asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in his schemes for stimulating road construction, he proposes to urge all the authorities concerned to use British quarried stone with a view to increasing employment in this branch of industry?

I have been asked to reply. It is the policy of my Department to require as a condition of grants towards works expedited for the relief of unemployment,, that British plant and materials shall be used wherever practicable. It is not practicable to apply this condition to the whole of the work of highway authorities throughout the country; but circulars have been issued from time to time urging upon local authorities the desirability of using British plant and materials.

In view of this complete abandonment of Free Trade and the fact that the question is asked by a Liberal Whip, may I ask whether it will not be compulsory on these authorities to employ British materials?

Does the word " material " include tools of all kinds?

The policy of the Department is to employ on these road works, and particularly on unemployment works, British material and British tools wherever possible?

asked (1) the Lord Privy Seal what steps, if any, he is taking to get unemployed miners back into the coal mines;

(2) asked the Secretary for Mines when he proposes to ask the House to reduce the miners' hours from eight to seven; and whether the seven hours will be from bank to bank?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave him yesterday.

Will the hon. Member kindly answer Question No. 2, which he did not answer yesterday?

I hope my hon. Friend will read what I said yesterday, which was a complete answer.

Was it not the definite recommendation of the Coal Commission that the best way to help the coal industry was to assist the basic trades of this country—namely, iron and steel?

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. I appeal to you that the hon. Member has not answered Question No. 2; and he did not answer it yesterday. I want to ask whether the hon. Member ought not to tell us what steps he is taking to get unemployed miners into employment?

I am happy to say that I am not responsible for Ministers' answers.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will make use of the Government's national projec tile factory in Dudley by transferring it into workmen's flats on the Viennese model, or using it in some other way under his scheme for the unemployed?

This proposal has been brought to my notice for the first time. Any practicable and useful scheme which my hon. Friend can suggest will be carefully examined.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Government are prepared to assist the Southern Rail- way Company to extend their electrification to further areas in order to test the benefits of long-distance electrification?

I have already asked the railway companies to suggest comprehensive schemes of development and improvement, including an extension of electrification, and in my statement to the House last week I indicated the direction in which the Government might be prepared to assist financially where such assistance could be shown to be necessary.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that the Ruskington, Dorrington, and North Kyme Drainage Board, together with other authorities concerned, have unsuccessfully applied to the Ministry of Agriculture for financial assistance to wards the repair of the Dorrington dyke; that this work is urgently required before the winter and is quite beyond the financial resources of the authorities concerned; and whether, in these circum stances and in order to provide employment in the locality, he will give this scheme his favourable and immediate consideration?

I have been asked to reply. The general conditions on which a grant can be made by the Ministry have been explained to the Clerk of the Drainage Board named, but no application for a grant has yet been made, nor has a detailed scheme of the works proposed been submitted.

If a scheme is put before the Ministry, will the right hon. Gentleman give it his sympathetic consideration?

Yes. Certainly.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say that where the value of land has been improved at the expense of the nation the increased value will accrue to the nation?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether in view of the number of level crossings on each of the different groups of railways, the large growth of traffic in recent years, and the serious danger to life that these crossings cause, and to assist in solving the unemployment problem, he will consider pressure for the erection of bridges in their place; and, to avoid long delays pending negotiations between the different interests involved, whether he will consider the possibility of leaving the allocation of the respective costs of erection to the different interests to be settled in due course or, if necessary, by arbitration.

I have been asked to reply. I am prepared to consider applications for financial assistance towards well-considered schemes for the erection of bridges at level crossings. Many such schemes have received grants from the Road Fund in recent years, and further proposals are now before me. There are at present no powers for the settlement of differences as to the allocation of costs by arbitration.

Do I understand that the assistance of the Government in relation to level crossings is restricted to the erection of bridges? Will the hon. Gentleman say whether he is prepared to consider schemes for dealing with this problem in another way?

The Department is quite prepared to consider any scheme; and each scheme will be discussed on its merits.

May I ask whether in order to find out where these level crossings are giving trouble the Department will ask local authorities to give the percentage of time that roads are stopped and act accordingly.

