Written Answers
Royal Navy
Leave Allowance
asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether naval ratings who are loaned to Royal Air Force bases for training, etc., receive leave allowance when travelling on long leave?
The reply is in the affirmative.
Serge Jumpers
asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider an improved pattern of serge jumper for ratings dressed in Class II uniform, observing that the present contractor's jumper is too short in length and too wide in width, and hangs very badly, and that Class II ratings dislike this jumper, as will be found if examination is made of the number of ready-made jumpers which are purchased through the paymaster?
An improved pattern of serge jumper has been adopted recently to meet the points referred to by the hon. Member. New supplies are being made to this improved pattern, and they will be brought into general issue as stocks of previous pattern are used up.
Chatham Dockyard (Personnel)
asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has yet considered the question of reinstating the workmen recently discharged by him from Chatham naval dockyard; and whether he has reached any decision upon the matter?
As explained in the reply to the hon. Member's question on 8th July (OFFICIAL REPORT, Column 501), the recent discharges from Chatham Dockyard were due to a normal fluctuation of work in the dockyard. In the circumstances it is not possible to make any re-entries.
| — | U.S.A.* | Japan.* | France.* | Italy.* | |
| $ | Yen. | Francs. | Lire. | ||
| Expenditure, 1913–14 | … | 139,682,186 | 96,445,592 | 461,000,000 | 309,086,000 |
| Expenditure, 1924–25 | … | 323,940,513 | 248,458,182 | 1,168,962,125 | 1,012,589,350 |
| (estd.) | |||||
| Estimated Expenditure, 1929–30 | … | 372,981,247 | 269,116,855 | 2,752,251,642 | 1,232,433,630 |
| * At the rates current at the time. | |||||
Government Departments
Ex-Servicb Men, Admiralty
asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Admiralty still employs a smaller percentage of disabled ex-service men and of ex-service men as a whole than any other public Department, as it did on 29th April last; and what is the reason for the circumstance?
I assume that the hon. and gallant Member refers to non-industrial staff. The latest figures available are those of 1st April, 1929. The percentage of disabled ex-service men, and ex-service men as a whole, amongst the Admiralty staff naturally tends to be lower than in other Departments, because such a large proportion of that staff belongs to the shipbuilding and engineering industries, and the like, in which men were allowed to volunteer for military service only to a very limited extent, because they were urgently required for warship and merchant ship building during the War. Allowing for this special feature, the Admiralty percentage does not compare unfavourably with that of other Departments.
Naval Expenditure (International Comparisons)
asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the estimated naval expenditure of the principal naval Powers for the present year, and the actual expenditure for 1924 and 1913, respectively?
The estimated net expenditure of this country for the current year is £56,865,000. The actual expenditure for 1924–25 and 1913–14 was £55,693,787 and £48,732,621 respectively.The figures for the principal foreign naval Powers are:
Air Force Expenditure (International Comparisons)
asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the estimated expenditure on the Air Forces of the principal air Powers for the present year and the actual expenditure for 1924 and 1913, respectively?
As regards Great Britain, I would refer the, hon. Member to the current Air Estimates for estimated air expenditure for 1929, and to the Air Services Appropriation Account, 1924–25, for actual expenditure in 1924. The corresponding figures for 1913 are not available, air expenditure having been included at that time in the Estimates and Appropriations for Navy and Army Services respectively. As regards other Air Powers, there is great diversity in the organisation of the Air Services of foreign countries, and it is not possible in many cases accurately to segregate the air force expenditure from civil air expenditure on the one hand, and, on the other, military and naval expenditure generally. A calculation has, however, been made in the case of the United States, France and Italy, which indicates that estimated air expenditure, both military and civil, for 1929 shows the following approximate percentage increases over the corresponding figures for 1924:
| Country. | Increase. | ||
| Per cent. | |||
| United States | … | … | 160 |
| France | … | … | 90 |
| Italy | … | … | 55 |
Coal Industry (Mines, Hours Of Work)
asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that there is a marked falling off in the making of forward contracts for British coal, due to the uncertainty at present existing as to the intentions of the Government with regard to hours of work in the mining industry, which is likely to have a serious effect in reducing employment in mines; and whether he will make known the intentions of the Government at an early date?
