asked the Postmaster-General whether the work of putting telephone wires underground is to he accelerated under the scheme to add £750,000 to the value of Post Office work to be undertaken in the current year?

The scheme referred to relates solely to trunk lines, and the additional cables which are being provided will supplement the existing system of circuits. Overhead trunk lines are not normally recovered until they have reached the end of their useful life.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that part of the staff of the Accountant-General's department, General Post Office, is housed in an old workhouse in Endell Street and another part in an old factory in Leonard Street, Finsbury; that, in spite of the expenditure of a good deal of money on this accommodation, the 'accommodation remains generally unsuitable for clerical work; and whether he will take steps to obtain suitable accommodation for the work of this section of his Department?

It is correct that the premises occupied by sections of the Accountant-General's department at Endell Street and Leonard Street were originally 'a workhouse and a factory, respectively; but the improvements that have been carried out have, it is considered, made the accommodation reasonably fit for the purpose for which it is used.

asked the Postmaster-General the average number of outward daily messages sent over the telephone transmitter 'at Rugby; the average time duration of these messages; and the gross income from them for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date?

I will write to the hon. Member on this matter.

—				Registered Postal Packets		Unregistered Parcels.
				Cases of Loss.	Amount paid as compensation.	Cases of Loss.	Amount paid as compensation.
					£		£
1924–25	…	…	…	730	3,275	7,900	7,484
1925–26	…	…	…	622	2,957	8,016	7,747
1926–27	…	…	…	957	3,820	8,518	8,167
1927–28	…	…	…	489	1,824	8,659	8,613
1928–29	…	…	…	855	2,920	10,546	9,855

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has taken into consideration the representations made to him on 26th July last by a delegation of the National Federation of Postal and Telegraph Clerks and Associated Grades, and which presented to him the claim of that body for official recognition by his Department; if he has arrived at a decision in this matter; and when will it be communicated to the federation?

The answer to the first two questions is in the affirmative. As regards the third, I have already communicated my decision to the federation.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, seeing that the rentals charged for telephone installations act as a deterrent to many who would otherwise make use of the telephone, he intends to propose, at an early date, any reduction in such charges?

AS stated in my reply to the hon. Member for Central Southwark (Mr. Day) on 19th November,

asked the Postmaster-General the number of letters and of parcels, insured and otherwise, that have disappeared in the post in each of the five years 1924 to 1928; and if he can give any estimate as to their value?

No estimate can be given of the number or value of unregistered letters which disappear in the post. As regards inland registered postal packets and unregistered parcels, the figures for the last five financial years are as follow:I regret that the financial position does not at present permit of a reduction in telephone rental charges.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will be prepared on the day when the President of the Board of Education makes his promised statement with regard to maintenance allowances to school children in England and Wales, to make a corresponding statement with regard to the granting of maintenance allowances to school children in Scotland?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has received a communication from the Retired Teachers' Association of Scotland urging improved conditions of superannuation allowances for pre-1919 retired teachers; and, if so, if he will give favourable consideration to this appeal?

I recently received a deputation from this association and heard their statement, and I am giving further consideration to the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to numerous complaints of illegal trawling along the east and north coasts of Scotland; and when he hopes to be in a position to announce his decision with regard to putting into force the outstanding recommendations of Lord MacKenzie's Committee?

My attention has been drawn to recent complaints of illegal trawling off the east and north coasts of Scotland. Such complaints have not been numerous and have received prompt attention, and 20 detections have been made in the areas in question during the present year. As regards the outstanding recommendations of the Trawling (Scotland) Committee, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to him on 19th November.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the report drawn up for the Ministry of Agriculture on the revival of the shell fisheries in North Norfolk; and whether, in the light of this report, and of the experiments conducted by the Conway Research Station, he will consider the possibility of starting shell fisheries in suitable areas in Scotland?

My right hon. Friend has seen the report referred to. In the opinion of the Fishery Board for Scotland it affords no guidance as to the prospects of a revival of shell fisheries in Scottish waters. The experiments at Conway are not yet completed, and in the Board's view have not yet reached the stage which would justify the consideration of schemes of oyster development in Scotland. The matter will, however, be kept under close observation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the fishermen of the Western Isles, and particularly those of Scalpay and Eriskay, are against the introduction and practice of ring-net fishing in their neighbourhood; and whether he will consider the desirability of restoring pre-War con- ditions so as to disallow such methods of fishing north of the Mull of Kintyre?

