asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the price of motor tyres in Great Britain in January, 1927, and January, 1928, respectively; and, if he has not the complete information, what were the prices asked by the largest British company in those months?

The types and makes of motor tyres sold in Great Britain are so numerous that it is not possible to give any short general statement of price changes. I understand, however, that the prices of some British-made motor tyres were lower in January, 1928, than in January, 1927, and that the prices of some foreign-made tyres were increased in April, 1927, but have subsequently been reduced. So far as I can ascertain, the prices of the largest British company were the same on the two dates mentioned, except that for one class of tyres there was a reduction of price of 5 per cent.

May I take it from the reply that the prices of motor tyres certainly have not been increased since the duty was imposed?

I think that is a perfectly fair deduction.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform us what has been the fall in the price of rubber during this period?

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the great increase of wines exported to this country from the Empire since the establishment of Imperial Preference; and whether steps can be taken to make public in this country, Australia, and South Africa the effects on production and employment as a result of that policy?

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The increase has been from an average of just over a million gallons a year for the period 1909–1913 to over 4½ million gallons last year. With my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, I will circulate some more detailed figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT. During my right hon. Friend's visits to Australia and South Africa he was able to see for himself the good effects of Imperial Preference in the directions which my hon. and gallant Friend has mentioned, and I think he can rest assured that they are having, and will have, a wide publicity.

May I ask whether at Conservative auctions preference is given to Empire wines?

Can the President of the Board of Trade give the House any information as to whether Australia is now successfully competing with France and Portugal?

I believe that both Australian and South African wines are in very great demand, and their consumption in this country is steadily increasing.

Is it the opinion of the right hon. Gentleman that any great increase in the consumption of wines, from whatever source, is a public advantage?

Is this the wine they supply to the Kit Cat Club?

What does it matter so long as it is good wine?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the members of the Provincial Entertainment Proprietors' and Managers' Association, Limited, of Manchester, who own and control 86 cinema theatres in the large provincial centres of Great Britain, in which several millions of British capital is invested, has no representative on the Advisory Committee appointed under the Cinematograph Films Act of 1927; and will he, in making any further appointments to this Committee, give this association an opportunity of nominating one or more members to represent the exhibitors?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers which I have already given him on this subject.

Are we to understand that the Provincial Entertainment Proprietors' and Managers' Association is barred from representation on this Committee by reason of the fact that they have succeeded in amending the Bill of last year?

Not in the least. The hon. and gallant Gentleman has had a great number of answers on this matter. What I did was to invite the trade union concerned, which covers this as well as other organisations, to suggest names. They took a ballot of a number of their members, including one gentleman who was a member of this organisation.

Do I understand that it is now the policy of the Government to invite only one union?

Happily this was an all-embracing union.

Is it not a fact that this particular union was not fully embraced in the other union?

Of course, a minority could not control a majority, but the vote in this case was taken with the fullest publicity and complete freedom

Are we to understand now that the right hon. Gentleman will deal only with the all-embracing union in the mining industry?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of its effect on British shipyards, whether the 50 per cent. duty imposed by the American Government on all repairs to American ships effected abroad is uniformly applied or is remitted in such cases as are classed as acts of God?

I am informed that the United States Navigation Laws provide for the remission of the duty on repairs effected abroad which are necessitated, by stress of weather or other casualty, in order to secure the safety of the vessel to enable her to reach her port of destination.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to a resolution of the Liverpool Cotton Association which hinders the formation of a raw cotton spot market in Manchester; and, in view of the fact that the Government are concerned with the importation of raw cotton through their grant to the Empire Cotton Corporation and the Cotton Industry Act, 1923, does he propose to take any steps in the matter?

I have seen reports as to a proposed addition to the articles of the Liverpool Cotton Association, now awaiting confirmation, forbidding its members to be connected with any other association; but, if that is the resolution to which my hon. Friend refers, I do not think it is a matter in which I can intervene.

Are we to understand that, although the Government are anxious to increase the production of raw cotton, they are indifferent to the restrictions which are placed upon the market?

Has the President of the Board of Trade noticed that the extreme difficulty in the American section of the cotton trade demands that the saving of 6s. a ton via Manchester should be adopted and allowed to proceed, and that the position of the Liverpool cotton market in restraint of trade is not helping the cotton trade at all in its parlous condition in respect to the American section thereof?

I have already indicated that these interpolations from different portions of the House show that this is a matter in which the Board can hardly intervene, and one on which the Manchester and Liverpool Members might conveniently meet.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at a meeting in Manchester last Friday, representing the whole of the cotton trade in Manchester, they passed a resolution of protest against this restriction as a restraint of trade and against the putting up of a barrier against a free market for our goods?

