asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the percentage of the total imports of cotton manufactures for the Dominions, India, and chief Colonies of the Empire combined that are of British origin for the latest year available?

In view of differences of classification it is not possible to state the percentage of all cotton manufactures imported into Empire countries which represents goods exported from the United Kingdom. Cotton yarns and piece goods, however, constitute about 90 per cent., by value, of the exports of all cotton manufactures from the United Kingdom to all destinations, and during 1927 imports from the United Kingdom represented about 70 per cent., by value, of the aggregate imports of cotton yarns and cotton piece goods into the Dominions, British India, and other British countries overseas.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give any figures, in values or volumes, as to the distribution of our cotton trade as between the home market, the rest of the Empire, and foreign countries?

The answer consists of a table of figures with introductory notes. Accordingly, my hon, and gallant Friend will perhaps permit me to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation during the present Session of Parliament to abolish the many obsolete legal restrictions which are hindering the development of the gas industry?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Sutton, Plymouth (Viscountess Astor) on 8th November, a copy of which I am sending him.

Is the Department fully alive to the need for the withdrawal of these restrictions, which are a serious hindrance to the development of this industry; and, in view of the fact that the gas industry is such a large consumer of coal, would it not facilitate the development of the coal industry if the restrictions were withdrawn?

I am probably more alive than almost anyone, as I have been working on it for the last two years, to the need for some legislation, but the whole field covered by the different problems involve matters which would inevitably lead to a great deal of discussion. Some of them would probably be controversial, and it would not be possible to deal with them at a time when there is not an opportunity for full Parliamentary discussion.

In view of its importance to the gas industry, and the importance of the gas industry as a subsidiary of the coal industry, could not this legislation be expedited?

It does not rest with me to expedite the business—

With the Cabinet.

—nor with the Cabinet to expedite the business in this House; the hon. Gentleman knows what time is inevitably taken up in discussions in this House on large Measures.

Will the right hon. Gentleman speed up the Committee which, I understand, has this matter under consideration, with a view to bringing up some kind of recommendation; and, if they do bring up a recommendation to wipe out these obsolete restrictions, will the Government give consideration to the matter?

Of course, the Government will give consideration. As a matter of fact, the National Fuel and Power Committee are proceeding as fast as they can, and I shall probably receive their Report to-day. This question divides itself into matters which are controversial, and those which are not, and naturally I cannot commit the Government at this stage to any matters which are not entirely settled by common consent without discussion.

asked the President of the Board of Trade under which heading in the Trade Returns the dutiable imports of pottery are included; and, if these are now separately classified, can he state what these imports have totalled during the last three months and during the corresponding period in 1926?

The answer is rather long, and perhaps my hon. Friend will not object to my circulating it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Has there been any new application for an extension of the duties on pottery?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the Coalition Government in 1920 guaranteed the bills of the Russian Government's purchasing agency in London to the value of £350,000 for the purchase of herrings: that this course assisted the fishing industry at that time; whether he can state if those bills were honoured by the Russian Government; and whether he is prepared to recommend a similar proceeding in order to assist the fishing industry?

No such guarantee as is suggested in the first part of the question was given by the Government in 1920. The hon. Member may have in mind the sale of Government stocks of herrings by the Disposal and Liquidation Commission in 1921 to the Russian Government's Agents. The bills which were accepted in part payment for these herrings were not guaranteed by the British Government, but they were duly honoured. No question of sale of Government stocks of herrings now arises and as regards any suggestion that the Government should guarantee bills for Russian purchases from private traders I refer to the reply given yesterday by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Department of Overseas Trade, and to my reply to the hon. Member's question on the 15th of November.

Does that mean that the Government when investing in surplus stocks are prepared to underwrite their sale to Russia, but when it is a question of private persons like poor fishermen they can do nothing?

