asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has inquired into the operations of an organisation of master plumbers in Scotland which have the effect of maintaining high prices against State-aided house building and other building schemes; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. My right hon. Friend has, however, no statutory power to intervene, but consideration is being given to the question of obtaining such power.

Is not the Scottish Office taking steps to publish what they do know and to show that something is being done in the matter?

The last part of the reply indicates that my right hon. Friend is looking into the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will put into active operation the provisions of the Agricultural Credits (Scotland) Act, 1929, in view of the fact that many tenants have already purchased their farms on the faith of this scheme?

I would refer the right hon. Member to my replies to the hon. Member for Forfar (Sir H. Hope) and the hon. and gallant Member for Caithness and Sutherland (Sir A. Sinclair) on the 5th and 12th November respectively.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether his Department is doing anything to expedite the policy under the scheme?

My Department is in active negotiations, but I am not in a position to give the result.

When will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to make a statement, because a great many of the men have taken over their land on the faith of this scheme?

Without admitting that they have taken over their land on the basis of the scheme, I may say that we are in active negotiations regarding the matter, and I will make a statement as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he proposes to make a statement on the Government's agricultural policy?

I must refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statement made by the Prime Minister on this subject on 7th November in reply to a question by the hon. Member for the Eye Division (Mr. Granville).

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether or not we are going to get a statement on this important subject of the Government's agricultural policy in Scotland before Christmas? May I press as to whether we can have a statement on that subject?

May I ask when we shall have a statement on the agricultural policy of the Government for England?

I have nothing to add to the reply which I have given.

I must press for an answer. We want one answer, and that is as to whether we are going to have a statement, not from the Prime Minister, but from the right hon. Gentleman the Secretary of State for Scotland?

Can we have a Committee to consider this question and to help the Government to make up their mind?

The hon. Baronet the Member for Caithness and Sutherland (Sir A. Sinclair), in his question, asks for a statement of the Government's agricultural policy.

I have asked when the Secretary of State for Scotland is going to make a statement on the Government's agricultural policy.

I would ask the hon. and gallant Member to put that question upon the Order Paper.

The question on the Order Paper asks when the Secretary of State for Scotland proposes to make a statement on the Government's agricultural policy.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, seeing that a new inquiry into the fishing industry has now been appointed, the Government is yet prepared to put into full effect the unanimous recommendations, which were generally welcomed by the fishing industry in Scotland, of Lord Mackenzie's Fishing Committee?

My attitude towards the recommendations of the Trawling (Scotland) Committee is not affected by the appointment of the new Committee of Inquiry. The recommendations which are still outstanding will continue to receive my attention as circumstances permit.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he is, before Christmas, going to put into operation any of the recommendations which are receiving his consideration?

The hon. and gallant Member will have his opportunity tomorrow night in the course of debate.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether his consideration of this matter is active consideration or merely consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has yet been able to arrange for the issue of credit to fishermen who desire this for the purpose of replacement of gear, boat repairs, and such things; and, if so, can he say on what terms this credit can be obtained?

There has been no general demand from fishermen for credits from Government funds for the purposes referred to, and the question of instituting a scheme for the provision of such credits has therefore not arisen.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that not only is there a demand from the East Coast fishermen, but there is a special demand from the fishermen of Arbroath for credit which, under an Act of Parliament, is or should be available to fishermen; and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in answer to a question which I put to him a month ago, he said that this question was under consideration. Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the Act of Parliament is carried out and that this fund is available for those who want it?

My hon. and gallant Friend does not seem to be aware that when I held this same office in 1924 I made available a sum of £150,000 for fishermen, and only £5,439 of that amount was taken up.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that it was because of the conditions he attached to that grant that no further applications were made?

The right hon. Member must have discovered that recently, because he and his fellow Members from the Highlands very warmly commended me for that action.

May I ask whether my right hon. Friend does not recollect that, when we warmly commended him, as we are always delighted to do, and we are glad to see him answering questions to-day, we did not then understand the conditions which he attached to the grant. And may I ask whether his own colleagues in this House were not the first to deprecate the conditions which he attached to the grant?

