asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the result of the negotiations and the final terms agreed between the County Council Territorial Association and the Performing Right Society for the performance of copyright music played by any of the orchestras of the Territorial Force in their social activities?

I understand that the terms arranged between the Council of County Territorial Associations and the Performing Right Society were that an annual fee of £1 1s. should be paid for bands of Territorial Army units, and that, where Territorial Army drill halls are let by county associations or by units for the purpose of functions at which there is music, a fee of 5 per cent of the gross amount received shall be paid, subject to an annual minimum of £3 3s.

Can my right hon. Friend let us have the figures as given by the Association last year if I put down a question?

I do not know, but I will make every effort to get the figures.

On a point of Order. Seeing that this matter is under examination by a Select Committee, is it not highly improper that the House should be allowed to discuss it?

If the matter is under discussion by a Select Committee, obviously it would be undesirable to raise it by questions in the House.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it has been decided to make any change in the working conditions at the Enfield Royal Small Arms Factory; if so, what is the nature of the change and the date from which it will operate; and whether it is to be regarded as a permanent or temporary change?

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a reply which my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary gave on 1st April to the right hon. Member for Woolwich West (Sir K. Wood) and the hon. Member for Woolwich East (Mr. Snell).

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what are the estimated savings which will be effected, respectively, by the institution by the Government of short time at Woolwich Arsenal and piece-work at the Enfield factory; whether the minimum wage is affected; and what will be the reduction in the earnings of the lower-paid workers?

The reduction of expenditure at the two factories in consequence of the anticipated shortage of work during the current financial year cannot at this stage be stated with precision, but it is calculated that it may amount to about £100,000 at Woolwich and £35,000 at Enfield. As regards the second part of the question, no variation of the present wage-rates for any class of labour is involved. As regards the third part, at Woolwich the normal loss in weekly earnings of a time-work labourer on the minimum factory rate will be 3s. 10d., representing the hours on Saturday morning for which work will not be available for him. The earnings of piece-workers who form the majority of operatives, depend upon effort and it is impossible to forecast accurately the precise effect of reduced hours upon such earnings. At Enfield, where the time-workers are not affected, the fall in weekly earnings of men hitherto on piece-work will range from about 13s. to 23s., representing the difference between recent piece-work earnings and time wages for a full week.

Is it a fact that under the action which the Government have taken the wages of the poorer-paid labourers at Woolwich will be reduced to £2 3s. 10d. a week?

I could not say from memory, but I have no reason to doubt those figures.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Financial Secretary has refused to see the union, which is largely composed of the poorer-paid men, or to receive representations on their behalf?

I am aware that the Financial Secretary has refused to deal with more than one organisation in this matter.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that in a matter that so seriously affects such a large body of people he should be willing to receive a deputation from any body of men who desire to put their views before him?

No, I think it is essential that the body which represents the whole of the different classes of workers should be the body to negotiate for the workers as a whole.

Then will the right hon. Gentleman say why he did not consult the secondary schools in the other matter?

asked the Secretary of State for War on what date he received a deputation regarding the abolition of grants to cadet corps, and who composed the deputation?

I received a deputation on 13th March from the National Union of Teachers, which consisted of my hon. Friend the Member for Aberavon (Mr. Cove) and Messrs. Humphrey and Hoare.

Were any of the members of this Association in any way connected with schools which had cadet battalions attached to them?

All I know is that they were members of the National Union of Teachers.

Is not the real force in this matter the Minister of Education?

In ordinary courtesy I receive deputations from representative bodies on matters connected with War Office business.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether this deputation was representative of the whole of the National Union of Teachers?

I know that the secretary sent their names to me, and I take it that they were official.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether when considering if War Office assistance should be withdrawn from cadet corps, he took any steps to ascertain the views of the head masters of secondary schools; and, if so, by whom such views were put before him?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he consulted any educational body other than the National Union of Teachers before deciding to withdraw the grant for cadets; and, if not, whether he will ascertain the opinion of masters engaged in the secondary schools on the subject of cadet training?