No, Sir. As I have explained in my answer, the Government do not underwrite.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, with regard to the draft Order which has been issued under the Merchandise Marks Act for marketing sultanas, raisins, eggs, and oatmeal and oat products, whether, in view of the undertaking given by the President of the Board of Trade that the Government would not agree to such an Order being made unless and until the marketing scheme of the Ministry was in full operation, and of the fact that that. scheme does not come into operation until 1st February, 1929, he will say when the draft Order is to come into effect?

The period after which the various provisions of the draft Order in Council shall come into operation is shown, in respect of each class of articles, at the end of Parts I and IV of the Order. In the case of eggs in shell, the period is four months after the Order is made. It cannot, therefore, come into force until towards the end of April next, at the earliest, and by that time the marketing scheme will have been in actual operation for some three months. Indeed, many of the packing centres that will work under the scheme are already sending out supplies in the approved manner.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking to the Federation of Grocers' Associations that no Order for marketing imported eggs should be brought into operation till there was experience of this marketing scheme, and did not that mean that he would again consult them after experience had been obtained of the marketing scheme before finally bringing the Order into force?

There is a notice in the papers with reference to this question this evening.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that foreign apples are being imported into this country, made into cider, and sold on the market as "Somerset" or "Devonshire" cider; and will he take steps to have this misrepresentation stopped under the Merchandise Marks Act?

Apart from the obvious difficulty of proving that any particular sample of cider actually contained the juice of foreign apples, I am advised that the sale as "Somerset" or "Devonshire" cider of cider manufactured in those counties, in whole or in part, from foreign apples, would not infringe the provisions of the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887. I am also advised that, if an Order in Council were made under Section 2 of the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, in respect of imported cider, it would not apply to cider made in this country from imported apples. On the other hand, if an Order were made requiring the marking of imported apples, it would not be necessary for cider manufactured from them to bear an indication of the origin of the apples.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that shipments of French apples are said to have been landed at Plymouth and sold for the purpose indicated in the question?

Yes, I have no doubt that this practice is quite common, but I have also no doubt that no power to interfere.

asked the Secretary for the Overseas Trade Department if he is aware of the inadequacy of the advertisement of British goods in Canada, Australia, and other Dominions where fiscal and voluntary preferences indicate the desire to make larger purchases; and whether he can take steps to assist in remedying this inadequacy?

I am fully aware of the need for more advertisement of British goods in the Dominions, and my Department loses no opportunity of impressing this on British traders.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the s.s. "River Clyde" is now in the market; and whether the Board will make any endeavours towards the return of this ship to the British flag, with view to her use for training purposes, if moored permanently alongside the Embankment or elsewhere, and also towards making her available for public inspection?

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of questions which were asked in the House in the year 1920, and of the answers given by Mr. Bonar Law explaining why the Government had decided that the "River Clyde" should be sold. The Board of Trade have no funds which could be used for the purpose of the re-purchase and preservation of this vessel.

asked the President of the Board of Trade on what grounds a shipping company owned by a foreign Government and trading in busi- ness in this country, ostensibly on the same basis as British shipping companies, is permitted to claim immunity from legal liability on the ground that it does not really exist as a company but is merely a trading name for its owner Government or for one of its Government Departments; and whether any steps are taken to compel such a shipping company clearly to indicate on its letter heads, tickets, and other contractual forms its ownership and identity as a Government Department and not as a company, so that prospective contractors, such as travellers, cargo owners, and business firms, may not be misled regarding the company's immunity from legal liability?

I understand that the grounds upon which the immunity referred to is based are, that our Courts will not exercise by their process jurisdiction over foreign Sovereign States, in accordance with the principle of International Law and international comity. As I think the hon. and learned Member is aware, negotiations are proceeding for the conclusion of an international convention upon the matter which, if adopted, would considerably limit the operation of the present principle. I have no power to take the steps mentioned in the last part of the question, but where foreign Government vessels are operated by a foreign company carrying on business in this country, those companies are required to file the documents and give the information required by Section 274 of the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908.