That does not arise out of the question on the Order Paper.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether in view of the growing importance of the economic relations between Great Britain and Ireland, and in view of the possibility in time of war that the people of this country may become partially dependent on food-supplies from Ireland, His Majesty's Government will consider the desirability of constructing a tunnel between Port Patrick, in Scotland, and Donaghadee, in Northern Ireland, as well as, or instead of, the proposed Channel Tunnel?

I shall be prepared to consider any scheme which can be shown to be technically and economically practicable, but on the information available I doubt whether this project, of which I have now heard for the first time, falls at the present into this class.

In considering any further schemes, will the right hon. Gentleman consider a scheme for a pier head at the head of the Mull of Kintyre?

I indicated last week that I shall consider any scheme that is practicable and can be justified, and I exclude none.

In considering any scheme for a tunnel between Ireland and Scotland, will the right hon. Gentleman study the map? He will see that the appropriate place for the beginning of such a tunnel is the extreme end of the Mull of Kintyre in Argyllshire.

I heard the supplementary question, and I am sure the hon. and learned Member will be satisfied when his constituents read it and find that he is taking some interest in them.

May I ask whether, as an alternative to the hon. Member's proposal—

We cannot go into the alternative schemes which hon. Members may suggest at Question Time.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that not only does the congestion at Liverpool Street Station cause inconvenience to persons travelling to and from their work, but that such congestion is definitely preventing the development of East Coast seaside resorts, such as Clacton, Frinton, Brightlingsea and Walton; and whether, in drawing up plans he will keep the needs of these watering-places in view?

I have this important aspect of the matter in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Forth and Tay road-bridge schemes will form part of the Government's proposals to deal with unemployment in Scotland; and whether he can indicate the stage which has been reached in considering the schemes?

I have, been asked to reply. The engineers' reports on the proposed Forth and Tay road bridges are now in my hands; hut until I have had an opportunity of com suiting the local authorities concerned, I shall not be in a position to make a statement.

When does the hon. Gentleman hope to be able to get into, touch with the local authorities?

We are taking steps to get into touch with the local authorities on the basis of the reports received. It is obvious that the Ministry cannot settle its own policy until we know the views of the local authorities.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the local authority concerned is against paying anything towards this undertaking; and will he, therefore, not consider this matter as a. national undertaking?

No doubt that aspect of the matter will not be forgotten by the local authorities concerned.

asked the Minister of Labour how many men have been transferred from the depressed mining areas, into employment in the area of the Shore-ditch Employment Exchange under the industrial transference scheme at the latest available dates, and into what occupations?

Up to 24th June, 1929, 51 men had been transferred from depressed areas into employment in the area of the Shoreditch Employment Exchange under the industrial transference scheme. I regret that statistics are not available regarding the occupations in which the men have been placed.

Does the right hon. Lady realise that there is a great deal of unemployment in this area, and will she consider sending miners to other areas, such as the West End?

I will make it my business to find out what is the condition of unemployment in the Shoreditch area, and the hon. Member may take it from me that, so far as I am concerned, such an area will not receive any further transferees.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of insured persons in the London area at the last available date; what was the number of unemployed in the same area on that date; and how the figures compare with 12 months previously?

It is estimated that at the beginning of July, 1928, the latest date for which figures regarding the total insured population are available, there were 2,147,000 persons aged 16 to 64 insured under the Unemployment Insurance Acts in the Greater London area; of whom 108,755 were recorded as unemployed. The corresponding figures for July, 1927, were 2,091,000 insured, of whom 106,700 were recorded as unemployed. I may add that at 24th June, 1929, the insured persons recorded as unemployed in the Greater London area numbered 106,512.

As regards the amount involved in the applications received by the Committee during the period covered by the 7th (Interim) Beport, and rejected for various reasons, reference should be made to Tables 1 A and B of the Beport. It will be seen that 38 schemes of a total value of £334,732 were rejected or withdrawn. The number of schemes under consideration at the 30th June, 1929, was 235, estimated to cost £5,158,464.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he proposes to publish the Beport of the committee

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amount of the grants made by the Lord St. Davids Committee for each of the years during which it has been in existence; what is the total amount involved in applications which were before it in the financial year 1927-28, but which were not acceded to because funds were not available or for any other reasons; and what is the sum total of amounts involved in applications now before the Committee?