My right hon. Friend's memory must be at fault, because, when I announced that £150,000 would be available for this purpose, I, at the same time, specifically outlined all the conditions; and the only Member in the House who was really doubtful about them at the time was my hon. Friend the present Under-Secretary of State.

Will the right hon. Gentleman refresh his memory before he speaks about all the Highland Members by looking up the OFFICIAL REPORT for my speech?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to give full information as to the results of the disaster to the herring drifter fleet in East Anglia and what action the Government proposes to take to deal with the situation?

As I explained yesterday in my reply to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for Eastern Aberdeen (Mr. Boothby), I hope to be in a position to give substantially complete information to the House tomorrow. As I then stated a National Fund has been launched after personal communication with the Lords Provost and with the wholehearted aid of the Press through which I am hopeful the necessary funds will be secured to assist the fishermen to overcome their difficulties.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the distressed fishermen in Campbeltown, where 50 per cent. of the population are unemployed, and Tarbert get some benefit out of this fund?

I have had an opportunity of discussing this matter with a deputation from Campbeltown, and the question is under consideration.

May we take it that the possibility of a Government contribution to this fund is not altogether ruled out?

Answer!

The right hon. Gentleman said that he was going to make a statement to-morrow.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding the debts of the Scottish fishing harbours; and what, if any, remissions of debt the Government proposes to make?

I must refer the hon. Member to my reply of 12th November to the hon. Member for Caithness and Sutherland (Sir A. Sinclair). I can assure him that there will be no avoidable delay in dealing with the matter.

Would it not be possible for the hon. Gentleman to provide figures which will be available for the Debate on the fishing industry to-morrow, and, in view of the importance of this matter, can he undertake that an answer will be given in the course of that Debate?

I could not give that undertaking. This matter will require some investigation before the figures are available, but I will look into the point raised by the hon. Member, and see if any figures can be made available.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, in order to help to deal with unemployment, these harbour authorities are being encouraged to enter upon new works of construction, and that they cannot do so until this matter is adjusted; and is it not the case, therefore, that delay is holding up the solution of the unemployment question in these areas?

There will not be any avoidable delay.

When the hon. Gentleman has collected the information, and when the Government have decided on what they are going to do, will he issue a White Paper?

I could not promise that, but, if the hon. Member puts down a question for this day fortnight, I hope to be in a position then to give him an answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, having regard to the importance of giving farmers time to lay their plans for drainage before the land which is being prepared for the turnip crop is ploughed and to give their orders for tiles in good time, he is yet in a position to announce the terms of the Government's land drainage scheme for the coming year; and whether, in future years, he will be able to arrange that the Government scheme with regard to drainage should be announced at or about harvest time, in order to give farmers and manufacturers of tiles the longest possible warning?

I am not yet in a position to make an announcement regarding a scheme for the coming year. The suggestion contained in the second part of the question has been noted, and I hope it may be possible to give effect to it in the future.

"In the future!" In view of the importance of shortening the period between the announcement of the scheme and the final dressing of the land for next year's crop, will the right hon. Gentleman hasten as much as possible his pronouncement?

I am as aware as the hon. and gallant Member of the importance of this matter, and I can assure him that there will be no delay as far as I am concerned.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that his party pledged the Government during the last election to deal with this problem of drainage immediately on their return?

May I remind the right hon. Gentleman that I introduced a Land Drainage Bill yesterday?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that at this time of the year deer in the Highlands raid holdings and destroy the crops; and whether he will approach proprietors of deer forests and/or take such other steps as are necessary to prevent such destruction?

I am aware that in winter damage is caused by deer to crops in certain parts of the Highlands. With regard to the second part of the question, a conference of the agricultural interests concerned met in Edinburgh on 5th December, 1928, when special measures for the destruction of surplus deer were agreed upon. A further conference will be held early next month to discuss reports on the results of last season's operations, and to consider what future measures should be taken for the same purpose. I am hopeful of beneficial results from this meeting.

