asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what is the total increase in the staff of the Patent Office to date since the 31st of December last; whether any additional staff will be commencing their duties within the next six weeks; and whether he can state, approximately, the average number of applications that a members of the staff deals with in the course of a year;

(2) approximately, the number of months that an applicant for a patent has to wait after making application before the first official act on is taken in the matter?

As the answer is long, I propose, subject to the hon. Member's concurrence, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

In view of the answer given last week, that arrears were accumulating at the rate of 76 per week, has the right hon. Gentleman any ground for hoping that the additional staff will be able in a reasonable time, to reduce to nothing this accumulation of arrears?

If it does not do so entirely, I think there ought to be a further increase of staff. This is a staff which requires special training. I think, however, that there was a very sudden accumulation of applications entirely out of proportion to the ordinary number in a normal year. I am advised that it would be well to see whether it means a large normal increase year by year. I quite agree that the staff ought to be adequate to deal in a reasonable time with the normal number of cases that arise.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into account the fact that it is important to keep up the classification of inventions, which is a necessary part of Patent Office work?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the estimated amount paid over to the Exchequer for the latest available year as the surplus of income derived from fees for patents, etc., over the expenditure of the Patent Office?

The latest year for which figures are available is 1927, when the surplus, as shown in the Report of the Comptroller-General of the Patent Office, was £112,939.

In view of the very large sum which this Office is passing to the Exchequer, does the right hon. Gentleman not think that applicants for patents are entitled to a little more consideration and not the delay which has occurred recently?

That is a superficial criticism. I do not say it in any offensive way. When one goes into the matter one finds that the surplus arises entirely out of the claims for the renewal of patents which have already been granted. The actual fee which is charged for the consideration of an application for an original patent, I am advised, is inadequate to cover the amount of work done.

Is it not a fact that there is a profit made out of this Office, and that applicants are kept waiting for something like nine months? Is not that a thing that needs looking into in the future, as well as consideration of the question how far in the past steps have not been taken to keep the Office up-to-date?

I do not think that is quite a fair criticism. Obviously, the applicant for a patent who is charged a fee which does not actually cover the amount of work done is not being charged too much. I do not think it is necessary, in the interests of the taxpayer, to see that fees for renewals, which are paid by owners of successful patents, are exclusively used for reducing below the cost the fees on original patent applications.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in the United States the Patent Office is nearly 18 months in arrear?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of writing assistants to be appointed to Departments in Edinburgh from the examination held in October last; the names of the Departments to which they will be assigned; and whether these appointments will be in accordance with his previous announcement?

Two vacancies in Edinburgh, one in the Inland Revenue Department and one in the Post Office, have already been filled by the appointment of candidates successful at the competition for situations as writing assistant, announced in June, and held at Edinburgh in October last. No further vacancies in Edinburgh to be filled from that competition have yet been reported. As regards the last part of the question, I assume that the hon. Member refers to the announcement made in the reply which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Dulwich (Sir F. Hall) on the 22nd November last. He may rest assured that no appointments of writing assistant will be made which are not in accordance with the terms of that announcement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that in small bankruptcy cases of £150 and less nearly the whole of the estate is swallowed up in fees payable to the Board of Trade, legal expenses, and trustees' remuneration, and that practically nothing is left for division among the creditors; and will he look into the matter with a view to having it remedied by legislation?

The incidence of costs in smaller bankruptcies is undoubtedly heavy, although, generally speaking, not so heavy as is suggested in the question. This matter has received the constant attention of my Department, and many special reductions in the scales of fees have been made for small estates: but the revenue from bankruptcy fees is designed to cover the cost of bankruptcy administration, and any further reduction would involve a deficiency.

Has my right hon. Friend's attention been called to a recent case in which the Thornbury Rural District Council were one of the creditors? Is he aware that in this case an estate of £150 shrank to £2, after the various fees and expenses had been paid?

I cannot say that my attention was called to that particular case, but there are statutory duties put upon the Receiver in Bankruptcy, and they involve in some cases very considerable investigation. As long as Parliament requires those duties to be discharged, they must be paid for.

