asked the President of the Board of Trade which were the countries, other than France and Germany, from which we imported woollen and worsted tissues during the years 1924, 1925, 1926 and 1927, respectively; and what are the quantities and values of such goods?

The principal countries from which we import woollen tissues, besides France and Germany, are the Netherlands, Belgium and Czechoslovakia. Particulars of the imports from those countries in 1924–6 are shown on pages 253–6 of Volume II of the Annual Statement of the Trade of the United Kingdom for 1926. The corresponding figures for 1927 are not yet available. Imports of worsted tissues from countries other than France and Germany are very small.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether, seeing that the revised French import duty of 15 per cent. ad valorem on footwear is to apply only to those nations who have not a commercial treaty with France and that, as a consequence, British footwear entering France will be subject to a higher rate of duty than the footwear of Germany and other countries which have recently concluded such treaties, he will, with a view to facilitating British trade with France, consider concluding a commercial treaty, or state what other action he proposes to take;

(2) whether he has received a communication from the Société des Chaussures Manfield, France, a subsidiary of a British company, pointing out the effect on the sale of British-made footwear in France of the proposed new French import tariff on footwear; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I have no reason to believe that, in the application of the proposed increased import duty on footwear, any departure will be made from the existing general most-favoured-nation treatment which France accords to British goods. As regards the latter part of each question, I would refer to the answer given to the hon. Member yesterday by the Secretary to the Department of Overseas Trade.

Is it not, a fact that 15 per cent. ad valorem is going to be put on imported footwear, and is not that a very important consideration?

The point I was asked to deal with was the question of most-favoured-nation treatment. It is true that there is a proposed increase in duty, which will probably figure in one of the Bills now before the French Chamber.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the provision in the new Canadian tariff affecting the percentage of Empire labour in goods imported from Great Britain; and whether his Department has evidence as to the probable effect upon AngloCanadian trade?

The telegraphic summary of the Canadian Budget proposals which has reached me does not contain any information on the. question of the percentage of Empire labour or material in goods shipped from this country to Canada which will entitle them to preference in Canada, though I have seen statements in the Press that this percentage is to be increased. I expect, however, to receive full details very shortly, and I will see that they are published in. the Board of Trade Journal.

Under the Budget arrangement will that increase come into force forthwith?

No, Sir. I have not had any particulars yet. I am expecting a full report shortly. I shall not know definitely what the proposals are until them.

Does that affect the Canadian Government's attitude with regard to the claim to a higher percentage of Canadian labour in Canadian goods?

I prefer to answer when I know what the exact proposals are.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now state the quantity of dutiable manufactured goods transhipped in bond in 1927; if he can arrange to publish a statement indicating what the re-exports of such goods would have been in 1927 if the goods transhipped in bond had been included in the re-export statistics; and if he can include in any such statement a comparative figure for 1924?

It is not possible to supply the particulars requested. Apart from the main articles liable to duty, particulars of the quantity of dutiable manufactured goods transhipped under bond are not separately recorded in the official statistics of trade.

asked the President of Board of Trade how many applications were made to the Dye Stuffs Advisory Licensing Committee in 1927; how many were granted; what fees were collected; and what is the cost of the Committee?

The total number of applications for licences during 1927 was 7,407 and that of licences granted was 6,753. The amount received in respect of fees was £3,439, and the cost of the committee (inclusive of allied services) was approximately £3,800.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, seeing that Great Britain is the only country in the world which prohibits the importation of articles treated exclusively with British dyes previously purchased in this country, he will state the reasons continuing this prohibition?

The hon. Member appears to be under some misapprehension. The Dyestuffs (Import Regulation) Act, 1920, prohibits the importation, except under licence, only of all synthetic organic dyestuffs, colours and colouring matters, and all organic intermediate products used in their manufacture. There is no prohibition on the importation of articles treated by dyestuffs, British or other.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the reason for refusing to grant licences for the importation of inks manufactured with British dyes in order to comply with the Dyestuffs (Import Regulation) Act, 1920, and containing no other ingredients dealt with by that Act; and whether this action is taken on behalf of the British dye Manufacturers or is a, measure of protection for British ink manufacturers?

Such inks as aro "synthetic organic dyestuffs, dyes and colouring matters" are, I am advised, wholly covered by the prohibition of importation imposed by the Dyestuffs (Import Regulation) Act, 1920. The Dyestuffs Advisory Licensing Committee therefore refuse to recommend the issue of licences under that Act when they are satisfied that suitable inks of the same kind are obtainable in this country.

Is ink now, therefore, to be considered as a key industry for the national defence of the country?

A dye slightly diluted with water is, under the Act, a dye, and will continue to be regarded as a dye.

Is this for the strategic defence of the country?