This seems to be a domestic matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information with regard to the removal of British troops from Cairo; and where is it proposed to station them?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will state the offers made to the Egyptian Government and, in particular, what was proposed as to the place and pay of the army of occupation?

I would ask my hon. and gallant Friend and the right hon. and gallant Gentleman to await the Papers which will be laid to-morrow, and which will give full particulars of the offers made to the Egyptian Government.

Do I gather that the status quo remains exactly as it is at present?

I think my hon. and gallant Friend had better wait until he sees the White Paper, which gives full details of all the negotiations.

Could the hon. Gentleman tell us whether the Papers which will be laid to-morrow will indicate why these negotiations were entered into at all, and why, when the result of such negotiations must have been a foregone conclusion, the Government went so far as to make these offers?

I think the right hon. Gentleman will be perfectly satisfied with the White Paper which will be laid to-morrow. It will give a full account of the whole matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mr. George Frederick Mackenzie, late No. 28,884, private, Norfolk Regiment, was passed A1 on joining the Northampton Territorial Force, and again A1 on joining the Regular Army in May, 1924; that in the course of his service he was sent into hospital but was discharged after five days' treatment; that shortly after, while on leave, he went into Northampton Hospital and was found to be suffering from consumption; that he was invalided in June, 1927, after three years' service and has been refused a pension and will never be able to work again, and that Mr. Mackenzie's father is an old soldier with a perfectly clean health sheet and that there is no family history of consumption; and whether there is any appeal from the decision of the Commissioners of the Royal Hospital that Mr. Mackenzie's disease is a non-attributable disability?

This case was referred by the Commissioners of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, to the Director-General of Army Medical Services, who is the final medical authority in case of doubt, and he decided that the disability was not attributable to military service. There is no appeal from this decision.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many applications relating to war pensions of all kinds have been dealt with by the regional office for Bermondsey and Southwark during the months of January and February of the present year?

During the two months referred to 110 applications, or an average of 13 a week, were received. In addition there were 475 interviews, or an average of 56 a week, on a variety of matters, a small proportion of which would probably mature as applications.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of cases in which reservation of part of the allowances to motherless children has been sanctioned; and whether interest is added to the whole of the balances, including those accumulated at the instance of War Pensions Committees before the scheme was adopted by the Ministry?

The number of cases at present covered by the Scheme referred to is about 2,000. Interest is added to sums compulsorily withheld under the terms of the Scheme or otherwise by the action of War Pensions Committees. Any other balances which might happen to have been un-drawn would not, of course, carry interest.

Will the hon. and gallant Member tell me why not?

It is entirely optional. If they do not withdraw it, there is no reason why interest should be paid on it.

Will the hon. and gallant Member tell me upon what proportion no interest is paid? What are the numbers out of the 2,000 on which no interest is paid?

On these 2,000 cases interest is paid, but there are other cases where pensioners to suit their own convenience have not drawn the money. It is there for them to draw, but they have not drawn it. In that case interest is not paid.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many beds have been reduced by the closing of the military hospital, Chatham, the Alexandra Military Hospital at Cosham, and the military hospital at Devonport, respectively; what economies have been effected by this reduction; and what reduction in hospital personnel has followed the closing of these hospitals?

So far as the War Department is concerned, the answer to the first, and last parts of the question is that there has been a net reduction of 215 equipped beds, and of 15 officers, 15 nurses of the Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service and 149 other staff. As regards the second part of the question, in addition to economies in beds and staff, the buildings have been set free for other Government purposes or ultimate disposal.

Can my hon. Friend say if these personnel have been dismissed, or if they have been simply transferred to other hospitals in the country?

I do not think they have all been dismissed at present, but I should require notice of that question.

I do not know if I failed to hear what the hon. Gentleman said, but can he tell me why it is that the number of these beds is being reduced?

In order to effect economy.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will get the Fishery Board to place some flounder spawn in Lochindaal, Islay; and whether he is aware that when some flounder spawn was placed there years ago there was an improvement in the fishing for fishermen of the villages of Bowmore, Bruichladdich and Portcharlotte for a number of years until the flounder beds were largely depopulated by English steam trawlers coming in and trawling in the darkness in the loch?

Before this question is answered, may I draw attention to the fact that Members are supposed to be responsible for the accuracy of their questions? How can the hon. and learned Gentleman know that these were English steam trawlers, if they were fishing in the dark?

The hon. and learned Member is always full of curious information.