In the meantime, could the right hon. Gentleman make it known that anybody who travels on the United States Line and loses his baggage can be confronted by this plea of diplomatic immunity; similarly, any person who accepts a service agreement with this company cannot enforce it; and will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to make that publicly known? Alternatively, will he make it impossible for the United States Line to trade in this country without making it known on their note-paper that they are going to make this plea?

The hon. Gentleman has made the statement in a very public place.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with a view to affording wireless operators on board ships a chance of saving their own lives when their ships have to be abandoned, he will issue instructions that investigations be undertaken to devise a means by which the wireless apparatus can be set to tap out automatically the S 0 S signal and the latitude and longitude of the vessel?

I am advised that there would probably be no great difficulty in devising an instrument of the kind contemplated by the hon. Member, but it would in ordinary cases be of very little use as it would be in operation for a very short time. Further, it might cause great inconvenience by interfering with the messages exchanged between the rescuing ships, and it makes no provision for the very important part of an operator's duty which is to receive messages from the ships coming to the rescue and give them the latest information.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this instrument can be operated by a dynamo controlled entirely on deck, and will not interfere with the electric apparatus on board?

I am afraid that the hon. Gentleman did not catch my answer. I agree that there would be no difficulty in devising such an apparatus, but the actual sending out of these automatic messages would interfere with messages exchanged with rescuing ships; secondly, a very important part of the operator's duty is to receive messages from the ships which are going to the rescue of the ship in distress.

Is it not a fact that many of these wireless operators in recent disasters have remained at their posts, and have gone down with the ship, solely for the purpose of sending out the S 0 S, whereas the S 0 S could be tapped automatically and these men could have an equal chance of saving their lives?

It is not as simple as that. Operators have behaved with tremendous gallantry by remaining at their posts, and have not merely sent out the S O S, but have been able to receive messages from ships coming to their rescue, and go on giving the position of the ship.

That is not quite the point which I am putting; it is that at the very last moment of emergency, when any messages received from any other ship is of no use, and it is beyond the power of the wireless operator to indicate—[HON. MEMBERS: Speech!"]—whereas he could save his own life if he had an automatic machine tapping out the S 0 S.

I am sure that my Department will be glad at any time to discuss with the hon. Gentleman the practicability and the value of any such apparatus, but he must bear in mind the difficulties I have indicated in my answer.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information regarding several lumber-laden sailing vessels which have been reported as abandoned in the North Atlantic, but have not yet been reported as destroyed, and are causing anxiety to shipmasters working off the American coast; whether he is aware that derelicts loaded with timber are difficult to destroy without the use of explosives; and whether he will again consider issuing depth charges or other suitable explosives to ships trading on these routes?

Information as to derelicts is published by the Admiralty and by the 'United States Hydrographic Office; it is also broadcast to mariners through selected stations and published in the shipping press. I am unable to identify the particular reports to which the hon. Member refers, and should be glad if he will give me further information. I have again considered the hon. Member's suggestion as to the use of depth charges by merchant ships, and I am afraid it is not practicable.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it feasible, or possible, at all events, that the "Vestris" met her untimely end through one of these floating derelicts?

I think it would be extremely unwise for anybody to express an opinion as to what caused that unhappy casualty till we have had the fullest inquiry.

Has the right bon. Gentleman not heard of the statements continually made by masters of steamers who have seen these wrecks floating about of their danger to shipping?

I have answered that question. I have asked the hon. Member to supply me with some information.

Is it not the case that a depth charge could not possibly sink a timber-laden ship?

I am not so sure that that would be so if it were expertly operated, but I am quite sure that in the hands of a crew inexperienced in the handling of high explosives the operating of a depth charge might prove to be more dangerous than the dangers arising from the presence of the derelict.

rose—

We are spending too much time on this matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of officers and crew, in each department, carried on the steamship "Kentish Coast," which was driven ashore on the 16th in Plymouth Sound, and how many were saved?