I would, refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Batey) on 8th July. I am sending the hon. Member a copy.
Unemployment
Insurance Officers
asked the Minister of Labour how many insurance officers are now engaged on claims for unemployment insurance benefit; and is it still the practice to refer to Kew all cases of disputed benefit?
The chief insurance officer at Kew is assisted by 57 insurance officers. In addition there is at least one local insurance officer at each Employment Exchange and branch employment office. Local insurance officers have no power to disallow benefit except in one class of case, namely, where the number of contributions paid is insufficient to satisfy Section 14 (2) (a) of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1927. In the event of the record of contributions being disputed the case is referred to the chief insurance officer. The answer to the second part of the question is therefore in the affirmative.
German Teachers
asked the Minister of Labour How many permits have been issued by the Ministry since August last to Germans to come into Great Britain as teachers; and how many permits have been issued to Germans since that date to come to Great Britain in order to learn the English language?
The total number of permits issued in respect of German subjects, described as teachers, as between 1st September, 1928, and 30th June, 1929, was 15. In addition, four German subjects permitted to land as students, etc., were subsequently allowed to take up teaching work. A Ministry of Labour permit is not necessary in the case of an alien desiring to enter the country solely for the purpose of learning the English language.
Benefit
asked the Minister of Labour whether she is aware that Thomas Britton, 23, Orkney Street, Govan, was employed with George Eaglesham, 22, Broomtoun Road, Govan, from 19th January, 1925, to 7th June, 1929; that he has a certificate from his late employer that the reason for his dismissal was slackness of work; that Britton lodged a claim at the Govan Exchange on 8th June and was interviewed on 10th June and was informed by the clerk on 12th June that he could not be allowed to sign the register; that Britton attended every signing day but could not sign; and that on 26th June he was informed he could make a fresh claim; whether any reason can be given for this treatment; and whether she will now rule that this claim/ will date from the original day of lodging, namely, 8th June.
When Mr. Britton was interviewed on 10th June, he was given a U.I. 40 card and advised to sign the register on the 12th. According to my information, he did not attend the Exchange again until the 19th, when it became necessary to direct him to another counter to make a renewal claim. When he attended on the 21st he stated he had not made the renewal claim on the last occasion as there had been others waiting, and he was not prepared to wait his turn. While the clerk was proceeding to obtain his fresh claim, the applicant again left the premises, and it was therefore not completed until he attended again on the 26th. It seems clear that the delay in completing the claim was largely due to the claimant's own fault; but as there may have been some misunderstanding it was decided in all the circumstances to ante-date the claim to 8th June.
Alien Musicians And Theatrical Artists
asked the Minister of Labour what was the number of applications to enter this country which were received during 1928 from alien musicians and theatrical artists, respectively; and how many of such applications were granted?
The total number of applications was 2,472, of which 2,389 were granted. Of that number 2,269 were in respect of theatrical, vaudeville, cabaret and concert artists. The remainder, 120, were mainly in respect of musicians to play music for dancing.
Sweated Goods (Importation)
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in addition to schemes having the object of providing further employment, the Government have any proposals calculated to protect British labour against unfair foreign competition and which would be effective within the next two years?
As regards importation of sweated goods, it is the Government's intention, as has already been stated in this House, to approach the question in the first instance by way of international discussion and, it is hoped, agreement.
Kerbed Footways
asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, as part of his general plans for relieving unemployment, he will consider the desirability of bringing pressure to bear on the responsible local authorities throughout the country to construct kerbed footways for pedestrians on all roads used by vehicular traffic?
I have been asked to reply. The officers of my Department encourage the provision of footways, kerbed where necessary, in all cases where such provision is desirable and practicable. Grants are made in the ordinary course towards the cost of such work.
Canal Bridges (Reconstruction)
asked the Lord Privy Seal if he is proposing, in connection with schemes for finding work of national importance for the unemployed, to take steps for the reconstruction of canal bridges in the neighbourhood of Wolverhampton and the Black Country generally?
I have been asked to reply. I am prepared to consider schemes for the reconstruction of canal bridges on important roads, which are not fitted to carry modern traffic, if the highway authorities concerned will submit their proposals in response to the recently issued circular (No. 296, Roads), which sets out the terms on which assistance can now be rendered from the Road Fund towards the cost of approved works of this nature.
