asked the Secretary for Mines whether, when a coal mine is stopped either temporarily or permanently, any inquiries are instituted by his Department as to the reasons for closing down; whether mineowners are always willing to supply such information; and, if not, what steps does he propose to take with a view to compelling the owners to forward the necessary information?

It is the regular practice, when a pit is closed, for the owners to inform my Department of the cause, and no difficulty is experienced in obtaining this information.

Am I to understand from the answer that the information is always supplied in every case, and supplied fully, and, if so, can any hon. Member of this House obtain the information concerning a specific colliery if he puts down a question?

Will my hon. Friend state in his reply whether there is any obligation upon a mineowner at the present moment to notify the Minister of closing down?

I have ascertained that there is a legal obligation in point of time. As regards the first supplementary question, the information is in our possession with regard to the closing down of collieries, but, if my hon. Friend desires information concerning a specific pit, perhaps he will give me notice of the question.

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is a wide-spread feeling among miners that occasionally a colliery is closed down, not because of economic, but because of other reasons?

asked the Secretary for Mines if his attention has been drawn to overtime being worked in coal mines; and what steps he has taken to see that the regulations in regard to hours are not broken when such overtime is being worked?

I have received complaints concerning the working of overtime in various coalfields. Ail complaints made are investigated by His Majesty's Inspectors of Mines and steps taken, whether by prosecution or otherwise, to secure compliance with the law. I am hoping, however, to secure the institution of a system whereby the industry itself, through committees both of owners and of workmen, may assist His Majesty's Inspectors in dealing with these questions. Some progress has already been made in this direction in one coalfield, and it is my, desire to complete it and extend it to other coalfields.

Is not my hon. Friend aware that in certain cases reports, particularly with regard to deputies, are altered and falsified by those responsible?

I have no information upon that point. Perhaps my hon. Friend will furnish me with the information.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of inspectors engaged under the Mines Act; if this is an increase on 1927 and 1928; and the number of inspections made below ground for 1927, 1928, and 1929, respectively?

There are 110 inspectors appointed under the Coal Mines Act, 1911. The figures for 1927, 1928 and 1929 were 105, 104 and 106, respectively. The number of underground inspections made at coal mines in 1927, 1928 and 1929, were respectively, 18,844, 17,922 and 18,692.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many explosions of fire-damp causing loss of life there have been during 1929; and how many of them have been caused by shot-firing or by electricity?

During 1929 there were 13 fatal explosions of fire-damp, and they caused a loss of 34 lives. Three, in which 13 lives were lost, were due to shot-firing. One in which nine lives were lost was due to electricity.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many representatives of domestic consumers of coal have been put upon the Committee of Investigation in Scotland set up under the Coal Mines Act, 1930; and will he give their names?

Section 5 of the Coal Mines Act, 1930, provides for the appointment on the Committee of Investigation for Scotland of one representative of domestic consumers of coal. I have appointed Mr. William Elger, J.P., of Glasgow, to be that representative.

Is not Mr. William Elger the Secretary of the Scottish Trade Union Congress, and will he not, therefore, be rather more engaged in representing the point of view of the producer than that of the domestic consumer, which is the intention of the Act?

No, I cannot agree with my hon. Friend.

Surely the hon. Gentleman will agree that the intention of the Act was that there should be a representative of the domestic consumers, and that Mr. Elger, as Secretary of the Congress, might be more inclined to represent the producer?

That is precisely why I appointed Mr. Elger, who is, in my opinion, an excellent representative of the domestic consumers.

Has the hon. Member received any representations against this appointment from the Scottish Co-operative Society?

Representations of the Co-operative Society in Scotland have nothing to do with the appointment of Mr. Elger. They asked for special representations for co-operators as such, and I was unable to accede to their request.

Does not that show that there is a very great feeling of disappointment in Scotland that this appointment does not represent the domestic consumers at all?

Is it not a fact that the complaints have come from the co-operative societies because co-operative societies which are retailing coal have not representation?

