asked the Secretary of State for War with reference to the respective claims of the Government Workers' Union and the Shops Stewards Committee at Woolwich Arsenal as to representation, the date when he asked these two bodies to formulate their claims; whether any such claims have been presented to him by either of these two bodies; and whether he has given his consideration to them and with what result?

I received communications from both parties last summer and gave my personal consideration to the representations contained in them. As I informed the right hon. Member on 2nd December, I am not prepared to disturb the present arrangement which is working satisfactorily.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer that part of my question which asks about the two bodies formulating their claims? Does he remember an undertaking which was given that both these parties were to be asked to formulate their claims and that judgment would then be given?

No, I do not remember that, but, if the right hon. Gentleman will put down a specific question, I will answer it.

I have put a specific question, and I will repeat the question and ask the right hon. Gentleman the date when he asked these two bodies to formulate their claims and whether they have done so.

Yes, it was last summer, and I said that I could not meet both at the same time but could only deal with one body.

Has the right hon. Gentleman followed out his undertaking, and, if not, why has he not done so?

I have followed out every undertaking which I have given in the House.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether His Majesty's Government still maintain a military attaché in Denmark; and, if so, what duties of a military nature does he perform?

No separate military attaché is maintained in Denmark, but the military attaché in Berlin is also a member of the staff of His Majesty's Legation at Copenhagen, in which capacity he acts as military attaché and occasionally visits Denmark to carry out his duties of watching military affairs in that country.

Are there any military affairs in that country?

Yes, I understand that there are still some military affairs in that country.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Richard McKnight, of 61, Pownall Crescent, Colchester, who was compulsorily retired on the ground of age from the Ordnance Department on 3rd December, 1930, after 14 years and two months' service, and whose application to serve a further 10 months in order to qualify for the usual gratuity after 15 years' service was refused, and who has since been informed that no gratuity at all will be paid in his case; and whether, having regard to the man's record, he will give further consideration to the application for a modified gratuity?

The grant of pension or gratuity to civilian employés is governed by the Superannuation Acts, and there is no power to make any award to an un-established employé who is discharged on the grounds of age, as Mr. McKnight was, before having completed 15 years' service. Mr. McKnight was allowed to serve up to the age of 65, and I regret that it was not possible to extend his service for a further period of nearly a year in order to permit him to qualify for gratuity.

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that no discretion whatever is used?

I think it must be understood that it is a very different matter to use discretion when one does not know how far the discretion has to be pushed, and this case is certainly beyond any discretion which has ever been exercised.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that Army pensions that are not drawn for 12 months are liable to be forfeited, he can state the number of pensions so forfeited and the amount of money involved?

About 30 to 40 pensions awarded to soldiers are forfeited each year owing to the pensioner's failure to draw his pension. Over one-third of the cases relate to men whose pensions are paid outside the British Isles. About £2,000 a year is the amount involved, but as a pension is normally restored when the man applies for payment, subject to proof of identity, and proof that he has not rendered himself liable to forfeiture for crime, the amount ultimately forfeited is much smaller.

Is he aware that he is acting in a very arbitrary manner; that there are cases in which this money has not been refunded; and that no private firms would dare to act in such a way?

No, I am not aware of anything of the kind, and, if the hon. and gallant Member has any particulars of cases like that, he ought to supply them in order to give me a chance of dealing with them.

asked the Secretary of State for War the steps he has taken, or proposes to take, to stimulate recruiting, in view of the existing volume of unemployment?

A special recruiting campaign will be undertaken early in the new year, when efforts will be made to arouse local and county interest, and recruits will be given every opportunity of joining their county regiments. The Army authorities will welcome the good will and assistance of any hon. Members and public authorities who desire to help in the steps which are to be taken. As men are asked to join the Army of their own free will, no special pressure will be brought to bear on unemployed men.

Are particulars of the Army placed in Employment Exchanges so that men can see for themselves, in the employment bureaux, the possibilities of the Army?

I understand that details are to be found in Employment Exchanges, but I would not vouch for it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman going to take any personal part in this recruiting campaign?

I am satisfied that the staff is quite competent to deal with its duties.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether notices are also published in Cambridge and Oxford University?

They are.