The answer is in the negative. Had I received requests from any other representative bodies to receive a deputation I should have met them.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman how he expects an association to ask him to consult them about a matter concerning which they know nothing?

I have answered the hon. Member's question. I did not expect anybody to consult me on matters on which they know nothing. I have simply answered the question.

Seeing that there is a diversity of opinion regarding the course taken, will the right hon. Gentleman withhold his decision until he has been consulted by all those interested in this movement?

No, Sir, the Government take full responsibility for the decision.

How can the right hon. Gentleman reconcile his attitude to this movement with wearing a sword with his Court dress?

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether cadet corps will in future be able to obtain the loan of Government stores, such as blankets and kitchen utensils for camp, or whether such existing facilities are to be taken away;

(2) whether, seeing that the grants to cadet corps are to be discontinued in the future, he will allow these bodies to be officially recognised by the War Office and by the Territorial Army Association;

(3) whether cadets will in future be allowed to use Government ground if available for camping or for exercise?

As I have already indicated, official recognition, with the grants and privileges which accompanied it, will be withdrawn from these units. In order, however, not to interfere with arrangements already entered into, the decision will take effect from 31st October next, but the full grants for the cadet year under the usual conditions will be paid in respect of the year 1930.

; With regard to the first question, will the right hon. Gentleman say whether blankets and other perishable stores will be allowed to rot rather than that use should be made of them? With regard to the last question, even if you cannot give recog- nition, cannot you allow them to use Government ground when it is not wanted for other purposes?

There is no intention of allowing Government stores to rot. The connection between this corps and the Territorial side of the Army must finish at the end of the current year.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question with regard to Government ground?

I answered the question quite definitely—at the end of this year the connection must cease—all connection must cease.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the members of the Royal Artillery band of Woolwich were marched to hospital for vaccination on Friday, 28th March; that most of them refused the operation; that some of these were threatened with withdrawal of passes and stoppage of leave; whether he will repeat the assurance given by his Department on 29th December, 1922, that it was never intended to make vaccination compulsory for the band; and whether he will see that no intimidation of any sort is used towards bandsmen who decline to be vaccinated?

I am making inquiry into this matter and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as the inquiry is complete.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has received representations respecting the establishment of a scheme of contributory pensions for retiring employés of the ordnance factories; and whether any decision has been arrived at?

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the answer which I gave on 1st April to the right hon. Member for Woolwich West (Sir K. Wood).

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman amplify that answer in view of the interest which is taken in this question?

At present, no, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is his intention to reconsider the question of the proposed reductions of the ration allowance to non-commissioned officers and men when on leave from 1s. 7d. to 1s. 0¾d. per day?

asked the Secretary of State for War the amount per day of ration money supplied to non-commissioned officers and men on leave prior to and after 1st April, 1930?

To prevent possible misapprehension, I would point out that all ranks, including officers, draw the same rates of ration allowance under the same conditions. The lower rate of 1s. 0¾d. a day now admissible during leave represents the actual cost of the ration to the public, whereas the higher rate of 1s. 7d. represents the estimated retail cost of the same food. The higher rate is now only admissible in cases where the recipient is prevented by the exigencies of the Service from drawing rations in kind, a condition which obviously does not cover leave of absence taken for private purposes. The saving resulting from the change is not considerable in the case of any individual, but the aggregate of these savings has provided me with funds for the removal of a number of anomalies and hardships affecting all ranks which have long called for remedy. I am reconsidering the matter.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what the economy is?

In 1925, I think it was, a Committee was set up in connection with the Treasury to rearrange certain payments made and to give help to certain cases that were very hard. That had to be done with the money at our disposal, and the result is that a diminution was made in the pay of men who go on furlough, but I have promised to reconsider the matter.

How much was the saving?

I are afraid that I cannot carry in my mind the gross sums, but I will, with the hon. Member's permission, send him the figures.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what benefits are proposed to be given to the men in view of this reduction?

There are certain benefits of a very substantial kind given to men, particularly married men, serving abroad.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of the staff employed by the Imperial War Graves Commission; and whether he will set up an inquiry to ascertain whether the present number is necessary?