The complaint from the co-operative societies was attributeable to the lack of information. They were under the impression that we were empowered to appoint more than one representative of domestic consumers.

asked the Secretary for Mines what steps he intends to take in order to direct attention to the need for the adoption of safety measures and methods in mining?

It is difficult to deal with this subject within the limits of an answer to a question, but I hope to deal with it fully in my speech to-morrow upon the Motion which stands in the name of my hon. Friend the Member for the Clayton Division (Mr. Sutton).

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will cause inquiries to be made at certain collieries in Nottingham of the practice of issuing leaflets in colliery lamps?

As far as I am aware the only documents issued with safety lamps have been forms to authorise the payment of trade union subscriptions through the colliery office. If my hon. Friend has any other information and will let me have it, I will consider it.

May I ask the Secretary for Mines if he does not think that it is altogether despicable on the part of this Colliery Company to intimidate the men.

Order!

Mr. Gordon Macdonald.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he proposes to introduce the Bill to nationalise minerals which he undertook to introduce during the past Session?

So far as can at present be foreseen, the Parliamentary programme will not permit of this Bill being dealt with during this Session.

Is it not a fact that all efforts to draft a Bill on these lines was abandoned many months ago?

The hon. Member is quite misinformed.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has any information concerning the provision of a head-lamp for pit ponies in mines with a view to minimising accidents and injury; and, if so, whether he is taking any steps to secure its adoption?

I have authorised the use of a modified form of an approved electric cap lamp for experimental trials underground for this purpose at a mine in Yorkshire, and the progress of these trials will be watched with interest by my Department. Some provisional experiments have also been made in South Wales by one of His Majesty's Inspectors of Horses, using an ordinary cap lamp. At present, there is not enough evidence to enable any definite judgment to be arrived at as to value of lamps used for such a purpose; but so far as they have gone, the experiments are encouraging. My Department will continue to watch them closely and will encourage any further experiments in the same direction.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the fact that one-fourth of the boys under 16 years employed in mines were killed and injured in 1929, he will consider the suggestions put forward in the Northern Mines Report for 1927 dealing with haulage accidents to boys under 16; whether he can offer any explanation of the high rate of fatal and non-fatal accidents to such boys from falls of ground in the South Wales coalfield; and whether he will consider adopting the example of Germany, mentioned in the 1927 Northern Mines Report, in regard to the prohibition of boys under 16 from working underground and the systematic training till that age on the surface and over that age till they are 18 below ground?

The suggestions contained in the Report of His Majesty's Divisional Inspector of Mines for the Northern Division for 1927 relating to accidents to boys are engaging my serious attention and while I cannot hold out any prospect of legislation under the present conditions of the mining industry, I shall do everything I can to bring to the notice of the industry the necessity for special measures to deal with the problem. With regard to the second part of the question, the high rate of accidents from falls of ground to boys in South Wales is due to the long-established custom in that district whereby boys start work at the coal face as colliers' helpers. Their initial employment on haulage work, as in other districts, is not practicable owing to the size of the horses and trams in use.

Is the Secretary for Mines aware that two out of every five boys in Northumberland and Durham were either killed or injured last year and that Sir Henry Walker, Chief Inspector of Mines, says that considerable amount of safety could be obtained by improvement of the haulage roads?

I am fully aware of the high rate of accidents among boys in Northumberland and Durham and elsewhere throughout the coalfields, and that is precisely why I am so much concerned.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is prepared to receive the deputation which the Miners' Industrial Union have requested him to receive?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will agree to receive a deputation from the Miners' Industrial Non-Political Union?

I have informed the Miners' Industrial Union that I do not think any useful purpose will be served by a discussion on the points they wish to raise, but that if they still wish me to receive a deputation I can do so.

When the hon. Member receives an application from this union will he have regard to the fact that among the men who are compelled to belong to it there is the utmost loathing and contempt for the organisation?

Is the hon. Member aware that this union is not recognised under the Mines Act?

There is no special union mentioned in the Mines Act.