I have been asked to reply. My hon. Friend will find most of the information which he requires in the 7th (Interim) Beport of the proceedings of the Committee, of which I am sending him a copy. This deals with the proceedings of the Committee to the 30th June, 1928, and with my hon. Friend's consent I will circulate in the OFFICIAL BEPORT figures giving what information I have regarding schemes approved or rejected since that date.

Following is the information:

which inquired into the application for the safeguarding of the wool textile industry?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is now proposed to publish the Beport of the Safeguarding Committee on Woollen and Worsted; and what action he proposes to take thereon?

The Report was published yesterday. As has already been indicated by the Prime Minister, the Government do not consider that it calls for any action by them.

May I ask whether, in case any further demand comes from the trade unions in this particular industry, he will be prepared to deal with the case under some other procedure?

The Government have indicated that, if it is the desire of the House, an opportunity will be provided for discussing the Report, and I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that on that occasion it will be very easy to prove that the majority of the members of the trade unions are against this proposal.

With all respect, that is not an answer to the question I am asking. I am asking whether, if a trade union makes an application for some measure of safeguarding, they will be turned down on every occasion in the future?

A decision has already been reached on the point mentioned, and, if no more applications are in fact received, the question cannot possibly arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether future applications for Safeguarding will have to comply with the terms of the White Paper of 1925, or whether it is proposed to issue a fresh White Paper?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statements on this subject which have already been made on behalf of the Government.

If the White Paper is dead, is there any other procedure by' which an industry, employers or employed can have any hope of receiving support?

No, Sir, not within my knowledge. If the White Paper disappears, of course all Safeguarding practice and procedure goes with it.

Are we to conclude that, as far as this matter is concerned, the world-wide and generally understood method of giving employment is to be withdrawn?

That is precisely a point for debate—that there is no agreement at all that this is a method of giving employment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how the production of gas mantles and the employment in the industry in the March quarter of 1929 compares with the corresponding figures for the December quarter of 1925?

From the information supplied by the manufacturers, it is estimated that the numbers of mantles produced were about 101,000 gross in the first quarter of 1929, as compared with about 88,000 gross in the last quarter of 1925, and that the average numbers of workers in the two periods were approximately 2,100 and 1,900 respectively.

Does not this indicate definite progress in this industry under the Safeguarding procedure?

No, Sir. I think that that would be a very unsafe deduction, first of all because the figures here are very limited in scope, and, secondly, because in gas mantles, as my hon. Friend must be aware, you have a market allocated to the exclusion of other competitors manufacturing in Great Britain.

rose —

All this will be pertinent on another occasion.

asked the Prime Minister when he expects to be able to announce the names of the members of the Committee to inquire into the condition of the iron and steel industry; and whether the terms of reference will include the consideration of assisting the industry by means of import duties?

I have been asked to reply. I hope to be able to make a statement on this matter at an early date.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any reply to the second part of the question?

I must not anticipate the statement, but even now I think that I am at liberty to say to the hon. and gallant Member and to the House that the inquiry will be of the most comprehensive character.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the average declared value of imported knives and blanks has fallen from 4s. 4d. per dozen in 1925 to 3s. per dozen in 1928, and that during the same period the average declared value of scissors and blanks has fallen from 5s. 11d. per dozen to 4s. per dozen; and whether, in view of the fact that declared prices are largely fictitious and that unduly low prices are being quoted to evade payment of full Customs duty, he will consider the question of instituting a system of certificates to ensure that duty is paid on values which are not below those ruling in the country of production for similar articles?

As regard the first part of the question, the answer is in the affirmative; as regards the second part, the statutory value on which duty is charged in the case of cutlery is the price which an importer would give for the article if it were delivered, freight and insurance paid, in bond at the port of importation, and the law does not provide that the import value must not be less than the domestic price in the exporting country. The suggestion that the value should be based on certificates as to the prices ruling in the country of production could not therefore be adopted. The hon. Member may rest assured, however, that the Customs have this matter under constant observation in order to ensure that the duty is charged upon the full statutory value of the article imported.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that people in the trade are strongly of the opinion that there are a good many fictitious declarations? Will he ask his officials to make very careful inquiries into this matter?