The number of staff employed by the Imperial War Graves Commission in all parts of the world is 1,022, including natives. As regards the second part of the question the numbers employed are constantly under review, the Commission are satisfied that they are necessary for the current work, and consequently I do not think any special inquiry necessary.

Do I take it that the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that he can find full-time work for all the members of this staff?

From inquiries I have made I am satisfied that the work is very efficiently carried out and that it is very efficiently supervised. May I call my hon. Friend's attention to the fact that this is an Empire Board and not merely a British Board?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to continued complaints of illegal trawling and consequent losses of gear by inshore fishermen in the Moray Firth, and to other complaints of illegal trawling from other parts of the coasts of Scotland; whether he is yet in a position to state his intentions with regard to the provision of fast motor-boats for fishery protection, the increase of penalties on conviction for illegal trawling, and the other outstanding recommendations of Lord Mackenzie's Committee; and whether he contemplates doing anything to suppress illegal trawling?

Since 28th January when the hon. and gallant Member asked a similar question no complaints of illegal trawling in the Moray Firth have been received, but five complaints have been received from the West Coast of Scotland. No definite evidence was forthcoming in support of these complaints. Five complaints of illegal seine-net fishing in the Moray Firth have been received. Three are under investigation; one was investigated by the Procurator Fiscal, who decided that the evidence did not justify proceedings, and in the remaining case there was no evidence sufficient to enable the matter to be reported to the Procurator Fiscal. As regards the provision of fast motor boats, I would refer to my reply to the hon. and learned Member for East Fife (Mr. Millar) on the 25th March; and as regards the other matters referred to in the latter part of the question, I am not in a position to add to my previous reply to the hon. and gallant Member.

Was not the right hon. Gentleman's previous answer on this question to the effect that he was giving the recommendation of Lord Mackenzie's Committee his consideration, and can he say how many more months it will take before he can come to a decision as to when these vital recommendations can be put into effect for the prevention of illegal trawling?

Is the Secretary of State for Scotland not aware that the number of complaints received is only one-tenth part of a decimal of the

In my reply to a similar question quite recently, I gave a list of the boats that we have on duty dealing with illegal trawling.

Is this not a political stunt on the part of hon. Members of this House?

Will the right hon. Gentleman reply to the last part of the question, whether he contemplates doing anything to suppress illegal trawling? Is it not time that the Secretary of State for Scotland instituted proceedings against those people who have been caught trawling illegally? Illegal trawling ought to be stopped at once, and that is the only way to stop it. This illegal trawling has been going on round the coast of Scotland for years under every succeeding Secretary of State for Scotland, and it is still going on.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my supplementary question as to whether he is still considering this matter?

We shall never get on at all at this rate.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of complaints made to his Department against trawling within the limit; the number of prosecutions that have followed; and the number of convictions that have been made?

I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the evidence placed before him with regard to the damage done to cod nets by foreign trawlers recently in the Moray Firth; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I have considered the information to which the hon. Member refers, and I do not think that in any of these cases there is sufficient evidence to justify His Majesty's Government in asking the foreign Government concerned to take proceedings for an offence against the North Sea Fisheries Convention of 1882. In any event, action for compensation would have to be taken in the foreign Court by the plaintiffs. It should be understood that to leave nets for a prolonged period unlighted and unwatched is to incur very serious risk of loss or damage.

Will the right hon. Gentleman publish the evidence which was submitted to him so that fishermen may know what damage was done?

I regret that I can hardly at the moment undertake to make it public, but I will gladly discuss it with any hon. Member who is interested. I feel that on the evidence before me I could not take action beyond what is indicated in the reply.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the number of unsatisfied applicants for small holdings in nearly every county in Scotland, he proposes to ask Parliament to make up the loss caused to the Agriculture (Scotland) Fund by the diversion of £12,805 for the purpose of erecting houses on the Wester Hailes estate within the city of Edinburgh?

