asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in connection with His Majesty's Government's plans for the reduction of unemployment, he has taken or proposes to take any and, if so, what action to accelerate the carrying out of the work of the Electricity Commissioners?

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and I are in close consultation on the matters with the Electricity Commissioners and we have met them within the last few days. I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there are at least two important electricity schemes in Lincolnshire which need to be carried out?

From our first talk, I should think that there are 200.

I am very glad that there are 200 in Lincolnshire—

Speech!

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in considering schemes for the creation of employment, he will give consideration to the demand in South Wales for a road bridge over the River Severn; and if he is prepared to make a statement on the subject?

I have been asked to reply. I am prepared to consider any useful schemes of this character for which adequate financial support from local authorities is forthcoming. The problem of road communications across the Severn cannot, however, be dissociated from the wider question of the Severn Barrage which is now being studied.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if his attention has been called to the dangerous hill, known as Kilton Mill Bank, in the Cleveland district of the North Riding of Yorkshire, which is a danger to motorists and pedestrians; and if he will consider including the improvement of this road in his unemployment scheme, particulars of which have been submitted to the Ministry of Labour by the local unemployment committee?

I have been asked to reply to this question. An offer of a grant of 50 percent, of an estimated expenditure of £14,000 was made to the county council in August, 1927, for the improvement of Kilton Valley Road, which comprises the hill in question, but was not accepted. I am prepared to consider a scheme for the improvement of this road if the highway authorities concerned will submit their proposals in response to the recently issued circular which sets out the terms on which assistance can now be rendered from the Road Fund towards the cost of approved works on Class I and Class II roads.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he intends that progress should be made in the Highlands of Scotland with road improvements which have been interrupted; whether he is aware that it has been stated by the Ministry of Transport in Edinburgh that the applications for special grants have been so heavy that they had exhausted the funds at the disposal of the Ministry of Transport; and that a large amount of urgent work could be undertaken immediately if 100 percent, grants in some cases and a larger number of 75 per cent grants in other cases were available?

I have been asked to reply. It is my intention to encourage local authorities to promote works of road improvement in the Highlands of Scotland, as well as other parts of the country, and I issued last week a circular on the subject to local authorities. My Divisional Road Engineers have also been instructed to discuss with local authorities proposals for the reconstruction of further sections of the main trunk roads as an extension of the Trunk Road Programme launched by the Labour Government in 1924. I am not aware of the statement attributed to the "Ministry of Transport in Edinburgh."

Does the circular refer to unclassified roads as well as to roads in Classes 1 and 2?

No, Sir. Unclassified roads are affected by the Local Government Act of 1929 and are subject to special negotiations in each case.

Will the hon. Gentleman take care that when negotiations take place between the local authorities and the Minister of Transport these matters will be dealt with?

Certainly. The unclassified roads are not outside our consideration. The Government are perfectly prepared to consider any proposals made by local authorities.

Will the hon. Gentleman take care to see that Scotland does not get a higher grant than other parts of the country?

asked the Lord Privy Seal what course the Government propose to adopt with reference to the Channel Tunnel project?

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the reply given on this subject on Thursday, 4th July, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether a new cross-river communication between North and South Shields forms part of the Government's proposals to deal with unemployment on Tyneside; and, if so, whether he can indicate the stage the proposal has reached?

asked the Lord Privy Seal if his attention has been called to the need for a bridge or tunnel connection between the boroughs of South Shields and Tynemouth; and if he is prepared to consider a proposal to meet this need among the schemes for dealing with the relief of unemployment?

I have been asked to reply. My attention has been called in general terms to the need for improved communications across the lower Tyne. I understand that the matter is now under consideration by the North and South Tyneside Joint Town Planning Committee, but no definite proposals have reached me.

Is the bon. Member aware that the County Borough of South Shields is not represented on that committee, and will he undertake to receive their representations separately from those of the committee, if they desire to tender them?

If the county borough is not represented on the Joint Town Planning Committer. I shall be happy to consider any representations that they may care to make.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in his schemes for employment, he will consider the formation of a Mid-Scotland canal capable of carrying the heaviest of our shipping?

I have been asked to reply. This project has already been suggested to me as one for inquiry, and I am looking into it.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can give the amounts of value of schemes before the Unemployment Grants Committee in total and for England, Scotland and Wales, respectively; and whether he has any evidence that the regulations regarding the employment of a certain percentage of transferred labour is hindering local authorities from presenting schemes?

The estimated total value of the schemes at present before the Committee for consideration is £5,470,000, made up as follows:

Are these all new schemes, or are they schemes which were being considered by the late Government?

The hon. and gallant Member is mixing up the whole thing. These are not schemes put forward by the Government, but schemes submitted by the municipalities. I am urging all of them to send them up as soon as possible.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether any schemes are being considered for the reconditioning of the canals of this country?