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary for Mines if he can make any statement as to the coal situation in Scotland and as to the outcome of the conferences held there yesterday and to-day, and if he can state what steps are being taken to secure an early settlement.

I can only say that a delegate conference of the Scottish miners is being held this afternoon to consider whether a means can be found to secure a general resumption of work pending negotiations for a permanent settlement.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether proposals are being considered for a settlement on the basis of no reduction of wages?

I am afraid that I can add nothing to the reply that I have given.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he can give the reasons for the decision to take away from the Governor-General of the South African Union the duties which, as the King's representative, he has hitherto carried out as High Commissioner for the native territories and to transfer them to a newly appointed Commissioner who, by the nature of his office, will no longer directly represent the Sovereign?

Sir Herbert Stanley, as High Commissioner for South Africa, will be, in relation to the duties of that office, as fully the representative of His Majesty the King as his predecessors have been. He will, however, both in this capacity and in his capacity as High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in the Union of South Africa, be responsible to His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom. The Governor-General of the Union of South Africa, on the other hand, is no longer the representative of, or responsible to His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, but is the representative of the Crown alone; it was for this reason that the separation of the post of High Commissioner for South Africa from that of Governor-General was felt necessary.

Will it be the function of this new High Commissioner to do everything possible to develop British trade in South Africa?

Certainly. That will be the function of every and any High Commissioner.

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to follow this policy in any other Dominion?

The circumstances are different. Hitherto the duties of the Governor-General of South Africa were combined with that of High Commissioner and the position of High Commissioner made him responsible for native policy. The change, which makes the Governor-General alone responsible to His Majesty the King, through the South African Government, necessitates, in the interests of this country, our saying that we must have someone responsible for native policy who is responsible to us, and to no one else.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he can state for what kinds of work the Government of the Union of South Africa hires out penal labour to private employers; and whether the products of such work include any commodities imported into this country?

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the section of the Union Act relating to prisons which deals with the question of the employment of convict labour. So far as I am aware, the answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps with regard to the Dominions to make amends for the incredible outrage he committed last Thursday?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any offer relating to the sale of Canadian wheat in this country on the basis of reciprocal preference has been made by Canada since the findings of the Imperial Conference have been published?

No, Sir.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state what will be the next step which the Government propose to take on this vital matter?

The question is whether any offer relating to the sale of Canadian wheat in this country on the basis of reciprocal preference has been made by Canada since the findings of the Imperial Conference have been published. That is a question to which I have answered "No." The next stage is a stage which has already been initiated by the Government at home, namely, to inquire and have immediate investigation made into all the methods by which this can be accomplished. In the case of wheat, the obvious reciprocal agreement would be in respect of coal.

Why were these investigations not made before the Conference?

The answer is that I endeavoured 15 months ago to bring about a reciprocal arrangement in regard to wheat and coal, but the right hon. Gentleman knows that coal is also pro- duced in Canada, and Canada feels it necessary in her own interests to put a tariff on soft coal.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is in a position to state whether any proposals have been made by the Government of Australia to reduce tariffs now existing in that Dominion on the basis of reciprocal preference with this country?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the speech made by the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia at the second plenary session of the Imperial Conference held on 8th October in which Mr. Scullin stated that Australia would be willing, as part of a definite policy of Imperial economic co-operation, to consult with the representatives of manufacturers in this country to see if it is possible, without sacrificing any important Australian interests, to afford a greater degree of preference to certain goods, and also to consider any representations which manufacturers here may desire to make regarding the administration of the Commonwealth preferential system.

Has His Majesty's Government any constructive policy whatever for bringing Australian trade within easier reach of the manufacturers of this country?

That is another matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any exchange of views on the possibility of developing reciprocal preferences with New Zealand have taken place since the close of the Imperial Confernce and whether any conclusion has been reached?

No, Sir.

Does it mean that nothing can be done to take advantage of the offer that was made by the Prime Minister of New Zealand?