My right hon. Friend is aware of the attitude of the fishermen of Scalpay, Eriskay and other northwestern localities towards ring-net fishing in waters adjacent to their coasts. The position as regards the legality of this method of fishing in the area in question is not different from that which existed before the War, but in view of the complaints received the Fishery Board for Scotland are making inquiries into the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the loss and hardship suffered by the men who live by the proceeds derived from the sale of lobsters, cockles, and other shell fish in the Western Isles, owing to the state of the transport service with the mainland; and whether he will take steps to provide an adequate and regular transport service with the mainland with the object of obviating such losses and hardships?

I received representations on this subject during my recent visit to the Western Isles. So far as the daily Stornoway service is concerned, the new and faster steamer which was recently placed on that service by the contractors ought to be of benefit to the fishermen concerned. On the whole matter, I am having inquiry made with a view to seeing whether improvement of the facilities can be arranged.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he proposes to take any steps to secure an adequate supply of nets and gear before the commencement of the next fishing to replace the heavy losses sustained by the Scottish fishing fleet and to regulate the price of those articles?

As the result of a communication addressed to me by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh steps are being taken for the purpose of co-ordinating the various funds in aid of the fishermen, and any committee appointed for that purpose will doubtless consider whether the ordinary trading channels are the most suitable in present circumstances. The Scottish Net Manufacturers' Association have already offered their co-operation in this matter. While there are no statutory powers for the regulation of the prices of nets and gear, the association referred to has offered its assistance in securing a reasonable and an agreed price. I hope and believe that all the manufacturers and traders concerned will realise the importance of supplying nets and gear at the most moderate price possible in the circumstances, and all the influence which I possess will be exerted to that end.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether legislation is forthcoming fin the immediate future giving to the farmer security of tenure, to occupier the occupier's right to improve, and the occupier's right to compensation for improvements?

I have received representations from the National Farmers' Union of Scotland in favour of the amendment of the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act in the directions indicated by the hon. Member. The matter is engaging my attention.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the serious position of agriculture in Scotland, he will consider summoning a conference of all parties in the agricultural industry in order to consider what measures can be taken?

In view of the conference I had in Edinburgh on Saturday last with representatives of practically all the agricultural bodies, I do not think that a further conference is necessary meantime.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if arrangements have been completed for the formation of the Agriculture Security Company under Part I of the Agriculture Credits (Scotland) Act, 1929?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies which I gave on this subject on 19th November, and to which I am not yet in a position to add.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total number of agricultural holdings in Scotland of not more than 50 acres in extent or not more than £50 annual rental; the number of holdings of more than 50 but not more than 100 acres or the rental of which is above £50 but not more than £100; and the total area of land in both categories?

The number of agricultural holdings in Scotland exceeding one and not exceeding 50 acres of land under crops and permanent grass, as returned on 4th June, 1929, is 50,346, and the number exceeding 50 and not exceeding 100 acres is 10,166. The total acreage of holdings of each class was last ascertained in 1925, when the figures were as follow:

Holdings.			Total Acreage.
1 to 50 acres	…	…	672,717
50 to 100 acres	…	…	753,857

As stated above, these figures refer only to laud under crops and permanent grass, and do not include rough grazings. The numbers of holdings included within the limits of rental mentioned in the hon. Member's question are not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that there is a desire on the part of 20 men resident in the island of Eriskay for small holdings in the island of Canna, Inner Hebrides, as a means of increasing the earning capacity of their families; and whether he will consider the matter with a view to satisfying this request if at all possible?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative, but I must not be held as promising that a scheme can be undertaken by the Department of Agriculture.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the congested condition of the potato market, whereby farmers are unable to market their stocks, even at low prices, and in view of the high price of potatoes in America and in Canada, he will take steps to secure the removal of the embargo on British potatoes entering American and Canadian ports?

This matter has been receiving my consideration for some time past in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is in a position to make a statement with regard to the construction of the uncompleted part of the Ness-Tolsta road, Isle of Lewis, as a means of helping towards the solution of the immediate problem of unemployment in the district; and whether he can make any further statement about the purchase of the land adjoining the proposed new road with the object of establishing a number of small holdings thereon?

