asked the Secretary of State for War why the sentries have been withdrawn from the Royal Palace of Holyrood House; and, in view of the fact that, with the exception of a brief period there has been a military guard there ever since the building has been a royal residence, can he give any assurance that immediate steps will be taken to restore this ancient privilege and right?

I am inquiring into this question personally, but am not in a position to announce a decision at the moment. Perhaps the hon. Member will be good enough to put his question down again a little later.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is strong resentment in Edinburgh against what appears to be a lowering of the status of this ancient Royal residence?

asked the Secretary of State for War the average cost per head of clothing the personnel of the Army in 1913–14 and 1930–31, respectively?

Having regard to such disturbing factors as the differences in the uniform of various ranks and branches, the preparation of an accurate comparison in the form suggested would involve undue labour. But in the typical case of a private of the infantry of the line, other than a recruit, the figures are, for 1913 £7 12s. and for 1930 £9 3s. 4d. These figures were published in the Parliamentary Estimates for the years in question on pages 65 and 143, respectively, where the hon. Member will find much additional information. But he will, no doubt, bear in mind that the authorised scales of clothing have been considerably altered since 1913, notably by the withdrawal of full dress.

asked the Secretary of State for War the average cost per head of victualling the personnel of the Army in 1913–14 and 1930–31, respectively; whether any substantial changes have taken place with regard to the amount and quality of the food supplied; and whether the cost of victualling is found to coincide in general with the average increase in the cost of food as indicated by the Ministry of Labour food-price index figures?

The approximate daily figures are 11½d. for 1930, and 7¾. for 1913. The bread and meat supplied in kind through public sources are as in 1913, but both figures include also a cash element to enable the regimental authorities to purchase for the troops other articles of diet. This cash element has been approximately doubled since 1913, and this increase, after allowing for increase in market prices, undoubtedly and designedly gives the troops more purchasing power. In these circumstances, no real comparison with the Ministry of Labour figures is to be expected.

Was not British meat supplied in 1913 instead of chilled meat?

I would like notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the general staff of the Army no longer obtains information from military attachés, in foreign countries regarding the strength, equipment, etc., of foreign armies, but depend upon the League of Nations' armaments year book for figures on which to make calculations of comparative strengths, he will say whether the Secretary of State and the Army Council accept full responsibility for all military information contained in that publication?

The League of Nations' armaments year book is compiled by the Secretariat of the League from official or semi-official publications, a list of which is given at the end of the book. The Army Council can obviously accept no responsibility for the information published, though they have no reason to doubt its substantial accuracy.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell me whether there is any precedent for Ministers referring hon. Members to books for which they accept no responsibility?

I do not know whether there is any precedent or not. Frankly, I do not care, provided my answers helps the hon. and gallant Gentleman to get the information that he desires.

I am not satisfied that everything contained in the League of Nations Year Book—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order, order!"] Does the right hon. Gentleman think that I can be satisfied with everything that appears in the League of Nations Year Book?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, as it is necessary to employ 57 temporary and retired officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps and there is a deficiency of 124 of the authorised establishment, he will consult with the Board of Admiralty and the Air Ministry in order to endeavour to discover the cause of this shortage of medical officers under the present regulations?

I have this matter under my personal consideration and am in close touch with my colleagues in regard to it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the condition is satisfactory as regards medical officers?

No, I am not satisfied that the condition is satisfactory, but unfortunately the difficulties in the way are not easy to surmount.

Is not this the same question as has been on the tapis for 12 years, and is it not, therefore, necessary to make urgent efforts to deal with the matter? Will not some urgent action be taken?

There is one word that would solve the whole matter—money; but unfortunately by the free provision of money one might do more harm than good with other officers of the Forces who are not on the medical side.

That is to say, there is a total impasse so far as the Secretary of State is concerned?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that ex-Service civilian employés of the Ordnance Corps, Catterick, are discharged and their places taken by discharged or about to be discharged soldiers; and whether he will explain the reasons for this procedure?

I shall be glad if my hon. Friend will send me details of any cases he has in mind in order that I may inquire into them.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he can give the estimated saving to be effected by the reduction of pay, half-pay, and retired pay of Army officers by 1 per cent. as from 1st July, 1931, to 30th June, 1933?

The estimated saving during the two years referred to is, on present numbers, approximately £128,000.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any information as to the present numbers of the registered members of the Osoaviakhin or Soviet defence league, formed in 1927, with a view to encouraging citizens of the Soviet republics to prepare for war; and what is the total number of women who have been trained for war service under the auspices of this league?