The "Kentish Coast" had a crew of 14 officers and men, eight on deck and six in the engineroom. All were saved.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of officers and crew, in each department, carried on the steamship "Eltham," which ran ashore at Chapel Porth, Cornwall, on 17th November, and was wrecked, and how many lives were lost?

I understand from the owners that the steamship "Eltham" had a total crew of 11, seven on deck and four in the engine-room. I regret to say that all lives appear to have been lost.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the number of certificated officers who were on board?

I should like notice of that question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the manning of our trading vessels is as it ought to be—that it is within the terms of the Commission's report as to the number of certificated officers?

If the hon. Member is putting a question as to the general regulations as to the manning of ships at sea, I really must see it on the Paper.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state how many vessels were within 100 miles of the steamship "Vestris" when she sent out the S O S signals; how many of the vessels carried one wireless operator only who did not receive the S O S; how many had snore than one, operator, but who did not receive the S O S on account of business press, etc., on long waves; how many carried auto-alarms which did not respond; and why the "Vestris" sailed without two motor-boats fitted with wireless?

It is not possible at present to say what vessels were within 100 miles of the "Vestris," or to give particulars of their equipment, lint inquiries are being made. It is undesirable to make any statement as to the equipment of the "Vestris" while the matter is sub judice.

Is it not a fact that wireless officers have again and again complained that there are not enough competent men on ships, and that the practice of putting on men not fully trained instead of fully qualified' men leads to disaster in times of danger?

If the hon. Member wishes to ask a question on that subject, he ought to put it on the Paper.

When representing the point of view of the British mercantile marine, will the right hon. Gentleman's Department take into very careful consideration representations from the Wireless Operators' Association on the matter?

Their representations are always considered.

(by Private Notice) asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the American steamship "Montoso" was so placed that had she been fitted with wireless as she would have been under British regulations she could have reached the scene of the steamship "Vestris" within two hours of the S.O.S. call and have transferred the passengers and crew before it became necessary to launch the lifeboats, and whether having regard to the international importance of this question he will take the necessary steps to have it investigated?

I have seen statements in the Press to the effect referred to by the right hon. Gentleman. As I explained this afternoon to the hon. Member for the Edge Hill Division (Mr. Hayes), inquiries are being made to see what information can be obtained as to the vessels which were within 100 miles of the "Vestris" when she sent out the S.O.S. signals.

On a point of Order. May I ask whether a question of this kind might not be considered anti-American propaganda?

Seeing that a very gallant captain is unable to defend himself, is it not the duty of anyone in this country to see that every step that can be taken will be taken to preserve the good name of that captain?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department is willing to consider the certification of sea-going electricians on the same lines as sea-going engineers?

On the information before me, I do not think that there are, at the present time, sufficient grounds for proposing legislation to compel ships to carry certificated electricians in addition to the certificated engineers which they are already required by law to carry.

In view of the increasing responsibility of electrical engineers, and the fact that an electrically-propelled ship is now being built in Glasgow and that sonic engineers from the marine side have been taken on for her, does not the right hon. Gentleman see the necessity of having this class of engineers put on the same basis in this respect as the ordinary steam engineers?

No, Sir. This matter has been carefully considered and will, of course, continue to be watched, but in the first place ordinary engineering officers have an increasing knowledge of electricity, and, in the second place, hon. Members know that in the case of nearly all electrical plant there is an alternative plant for use if it, goes wrong. It must also be kept in mind that if large repairs had to be done to the electrical equipment, the ship would have to go into dock.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider making it compulsory that every passenger boat carry at least one motor lifeboat equipped with wireless and a wireless receiver, so that in the case of disaster the work of rescue ships may be hastened and facilitated?