I am advised by the Fishery Board for Scotland that the physical conditions, currents, nature of coast, etc., in Lochindaal are such as to render it unlikely that an experiment in the deposit of spawn as suggested would be of any benefit to the local fishermen. The previous experiment, which the hon. and learned Member apparently has in mind, was with young plaice, a number of which were liberated in Lochindaal in 1904. The results were inconclusive, and did not justify a repetition of the experiment.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that the best authorities are the fishermen who fish there, that they have found that the introduction of this spawn was enormously beneficial, and that they know from their own practical experience that it produces an increase in their earnings? Is not the hon. and gallant Member for Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) also aware of the fact—[Interruption.]—that there is no difficulty in knowing an Englishman in the dark.

Is there any reason to suppose that there is any truth in the insinuations contained in the last part of this question?

They are not insinuations at all, but statements of fact.

With regard to the last part of the question, in the last seven years there have only been two complaints regarding illegal trawling in Lochindaal.

Is not the fact that there has been no recent complaint due merely to there being only two fishery cruisers to patrol an enormous area, so that really complaints are wasted?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if his attention has been drawn to the action of the lower district committee of Renfrewshire in failing to provide suitable dustbins at their housing schemes at Lochwinnoch and elsewhere within the district area; and whether he will inquire into the matter?

I My attention has been drawn to the position of matters at Lochwinnoch, and, as the result of inquiries made, I find that it is in accordance with the local practice that tenants should provide their own dustbins where these are necessary. I see no reason to interfere with the decision of the local authority to leave the provision of dustbins to the tenants of their houses.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman know that every other public authority has supplied dustbins when erecting houses, and that certain types are insisted upon in the interests of the public health?

I think that this is a matter which ought to be dealt with by the local authority.

In the event of the local authority not attending to this matter, which is really a menace to the public health, will the Secretary of State press them, to the best of his ability, to do so?

I have no reason to believe that there is any menace to the public health, and, until I have evidence that there is such a menace, I do not propose to intervene.

If it be the case, as the right hon. Gentleman has admitted, that it is being left to the private individuals in a little township to supply dustbins, is not that a menace to the public health, and ought it not to be done by the municipality or the local authority?

That question does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the amount of the grant that is paid yearly to the Outdoor Mission to the Blind of Glasgow and West of Scotland; and whether any supervision by his Department is exercised over the manner in which it is spent?

In accordance with the Grant Regulations, the amount of grant payable to the Mission to the Outdoor Blind for Glasgow and the West of Scotland in any particular year depends on the extent of the grant-earning services provided by them for the welfare of blind persons in their area. The amount paid to the mission for the year ended the 31st March, 1927, was £1,458 8s. 7d. As regards the second part of the question, before grants are paid the Board satisfy themselves that the conditions prescribed in the Regulations are, so far as applicable, observed by the mission. I am sending a copy of the Regulations to the hon. Member.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform me whether any supervision is exercised by his Department over the appointments made by this particular mission of blind teachers for the blind?

I have answered that question; the Board have to be satisfied of the conditions before the grant is made.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of acres being cultivated as small holdings in Scotland; and the number of claims for small holdings that have not been met?

In 1925, the last year for which particulars are available, the total area of crops and permanent grass included in holdings not exceeding 50 acres of crops and permanent grass, was 673,000 acres. Attached to these holdings was an area totalling from three to four million acres of rough grazings held severally or in common. At, 31st December, 1927, the Board of Agriculture had on their lists 4,924 outstanding applications for small holdings, exclusive of applications for enlargements.

Is it not a fact that these claims would have been very much larger in number but for the fact that they have been restricted to ex-service men, and even these ex-service men have dropped off because they have not been supplied?

That is mere guesswork, because the regulations in regard to the limitation to ex-service men have been abrogated.

Do the figures include applications from ex-service men which have been through all Departments, though they cannot get the small holdings?

Is it true that some of the ex-service men have not been able to make a living?

What is the right hon. Gentleman doing to meet the demand for these small holdings?

That is a matter for debate.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many arrests for drunkenness, alleged to be due to the drinking of methylated spirits, were made by the police in the City of Glasgow during the 12 months ending 31st October, 1927; and the number of such arrests in each of the wards of the city where they took place or, alternatively, the numbers in each of the respective police divisions of the city?

As the answer to this question involves a number of figures. I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Since methylated spirits are denatured, do the figures include any cases of such having been taken?

Perhaps the hon. Member will wait till he sees the figures, and, if anything arises on them, he can put down a Question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the people who buy methylated spirits for consumption take it away and consume it in their own homes, and after a comparatively small quantity they are unable to stir abroad, and are not therefore subject to arrest? Is he also not aware that the reason for poor people taking to methylated spirits is the disgracefully high price of Scotch whisky?