According to the Soviet Press of 1st July, 1930, the number of members of this league was 5,100,000 on that date. The hon. Member will also find information on this subject in the League of Nations Armaments Year Book. I have no information as regards the last part of the question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it desirable that we should have a military attaché in Russia who would give much more precise information on these important points?

That is a matter, perhaps, for discussion. I do not think it arises out of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what restrictions, if any, were imposed by his Department upon the rentals that may be charged for Weir steel houses?

The Department of Health for Scotland have imposed no restrictions on rentals chargeable for Weir steel houses erected by local authorities. The fixing of these rentals is a matter for the local authorities concerned who must have regard to any relative requirement in the Act under which the houses were built. As regards the Weir steel houses built by the Second Scottish National Housing Company (Housing Trust) Limited, the rents fall to be fixed in accordance with the rents charged for houses with similar accommodation in the district.

If it can be brought to the Government's notice that there are such houses for which rents higher than those that are being charged in the district, can we have no help, and cannot we have the rents reduced?

If higher charges are being made for Weir steel houses than are being made for houses of similar accommodation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has in view the co-ordination of the various Housing Acts from 1919; and if he will consider bringing all the rents into line so that comparable houses may have comparable rents?

The various Housing Acts passed prior to 1925 were consolidated in the Housing (Scotland) Act of that year. The question whether a further consolidation should take place con- sequent on the passing of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1930, will be duly considered. The problems and difficulties arising out of the charging of varying rentals for similar types of houses are continually being brought to my right hon. Friend's notice but he has no statutory power to require uniform rentals.

Will the hon. Gentleman not seek statutory powers to deal with this question?

It must be obvious to the hon. Member that the 1930 Act has had a very limited opportunity of being operated yet by the local authorities in Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the amount of arrears in rent on council houses in Glasgow, namely, £27,200, and in view of the extent to which these arrears fall upon the Exchequer, he intends to take any steps for the recovery of these arrears?

As I informed the hon. Member on the 10th instant, the amount referred to includes recoverable arrears, and I have no reason to believe that the corporation are not doing everything possible to secure the payment of outstanding rents. I may add that the arrears written off as irrecoverable for the year 1929–30 were only 1 per cent. of the total rental.

Does the hon. Gentleman not think that it is the duty of the Secretary of State for Scotland, in the interests of the Exchequer, to do something to recover these arrears, apart from the local authorities?

Arising out of the original reply, does the hon. Gentleman not think that these arrears are an indication that the general rental level is higher than the people can pay, and therefore would not his most effective action be to give assistance in the reduction of the general rents?

The figures show that, as a matter of fact, there has only been 1 per cent. of arrears written off as irrecoverable.

In Scotland?

I am dealing with the question on the Paper, and I am perfectly certain that that is, at least, as low a percentage as private owners are writing off.

May I have an answer to my question?

We are taking too long over this question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has given further consideration to the prevalence of illegal trawling in the Minch and sea lochs on the West Coast of Scotland; and what steps he proposes to take to safeguard the livelihood of the fishing community around those localities?

I would refer the right hon. Member to my reply of the 27th January, in which I stated that this amongst other areas has received, and will continue to receive, as close attention as the resources of the Fishery Board permit.

In view of the seriousness of the situation, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on the Adjournment to-night.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that it is proposed to demolish the pier at Nigg, in the Cromarty Firth; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to preserve a structure which is in good condition and which is of great value to the community?

I have no information as to any proposal to demolish the pier. I understand, however, that the pier is now used mainly in connection with the ferry to Cromarty, that the revenue is too small to meet the cost of upkeep, and that the county council are not prepared to take over the pier.

Does the right hon. Gentleman read the answers given by his colleagues? One colleague gave an answer last week. Is it in the power of a county council to take over from a private owner a pier that is of great use?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now in a position to say what arrangements have been made to put into force the provisions of the Agricultural Credits (Scotland) Act, 1929?

Discussions are still proceeding with the four Scottish banks regarding the scheme which is under their consideration, and I am hopeful that the outcome will be favourable.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman recall that he has given this answer to the House of Commons on many occasions; and will he promise the House of Commons to make a definite statement within a short time?

I still hope to be able to give a definite statement before very long, but the right hon. Gentleman forgets that it has been the banks who have delayed this matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why it should be held up by the banks, while the authorities in England have not been held up by the banks; and is he aware that the English farmers have had the advantage of their Act for over a year and the Scottish farmers have not?

The right hon. Gentleman knows that the English banks agreed to set up the agricultural credits scheme, whereas the Scottish banks did not agree.

Is the right hon. Gentleman still negotiating with these banks, and is there not another way of getting the money?