Will the right hon. Gentleman advise the owners to shoot the leaders once or twice in the year? The others would not then invade the property.

Who are the leaders?

There might be a difference of opinion as to who were the leaders.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of abolishing deer forests entirely?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make provision for the construction of roads suitable for vehicular traffic, and not footpaths, to connect the holdings to be established at Luskentyre, Isle of Harris, with the nearest main road; and whether he will provide the same facilities for the conveyance of necessities for the homes and holdings already established and which are to be established under land settlement schemes?

I am informed that there is already in existence a road, suitable for vehicular traffic, leading from the main road to the lodge at Luskentyre. It is proposed to connect the holdings to be established there with this estate road, but until the holdings have been laid out and house sites selected I cannot commit myself further than to say that the access provided in each case will be adequate and suitable to the holding. With regard to the second part of the question, such facilities are provided as are practicable having regard to the circumstances of the case.

While the hon. Gentleman is considering putting roads down in Luskentyre, will he put down necessary roads in Jura and those parts of the West Highlands which are settled?

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that improved roads are urgently necessary in Harris and that money would be much better spent in that way than in putting down holdings in entirely unsuitable ground like Luskentyre?

May I ask if the previous Secretary of State for Scotland had not 4½ years in which to carry out these improvements?

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that a footpath which extends for five miles, in some cases, is a good road leading to the main road?

As a general rule, no. In answer to the hon. Baronet the Member for Aberdeen, South (Sir F. Thomson), I may say that I have realised for a long time that Highland roads require attention. As to the responsibility for them, I have been giving the matter attention. Evidently, the hon. Member for South Aberdeen has just discovered that the Highland roads need attention.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the opposition of the people in the rural districts of Scotland to the raising of the school age to 15 years, he will before the date is fixed have a vote or referendum of the people taken in one or more of the Scottish counties?

No, Sir. There is no provision in Section 14 or in Section 33 (2) of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918, for the taking of such a vote or referendum.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take other means to find out what public opinion is?

The opinion of the whole of Scotland was taken during the General Election, and there will be a further opportunity of taking the opinion of this House during the Debate on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the fact that his circular to the 'Scottish education authorities asking for information as to the additional staffing and accommodation required is of such recent date, and of the large amount of reorganisation necessary if the older children in more than half of the schools in Scotland are to adequately benefit by the raising of the school age, he will give an assurance that the appointed day for raising the school age will not be fixed until the English Bill has been passed into law?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied that the code for the regulation of primary schools in Scotland contains sufficiently detailed guidance as to the varied curricula which will be required for the children between the ages of 12 and 15 when the school age is raised; and, if not, will he say what steps he is taking to ensure that this matter receives the fullest consideration?

The answer to the first part of the question is broadly in the affirmative. My right hon. Friend does not think that the problem of the curriculum for post-qualifying children in advanced divisions will be made materially different by the raising of the school age. Having regard to the value of variety in the courses and suitability to local conditions, it is desirable to allow education authorities a considerable amount of freedom in framing educational schemes. It must be remembered that each scheme is considered and approved by His Majesty's Inspector of Schools, and in this process detailed consideration can be given to the particular circumstances of each area. The Department are, however, fully aware of the great importance of the question raised by the Noble Lady, and they already have it under careful consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the fact that Scottish education authorities receive no grant for building or equipment, that such grants form part of the grant system in England and Wales, and that the building grant is being largely increased in respect of building carried out between now and 1st April, 1931, and that the provision of much additional accommodation and equipment for practical instruction is likely to be necessary in connection with the raising of the school age, he will amend the grant system in such a way as to give financial assistance both for building and such equipment?

The grants paid in England and Wales in respect of buildings and equipment are already taken into account in calculating the Exchequer contribution to the Education (Scotland) Fund. A due proportion of the increased grants for these purposes will accrue to the Fund in future and will go to augment the sum available for distribution to education authorities in Scotland. As at present advised my right hon. Friend does not consider that any amendment in this respect is necessary in the grant system, which secures an equitable distribution of the total grant amongst the authorities. The whole matter is, however, being carefully considered in connection with the framing of the grant regulations for the year 1930–31, and the views of the education authorities will be ascertained in accordance with the usual practice.