Does not my right hon. Friend think that it is not a question whether the fees are in accordance with the scale, but whether the scales are in accordance with county court requirements?

The scales, as I have said in my answer, have been very considerably cut down in the case of solicitors and surveyors and other professional men, and I am advised that they could not be cut any further if competent people are to be employed to do the work.

If I supply my right hon. Friend with particulars of a case, will he look into it?

Certainly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what associations of producers or manufacturers, apart from agriculture, receive grants for research work; and whether any grant is made for research work directed to the increased use of British steel instead of foreign timber in many industries?

As the answer is long, my hon and gallant Friend will perhaps agree to my circulating it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state the value of British, German and United States of America exports to Iraq in the years 1926, 1927 and 1928?

I will circulate the reply to this question in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) why, in the monthly accounts relating to trade and navigation, no information is given as to the countries to which arms, ammunition and military and naval stores are exported:

(2), as regards the exports of arms, ammunition and military and naval stores exported in 1926 to the amount of £3,800,916, in 1927 to the amount of £3,847,401, and in 1928 to the amount of £4,709,918, what these consisted of; and to what countries they were exported?

In order to keep the cost of the monthly accounts as low as possible, and to ensure their early publication, only the principal particulars of external trade are included in them. Fuller particulars are published in the Annual Statement of the Trade of the United Kingdom. Details of the exports referred to, in 1926 and 1927, are shown on pages 452 to 462 of Volume III of the Annual Statement of the Trade of the United Kingdom for 1927. The corresponding particulars for 1928 have not yet been compiled.

In view of the fact that there is general agreement, both in this country and in the League of Nations, as to the desirability of having the fullest possible information with regard to the manufacture of munitions, will not the right hon. Gentleman take steps to assist in giving such information publicity?

These questions ask, not about publicity regarding the manufacture of munitions, but about the export of munitions, and, if the hon. Gentleman will look at the Annual Statement of Trade he will see that a most exhaustive analysis is given of the exports.

Is it not the case that the Annual Statement is a year late when it is published, while what is really required is immediate publication of the information?

It is quite true that the Annual Statement is somewhat late, but I think it is right to confine the trade accounts, which are published as early as possible in each month, to the most important trade statistics. If these accounts are to be expanded to anything like the scope of the vast volume of the annual trade returns, it must involve delay, and all representations that I have received on the commercial side with regard to the trade accounts emphasise the vital importance of getting them out early.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that in regard to this particular industry it is very desirable that he should assist in concentrating public opinion on the question?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is prepared to investigate the methods employed in this country by American manufacturers of talking picture apparatus; and whether, if he finds the development of the British talking picture industry is being seriously retarded by the action of the American manufacturers, he will be prepared to consider further legislation to prevent the objects of the Cinematograph Films Act from being defeated?

As at present advised I do not think there is any occasion for Government intervention.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in some of these films the greater part is taken up by the talking instead of the film matter, and that consequently the producers will get behind that portion of the Films Act which refers to long films?

I am not sure that I follow the question. I think the Advisory Committee have considered that on one occasion, and I am told that there has really been no complaint either from exhibitors or producers in this country up to the present time.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bring the matter to the notice of the Advisory Committee, so that there may be no evasion of the Act in future films?

I have not the least intention of allowing any evasion of the Act. If the hon. Gentleman can show me that there is any evasion either taking place or contemplated, I shall be very glad to bring that to the notice of the proper authorities, advisory or otherwise.

Do the talking films come under the same Act?

I would like notice of that question. If a long film is a long film, it comes under the Act.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the amount of retired pay or pension payable to the various grades of officers from colonels upwards; giving the average amount paid per person in each grade and the number receiving retired pay or pension in each grade for the latest available year?

The hon. Member will find this information on pages 261 and 262 of Amy Estimates, 1929.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of civilian employés engaged by the War Department at Gibraltar and Malta in December, 1928?

Excluding men employed on fluctuating work, such as unloading transports and works services, the numbers of War Department civilian employés at Gibraltar and Malta on 1st December, 1928, were approximately 230 at Gibraltar and 330 at Malta.

Is there any intention of increasing that number?