I have already told the right hon. Gentleman that I am negotiating with the banks.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the reasons that are holding up the building of the new clinic at Kirkintilloch; and whether, in view of the number of children awaiting treatment as a result of the school medical officers' reports, he can take any steps to urge an early commencement of the operations?

I am informed that difficulty has been experienced in arriving at the most suitable arrangement of the site to provide for the health services of the area but that the plans for the clinic have now been finally adjusted and it is hoped that building operations will be commenced at an early date. I understand that, pending completion of the new clinic, the medical officer of health is arranging additional sessions at the present clinic with a view to providing for the children who require treatment.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now in a position to say whether he has reached agreement amongst the interests affected by his proposals for the better drainage of the Kelvin Valley; and if he can say when the scheme will be commenced?

The Department of Agriculture have a draft scheme in preparation which will very shortly be advertised. I am informed that negotiations are proceeding.

Is there any possibility of this scheme being started this year, and can the hon. Gentleman give any indication as to the number of men likely to be employed?

I should not care to venture upon a definite statement of that kind. All I can say is that the Department is endeavouring by every means in its power to ensure that the scheme will be operated during the summer months—indeed, it is in those months alone that such a scheme could be operated—and the number of men employed will depend upon the precise form of the scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he proposes to introduce legislation this Session to deal with the scrub bull, in order to put our cattle industry in a better position in view of the anti-scrub bull legislation in some competing countries?

On a point of Order. Is it in order for an hon. Member to ask a question in the House without rising from his seat?

It is not the general custom.

May I draw attention, Sir, to the fact that I rose in asking both my questions?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the provisions of the Improvement of Live Stock (Licensing of Bulls) Bill which has now passed the Committee stage in another place. This Bill is applicable to Scotland.

As Ireland has now succeeded in eliminating the scrub bull, cannot Scotland do the same thing?

That is exactly what we are proposing to do.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government propose to give facilities for this Bill?

In reply to the right hon. Gentleman, of course the Government will do what they can to pass the Bill.

asked the Secretary for Mines the amount of coal thus far sold to Scandinavia as a direct result of the recent visit of the British commercial delegation to Scandinavia?

asked the Secretary for Mines what improvement, if any, in our export trade to that country has resulted from the British coal delegation to Scandinavia?

I will answer these questions together by referring the hon. Members to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Wycombe (Sir A. Knox) on 16th December last.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us why there has been no success attending this mission? Was it the question of the price of British coal which caused the lack of orders?

The hon. Member is quite mistaken in assuming that there has been no success. In point of fact, I am meeting the coalowners and exporters tomorrow preparatory to meeting the railway companies, in connection with one aspect of the problem, and other aspects of the problem have been under consideration with the exporters and coal-owners and others.

Is it not a fact that the export of British coal to Scandinavia has been seriously interfered with owing to the fact that we are now taking from Russia much timber, which we originally took from Scandinavia?

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will make inquiries for the purpose of ascertaining how many miners in Scotland have been suspended from employment owing to the operation of the quota under the Goal Mines Act?

I cannot accept the suggestion that any reduction in the number of persons employed in Scotland is due to the quota system. Numbers employed in all districts fluctuate from time to time according, among other things, to the state of trade. The Scottish District Scheme became operative on 1st January, 1931. During the week in which 1st January fell and subsequent weeks the number of persons employed has been:

Week ended. 1931	Numbers employed.
3rd January	93,285
10th January	91,654
17th January	91,754
24th January	92,050
31st January	92,263

It will be seen that although there has been a reduction of 1,000 in persons employed during January there has been a progressive increase in employment during the month. Judging by the recent course of trade, the district allocation of coal output to Scotland for the current quarter is not less than the amount which the district would sell if no regulation of output existed, and therefore the operation of the quota cannot be held responsible for any reduction in employment.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the exporting districts of Scotland many pits have had to reduce output when they actually had orders which they could have fulfilled?

The reply to the hon. and gallant Member is that if any coal-owner feels aggrieved because of any reduction in the quota, he has the right of appeal to the executive board and to arbitration. So far, we have had no complaints from any of these coalowners.

Will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to how many were suspended before the quota came into operation?

That is another question.

asked the Secretary for Mines if, in view of the fact that it is now cheaper for large consumers in one district of Northumberland to import Polish coal rather than purchase British coal, he will take steps to change the quota system?

I am unable to accept the hon. and gallant Member's statement of fact in the first part of the question; the second part does not, therefore, arise.

Has the hon. Gentleman seen this fact confirmed by an ex-chief inspector of mines in the public Press?

There are many statements in the public Press which are not warranted by the facts.

Would the Minister be prepared to hear a statement from the displaced miners?