Cardiff Docks (Development)
asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the authorities controlling the docks at Cardiff contemplate spending a large sum on their development, and that such expenditure will not increase either our imports or our exports out will add to the wasteful competition now existing between the Bristol Channel ports; and whether, in the national interest, he will call the dock authorities together with a view to the adoption of an efficient and economical national dock policy?
Proposals on the lines indicated by my hon. Friend have been under consideration locally, but, so far as I am aware, have as yet reached only a preliminary stage. I agree with him that whenever such proposals are considered the effect of them on other undertakers is an important factor that would necessarily have to be taken into account.
Land Reclamation (The Wash)
asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has any schemes for land reclamation in the Wash under consideration; and how many acres of land in this area were reclaimed by German prisoners during the War?
I have been asked to reply. The practicability of carrying out schemes of land reclamation in the Wash is under consideration. As regards the latter part of the question, no portion of the Wash was entirely reclaimed by German prisoners, but in 1917–18 prisoners were employed in filling in certain gaps in a bank constructed by a drainage authority for the enclosure of an area of 574 acres. Prisoners were also employed during 1918–19 in the construction of another bank, but were withdrawn before this was completed.
League Of Nations
Seamen's Articles Of Agreement
asked the Minister of Labour whether ratification has taken place on the International Convention of 1926 on seamen's articles of agreement?
The ratification of this Convention was registered with the Secretary-General of the League of Nations on 14th June, 1929.
Egypt
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government have received any request from Egypt to support its candidature for membership of the League of Nations; whether any negotiations have taken place on this point with this country; and what is the present position in the matter?
This question was not specifically mentioned during my recent conversation with the Egyptian Prime Minister it would, however, naturally be dealt with, in any general settlement with Egypt.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government propose to submit the issues of the Sudan, the Suez Canal, and the control of Nile water to the League of Nations for settlement?
The three questions referred to by the hon. Member are governed respectively by the following international agreements: namely, the Anglo-Egyptian Convention of 1899; the Suez Canal Convention of 1888; and the Anglo-Egyptian exchange of notes of 7th May last which has been registered with the League of Nations. I have no reason to propose a modification of these arrangements.
Workmen's Compensation
asked the Minister of Labour whether it is the intention of the Government to ratify the Draft Convention of the League of Nations, 1925, concerning workmen's compensation for accidents?
This matter has not yet been considered by the Government, and I am not in a position to make any statement.
White Lead
asked the Home Secretary if the Government are prepared to ratify the International Labour Office Convention, 1921, concerning the use of white lead in painting?
Ratification would have to be preceded by legislation for the amendment of the present law, and all I can say on the subject at the present moment is that it will be considered with other questions in connection with the proposed Factories Bill.
India (Banking Inquiry Committee)
asked the Secretary of State for India whether the terms of reference to the Banking Inquiry Committee recently announced by the Government of India include investigation into the possibilities of relieving the indebtedness of the agriculturists and working classes in India by the establishment of special banks; if the personnel of the committee includes representatives of those interests; and whether he will suggest the filling up of the vacancy in the committee caused by the death of Mr. Madon, bearing this consideration in mind?
The scope of the inquiry includes the regulation of banking with a view to protecting the interests of the public and the development of banking with special reference to the needs of agriculture, commerce and industry. The central committee includes two representatives of the co-operative movement and representatives of the public from the side of those who require credit facilities. The question of replacing the late Mr. Madon on the committee will doubtless receive the consideration of the Government of India.
Empire Oil Resources
asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs in which parts of the Empire there is a register kept of oil resources; and will he give particulars of when the last survey was undertaken in the several parts of the Empire?
I am afraid that I could not undertake to supply an adequate reply to my hon. Friend's question within the limits of a Parliamentary question and answer. Detailed information could, however, be obtained from official publications of the Governments concerned.
Irish Grants Committee
asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of cases heard by the Irish Grants Committee and the number waiting to be heard; and when it is expected that their labours will be completed?
The Irish Grants Committee have made recommendations in respect of 3,614 claims and applications, 416 still awaiting consideration. The Committee are proceeding as expeditiously as is possible with their task, and it is hoped that it may be completed within two to three months.
Consular Service
asked the Lord Privy Seal what changes have been made in the administration and recruitment of the consular service since the present Government took office?