They do not join up.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) what is the result of his Department's consideration of the rates of pay of girls operating machines in the ordnance factories;

(2) whether he is aware that in contravention of Treasury regulations, which prescribe a 39-hour week for girls under the age of 16, girls under the age of 16 in the ordnance factories at Woolwich are conditioned to a 47-hour week; and whether he will take steps to bring their hours into conformity with those prescribed by the Treasury?

It has been decided to introduce the following maximum rates for these workers: 21s. 5d. a week for those 15 years and over, 26s. for those aged 16 and over, and 32s. 1d. for those aged 17 and over. These rates are based on a cost of living figure of 65 and are subject to review in the light of changes in that figure. The actual rates paid to individual workers will be fixed within these maxima according to age, experience and efficiency, but normally a girl at the age of 15 will in future receive on entry about 15s. instead of 10s. a week as hitherto, rising to 17s. 6d. and 20s. after three months and six months respectively, if her progress is satisfactory. The above rates are based on a working week of 42 hours which is common to all clerical grades at the Royal Ordnance Factories. I understand that the Treasury regulations to which my hon. Friend refers had reference primarily to clerical staff in Headquarter Offices and even in those cases do not preclude a longer attendance week should circumstances justify it.

While thanking my hon. Friend for the reply, may I ask whether he will give further consideration to the question about the length of the working week in the case of girls under 16?

I would suggest to my hon. Friend that he should bring the matter again before the War Office Administrative Whitley Council Outstation Committee, and then I will be able to give him the decision arrived at there.

Does the hon. Gentleman think it is possible to get domestic servants when these rates are paid?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that lands in the county of Kincardine have within recent years been converted into rabbit warrens; and if he can give particulars as to the areas involved and the population displaced?

I am not aware of any such conversion within recent years, but, if my hon. Friend will supply me with the information on which his question is based, I will have inquiry made.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the condition under which the Ayr County Council recently floated a loan, and that the council chairman underwrote part of the said loan; and if he is prepared to take steps to prevent a recurrence of such a practice?

The county council of Ayr recently created and issued stock with my sanction, and I am informed that the chairman of the council sub-underwrote part of that stock at a commission. With regard to the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the provisions of Section 9 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1889. It is not my province to determine whether that Section applies in any specific case.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that underwriting is not this person's profession, that, as a matter of fact, he is an estate factor? Is it not within the right hon. Gentleman's province to determine whether the under- writing of part of this loan for a sum of £40,000 was not violating the County Council Act, and has my right hon. Friend no power to take steps to prevent this thing from occurring in the future?

If there is any breach of the law, the county council can put the Act into operation.

I must press the matter. Does my right hon. Friend suggest that the political friends of the chairman should allow him to go about the country doting this, and that my right hon. Friend can take no action in the matter?

Has the Secretary of State any information in regard to this loan, as to whether the sum underwritten was underwritten because the public did not take it up? If he has that information, can he give it, and, if he has not the information, will he get it?

I have no information on the particular point which the hon. Member raises, but I will make inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of local authorities in Scotland that by 1st December, 1930, had not complied with Subsections (1) and (2) of Section 22 of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1930, with respect to the submission to the Minister of proposals for the provision of new houses for the working class; the number of local authorities that by the same date had complied with these Sub-sections of the Act; and the approximate number of persons to be dealt with by such proposals?

Subsection 1 of Section 22 of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1930, does not require the submission of proposals by any specified date. Sub-section 2 requires the submission of a general statement in 1930. The number of local authorities who had not submitted that statement by the 1st December is 183. The number of local authorities who had submitted their proposals by the date referred to is 43. I am not in a position to furnish the particulars asked in the last part of the question. According to the statements which have been submitted to the Department up to 11th December by 55 local authorities, the estimated number of houses required in the districts of these local authorities is 14,088, and the estimated number of houses likely to be provided by these local authorities in the next three years is 11,198.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now in a position to give any further information in connection with the case of McMillan, of Bridgend, Elderslie, who was imprisoned for failure to obey an order to remove from his house?

I have been in communication with the local authority regarding this case, and I understand that they are considering it at their meeting to-day. I shall communicate the result to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the cost of the land upon which steel houses were built in the Garngad district of Glasgow?

