asked the President of the Board of Trade whether officers of his Department examine and supervise contracts of service made between owners and crews of trawling vessels at the port of Grimsby; if so, whether these contracts contain particulars of charges for food, drinking-water and other commodities which the owners deduct from the men's earnings at the end of each trip; whether the prices charged are sanctioned as being fair and reasonable; and, if not, what steps are taken to protect the fishermen against unjust stoppages?

Agreements with the crews of Grimsby trawlers are not examined by any Board of Trade officer before they are signed. These agreements do not normally contain particulars of charges to he made for stores. Fishermen have the right to appeal to the Board of Trade Superintendent on any question of earnings or cost of provisions, and that right is frequently exercised.

May I ask whether the provisions of the Truck Act are regarded by any authority, and, if so, by what body?

I should like to have notice of that question.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the agreements entered into by the fishermen and owners of vessels are in accordance with the award of Mr. Justice Fry, 25 years ago, and that if the men have any complaint whatever as regards their settling bills the Board of Trade officials at Grimsby are most courteous in taking the case up and thoroughly investigating it; and that no complaints have been sent to me as Member for the constituency?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, whereas the majority of boat owners treat their men well, and the officials are certainly helpful, yet, owing to the slackness in the fishing trade, the men are afraid to complain because of the fear that they will not he signed on again, and will he instruct his officials to investigate thoroughly the position in order to see that there is no ground for these complaints in the case of a certain minority?

I have no reason to believe that the circumstances are other than those stated by the hon. Member for Grimsby (Mr. Womersley), and, as the fishermen frequently exercise their rights, the point raised by the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) does not arise.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the ordinary articles of a seagoing ship drinking water is supplied free, whereas in a fishing smack they have to pay for their drinking water?

Will the hon. Gentleman oblige me and at the same time satisfy the conscience of the hon. Member for Grimsby, by instructing his officials to look into the matter, as the men are honestly afraid to complain?

Is my hon. Friend aware that the alleged charge for drinking water is a charge that is made by the railway company for putting it on board the vessels, and that it is charged up against the expenses of the vessel in the same way as other charges are put on the list; and that the sum distributed among the share fishermen is the amount that is left after these expenses have been met?

The hon. Member seems to be giving information to the House.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can communicate to the House the result of his inquiry into the possibility of the London and North Eastern Railway Company proceeding with the work of constructing a new fish dock at Grimsby?

I am informed by the railway company that, recognising that the accommodation for fish traffic at Grimsby was capable of improvement, they caused plans to be prepared for the provision of a new dock. The estimate of the cost, however, proved so high in relation to the probable financial return that the company were unable to see their way to proceed with the work, and their attitude towards the scheme has not altered in the interval.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the railway company, who are the owners of these docks, offered to spend £1,050,000, provided the Unemployment Grants Committee made a grant of £200,000 to cover the cost occasioned by the Government of the day stopping work in 1914, when it could have been done for £500,000?

I am not responsible for what went on in 1914.

Would not the sum of £200,000 build a very good fish station at Tobermory?

Is it not the fact that more fish are landed at Grimsby in one day than in 10 years at Tobermory?

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The hon. and learned Member is so full of information that he is depriving his colleagues of getting any.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will issue a statement showing the benefits derived by Great Britain from the operation of Empire preference between this country and each Dominion, Colony, and dependency, respectively?

I would point out that it is not possible to assess these benefits directly in terms of pounds, shillings and pence. I will, however, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table of figures giving certain particulars in respect of the Dominions of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the Union of South Africa for the year 1925, which is the latest year for which the information is available.

Figures showing the amount of the preferential rebates in the case of imports from the United Kingdom into Colonies and Protectorates during 1926 were given in an answer by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to the hon. Member for the Eastern division of Hull on 25th July last.

Will the hon. Member say in his general reply whether the benefits conferred on British trade by Imperial preference have been very substantial?

The total amount of the rebate is something over £12,000,000.

Will the hon. Member also circulate a return showing the benefits conferred by this country on the Dominions, including indirect as well as direct preference.