The hon. and gallant Member appears to be under a misapprehension. The sum referred to, which includes provision for steadings as well as for houses, is part of the cost of a scheme of land settlement to provide for some of the applicants to whom he refers, and. is a competent and proper charge on the Agriculture (Scotland) Fund.

Is it not a fact that these houses are being erected inside the city boundary of Edinburgh, and surely this wealthy corporation should be able to build houses for its own people inside its own boundary without drawing upon the scanty resources of the Agriculture (Scotland) Fund?

In my reply, I directed the attention of the hon. and gallant Member to the fact that these charges were for steadings as well as for houses.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is yet in a position to state wren Part of the Agricultural Credits (Scotland) Act, 1929, will be brought into operation?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my replies to questions on this subject on the 18th February and 25th March to which I am not yet in a position to add.

Can tie right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that something will be done before Whitsuntide? It is vital for these farmers that they should get these credits before Whitsuntide.

Only a week ago I pointed out that I was in negotiation with regard to this matter. Surely, it is an unreasonable request. to ask anyone, while negotiations are going on, to name a date when the negotiations will be complete.

In the event of the Scottish banks refusing to operate this scheme, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to link up Scotland with the English Measure?

I have already taken steps to have this matter considered outside the banks.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he can state the annual revenue in local rates from houses to let under the 1924 scheme erected by local authorities?

I regret that the information asked for is not available and I am advised that its collection would entail a considerable expenditure of time and money. I trust that my hon. Friend will see his way not to press for it.

The right hon. Gentleman has answered the question which I have put to him on the same lines that he has always adopted, and I think that he ought to let the House know what he is doing in regard to this important matter. I press for an answer to my question whether he will not arrange that at the end of whatever the date may be during the financial year when all these communities close their accounts, the returns shall be made out and transmitted to the Scottish Department in order that we may know what is being done?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can state the number of institutions in Scotland for children certified under the Mental Deficiency Act; and if he can give the total number of certified mentally defective children who are boarded with their parents?

The number of institutions in Scotland for children certified under the Mental Deficiency Act is eight, and the total number of

Yes, Sir. If the hon. Member will be satisfied with the figures to the end of the financial year we might consider that, but the information asked for is not available at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can give the total number of five-, four-, three-, and two-apartment houses built by the Corporation of Glasgow under the various Housing Acts; and whether he can state the amount of arrears of rent in each class of house respectively?

The Corporation of Glasgow inform me that the figures are as shown in the tabular statement which I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of mentally defective children in Scotland certified under the Mental Deficiency Act; what proportion are certified as educable; how many teachers are engaged in educating them; and what is the size of the classes?

The number of mentally defective children in Scotland under 16 years of age who have been certified under the Mental Deficiency Act is 706, of whom 204, or approximately 29 per cent., are certified as educable. The number of teachers engaged in educating such children is 20, and the average number of pupils in each class is 19.

Is the Under-Secretary quite satisfied that the local authorities are doing their best to administer this Act in Scotland?

I have no reason to doubt that that is the fact, but, if the hon. Gentleman has any evidence to the contrary, I shall be glad to receive it.

May I ask whether the institution in which these mental defectives are kept is under the Board of Control?

I should not care to answer that question without notice, but that is my impression.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much was paid in subsidies in Scotland under the Corn Production Acts during each year they were in operation?

A subsidy under the Corn Production Acts was paid in respect of the 1921 crop only. The total amount paid in Scotland in respect of that crop was £4,182,876.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how much of these subsidies was paid for oats and how much for wheat?

Not without notice.

I will put the question down.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of houses at present under construction in Scotland under slum clearance schemes and the number under construction at the corresponding date last year?

As at the 28th February, 1930, the latest date for which particulars are available, the number of houses under construction in Scotland. under slum clearance schemes was 2,135. The number under construction at the corresponding date last year was 2,443.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of houses at present under construction in Glasgow under slum clearance schemes and the number under construction at the corresponding date last year?

As at the 28th February, 1930, the latest date for which particulars are available, the number of houses under construction in Glasgow under slum clearance schemes was 1,308. The number under construction at the corresponding date last year was 906.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the reasons for the delay in filling the two vacancies which occurred on 16th January last in the first-class clerk grade in the office of His Majesty's Registers and Records of Scotland?