I am informed that the price paid by the Second Scottish National Housing Company for the land purchased at Garngad, Glasgow, was £3,790. The land in question is 7.918 acres in extent. The price included the cost of sewers which had already been formed, and of roads which had already been constructed.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can give any report on the durability of steel houses; if non-metal houses are preferred by tenants when such are available; and the costs of upkeep of steel houses as compared with non-metal houses?

I am not in a position to express an opinion on the durability of steel houses, but I am informed that the Second Scottish National Housing Company, who have erected 2,552 steel houses in different parts of Scotland take the view that, with due attention to maintenance, including regular pointing of the outside steel, these houses will outlast the period of the loan allowed for houses of this type, namely, 40 years. I have no information to show to what extent tenants vacate steel houses when houses of other types become available, but I am informed by the company in question that of the 2,552 houses belonging to them only four are unlet and that the tenants generally are satisfied with the houses. No information is meantime available to permit of a reliable estimate of the relative costs of upkeep of steel and non-metal houses, but I am informed that the company provide for 20 per cent. of the rental being carried to a repairs fund, although the actual expenditure on repairs during the last financial year of the company was just over 16 per cent. of the rental.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the grant given to the Second Scottish National Housing Company is a fixed amount or is it flexible so as to permit reductions of rent?

The Second Scottish National Housing Company is not financed by way of grants but by way of loans from the Public Works Loan Board and the Department of Health for Scotland. The rents of the houses provided by the Company must, in terms of the agreement made between the Company and the Department, and approved by the Treasury, be fixed with reference to rents charged for houses with similar accommodation in the district.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he proposes to take in regard to the sentence of outlawry recently passed at Inverness upon Andrew Ross; under what statute or other law the sentence was passed; and whether he intends to take steps to secure any amendment of the law of Scotland in this respect?

My right hon. Friend does not propose to take any steps in the matter referred to. The power to pass a sentence of fugitation is inherent in the High Court of Justiciary as the Supreme Criminal Tribunal of Scotland. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of Mines whether he has been able to trace orders for United Kingdom coal, as apart from other merchandise, as a direct result of the recent visit of the British delegation to Scandinavia?

The object of the delegation was not to book orders, which continue to be placed through trade channels, but to study the position of the British coal export markets in Scandinavia and to consider such steps as might be found possible to improve it. Some of the delegation's recommendations are of a far reaching character, particularly those relating to improved marketing arrangements and international agreement, but the hon. Member may be assured that they are at present engaging the serious attention of coal owners and coal exporters with whom I am in close touch.

Can the hon. Member say whether he did not find that the price of British coal was the chief difficulty?

Not the chief difficulty.

Is the hon. Member aware that not one single order is traceable to this delegation?

I am well aware of that fact, but that was not our intention.

What was the intention of the delegation, if it was not to get trade?

Our intention was to study the position and to put right what is wrong.

How much cost fell upon the taxpayer in respect of this delegation?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will make a statement as to his negotiation with coal owners and mine workers' officials on a proposed Bill dealing with miner's hours?

I have not had any negotiations on this subject.

Am I to understand that the newspaper statements in regard to the Act of 1926 are inaccurate, and that the hon. Member has no intention of interfering with the Act of 1926?

My hon. Friend's assumption is quite correct.

asked the Secretary for Mines the average pithead price of coal in Lancashire and Cheshire for the year 1913 and for the year ended 30th September, 1930?

The average net selling value at the mine per ton of coal raised in Lancashire and Cheshire in 1913

The information, so far as it is available, is as follows:

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will give the figures of the persons employed in the coal mines for the years 1928 and 1929; the number of man shifts worked for the same periods; and the average of each worker?

The average number of wage-earners employed in and about coal mines in 1928 was 921,300, and the estimated total number of shifts worked 225,500,000, an average of 245 shifts per wage-earner. The corresponding figures for 1929 were 939,400, 241,000,000 and 257.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can inform the House whether any reduction in the national coal output has been decided upon for the first quarter of 1931 by the central council of the National Coal Marketing Scheme as compared with the was 10s. 2½d. The estimated figure for the year ended 30th September, 1930, was 15s. 11½d. The average proceeds per ton for coal commercially disposable during the latter period was 16s. 9d., but I am unable to give a corresponding figure for 1913.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of collieries working in Lancashire and Cheshire at the end of 1913 and at the end of October, 1930; and the total number of males and females employed, specifying those under 16 years of age?