The hon. and learned Gentleman will be able to give the House information when he is a Minister.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he can give the numbers of persons trained for three months in agriculture; and how many have gone abroad?

I have been asked to reply. I understand that the hon. Member's question refers to the two training centres at Corton Vale, near Stirling, and Graigielinn, near Glasgow, which are supported to the extent of one-half of the cost of training and maintenance by grants from the Oversea Settlement Committee under the Empire Settlement Act, 1922. The numbers of persons who have undergone a course of training of approximately three months at these places since such grants were first made are 37 at Corton Vale and 832 at Craigielinn. Of these, all except 245 have proceeded to the Dominions.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many amalgamations have been carried out in the coal-mining industry since the passing of the Mining Industry Act, 1926; and whether he is satisfied with the progress made?

Such information as I have was given in answer to questions by the hon. Member for Leith on 13th and 21st December, and 21st February. As regards the last part of the question, there are so many negotiations in progress in the mining industry in regard to amalgamations, district combinations for sale purposes, etc., that I prefer not to express any opinion at the moment.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in the event of approaches being made from the Continent to Great Britain for an agreement as regards markets and prices for coal, there is any official body capable of conducting negotiations on behalf of the coal industry in this country?

As my hon. Friend is aware, negotiations are proceeding for the formation of district associations for selling coal, and if this movement develops along anticipated lines there is no doubt that this country will in due course possess suitable machinery for the kind of negotiations he contemplates.

Seeing that the Government were the negotiating body for the coalowners in 1926, would they not be the proper body?

Is it not a fact that our trade competitors abroad know perfectly well upon what terms any sort of agreement can be made with our coal exporters, and that it is absolutely unnecessary to set up any body of any kind?

In the event of these anticipated negotiations, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman take any steps to see that organised labour will be represented on such a negotiating body in view of the desire for co-operation?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is prepared to take steps to arrange for a conference of all the parties directly concerned in the European coal industry, with a view to establishing uniform hours and wages, as the first step in the direction of the international regulation of the coal industry?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary for Mines when the three counties scheme for a levy of 3d. a ton on the home consumer in order to subsidise the Humber coal export trade is expected to come into operation; and whether, seeing that this scheme would, in practice, be disadvantageous to the coalfields of Durham and Northumberland, he proposes to take any action in the matter?

My hon. Friend may have seen that it was announced in the Press that this scheme was to take effect as from 1st March, 1928. I understand, however, that the details of the scheme are still under discussion and I do not know when it will become operative. It is being worked out upon a voluntary basis and I would hesitate to express any opinion on it until negotiations are more advanced.

Is the Department taking any steps to protect Durham and Northumberland against this combine?

No, as I have just stated the scheme is not yet definitely settled.

Is it not a fact that combines of this sort were recom- mended by the Sankey Commission, by the whole of the Press, by the public and by every party in the House?

Yes.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman watching the progress of this combination, so that in the event of it acting disadvantageously to Northumberland and Durham, he can take action subsequently?

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman take into consideration that all combinations are directed against the consumer?

Does not the hon. and gallant Gentleman seek to prevent British coalfields attacking each other, and is he not aware that the Sankey Commission suggested rational and not sectional combination?

This is becoming a Debate.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he has any information showing the amount of Government assistance given to the coal-mining industry of Spain and Portugal during the year 1927?

I am not able to state the total cash value of the assistance given by these two Governments, but I am having a statement prepared, giving such information as is available and will send a copy to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he can give information showing the reduction per ton given in the rail rates, under the preferential rail rates, for the movement of coal on the State railways in Poland, France, Belgium and South Africa, giving the figures for each country separately?

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

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will give information showing the amount of coal tax remitted in Czechoslovakia on all coal exported and coal used in the production of goods for export; and will he give the amount per ton?

The coal tax in Czechoslovakia is 10 per cent. of the pithead price, but collieries in financial difficulties pay a reduced tax of 7 per cent. The whole of the tax is remitted on coal exported or coal used in the production of goods for export.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in these countries there is no combination of labour such as the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Derby (Mr. Thomas) runs?

These points should be reserved for Debate.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will assist the Lochaber district committee in erecting a single-line bridge at Lochy in place of the present dangerous bridge?

In the special circumstances I am willing to consider favourably an application on these lines.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that his Department offered substantial assistance for a two-way bridge, but the district could not afford their quota, and an amount was offered for a single-line bridge, but the district could not afford that, and will he consider increasing the contribution to 90 per cent. for a one-way instead of 75 per cent. for a two-way bridge?

I have not been ungenerous, I am giving them 75 per cent.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that they require 90 per cent.?