Yes, but the hon. and gallant Member must know what the offer was. The particular commodities that New Zealand is mainly interested in exporting are butter and cheese. The hon. and gallant Member knows perfectly well that, when the question of quota is being examined and we start with wheat, which applies to Canada and Australia, mainly, we then proceed from that stage to see what particular quota is applicable to the other. In the case of New Zealand, it is butter and cheese.

rose—

These questions appear to be foundations upon which to build supplementaries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a Departmental Committee set up by the Board of Trade to advise what alterations should be made in the Assurance Companies Act, 1909, reported in 1927; and will he state when an agreed Bill to carry out the recommendations of the Departmental Committee will be ready for consideration?

I am aware of the Committee's report. The hon. Member will appreciate that I cannot say when Parliamentary time will be available for the consideration of an insurance Bill, but I shall be happy to consider any agreed proposals in connection with such a. Bill which may be laid before me.

Will it not be possible and indeed helpful in the meantime to circulate a draft of the Bill for the consideration of all parties concerned so that we may get towards an agreed Bill?

I think there is a draft Bill at the end of the report, which no doubt could be discussed.

Does the Board of Trade put that draft forward as their suggestion for the Bill?

No, I cannot make that statement at the present time. Alterations may be necessary, but the Bill is there as a starting point.

Will the right hon. Gentleman allow me to see him, so that I can discuss accelerating this matter with him?

Yes.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any further information to give the House concerning the initiation of a dumping campaign by the Soviet Government in respect of Soviet produce; and, if not, whether he will cause inquiries to be made?

I would refer to the answer which my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs gave to the right hon. Member on 24th November.

Is the right hon. Gentleman going to make any further inquiries from the trade point of view?

There s a certain amount of information, but a report has been called for from His Majesty's Ambassador, and we must, of course, wait for that report.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman received strong representations from manufacturers and tradesmen in this country, and not least from those in Lancashire?

Certain representations have been received, but on this question I have already given all the information that the Board of Trade has to the House.

As a matter of fact, do not the Soviet Government get as high a price as they can?

That is precisely what is in controversy. It is strongly urged on the other side that some of these goods are sold at non-competitive prices.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is prepared to consider an embargo upon Russian timber imported into Great Britain, similar to that proposed by the United States Treasury upon cargoes of Russian timber entering an American port upon the complaint of any citizen unless there is presentation of proof that the cargo contains no goods made in whole or in part by convict labour?

As has been stated on several occasions recently in this House, His Majesty's Government are not prepared to initiate legislation to extend the scope of the Foreign Prison-made Goods Act.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the fact that in another friendly country it is taken for granted that this timber is produced by convict labour unless the contrary is proved?

Under the enactment referred to, if anyone gives information, which is supported by evidence, to the Customs authorities, action will be taken, but it remains a very remarkable thing no one has come forward to give information.

Is it not a fact that the American Government after investigation has lifted the embargo?

I believe that for a brief period an embargo was imposed and that after a short time it was withdrawn.

Is it not the case that this question is actually under discussion in the United States?

Yes it has been under discussion for a very considerable time, but that does not alter the fact stated in reply to my hon. Friend's question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has any information as to the action taken by Poland and Czechoslovakia against Soviet Russian dumping?

I am not aware of any action by Poland or Czechoslovakia directed specifically against imports from Soviet Russia.

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to enter into any negotiations with the Soviet Government for a commercial treaty or any reciprocal arrangement?

That question does not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made as the result of the discussion on Soviet Russian dumping at the Economic Commission of the League of Nations?

I understand that the Economic Committee of the League have not yet concluded their investigations into the question of dumping.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider prohibiting the entry into this country from Russia of lace goods which have been manufactured on machines belonging to British firms and which have been confiscated by the Soviet Government?

I have no power to impose such a prohibition, nor do I contemplate taking such powers.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it is in the interests of the industries of this country that the products of sweated labour should be allowed to come in?