As the reply involves a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

corresponding quarter of this year; and whether this will affect unemployment and the cost of coal to the consumers of the country?

asked the Secretary for Mines to what extent the Central Council has decided to reduce output; whether this will involve a reduction in employment or the earnings of the men employed in this industry; and, if so, to what extent?

I am informed by the Central Council that the first district allocations made under the provisions of the Central (Coal Mines) Scheme in respect of the first quarter of 1931 are on the basis of a lower level of output than obtained in the March quarter of this year. Output in the latter quarter was, however, at a high level and since then there has been a steady fall in the demand. I understand that in fixing the allocations the Central Council acted after consultation with the district executive boards and full consideration of the probable demand for coal in the first quarter of 1931. If it should be found that in any district the allocation is insufficient to enable the demand to be met, application can be made for an increased allocation, machinery being provided under the provisions of the central scheme for dealing promptly with any such application. There is in my view no ground for assuming that the Central Council will attempt to limit the output of coal at a level below the effective demand, and accordingly the suggestions made in the questions as to the effect of these allocations on employment, earnings of the workpeople and cost of coal to the consumer do not arise.

Is it true that the allocation means a decrease of 10 per cent., so far as the hon. Member is aware?

Yes.

May I ask whether it is not a fact that a decision has been arrived at to reduce the output of coal by 10 per cent.; and, if that is so, what effect is it going to have on wages and employment?

May I ask the Secretary for Mines if he can tell the House how many millions of tons of coal are on stock at the moment?

I could not say.

Does this mean a reduction of 6,000,000 tons per quarter?

Theoretically that is so, but in practice it will not be the case.

asked the Secretary for Mines if it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation to continue at its present rate the miners' welfare levy which expires this year?

Yes, Sir. The Government hope to introduce a Bill early next Session providing for the continuance of the miners' welfare levy at its present rate, and I take this opportunity of informing the industry of the Government's intentions.

If it is the intention to introduce this Bill, may I ask whether my hon. Friend will make arrangements for pensioning off aged miners out of the welfare fund?

asked the Secretary for Mines the average wages paid in the South Wales coalfield for underground workers, and the average paid to surface workers, in the following years: 1913, 1916, 1922, 1925, 1926, 1929, and 1930, each year separately?

As the reply involves a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate such information as is available in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the information:

From information supplied to the Royal Commissions on the Coal Industry, 1919 and 1925, the following are the particulars available in respect of certain periods in the years 1914, 1918, and 1923.

No official information is available for subsequent years but the Mining Association of Great Britain has furnished the following particulars in respect of the years 1926, 1929–30 and 1930, based on inquiries carried out by the association.

asked the Secretary for Mines the average rate per ton charged for royalty in the South Wales and Monmouthshire coalfields; will he give the lowest rate and the highest rate charged for 1913, 1920, 1925, and 1930; and whether royalty owners re ceive any other advantages from the collieries on their estates?

No information is available with regard to royalties and wayleaves in South Wales and Monmouthshire for the year 19l3. In 1920, 1925 and 1930, the average royalty per ton of coal disposable commercially was 10¼d.,9d. and 8¼d., respectively. The rates for 1925 and 1930 include the rental value of freehold minerals worked by the proprietor. The only information available with regard to the lowest and highest rates relates to the year 1925, when they varied from 2d. to 1s. 9d. per ton of coal disposable commercially. I have no specific information with regard to any other advantages which royalty owners may receive.

asked the Secretary for Mines an estimate of the loss in the total amount of wages paid to miners in coal mines in Great Britain in the period January to March, 1931, resulting from the decision under the provisions of Part I of the Coal Mines Act, 1930, to reduce compulsorily the output of coal in the country in the period January to March, 1931, by 10 per cent. below that of the same period in 1930?