No. The numbers fluctuate somewhat, but there is no policy such as the hon. Member indicates.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the War Office has information to the effect that bombs or shells carrying disease or plague germs were used by the German forces on the Western Front during the Great War?

No, Sir. The War Office has no other information than that contained in the Official History of the War, Volume II, Medical Services, Chapter 17.

Yes, but does not that give negative evidence that any projectiles containing germs were used?

I think that the hon. and gallant Gentleman had better read Chapter 17.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not refute this latest war lie which has been raked up?

I really think that the hon. and gallant Gentleman had better read that chapter.

I have read it.

So have I, and I am not prepared to say "Yes" or "No" to the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in that Chapter 17 there is no evidence at all that projectiles for carrying germs were used at all?

It is true that there is no evidence, but there is a suspicion.

In that case, had we not better lay this war lie once for all?

I am very ready to lay any lie at any time, but I cannot do better than refer the hon. and gallant Gentleman to Chapter 17, in which the whole case is discussed.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of factors in Glasgow who collect rates with rent, the amount of rates collected by them on which 2½ per cent. is payable by the Glasgow Corporation; and the estimated increase that will accrue to them as the result of the Government amendment to the Local Government Bill for Scotland?

The number of factors in Glasgow who collect rates under the House Letting and Rating (Scotland) Act, 1911, is approximately 230. The amount of occupiers' rates falling to be collected by owners was in 1927–28 £1,062,582. Under Clause 20 of the Local Government (Scotland) Bill, the allowance to owners for the collection of occupiers' assessments would fall to be fixed by the Sheriff within the limits stated in the Clause, I am unable to anticipate what that decision might be.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform us what the increase will be, if the Sheriff takes advantage of the amendment which is being proposed?

No, Sir. It would be quite impossible for me to pre-judge what the Sheriff may decide.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that some doubt is felt by assessors in Scotland as to how small productive industries such as blacksmiths' shops, in which none but the proprietor and members of his family are employed, are to be classified under the Rating and Valuation (Apportionment) Act, 1928; and whether, with a view to ensuring that such businesses will receive rating relief, he will amplify the directions contained in paragraphs (11) and (14) of the Explanatory Memorandum issued for the information of assessors in Scotland (Stationery Office Publication 49, 9999, 1928)?

I have no information to the effect of the first part of the question. As regards the second part, each specific case falls to be decided by the assessor subject to the appeal provided by the Valuation Acts, and I have no power to give an authoritative decision on such matters. I think the Memorandum referred to sufficiently indicates the considerations involved, and I cannot usefully add anything to its terms.

Is it not a fact that the memorandum indicates how certain other classes of cases are to be dealt with, but that a considerable amount of doubt has been expressed about this class of cases; and could not some direction be given as to people who are employing in their businesses no labour other than that of their own family?

Each of these cases must be judged on its merits, and it is impossible for me to do so here.

Arising out of the last answer, will it not be possible to have different decisions in different counties?

In every case, the decision of the official can be challenged.

Could not we have a decision in respect of one-man businesses?

If we are to wait until the decision of the assessor is challenged, does it not open up an interminable vista of litigation which could be avoided by a simple direction being given now in the memorandum?

There is no reason to alter the present procedure. Each individual can appeal on the merits of the case, and it would be quite impossible for me to express any opinion on the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the amount spent by the Roxburghshire education authority under their bursary scheme in the last financial year; what sum of the amount so spent was for the provision of free books to the bursars; and what is the estimate for the present financial year?

The expenditure of the Roxburgh education authority under their bursary scheme in the last financial year was £2,783, including £224 in respect of free books to bursars. The corresponding estimates for the present year are, £2,760 and £194, respectively.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Tory majority on the Roxburghshire education authority refused to give to a member of the authority the information which has now been given to a Member of this House?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many education authorities make full provision for the supply of books, stationery, etc., free, to the pupils attending schools under their control, giving the names of such authorities?

I regret that the information desired is not available. Steps are being taken to obtain a special return from the education authorities and when the results have been tabulated I will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what officer in the new Department of Agriculture is responsible for the fixing of first fair rents?

This responsibility does not rest on an individual officer but on the Department, on consideration of reports submitted by their experts.