Yes; plainly, if the hon. and gallant Gentleman casts his memory back to the vital need of dyestuffs during the War, he will find that, whether in peace or war, it is vital to country to have a dye industry.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the new French customs duties; and whether the Government will consider the conclusion of a new Franco-British treaty which the British Chamber of Commerce in Paris has been urging for many years on the lines of those agreed upon with other nations who were in active commercial relations with France?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Particulars with regard to the changes in the French Tariff resulting from the Franco-German and Franco-Swiss Agreements have already been published in the Board of Trade Journal, and particulars of further changes proposed in the new French Government measure will be included in the Journal to be published next Thursday. As regards the second part of the question, there is a Franco-British Treaty of Commerce already in operation, whilst most-favoured-nation treatment is accorded to United Kingdom goods in France by French legislation. Representations have been addressed to the French Government in regard to recent changes in the customs tariff in so far as they involve increased duties upon goods imported from this country. But I would point out that so long as our customs duties in this country are few in number and designed mainly for revenue purposes, we are hardly in a position to conclude treaties such as those to which the hon. Member refers, based on lengthy schedules of mutual tariff concessions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has come to any decision with regard to the closing of the Mercantile Marine offices at North Shields?

No decision has yet been arrived at with regard to the Mercantile Marine offices at North and South Shields, as the inquiries are not quite complete. I will inform my hon. Friend as soon as a decision is reached.

asked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that the Department of Mines is to be continued, he will now arrange for the transfer of the Research Department from the Board of Education to that Department, so that, as far as possible, every phase of mining, and especially one of such importance as this, may be under one Minister who shall be responsible and answerable to this House for its conduct?

The hon. Member is, I think, under some misapprehension with regard to the organisation of the Research Department. This is not under the Minister of Education, but under the Lord President of the Council. As he is a member of the. other House, some other Minister has to reply in the House of Commons; and under the original constitution of the Research Department this Minister was the head of the Board of Education. This Minister has no direct knowledge of the work of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, and it is throwing an undue burden on him to expect him to deal with every question which affects a Department for whose administration he is not responsible. A change has therefore recently been made under which any questions relating to the Department asked in this House will be answered by the Minister most directly concerned. This re-arrangement of duties will, I hope, meet with the approval of the House.

As regards the proposal to set up a Special (Fuel) Research Department under the Mines Department, I cannot think that this would be an improvement on the existing system. It would only lead to overlapping and confusion. There is a full account of the research work carried on by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in its Annual Report; and I think if the hon. Member consults it he will agree that much valuable work has been done in matters which specially interest those for whom he speaks. Of course, he will understand that the responsibility for research work affecting particular industries primarily rests with the industries concerned; but the Research Departments of the Government are most anxious to do all they can to further fundamental investigations, especially those which are of primary importance to our general industrial system.

May we take it from that answer that it is possible that questions in regard to the carbonisation of coal, etc., will be answered by the Secretary for Mines?

I think that would seem to arise, but, of course, hon. Members must understand that the Department that is responsible and that has the expert knowledge of it is the Department of Scientific Research, which co-ordinates the whole research both into fuel and every other scientific question which it is investigating.

In view of the great importance of this Department, is it not possible to consider having a Minister to reply for it?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he has seen the representatives of the temporary typing staffs of the Civil Service; and if he is in a position to agree to their proposals for a central pool from which typists can be transferred to other departments as they become redundant in the particular branches of the service in which they are at present employed?

I saw the representatives of the association in question on Friday last, and I hope to be in a position to communicate with them in the course of a few days.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Imperial War Graves Commission are looking after the graves of prisoners of war who died in Germany; and, if not, whether he can take some steps to see that they are properly looked after?

Yes, Sir. The graves of British soldiers who died in Germany as prisoners of war are maintained by the Imperial War Graves Commission in the same manner as British War Graves in other parts of the world.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in certain places they have not been properly looked after, and will he make inquiries?

Certainly, if my hon. and gallant Friend will tell me the places to which he refers.

asked the Secretary of State for War what progress, if any, has been made during the last three years with regard to the co-ordination of military hospitals at home and abroad with naval and Air Force hospitals, respectively?

In 1922 the Military Hospital, Chatham, and the Royal Naval Hospital, Gibraltar. were closed. Military patients at Chatham are now treated in the Royal Naval Hospital, Chatham, and naval sick at Gibraltar are treated in the Military Hospital, Gibraltar. Since 1922 the Alexandra Military Hospital at Cosham and the Military Hospital at Devonport have been closed, and military patients in these districts are now treated at naval hospitals. The Joint Medical Services Committee has the question of co-operation between the three medical services continually under review and useful work is being done.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to a suggestion made at a meeting of Magistrates in the City of Glasgow for the purpose of dealing with men convicted of beating their wives, wherein it was suggested that the best way to deal with persons so convicted would he to allow them to remain at work, and to compel them to enter prisons each week-end until the term of their sentence was completed so as to enable such convicted person to continue at his work during the weekdays, in order that the wife and children should not be deprived of wages during the man's detention; and will he consider introducing legislation to amend the present law to make this suggestion practicable?