The Life-Saving Appliances Rules, which were revised in 1924, after full consideration by the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee, require in the case of foreign-going passenger ships that if the ship carries more than 10 boats, one shall be fitted with a wireless telegraph apparatus; if more than 15 boats, one shall be a motor boat fitted with a wireless telegraph apparatus, and if more than 20 boats, two shall be motor boats so fitted. As at present advised, I do not propose to alter these Rules, but the question of motor boats and wireless will be amongst those considered by the International Conference on Safety of Life at Sea which meets next spring.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the relations between his Department and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution; what responsibility he assumes for the upkeep of the lifeboat service and the suitability and efficiency of the lifeboats and the equipment; and whether he has any fund from which grants can be made to the dependants of lifeboatmen who lose their lives at sea in the lifeboat service?

The Board of Trade is, in the language of Section 713 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, "the Department to undertake the general superintendence of all matters relating to merchant shipping and seamen," and the President of the Board of Trade has to deal with any questions that may be raised in Parliament as to the efficiency of the lifesaving service round the coasts. Subject to the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Acts, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution has, and always has had, the full responsibility for providing and maintaining the lifeboat service on the coasts of the British Isles, a duty which by common agreement has been discharged faithfully and well since the Institution was founded in 1824. The coast watching service and the rocket apparatus service are under the direct control of the Board of Trade, whose officers keep in close touch with the officers of the Institution. The answer to the last part of the question is 'in the negative, but l understand that the Institution has a pension scheme under which weekly payments are made to the dependants of all who lose their lives at sea in the lifeboat service.

Without belittling the right hon. Gentleman's eulogy of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, may I ask if he is aware that owing to the beach-master and the assistant beach-master, the receivers of wrecks, and the rocket apparatus being under the Board of Trade, there must be some occasional confusion; and will he consider appointing a suitable Committee to see how this confusion can be avoided in future?

No, Sir; I do not think that there is the least confusion between the coastguard service and the lifeboat service; they both have distinct services to perform, and the lifeboats are manned by the lifeboat crews under the Lifeboat Institution, while the rocket apparatus is under the Board, of Trade. They work very closely together, and I do not think that there is any cause for any investigation in the matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that his powers are sufficient, and that the position is altogether to his own satisfaction?

Yes, I think that my powers are quite sufficient, and I do not see any reason for seeking to take away from the Lifeboat Institution the great public service which they have discharged very well for the past century.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total tonnage and value, f.o.b., of coal exported for the nine months ended 30th September, 1925, and similar figures for the nine months ended 30th September, 1928, and the average price per ton for each period?

The quantity of coal exported from the United Kingdom in the nine months ended 30th September, 1925, was 37,464,815 tons, and in the nine months ended 30th September, 1928, was 37,009,634 tons. The declared value (f.o.b.) of these exports in 1925 was £38,197,224, or an average of 20s. 4½d. per ton, and in 1928 £28,926,377, or an average of 15s. 7½d. per ton.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, although the exports have increased, their value this year is down by from £8,000,000 to £9,000,000, and does he think that is going to put the mining industry on its feet?

Is not the figure of 15s. 7d., which is the average for the September quarter, within 10 per cent. of the pre-War price of coal; and how, then, can the right hon. Gentleman account for the fact that business is in so bad a way?

That does not arise out of the original question.

In view of the tremendous reduction in the price of coal for export, can the right hon. Gentleman assure us that any value accruing from the de-rating proposals will not be given to the foreigner?

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will give a list of the pits in the South Wales coalfield and in the North Wales coalfield, at which work was proceeding up to 1st April, 1928, but has since totally ceased, naming their location and the collieries to which they belong?

Since 1st April, 1928, 58 pits, normally employing 16,300 wage-earners, have closed in South Wales, and four pits, normally employing 547 wage-earners, in North Wales. Of these 62 pits, 17 are very small, employing less than 10 persons each. I will send the hon. Member a list of those pits which employed 10 or more persons. During the same period 42 pits, at present employing 3,900 wage-earners, have been opened, or re-opened, in South Wales.