Will the Undersecretary of State for Scotland ask his right hon. Friend to bear in mind that, though additional money will come into the Scottish Education Fund as a result of these increased building grants to the education authorities in England and Wales in the course of next year, the allocation of that additional money need not follow the expenditure that will be necessary by individual authorities on building, and would it not therefore be extremely difficult to ensure justice in the distribution of the addition money unless£[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"]

Is my hon. Friend aware of the fact that, if there was any attempt to amend the present system of the payment of grants to Scotland, for which the noble Lady herself was partly responsible for five years, along with myself on the particular Committee£[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"]

The first supplementary question was quite long enough.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he is aware of the serious economic position of the crofting community caused inter alia by the low prices obtained for Highland cattle in the Western Isles, and of the desire on the part of the crofters to have more cross-bred cattle, which bring better prices; and whether he will inquire into this problem, with a view to ascertaining the causes which have produced the present conditions and taking the necessary steps to effect a remedy?

I am aware that several crofting communities in the Western Isles desire to be supplied by the Department of Agriculture for Scotland, under their scheme for the improvement of cattle breeding, with bulls of other than the Highland breed, and that good cross-bred cattle generally command higher prices than those of pure Highland breed. The matter is being carefully investigated at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children of school age there are in the island of Rhum; how many schools there are; whether the accommodation is equal to the demand; and whether the standard of education compares with that of the mainland?

The answer to the first part of the question is three and to the second one. The school, which has accommodation for 24 pupils, is in charge of a certificated teacher and the reports of His Majesty's Inspectors as to the instruction given have been satisfactory. It may be taken that the standard of education is not inferior to that of similar schools on the mainland.

May I ask whether the new spelling of this island has been adopted to meet the susceptibilities of teetotalers?

Will the Under-Secretary tell me the salary of the teacher?

I could not answer that question without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the long-standing complaints of fishermen in Scotland against illegal trawling and the present depressed condition of the fishing industry, alleged to be partly due to such trawling, he is prepared to place more vessels in Scottish fishing waters to prevent illegal trawling; and, if not, whether he can state what steps he is taking or considering to cope with this grievance?

As I stated in my reply to the hon. and learned Member for Perth (Mr. Skelton) on Tuesday last, I have the whole question of the proper protection of fishing interests in Scotland under consideration. My hon. Friend must not, however, assume that illegal trawling is to any material extent responsible for such depression as exists in the fishing industry.

Has the right hon. Gentleman consulted with any of the representatives of the fishing industry in Scotland and heard their complaints with regard to the illegal trawling that is going on?

I had an opportunity of spending nearly two months of the Recess in these fishing communities and of discussing with them all their difficulties.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman receive during these discussions many evidences of the strong feeling, especially on the North and East coasts, in regard to illegal trawling?

May I ask whether he did not also have many evidences of the great depredations in the Highland lochs for which these trawlers are responsible?

May I ask how many convictions for illegal trawling have been secured in the last 12 months?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of cases of illegal trawling in which proceedings have been taken during the present year; the number of convictions obtained; and the amount of the penalties imposed in each case?

The number of prosecutions for illegal trawling during the current year to date is 11, in respect of which 10 convictions have been obtained, one charge being found not proven. In six cases the maximum penalty of £100 was imposed, and fines of £70, £50, £25 and £3 respectively, were imposed in the remaining four cases.

In view of the prevalence of this practice, is the right hon. Gentleman not prepared to put into effect the recommendations of Lord Mackenzie's Committee, which dealt very fully with the matter and which he has promised for some time past to consider? Is the time not ready for immediate action in the matter?

I have already replied to that point on an earlier question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much land of the Island of Rhum is available for small holdings; whether it is his intention to schedule any for such purpose; and, if so, how many acres?

I am not aware how much land in the Island of Rhum is available for small holdings as the Department of Agriculture for Scotland have received only one application for a holding on this island, but I am having the position further investigated.