I am afraid that I can only answer the question on the Paper.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, owing to the duty on stuffed textile toys having been raised by Germany from 20 marks per 100 kilos to 1,050 marks per 100 kilos, our trade in these articles with that country is being destroyed; that Germany has raised the duty on the plea that such toys are used as mascots and decorations, whereas in reality it is only in stuffed textile toys that we can successfully compete with that country; and whether he will make representations to the German Customs authorities in view of the fact that German goods of similar character have free access to our markets?

I am aware of the change of classification to which my hon. Friend refers, and His Majesty's Embassy at Berlin have already been instructed to take the matter up with the German Government.

Is not this a good example of the great advantage to this country of having bargaining power when dealing with other countries?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the values of the imports, exports, and re-exports of the various classes of manufactured goods which now are subject on import to safeguarding or other duties during the years 1924, 1925 and 1927?

I am having a statement prepared, and, with the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL, REPORT as soon as it is ready.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the official home prices of the various classes of manufactured goods now subject on import to safeguarding or other duties for the years 1924 and 1927, respectively?

I regret to say that it is not possible to supply the information, as there are no official home prices for any of these classes of goods.

Are we to assume that references by the right hon. Gentleman in speeches to a reduction of prices are to be disregarded?

The question asks for official prices. There is no such thing an official prices. If the hon. Member will put clown a question as to what information the Department has on the question of prices, we may be able to give him certain information.

asked the Secretary for Mines what steps are being taken to bring about the opening of tin mines in Cornwall?

I do not understand what kind of steps the hon. Member has in mind, but I have no doubt that all tin mines will be worked which in the opinion of their owners can be worked profitably.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that the whole cost of the lighthouse service is borne by shipowners, he will take steps to place the administration of this service upon a new basis, with a view to giving them an effective voice in its control?

Certain questions connected with the administration of the lighthouse service are being discussed with representatives of shipowners, and it would be desirable to await the outcome of those discussions before any statement is made on general policy.

Will the hon. Member say when the results are likely to be made known?

I am afraid that I can give no indication at the moment.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that hon. Members have been informed many times that these discussions have taken place, but that as yet we have never heard with what result?

Discussions are actually taking place at this moment.

My point is that they have been taking place for years and that we have been promised replies; but have not had them.

I think it is the case that representations have been made for many years. It is only in recent years that they have reached the discussion stage.

I am glad to hear that a reformation has taken place since the hon. Member joined the Board of Trade.

May I ask with whom negotiations are taking place and whether those employed in the lighthouse service are being consulted?

At the moment, the negotiations are between the representatives of the shipowners and those who have to administer the lighthouse services.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is prepared to undertake a review of the whole lighthouse and lightship service with a view to determining what lights have ceased to be of sufficient use to warrant their retention; and whether he will then consider abolishing such lights and devoting the funds so saved to increasing the efficiency of the lighthouse service elsewhere?

I understand that the three general lighthouse authorities have constantly under consideration the question whether certain lights need be retained for the protection of shipping, but I am prepared to arrange for an investigation in the case of any particular lights which are regarded as superfluous if a sufficient body of prima facie evidence in support of this view is supplied to me.

May I ask whether this matter has been under consideration by the Joint Industrial Council for the lighthouse service?

The question as to what lights have ceased to be of sufficient use does not seem to me to be a matter for the Joint Industrial Council.

Will the hon. Member see that certain selfish shipowners do not secure the abolition of certain lights now badly needed by the smaller inshore craft?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that in certain British ships trading to the Far East, and in consequence making passage through the Tropics, no awnings are provided to shade the crews' living quarters and no ice chests in order to keep their food fresh, with the result that the men are on salt provisions on the second day out; and whether he will consider bringing to the notice of shipowners the need of these means of adding to the comfort of the forecastle hands?

As the inquiries which have been made show that British ships trading to the Tropics are generally provided with ice and awnings, a general recommendation on the subject would appear to be unnecessary, and there is no power to apply compulsion.

May I ask what can be done in the case of those British ships which are not carrying out these obligations? Are there no powers at all to deal with them?

Our inquiry showed that the situation is more satisfactory than we thought, but, if the hon. and gallant Member has any particular case in mind, we shall be pleased to do what we can to investigate it.