If the right hon. and gallant Gentleman will send some of these methylated-spirit-drinking people up there, they will see double.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has yet received an application from the local authorities concerned for the abolition of the toll-gate on the road from Cardiff to Barry?

The suggested freeing of this toll-road has been the subject of discussion between officers of my De- partment and representatives of the local authorities, but no definite application has been made to me.

Having regard to the inconvenience to the commercial community and the indifference of the local authorities of the area, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to ginger them up?

No, the duty of gingering up local authorities is for the local electorate.

In view of the fact that the local authorities are very anxious to know the extent of their liabilities under this proposal, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say what percentage of the cost of acquisition will fall upon them?

Certainly, I will consider any scheme put forward by the local authorities.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the damage done to all classes of roads by the ribbed iron wheels of heavy tractors, his Department contemplates drafting any Regulations to restrict the use of vehicles using wheels of this kind?

I am reluctant to take piecemeal action under the strictly limited powers in respect of locomotives conferred upon me by existing Statutes, but so soon as amending legislation on the lines of the draft Road Traffic Bill is passed it is my intention to deal comprehensively with the construction and use of heavy road vehicles generally.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman realise that iron-ribbed wheels do far more damage than any other traffic and that this traffic should be on the railways instead of on the roads?

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the effect upon local authorities of the absence of power to limit the number, size and weight of heavy transport in the areas they administer; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

County councils already have powers under the Roads Act, 1920, to apply to me for Orders prohibiting or restricting the use of heavy motor vehicles on roads which are unsuitable for them. In view of the wide radius of action of modem road transport, traffic restrictions cannot be regarded as a matter of purely local interest, and powers to impose them must, I think, necessarily be subject to the control of a central authority.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the present scheme of arterial roads is to be considered final for the present, or whether further schemes are under the examination of the Ministry of Transport?

No finality is claimed for the numerous arterial road schemes now proceeding in various parts of the country, and my Department is always engaged in the examination of further projects submitted by local authorities.

asked the Minister of Transport if there has been or is contemplated a consultation on the regrouping of railways, with a view to placing the railways in Scotland in a separate group?

I have no knowledge of any such consultation, and, as I have previously stated, I should deprecate any disturbance at present in the general scheme for the grouping of the railways that was settled by Parliament so recently as 1921.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the original grouping of the railways was to leave Scotland as a unit in itself, and that it was on the application of the Scottish companies against that danger that the change was made?

I would remind the right hon. Member for Derby (Mr. J. H. Thomas) that I am not the Minister in question. Is it not the case that, while the railways themselves asked to be included in the English railway system, the people of Scotland wanted the railways for Scotland, and that the rates chargeable to the passengers in Scotland to-day remain at the highest peak during the War?

That is a matter of history.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of miles of the 3,000 miles of canals in Great Britain which have been bought up by the various railway companies; and the number of miles which are used by the railway companies for transportation of goods?

The total length of the canals in Great Britain owned or leased by railway companies at the 31st December, 1927, was 1,050 miles. During the year 1927 traffic was conveyed over all these canals except three, of a total length of 13½ miles, but the information in my possession does not indicate what proportion of the total mileage was actually used for the transportation of goods.

Can the railways be induced to give up those canals which they do not use?

Who is going to take them over?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of classes under the educational authorities in Scotland during 1927 where the pupils numbered, respectively, under 40 per class, between 40 and 50, between 50 and 60, and over 60?

I regret that the information in my possession does not enable me to reply to the question in the exact form in which it is put. Such figures as are available I will, however, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

We would like to know definitely if it is not the case that there are, in Glasgow for instance, classes of from 50 to 80 children under one teacher. Has not the right hon. Gentleman that information?

If the hon. Member will wait until he sees the figures, he will get the information.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that only last year it was pointed out, in answer to a question,

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total sum spent on education in Scotland for the last available year, giving the amount paid from national revenue and local rates, respectively?

Shame!

So far as those branches of education for which my Department has administrative responsibility are concerned, the last available year is 1926–27, and the figures for which the hon. Member asks are £6,798,900 from the Exchequer and £4,984,450 from local rates, making a total of £11,783,350.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, since the beam system of telegraphy has been in operation, he can state to what extent the commercial and press rates of the Eastern Exchange Cable Company have been reduced?

Since the establishment of the first of the beam services the cable rates have been reduced to Australia from 2s. 6d. to 2s. a word; to South Africa from 2s. to 1s. 8d.; and to India from 1s. 8d. to 1s. 5d. Corresponding reductions have been made in the cable rates for the deferred services and certain of the letter telegram services. The cable rates for press telegrams to India have been reduced from 4d. to 3d. and to South Africa from 3½d. to 2½d.