Two vacancies arose in His Majesty's General Register House on 19th January last, owing to the retirement of an assistant keeper and the accountant, and were filled by two promotions. The delay in filling the consequential vacancies for first-class clerks is due to the reconstitution of the Departmental Promotion Board and careful review of the claims and qualifications of the officers eligible for promotion. I hope that it will be possible to announce the appointments at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the average number of men per month employed on State-assisted housing schemes from September, 1928, to February, 1929, inclusive, and the average numbers per month similarly employed from September, 1929, to February, 1930, inclusive?

As the answer involves a number of figures, I propose to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Lord Privy Seal the amounts which have been approved under the Development Act for improvement schemes promoted by the London and North Eastern Railway Company; and if he can indicate the probable dates when work upon any or all of those schemes will be undertaken?

I hope to be in a position to make a statement shortly.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether progress is being made with the project for the electrification of the Great Northern Railway from King's Cross to Welwyn Garden City; and the probable date when the scheme can be commenced and employment opportunities made available?

An application for assistance under Part 1 of the Development (Loan Guarantees and Grants) Act, 1929, in respect of this scheme, has recently been submitted to the Advisory Committee, and is under consideration. It is understood from the application that, if the work is approved for grant, a commencement could be made in about nine months from the date of approval.

Will the Lord Privy Seal do everything he can by the use of his personal influence to facilitate this scheme, so that employment may be offered to people who are now waiting for it?

Seven months ago I invited the railway companies to meet me, and one of the schemes which I had in mind, and which I urged, was this particular scheme. I am still urging it, and it has reached the stage which I have now indicated.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he can make any statement on the alternative scheme prepared by the Great Western Railway Company for a new entrance lock at Swansea, following upon the rejection of the original Swansea dock scheme; if the promotion of a new Bill is necessary; and, if so, will he secure facilities to accelerate its passage through Parliament?

An alternative scheme for the new entrance lock at Swansea has been framed by the Great Western Railway Company which, it is anticipated, will avoid the previous difficulties. In connection with this scheme, it is considered appropriate to obtain powers, as some of the works to be carried out are below high-water mark, and the railway company are, therefore, promoting a late Bill. In pursuance of the powers conferred upon me, I have certified this Bill as a Bill containing provisions relating to works, the execution of which would substantially contribute to the early relief of unemployment.

Will the railway company in this particular case make an application for a guarantee under the Development Act?

So far as I am aware, the Committee upstairs found the Preamble of the Bill not proved on this head. I immediately took steps to call the parties together, to see if an amended scheme could be agreed upon. I am pleased to say that an amended scheme has been agreed upon, and there is reason to believe that it will not be opposed; and I have, therefore, certified the Bill.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he can now make any further statement with regard to the use in this country of steel railway sleepers?

As I stated recently in reply to a previous question on this subject, considerable orders for steel sleepers have been placed, and I am asking the railway companies to furnish me with a report on the position.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask them to state what percentage of the whole are steel sleepers?

Certainly; but the importance of this matter from the stand-point of the country, as distinct from any party, is that, in the main, wood sleepers are imported, while steel sleepers are made here, and I am concerned with getting them made here.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the committee considering proposals relating to the mitigation of unemployment have yet reached any conclusions?

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the right hon. Gentleman on this subject on the 4th March.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman recognise the urgency of this matter, and the impatience of the Chancellor of the Duchy?

If I were satisfied that the impatience of the right hon. Gentleman was equal to that of the Chancellor of the Duchy, I should be really happy.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether his attention has been called to cases of refusal to renew leases of land now in use for the employment of men in industry when such refusal will result in throwing men out of work; and whether he is prepared to take action to prevent the stoppage of necessary work owing to causes of this nature?

If my hon. Friend has any particular case of this kind in mind, and will supply me with the particulars, I will look into it.

Has my right hon. Friend's attention been called to what is happening in the tin mining and china clay industries, in which there is likely to be serious unemployment owing to a member of the other House refusing to renew leases?