Is the hon. Member aware that I sent actual details of a case to the President of the Board of Trade, and does he not think that the fact that the majority of ships do carry out these obligations makes it all the more reasonable that something should be done against the minority who do not?

I have not seen the communication of the hon. and gallant Member.

Is the hon. Member aware that there is no foundation for such a statement and will he ask the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) to name the shipowners who are guilty of such neglect?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether ex-service men are disqualified for appointment to a temporary commission in the Royal Army Medical Corps if they are in receipt of a disability award?

The fact that an ex-service man is in receipt of a disability award is not in itself a disqualification for appointment to a temporary commission in the Royal Army Medical Corps, but such cases have naturally to be considered very carefully in view both of the possibility of aggravating the disability and of the danger of the officer's breakdown in the performance of his duties.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to a complaint by the German Minister for the occupied territories alleging that there had been no reduction in the cases of maltreatment or molestation of the population of the Rhineland by soldiers of the occupying force; whether any charges of maltreatment and molestation against British troops have been substantiated; and whether he will supply figures showing the number of complaints which have been proved to be well founded?

As regards the first part of the question, I have seen a copy of the communication to which no doubt the hon. Member refers, which fully recognises the action taken by the occupation authorities to punish any offences proved to have been committed by the troops against the civil population. As regards the second and third parts of the question, there were in 1926, 15 convictions by court-martial on charges such as theft, assault and creating a disturbance, in 1927, 14, and in 1928, up to date, none. It must be remembered that in Germany even trivial cases, which in this country would normally be disposed of by the Civil Courts, are dealt with by court-martial, and having regard to the conditions under which the troops are serving there, the figures do not, I think, show any abnormal incidence of offences of this nature.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of pensionable men who were discharged from the ordnance factories before they reached the age of 60 years, during 1925, 1926, and 1927, respectively?

The numbers of pensionable men who were retired or discharged from the ordnance factories, including Waltham and Enfield, before reaching the age of 60 years during the years, 1925, 1926 and 1927 were two, seven and two, respectively. Of these nine received pensions, one a gratuity, and in one case the man's service terminated through his breach of agreement during the general strike.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the considerable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Territorial officers in the discharge of their official duties; and whether arrangements can be made with the Treasury with a view to the allowance of such expenses as a deduction from the Income Tax returns of these officers?

During the period of annual training an officer of the Territorial Army is paid at the same rate as a Regular officer of corresponding rank, and from this pay a flat-rate deduction of £7 10s. is allowed for uniform expenses before any charge of Income Tax is made. He receives also certain untaxed allowances. I understand it would be contrary to the general principles of the Income Tax Acts to grant any further relief from Income Tax, such as my hon. Friend suggests.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that businesses are allowed to deduct any necessary expenses in connection with their businesses; and, surely, it would be only fair if these offices who sacrifice so much voluntarily, were allowed to deduct any expenses incurred by them in connection with their duties, from their Income Tax returns as out-of-pocket expenses?

I hope the hon. Member will put that question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I have no power to deal with the matter.

Would not my right hon. Friend, as Secretary of State for War, who is concerned with the welfare of the men doing this voluntary work, himself make representations to the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

The representations I have already made have produced a reduction of £7 10s. in regard to uniform expenses. That is as far as I can go. My hon. Friend was asking me a technical question relating to the Income Tax Act. As to that I know nothing, and must refer him to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Thomas Wyper, 124, Rutherglen Road, Glasgow, and late of the Gordon Highlanders, joined the Army several years ago in perfect health; that recently he was discharged unfit for service on medical grounds; that all claim to a pension has been refused; and that the man has since his discharge been under the constant care of the family doctor; if he will take steps to have the case reconsidered; and, if not, can he have the case decided by an appeal tribunal or can he state what right of appeal the man has?

I am having inquiries made, and will communicate with the hon. Member in due course.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I wrote to him about this case at least two months ago?

The hon. Member may not have noticed it, but the name of the particular soldier concerned was changed only this morning. As he put it down originally, the name began with the letter "B," but as it is on the Paper, it begins with the letter "W." These letters are sufficiently far apart in the alphabet to prevent me from tracing the case.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of first awards of pension to fresh applicants during 1927, and the number of conditional awards current on the 1st January, 1928?