I am informed that this matter had not been considered by the Glasgow Magistrates Committee prior to the date on which notice of this question was given. The subject was, however, raised at a meeting of the Magistrates' Committee on the 21st February and was submitted for consideration and report to a special sub-committee of the Magistrates.

Is the right hon. Gentleman making any inquiries and will he follow up this matter?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the number of persons in receipt of Poor Law relief is 15 per 1,000 more in Scotland than in England; if he has made any inquiry into the causes of the growing disparity between the figures for the two countries; and will he state his conclusions?

I am aware that in recent years the number of persons in receipt of Poor Law relief per 1,000 of the population has been higher in Scotland than in England. The Scottish Board of Health have been investigating the matter, but the inquiries are not yet completed, and I am not at present in a position to state any conclusions.

In view of the fact that this subject has given rise to grave apprehensions in Scotland, will the right hon. Gentleman not consider the setting up of a public inquiry to ascertain the causes of this disparity?

No, Sir. Until I have received the report of my Department, I cannot form any judgment.

Will the right hon. Gentleman publish as a White Paper the result of that inquiry when he has received it?

I am not, aware in what form the report may be made. If the hon. Member will put down a further question, I will consider it.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any idea when I may put down a further question on the subject when he has received the report?

I am not in a position to say now, but I will communicate with the hon. Gentleman.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of youths below 21 convicted of any crime at Glasgow Southern Court and the similar figures for the Glasgow Queen's Park Court?

The numbers of youths between the ages of 16 and 21 convicted at the Southern and Queen's Park Police Courts, Glasgow, during the years ended the 31st December, 1927, were respectively 1,462 and 151.

Can the right hon. Gentleman make an inquiry as to the great discrepancy between the two? Do the police treat those in one district differently from others?

I am not aware of any differentiation.

How many of these lads have been actually sent to prison, and how many put on probation?

I could not say without notice.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the City of Glasgow great dissatisfaction is arising because of the differentiation between districts which are privileged districts in the way of wealth, and working-class districts, in the prosecution of youths?

I do not think there is any ground for supposing that there is differentiation as regards districts. My reports emphasise the fact that crimes or matters for which these people are dealt with are similar in both Courts.

In view of the large discrepancy in the figures, will the right hon. Gentleman not make a local inquiry as to the causes and see if anything can be done to stop the large number of arrests in the working-class districts?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of houses built by the Glasgow Corporation since the end of the War; the total now building; the total for which plans are passed but not started; and if the latter will rank for subsidy?

The total number of houses completed with State assistance by the Corporation of Glasgow as at the 31st January, 1928, was 12,114, and the number under construction at the same date was 4,730. The approval of all plans by the Scottish Board of Health is not required, but at the 31st January, 1928, the Board had approved tenders for the erection in Glasgow of 4,608 houses which had not then been begun. These latter houses will rank for the present rates of subsidy if completed by such date as may be fixed as the result of any revision of the subsidy in terms of Section 5 of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924, after the 1st October next.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the qualifications required by the Scottish Board of Health for their medical officers who examine applicants for pension under the Blind Persons Act, 1920?

In appointing medical officers to their staff the Scottish Board of Health do not require candidates to possess special qualifications in ophthalmology other than the course now obligatory in the medical curriculum. But the majority of the present staff have had special experience in eye work, and in view of the special conditions of industrial blindness the whole medical staff have undergone a course of instruction by a consultant ophthalmologist directed to the peculiar problems arising under the Blind Persons Act. When cases presenting exceptional difficulty are reported, the Board authorise the employment of an eye specialist.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has any information relating to international agreements being arranged between the coalowners of any European countries; and, if so, can he state the terms of such agreements?

I have no information relating to international agreements between the coalowners of any European countries.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that it has recently been reported that an arrangement, if not already signed, is about to he signed between Germany and Poland; is he also aware that the competition which is being felt in Durham and Northumberland largely arises from those countries and is likely to be worse; and what steps are likely to be taken to deal with the matter?

I have no information, as I have told the hon. Member. I have seen rumours in the papers.

Is it not a fact that there is no body in this country capable of conducting negotiations on behalf of the coalowners?

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman's Department make any efforts to find out about these agreements? Have they any officers in Germany to find out, or do they just not bother about it?

I assure the hon. Member that my Department does everything it can to obtain reliable information. I have no reliable information about this matter and, therefore, I cannot supply the information asked for in the question.

