asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is prepared to make a statement to the House in respect of the reorganisation of the iron and steel industry?

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the reply which was given on the 15th December to my hon. Friend the Member for Penistone (Mr. Rennie Smith). I am sending the right hon. Gentleman a copy of that reply, to which I have nothing at present to add.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity of our imports of iron and steel and manufactures thereof from Belgium, Luxemburg and Czechoslovakia, during the last completed 12 months as compared with the quantity imported in 1924?

The total quantity of iron and steel and manufactures thereof imported into Great Britain and Northern Ireland and registered during 1930 as consigned from Belgium was 1,687,000 tons, from Luxemburg 63,000 tons, and from Czechoslovakia 15,000 tons. The corresponding figures for 1924 were 1,210,000 tons, 212,000 tons and 11,000 tons, respectively.

asked the President of the Board of Trade which of the great Powers besides Great Britain has ratified the convention embodying the tariff truce?

According to my information, the Commercial Convention has up to the present been ratified by the following States, besides the United Kingdom: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Latvia, Luxemburg, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.

May I ask which of these countries can be described as great Powers?

Is it a fact that every single country that has become a party to the truce has something to get out of this country, whereas we reap no corresponding advantage at all in return?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, seeing that the value of exports from Great Britain to foreign countries fell from £593,000,000 in 1919 to £405,000,000 in 1929, whereas exports to the Empire rose in the same period from £205,000,000 to £324,000,000, and that the British Dominions are our largest customers, he will say what steps the Government are prepared to take to further consolidate and increase the import and export trade between Great Britain and the Dominions overseas?

asked the President of the Board of Trade details of the import and export of manufactured goods to and from the British Empire and foreign countries, respectively, for the year 1930; and if he is now prepared to make any further statement on the policy of the Government for the development of inter-Imperial trade?

The Economic Section of the Imperial Conference will reassemble in Ottawa to discuss this matter, and preparations for that Conference are being actively pursued by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom. Particulars of the imports and exports of manufactured goods during 1930, distinguishing British Empire and foreign countries, will not be available until the latter part of the current year, when they will be published in the Annual Statement of Trade.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication, in view of the magnitude and seriousness of these figures, that the Government are going to take any steps at all to remedy the present trade situation?

The Government are engaged in many steps which bear on the trade situation; and, while I do not make any promise, it may be that a statement regarding the preparations for Ottawa will be made at a later date.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what steps the Government are actually taking at the present time?

That would require a very long reply. I will mention the efforts for the reorganisation of industry in order to help recapture the export trade, the trade missions, and a wide variety of other steps. If, however, the hon. and gallant Member means tariffs or any activities of that kind, we can promise nothing of that description.

Is it not the case that the Government had ample opportunity before the last Imperial Conference, and are they likely to be any more prepared for this Conference?

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many tons of Russian wheat have been imported into this country during the months of November and December, 1930?

The total quantity of wheat imported into Great Britain and Northern Ireland registered during November and December, 1930, as consigned from the Soviet Union (Russia), was 5,500,000 cwts. and 6,587,000 cwts, respectively.

In view of the constant increase of these imports, are we getting any corresponding benefits in exports to Russia?

The exports to Russia have, of course, increased during the past year very largely, in my view owing to the inclusion of Russia under the Export Credits Scheme.

Are not Russian nationals being starved of wheat in order to permit of this export?

Is it a fact that Russian wheat is selling on the London Corn Exchange at 18s. 6d. per quarter c.i.f., and does the right hon. Gentleman think it possible for the British farmer to produce wheat at a profit at that price?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the present amount of the trade balance in favour of the Russian Soviet Government in this country?

The figures for the first nine months of 1930 corresponding to those which I gave the hon. Member in reply to a similar question on the 1st April last, are as follow:

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why a country with such a very large trade balance in this country requires the benefit of a loan under the Export Credits guarantee in order to buy British goods?

The reply is surely that in the process of international trade the point cannot be stated in that way. It is quite impossible to link up two countries. These balances enter into many other international transactions. The short reply is that during the past year the exports to Russia had substantially increased.

Is not the balance of trade credit belonging to Russia used by Russia to buy foreign goods, and not British goods?

It may be used as the basis for certain purchases elsewhere, but that is not necessarily to the disadvantage of this country.