The total number of first awards of all kinds made in the calendar year 1927 was 4,355. On the 1st January, 1928, there were about 8,500 officers and nurses and 146,000 men in receipt of conditional awards in respect of disablement arising out of service in the Great War.

Would it be possible to give the figures analysed for the various categories in the country?

I could not answer that question without notice.

asked the Minister of Pensions (1) how many disabled pensioners there are in Scotland; and what is the average number for the last three years of disabled or affected men without pension who have attended the Ministry centres for treatment;

(2) how many men in Scotland last year received home treatment with allowances; and what is the total number of hospital beds in Scotland which the Ministry considers adequate;

(3) how many Scottish disabled men are being treated in England; what are the numbers for the respective diseases or conditions; and where are the places of treatment?

As the answer involves a considerable amount of detailed figures, I propose to circulate the reply in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of cases in which applications for pensions have been rejected under the time limit by local area officials without reference to headquarters; and, if not, whether he will instruct these officials to keep a record of all such cases during the present year?

It is not the practice of the Department to keep a record of applications of this or of any other kind in which, for one reason or another, the Ministry are unable to take action, and my right hon. Friend would not he justified in requiring this additional record to be kept.

Is it not important that we should know how many persons are applying for pensions, and how many are being rejected under the seven years' limit, seeing that no figures are available either local or national?

If any man comes forward and applies for a pension and he gives no proof that his injury was due to war service, of course his application is rejected; but, if he can bring forward any proof at all that his injury is attributable to war service, his case will be taken up and looked into.

Is it not a fact that a large majority of the applications never get beyond the local office?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the projected eviction from his small holding of Mr. William E. Grierson, of Terregles, for arrears of rent and building annuity; whether he has been informed that this man is an ex-soldier twice severely wounded during the War, is without pension, and has sunk all his savings in his holding; that he is of good character and habits, and that his difficulties have largely accrued from flooding due to defective drainage, and to the effects of officially condemned buildings; that his agent has offered an instalment of £32 to a debt of £44, and that the Scottish Board of Agriculture has refused the offer; and whether he will make a special investigation into the facts of this case before eviction is proceeded with?

I am aware of the circumstances of this case which were fully reported to me before a decision to evict was reached. I do not accept the suggestion that Mr. Grierson's difficulties were due to the causes indicated in the third part of the question. The, fact is that the holding has been badly neglected, and that notwithstanding cancellation of debt to the extent of £38, the holder's debt at the time of his eviction amounted to £54. The position now is that proceedings have been taken to remove the holder and his relatives who have returned into unlawful occupation of the buildings. I see no reason to stay these proceedings.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the local sanitary authority officially condemned these buildings?

I have gone fully into the circumstances of the case, and I can see no reason for altering the decision.

But is not that a statement of fact—that the local sanitary authority officially condemned these buildings?

I am not aware of whether they condemned them or not, but that matter has no bearing on the question of the cultivation of the holding, and the work which the man was supposed to do.

Has the cultivation of this holding been compared with the cultivation of adjacent holdings?

It is easy to know when a holding has not been properly cultivated.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many of the applicants for small holdings, whose applications are still outstanding, placed their applications previous to 31st December, 1925?

At 31st December, 1925, the Board of Agriculture for Scotland's list contained 6,772 outstanding applications for small holdings, exclusive of applications for enlargements, and in the two years ended 31st December, 1927, 890 additional applications were received. By the latter date settlements and withdrawals had reduced the total outstanding to 4,924. It is not possible without a scrutiny of individual applications to say precisely how many of this total were lodged prior to 31st December, 1925.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider it worth while going into this matter to find out how many individuals have been waiting for many years to have applications for small holdings considered and granted by the Scottish Board of Health?

I do not think the cost and time required to make that inquiry would be justified.

I shall put down another question asking how many claims were held up prior to 1925.

What was the number of applications for enlargements?

I understand the outstanding claims on 31st December, 1925, were 3,283.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make inquiries into the cause of the delay in completing the highway known as the Bays Road, in South Harris?