I have been asked to reply. This matter is being considered, and I am in communication with canal undertakers on the subject.

I suppose all these projects will be considered by the Treasury before we are committed to expenditure?

The right hen. and gallant Gentleman will know that the Departments do not incur expenditure without consulting the Treasury.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that when I asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer two or three days ago he informed me that he was unable to give any useful estimate as to the cost of these schemes? Will he therefore, take an early opportunity of getting some kind of estimate of what these schemes in the interest of the unemployed are going to cost?

In introducing the Money Resolution this afternoon, I will deal with that aspect of the question.

But the Money Resolution only refers to guarantees and not to capital expenditure.

The Money Resolution deals with both loans and interest. It is very wide indeed.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he is prepared to examine the schemes submitted to the late Government and to their predecessors in 1924 on the subject of canal development in the Midlands and, in particular, the improvement of the waterway between Birmingham and Worcester; and if he will receive a deputation representative of the various interests concerned?

I have been asked to reply. If the responsible authorities will furnish me with particulars of any proposals which they wish to discuss, I shall be glad to consider the question of arranging to receive a deputation.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in his search for useful work for the unemployed, he will consider the desirability of relieving Cookham Bridge of the toll and of reconstructing it to enable it to take heavier traffic?

I have been asked to reply and would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer I gave him on the 9th July. With regard to the strengthening or rebuilding of weak bridges, I issued a Circular to all local authorities on the 5th July, 1929, setting forth the terms of assistance which can be given from the Road Fund in approved cases, but until some arrangements have been reached for freeing Cookham Bridge from tolls, it is premature to discuss its reconstruction.

Will the hon. Gentleman realise that the chief obstacle to the county council taking action in this case is the fear that they would be faced with a demand for increasing the strength of the bridge?

If the hon. and gallant Member will draw the attention of the county council to the Bridges Act, 1929, and the circular I have sent out, I think he will find something helpful.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can arrange with the Minister of Health to utilise English-made steel lathing instead of imported wood lathing in all his new housing schemes, on the same lines as he is proposing to utilise steel sleepers?

I have been asked to reply. The Minister of Health is prohibited by Section 10 of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924, from imposing any condition which would prevent materials required for any State-aided housing scheme being purchased in the cheapest market at home or abroad. English-made steel lathing is appreciably higher in prime cost than wood lathing but possesses some advantage, and the Minister would raise no objection if a local authority specified the use of this article.

asked the Lord Privy Seal when it is expected that the Committee appointed to inquire into the raising of the school age and the removal of the old from industry will reach its conclusions and be in a position to report to the Government?

The Committee are pressing on with their inquiries with all possible expedition, but I am not in a position to say when their report will be available.

asked the Lord Privy Seal in view of the decision of the Government not to raise the school leaving age to 15, what steps he proposes to take to prevent lads of 14 from becoming wage-earners and thus adding to the congestion of the labour markets?

I am afraid the wish is father to the thought. No such decision has been taken.

Is it not possible for the Government Departments concerned to issue instructions to local authorities who have already raised the age to 15 not to put obstacles in the way of boys and girls leaving school at the age of 14?

We would welcome and avail ourselves of any opportunity to encourage local authorities, but my hon. and gallant Friend will at once appreciate that there is much more involved than the mere question of raising the age. There is the question of maintenance, and the whole bearing of it will be considered by a committee. In order to help in that direction, I will certainly see what can be done.

Is it not possible, in areas such as that of the Carnarvonshire Education Committee, to enable children whose parents desire it to be released from school at the age of 14?

That is a matter for the President of the Board of Education.

Has the Lord Privy Seal noticed the new policy of the Welsh Literal party?

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he is prepared to consider schemes for the reclamation of flooded areas in cases where the condition of the land is hindering industrial development; is he aware that such an area, extending to over 1,000 acres, exists in and adjoining the borough of Derby; and will he give favourable consideration to a scheme for the reclamation of this area?

I am well aware of the scheme to which my hon. Friend refers, and suggest that the local authority concerned should take the necessary steps to submit full particulars to me so that the matter may have immediate attention.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he is prepared to consider a scheme for the electrification of the railway from Newcastle-on-Tyne to South Shields among the measures of railway development to be included in the work to be undertaken for the relief of unemployment?

I have been asked to reply. The railway companies have been asked to suggest comprehensive schemes of development and improvement including an extension of electrification, and I will bring my hon. Friend's suggestion to the notice of the railway company concerned.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he proposes to review schemes for dock and harbour extension, such as that proposed in 1922 at Leith, which were rejected on the ground that statutory dock undertakings were beneficial in their operations, and therefore eligible only for the lower scale of Exchequer grants?