May I ask how the number of small holdings in Rhum compares with the number of holdings in the adjoining Island of Eigg?

I have just informed the House that I have only received one application for a holding in the Island of Rhum.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any application for a holding in Eigg?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when his letter was sent out to the parish councils regarding the allowances paid to the able-bodied poor; and if he intends to add to that letter by advising that during the winter months an allowance might be made of coal and the allowance for children increased?

My right hon. Friend's attention was called to the matter referred to in the first part of the question as a result of a conference held in Glasgow on the 18th October. He at once instituted inquiries into the position, and as a result communicated with the parish councils on the 4th November. As regards the second part of the question, my right hon. Friend has no statutory power to issue a general recommendation. I would remind my hon. Friend that the amount and nature of the relief to be granted is a matter for the parish council to decide, having regard to the circumstances of each particular case.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his predecessor issued a circular asking the parish councils to pay a reduced scale of relief; and if the previous Government could recommend a reduction, surely it is not impossible for the Labour Government to recommend an increase?

The point to which my hon. Friend refers arises in these circumstances as I understand it. The parish councils were seeking powers to borrow money from the Public Works Loans Board, and it was at that time that the Board of Health indicated that it would only give its consent upon the terms to which the hon. Member refers.

I do not want to press the hon. Member, but, seeing that the facts given in the answer are all wrong about the dates, I give notice that I will call attention to this matter upon the Adjournment.

Can the hon. Gentleman indicate when the able-bodied unemployed are likely to be made a national charge as that would obviously facilitate the work of the parish councils?

That point does not arise on the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if his Department are aware that at present large numbers of persons, particularly children, are suffering from under-nourishment in parts of Scotland; that in Glasgow in particular certain medical authorities have called attention to this; and if it is his intention to take any immediate action to remedy the position?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the negative. If my hon. Friend will furnish my right hon. Friend with particulars of specific instances where it is alleged that there is suffering from under-nourishment, immediate inquiries will be made.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I informed his right hon. Friend before the Adjournment for the holidays that in Govan large numbers of poor people were suffering from undernourishment, and I am now asking him if anything has been done? Is the hon. Gentleman also aware that he himself admitted, at this conference that 2s. was insufficient to feed a child and, in view of these facts, why has not action been taken in the matter?

With regard to the second part of the supplementary question, the hon. Member's statement is quite true, and, as a result of that fact, we have sent a Circular Letter to the parish councils concerned intimating that, as far as this Government is concerned, we would not prohibit the payment of more than 2s. for a child.

Is this another broken pledge?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the Glasgow Corporation has bought the ground at Vinegar Hall, Gallowgate, which is at present occupied by caravans and caravan dwellers; and whether steps will be taken to provide suitable accommodation for those caravan dwellers elsewhere?

My right hon. Friend is informed that the Parks Department of Glasgow Corporation have bought the ground referred to by my hon. Friend, for the purpose of making a children's playground, and that they will obtain possession of the ground at Whit Sunday next. As regards the second part of the question, the corporation are under no legal obligation to provide another site for the caravan dwellers who will require to remove, and my right hon. Friend has no powers to intervene in the matter.

Will the hon. Member himself take steps, or approach the corporation, to have some provision made for these people? Although there is no legal obligation, is there not a moral obligation to see that these people are housed?

My right hon. Friend will consider whether we can bring to bear any powers of persuasion in the matter, but we certainly have no legal power.

Is Vinegar Hall, Gallowgate, the headquarters of the Clydeside group?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that recently the Glasgow Corporation, on the recommendation of the Committee of Health, the medical officer of health, and the divisional sanitary inspector, refused a licence for an extension of premises at 75, Croft Street, Glasgow, for the businesses of tallow melter, bone boiler, and manure manufacturer; that, on appeal to the Department of Health, this decision was overturned; whether he can state on what grounds this decision of the local authority was overturned, in view of the fact that the corporation have cleared out and are in the course of clearing out slum dwellings under slum clearance schemes for the purpose of improving the district and making it more healthy for the inhabitants to live in, that the effect of the applicant's alterations would be almost to double the size of their works, that the corporation have acquired ground for a children's playground in the immediate vicinity, and that there are 15 other offensive trades being carried on in the neighbourhood; and whether he will reconsider his decision on this matter?