The construction of this road has been completed as far as Geocrab with funds advanced by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland. The Board are unable meantime to consider the question of a further grant for an extension of the road.

asked the Sectary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the danger to the travelling public caused by the delay in taking over, as a public highway, the road in Harris, known as the Clisham deviation, he will make inquiries into the matter?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the nature of the inquiries he carried out in connection with the large number of persons under 21 years of age who were arrested and tried at the Glasgow Southern Court as compared with the Glasgow Queen's Park Court; where he secured the information regarding lack of parental control; and if he will, in view of the large difference, have a public inquiry into the whole position?

As regards the first two parts of the question, my reply to the question asked by the hon. Member on the 6th March followed upon reports which I obtained from the police. Lack of parental control is responsible for much juvenile crime, and it is indicated by the nature of many of the offences which are prevalent in the Southern Police Division of Glasgow. I see no reason for acceding to the suggestion in the last part of the question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question as to who

I have obtained a report on the subject. Responsibility for taking any necessary action to secure the inclusion of the road in the County List of Highways would appear to rest with the Harris District Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of schools in the Gorbals Division and the number of children attending them; the same figures for Pollok and Cathcart; and the average size of class in each of those places?

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the figures that he asks for.

I get reports from the police on the circumstances and nature of the crimes, and it is on those reports that I give answers.

Does the right hon. Gentleman take any precaution to inquire into the circumstances of the parents in these cases, where it is suggested that the children are left to themselves?

It is not for me to inquire. That is a matter for the Court.

Does the right hon. Gentleman contemplate any steps to find out how the police establish this charge of lack of parental control?

As I say, many of these crimes are obviously committed by youthful offenders, and this would not occur, if there were sufficient parental control.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries to see if there is not a difference in the police administration as between these two districts; and is he aware that the well-to-do district receives totaly different treatment from the police, compared with the poorer district?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in the well-to-do district the parents recollect the maxim of Solomon, "Spare the rod and spoil the child"?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has been able to assist milk sellers in Scotland to find an alternative preservative for cream in place of those prohibited by the Order which now comes into force?

The answer is in the negative.

Has the right hon. Gentleman had communications from big interests with reference to the loss that is going to be entailed through the failure to provide an alternative for the prohibited preservative?

yes, Sir, I have received representations, but my own view is that this cream can be kept without preservatives and that it is in the interests of the public health. I may add that the Scottish Board of Health is shortly receiving a deputation representing the interests concerned.

Has the right hon. Gentleman transmitted to the interests concerned, reasons in support of his view that it can be kept without preservatives?

The interests concerned are fully aware of the fact that cream produced in this country can be circulated to the public without these preservatives.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the opinion expressed by him is contrary to the views held by those engaged in the cream trade?

Is it not the case that the alternative is either cream with a little preservative, or no cream at all?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the price charged for cream is quite sufficient to protect vendors from loss due to depreciation?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury in view of the alleged drinking of methylated spirits in Glasgow, what steps are taken to see that such methylated spirits have been denatured?

Denaturation is the essential feature of the process of methylation of spirits. This process is confined by law to licensed methylators or authorised distillers or rectifiers. The operations of these traders are under strict control by the officers of Customs and Excise, who see that, in every case, the prescribed denaturants are properly mixed with the spirits.

In view of the alleged prevalence of this practice in Glasgow, is not the only safeguard to be found in a reduction in the duty upon whisky, thereby ensuring that the people will drink pure alcohol?

Was it not established by the figures published the other day that it is in those very districts of Glasgow where whisky drinking most abounds that the consumption of methylated spirits also abounds?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has inquired into the cause of the closing down of the Coppice Colliery, Heath Hayes, Staffordshire; and the reasons and the number of workers affected?

I have been informed by the Company that certain parts of this pit have been stopped as being unprofitable in present circumstances. The latest figures that I have of the numbers employed in the pit show a reduction of 260.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has been notified of the stoppage of the No. 4 pit of the West Cannock Collieries, Staffordshire; the reason; and what number of the workers have been transferred to other pits of the same company?