I have already stated that they have had the matter constantly under observation. I believe there have been some cases recently in which the Customs authorities suspected that the declared value of the articles was too low, and after inquiries a higher duty was claimed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the conditions imposed by American manufacturers of talking-picture apparatus upon the film exhibitors in Great Britain; and whether he will consider setting up a committee to investigate the restrictive conditions that foreign manufacturers of talking film apparatus and talking pictures are imposing upon the film industry of Great Britain with the object of introducing amending legislation to prevent Section 1 of the Cinematograph Films Act being defeated?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am in communication with the Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association in regard to this matter, and the Parliamentary Secretary is receiving a deputation from them next week. The matter has also been under consideration by the Advisory Committee appointed under the Cinematograph Films Act, and I do not think there is occasion to set up another committee for its investigation.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that British talking films cannot be shown on this American apparatus, and that this is more or less crippling the whole British producing trade?

Yes, I fully recognise that there is very great difficulty for the time being on the point that my hon. Friend mentions, and that is precisely one of the subjects which, I understand, are to be discussed when this deputation is received. It will also be considered by the committee.

In view of these difficulties, can the right hon. Gentleman suggest what the exhibitors can do to show their quota? Unless they can show them over these machines, it is impossible for them to comply with the Act. Will the right hon. Gentleman consider amending the Act?

That, of course, is not a point upon which I can give a reply this afternoon. It is a matter which will be taken into account. In fact it is one of the important items for inquiry.

If I put a question next week, will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give a definite answer?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, if British talking machines are not employed, American machines are, and that that means millions of pounds to America for apparatus?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state our share of the world's export trade at the present time as compared with 1913?

The share of this country in the aggregate exports of all countries of the world amounted to approximately 11 per cent, in 1928, as compared with 13 per cent, in 1913. The figure for 1913 relates to the United Kingdom as then constituted.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the increased royalties on wireless receivers has placed the wireless industry in a serious position; and whether he will make an inquiry with a view to amending legislation?

Some representations have been received as to the effect of a recent decision of the Court on the manufacture of wireless receiving sets. As to the second part of the question, a committee was recently appointed by the Board of Trade to inquire whether any amendments in the Patents and Designs Acts are desirable.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Comptroller-General said that the Marconi Company had abused their monopoly, and that, if they persisted in their claims, over 60 per cent, of the wireless factories would be forced to close down?

I understand that this was the subject of litigation and that certain steps were taken in the industry before a final judgment was obtained. That and other relevant matters will undoubtedly be taken into account in this review. In any case, it is open to the industry itself to make representations to this inquiry.

May I bring some facts before the notice of the right hon. Gentleman?

Certainly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the countries which impose import duties on British caught fresh and cured fish and the amount of such duties.

Most foreign countries impose duties on the importation of fish and it would not be possible to set out all these rates of duty in a reply to a Parliamentary question. If the hon. Member will let me know what countries and what descriptions of fish he has more particularly in mind, I will endeavour to let him have the information he requires.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also let us know the difference in harbour dues in those countries?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value in pounds sterling of the imports into Great Britain from Soviet Russia for the year 1928, the exports from Great Britain to Soviet Russia during the same period of goods manufactured in Great Britain, and also of re-exports?

The declared value of the imports of merchandise into the United Kingdom consigned from Russia during the year 1928 was £21,576,000, that of British exports consigned to Russia, £2,716,000, and that of re-exports consigned to Russia £2,085,000.

If it is a fact that exports pay for imports, what has happened to the 17 odd millions?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give the quantity of grindstones which have been exported from South Yorkshire to America in the years 1926, 1927, and 1928?

The exports of grindstones from the United Kingdom consigned to the United States of America during 1926, 1927 and 1928, amounted to 576 tons, 639 tons and 409 tons, respectively. I regret that I am not in a position to say what proportion of these exports was from South Yorkshire.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of men and women employed in the Enemy Debts Department at the end of June, 1929; and whether any resignations from that Department took place during the last six months?

The numbers of men and women employed in the Clearing Office for Enemy Debts at the end of June, 1929, were 447 and 27 respectively. During the last six months two men and three women left the Office by resignation in addition to 27 men who left by transfer, death or discharge on completion of their work.