If that be so, why do we not ask the Soviet Government to use its own credit rather than borrow on our guarantee?

Why are re-exports included in the estimated balance of trade?

I should require notice of that question, but I imagine, off-hand, that it is the normal practice in order to present a complete picture of the exports.

Is not the balance in favour of the Soviet used for hostile propaganda against this country?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of the exports of manufactured goods from the United Kingdom to Soviet Russia during the last completed 12 months; and the values of similar exports from Germany, France, Belgium and the United States of America to Soviet Russia?

Comparable statistics of the exports of manufactured goods to the Soviet Union (Russia) from the countries mentioned are not available. The value of the imports of manufactured goods into the Soviet Union recorded in the official trade returns of that country as imported during the 12 months ended 30th June, 1930, from the United Kingdom was £3,311,000; from Germany, £15,471,000; from France, £1,268,000; from Belgium, £102,000; and from the United States, £21,454,000.

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain how it is that the United States have been able to send this enormous volume of goods to Russia without an export credits scheme such as we have here?

I am afraid that raises a very large question. I could not reply, without notice, regarding the precise credit arrangements. But a very great deal could be said on this question.

Is not the explanation of this volume of trade to be found in the fact that the United States have not recognised the Soviet Government?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has at his disposal facilities for investigating the comparative cost of production of manufactured commodities in the United Kingdom and in countries abroad; and, if so, to what extent he avails himself of such facilities?

No, Sir; it is as a rule extremely difficult, if not impossible, to secure reliable particulars of cost of production abroad.

Has my right hon. Friend any means of ascertaining why an Austin Seven motor car can be sold for £97 in the United States

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Austin Seven which is sold in America is a different car from the Austin Seven which is sold here?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the volume and value of British exports to Russia and to New

I am unable to state the volume of our trade with Russia and New Zealand during the years 1913 to 1930. With the hon. and gallant Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT particulars of the value of the imports from, and exports to, these countries during the years 1913 to 1929 and the first nine months of 1930. Similar information for the whole year 1930 will be published in the issue for January, 1931, of the "Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom."

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any steps have yet been taken by the Governments of the British Dominions to organise marketing propaganda similar to that carried on by the Empire Marketing Board in this country; if so, what has been done; and if not, what steps have been taken by his Department to expedite the organisation of such propaganda?

So far as I am aware no definite step on the lines indicated has yet been taken by any Dominion Government. The decision in such a matter rests solely with the Government of the Dominion concerned, and no such steps as are suggested by the hon. Member have been or could properly be initiated by the Government here; but I need hardly say that should any proposals of such a kind be made by any Dominion Government, they would be most heartily welcomed, and we should be ready to co-operate by any means in our power.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it would be a very sensible proceeding to intimate to the various Dominions that it would meet the great desire of this country if they took such steps?

I have already explained to the House that I impressed upon the Dominion Premiers the importance of the work which the Empire. Marketing Board was doing in advertising their goods, and some of them indicated that they were prepared to do similar work in their Dominions. No doubt the hon. Member will realise the difficulties existing at the moment in all the Dominions, both financial and economic.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what steps his Department propose to take with a view to encouraging the following up of the British Empire Trade Exhibition at Buenos Aires by personal contact on the part of representatives of British industries, and are there any funds at his disposal which can be used for the purpose?

My Department regards the British Empire Trade Exhibition at Buenos Aires as one of a series of measures for developing our trade with the South American markets. Other measures with the same end in view have been the D'Abernon Mission and the investigation recently completed by the ex-Master Cutler of Sheffield on behalf of the lighter industries of Sheffield. I am now discussing with these and other important industries the measures which should be taken in order to derive the utmost benefit from the Exhibition. All possible financial assistance is afforded by the Department out of the funds at its disposal for the development of export trade.

Do I understand the hon. Gentleman to refer to the D'Abernon Mission, and, if so, will he tell us what details of the recommendations of that Mission he has yet to put into operation?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put down a question.

asked the Secretary for Mines what is the present position as to the working agreements in the coal-mining industry; and whether it is proposed to recommend Parliament to modify or suspend the operation of the hours of the Coal Mines. Act, 1930?