This is a matter of opinion.

asked the (Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to official data giving the number of forced labourers not incarcerated in Russia, and stating that the number of sentenced prisoners so employed in 1928 was 260,631, and that they are mostly used for preparing export timber; whether his attention has been called to the sworn statement of Adam Kuortti, a Lutheran pastor, before the Public Notary at Helsingfors, to the effect that he and his fellow prisoners were employed on timber work, including the preparation and loading of pit props into railway trucks; and whether he proposes to take any action?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to his previous question on this subject on the 25th November, in which I set out the requirements under the Foreign Prison-made Goods Act, 1897, which must be met before action can be taken under its provisions. Information of the nature referred to in the present question does not comply with those requirements and affords no basis for action under the Act.

If evidence is provided from escaped prisoners to the effect that timber is convict prepared and has been laden in British ships, will the right hon. Gentleman then be prepared to take action?

The hon. Member had better, first of all, supply me with the information.

Will the right hon. Gentleman communicate with the Finnish Government—

Order!

asked the President of the Board of Trade what practical proposals are envisaged by the offer of supplementary lines of assistance yet to be devised for schemes of amalgamation in the cotton trade?

The hon. Member no doubt refers to the statement by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary which appeared in the Press on the 21st November. In explaining that, since financial assistance cannot be expected from the Government schemes must be supported by agencies referred to in the report or by supplementary lines of assistance yet to be devised, my right hon. Friend did not intend to convey that proposals were under consideration with a view to creating financial machinery additional to that already existing.

Is it not the fact that all the proposals and suggestions which the Government have made to help the cotton trade have, on examination, proved to by a myth, and would it not be fair to say in respect of any suggestions made by the Government to help the cotton trade, either now or in the future, that they are all humbug?

No, Sir. Neither statement of the hon. Member will bear the slightest examination.

Arising out of the original answer—

Order, order!

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is now in a position to make a statement on the results of the conference for concerted action at Geneva; what States have now definitely become parties to the tariff truce; whether any proposals for the reduction of tariffs have been put forward by any of the States which have signed the Convention; and if any of the signatory States have indicated its desire to withdraw from the Convention?

As the delegates to the conference on this subject have only just returned from Geneva, perhaps the hon. Member would repeat the first part and the last two parts of his question a little later. The answer to the second part of the question is that ratifications of the Commercial Convention have been deposited by the United Kingdom, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Latvia, Luxemburg, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.

While quite prepared to await the fuller reply, w ill the President of the Board of Trade indicate to the House now any single advantage arising from the whole of this tariff truce?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the statements which have appeared in the Press are correct, that no country is prepared to go into a general discussion of tariffs, and that all that has happened have been bilateral negotiations? If that is so, has he not by his tariff truce given away the only weapon that he could use in any bilateral negotiations?

No. It would take a considerable speech to reply to the suggestion of the right hon. Member, and I would only say this, that the position is not as indicated in the Press if statements to that effect have appeared. I should like to add, without the slightest hesitation, that, but for the offers which have been made in connection with this tariff convention, tariffs would have been even higher to-day than they are.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if any further foreign nations have ratified the tariff truce and if any British Dominions have intimated their intention to participate?

Italy has deposited her ratification of the Commercial Convention since the opening of the Conference on 17th November. The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House any indication of the amount of time spent on this futile proceeding?

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it desirable that no one single member of the British Commonwealth of Nations should ratify a truce of this kind—

That point does not arise on the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the nature of the representations his Department has received from the interests affected by the Dyestuffs Import Regulation Act, including the users of dyestuffs and organisations of employers and operatives in the textile industries of Lancashire and Yorkshire?

It is not possible to deal with this matter in question and answer, but I propose to make a full statement on Thursday next on an Amendment which has been put down to the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill. In the meantime I would refer the hon. Member to the Report of the Dyestuffs Industry Development. Committee which was presented to Parliament in August last, and to the statement which I made in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Dumbarton (Mr. Brooke) on 19th November.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any schedule has been drawn up by his Department of commodities in regard to the sale of which conditions exist which restrict the free play of competition; and, if so, what these commodities are?