As it is quite clear that it is a responsibility which should rest mainly upon the technical officer, has this technical officer access to the heads of the Department in the same way as he had direct access to the Board when it was in existence?

Under a Departmental organisation, the ultimate responsibility must rest with the Department and not with the individual.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the state of employment in the shale area of West Lothian and the distress arising therefrom, he can arrange to provide suitable land in the district for the provision of small holdings and allotments for unemployed persons?

The Department of Agriculture for Scotland have recently circularised parish councils in the distressed mining areas in West Lothian urging them to consider the provision of allotments as a means of relieving distress. So far as the provision of small holdings is concerned two schemes have already been formed in the district, and others will be considered as opportunity offers, but I would remind the hon. Member that, owing to the need for negotiations, which may be followed by statutory procedure involving hearings, and to the subsequent need for the provision of buildings and equipment, the creation of small holdings cannot offer a speedy remedy for distress from unemployment.

What chance is there of a revival in the shale industry?

That question does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the town council of Burntisland some time ago acquired three unoccupied cottages situated near the burgh reservoir, which have since been restored and made habitable at the expense of the council in order to be used as stores and as a dwelling-house for a burgh employé that the buildings were practically valueless when acquired; that the town council entered into an arrangement under which their payment for the houses took the form of the erection of a house at Balmule Farm, Fifeshire, for the original owner of the cottages, the approximate value of which is £500, and in respect of which the owner received a subsidy through the Dunfermline district committee; and if he will inquire whether the whole facts relating to this arrangement were within the knowledge of the district committee when the subsidy was paid, and cause inquiry to be made into all the circumstances of this transaction?

I am informed that an arrangement on the lines set out in the question was entered into by the town council of Burntisland, but as my approval is not required by statute, I am unable to say whether all the facts are as stated. As regards the last part of the question I understand that the general terms of the arrangement were known to the district committee when the subsidy was paid, but that the conditions of their scheme of assistance to private enterprise having been complied with the district committee considered subsidy was properly payable. In these circumstances, I am not satisfied that there is any ground for inquiry on my part.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the whole of the circumstances connected with this transaction—by which the council gets three valueless buildings for the value of a new house—have been disclosed; is he satisfied that the subsidy was properly paid in view of those circumstances; and will he inquire more closely into the matter?

Of course, I cannot judge whether the local authority made a good bargain or a bad bargain. That was for them to decide. As regards the payment of subsidy, all the circumstances, as far as I know, were before the local authority upon whose shoulders rests the responsibility.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury under what Regulation or statute the Public Works Loan Board, in making loans to local authorities, is limited as to the amount of such loans to 50 per cent. of the sale proceeds of saving certificate issued within the area of the borrowing authority during the 12 months preceding the application for the loan; whether he is prepared to reconsider this arrangement in the case of the application of the county council of Nairnshire for a loan of £815 to provide offices for the sanitary inspector, in view of the exceptional circumstances which have resulted in practically the entire sale of certificates for both county and burgh of Nairn being effected in the burgh; and whether he is aware that the Scottish Board of Health has recommended to the Public Works Loan Board that a loan should be arranged?

In reply to the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the Report of the Committee of Inquiry into Savings Certificates and Local Loans, etc. (Command Paper 1865), where he will find a full account of the matter. The point of the special arrangement with regard to savings certificates is that it enables a local authority to obtain loans for many purposes for which the Public Works Loan Board would not normally lend at all. The arrangement is necessarily based on the known sales of certificates in the area, and would become unworkable if other considerations had to be taken into account. I regret that it is impossible to make an exception in the case referred to by my hon. Friend. In reply to the last part of the question, the assent of the Scottish Board of Health is in some cases a necessary preliminary to the consideration of a loan application but does not affect the discretion of the Public Works Loan Commissioners.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this means that the county council of Nairn are practically debarred from borrowing any money at all, owing to the fact that all the sales of these certificates have taken place in the burgh?