As the answer to the first part of the question involves a long tabular statement, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Will the hon. Gentleman recognise his responsibility and the responsibility of his colleagues for the protracted strike that took place during the last few weeks?

asked the Secretary for Mines the names of the countries where holidays with pay are granted to the workers in the coal-mining industry and the classes of colliery workers to which this applies?

I understand that holidays with pay are granted to all colliery workers in Czechoslovakia. Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and the Saar, and to certain classes of workers in the Union of South Africa.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether this is not also the case in Russia?

I must ask the hon. Member to put down that question.

But it is part of the question. Cannot we have an answer about Russia?

asked the Secretary for Mines in what districts the spread-over system has been worked in the coal mines during the Parliamentary Recess?

The answer involves a list of some length, and, with the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons registered as unemployed at the last convenient date and the number for approximately the same date in 1929?

At 5th January, 1931, there were 2,617,770 persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Great Britain as compared with 1,452,619 at 7th January, 1929.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons at present directly engaged on work on all schemes approved on or after 1st June, 1929, and the cost of same?

On schemes of a total value of approximately £77,000,000 sanctioned since 1st June, 1929, about 86,000 men were returned as directly employed on the various sites in Mid-December last. The total of £77,000,000 includes schemes to the value of about £26,000,000 under Part I of the Development Act, the employment value of which is preponderantly indirect. In addition, there are schemes to the value of about £10,000,000 approved by the Unemployment Grants Committee which are in operation but for which employment returns are not at present available.

As regards the figure of 86,000 for whom direct employment has been obtained since the present Government took office, is that an estimate, or have the figures been ascertained through the local authorities?

From their sources.

What are the sources?

If the right hon. Gentleman will put dowry a question, I will give him an answer.

With reference to the total of £77,000,000 for approved schemes, will the right hon. Lady say over how many years that extends?

That is the amount from the 1st June, 1929.

Can the right hon. Lady say whether it is the average of two, three or five years?

They vary. The schemes of the Unemployment Grants Committee are of various lengths. The majority of them are for short periods but some of them are for long periods. Some of the road schemes belong to what is called the five-year plan.

Is the right hon. Lady aware that there are very serious complaints frequently made against the extraordinary delay on the part of the Unemployment Grants Committee in sanctioning schemes of work, and will she take any course of action to expedite those schemes?

I think, if the hon. Member will inquire, he will find that in particular cases the delay does not rest with the Unemployment Grants Committee.

Is it riot a fact that the total number of persons employed on these schemes does not equal the increased number employed in the motor industry under the McKenna Duties?

Is the right hon. Lady able to say how many of these 86,000 people who have been found employment under the schemes of the Unemployment Grants Committee are men who actually have their homes in Ireland, and who have been imported over here for the purpose of these schemes?

I should say none at all.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any further proposals to make to the House for the purpose of mitigating unemployment?

A description of the principal measures taken by His Majesty's Government in connection with unemployment was given in the recent White Paper. The policy there explained is being actively pursued.

Will the Prime Minister kindly reply to the question on the Paper, as to whether he has any further proposals to make to the House for the purpose of mitigating unemployment?

They are all adumbrated in the White Paper.

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will allow me to press for an answer. I am asking him, not about proposals he has already made, but whether he has any further proposals.

The proposals stated and adumbrated in the White Paper are being actively developed.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that, since only 86,000 persons have been found employment, the time has now arrived when he should either bring forward fresh proposals or resign his present post?

asked the Minister of Labour if she has any information showing what was the price of the 4-lb. loaf in 1914, in 1924, and at the present date in each of the following countries: Great Britain, France, Belgium, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand?

As the reply is long and contains a table of figures, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I hope to do this within the next few days.

asked the First Commissioner of Works the cost of redecorating the court room and another room used by the Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies?

The cost of redecorating the court room and waiting room used by the Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies was £111.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to what extent the personnel employed on Income Tax collection has been increased since the present Government assumed office?

There has been no increase, but a slight decrease, in the staff employed in the actual collection of Income Tax since 1st July, 1929. If. however, the hon. Member has in mind the staff employed on all matters relating to Income Tax, then I regret that it is not possible to allocate the staff of the Inland Revenue Department between the various duties which it administers.

Is it because there is less Income Tax to collect that the staff is less?