On the assumption that the hon. Member is referring to commodities with which the Consumer's Council will deal under the provisions of the Bill now before Parliament, I would point out that the question whether competition is restricted in any particular case will be one for the Council to consider in the first instance.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, for the first nine months of the current year, the number of commercial bankruptcies reported and the total losses involved; and can he say how these figures compare with the corresponding figures in 1928 and 1929?

The total bankruptcies for the first nine months of the years 1930, 1929 and 1928 were 3,086, 2,912 and 3,188, respectively. By far the greater number of these might be called commercial bankruptcies. To extract the totals of the losses involved for the nine months' periods would require an amount of labour which hardly seems justified. The total losses for the whole years 1929 and 1928 as estimated by the debtors were £6,436,000 and £6,191,000, respectively.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can account for the fourfold increase in the value of electrical instruments, other than telegraphic and telephonic, imported during the 10 months ended October, 1930, as compared with the years 1928 and 1929, respectively?

The increase in the imports into this country of electrical instruments (other than telegraphic and telephonic) registered during the first 10 months of 1930, compared with the imports during the corresponding months of 1928 and 1929, is due to sound recording and reproducing (talking) machines and parts thereof being included under this heading.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large proportion of these instruments come from Switzerland; and is it any wonder that Switzerland has ratified the tariff truce?

Without going into that question, I think I can show my hon. and gallant Friend the detailed figures in order that in this matter he may not be weary of well-doing.

Could not all these machines have been made in this country, giving work to our people?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the particulars of the duty on imported butter recently put on by the Government of the Irish Free State; and whether preferential rates are to be allowed to other members of the British commonwealth of nations?

A duty of £5 per cwt. on imported butter was imposed on 21st November by the passage of a Resolution which under the general provisions of the law of the Irish Free State took immediate effect. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this duty without Imperial preference is in consequence of the recent Imperial Conference, or is it simply a demonstration of the essential unity of Ireland?

I should hesitate to pronounce at any time on Ireland, but I think the short explanation is that they anticipated considerable supplies from cold storage in this country. I believe that in Ireland this is regarded purely as a temporary device.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is a duty of 10d. a lb. and that the price of butter has not increased?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he intends to take any steps to protect the public against fraud or misrepresentation by persons or firms describing textile goods as fadeless, fast colour, rainproof, and unshrinkable, when in fact the goods are not fadeless, fast of colour, or proof against rain, and are shrinkable?

The Merchandise Marks Acts provide a remedy against false trade descriptions as therein defined, but terms of the kind mentioned by my hon. Friend appear rather to denote quality which it might be difficult to bring within the statutory definition. The purchaser in most cases would probably have a civil remedy against the vendor.

Is the civil remedy one that the ordinary purchaser is capable of taking from a financial point of view, and is there not something to be done to protect the consuming public against these practices?

There is a. great deal in what my hon. Friend says, but, after all, so far as merchandise marks are concerned, it is open to any particular trade to promote an application, and when the application is granted, they have at least that protection.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Textile Institute has issued, or proposes to issue, an interim report of its recommendations for fixing standards for the trade descriptions, fadeless, fast colour, unshrinkable, rainproof, wool and cotton union, and silk reinforced by rayon; and will he state which are the other representative bodies that are endeavouring to set up safeguards?

I understand that whilst questions of the kind which my hon. Friend has in mind are engaging the attention of the Textile Institute, it is not the present intention of that body to issue any special reports on the subject. As regards the second part of the question, other bodies which are concerned with the subject are the Society of Dyers and Colourists, the British Silk Research Association, and the recently-formed British Colour Council.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the great disparity in the duty charged on French gowns imported into this country by private individuals and those imported by dressmaking establishments for the purpose of being reproduced, the duty on the latter being eight times that of the former; and will he consider a reduction in the latter in order to encourage employment in an industry which, at the moment, is very difficult and depressed?

I am aware that different rates of duty are chargeable in the cases referred to, but I cannot anticipate the Budget decisions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman do his utmost to consider sympathetically the very great increase which is taking place in the number of unemployed in this kind of business?