I have been informed by the company that coal winding ceased at this pit on 29th February. I have not been informed of the reason—nor can I say definitely how many of the workmen have found employment in the company's other pits. It appears from the latest return received that the number is about 60.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman make inquiries from the President of the Board of Trade as to whether this is the result of the coordination and amalgamation policy?

Are not both of these cases in Staffordshire examples of companies having followed out recommendations of the Samuel Commission?

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of boys aged from 14 to 16 employed in the British coal mines, and the number of fatal and non-fatal accidents, respectively, occurring in this age-group in the year 1927 or the latest date for which statistics are available?

In December, 1927, about 41,400 boys under 16 years of age were employed above and below ground at mines under the Coal Mines Act. The total number of boys of this age killed during 1927 was 37 and the total number seriously injured, 264. I regret that particulars of the number less seriously injured during 1927 are not yet available, but during 1925, when 51,700 boys were employed, the total number of seriously and less seriously injured was about 9,200.

Is it a fact that the number of boys killed or seriously injured has gone up in a bigger proportion than the increase of hours?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the Secretary for Mines what amalgamations have taken place in the Durham coalfields since the Samuel Report was issued?

I have not heard of any colliery amalgamations in Durham since the spring of 1926.

As apparently nobody has taken any notice of the amalgamation recommendation, is the Minister taking any interest in the matter, as he knows how many unemployed there are in the mining industry?

I am taking the interest to find out, and I have been notified, as I say, of no amalgamations.

Then are we to understand that there is no attempt at amalgamations in the county of Durham?

No. The hon. Member must understand only what I have just stated, namely, that I have no knowledge of any amalgamation having taken place.

I understood the Minister to say that he had no knowledge of any since the spring of 1926. Are we to understand that at the present time there are no attempts at amalgamation taking place in Durham?

I did not say attempts. If the hon. Member had listened to my answer, he would know that I said that I had not heard of any colliery amalgamations.

Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman's Department taken any steps to see that the spirit of the Coal Mines Act, 1926, is carried out, so that amalgamations for efficiency purposes de take place?

The Department has to report to this House after the 1st August what amalgamations have taken place. In the meantime, it is for the colliery companies themselves to amalgamate.

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We cannot follow this question further.

asked the Secretary for Mines what was the amount of coal raised in Durham for the years 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926 and 1927; and the cost per ton for wages and for expenditure, other than wages, and the amount paid to royalty owners, in those years in the county of Durham?

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

May I have an answer in regard to the amount paid to royalty owners?

asked the Secretary for Mines the pit-head value of coal in Great Britain, Germany, France, and the United States of America for 1913 and 1927, respectively?

In 1913 the average pit-head value of coal in Great Britain, Germany and France was 10.1, 11.2 and 13.6 shillings per statute ton, respectively. In the United States of America, pit-head values in that year were 10 shillings for anthracite and 5.5 shillings for bituminous coal. The estimated pit-head value in Great Britain in 1927 was 14.6 shillings per ton, but similar information for the other countries is not yet available.

asked the Secretary for Mines the figures showing the production of coal in Great Britain, Europe, and the United States of America respectively, for 1913 and 1927?

I am giving that. The answer to that question is in the figures that I am giving.

But I would like to know if the hon. and gallant Gentleman will inform the House whether the royalty owners have given up any portion of their earnings to help the County of Durham at the present time?

That is not in the question.

As the reply includes a statistical table, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary for Mines how much progress is being made in extracting oil from coal; and how much is being done to encourage experiments in low-temperature carbonisation and other methods?

There are now five plants, each designed for a throughput of 100 tons a day or more, in working order in this country, representing at least five different processes for the low-temperature carbonisation of coal. There are some six or eight further systems represented by plants with a capacity of 10 tons a day or over. These include the type developed at His Majesty's Fuel Research Station, of which a 100-ton a day plant is being erected by the Gas Light and Coke Company. Large commercial plants of several of the other systems are stated to be under erection. The results obtained from these plants during the next few years should show how far, and under what conditions, each type is likely to be a commercial success. I would refer the hon. Member also to the recently issued Annual Report of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and to the answer of the President of the Board of Education to the hon. Member for Springburn (Mr. Hardie) on 1st December last.

Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman any information as to the kind of coal that is being used for this low temperature carbonisation, whether it is non-coking coal or the ordinary small coal?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been drawn to the scheme announced by the coalowners of Scotland for the closing down of collieries by agreement among the owners, the payment of compensation to the proprietors of the closed collieries of 6d. per ton on all coal sold for home consumption by the collieries that continue to operate; whether the scheme provides for the raising of prices on the home market by 1s. 6d. per ton; and what steps, if any, he is taking to provide compensation to colliers who are thrown idle by these arrangements?

I am informed that the scheme referred to by the hon. Member involves a levy on all coal raised other than that sold for export and bunkers, and a further levy on coal sold to public utility undertakings. The amount so raised is to be used for reducing the potential output of Scottish mines, but I understand that the basis of compensation has not yet been fixed. In reply to the last part of the question, I have at present no grounds for supposing that any miners now employed will be thrown idle by the introduction of the scheme.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that it is an essential part of the scheme that pits shall he closed and that that has been publicly announced by the coalowners themselves; and what steps is he taking to safeguard the rights of the colliers who are affected?

I am not aware that the object of the scheme is to close pits. I am speaking of potential output, not actual output, and at present there are some seven or eight million tons of potential output not being worked in Scotland.

Is not this Scottish scheme in, accordance with one of the recommendations of the Samuel Commission?

Does my hon. and gallant Friend not regard this scheme as a very encouraging development in the coal industry?

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman think it is a wise policy to transfer the extra cost of coal on to the British consumer in favour of the foreigner?

Seeing that the hon. and gallant Gentleman is not aware of the effect of these schemes in Scotland and in parts of England, will he inquire whether or not these schemes are closing collieries as is suggested in the question?

Arising out of the original answer, may I ask whether in point of fact this scheme is not a direct subsidy to foreign manufacturers who use, British coal against British manufacturers?

Is it not owing to the encouragement of strikes, thereby losing many of our markets, that this scheme has been put forward?

May I——

These are all matters of opinion, not facts.

asked the Secretary of Mines, if he has any information of any variation which has taken place during the past six months in the programme for the delivery of reparation coal by Germany to France, Belgium, and Italy?

The programmes of reparation coal deliveries to France remained unchanged at 1,000,000 tons a month during the six months October 1927-March 1928. The Belgian programme was reduced from 250,000 tons to 100,000 tons a month in December 1927, The Italian programme was 255,000 tons a month in October-November 1927, 266,000 tons in December, 420,000 in January 1928 and 425,000 tons in February and March.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has any figures showing the number of road bridges in England and Wales on scheduled roads, first and second class, respectively, which are closed to heavy vehicles; and what steps are proposed to strengthen these bridges sufficiently to make them capable of bearing such vehicles?

I regret that these figures are not at my disposal. While it is not for my Department to initiate schemes for strengthening bridges, I am always glad to give favourable consideration to proposals prepared to that end by the responsible highway authorities.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that large areas of the country are cut off from heavy motor traffic, with all its advantages to trade, because of weak bridges; and does he not think that it is his business to see into the matter?

I have given considerable assistance in the past to strengthening these weak bridges, and I propose to continue to do so in future.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman tell the House the number of bridges, built under Royal Charter, which have been taken over and thrown upon the community without any burden being placed upon the original owners?

I cannot do that without notice.

Have any schemes been deposited in the Ministry of Transport for the repair of such bridges and since abandoned on account of the depredations of the right hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

That is quite an erroneous impression.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the proposal to establish a central motor-coach terminal station for London on a site in Bloomsbury, he has considered the suitability of the locality for this purpose, with regard to the width of the approach roads and the risk of creating dangerous traffic conditions?

A proposal for a motor-coach terminal station in this area has been brought to my notice, and, so far as my information goes, the site does not appear to be open to objection an the ground stated in the question. I should add, however, that I have no powers of control in the matter.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say who has the power?

I do not know.

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not agree that it is of sufficient importance for him to find out?

No, Sir. If there be any likelihood of congestion, which I understand there is not, it is much better that the loading of goods and passengers should take place on private ground rather than in the street.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that other people do not take his view?

Order, order!

This is Question Time.