My hon. Friend wrote me very fully upon this matter, and I made it my business to go into the subject carefully, and I have come to the conclusion which has been stated, because I think the scheme will become unworkable if we make alterations, and that we must adhere to the Regulations.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury why the Treasury has refused to make a contribution in lieu of local rates to the corporation of Glasgow and other local authorities in respect of premises occupied by sub-postmasters, which premises have been held by the Courts to be occupied solely by such sub-postmasters as servants of the Postmaster-General and for the use and service of the Crown?

The remuneration paid to sub-postmasters is intended to cover the payment of rates by them. It has not been the practice to make a Government contribution in lieu of rates in the case of the premises which they occupy. The Government have not felt able to alter established practice on the strength of certain decisions which are of local application only and may not be universally accepted as binding in other areas.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is the decision of the Courts of Scotland that these sub-postmasters are not liable for rates, and that the Corporation of Glasgow are, in consequence, losing a large sum? Will he take steps to see that this loss is met?

I did not know of these cases in the Scottish Courts. As the rule is not of universal application, I think it might be helpful if the Corporation of Glasgow or some other authority took steps to secure a decision in the Higher Courts of Justice, and then we might perhaps have a basis for a reconsideration of the arrangements.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has received a copy of a resolution, unanimously adopted by the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society, drawing attention to the losses suffered by Scottish breeders of pedigree stock in consequence of the intermittent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in various parts of England, and urging the necessity of applying more stringent regulations to prevent the introduction of the disease into Scotland and suggesting that the penalties for failure to report outbreaks of the disease be increased; and whether he will state what action he proposes to take?

The answer to the first part is in the affirmative. I much regret the loss suffered by all breeders of pedigree stock owing to foot-and-mouth disease, but I do not consider that it is practicable to take any further precautions to prevent the introduction of infection from abroad. I will circulate details of existing precautions in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I would add that the maximum penalty for an offence under the Diseases of Animals Acts was increased by the Diseases of Animals Act, 1927, from £20 to £50.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has received from the Clyde Joint Committee of Trade Unions a request that that area should be included as a distressed district for relief; if he is aware that distress among large numbers of people is very acute; if he intends to include the Clyde area as desired; and, if not, can he state his reasons?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am aware that unemployment in the shipbuilding industry has been severe and that hardships have had to be borne during the period of depression. From inquiries I have made, however, I understand that the prospects of the industry appear to be improving. The tonnage of work begun in the last quarter of 1928 was greatly in excess of that begun in the preceding quarter and an improvement on the last quarter of 1927. Orders for a large amount of new work have also been given. A good deal of tonnage is becoming worn out and must be replaced and in addition it is likely that recent technical advances will necessitate extensive modifications of equipment on many coasting ships. In these circumstances, I see no sufficient reason why the area should be scheduled as a distressed area nor do I consider that the proposal of the Joint Trades Committee to raise a special fund is expedient.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that practically the same answer about improved trade in the Clyde has been given ever since this Government came into office, but that it is like Charlie—it is long in coming?

asked the Minister of Labour whether any miners have been transferred to Devonport and Plymouth under the transference scheme; and, if so, the number of those placed in work in Devonport and Plymouth respectively?

Since the 5th October, 54 men from depressed mining areas have been transferred by the exchanges to employment in Plymouth, and three to employment in Devonport under the Industrial Transference Scheme.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether any of these men have been given work in the dockyards?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the organisation of a volunteer legion at Walsall to supply unemployed workers for relief and public work without payment of wages; whether the Employment Exchange recognises such schemes for provision of work; and if unemployment benefits continue to be paid?

I am aware that proposals of this kind have been put forward, but so far as I know they have not as yet been put into practical effect. If men are engaged in accordance with these proposals it will be for the statutory authorities under the Unemployment Insurance Acts to decide whether unemployment benefit is payable; I cannot say beforehand what the decision would be.

Is any encouragement being given by the hon. Gentleman's Department to that organisation?

I would rather not say anything one way or the other about this scheme at the present time, because a deputation is corning to the Ministry of Labour on this point, and I do not want to prejudge the question. At the same time, I feel bound to point out that we shall have to consider what effect a scheme of this kind would have when put into operation upon normal wages and labour conditions.

Would it be possible to give a summary of the decisions arrived at after the deputation?

Perhaps the hon. Member will repeat his question after I have received the deputation.