Do those figures include the number of staff employed in Berlin or Buda Pest in connection with the Enemy Debts Department?

I should prefer notice of the question, but I think I am safe in saying that the statistics quoted relate only to the Department in this country?

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that the staff is very high, considering how much work has been disposed of?

No, Sir; this matter has been considered from time to time both in the House and elsewhere, and, in fact, there is an enormous amount of property with which the Department has to deal. The question of staff is being constantly kept in view, but the commitments are very large.

I know a great deal about that particular point. Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that it would be in the interests of the public that the small amounts of admitted claims now outstanding with the Hungarian debt department—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"]

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what are his intentions in regard to providing equal opportunities and equal pay for equal work in the Civil Service?

The general question of the conditions of employment of women in the Civil Service will be within the terms of reference of the Royal Commission on the Civil Service which is about to be appointed.

In view of the fact that the House of Commons has twice decided that the principle of equal pay is to be applied to men and women in the Civil Service, is it the intention to refer that decision of this House to a Royal Commission, or are they to inquire merely into the methods by which the principle of equal pay should be applied?

Obviously, I could not anticipate the terms of reference to the Commission, which will be decided by the Government, but the very widest terms of reference will, no doubt, be drawn up.

Does not the hon. Member realise that what I am trying to do is to restrict the terms of reference and not to widen them?

I am not concerned with what the hon. Member wishes to do, but to state what I believe to be the intentions of the Government.

May we assume that the terms of reference of this Commission will apply to the appointment of women in the Diplomatic and Consular Services, as well as in the Civil Service as that is generally understood?

I cannot go into details of that kind. Obviously, that is impossible, but I should imagine that the terms would be wide enough to cover the points which my hon. Friend has made.

Will the hon. Member take care that they are?

May I ask, for the sake of clarity, whether the hon. Member will say if the Government accepts the principle of equal pay for equal work or not?

Obviously, that lies without the scope of this question. It is a point for the Royal Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for "War whether any arrangements have been made for British troops to hold manoeuvres on German ground during the next three months; and, if so, whether, in the interest of good feeling between Britain and Germany, he will consider the immediate cancellation of such arrangements?

No, Sir. No manoeuvres or inter-brigade operations will be carried out this year by the British Army of the Rhine. The Government would not willingly cause either annoyance or inconvenience to the civilian population.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility and desirability, in the interests of promoting good feeling still further, of directing the commanding officer of the Army of Occupation on the Rhine to offer the services of the officers and men as nurserymaids and mothers' helps?

asked the Secretary of State for War the cost of the British Army of the Rhine for the latest complete year; and the amount charged in the Army Estimates for the same year?

The amount included in Army Estimates for the year ending 31st March, 1930, in respect of effective military expenditure on the British Army of the Rhine is £1,278,900, as shown on page 295 of those Estimates. Towards this expenditure it is estimated that £950,000 will be received as Appropriations-in-Aid, as shown on page 53 of the Estimates. The latest account figures are those for the year ending 31st March, 1928, and will be found on pages 9 and 61 of the Army Appropriation Account, 1927.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the claims of Army-pensioned ranker officers who received commissions during the War, with a view to bringing their minimum rate of retired pay up to a level with that paid to the pre-War pensioners of the Royal Marines who were commissioned during the War?

As the hon. Member is aware, this question was fully considered by a specially appointed Committee whose report was accepted by the House in 1925. In these circumstances, I see no grounds for re-opening this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War how much the Bank of England pays the State for the military guard it uses; and whether there are any other cases of a private company receiving military protection in this country?

There is no similar arrangement to that under which for the past 150 years a military guard has been furnished for the Bank of England. No payment is made by the Bank to Army funds in this connection. I would, however, point out that, as the Bank of England is under Statute the banker for the Government, and is responsible for the register of Government loans, and has the custody of the gold reserves of the country, its position is obviously different from that of other companies.

Is it a fact that the Governors of the Bank of England provide very adequate refreshment for these troops, and that the service is a very popular one?

I am not aware of what refreshments are provided.