In view of the great importance of this matter, why does not the hon. and gallant Gentleman send one of his officers over to Germany and France to make inquiries? Is he aware that this is, perhaps, the most important question before the mining industry to-day?

Is it not the case that any movement from this side would be regarded as a sign of weakness; that both Poland and Germany are at the last gasp and that a little more competition will finish both of them in our foreign markets?

May I respectfully ask for an answer to my question? Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman send somebody over to Germany?

At the moment, I do not think the expense would be justified. If and when things develop, I will do my best to obtain reliable information?

Are we to understand that the Department is watching this business, and that in the event of any international arrangement being made between European, countries, the Department is prepared to act on behalf of this country?

I hope the hon. Member understands that my Department is, at all times, watching the interests of the coal industry of this country.

asked the Secretary of Mines if he has any information relating to coal-marketing schemes being formed in this country; if so, what is the nature of such schemes; and are they likely to lead to an increase in the price of home-consumed coal?

The information in my possession with regard to coal-marketing schemes generally confirms that published in the Press. I am not in a position to furnish details of the schemes, and until such details are available it is impossible to say what effect they may have on inland prices.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this is intensifying the internal competition already existing in this country and that the position in Durham and Northumberland is likely to be made worse if this scheme goes through; and in view of these facts, is it not time that his Department took steps to organise the whole business upon one basis?

As I have said, until details are available, I cannot judge of the effects which the scheme may have.

Is it not a fact that the competition felt in Northumberland and Durham also largely arises from the export of coal from the Humber ports, now mainly sold by these people; and is not this new scheme likely to make the competition still greater as far as these Northern and Eastern counties are concerned?

Is it not a fact that all these schemes are in strict accordance with the Samuel Commission's Report. which advised strongly that we should raise the price against the home consumer, in order to subsidise our exports?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that many of the 28,000 youths of the ages between 14 and 16 working underground at the collieries in the country are expected to work on the night shift; that youths of a similar age are not allowed by law to work on the surface at night; whether any of these youths are medically examined as to their physical fitness for working underground; and whether he is prepared to recommend that facilities be granted for placing youths working underground on the same basis as youths on the surface?

I am aware of the facts referred to in the first two parts of the question. As regards the third part, medical examination is the practice at some collieries but it is not compulsory by law. In reply to the last part of the question, I would remind the hon. Member that in 1911 when Parliament passed the Coal Mines Act of that year it was decided that the prohibition against night work by boys on the surface should not be extended to underground work, and that this decision was confirmed by the Washington Convention of 1919 and by the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act of 1920. I am not at present aware of any sufficient reason for reversing this decision.

With regard to the subject raised in the latter part of the question, would the hon. and gallant Gentleman be willing to meet a deputation of miners' Members in order to get their views on this matter?

I am always willing to meet Members of this House.

is there not a new factor in regard to this question which has arisen through the great redundancy of adult labour; and does this not constitute a strong case for prohibiting these boys from entering the pits?

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of coal mines which have closed down permanently during the last four years within the areas covered by the Aspull, Hindley, Biackrod, and Westhoughton Urban Councils; and the numbers of workers thrown out of employment in each colliery?

During the four years ended 31st December, 1927, 11 mines situated in the areas named have been notified as permanently abandoned. The total number of persons employed at those mines prior to closing was approximately 2,000.

asked the Minister of Transport what arrangements have been made to notify the motoring public where the area of the no reversing order (within three miles of Charing Cross) commences and ends; and whether any communications have passed between his Department and the recognised motoring associations of Great Britain on this subject?

I do not think any further notification is required or practicable. As regards the second part of the question, communications from the motoring associations were received and very carefully considered before the order was made.

Has the right hon. and gallant Gentleman considered the painting of a lamp-post at the extremity of this three-mile limit, so that motorists will know when they are coming into it?

No, Sir. I do not propose to do that.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in connection with the Railway Bills now before Parliament, the Government is taking steps to ensure the full maintenance of the road transport of food, raw materials, and other essentials in the event of disputes in other industries?

Under the Emergency Powers Act, 1920, the Government is vested with powers to take whatever steps appear to them to be necessary in order to ensure the transport of goods which are essential to the life of the community during an industrial dispute, and I would draw my hon. Friend's attention to the fact that one of the clauses in the Road Transport Bills promoted by the railway companies expressly provides that nothing in the provisions of those Bills shall limit the operation of any provisions of the General Law or any Regulations made thereunder applicable to vehicles used on the highways.

Have any communications reached the right hon. and gallant Gentleman from those concerned in railway transport on this matter, in relation to the Bills now before the House?