Do these figures include the case of Nixon's Navigation Company, of Mountain Ash, who closed down their pits last week and have not yet paid their workmen's wages for the previous week's work?

The last part of the hon. Member's supplementary question does not, I think, arise, but the list which I am sending to the hon. Member for Anglesey (Sir R. Thomas) does include Nixon's Navigation Company.

Would the hon. and gallant Gentleman be good enough to make an investigation into the last point that I made, as it is causing great distress in that district?

If the hon. Member will see me afterwards on the matter, I will look into it.

asked the Secretary for Mines what is the total number of underground workers at present employed in Lancashire, the number of mines which have been closed since 1st January, 1928, and the number of work-people thrown out of work as a result in the above county?

The estimated total number of underground wage-earners at the present time employed at coal mines in Lancashire is 61,100. Since 1st January, 1928, 28 pits have closed and not reopened. These 28 pits normally employed 4,300 wage-earners, of whom it is estimated 3,170 were employed underground.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Mr. A. Hall, of 35, Alma Street, Stapleton Road, Bristol, who is claiming a special pension granted to old soldiers on reaching the age of 65 years and who is in possession of the requisite wail medals; whether he is aware that the claim has been refused as the claimant's age is incorrectly registered in the Army records, due to the fact that the recruiting sergeant entered Mr. Hall's age as some years younger on his enlistment 42 years ago in order to give the impression that the recruit was a growing lad, as his height was considerably under the required standard; and whether he will inquire into this case?

In the absence of further particulars, I am unable to identify the case to which the hon. Member refers. But, as was stated on the 13th of this month, in reply to the hon. Member for West Middlesbrough (Mr. K. Griffith), the age given by a recruit on his first attestation is accepted as his correct age throughout his career for various Army purposes, including the assessment of pension.

Is it not common knowledge that at the date in question recruiting officers were in the habit of adjusting the age of recruits in order to secure their admission to the Army, and, if that is the case, is not the responsibility for the inaccurate age a matter for the War Office and not for the recruit?

No, Sir, it is not common knowledge.

Is it not the fact that recruiting sergeants are tempting misled youths in this direction?

I am not aware of that fact.

If the appliiant can give proof—

I would point out that the hon. Member is opening his question in a dangerous way with the word "If."

When the applicant gives definite evidence that his age is different from that on the attestation form, will the Minister see that a pension is given?

No, Sir, the rule is that the age given at the time that he enlisted is the age taken throughout his career as his correct age.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of men who are receiving pensions in consequence of war service previous to 1914; whether they receive the same rate of pension as those whose pensions have been awarded for service in the Great War; and, if they do not, what the difference of the rate is?

I have been asked to answer this question. The number of men in receipt of pensions in respect of disablement resulting from service in former wars is about 5,750. These pensioners receive the same rates of pension according to their degree of disablement as those pensioned in respect of Great War disablement, unless it is more advantageous to them to be dealt with under the Pensions Increase Warrants of 26th September, 1921, and 13th March, 1925, which provide under certain conditions for a percentage increase on the pre-War pension.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men and boys offered themselves as recruits for the Army during 1927; how many were accepted; and how many were rejected on medical grounds?

The hon. Member will find figures for the recruiting year 1926–27 on page 12 of the General Annual Report on the British Army for 1927.

asked the Secretary of State for War what were the total numbers of officers and men in the French, British, American, Japanese, and Italian armies on 31st July, 1914, and 31st July, 1928?

I am having a statement prepared, which I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what were the total numbers of the personnel of the British, French, American, Japanese arid Italian navies on the 31st July, 1914, and the 31st July, 1928?

The figures are as follow, in round thousands. The precise figures will be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT:

Great Britain (not including Dominions), 15th July, 1914, 146,000; 15th July, 1928, 101,000. United States of America, 1914, 67,000; 1928, 113,000. Japan, 1914, 50,000; 1928, 85,000. France,1914, 69,000; 1928, 62,000.Italy, 1914, 40,000; 1928, 46,000.