In view of the fact that this guard no longer serves any useful purpose, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of dispensing with it?

I am always ready to consider any suggestion made by any hon. Member, and, if a proposition is put before me, I will give it due consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that British troops are not to be fed on British beef, he can state from what country the beef, in the contracts that are to be made for the autumn, is to come?

In the consideration of tenders for ration beef, no difference will be made in the methods previously adopted. The figures for the first six months of 1929 show that 99.33 per cent. of the beef used was Empire meat.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the observation of the Lord Privy Seal, who asked what was the good of importing what we could make for ourselves; and will he not carry out that principle instead of showing this difference?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what proportion of homegrown meat was supplied during that period?

I am afraid I must confine my answer to the figures which I have given, because I do not carry figures in my head, and would not like to be responsible for giving wrong information. With regard to the other supplementary question, a perfectly plain declaration has been made on behalf of the Government, and notice has been given that the matter will be raised on the Adjournment. I must confine myself to the answer which I have already given.

rose —

I do not know if hon. Members realise that there are 111 questions on the Order Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the practice of the Department of Agriculture for Scotland with regard to loans to landholders for the acquisition or provision of buildings has been changed, in respect that when the landholders removed their loans, so far as unpaid, were not continued to incoming landholders, with the result that, on estates not belonging to the Department, the holding in many cases dropped out of the Acts and, on the Department's estates, the incoming landholders, being refused the benefit of the legislation to acquire their buildings by way of loans, had to pay equipped rent on land and buildings; and whether he will give instructions to the Department to revert to their former practice?

The Department of Agriculture have been advised that the previous practice of making loans to incoming holders to enable them to take over the outgoing holders' improvements is out with the powers conferred by Section 7 (7) of the Act of 1911. The Department are aware of only five eases in which their refusal to make such loans has been followed by the lapse of holdings from land holders' tenure. So far as their own estates are concerned the holders entering at equipped rents enjoy the full rights and privileges of landholders, including the right to compensation for improvements which they themselves may pro vide. I may say, however, that on my instruction the matter is now under review.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will take into early consideration the want of proper landing accommodation and storage at Strontian, at the island of Coll, at Bunessan in Mull, and at Kilchoan in Ardnamurchan, with a view to providing piers for these places at an early date; and will he confer with Messrs. MacBrayne and Company (1928) and other steamboat companies engaged in West Highland transport as to the general condition and need of piers at the various places at which they call?

The general question of piers in the Western Highlands and Islands is one which I propose to investigate as soon as circumstances permit. I shall consider the suggestion made in the last part of the question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take the opportunity in the Recess of visiting these places, after giving due notice to the local people, and they will advise him of the very great hardships from which they are suffering?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of motor accidents which have taken place in Govan since 1st January, 1928, to the last convenient date; the number where fatalities occurred; the number of fatalities; the number where non-fatal cases occurred; and the number injured?

The number of motor accidents in Govan from the 1st January, 1928, to the 5th July, 1929, was 463; fatalities occurred in 23 of these accidents, the number of fatalities being 24; the number of non-fatal accidents, was 440 and the number of persons injured 578.

Since the number of accidents in that case is very large and is increasing, will the right hon. Gentleman call the attention of the local authorities to the desirability of taking steps to prevent the " speeding " by vehicles, which is going on in the streets of Govan at present?

In a reply which I gave to my hon. Friend yesterday, I pointed out that I was prepared to discuss the whole matter with him.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether an Adoption of Children (Scotland) Bill will be introduced on the lines of the English Adoption of Children Act?

The question is receiving consideration, but I am unable at present to give any undertaking as to legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of resolutions which he has received from town councils, education authorities, parish councils, and other public bodies in Scotland, respectively, calling for the suspension of the operation of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1929, until it has formed the subject of further inquiry or for the amendment of the provisions of the Act?

The numbers are as follow:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he proposes to take to prevent the opening of drinking clubs in no-licence areas?

The granting of certificates of registration of clubs is governed by Statute, and I have no power to intervene. As my hon. Friend is aware, the Government proposes to set up a Commission of Inquiry into the laws relating to the sale of intoxicating liquors, and the question of club licences in no-licence areas will in all probability be considered by the Commission.