Not on this particular point.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received a report from the Warwickshire Standing Joint Committee with regard to the cost of police constables in checking motor vehicles for taxation proposals, and recommending that this duty should be made a charge on the Road Fund; and what reply he has returned to this recommendation?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am causing the committee to be informed that I am prepared to meet claims for overtime incurred by the police in making such checks. This is in accordance with present practice, but I do not consider it necessary that payments should be made to police funds in respect of such checks carried out during ordinary hours of duty.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in Birmingham alone within a period of six weeks there have been 700 convictions owing to default in licences?

I am very glad to hear it. That means some more money to the Road Fund.

asked the Minister of Transport the reasons why, under the London Traffic (Parking Places) Regulations, 1928, dated 24th January, 1928, the use of London parking places by drivers or persons in charge of vehicles bearing general or limited trade licence plates is prohibited?

The reasons are set out in paragraph 9 of the London Traffic Advisory Committee's Report on Parking Places, 1927, copies of which are on sale. I understand that some motor dealers were making a practice of placing on parking places vehicles under trade number plates, either for the purpose of exhibition or as additional garage accommodation. It was, therefore, necessary to prohibit the use of parking places by vehicles carrying trade number plates.

Is there any allegation that this has been a general practice among people who own vehicles of this kind?

It would be difficult to answer that question definitely, but quite a considerable number of instances were brought to the notice of the Committee who examined the matter.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there is a great deal of feeling on this matter among the general body of people owning these vehicles, and is he prepared to receive a deputation on the subject?

I am always ready to receive a deputation, and the only condition I would make is that the hon. Gentleman should introduce it.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is prepared to issue a new order amending the Heavy Motor Orders, 1904, 1922, and other orders regulating the speed of heavy motor vehicles exceeding two tons in weight, so as to increase the existing legal speed limit for vehicles fitted with pneumatic or solid rubber tyres from 12 miles per hour to a speed more approximate to the speed at which such vehicles can be driven with safety on the public roads?

I have under consideration the question to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers.

asked the Minister of Transport what progress is being made with the work of abolishing existing railway level crossings over public roads; and whether he will consider the desirability of obtaining power to require the substitution of a bridge for a level crossing?

With assistance from the Road Fund, 16 bridges have been or are being built enabling level crossings to be avoided. Negotiations respecting at least 10 other important level crossings are now proceeding, and will, I anticipate, be successful. There are, doubtless, many other cases where schemes which are being considered by local authorities have not yet been brought to my notice. I do not think there is any immediate need for fresh legislation.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that a well-considered scheme was presented by the city of Hull, and that he turned it down and would not give a shilling towards it?

I am quite aware of that. I recollect the case very well, and the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Ken-worthy) asked me to find far too large a share of the cost.

asked the Minister of Transport if he has recent figures of motor and other power-driven vehicles on the roads engaged in the carriage of goods and passengers, respectively; and if he will give the two figures?

According to returns recently furnished by the licensing authorities, the numbers of goods vehicles and hackney vehicles respectively bearing licences current during any part of the quarter ended 30th September last were as follow:

Goods vehicles (including road locomotives and tractors)	287,664
Hackney vehicles	95,752

asked the Minister of Transport whether, with a view to relieving traffic congestion, he will endeavour to obtain consideration, in conjunction with the railway undertakings, of a tube uniting some point or points south of the Thames with Victoria and Paddington by securing facilities in and under Hyde Park, provided that the amenities of the park are duly safeguarded?

So far as I am aware, no authority is, under present circumstances, prepared to seek powers to carry out a scheme on the lines suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend, and there are other tube and railway extensions, such as those recommended in the recent reports on travelling facilities by the London Traffic Advisory Committee, which appear to be of greater urgency and importance.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee were consulted by the postal authorities in regard to the erection of the red telephone call-boxes recently placed upon the public highways in the metropolis; and whether they have approved of the sites selected and in particular those on island refuges, which compel persons who make use of these call-boxes to cross busy tramway and omnibus routes?

Since the end of 1925 the Postmaster-General has been good enough to consult me with regard to the sites of the new telephone boxes in streets in the London telephone area, and I have referred these cases to the Committee for advice. The Postmaster-General has always met my wishes in the matter and since the date mentioned kiosks have only been erected on sites which I have been advised are unobjectionable from the point of view of danger whether to pedestrians or to vehicular traffic.

asked the Postmaster-General how many red telephone call-boxes he has caused to be erected on the public highway in the metropolitan postal district within the past two years; what is the total estimated expenditure incurred in erecting, fitting and connecting them; and what payments have been made to the highway authorities to enable them to acquire additional highway space to compensate the travelling public for that occupied by these boxes?