No changes have been made.
Tanganyika And Nyasaland
asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is proposed to group the military garrisons of Tanganyika and Nyasa-land under one command; if so, what administrative arrangements are contemplated for the joint force; what will be the official relations of the joint commander with the Governors concerned; whether any further joint arrangements, administrative or otherwise, involving Tanganyika and Nyasaland are contemplated; and whether His Majesty's Government have come to any decision as to the recommendations affecting Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia of the Committee on Closer Union in East Africa?
A proposal to group the units of the King's African Rifles in Tanganyika and Nyasaland under one command is under consideration. It is intended that the commandant of the joint force should act as military adviser to the Governors of both territories. I am unable to make a. more detailed statement at present. The answer to the last two parts of the question is in the negative.
Dead Sea Salts (Concessions)
asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the present position of the Dead Sea concessions; and if he proposes to take any action in view of the importance of potash to the agricultural community of Great Britain?
A preliminary agreement with the concessionaires was signed on 22nd May substantially in the terms of the draft laid before the House by the late Government on 8th May last in Command Paper No. 3326. The other document printed in the Command Paper, namely: the "Heads of Agreement" for a draft concession, has net yet been put into the form of a final concession, but it is binding in its substance on the Governments of Palestine and Trans-Jordan. With regard to the second part of the question, I am not sure what action the hon. and gallant Member suggests that I should take. I would remind him that provision has been made in the Concession to prohibit the operating company from entering into any arrangement for the restriction of output without the previous written consents of the Palestine and Trans-Jordan Governments.
Crown Colonies (Defence Forces)
asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the recent resuscitation of the volunteer movement in the Crown Colonies has been fostered or suggested from the Colonial Office; and whether there is any special reason for this policy?
It is considered desirable that each Colony should provide as far as possible for its own defence. The Colonial Office has therefore always encouraged the formation of volunteer forces wherever they are regarded as necessary for this purpose. There has been no recent change of policy in this connection, but a systematic review of the organisation of the local forces has been in progress for some time in order to place at the disposal of the Colonial Governments the best expert advice available.
West Indian Islands (Justices Of The Peace)
asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Justices of the Peace in the British West Indian Islands have been removed from their commission during the last five years; how many have been removed this year; what are the usual grounds for removal; and whether there have been any appeals against such decisions?
I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to his questions on 10th and 16th July. As the appointment to and removal from the office of Justice of the Peace are matters entirely within the discretion of the Governors I have not the information to enable me to reply to the first three parts of the question. With regard to the last part neither the Secretary of State nor, I understand, his predecessor in office have ever received any such appeal.
Gold Coast (Spirits, Imports)
asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the total quantity of gallons of spirits imported into the Gold Coast and the revenue derived from it for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date for which the complete figures are available?
The latest year for which the complete figures are available is 1927, when 1,295,712 gallons of spirits were imported, and the revenue was £1,517,396. In 1928, from January to December, 1,164,746 gallons of spirits were imported, and the total revenue derived from duties on spirits, wines and malt liquors was £1,551,804. I am not yet in a position to say exactly how much of that was derived from duties on spirits, though it may be assumed that the greater part of it represents duties on spirits. I might add that in the first four months of the present year, the quantity of spirits imported was 218,595 gallons as compared with 524,348 gallons in the corresponding period of last year.
Congo Basin Treaties
asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies what is the attitude of the present Government to the Congo Basin treaties; and whether the restrictions on Imperial Preference will be modified in future treaties?
His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are pursuing the inquiries which were initiated by the late Government in this matter.
Toy Pistols
asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the circumstance that several animals have recently been hurt through having been fired at by boys using automatic or so-called toy pistols, he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation prohibiting the sale of such pistols?
I am not aware what cases the hon. Member refers to, but if he will send me particulars I will look into the facts.
Bakeries, Night Work
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the intention of the Government to ratify the Draft Convention of the League of Nations, 1925, concerning night work in bakeries?
The question of ratifying the Draft Convention adopted by the International Labour Conference in 1925 in regard to night work in bakeries will be considered by the Government. No decision has yet been taken.
asked the Home Secretary whether it is the intention of the Government to include in the forthcoming Factories Act a Clause prohibiting night baking?