An estimate such as is referred to by the hon. Member could only be made if it could be assumed that, but for the operation of the schemes made under the provisions of Part I of the Coal Mines Act, 1930, the output of coal in the period January-March, 1931, would be the same as in the corresponding period of 1930. In this connection I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I have given today to questions by the right hon. Member for West Woolwich (Sir K. Wood) and the hon. Member for Newcastle North (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle).

If there is to be a reduction in the output of 6,000,000 tons per quarter, does not that mean a corresponding reduction in the amount of employment?

I do not admit that there will be a reduction in the actual output of 6,000,000 tons per quarter.

Did not the Secretary for Mines, in answer to the hon. Member for Leith (Mr. E. Brown), who suggested that there would be a reduction of 6,000,000 tons per quarter, say that that was the approximate figure?

My hon. and gallant Friend must understand that there is a world of difference between theory and practice.

Yes, between what you preach and what you practice.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give any further information in connection with the explosion which occurred at the Houghton Main Colliery in Yorkshire on Friday last, when of 17 men who were badly burned 14 were admitted into hospital and four have since died?

This accident is still under investigation, and I have at present very little to add to the accounts which have already appeared in the Press. I understand that the explosion followed upon the firing of a shot in the ripping of the main loading gate of a conveyor face, and the flame of the explosion spread for some distance both to the right and to the left of the gate. There was very little coal dust present, and it does not appear to have entered into the explosion. The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined. I feel sure that the House will join me in sending a message of deep sympathy to the injured men and to those who have been bereaved.

Has the hon. Gentleman ever taken into consideration introducing gas alarms into gaseous mines?

That matter is under consideration, but until the cause of the accident has been determined, the question referred to by the hon. Gentleman is not relevant.

Has the hon. Gentleman had time to examine the evidence given in the last five or six inquiries, which goes to prove that in every case lack of ventilation and lack of attention had been largely responsible for the explosions and the loss of life?

My hon. Friend is aware that a sub-committee of the Miners' Federation and a sub-committee of the Mining Association are engaged in discussing these matters with the officials of the Department and myself.

In view of these continuing explosions, cannot the investigation into automatic gas detectors be hastened and more lives saved?

It is much too early to assume that there is any close connection between gas detectors and the explosions which have occurred recently. That is a matter which is under consideration, and, until a report has been issued, it is impossible to speak with accuracy on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (1) whether, in view of the terms of the Victorian land scheme, the British Government intend to ask the Victorian Government to repay the contributions made by the British Government;

(2) the date upon which he was in formed that it was the intention of the Government of Victoria to set up a Royal Commission to inquire into the conditions of British settlers in that State placed upon the farms through the operation of the Overseas Settlement Act; and what was he informed were the terms of reference of this commission;

(3) the date upon which the Dominions Office inquired as to when the Royal Commission set up by the Government of Victoria would probably make its report; whether he has since inquired as to the reason that has led to delay in the issue of the report; and, if not, whether he will have inquiries made?

I was informed by the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia on 28th July last that the Government of Victoria had agreed to appoint a Royal Commission consisting of three members, one of whom is a Commonwealth Judge, to inquire into the complaints of settlers under the Victorian land settlement scheme. As the terms of reference of the commission are somewhat long, I will, with the permission of the hon. and gallant Member, circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

As I informed him on the 18th November last there has been considerable delay in the beginning of the commission's inquiries—delay which I much regret, though it will of course be realised that His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are in no way responsible for it. A I also informed him, I communicated with His Majesty's Government in the Commonwealth of Australia on the matter and subsequently discussed it personally with the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth, and I am glad to say that I have now learned that the formal appointment of the Royal Commission was issued by the Government of Victoria on the 10th instant. I have no doubt that their inquiries will begin forthwith, but I am not in a position to say when their report will be presented.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give me an answer to Question 30, as to whether the British Government will ask for their contribution to be repaid unless the conditions are proved by the Commission to be what they were represented when the men went out?

I could not be expected to give an answer to that question offhand. I want to see the findings of the Commission.

Would it not be possible to have a representative of the Imperial Government on this Commission, as the interests of the Imperial Government are as much concerned as the interests of the Victorian Government?

Having regard to the present position of Dominion status, I am quite sure the House will realise that I cannot make any further statement at present.