During the last two years, 255 red telephone kiosks have been erected on public highways in the London postal district at a total cost for supply, fitting and connection of about £22,000. Telephone kiosks are placed on highways by agreement with the road authorities without charge for rental in the interest of the travelling public, who use them extensively.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has yet received the report of the sub-committee of the Post Office Advisory Committee with regard to the introduction of a postal cheque system; and what is the nature of the report?

understand the report is on the point of completion and will be presented to the Advisory Council at an early date.I am not in a position at present to indicate its conclusions.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is taking any steps to keep in touch with recent developments in television; and whether he has considered the application of existing radio legislation to this invention?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative. My technical advisers consider that television is still only in the experimental stage.

asked the Postmaster-General under what Regulation, if any, a natural-born British subject is not eligible for the Post Office certificate of proficiency in radio-telegraphy; and why the fact of being the son of an allied alien debars him from the occupation of wireless operator on British ships?

The International Radiotelegraph Regulations prescribe that a person employed as a wireless operator on a ship must hold a certificate issued by the Government to which the ship is subject. It has been the general rule in this country since 1919 that such a certificate shall be issued only to a natural-born British subject whose father was also a natural-born British subject. This rule was made after consultation with all the Government Departments concerned and is considered necessary in view of the special character of the duties of an operator in charge of a ship's wireless installation.

asked the Postmaster-General the total number of persons convicted of any form of theft while in the employment of the Post Office last year; what percentage of the staff they represent; and how many prosecutions arose from letters between bookmakers and their clients?

The total number of persons convicted of any form of theft. while in the employment of the Post Office in Great Britain and Northern Ireland in 1927 was 227, about one per 1,000 of the total staff. No record is kept of the number of prosecutions arising specifically from the theft of letters in course of transmission to or from betting agents.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say, of that number of 227, how many were permanent and how many temporary employés?

I could not without notice, but perhaps I might be able to do so if notice were given of the question.

Would that 227 include, say, men who were only taken on for a fortnight at Christmas time?

I should like notice of that question also.

Has it come to the notice of the right hon. Gentleman that in the last few weeks there have been at least two or three cases in the Police Courts where the penalties inflicted for these offences have been modified in view of the possible consequences to the men, such as loss of pension and so on, which would follow conviction?

That is quite another matter, and the hon. Member should give notice of that question.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, seeing that the Post Office has recently advertised for part-time night telephonists at 1s. 1¾d. an hour, he will say what the average attendance of these night telephonists will be; how many applications have been received from existing full-time civil servants; and whether he will inquire into the wage conditions of those full-time civil servants who apply for nightwork after having done a full day's work in the service?

The attendance of part-time night telephonists in London, to whom the advertisements refer, average about two hours a night. I understand that about 200 out of the 3,000 applications so far received are from men stated to be civil servants; but the inquiries are not yet complete. With regard to the latter part of the question, appointment to these posts will be made solely on the ground of the qualifications for this employment, and the question of the rate of remuneration otherwise payable to the applicants whether or not civil servants does not arise.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider it desirable to make some inquiries in order to see whether under-payment is forcing any of the full-time servants to seek part-time additional employment?

That is a, question which clearly ought not to be addressed to me.

Have any steps been taken to see that these men are not already working a full week when appointed to these jobs?

No; I could not say that. This arrangement which I am trying to make is with a view to getting greater efficiency in the night telephone service; I am by no means satisfied myself with the efficiency of the night telephone service and am endeavouring to procure men who will be able to give a certain amount of regular time and will further, after undergoing a period of training, be regularly available as far as possible to carry on duties.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it will be advantageous to the Civil Service?

I think the arrangement which I am endeavouring to arrive at will be advantageous to the telephone service and the interests of the public.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the British Broadcasting Corporation is authorised to exercise discrimination between representatives of the medical profession and other practitioners who do not belong to that profession?

The British Broadcasting Corporation is entirely responsible for the selection of the persons engaged to broadcast talks or lectures, and I do not propose to interfere with the Corporation's discretion in this matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the British Broadcasting Corporation asked a distinguished osteopath to give a talk, that he sent the talk for revision, but that they sent it back to have cut out all references to osteopathy, and after this was done the British Broadcasting Corporation then wrote that, because he was not a doctor, which they knew all along, they would not allow him to give this talk; and will the right hon. Gentleman take some authority to prevent such incidents happening again?

I am not officially aware of any of these matters, and I do not propose to interfere with the discretion of the Corporation.

But I wish the right hon. Gentleman to interfere with their indiscretion!

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that on 17th June, 1925, the plenipotentiaries of 30 States, including this country, signed a Convention accepting the prohibition of the use in war of asphyxiating poison or other gases and all analogous liquids, materials, and devices; that since that date France and Venezuela have ratified; and why His Majesty's Government has not ratified, in view of the French contention that ratification by a minority of States only binds them not to use these instruments of warfare against the other States who have ratified?