Schemes such as those to which the hon. Member refers could be reviewed under the proposals contained in the Development (Loan Guarantees and Grants) Bill, to be introduced into the House this week.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that schemes for extensions of other harbours as well as Leith have been completed, and will he tell us when the financial facilities will be forthcoming?

I am well aware that the policy of the last Government prevented harbour development, and I am trying to remove that difficulty.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will consider the advisability of appointing a committee to investigate the possibility of alternative work being carried on in the national workshops and yards, especially Pembroke dockyard?

This matter is under consideration by the Government. As at present advised I do not think a Committee is necessary.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what the Government propose to do?

That does not arise.

May I submit that this point does arise directly out of the question of alternative work being provided?

I do not think that point arises out of the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government proposes to continue the functions of the Standing: Committee appointed under the Merchandise Marks Act?

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the value of manufactured goods imported into Great Britain from the United States of America in 1928; what was the value of goods exported to America from this country in the same period; and whether, having regard to the financial obligations of Great Britain in respect of the payment of the War debt to America, it is proposed to make any representations to Washington concerning the proposed tariff increase on goods coming into the States?

With the hon. and gallant Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFCIAL REPORT the figures for which he asks in the first and second parts of his question. In reply to the third part, I would refer to the answer given by the Parliamentary Secretary-yesterday to the hon. Members for Moseley (Mr. Hannon) and Chelmsford (Colonel Howard-Bury), a copy of which I am sending him.

May I cal the attention of the right hon. Gentleman to the fact that I have only asked for two figures? Cannot he give them to the House?

I am afraid that more than two figures are involved.

Is it not the case that representations have been made to all foreign countries for some 20 years, with the result that they have all raised their tariffs against us?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the terms of reference to the committee to be set up to inquire into the iron and steel industries will includes the wages paid and hours worked in foreign countries from which imports of iron and steal are imported into the United Kingdom?

As I have already stated in the House, the inquiry will be of the most comprehensive character.

Will the right hon. Gentleman instruct the Committee to have regard to previous inquiries, especially the inquiry carried out by a Committee appointed by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for St. Ives (Mr. Runciman), which reported in favour of Protection for these industries?

In view of the answer which the right hon. Gentleman has given, may we take it that the inquiry will relate to the wages in the iron and steel industries?

I have already assured the House in this and another connection that these inquiries will be of the most comprehensive Character, and every factor bearing directly or indirectly on the issue will be taken into account.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be in a position to announce the name of the committee and the terms of reference?

I hope almost immediately.

May I have an answer to my supplementary question?

As regards previous inquiries, it would be an obvious waste of time for any committee not to have regard to the material previously collected. That will be summarised and made available for the Committee which we propose to appoint.

rose—

There is a large number of questions on the Paper, and we really must get on.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the widespread over-capitalisation which has been a feature of industrial promotion during recent years and of the adverse effects on employment, on wages, and on public confidence which have resulted therefrom, His Majesty's Government will set up a commission to inquire into the evil with the object of checking its continuance?

The hon. Member is no doubt aware that over-capitalisation is fully discussed in the volume "Further Factors in Industrial and Commercial Efficiency," issued by the Committee on Industry and Trade. The question will, of course, be within the scope of any inquiries which may be made into particular trades.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the importation in the first five months of this year of 4,693,945 square yards of woollen and worsted manufactures from France; and, in view of the official figures that wages in France are 56 per cent. of the rates paid in this country, what action he intends to take to prohibit imports under such conditions?

The figure quoted by the hon. Member relates to the imports from France of woollen tissues. In addition, 4,633,453 square yards of worsted tissues were imported from France during the same period. The figures in each case were substantially lower than those for the corresponding periods of the two preceding years. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer to my statement in the Debate on the Address on 8th July (OFFICIAL REPORT, column 576).

Are we to take it from the right hon. Gentleman's answer that he is not going to adopt any means to carry out the Prime Minister's pledge?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government purpose taking any action against firms or combinations of firms which refuse to supply traders with goods unless under terms which prohibit selling at a lower price or in giving a discount to the purchaser?

It will be my duty in the course of the coming weeks to examine many important questions in which the Board of Trade are concerned, including this one to which my hon. Friend refers, and I would ask him to await the result of that investigation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can

The total number of grinding wheels (other than grindstones) imported into the United Kingdom during 1926, 1927 and 1928 amounted to 465,000, 602,400, and 642,300, respectively.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give in dozens the export, import, and re-export figures for safety razors and safety razor blades, respectively, for the six months ending 31st December, 1925 and for the six months ending 30th June, 1929; and the comparative prices in each period of the two types of articles?