Can my right hon. Friend tell us if, in the setting up of this Commission, it is intended to set up a separate Commission for Scotland, seeing that the licensing law is so different there from that in England?

That is a question that I cannot answer at present.

Will my right hon. Friend take it into consideration?

Certainly.

Will my right hon. Friend use his influence in that direction?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the insanitary condition of many of the common stairs and closes in the Partick Division of Glasgow; and whether he will take steps, in the interests of public health, to make the whitewashing and painting of such stairs and closes compulsory on the proprietors?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, Section 252 of the Glasgow Police Act, 1866, provides that the sanitary inspector may give notice " to the proprietor of any dwelling-house which has been specially reported by him to the corporation as in a filthy condition requiring such proprietor to cleanse and limewash the outside thereof, and the common stairs, lobbies and staircases." I am informed that the inspection of closes and staircases is a routine duty of the sanitary inspectors, and that 978 notices under the Section were issued during the past 18 months in the Partick Division. In these circumstances the local authority appear to have all the necessary powers to deal with this matter.

Will my right hon. Friend take steps to see that the sanitary notices are put into operation, as it is one thing giving notice and another thing having the work carried out?

That is a matter for the local authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has received any representations from Scottish fishermen with regard to the price of deep-sea charts; and, if so, whether any action is proposed?

I have received no representations on the subject referred to in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given yesterday by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries to the hon. Member for Leith (Mr. E. Brown).

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is pre pared to undertake an immediate survey of the fishery piers and harbours in Scotland, with a view to the execution of the necessary repairs, alterations, and other works required to meet the needs of the Scottish fishing fleets as part of the Government's scheme to relieve un employment?

The question of assisting necessary improvements of Scottish fishery harbours and piers is receiving my consideration in connection both with the encouragement of the fishing industry and with the relief of unemployment. The latter aspect is before the Unemployment Committee, on which I am represented. The information in the possession of the Fishery Board about these matters is very extensive, and in present circumstances I do not consider that any sufficient purpose would be served by undertaking an exhaustive special survey of all the fishery piers and harbours in Scotland.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the extreme urgency of this matter and of the fact that there are many harbour authorities which are quite unable to execute the necessary repairs, and will he get into touch with all the harbour authorities?

I can assure the hon. and learned Gentleman that I am aware of the urgency of the matter and will not lose any time.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that certain schemes are actually being prepared and completed now by some of the harbour authorities, and that it only wants financial facilities to be afforded for the work to be put in hand right away, and will he see that those financial facilities are afforded?

In reply to the main question, I have already said that the question is before the Unemployment Committee.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is a question of ready money?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will consider the direct representation of inshore fishermen on the Fisheries Board of Scotland?

I cannot make any statement upon this point at present, but I shall be glad to consider it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not take into consideration the recent attack made on the livelihood of the inshore fishermen by the proposal of the Fishery Board to allow trawlers to part of the prohibited area of the Clyde, and will he not see that inshore fishermen are protected by having some direct representation on the Fishery Board, which is thought to favour the trawlers as more important than the inshore fishermen?

I am prepared to consider any proposal for the benefit of the fishermen, but I would ask the hon. and learned Member to realise the great practical difficulty in the way of obtaining satisfactory direct representation of fishermen on the Fishery Board for Scotland, because of working fishermen who might be suitable being too busily engaged at their calling to give the requisite time.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is making any arrangements for the advance of money to fishermen for the purpose of replacement of boats and gear?

I am considering this matter in connection with my general examination of matters relating to the fishing industry, but at this date I am not in a position to make any statement with regard to it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that an Act of Parliament exists to provide the necessary funds, if he can persuade the Chancellor of the Exchequer to provide those funds?

asked the Minister of Labour if she has had any recent Report on the Belmont colony; whether she has had any complaints as to the conditions there; and, if so, if any reforms are contemplated?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a Report by one of my Assistant-General Inspectors on the Belmont Institution. The only complaint which I have received was embodied in a report on a visit to the Institution by a deputation from a London Board of Guardians. This report which has been discussed in detail by the General Inspector with the Guardians, was in certain respects exaggerated and misleading but contained also many useful suggestions, some of which were new to the managers. Some of these have already been put into operation. I understand that the Guardians contemplate a further visit to the Institution.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult his right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour for the purpose of transferring this colony to the Ministry of Labour for training purposes, instead of it being utilised for penal purposes?