His Majesty's Government think it inexpedient to ratify until all important Powers have ratified the Protocol, or have signified their intention of doing so.

But does not the right hon. Gentleman see that this attitude will prevent anything being arrived at; and cannot we ratify on the same terms as the French Republic, whereby we are not bound until other States have done so?

No. I have nothing to add to the statement I have made.

But. does not the right hon. Gentleman think it advisable to set. an example in a case of this sort, especially in view of the great indignation which he expressed during the War at the first use of poison gas?

No. I think that if we wait, before ratification, as I suggest, it will be the best way of achieving our end.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that on an important matter like this there is a danger of every Great Power waiting for the other one, and so of nothing being done?

No Powers, so far as I am aware, have yet signified their intention even of ratifying.

Will the right hon. Gentleman signify ours?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not of opinion that if men are to be murdered in war, if the gas used is a painless gas, asphyxiation is not nearly so cruel as a bullet or a bayonet?

Do we understand that France has not ratified?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the representations lately made to him by national organisations of traders and manufacturers impressing upon him the stimulating effect upon the trade of the Empire that would he caused by the restoration of the penny post; and whether he can state if there are any prospects of the renewal of the penny post within the Empire in the forthcoming year?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 21st February in reply to questions by the hon. Member for Basingstoke (Sir A. Holbrook) and the hon. Member for Anglesey (Sir R. Thomas).

Is it not possible for the right hon. Gentleman to say definitely when we can have a decision on this important matter?

As to when it is possible to say definitely, I do not know, but a certain time when an indefinite announcement, I hope, will be made will be when the Budget is opened.

asked the Chancellof of the Exchequer the date after which the various denominations of the new silver coinage can be obtained in bulk from the Bank and not merely in specimen sets by individuals applying at the Royal Mint?

Certain supplies of the half-crown, florin, shilling and sixpenny pieces are available or will very shortly be so. Persons asking for them through their banks will be able to obtain them from the Bank of England not later than the 12th March. The minting of crowns and threepences for general issue will be commenced in April next.

Do I really understand that we are going to have crown pieces after April?

Yes, the minting of crowns and threepenny pieces for general use will be commenced in April next.

Are you not minting any more 2s. pieces?

Surely we could never get on without them.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman as a father, whether he cannot expedite the issue of crown pieces before the Easter holidays?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, in cases where a claim is made under Section 34 of the Income Tax Act, 1918, for repayment on account of losses in respect of farming sustained by an individual who has substantial unearned taxed income and a limited and small earned income assessable under Schedule E, an entirely different source, from which the earned income relief of one-sixth has properly been given in accordance. with Section 16 of the Finance Act, 1920, as amended by Section 15 of the Finance Act, 1925, it is the practice of the Revenue to limit the repayment due by deducting such earned income relief; and whether, in view of Section 34 of the Income Tax Act, 1918, and Section 16 of the Finance Act, 1920, he will state by what authority this deduction is made?

I am aware that the practice of the Revenue authorities in cases of this kind is as my hon. Friend has stated it. It is, of course, open to any taxpayer who disagrees with this view to make application to the General or Special Commissioners in accordance with the provisions of the Section.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer which are the nations who are now paying moneys to this country on account of War debts; and which countries, other than Russia, who owe War debts to this country have so far made no payments?

Funding agreements have been signed and payments are being received in respect of all the War debts to this country other than that of Russia. The Governments concerned are those of France, Italy, Rumania, Portugal, Greece and the Serb-Croat-Slovene Kingdom.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of removals from the lists of public auditors for 1925, 1926, and 1927, respectively, and the reasons for such removals, together with the names of the accountancy associations of which the persons whose names were thus removed were members?

The number of removals from the list of public auditors under the Friendly Societies and Industrial and Provident Societies Acts in the years 1925, 1926, and 1927 were 35, 31, and 45 respectively. The reasons for removal were:

Death	39
Resignation	32
Removal from district for which appointed	4
No audits for a number of years	22
Failure to render returns of audits	7
Inefficient audits	4
Unprofessional conduct	3

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury why the Turner Bequest drawings, damaged in the recent floods, were placed in the cellars of the Tate Gallery?

These drawings were removed from the National Gallery to the Tate Gallery shortly after the Turner Gallery was opened at the Tate Gallery. A number of them were exhibited in the upstairs galleries, but the majority were kept in cupboards in the basement galleries, for the use of students when required, because they were too numerous for framing and public exhibition. As the cupboards were raised well above the ground, it had always been supposed that there was no risk of damage from floods.

Can the hon. Gentleman say why they were removed from the National Gallery?

Speaking offhand, and only from memory, they were found in large numbers in the National Gallery, and it was thought that they would be more available to the public if they were removed to the Tate Gallery.