The answer has been prepared in tabular form; and, with the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the amount of legal fees paid or payable by the Government in respect of the Board of Trade inquiry into the sinking of the steamer "Vestris," and if he will say to whom they are paid or payable?

The Court of Formal Investigation have power to deal with the question of costs and they have not yet delivered their judgment. Until this has been done it is impossible to say what amount of costs will fall to be paid by the Government. It is anticipated that the judgment will be delivered towards the end of the present month, and if my hon. Friend will repeat his question after this has been done, I shall be glad to give him the information.

Will the right hon. Gentleman suggest to the Cabinet the desirability of paying all-inclusive salaries to the Law Officers of the Crown, as is done in the case of many public bodies?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Load-line Committee, appointed in 1927, has yet concluded its Report; and is it the intention to send the Report to other countries for consideration and agreement?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if any definite decision has yet been arrived at regarding the fixing of a proper safety load-line; and, if not, if he will introduce, either by regulation or legislation, a load-line which will approximate to the old Plimsoll safety line?

Statutory rules for fixing the position of load-line on ships have been in force since 1890, and are still in force. These rules have been modified from time to time in the light of increased experience and improved construction of ships, and a further revision of the rules has been undertaken by an expert committee, who are expected to report very soon. It is proposed to send their report to Dominion and foreign Governments for consideration, and efforts will be made to secure international agreement on the subject of load-line.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to when this Committee is likely to report?

I cannot go beyond the reply which I have already given, but we should have the Report very soon now, and it may help matters if I add that it will, of course, be Published, and will be available to hon. Members.

Will there be anything in the Report in reference to the subject of the last part of my question, No.39?

I cannot at this stage anticipate the terms of the Report, but I can say at once to the House that there will be no question of any reduction of the present safety regulations.

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to speed up the inquiry, as it has been going on for a long time?

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action was taken in the Enemy Debts Department as a result of the investigation by a committee of the Treasury into the methods and working of that Department?

As my predecessor informed my hon. Friend on the 19th February last, the report of the investigation into the accounting procedure of the Enemy Debts Department shows that the system adopted is satisfactorily performing its functions, but that the completion of the work on existing lines must necessarily take a considerable time. Suggestions designed to expedite the completion of the work have now been fully examined, and some minor modifications of office arrangements have been made.

Will that Report be available to Members of this House, in view of the many things that have been said about this Department?

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the hon. Member for Rochdale (Mr. Kelly) to state the specific charges which he has to make on this matter?

Is it not within the province of a Member of this House to raise questions regarding the administration of the various Departments in this House rather than in the law courts of the country?

I cannot promise that what is really a departmental report will be circulated.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, with regard to the proposal to remove the office of the collector of Customs and Excise from Worcester to Newport, Monmouthshire, he will say on what grounds such a proposal is contemplated; whether he has received any protest against such a step from the corporation of Worcester; and what reply has been made?

The proposal to discontinue the office of the collector of Customs and Excise at Worcester forms part of a general rearrangement of Customs and Excise collections throughout the country which is being undertaken on the grounds of economical administration. I am in-formed that the Commissioners of Customs and Excise have received a protest against this proposal from the corporation of Worcester, to whom a reply has been sent to the effect that a Customs and Excise staff will remain at Worcester for the performance of all Customs and Excise work outside the collector's office, and that it is not anticipated that any inconvenience to traders or the general public will result from the proposed change.

It is very difficult to hear the right hon. Gentleman. Do I understand that the protests that have been made have led him to make some arrangement with regard to the transferred office?

I am sorry if I did not make myself heard. The latter part of my answer was that a reply has been sent to the corporation of Worcester to the effect that a Customs and Excise staff will remain there, and it is not anticipated that any inconvenience will arise from the proposed change.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport is at present in receipt of the official salary of £1,200 per annum attached to that office?

Yes, Sir.

Can the hon. Gentleman say under what authority this payment is being made?

On further examination, it appears that there is already statutory authority under Section 25 (2) of the Ministry of Transport Act, 1919, for the appointment of a Parliamentary Secretary at a salary not exceeding £1,500, and, as far as can be foreseen, this can be made available on the Ministry of Transport Vote.

Is it not the case that money will have to be provided by Parliament under that Act, and may I ask the hon. Gentleman when Parliament has in fact provided these moneys?

The position is exactly the same as it was in the year 1924. There had been no Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport under the Labour Government of that year. When the Conservative Government came into office in November of 1924, a Parliamentary Secretary, as well as a Minister, was appointed, but no Supplementary Estimate was presented to Parliament.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what was the increase in the staffs of the Inland Revenue Department and the Board of Customs and Excise respectively in the five years to 1st April last?

During the period referred to the total staff of the Board of Inland Revenue has increased by 1,573, and the total staff of the Board of Customs and Excise by 792.