In view of the figures which my right hon. Friend has just given, will he point out to certain other Powers that we have done more than most other nations in reducing our Services at the present time, and, further, will he make certain that before larger and heavier reductions are made our position will be absolutely secure?

I am always trying to point out that we have done more in the direction of disarmament than any other country, and, as regards the future, I will do my best to see that this country is secure.

Will the right lion. Gentleman do his best to discourage dangerous anti-American propaganda among his own followers?

I presume that the hon. Gentleman refers to this question.

And many others.

There is no harm in telling the truth.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he can make a statement of the steps that would have to be made if an air service were established among European Powers based on the standard of equality?

No, Sir, I do not think I can usefully make any statement upon this subject at the present juncture beyond pointing out that the best means of effecting air disarmament is already engaging the attention of the Preparatory Commission for the Disarmament Conference. This body has already examined various formulae for the limitation of air forces and is fully alive to the importance of preventing the disastrous competition in air armaments which an agreement on the basis of equality would obviate.

Will the hon. Gentleman say what was the standard of equality he had in mind when he made his speech?

I said that it is engaging the attention of the Preparatory Commission at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the mechanised force, trained and organised on Salisbury Plain last summer, is to continue as such or whether it is to be broken up and reorganised with other units?

The units of the experimental mechanised force which were trained last year on Salisbury Plain will be dispersed. This force fulfilled its purpose. Valuable experience was gained which is enabling us to extend the experiment. Two new groups of mechanised units will be formed, one in the Aldershot and one in the Southern Command, for that purpose.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me whether the cost of this force has been more than he anticipated, and how does the cost of the mechanised force compare with that of other forces?

I think it is impossible to make such a comparison in answer to a question.

Are these mechanised forces being used to take part in the retreat from Colchester?

At present, there is no retreat.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many parish councils in Scotland have written to him protesting against the proposals contained in the Government's Local Government (Scotland) Bill, and how many in favour?

Twenty parish councils have written opposing the proposals generally and 79 have written opposing the transfer of the powers of parish councils to county councils. Three parish councils have written in favour of the proposals.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many educational authorities in Scotland have written to him protesting against the pro- posals contained in the Government's Local Government (Scotland) Bill; and how many in favour?

I have received representations against the transfer of the powers of education authorities to county councils from 18 education authorities, and in favour from one.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that the average cost for local rates per ton of coal produced in Yorkshire for the year 1927 was 3.51d., and for the eight months ended 31st August, 1928, the average cost per ton raised was 3.87d.; and will he state how he arrives at the conclusion that the estimated reduction in the cost of production of coal in Yorkshire due to the de-rating of the collieries would be about 4d. per ton?

The answer to the first. part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I would remind the hon. Member that colliery assessments are nearly all based on the output of a previous period. The figures I gave in reply to a question on 2nd May and those quoted by the hon. Member include periods during which the assessments were affected by the shortage of production during 1926, whereas the figures I quoted on 19th and 20th November, relate to the six months ended 30th September this year, when rates paid were based on more normal assessments. The figure of approximately 4d. per ton of coal commercially disposable which I quoted as the estimated average relief from the de-rating of the collieries themselves, is correct. By basing my calculations on the September quarter only I could have justified even a slightly higher figure.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that while the figure relating to the rate per ton at the coal mines is constantly a varying factor the figure which the hon. Gentleman has given is an abnormal one; and is he further aware that while he takes the figures for the six months ending September, the figures for the three months ending March were less than 50 per cent. of the rates that have been paid since; and will he now correct this figure on the basis, not of three or six months, but on the basis of the last three or four years?

No, Sir; there is nothing to correct. As I have already told the hon. Gentleman, the figures I have quoted justify a slightly higher rate.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the output for the last three months is much less than the output for the first three months? That is to say, that the circumstances to-day are absolutely abnormal?