Is it not a fact that the terms of the Victoria Land Settlement were agreed by this Government and the Victoria Government before the scheme came into operation; and in view of the fact that a Royal Commission has only been appointed within the last six days and has not had time to take evidence and make its report, are not questions of this nature calculated to give an entirely wrong impression to the people of this country as to the attitude of the Victorian Government in this matter?

The hon. Member must be aware that I have answered questions on this subject for the last three weeks. I am compelled to answer them if they are put down. I am not responsible for the questions being put down.

Is not this a question which interests the Imperial Government and the State Government, and, in view of the fact that most of the money was subscribed by the Imperial Government, is it not right that in a case of this kind a representative of the Imperial Government should be a member of the Commission?

All migration schemes where State assistance is involved are naturally a matter of joint interest, but the House must clearly understand that no one resents more than the Dominions the suggestion that we are in any way responsible for the individuals after they have landed there.

May I ask whether the British Government have anyone present at these proceedings to watch and report to the right hon. Gentleman?

No, Sir, and the House must realise that there are continual inquiries of different kinds going on, and, if once it were laid down that the British Government had some jurisdiction on what is after all a purely Dominion matter, a very dangerous situation would arise.

"1. Whether the said complaints or any of them are justified, having regard to the facts of each particular case and to the provisions of the undermentioned agreements, namely:

Agreements dated 21st September, 1922, 11th September, 1925, 26th March, 1926, and 5th November, 1928, respectively, made between the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia and the Government of the State of Victoria.

Agreements dated 12th April, 1923, 29th November, 1923, 8th April, 1925, and 27th March, 1928, respectively, made between His Majesty's Imperial Government and the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia.

2. Whether the Government of the said State has failed to fulfil any, and if so, what, obligations arising out of or under the said agreements and toy it agreed to be performed.

3. In what respects, if at all, has the said Government failed to fulfil the said obligations.

4. Are there any, and if so, what, circumstances, directly or indirectly contributing to the subject matter of the said complaints, or any of them, over which the said Government had no control."

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if it is proposed to appoint a High Commissioner or other official to represent this country in the Commonwealth of Australia?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether it is intended to appoint a High Commissioner in Australia?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the changed functions of the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, it is proposed to appoint a High Commissioner for the Home Government to represent this country in the Commonwealth?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether it is intended to appoint a High Commissioner to represent His Majesty's Government an the Commonwealth of Australia?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the Governor-General of Australia is no longer the recognised channel of communication between the Commonwealth and the British Governments, it is the intention of the Government to appoint a High Commissioner as its representative in the Commonwealth; if so, who will be the first occupant of that office; when the appointment is likely to be made; for what term of years; and at what salary?

It is my intention to review the question, of representation of the United Kingdom in the Commonwealth of Australia, but I am not in a position to make any statement at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the decisions of the recent Imperial Conference, it is proposed to modify the present system of appointing Governors to Australian States?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the decision recently arrived at in the Imperial Conference with reference to the appointment of Governors-General in the Dominions, and taking into consideration the sovereignty of the Australian States, it is proposed to make any change in the method of appointing their Governors?

The conclusions of the Imperial Conference with regard to the appointment of Governors-General of the Dominions do not apply to the Governors of the Australian States or affect the constitutional position in relation to them.

Are we to understand from the right hon. Gentleman's answer that the procedure which is followed at present will still be followed, namely, that the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs recommends to His Majesty the appointment of a suitable gentleman, after consultation with the State Government.

It follows, as nothing was done at the 1926 or 1930 Conferences, which affects the position of the State Governors, that the procedure relating to them will continue as before.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the Government contemplates the appointment at an early date of High Commissioners to those Dominions in respect of which such appointments have not already been made; and whether he is in a position to make a statement as to when, and on what terms, such appointments will be made?

I would invite reference to the reply which I have just given on the question of representation of the United Kingdom in the Commonwealth of Australia. I am not in a position to make any further statement.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind when he is considering this question, that the Government of the United Kingdom is represented in every foreign country, and also in some of the Dominions; and will he take early steps to see that it is also represented in the remaining Dominions?