If the miners or the organisation representing the miners care to make representations to the Mines Department, we shall be very glad to hear them.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the dissatisfaction that exists among the miners owing to the quota system?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman is mistaken. We have heard of no dissatisfaction.

Will the hon. Gentleman snake inquiries as to who has ordered this coal, so that we may know if they are supporters of Lord Beaverbrook?

In point of fact, no Polish coal is coming into this country.

asked the Secretary for Mines if the number of explosions in coal mines, and loss of life through them, was greater or less in 1930 than in the years 1927, 1928 and 1929?

Details of the number of separate explosions having fatal consequences and of the loss of life therein were given in the answer to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Gower (Mr. D. R. Grenfell) on the 2nd of this month.

Was there an increase or a decrease in the last year compared with previous years?

The hon. Gentleman bad better examine the figures, as they fluctuate so.

asked the Secretary for Mines the average weekly wage of the workers in the coal-mining industry of Great Britain in 1920 and also in 1930, giving separate figures for Lancashire and Cheshire?

The average weekly cash earnings of all workers employed in the coal mines in Great Britain during the nine months ended September, 1920, was £4 6s. 11d., and during the 11 months ended November, 1930, £2 4s. 4d. The corresponding figures for Lancashire and Cheshire were £4 1s. 0d. and £2 1s. 6d. respectively.

asked the Secretary for Mines the weekly average number of days worked in the coal-mining industry of Great Britain in 1920 and 1930, respectively, giving separate figures for Lancashire and Cheshire?

The average weekly number of days worked in the coal-mining industry of Great Britain, excluding periods affected by holidays and disputes, was 5.73 in 1920 and 4.85 in 1930. The corresponding figures for Lancashire and Cheshire were 5.91 and 4.31, respectively.

asked the Secretary for Mines the output per man per shift worked in the coal-mining industry of Great Britain in 1920 and also in 1930, giving separate figures for Lancashire and Cheshire?

The output per man-shift worked in the coal-mining industry of Great Britain during the nine months ended September, 1920, was 14.70 cwts., and during the 11 months ended November, 1930, 21.61 cwts. The corresponding figures for Lancashire and Cheshire were 12.69 cwts. and 17.29 cwts., respectively.

Would it be possible to say how much of that increase is due to machinery being introduced?

There has been no considerable extension of machinery for mining operations in Lancashire and Cheshire, but there has been some.

Does the average mean for every man employed, including managers?

We take the average of those employed in the production of coal.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many collieries were closed down between December, 1924, and June, 1929; and how many have been closed since the quota arrangements of the Coal Mines Act, 1930, became operative?

Between December, 1924 and June, 1929, 1,148 pits in Great Britain, normally employing 93,600 wage-earners, have closed and not reopened. During the period 1st January, 1931 to date 71 pits employing 9,400 wage-earners were closed. It is too early to say which, if any, of these pits will remain permanently closed. That there has not been any material change in the rate of closing of pits since the quota system came into operation is seen from the fact that in the nine months ended 31st October, 1930, 316 pits employing 48,000 persons were closed and not re-opened.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of persons representing the normal capacity for employment of the coal-mining industry; and by how many the number of persons nominally registered as employable in the industry exceeds this figure?

The normal capacity for employment in the coal mining industry is a matter of opinion, but if the hon. Member will let me have any particular dates, I will endeavour to give him the actual numbers employed at those dates and the number of persons then registered as employable in the industry.

Are the Department or the Government taking any steps to absorb the redundant labour in the mines; and how do they intend that this labour should be disposed of?

If the hon. Member will put down a question, I will endeavour to give the best answer possible.

Will the hon. Gentleman admit that there is a considerable redundancy—

Order, Order!

asked the Secretary of Mines whether he proposes to hold further conferences in the coalfields in connection with the question of safety in mines?

Yes, Sir. Two safety conferences have already been held—one at Newcastle at the end of November last, and one at Glasgow last Saturday. The attendances were large and representative of all interests; and the addresses by experts on questions of safety were intently followed and usefully discussed. I intend, therefore, to organize similar conferences in other large coal-fields as soon as I can.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs in which of the Dominions legislation has been passed on similar lines to that of the Cinematograph Films Act of 1927?

So far as I am aware, no such legislation has been passed elsewhere in the Dominions than in New Zealand and in Victoria.

Has any correspondence taken place with the Dominions urging them to pass similar legislation, according to their promise?

I will make inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what reply he has made to the communication sent to him from South Africa with reference to a request to receive a deputation of non-Europeans concerning their grievances in that country?

I have not received any such communication or request.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any satisfactory agreement has been arrived at for the transfer of the Irish lighthouse service from the British Government to the Irish Free State?