My right hon. Friend is aware that the Committee of Health of the Corporation of Glasgow refused an application for consent to an extension of the premises referred to and that the Department of Health for Scotland, after a public inquiry had been held by their chief engineer and one of their medical officers, sustained an appeal by the applicant against this decision. These officers had before them the considerations referred to by my hon. Friend, but they considered that the situation was quite suitable for the proposed extension of the premises and that the process and plant to be adopted were sufficient to prevent either nuisance or annoyance. My right hon. Friend is, however, considering whether or not it is desirable that the decisions of local authorities in questions of this nature should be final.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the infant mortality rate in that ward is one of the highest in Glasgow, and that there is intense indignation among the people in the district at the action of the Department?

The hon. Member is correct in stating that there is a high infant mortality, but my right hon. Friend is considering whether or not it is desirable that the decisions of local authorities in questions of this nature should be final and not subject to review.

Was the decision given at the inquiry final, or has the Secretary of State power to alter the decision of the persons who inquired?

No; I understand that that decision is final.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of holdings in Scotland of an extent of between 50 and 100 acres; the number of rentals of between £50 and £100; and the total acreages of these two classes respectively?

The number of agricultural holdings exceeding 50 acres of land under crops and permanent grass and not exceeding 100 acres, as returned in 1928, was 10,202. The acreage included in each group of holdings was last ascertained in 1925, when the number between 50 and 100 acres was 10,185 and the total area of land under crops and grass included in them was 753,857 acres. Particulars based on limits of rental are not available and could only be obtained by laborious inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of acres which have been laid down in sugar-beet in Scotland during each of the past three years and during the present year, giving the figures separately for each county; and the amount of beet contracted for delivery to the beet-sugar factory at Cupar, Fife, each year during the same period?

As the reply involves a table of figures, I propose, with the hon. and learned Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not prepared to inform the House now as to whether the amount of acreage under beet has not very substantially decreased during recent years, and is it not the case that that is due to the dissatisfaction which prevails in Scotland with regard to the terms which are being offered?

Following is the reply:

(1) Acreage under sugar-beet in each county of Scotland in the years 1926, 1927, 1928 and 1929, as returned to the Department of Agriculture for Scotland:—

(2) The acreage contracted for delivery to the Sugar Beet Factory at Cupar, Fife, in each year is as follows:—

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Committee which is considering the question of Irish immigration into Scotland has yet made a Report?

I have appointed no Committee to consider this question. As the hon. Member is aware, the removal to Ireland of Irish-born persons who become chargeable to the poor rates in Scotland has been the subject of negotiations with His Majesty's Government in the Irish Free State, and these negotiations are still continuing.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what objections there are to Irish people emigrating to Scotland?

Is it the intention of the Government to institute an inquiry into this question, or to deal with it in any way, or are they going to allow this immigration to continue?

Why not?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the objection to the Irish coming into Scotland is what is known in currency matters as Gresham's Law, namely, that bad money drives out good money?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the names of the members of the special committee which is at present investigating the question of rivers pollution, the date of their appointment, the scope of the reference to the committee, and when he expects to receive their report?

In view of the length of the reply, I propose, with the concurrence of my hon. and learned Friend, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not answer the last part of the question and say, as there is a Committee sitting, whether in this important matter he expects to get a reply or a report from this Committee?