The question of the completion of this road is receiving my right hon. Friend's consideration and

—			Outdoor Relief.	Indoor Relief.	Administration.	Miscellaneous (including Interest on Loans and Overdraft).	Total.
Midlothian County.			£	£	£	£	£
1923–24		…	112,767	3,399	4,222	3,285	123,673
1924–25		…	87,736	2,919	3,368	2,255	96,278
1925–26	Able-bodied	…	100,130	5,513	3,200	666	109,509
	Coal Miners' Dependants	…	77	—	—	—	77
1926–27	Able-bodied	…	151,420	7,578	3,509	8	162,515
	Goal Miners' Dependants	…	45,537	—	484	552	46,573
1927–28	Able bodied	…	172,184	8,724	4,146	1	185,055
	Coal Miners' Dependants	…	—	—	—	124	124
1928–29	Able-bodied	…	155,505	9,654	3,971	4	169,134
	Coal Miners' Dependants	…	—	—	—	—	—
Westlothian County.
1923–24		…	3,739	—	122	313	4,174
1924–25		…	3,160	18	114	345	3,637
1925–26	Able-bodied	…	8,059	65	239	287	8,650
	Coal Miners' Dependants	…	179	—	—	—	179
1926–27	Able-bodied	…	9,101	85	187	534	9,907
	Coal Miners' Dependants	…	46,016	3	367	1,485	47,871
1927–28	Able-bodied	…	10,112	85	194	705	11,096
	Coal Miners' Dependants	…	—	—	—	945	945
1928–29	Able-bodied	…	7,762	112	193	578	8,645
	Coal Miners' Dependants	…	—	—	—	549	549
Fife County.
1923–24		…	4,798	54	3	365	5,220
1924–25		…	3,025	124	10	162	3,321
1925–26	Able-bodied	…	9,025	262	13	52	9,352
	Coal Miners' Dependants	…	—	—	—	—	—
1926–27	Able-bodied	…	31,178	446	524	3	32,151
	Coal Miners' Dependants	…	140,004	—	2,417	3,684	146,105
1927–28	Able-bodied	…	34,612	1,001	57	—	35,670
	Coal Miners' Dependants	…	—	—	—	3,856	3,856
1928–29	Able-bodied	…	28,029	1,018	35	211	29,293
	Coal Miners' Dependants	…	—	—	—	2,202	2,202

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of persons, exclusive of casuals, in receipt of relief

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the amount of money expended by parish councils in able-bodied relief in the counties of Midlothian, including the city of Edinburgh, West Lothian, and Fife, for each year since 1924, giving the amount spent in each county separately?

The following table gives the information asked in respect of the years ended the 15th May, 1924, to 1929, inclusive:at the last convenient date, stating separately the lunatic poor?

The following table gives the desired particulars as at

—		Male.	Female.	Total.	Dependants.
Sane Poor:
Destitute Able-bodied Unemployed	…	21,967	1,649	23,616	50,823
All other Sane Poor	…	28,841	36,290	65,131	52,202
Lunatics	…	9,518	9,340	18,858	—
Total	…	60,326	47,279	107,605	103,025

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the dissatisfaction which exists in the islands of North Uist, South Uist, and Barra with the present transport service with the mainland, of the desire of the people of North Uist for a more frequent service to the mainland via Skye, and of the desire of the people of Barra for a direct service to the mainland without intervening calls at Tiree and Canna; and whether he will take steps to remedy these grievances by providing an adequate, regular, and more frequent service for the said islands?

I am aware that representations have been made on this subject by the localities referred to. In accordance with their recent contract with the Government, Messrs. David MacBrayne (1928), Limited, are building

—			1928.		1913.
			Vessels.	Gross tons.	Vessels.	Gross tons.
Great Britain and Ireland	…	…	420	1,445,920	688	1,932,153
Denmark	…	…	31	138,712	31	40,932

The above figures for Great Britain and Ireland include 13 vessels of 75,738 tons gross in 1928 and 15 vessels of 129,081 tons gross in 1913 launched in the Belfast district.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has made any inquiries into the number of countries outside Great Britain who are giving State assistance by credits or otherwise to the shipbuilding industry; if so, how many such countries there are; and what is the effect on the competitive power of the industry in those countries?

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many new sea-going vessels were built during 1928 in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and Denmark, respectively; what was the tonnage in each country; and how did the numbers and tonnage compare with the corresponding figures for 1913?

According to Lloyd's Register the number and gross tonnage of merchant vessels of 100 tons gross and upwards, launched in Great Britain and Ireland and Denmark during 1928 and 1913 were as follow:

From information in my possession it would appear that State assistance in some form is given to shipbuilding in the following countries: Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Jugoslavia, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United States of America. I am, however, not in a position to express any opinion on the effect of such assistance on the competitive power of the respective industries.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) how many persons are now employed in the manufacture of motor tyres; and what was the number in 1926;(2) how many textile workers are employed in the manufacture of cotton fabric for motor tyres?