The hon. Member is aware that this matter is dealt with in the Finance Bill, and I cannot anticipate future discussions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what combined or organised action is being taken by the motor car industry, in agreement with his Department, to develop the export trade in motor cars?

I am glad to say that the British motor car industry, on co-operative lines, is vigorously prosecuting the development of its business in overseas markets. In spite of the general world depression, which naturally affects to a considerable degree an industry of this character, the results which have been achieved, particularly in the New Zealand market, are very encouraging. As part of its policy the industry has made arrangements for a comprehensive display of British motor products at the British Empire Trade Exhibition at Buenos Aires next year.

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to a speech by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the effect that the reason for the decrease in our export trade is due to the inefficiency of the motor industry?

My attention has not been called to that speech.

Is it not the fact that the export trade bears very little relation to the general production of cars in this country?

May I ask whether the Government contemplate any alteration in regard to taxation—

Order, Order.

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that what the motor car industry has been able to do in this respect is largely due to the protection which has secured the home market?

Will the President of the Board of Trade say whether he considers that one effect of Safeguarding has been to encourage the home trade and discourage foreign trade?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the figures covering the export from this country of motor cars and light chassis for the 10 months ended 31st October, showing units and values?

As stated in the latest issue of the "Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom" the total number of touring cars (including cabs), of domestic manufacture, exported from Great Britain and Northern Ireland during the 10 months January to October, 1930, was 15,581 of a declared value of £2,766,002, and the number of complete chassis for motor cars, etc., of a net weight below 28 cwts., other than those constructed solely for commercial use, was 3,402, valued at £363,674.

Cannot something be done to get this highly protected industry to bestir itself in the overseas markets?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the financial position of the country and the need for revenue, he is able to make a statement with reference to the maintenance of the McKenna Duties in the next Budget for the information of those engaged in the motor and allied industries?

I regret that I am unable to anticipate my Budget Statement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what steps have been taken by his Department to consult and collect professional opinion on the proposals to alter the British custom of helm orders in ships;

(2) the attitude of His Majesty's Government in regard to the proposals in Article 41 of the Merchant Shipping Safety Convention to alter the present universal system of helm orders in British ships;

(3) from what organised bodies of seafaring officers and men his Department has received support for and protests against the proposals to alter the present British custom of helm orders contained in Article 41 of the Merchant Shipping Safety Convention?

Article 41 of the Safety of Life at Sea Convention will come before the House as an integral part of the Convention, and I hope then to convince the House that the Convention, including this Article, should be approved. The question of helm orders has been very fully discussed both before and since the Conference. Shortly before the Conference, a special meeting of the various nautical associations was called by Trinity House, at the instance of the Board of Trade, and at that meeting professional opinion was fairly evenly divided. The following associations, namely, the Imperial Merchant Service Guild, the Mercantile Marine Service Association, the London Trinity House River and Channel Pilots' Committees have indicated that they are opposed to the change, while the Honourable Company of Master Mariners, the Officers (Merchant Navy) Federation, the United Kingdom Pilots' Association, and the National Union of Seamen have indicated that they are prepared to accept it.

Can the President of the Board of Trade say whether opposition to the change in helm orders, if carried to the length of cutting them out of the Convention, would imperil the Convention itself?

Yes, the Convention must be approved as a whole. It will he debated shortly in another place, and also in this House before it can he approved; and, if it were materially altered, I should say, without finally committing myself, that it would be impossible for the convention to proceed.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the Admiralty view about the proposed change?

I should prefer not to deal with that until we come a little nearer to the debate.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether all the bodies mentioned who have given approval to the proposal have done so formally, or after consulting their members, as there is a serious difference of opinion on this subject?

I know the matter is controversial, but as to the precise details of the support for the proposals I should be glad if the hon. Member would give me notice. It is a very voluminous story.

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken the opinion of working pilots, especially those navigating the Tyne, on these proposals?

The hon. Member ought to give notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding the setting up of a Parliamentary committee to make a comprehensive inquiry into the whole question of the coastguard service?

No, Sir, but I hope to be in a position shortly to make a statement.