Negotiations have been proceeding for some time, but the arrangements to be made are still under discussion.

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking care that the wages, conditions, and pensions of the men in the lighthouse service are being protected?

I have no knowledge that there is any danger, but I will certainly make inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any information as to when the new Governor-General of Canada is likely to take up his appointment?

No, Sir. So far as I am aware, no announcement has yet been made by His Majesty's Government in Canada.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has received any report about the negotiations between the Prime Minister of Canada and the American Government at Washington, with a view to securing co-operative action between Canada and the United States of America in respect of Russian dumping in those countries?

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total value of imports into this country from Russia during January, and of our exports to that country during the same period?

The desired particulars are not readily available, but if the hon. and gallant Member will repeat his question on the 26th February, I hope it will then be possible to give him the figures he requires.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity and value of soft wood, hewed and sawn, respectively, imported from Russia during January?

As stated in the January issue of the "Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom," the total imports into the United Kingdom of hewn soft wood registered during January, 1931, as consigned from the Soviet Union, amounted to 409 loads, of a declared value of £1,284, and the imports of sawn soft wood to 37,468 loads, valued at £171,282.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state, in view of the prohibition by America of imported lumber and pulp wood from four districts in Russia unless shippers can prove that the imported materials have not been produced by convict labour, whether he proposes to take action on similar lines?

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave yesterday to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for Chislehurst (Mr. Smithers).

Will the hon. Member say what action the Board of Trade propose to take?

No; my right hon. Friend gave a very specific answer to this question some few days ago, and it is not possible to add anything to it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the annual value of mahogany and other hard timber, if any, imported into Great Britain during the last 12 months from British, French, and Dutch Guiana, respectively?

The declared value of the total imports of hard wood into the United Kingdom registered as consigned from British Guiana during the year 1930 was £11,268. These imports included no mahogany, but probably consisted in part of a hard wood known as greenheart. No imports of hard wood were registered during this period as consigned from. French or Dutch Guiana.

Does that answer include imports of timber from these countries via the United States of America?

I should like to have notice of that question.

Has the hon. Member any knowledge of the conditions under which this timber is procured?

No; I should require notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give a summary statement showing the quantity of timber imported into the United Kingdom for mining purposes, aggregate loads and sterling value each separately specified, from Russia, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Sweden, Norway, Poland (including Dantzig), Germany, France, Portugal, Spain, the Irish Free State, and other countries for the years 1913, 1928, 1929, and 1930, respectively, specifying any case in which figures relate to the British Isles?

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

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can make any statement on the recent proposals made by His Majesty's Government to certain foreign countries for a reduction of import duties on various categories of goods?

These proposals embrace, in the case of each country, the articles of principal interest to British trade, and at the present stage must be regarded as confidential. I may, however, state that the general line followed has been to ask for a consolidation of existing duties where they are already low, and in most cases where they are substantial for a reduction of 25 per cent. in the rates. Proposals on these lines have now been sent to the Governments of Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Switzerland.

Can the hon. Gentleman indicate to the House whether any favourable replies on this question have been received from any of these countries?

I think it is too early to give that information.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the volume of exports of manufactures from Great Britain and the United States, respectively, in 1930, as expressed as percentages of the volume in 1929?

Eliminating the effect of price changes, the volume of the domestic exports from the United Kingdom in 1930 of goods classed in the trade returns as "wholly or mainly manufactured" was 80.1 per cent. of that in

asked the President of the Board of Trade what were the imports of coal in each of the years 1927, 1928, 1929, and 1930 into Canada, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, respectively, distinguishing in each case the principal countries of origin?

As the answer involves a tabular statement, I will, with the permission of the right hon. Gentleman, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value and quantities of safeguarded and non-safeguarded manufactured goods imported into this country and retained for domestic consumption, of similar goods of British produce and manufacture exported, and of foreign goods re-exported for the years 1929 and 1930, in supplement to the question answered in the House of Commons on 17th April, 1930?

The particulars for 1929 were given in the answer referred to by the hon. Member. Similar particulars for 1930 are being compiled, and will be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT as soon as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the composition and what are the functions of the Board of Trade Advisory Committee?

The Board of Trade Advisory Council consists of representatives of industry and commerce together with Dominion and other official representatives, and its main function is to keep the Board of Trade informed month by month of the position and prospects of trade and industry. I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a list of the present members.

Is it not the fact that one member of the committee has resigned recently; and was his resignation due to the unsatisfactory policy of the Government?

I do not think so.

Is it true that the Archbishop of Canterbury attended a meeting?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now state what proportion of the Cunard insurance construction risk has been placed in the insurance market?