My particular attention has not been called to what I presume is the action of the Noble Lord in question, but it is not for me to judge the case until I have investigated it. If particulars are sent to me, I will certainly look into them.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he was consulted with regard to the formation of the proposed £6,000,000 company for the purpose of rationalising British industry?

My hon. and gallant Friend will no doubt have seen in the Press the authoritative statement that the reports which have appeared on this matter are premature and in some respects incorrect. I hope at an early date to make a public statement on the matter.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a great deal of misapprehension on this matter, which would be relieved by a knowledge that he was being actively consulted?

I am not sure that there is apprehension, but I know that there is anxiety, and I indicated in my speech on Friday, and I say again now, that I am empowered to tell the House that I hope very soon to be able to make an authoritative statement. That is the best indication that I have not only been in touch but in agreement on the proposal.

Will my right hon. Friend be able to assure the House then that the rights of the men will be safeguarded?

I am afraid that, as I said in my answer to the question on the Paper, the statements in the Press were both premature and inaccurate. The object of this scheme, in a sentence, is to help industry.

Is there any indication as to the nature of this £6,000,000 scheme, about which no one seems to know anything? Will the right hon. Gentleman say what it is and when it comes into operation, or whether it is a mare's nest?

Those questions go beyond the question on the Paper.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he contemplates any further visits to the Dominions on the lines of his tour in Canada in search of fresh openings for the provision of employment?

If I felt that I could be sure of equally good results, I would not hesitate to make further visits.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that his immediate colleagues may be withholding any proposals which might be helpful to him?

If I contemplated being able to make the trip so successful as to lead, for instance, to the obtaining of a definite new order, for among other things, 40,000 tons of coal. I should be delighted to do it.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether with a view to mitigating unemployment, a practicable scheme has yet been devised of facilitating retirement by pensioning of aged workers?

I have nothing to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on the 4th March to the hon. Member for Kirkdale (Mr. Sandham).

Am I right in drawing from that answer the inference that there is no practical scheme at the present time?

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the pension scheme which has recently been started by one of the safeguarded industries in this country?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he proposes to use the provisions of the Colonial Development Act to encourage railway construction in Southern Tanganyika?

Certainly, Sir. As soon as the Governor can submit definite proposals, they will be referred to the Colonial Development Committee.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make sure that there is no forced labour on this scheme?

Have any instances of forced labour been brought to the right hon. Gentleman's notice?

asked the Lord Privy Seal what is the present position of the proposed tube to Ilford; and what is preventing the London and North Eastern Railway Company from getting on with their promised scheme?

I cannot at present add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on the 18th February. I understand that the London and North Eastern Railway Company are still considering this scheme.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received any complaints from companies or persons interested in the production of British talking films to the effect that the methods and apparatus that are being employed by the foreign manufacturers of talking pictures are such as to defeat the provisions contained in the Cinematograph Films Act; and is he prepared to set up a committee to inquire as to whether further or amending legislation is necessary?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the second part does not, therefore, arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he proposes to take at the present juncture to secure in this country the establishment of the multi-lingual talking-film industry, in view of the special advantages existing in this country as against the United States of America?

Films in more than one language are already being made in this country, and I fear it would be difficult, even if it were necessary, to promise any special support on behalf of His Majesty's Government.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be willing to receive representations from hon. Members in different parts of the House who are interested in this question?

Oh, certainly.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the advisory committee has considered this matter?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his Department has received any reports from their representative in the United States of America with reference to propaganda value for the purposes of export trade of American films; if so, what is the purport of these reports; and what steps it is proposed to take to obtain similar advantages for British industry by the same means?

The Commercial Counsellor at Washington reported in July, 1929, that a special Motion Picture Division had been created in the United States Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce to promote sales abroad of films made in the United States of America. This step was taken in recognition of the importance of the world trade in American films as an indirect advertising medium for American goods in general. The whole question of the propaganda value of British films for the purposes of export trade is under consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that it is neither the policy nor the intention of the Government to conclude any agreement, other than a five-Power agreement, at the Naval Conference?