In view of the great importance of this matter to the seafaring community, if I put down a question in a week's time, will the right hon. Gentleman then be able to give me an answer?

It is always very difficult to promise an answer within so many days. The position is that I am working very actively at the moment as regards this committee in connection with the personnel, and I hope to complete it very soon.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action, if any, has followed upon the recommendations of the Report of the Departmental Committee on Area Gas Supply; and, in particular, whether any action has been taken in respect of the proposed South Yorkshire network scheme?

I understand that two Bills seeking power to carry out a network scheme in South Yorkshire similar to that contemplated by the Area Gas Supply Committee have been deposited for consideration by Parliament.

asked the Prime Minister whether he intends to introduce the Trade Disputes Act (Amendment) Bill before the Christmas Recess?

I can add nothing to what has already been said in reply to questions on this subject.

In view of the fact there are only a few full Government days for business before the Christmas Recess, when will the Government make up their minds?

If my right hon. Friend will repeat the question between three to four weeks from now, I will give him an answer.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether he recalls the pledge which the Foreign Secretary gave?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in connection with the reply received from the French Government with reference to his communication on the subject of the rights of British investors in French War Loan, he is proposing to take the matter to the Permanent Court of International Justice with a view to final settlement by legal process?

The whole question is still under consideration, and I am not yet in a position to announce any decision on the suggestion referred to in the question.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman get the French Government to do the very thing that they have done in other cases, and submit this matter to the decision of the World Court?

I have already informed the hon. Member that this matter is still under consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider the advisability of introducing legisation to amend the Trustee Act, 1925, and the Colonial Stock Act, 1900?

The answer is in the negative. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on this matter to the hon. Member for Farnham (Mr. A. M. Samuel) on the 11th November.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is an overwhelming case for the revision of the Trustee Act, and will he not give it further consideration?

I am not aware that there is an overwhelming case for revision.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the estimated commitments of the Treasury in the present financial year in addition to those provided for in the Budget?

I would refer the hon. Member to the Supplementary Estimates which have been laid. I am not aware of new commitments, in respect of services not included in the Estimates already presented, beyond those of which the House has already been informed.

Might I ask the right hon. Gentleman if the very large total of the Supplementary Estimates already presented does not show the need for further and greater economy on the part of the Government?

I am always anxious to economise wherever economies can be effected.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he proposes to take any action designed to check the present fall in world commodity prices?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Bethnal Green North-East (Major Nathan) on the 27th November.

Is it not a fact that if the present fall in commodity prices continues for another six months, a situation of grave emergency will arise, and in these circumstances does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the time has now come when he ought to take some initiative in order to deal with the question?

This is a matter which is always under consideration, and we shall do what we think is best in the circumstances.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has taken, or proposes to take, any steps with a view to securing agreement between authorities in all important countries as to the cause of the recent fall in world prices, and as to the extent to which this fall can be, and should be, counteracted by monetary adjustments?

These matters are under the consideration of the Committee of the League of Nations. Obviously, the wise course is to await their report, which I hope will not be long delayed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is taking any measures for the withdrawal, through the banks or otherwise, of the discoloured silver coinage of the years 1922, 1923, and 1924, some pieces of which are now occasionally refused, when tendered by the public, owing to their resemblance to forged money?

The position remains as described in my reply to the hon. Member on 24th July, 1929, a copy of which I am sending to him.

Is the right hon. Gentleman ass are that, owing to the increasing wear of these coins, they are getting increasingly unable to be distinguished from forgeries, and that public time is being wasted by such persons as booking clerks and omnibus conductors having to make long inspections of these disreputable pieces?

The hon. Member is only repeating the statement in the original question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the anomaly of tax deduction as a result of Rule 8 of Schedule A, Income Tax Act of 1918, to which his attention has been called by the hon. Member for the Hallam Division of Sheffield (Mr. L. Smith), he will state the nature of the objections which are entertained to dealing with this in the Finance Bill of 1931; and whether, in view of the increasing number of such cases through modern building conditions, he will reconsider his decision?