Following is the reply:

The Scottish Advisory Committee on Rivers Pollution Prevention, which was appointed on the 29th March, 1928, consists of the following gentlemen, namely:

Sir John R. Findlay, Bt., K.B.E. (Chairman);

Colonel J. J. George, V.D., T.D., D.L., and

Robert Bryce Walker, Esq., representing County Councils;

Wallace Fairweather, Esq., D.L., and W. E. Whyte, Esq., O.B.E., representing District Committees;

Sir Henry S. Keith and

A. Balfour Gray, Esq., representing burghs;

W. Douglas Johnston, Esq., O.B.E., representing District Salmon Fishery Boards;

John Stirling, Esq., M.B.E., representing Angling Associations;

Colonel J. M. B. Scott, T.D. (Federation of British Industries) and

James H. Fisher, Esq. (Calico Printers Association) representing manufacturing interests; and

J. J. Bell-Irving, Esq., representing landed interests.

In addition, the Committee is assisted by officials of the Department of Health for Scotland, the Department of Agriculture for Scotland, and the Fishery Board for Scotland, who act as assessors.

The Committee was appointed to consider and from time to time to report to the Department of Health for Scotland on the position in regard to the pollution of rivers and streams (including estuaries) in Scotland, and any legislative, administrative or other measures that they consider desirable for reducing such pollution.

As regards the last part of the question, the Committee have received evidence as to the condition of the River Tweed and its tributaries, and the Rivers North and South ask (Midlothian). It is understood that reports on these rivers will be received at an early date and that the Committee propose to proceed with the investigation of the conditions on other rivers.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, as a condition of a grant from public funds to public authorities, he will lay down that public authorities must afford an opportunity to the steel work industries to submit tenders for bridges and other constructional steel work?

Yes, Sir.

Will this undertaking be insisted upon from every municipal authority in the country, especially in view of the importance of the fact that this is the first concrete suggestion coming from the Government party that work should be given instead of charity?

Will this undertaking be immediately put into practice, or will it be delayed?

asked the Lord Privy Seal the number of local authorities with an unemployment rate of less than six per cent. who have failed to submit schemes to the Unemployment Grants Committee which would also relieve unemployment in the distressed areas?

This information is not at present available. The hon. Member will remember that in the debate on the 4th November certain final improvements and modifications in the terms of grant were announced. These are being communicated by the Unemployment Grants Committee this week in a circular to all local authorities and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour will then approach local authorities who have not yet taken advantage of the grants offered. I may add that the response so far has been encouraging.

asked the Lord Privy Seal the number of schemes to date suggested by local authorities which he has approved, and the number of men that it is anticipated will be provided with work this winter through these particular schemes?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can give an estimate of the additional number of men he will place in employment before Christmas?

I would refer my hon. Friends to the White Paper, which I hope to lay shortly.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when he hopes to be able to lay that White Paper, and whether it will contain not merely the number of claims the Government have sanctioned, but also the amount of the grants and guarantees and the conditions attached to them?

The whole of the information will be laid in the White Paper. So far as the date is concerned, I hope that it will be within the next fortnight.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he is now in a position to state to the House the number of persons employed last week and in May of this year by each of the local authorities participating in the £11,000,000 of expenditure approved by the Unemployment Grants Committee; and will he give these figures for the local authorities of Birmingham, Newport, the Mersey, Durham, and Bristol, respectively?

I regret that this information is not at present available.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's Department make any effort to trace the success that attends their efforts in finding employment?

No one knows better than the right hon. Gentleman, from his experience as a Minister, that a Minister has to depend upon the local authorities to give effect to the schemes which he sanctions.

When grants are made to local authorities and private concerns, is any stipulation made as to how many people they are to employ?

Is it not a fact that when the local authorities—

Sir Kingsley Wood.

asked the Lord Privy Seal the estimated number of men and women, respectively, for whom direct employment will be found during the next six months as a result of the Government's new unemployment schemes; and how many men and women have been so employed up to the last convenient date?

The White Paper, which I hope to lay shortly, will give the fullest information in my possession. I regret that I am not in a position to give separate figures for men and women.

Is it not a fact that in the motor car industry alone more people have been employed in two years than the right hon. Gentleman can employ under the whole of this scheme?

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he is yet in a position to make a statement on any completed plan for the increased sale of British coal in Canada?

I have had a number of further consultations with the coal and Shipping interests concerned in this matter, which, as my hon. Friend will realise, raises a number of questions requiring careful and detailed consideration. I am not in a position at the moment to make any further statement.