I may say that the reports in question raise a large number of big questions of policy, which are now under my consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to obtain powers to remove the pension grievances of ex-service men and their dependants as specified in the proposals of the British Legion, and in particular with regard to the operation of the seven-year limit?

asked the Minister of Pensions how soon he hopes to be able to make an announcement regarding the abolition of the seven-years limit?

I have been asked to reply. Representatives of the British Legion have submitted certain proposals to me on various matters connected with the administration of War pensions and these are having my immediate consideration. The point mentioned in the questions is certainly to be dealt with, but I cannot at this early date announce any definite scheme. In the meantime, I may say that the necessary steps are being taken to ensure that no case shall be rejected merely on the ground that it is submitted beyond the time limit.

In that case, will it be possible to re-examine cases that were rejected recently by the late Government on the ground of the seven years' limit?

I would request my hon. and gallant Friend not to ask me to go beyond this answer at the moment.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether he is prepared to accept any recommendations from any other organisation of ex-service men, in addition to those which he has received from the British Legion?

Yes, I am prepared to consider any recommendations which are worth while on this important issue.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to introduce legislation with a view to the preservation of London squares and enclosures for the public?

I have been asked to reply. I am not in a position at present to make a definite statement, but the matter is receiving my consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether the committee which has been considering plans for the protection of the civil population from attack from the air by poison gas has yet evolved a scheme; and, if so, whether the British Red Cross and local authorities are taking steps to operate it in case of necessity?

In view of the recent ratification of the Geneva Gas Protocol of 1925 by most of the important European States, including this country, I do not think this is a moment to press the local authorities to develop plans for the protection of the civil population against gas attack. Much preparatory work had, however, been done by the Committee of Imperial Defence upon this problem prior to the ratification of the Protocol and that work will not be thrown away if, unfortunately, a situation should hereafter arise requiring as a measure of prudence the development of plans for this purpose.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any new scale of payment of reparations has been submitted to the British Government during the last six months; and what decision has been arrived at by the Government?

Proposals for a final settlement of the Reparation question have recently been submitted to the British and other Governments by the Committee of Experts which sat in Paris. The Report of this Committee is now available (Command Paper No. 3343) and is being considered by the Government with a view to a conference with the other Powers concerned. It will rest with this conference to take a decision as to the adoption of the plan.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give any figure as to the capital value of the loss entailed on this country by reason of the departure from the Spa percentages in the Young Report; and whether the division of the reparation debt into two categories reduces our security for obtaining our share in comparison with the share obtained by France?

The loss entailed to this country by reason of the departure from the Spa percentages in the Young Report amounts on average to approximately £2,400,000 a year. The capitalised value of this annual loss will depend on the interest tables selected; but applying the 5½ per cent, tables which the experts themselves have utilised for their calculations, it may be estimated at £37½ millions. It is perhaps fair to say, however, that the great bulk of the loss only begins to be incurred after 10 years.

As regards the second part of the question, the Report recommends that the French Government should receive a preponderant share of the unconditional part of the German annuities but that they should provide a guarantee fund amounting to £25 millions which would be drawn upon to make good to the other creditor Powers any loss arising out of the postponement of the rest of the annuities. Provided that this guarantee fund is effectively put in force, the security of the British share, as compared with the French, should not be appreciably impaired so long as any postponement of the German payments is limited to two years, as contemplated in the plan. But of course the guarantee fund affords no security against a cessation or longer postponement of the conditional annuities, and to the extent that these are regarded as possibilities it may be said that the effect of the Young plan is to concede a priority to France and Italy.

The House will realise that this country is in no way committed to the acceptance of the recommendations of the Young Committee. They are to be the subject of discussion at the forthcoming international conference.

Arising out of that serious answer, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether His Majesty's Government are in a position to ask for modifications of the Young Report at the coming conference?

Most certainly, I think that that would be implied in the last part of my reply, where I said that this country is not in any way committed to the acceptance of the recommendations of the Young Committee.