This question will be considered by the Government in connection with the Factories Bill, but I am not at present in a position to make any statement.
Public Elementary Schools, Scotland (Statistics)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the estimated number of children that will be in attendance at public elementary schools under the existing law who will have exceeded their 14th birthday and not attained their 15th birthday at the beginning of 1931; if he can give an estimate of the number of children between those ages who will be in attendance at public and other secondary schools at the same date; and the total number of children between those ages who will not be attending any form of school?
The number of pupils that, under the existing law, will be in attendance at State-aided primary and secondary schools in Scotland at the beginning of 1931, having passed their 14th birthday and not yet attained their 15th, is estimated to be 16,000. The statistics at my disposal do not enable me to give separate figures for the two classes of school. The number of pupils between 14 and 15 who at the same date will not be in attendance at any State-aided school is estimated to be approximately 65,000. I have no information that enables me to estimate what part of the last number would be in attendance at other than State-aided schools, but the number must be relatively small.
Third-Party Insurance (Motorists)
asked the Minister of Transport whether he will obtain a copy of the Safety Responsibility Bill which is being put forward in the United States as a satisfactory alternative to third-party insurance, as it provides for permanent suspension of the driving licence of any motorist against whom a judgment as to payment of damages to a third party has been delivered and who fails to comply with it; and whether he will consider the introduction of similar legislation in this country?
I am obliged to the hon. Member for drawing my attention to this Bill. I will examine its provisions.
Stamp Machines, Euston Station
asked the Postmaster-General if he will investigate the arrangements at Euston station, London, Midland and Scottish Railway, where the facilities which the slot machines for supplying stamps are designed to provide for the public are nullified by the enclosure of the machine behind a shutter when the post office is closed at 10 p.m.?
There are structural difficulties in the way of making these machines available at night. I will see whether any alternative arrangement is practicable.
Lunacy Act (Private Institutions)
asked the Minister of Health how many private lunatic asylums and mental hospitals exist in England and Wales; the number of patients therein; and the number of discharges therefrom during last year?
On 1st January, 1929, there were 68 private institutions under the Lunacy Act, and 4,649 patients therein. There were 742 discharges during 1928.
Local Government Inquiry, Great Bookham
asked the Minister of Health whether he has received letters from members of the legal profession and from the Great Bookham Parish Council and Ratepayers' Association protesting against the conduct of one of his inspectors at a local government inquiry at Great Bookham on 18uh June; and whether, seeing that the inspector refused to allow the adjournment for luncheon and then adjourned the proceedings sine die, at great cost to the local ratepayers, because the members of the legal profession engaged in the inquiry ordered refreshments to be brought in to be consumed while the evidence was being continued, and that he made an inspection of the area affected in company with the experts of only one of the parties to the inquiry, he will inquire into the matter and say what steps he proposes to take as to the personnel of the hearing officer at any resumption of the inquiry and as to the costs lost by the adjournment ordered by the inspector?
I have received the letters, and the matter is now under my consideration.
Banking And Credit
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he intends to make inquiry into the relationship of the Bank of England to the State, and on banking policy generally?
I would refer my hon. Friend to my answer on Monday to the hon. Member for Southampton (Mr. Morley). I am sending him a copy.
Retired Civil Servants (Age Statistics)
asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the average age of decease amongst retired men and women civil servants, respectively, in receipt of pensions granted to them on retirement due to age grounds?
I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of an answer given in this House on 24th June, 1926, in which the average age at which civil servants retire on pension is estimated to be approximately 58 and the average duration of pension to be 12½ years. A fresh inquiry in this matter is in progress, and I will send my hon. Friend the results in due course.
Social Services (Expenditure)
asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the isums spent on social assistance in rates, or Scotch equivalents, and taxes in 1913–14 for the whole of Great Britain and the corresponding figures for the latest year available?
The House of Commons Return (No. 16 of 1928) shows the amount provided from the Exchequer, local rates and other sources on all the important public social services for the latest year for which figures are available and also for certain years before the War.
British Barley (Malting)
asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will introduce legislation to restore the barley-growing industry in this country by compelling the brewers to use British barley for malting purposes, the price of barley to be based on the cost of production?
I cannot see my way to introduce legislation on the lines proposed by my hon. Friend.