When will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to make a statement in this important subject, which is looked forward to very much by the business interests concerned?

No one should know better that the hon. Member that, if the business interests concerned desire no public discussion while they are conducting negotiations, it is far better for me to comply with their request.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that the new proposals for lessening the hours of work for miners will help to increase the output?

asked the Lord Privy Seal how soon, approximately, the arrangement which he has completed for the sale of British steel in Canada will become operative; and if an estimate has been prepared of the probable sales during the coming 12 months?

The hon. Member is under some misapprehension. I brought to the notice of the steel industry opportunities for exports to Canada which I had discussed with Canadian interests. The steel industry is engaged in following up these opportunities, and I am hopeful that substantial orders will be arranged, but it is clearly impossible for me at this stage to estimate the probable sales during the next 12 months.

Yes, but does not the Lord Privy Seal think that if steel were safeguarded in this country—

Oh!

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he is aware that in many of the coalfields of this country heaps of colliery debris have accumulated and correspondingly there are land depressions owing to mining subsidence; and will he consider in his unemployment schemes the removal of them as a means of levelling up the land and finding useful employment?

If any proposals of the nature referred to by my hon. Friend are put forward by local authorities under the Development (Loans Guarantees and Grants) Act, they will receive full consideration.

Does not my right hon. Friend think that this matter is big enough for his Department to take charge of it and to survey these heaps and see what can be done?

My hon. Friend may not be aware that considerable investigation in connection with the possibilities raised in the question has already taken place, and that a number of local authorities have made proposals and that offers of grants have been made.

Will that be referred to in the White Paper which is to be issued in the next fortnight?

If there is Government money going to this scheme, obviously it will be referred to.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will consider the training of men and women for the land in Britain instead of training and sending them to Canada?

I am already examining with the Departments concerned the question whether men can be trained for the land in this country with a reasonable prospect of their obtaining suitable employment at the end of their course. Meanwhile, I am satisfied that training for employment in this country and the training of men for Canada can be regarded as independent questions and are not necessarily in conflict.

May I ask whether in regard to this country the right hon. Gentleman's inquiries also included the question of land settlement?

Oh yes. There is considerable data at our disposal with regard to the cost of land settlement.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that, until something is done for agriculture, it will be futile—[ Interruption ].

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he has yet received the Report from the Post Office with regard to the possible use of steel, steel and concrete, or concrete telegraph poles; and, is so, what is the nature of the Report?

I am still considering, in consultation with the Post Office and other authorities, whether it is possible to use steel, steel and concrete, or concrete poles in substitution for wooden telegraph poles.

Will that be English concrete and English steel?

I would hardly consider it worth while paying much attention to the substitution of foreign wood for foreign steel or concrete.

Has the right hon. Gentleman gone into the cost of using a greater supply of English-grown poles?

I have not, but I am sure that the Noble Lord did when he was at the Post Office.

May I ask my right hon. Friend if he is still a Free Trader?

asked the Lord Privy Seal the number of unemployed in the counties of Brecon and Radnor; what relief schemes are in operation in these areas; to what extent the Government are affording assistance; and the number of men that will be found work, and for what period, by these schemes?

As the answer is a long one and involves a number of figures, I will with my hon. Friend's permission circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The numbers of unemployed in the counties of Brecon and Radnor on the 11th November were:

The county council of Brecon have submitted a five years' programme of works on classified roads and bridges, which the Ministry of Transport is prepared to approve; but agreement has not yet been reached with the county council as to the terms respecting the recruitment of labour upon which the schemes will be assisted by grants from the Road Fund.

The county council of Radnor have decided to submit a five years' programme of works on classified roads and bridges, and the terms of assistance which will be given to these schemes have been agreed. The terms are: a grant of 15 per cent. in addition to the normal in return for the employment of 50 per cent. transferred labour. The details of the programme are now under discussion with the county council.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will take some steps to re-start the flannel mills at Velindre, Carmarthenshire; and will he receive a deputation of millowners and workpeople?