Separate statistics of employment and unemployment are not available for the manufacture of motor tyres, which is included for statistical purposes in the rubber industry group, nor as regards the number of textile workers employed in the manufacture of cotton fabric for motor tyres. At July, 1929, there were 65,180 insured persons aged 16 to 64 classified as belonging to the rubber industry in Great Britain, of whom 7,005 were recorded as unemployed at 25th November, 1929. At July, 1926, the estimated number insured was 58,420, and the number unemployed at 22nd November, 1926, was 9,180.

asked the Minister of Labour whether she has any statistics showing the numbers of unemployable persons in different parts of the country; and what is the estimated proportion of unemployables on the live register?

I regret that statistics showing the total number of unemployable persons in Great Britain are not available. In certain of the inquiries made from time to time on a sample basis regarding claimants for benefit on the registers of Employment Exchanges, analyses have been made for the purpose of determining the numbers within various degrees of employability. Similar figures are not available in respect of the persons on the registers who had no claims to benefit. The last inquiry of this kind was made in April, 1927, when it was found that among the claimants to benefit included in the sample about 2.1 per cent. of the men and 1.3 per cent. of the women were considered to be verging on the unemployable, i.e., they were persons whose industrial value was so low that employers would only engage them in the last resort, if at all.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what number of men are now at work as the outcome of the operation of his various schemes?

As is explained in the White Paper, which is available in the Vote Office to-day, I hone that it will be possible to give certain particulars of the kind asked for at a later date.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether it is his intention in the near future to visit any foreign countries with a view to improving facilities for British trade and thereby increasing employment?

No, Sir.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he has received the recommendations of the conference that was recently held in Totnes to consider the question of prospecting on Dartmoor for china clay, which would create work for 500 men; and whether, seeing that the Newton Rural Council have agreed to take no action, as they were in favour of the preservation of the moors and that the spot chosen is seldom visited and would not interfere with the water supply, whether he will take any action in the matter?

As at present advised, I do not think I am called upon to take any action in this matter.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Woolwich Borough Council has during the last three years made any application for assistance for schemes for the relief of unemployment in Woolwich and at the same time affording help to labour in the depressed areas; and whether any application from the council has been received in response to the latest communication from the Government offering further financial assistance to Woolwich with the object of the mitigation of unemployment in the district?

The Woolwich Borough Council has applied to the Unemployment Grants Committee for assistance for relief works provided that the terms do not involve the employment of transferred labour. The attention of the borough council has been drawn to the recent modification in the proportion of transferred labour required in certain circumstances, as announced in the House on 4th November, and they have been informed that, in view of the relatively low level of unemployment in the borough, assistance can be given only if employment is afforded to a proportion of transferred labour. No formal application for assistance on these new terms has yet been received.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is intended to introduce legislation embodying the scheme outlined in a memorandum of the British Medical Association for a national maternity service for England and Wales, the findings of the Royal Commission on National Health Insurance, and the recommendations of the Report of the Departmental Committee on the Training and Employment of Midwives?

My right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to make a statement on this subject.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the fact that mental nurses in possession of the Royal Medico-Psychological Association's certificates do not receive admission to the register kept under the Nurses' Registration Act, 1919; and will he issue an order to rectify this position?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a similar question by him on 28th November. My right hon. Friend is not empowered to issue any order in this matter.

asked the Minister of Health (1) if model by-laws have been issued by his Department to assist local authorities in framing by-laws regulating the emission of smoke from buildings in accordance with Section 2, Sub-section (1), of the Smoke Abatement Act, 1926;(2) how many local authorities have issued by-laws regulating the emission of smoke in accordance with Section 2, Sub-section (1), of the Smoke Abatement Act, 1926, since the passing of this Act?

A model by-law has been issued for use under Section 2 of the Act of 1926, and I will send my hon. Friend a copy. Seventy-three local authorities have made by-laws under this Section.

asked the Minister of Health how many convictions were secured by local authorities in 1928 for the emission of smoke from buildings of such a character as to constitute a nuisance?

I regret that this information is not in my possession.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the case of Clarence Morris Martin, of Northampton, who died on 14th November, having been vaccinated on 9th October, and that the coroner reported the death was caused by septicæmia following the accidental breaking off of the vaccination scab; has he instituted inquiries into this case and has he anything further to report?

My attention has been called to this case which occurred at Southampton, and inquiries have been made into the matter. The death took place on 10th November, the cause of death certified by the Coroner after an inquest, being as stated in the question. I am satisfied that death was due to accidental infection of the site of the vaccination from some extraneous source, and that no blame attaches to the public vaccinator or to the lymph used.

asked the Minister of Health when the Government proposals with regard to slum clearance are to be laid before the House?