I must not be taken as accepting the view that there is the same necessity for representation of the United Kingdom in a foreign country and in the Dominions, but the question of representation by Commissioners arises directly out of the change which, as I have explained to the House, it was necessary for me to make with regard to South Africa. There is another factor now, and that is the position in relation to governorships generally, all of which requires further consideration, and I am sure that the hon. Member would not expect me to make a hasty decision.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the necessary changes in the organisation of the Empire Marketing Board, as a result of decisions arrived at during the Imperial Conference, have been carried out; and what contributions have been promised from sources outside Great Britain?

The question of changes in the organisation of the Empire Marketing Board, resulting from the conclusions reached at the Imperial Conference, is at present under consideration, and I am not as yet in a position to make a statement on the subject. In the meantime, the question of contributions from sources outside Great Britain does not arise.

I understand, therefore, that the whole of the contributions continue to be borne by the taxpayer of this country?

That is clearly so, and that was intended when this Board was constituted; but at the last Conference when there was a discussion to widen the Board certain Dominions felt that they could themselves make a contribution. We have encouraged that idea.

May I ask whether it is intended to increase the advertisements of British goods in the Dominions under the Empire Marketing Board?

Yes, it is the intention, if possible, for the Dominions to do with our goods what we do with theirs.

Is there a woman representative on the Empire Marketing Board? Does not my right hon. Friend think it provides a splendid opportunity for women?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether there are any sound and/or silent films at present in preparation for the Empire Marketing Board; and will he say what arrangements have been made for their presentation?

Seven films are at present being prepared by the Empire Marketing Board. Four of these are silent and are designed for non-theatrical display only; they will be exhibited in the cinema maintained by the Board at the Imperial Institute, at exhibitions and through similar channels. Arrangements regarding the remainder will be determined when they have reached a more advanced stage of production.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it would be advisable to get a sound machine in the cinema of the Empire Marketing Board?

I am sure it would be. Perhaps the hon. Member would undertake to present one.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give me an undertaking that he will accept it on behalf of the Empire Marketing Board, if I do so?

Certainly.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if these films are British-made, and if British projectors are used?

I understand that that is BO. I should hope so at least.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that it is so?

I shall certainly inquire, but I assume that it is so.

Before the right hon. Gentleman accepts the machine which has been offered by the hon. Member for Central Southwark (Mr. Day), may we be assured that it will be of an up-to-date type?

We could not expect anything that is not right up-to-date from my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the names of the countries which sent representatives to the Tariff Truce Conference which have not yet ratified?

The following countries which were represented at the preliminary Conference on Concerted Economic Action held at Geneva in March last have not, so far as I am aware, yet ratified the commercial convention drawn up at that conference:

Austria, Bulgaria, Colombia, Czechoslovakia, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, the Irish Free State, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Rumania, Turkey and Yugoslavia.

Would it not be right to say that the vast majority of those attending have no wish at all to ratify the convention?

No; in the first place, the date of ratification has been extended till the 25th January, and in the second place, and what is more important, is the fact that non-ratification does not mean that they will_ not take part in the negotiations.

Have any Dominions, or India, agreed to this convention?

The Dominions indicated that they would not be a party in the sense of signing.

Was the right hon. Gentleman encouraged to go on by the attitude of the others?

Yes, I am always encouraged. I think a very great deal can be done in the coming negotiations, and, as I have already told the House, I am quite satisfied that we have, up to this point at least, arrested the upward growth of tariffs.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will issue a White Paper giving an account of the last meeting of the Economic Conference held at Geneva to consider the tariff truce?

The conference in question embodied its conclusions in a final act, and it is proposed to present this to Parliament shortly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the scheme for assisting the German shipbuilding industry now being worked out by the German Government, under which long-term credits equivalent to £5,000,000 will be granted free of interest for two yeans and for a further three years at 3 per cent. interest, on condition that shipowners taking advantage of the scheme scrap an equal quantity of old tonnage; and whether, in view of the depression in the British shipbuilding industry, any similar scheme for the assistance of our own shipyards is under examination?