As the hon. Member knows perfectly well, the output for the last quarter has no effect on the actual rates for the previous quarter. The output for a particular period has nothing to do with the rate assessment for that period.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that the average sum paid for local rates per ton of coal produced in Yorkshire, for the half-year ended December, 1927, was 2.57d.; for the half-year ended June, 1928, 3.33d.; and will he state what percentage this represented of the cost of production?

The figures quoted by the hon. Member are correct on the basis of saleable coal produced, but the usual practice, where questions refer to costs, is to take the basis of coal commercially disposable. The latter was the basis used in the reply given to the hon. Member on the 20th November. On this basis the figures would be 2.77d. and 3.6d. The amounts in either case represent 1.59 and 2.14 per cent., respectively, of the cost of production in the two periods.

is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that these figures are for a continuous period of 12 months, and represent 100 per cent. of the amount paid for rates, and does he now think that only 4d. represents 75 per cent. of the amount paid for rates on collieries?

I am perfectly satisfied that 4d. represents the present rate, on the figures which I gave to the hon. Member on the 20th November.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, having regard to the long continued severe depression in the forging trade, he will include that branch of the iron and steel industry among those to receive coal freight relief, as named in Part II. of the White Paper (Cmd. 3215) referring to the Railway Freight Rebates (Anticipation)?

The definition of iron and steel works for the purposes of the Railway Freight Rebates (Anticipation) Scheme was settled after consultation with representatives of the iron and steel trade, and it is not practicable at this date to amend it. My hon. Friend will appreciate that, as any question whether particular works fall within the terms of the definition may have to be determined under paragraph 8 of the Scheme by me or by a person appointed by me, it is undesirable that I should express a general opinion as to the position of the class of works which he has in mind.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that should forges not be included in the Clause of Part II. referred to, in addition to rolling mills, steel works which have a forge as a branch of their works will receive the rebate and those works that are mainly forges will not receive it, and will therefore be seriously handicapped?

All I can say is that in putting into the Schedule the words that are in it, we acted on the advice of representatives of the trade concerned.

Has the House, had, or will it have, any opportunity of expressing its opinion on the Schedule?

Yes, it is to debate it for the whole of Thursday.

Not the Schedule.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the six Scottish counties with the largest numbers of school management committees and the number in each of those counties, respectively?

The six counties, with the number of school management committees in each, are: Perth (29), Kirkcudbright (28), Fife (24), Lanark (23), Aberdeen (21), Orkney (21).

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of houses built in each county in Scotland under the provisions of the Rural Housing Bill; and if he can state which county councils, so far, have built no houses under the Act?

As the particulars desired by the hon. Member involve a tabular statement, I propose, with his permission, to circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT. He will understand that the purpose of the Act is not to build houses but to promote their reconstruction and improvement.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can give the number of school management committees, with the total membership of each, for the Counties of Fife, Lanark, Midlothian, and Stirling?

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

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can obtain the particulars of the cost which will have to be borne by Oscar Slater in his recent appeal case; and, if so, whether he will give the information to the House?

As it is not the intention of the Government to make any further payment to Mr. Slater, I see no reason to make the inquiry suggested in the question.

The right hon. Gentleman has already informed the House that this particular payment was made after taking all the circumstances of the case into account. Does he not think that this House is entitled to know what the circumstances were, and will he submit that information to the House?

No, Sir. I have made it perfectly clear that this is an ex gratia payment.

How can the right hon. Gentleman make it an ex gratia payment if he does not know all the circumstances of the case?

can the Secretary of State for Scotland say what objection there is to treating this man, who has suffered so much and so unjustly, with common fairness?

I have yet to learn that he has not been treated with complete fairness.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House what the exact costs were now that he has informed the House that he has taken all the circumstances into consideration?

No, Sir. I do not know what the exact costs were, and it is as open to the hon. Member to make those inquiries as it is for me to do so.