 1927 are as follow:

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the number of convictions does not represent 5 per cent. of the number of times the offence is committed?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the Annual Report of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, covering the year 1927, will be ready for publication; and what were the causes for' the delay in issuing the Report for 1926?