My right hon. Friend hopes it will be possible to lay the proposals before the House at an early date after the Recess.

asked the Minister of Health the number of slum-clearance schemes that have been put into operation, sanctioned, and carried through during the 12 months ended to the last convenient date; the number of properties this has affected; the number of persons who have been re-housed in the carrying out of these schemes; and the ultimate annual Exchequer liability?

Work was in progress during the 12 months ended 30th September last on 97 slum clearance schemes, three of which were confirmed in that period. The numbers of properties affected and of persons re-housed during those 12 months cannot be stated, but in all 1,787 houses were provided, 11 schemes were completed during the 12 months, and these schemes involved the demolition of 758 properties and the provision of re-housing accommodation for 3,192 persons. The ultimate annual Exchequer liability has not yet been ascertained.

asked the Minister of Health how many houses have been built under the auspices of the Plymouth City Council in the last year; and whether he will say what steps he proposes to take to assist or urge the council to cope with the shortage of accommodation in the city?

During the year ended 30th September last, 330 houses were built under the auspices of Plymouth Town Council—236 by the council, and 94 by private enterprise with assistance under the Housing, etc., Act, 1923. The council are alive to the housing needs of the city and my right hon. Friend is ready at all times to give them and other local authorities any assistance in his power. The hon. Member is aware that my right hon. Friend hopes, at an early date, to submit to the House proposals for further housing legislation.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the London County Council are developing the Barking section of the Becontree housing estate at a, cost of £698,000; that the work is held up because Barking had no main drainage system; whether any decision to construct a new main drainage system for that area has been arrived at; and what action he intends to take in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I understand that arrangements have now been made to meet the requirements in regard to drainage.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received any representations from local authorities to the effect that many tenants occupying municipal houses which were built under Housing and Town Planning Acts are unable through unemployment to pay the present rents; and whether these applications to reduce rents have been approved?

Under the Housing Acts, 1923 and 1924, local authorities are not required to refer to me when considering applications for reduction of rents. Under the Housing, Town Planning Act, 1919, certain local authorities have suggested reductions of rents on general ground's and they have been agreed in more than half the cases dealt with during the current year.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many pits have been closed in Lancashire in the last 12 months, and how many miners have thereby been thrown out of employment?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given on 26th November to a question by the hon. Member for Lancaster (Mr. Ramsbotham) of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he proposes to hold an inquiry as to the effect on the health of the men who use drill machines driven by compressed air in the anthracite district of Carmarthenshire; if his attention has been called to the large number of men who have been engaged on such work who are now permanently disabled, suffering from silicosis or anthracosis; if he is prepared to make every possible effort, in conjunction with the employers, to obtain some protection for these men when working these drill machines; and, if so, what steps does he propose to take?

I have had no information to indicate that there is need for such an inquiry. As indicated by my right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Home Affairs in his reply on 18th November, if my hon. Friend will furnish definite particulars of alleged cases the necessary inquiries will be made.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the estimated statutory profits made by the coalmining industry, including coking, etc., for each of the years from 1919 to the latest available date; and the amount of direct taxation paid for the same period?

I regret that this information is not available, as the taxation statistics do not distinguish the incidence of taxation on different classes of industry.

asked the Secretary for Mines when he will present a Report under Section 12 of the Mining Industry Act, 1926, upon the working of Part I of that Act, in continuation of Cmd. 3214, of 1928?

I hope to present the Report in a few days.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the complete annual cost of a mechanised cavalry regiment; and how does this compare with its annual cost before it was equipped as an armoured-car unit?

The mechanisation of only one regiment is at present com- plete, and even in that case the full complement of approved equipment has not yet been issued, and to some extent extemporised arrangements are consequently still in force. It is not therefore possible to give the complete annual cost of a mechanised regiment.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the desirability of stabilising at the present figure the pension of £150, awarded under the Army Order Number 324, 1919, to ranker officers commissioned for services in the field or, as an alternative, postponing any reduction of this pension pending the result of the cost-of-living inquiry?

I regret that I am unable to give special treatment to the class of officers referred to by the hon. and gallant Member. The rates of retired pay are due to be revised as from 1st July next. As stated by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on 12th November last in dealing with the question of pay, the reduction from the standard rate, which is at present 6 per cent., would on the existing basis of revision almost certainly be increased to 8 per cent., but it has been decided that the reduction shall be limited to 7 per cent, for a period of 12 months from 1st July next, after which the question will be reviewed.