I have seen Press references to proposals put to the German Government for credits in favour of shipbuilding. Apart from the work of the Export Credits Guarantee Department, no similar proposals involving assistance from public funds are under consideration in this country, but, as my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, I recently appointed a committee to consider whether it is desirable in the national interest that steps, net involving a grant from public funds, should be taken to hasten the disposal of old ships and their replacement by new. I am sending him a copy of the terms of reference, with the names of the members of this committee.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the most up-to-date shipyards in this country are hampered by lack of finance, having used up their available means of getting credit, and will he take that fact into consideration if these foreign Governments subsidise their own shipping?

All the facts are before us, but there is a scheme, of course, for the reorganisation of the shipyards in this country—

I am asking about the most up-to-date shipyards.

I have no reason to believe for a moment that they are short of finance.

They are.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the present depression in shipping is in face of our protest at the time due to the fact that assistance was given under the Trade Facilities Act for building unnecessary ships in the past?

That is precisely what I had in mind. That is one of the points to which I referred. Part of the great difficulty in this case is the large amount of unused tonnage.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of the leather manufactured in this country is barktanned?

I regret that the information desired by the hon. and gallant Member is not available.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to get it, and does he not think that it will be of some help to the forestry industry of this country if the bark-tanning industry is encouraged?

I shall be glad to give the hon. and gallant Member personally such further information as I can get, but I am afraid that it is practically impossible to get the details for which, he asks.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will be able, before the House adjourns for the Christmas Recess, to state the proposals of the Government in regard to the iron and steel industry?

A full statement of the policy of His Majesty's Government in relation to the iron and steel industry was made in debate on the 5th November last.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the workers of this industry are facing the worst winter for many years, and at the same time the importation of foreign steel— [ Interruption. ]

asked the, President of the Board of Trade how many copies of the report on the Iron and Steel Industry have been printed, and to whom have they been issued?

It would be contrary to established practice to give the particulars asked for in this question.

As there has been a leakage of this report in the Continental papers, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it is time the report was issued to the general public?

No; I have already given the House information regarding our views as to leakage, for which we cannot account. I am still satisfied that, for many reasons, the Government decision not to publish the report is sound.

rose —

The right hon. Gentleman has already stated that the report will not be published.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has come to a decision as to the desirability of enlarging the present classification of imports of raw cotton, and especially as to the separate enumeration in the trade returns of the imports of raw cotton of ⅞-inch staple and under?

Yes, Sir. As from the 1st January next, imports of raw cotton, except linters, will be recorded under three headings of "¼-inch staple and over," "under ¼-inch staple and over ⅞-inch staple" and "⅞-inch staple and under."

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion. Affairs if the Government is continuing preparations for the discussion of mutual preference in the Empire at the Ottawa Conference?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the Government will (include in, the preparations which they are making for the Ottawa Conference data to enable them to give further consideration to the question of Imperial Preference on the lines suggested by Mr. Bennett, the Prime Minister of Canada, and supported by the Prime Ministers of all the other Dominions at the recent Imperial Conference, or whether it is the intention of the Government that further consideration of the proposal for the extension of mutual tariff preferences should be excluded from the consideration of the Ottawa Conference?

As I explained on 11th December, in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for East Woolwich (Mr. Snell), the Government are taking active steps to study further the problem of closer economic association within the Empire. As regards the scope of the Conference to be held next year, I would invite attention to No. 2 of the Resolutions recommended to the recent Imperial Conference by the Heads of Delegations and adopted by the Conference, which deals with the preparations for the meeting at Ottawa.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to give me a reply to Question 44, which he said he would answer along with Question 39? The substance of my question is: Do the Government intend to go to Ottawa with their hands tied on the question of tariff preferences or not?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state if the text of the Electoral Reform Bill will be available to Members before the Christmas recess?

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the reply given yesterday in answer to a question by the hon. Member for Twickenham (Sir J. Ferguson).

Is there any hitch about this Bill? Is everything proceeding satisfactorily?

The last inquiries which I made indicated that things were going well. I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman's anxiety is caused by his feeling that this Bill might impede his progress from that side of the House to this side.

Is it not a fact that certain Labour Members are beginning to think that someone has tried to sell them a pup?

I am sure that no one wants to put himself up for auction.

Did my right hon. Friend say that things were going well, or that they were doing well?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to state what action he proposes to take to increase the pensions of pre-War pensioners?

My right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to make any further statement in this matter.