Is it not a fact that it was the late Mr. Ruskin who caused these pictures to be removed?

What is going to be done with the destroyed proofs?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether photographs have been taken of the drawings of the Turner bequest; and, if not, whether he will suggest to the directors of the Tate Gallery that this course should be followed?

No, Sir; most of these drawings have not been photographed. It would be extremely expensive to have so many drawings photographed; and as they are now kept in a place of safety, it is not considered necessary to incur the expense. But when a request is made for a particular photograph, steps are always taken to have a photograph taken.

Seeing that some of these drawings are irreplaceable, will the hon. Gentleman not strongly represent to the Directors that in the national interest, and in the interest of art, the drawings that have not been damaged should be photographed?

I would be inclined to agree in an ordinary case, but there are 10,000 or 15,000 of them, and it would be impossible to photograph them all.

Could not the more important ones be photographed?

I will represent that to the Trustees.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, with reference to the recent flooding of the Tate Gallery, whether he will call the attention of the directors of the Tate Gallery to the fact that there are more than 400 provincial museums and galleries in the country, in order that consideration may be given to a more widespread loan of pictures to these galleries?

It is the policy of the Trustees to lend to provincial galleries. No application for an unhung picture from a properly constituted gallery in this country is ever refused if the necessary conditions for safe custody exist, and subject to the restrictions imposed by the National Gallery (Loan) Act, 1883.

Can the hon. Gentleman explain why the Directors of these national museums are always appealing for money to buy new pictures which are not worth buying, when they cannot display old pictures which are irreplaceable and of the utmost value?

As the hon. Gentleman said yesterday that the Trustees do not refuse an application from any gallery, would he take into consideration an application from Dublin for an indefinite loan of the Lane pictures?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the state of the fishing industry all along the south coast and the destruction of spawn and immature fish attributable to the unrestricted trawling of inshore waters; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made for the purpose of providing a sanctuary for fish in shallow waters?

The state of the fishing industry on that part of the coast in which I think my hon. Friend is particularly interested is being discussed with a deputation in the Fisheries Department this afternoon. In the light of that discussion I shall no doubt be able to form an opinion as to what further inquiry may be desirable.

Is the right hon. gentleman not aware that all the inshore fishers, especially round Scotland, have been ruined in past years by trawling, and will he not see that the penalties for those who are breaking the inshore laws will be such that they will not repeat the offence, as the present maximum penalty of £100 is no use whatever?

I think my hon. Friend has not perhaps appreciated that this question is concerned with trawling in inshore waters, and, I take it, by inshore fishermen. All trawling, wherever it is done, destroys a certain amount of immature fish, but it does not destroy spawn, at any rate, in these areas, because the only spawn in the bottom is herring spawn, and there is none in the southern waters.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that trawling, by destroying immature fish, improves fishing in the long run, and that the real trouble is due to the use of oil fuel which kills the fish?

We are making inquiries and tests as to the effect on these immature fish in Poole Harbour and certain other western bays, and we hope to get some further information.

Is it not a fact that most of the real wrongdoers come from the constituency of the hon. and gallant Gentleman who has just spoken?

Is it not a fact that the country would have been ruined during the War but for those same trawlers being used for war purposes?

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to make a statement shortly as the result of our conversation this afternoon?

I do not know if it will be the result of our conversation this afternoon, but I should be glad to lay before the House the result of our inquiries and experiments when we receive them.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the amount of the Government's commitments to county councils under the Small Holdings Act of 1926, from the passing of the Act to date; and the numher of schemes and individual holdings covered by the commitments?

The amount of the annual contributions promised by the Ministry in respect of schemes which have been submitted under Section 2 of the Act of 1926, and have been approved, is £3,031. Of this sum £2,425 is in respect of 35 fresh acquisitions comprising 194 holdings, and £606 is in respect of 43 schemes for the further equipment of 51 existing holdings.

Do these commitments come up to the expectation of the Minister with regard to the Act?

We never expected that a good immediate result would be obtained, and from the reports of meetings of small holdings committees it appears that these committees are waiting to see the result of the valuations and how they are left financially before deciding as to any increase in their commitments.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if the total tonnage provisions for aircraft carriers of the Washington Agreement were intended to cover every size of aircraft carrier?

No, Sir, the total tonnage provisions include only vessels of war whose tonnage is in excess of 10,000 tons, which are designed exclusively for carrying aircraft, and are such that aircraft can be launched therefrom and landed thereon.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that the building of vessels of under 10,000 tons for carrying aircraft will be permitted under the Washington Agreement?

Subject to the conditions which I have read out.

asked the. President of the Board of Education if he can give particulars of the reformed Adult Education Committee; and if any special inquiries are being undertaken at the present time by this body?