Is the deputation which is coming to the Ministry against this scheme?

No, Sir, I do not understand so. They are coming to discuss the merits or demerits, and the advantages and disadvantages.

Has the Parliamentary Secretary had any invitations from the local authorities to discuss this question?

I am nut sure about that. I could not say.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed on the Island of Harris in October and November, 1927 and 1928, respectively?

There is no local office of the Ministry of Labour in Harris, and the only figures available relate to persons on the registers of the Employment Exchange at Stornoway. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving such figures for the periods referred to.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what efforts, if any, are being made by his officers to place these men in employment?

The hon. Member will be interested to know that an analysis that we made last October showed that there were no unemployed men in Harris at all.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many amalgamations have now been made in the coal-mining industry; and how many pits are affected?

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of amalgamations that have taken place since the passing of the Mining Industry Act, 1926; and will he say what proportion they comprise of the total number of collieries in England, Scotland and Wales?

I made a report to Parliament on this subject on 5th November last. One scheme involving 19 pits and about 16,300 workpeople has since been approved by the Railway and Canal Commission, and another affecting 9 pits and 6,100 workers is now before them. The amalgamations completed since August, 1926, cover about 16 per cent. of the industry.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman satisfied with this rate of progress?

It is not for me to express an opinion, but I think the answer shows that considerable progress has been made.

Is it not the Minister's business to try to hasten on amalgamation?

The Government have already done that in the Mining Industry Act.

Does not the hon. and gallant Gentleman think it is clear that general amalgamation will not operate as a result of the voluntary efforts of the coalowners?

No, Sir. I do not think anything like that.

Do not the figures just given by the hon. and gallant Gentleman, showing that only 16 per cent. have been amalgamated since 1926, prove that voluntary effort is insufficient?

I do not agree.

Are the amalgamations as numerous as the Government expected when they passed the Mining Industry Act?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether an arrangement can be made for an extension of the activities of the fuel research station with a view to the production of oil from coal on a commercial scale, so that the station can become productive as well as experimental in its operations?

No, Sir. It is considered that the main activities of the fuel research station should he devoted to providing authoritative technical information and data for the general benefit of the community.

Is Government money to be expended solely for the purpose of assisting private enterprise, and is the community to gain no benefit from the operations of the Fuel Research Department?

I think the general community do obtain benefit from the assistance of private enterprise.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many pits have been closed in the district of Armadale and Blaskridge, in West Lothian, during 1927 and 1928; and whether there is any prospect of any resumption of operations at these pits at an early date?

Four pits are closed at the present time which were working at the beginning of 1927. I have no information of the owners' intentions with regard to re-opening them.

In view of the extraordinary distress that prevails in that area, is it not possible for the hon. and gallant Gentleman to ascertain how far the recent schemes of the Scottish coalowners have contributed to this serious position, and will he not be able to use his influence in the matter?

It would not be in the interests of the industry if I were to exert influence to open pits which the owners did not think it would be wise to open.

Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman no responsibility for the men at all?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is taking any steps to afford any protection to miners when colliery companies refuse to pay the recognised minimum wage?

Means already exist whereby the terms of a contract of employment can be enforced, and I have no reason to believe that these are not adequate.

When an employer says he is not prepared to pay the recognised rate any longer and the men must either accept lower rates or be dismissed, cannot the hon. and gallant Gentleman do anything in the matter?

The hon. Member will realise that there is machinery under which wages can be reviewed by local wages boards, and the local wages board will say whether or not the wages are proper.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that in a large number of collieries in nearly every coal-producing county men are threatened with dismissal and victimisation if they insist on the recognised rate of wages?

No, I am not aware of that fact.

If instances are brought to the notice of the hon. and gallant Gentleman, will he take steps to deal with them?

The hon. Member does not understand the position. It is not for me to take steps. If there is any breach of the law or any breach of contract, it is for the workers themselves to take action.