The answer is in the negative, but as I have frequently informed the House, the Government are still working to secure a five-Power agreement.

asked the Prime Minister when he expects to receive the Report of the Ullswater Commission on Electoral Reform?

I regret that I have no information.

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to hasten the findings of the Commission so as to relieve the natural anxieties of the Liberal party, and also to give some idea how long the Government will be allowed to remain in office?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a demand for Corporation Duty has recently been made from the Norfolk County Cricket Club; that the total assets of the Club are 17 small tents, two cricket nets, 22 yards of cocoanut matting, and a few Treasury bonds; and whether, in his Budget, he will consider the abolition of this duty?

The Club referred to has been called upon to furnish a return for Corporation Duty purposes. In reply to the last part of the question, I am not prepared to anticipate the Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in view of the recent reductions in the bank rate, he can see his way to reduce the rate of interest now being charged to local authorities on money borrowed from the Public Works Loan Fund?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Birkenhead East (Mr. White) on 27th March.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of Commissions and Committees set up by the Government; and how many of these have already reported?

The appointment of 36 Commissions and Committees has been announced since the present Government took office. Final reports have been received from six and interim reports from two of these bodies.

Does the hon. Member intend to delegate the thinking powers of the Government to any further Committee?

Does not that average one per week for the 36 weeks that the Government have been in office?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that permanent non-pensionable ex-service clerks in the Civil Service in receipt of weekly salaries of either £5 3s. 7d. (Grade 1), £4 6s. (Grade II), and £3 13s. 1d. (Grade III), London 44–hour week, when appointed to the established clerical classes under the provisions of Clause 5 of the Government Memorandum of 12th January, 1925, would have their pay reduced by nearly £80, £44, and £24, respectively, per annum; and will he state precisely what benefits accrue to the officers concerned in exchange for such deductions of pay?

I am aware that by the application of the starting pay rules laid down by the Lytton and Southborough Committees and the Industrial Court, some of the officers of the class mentioned may suffer temporary loss on promotion to the established clerical classes, and representations on this matter by the staff interests concerned are under consideration. With regard to the latter part of the question, such officers on establishment obtain substantially better conditions of pension, leave and sick leave, and in addition receive, according to the circumstances of appointment, scales of salary rising to yearly maxima, inclusive of bonus, of £361, £330 and £273.

If there should be such very large deductions, in some cases amounting to 30s. a week, from the small salaries which these people earn, and as the matter is being looked into, will the hon. Gentleman undertake that it shall be hurried up with a view to improving the position of these men, who have very scanty pay?

I cannot add anything to my answer.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, as between one established grade of civil servants and another, the rule governing salaries on promotion is that there shall be at least no loss, and will he bear that in mind in considering the representations which he has received, and will he also tell us when a reply is likely to be received to those representations?

I cannot add anything to my answer.

I will ask the question again immediately after the Easter holidays.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the inconvenience experienced by local authorities in the execution of essential public works, including schemes intended for the relief of unemployment, by reason of the long time which often elapses before the district valuer of the Board of Inland Revenue submits his reports and valuations, and the delay in obtaining grants from the Government Departments; and whether he will have the staffs of the district valuers increased in order more expedi- tiously to cope with the work, and see that adequate measures are taken to prevent any unnecessary delay?

I am not aware that there is any undue delay on the part of the Valuation Office of the Inland Revenue in dealing with the matters to which the hon. Member refers; but if he will furnish me with particulars of any cases in which he considers that there has been such delay, I will cause inquiry to be made into them.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the cost of pensions to blind persons; and what would be the increased cost if the age limit was reduced to 40 years of age?

The present annual cost of pensions under the Blind Persons Act, 1920, is approximately £570,000. This does not include the amounts drawn by blind persons under the Contributory Pensions and Old Age Pensions Acts. It is estimated that a reduction of the age limit to 40 would increase the cost to the Exchequer by about £150,000.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he can state the total amount spent by the State on printing, paper, and stationery for the years 1913, 1923, and 1928, respectively; and also the value of printing, paper, and