Have not the hon. and gallant Gentleman and the Government some duties and obligations towards 1,000,000 men?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will reconsider the decision of the divisional road engineer, Edinburgh, in refusing payment of an additional sum of £304 to the Morayshire County Council in respect of their expenditure on road improvements under the 75 per cent. grant scheme, in view of the fact that the total amount for which grants had already been authorised by his Department for 1927–28 would not have been exceeded with this addition as a result of the saving effected on the 50 per cent. and 33⅓ per cent. classification grants; and whether he will give instructions that in such cases overpayment may be made and charged against the grant on which there has been a saving, provided that such a course results in no loss to his Department?

I am unable to agree to the transfer of expenditure from one grant to another, but I am always prepared to consider an application relating to unavoidable excess expenditure on a particular scheme provided that good cause can be shown and that, wherever possible, prior sanction has been sought. In this case the excess was largely due to an unauthorised extension of the proposals upon which the grant was based. The county council were aware of the procedure which should have been followed, and I am unable to find any reason for departing from the usual practice of my Department.

Does not my right hon. and gallant Friend realise the difficulty of estimating accurately in advance for a work of this sort, and, where there is a saving under one head, is it not reasonable that that saving should be transferred to meet the additional expenditure under another head?

The difficulty of estimating accurately in advance is always taken into consideration in deciding whether the excess expenditure shall be allowed or not.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the damage now being done to house property by heavy transport, he will consider legislation to limit the size and weight of vehicles using the public roads?

I would refer by hon. Friend to the answer given on the 13th November last to the hon. Member for the St. George's Division of Westminster (Mr. Erskine), of which I am sending him a copy.

Is it not possible, pending legislation, for my right hon. and gallant Friend to issue regulations limiting the size of these "Dreadnoughts"?

All vehicles on roads are strictly limited as to size.

Could not my right hon. and gallant Friend in towns put something in the nature of a speed limit on these heavy vehicles with solid tyres?

The law is that the local authorities can apply for speed limits, and then, after a local inquiry, the Minister can, in certain localities, if he so thinks fit, impose a special speed limit.

Is it not possible for my right hon. and gallant Friend to insist that the local authorities carry out their duties?

Certainly, but the duty to which my hon. Friend refers is the enforcing of the speed limit, which is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to a specification issued by the Clackmannan county council inviting tenders for road binding materials; whether he is aware that foreign bitumen is exclusively specified and British tar is expressly excluded; Whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to support local authorities in specifying only foreign materials; and whether a grant from the Road Fund will be made to the Clackmannan county council during the financial year governed by this tender form?

My attention has not been drawn to the specification referred to, but I am making inquiries into the matter.

asked the Minister of Transport what local authorities used foreign road-stone during the past year in connection with schemes for which he gave grants; and the average difference in price per ton between British and foreign stone in these districts?

I have no information which would enable me to give the particulars asked for. My hon. Friend is aware that circular letters have been issued impressing upon local authorities the desirability of using British materials wherever practicable.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that motor-omnibuses often stop suddenly without giving any intimation of their intention, thereby causing danger to following vehicles; whether he has received representations from the South Devon advisory committee for licensing motor-omnibuses on this subject; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I have received representations on the subject from the South Devon Area Advisory Committee for the licensing of motor omnibuses. Drivers of motor omnibuses, as a class, are certainly not less careful than other drivers of motor vehicles in giving the proper driving signals, and I do not think there is a case for requiring these vehicles to be equipped with special means of indicating the driver's intention to stop.

Will not my right hon. and gallant Friend take into consideration the fact that the roads in South Devon are very different from the roads in other parts of the country?

I am always willing, within reason, to assist the South Devon authorities in improving their roads.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend not aware that, although the driver may make the signal that he is going to stop, it is very often not possible, on account of the size of his vehicle, for it to be seen by the driver of the vehicle behind?

I will take that into consideration.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has any information as to the tests applied in other countries to persons desiring to be possessed of licences to drive motor vehicles; and, if so, whether, in view of the changes in the proposed law in this country, he will cause such information to be circulated?

The latest information in my possession was collected during the year 1925, and relates to the practice in certain European countries. As this information is not up to date I feel that its publication might be misleading.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman taking steps to get any further information?

I think probably it would be better to wait till we have a clearer view of how this is working.

Even if the information is not up to date, does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not think it would be better to publish it?

I will consider that, but I do not want to go to expense in publishing information which is not up to date.