asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has now any statement to make regarding his recent conversations with the British Travel Association with a view to reducing unemployment in this country?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Labour whether she will cause inquiry to be made into the organisation of the Ilkeston Employment Exchange which at the present time necessitates men waiting three hours and more to sign for or receive benefit; and whether she will take the necessary steps to obviate this difficulty?

I have made inquiries, and find that there was some congestion at the Ilkeston Employment Exchange immediately following the Easter Holidays. This was due to exceptional circumstances including the arrival of 900 new claimants more or less simultaneously without previous notice, and the absence on sick leave of a number of experienced officers of the Exchange. The report that claimants had to wait three hours and more to sign the unemployed register or to receive benefit is, however, an exaggeration. I do not think there is reason to anticipate the recurrence of similar difficulties, but I may mention that steps are being taken to open a temporary office in one of the outlying districts in order to relieve some of the pressure on the Exchange.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will expedite the payment to the census enumerators who have been drawn from the ranks of the unemployed, especially in view of the fact that these men are suffering deduction of unemployment benefit in respect of this temporary employment?

Arrangements have already been made for the advance payment to each enumerator of the fixed fee of £2 which forms part of the remuneration due to him, on the day upon which the schedules and enumeration book completed by him are delivered to the local registrar. The balance of the remuneration due will be made with as much expedition as possible after the examination and approval of his work.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the duty on imported wrapping paper is to be continued, in view of the representations which have been made in respect of this industry?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave on this subject to the hon. and gallant Member for Bournemouth (Sir H. Croft) on 21st April.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the output of raw cotton in Russia in 1914 and 1930, respectively; how many cotton mills there are in Russia to-day; how many cotton operatives; and what was the value in pounds sterling of cotton textiles exported from Russia in 1914 and 1930, respectively?

According to statistics published by the Empire Cotton Growing Corporation, the output of raw cotton in Russia in 1914 and 1930, respectively, was as follows:

				Bales of approximately 500 lbs.
1914	…	…	…	1,070,000
1930	…	…	…	1,950,000

As stated in the Soviet Union Year Book, the number of factories in the Soviet Union engaged in the cotton industry during the year ended 30th September, 1929, was 209, while the number of workers employed was 491,179. The value of the exports of cotton goods from the former Russian Empire in 1914 and from the Soviet Union in 1930 was as follows:

	1914.
Russian Empire (excluding Finland)—	£
Cotton yarn and thread	87,000
Cotton tissues	3,891,000

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the decrease in the volume of German imports and exports of domestic produce, respectively, in the first quarter of 1931 as compared with the first quarter of 1929, distinguishing, if possible, food, drink and tobacco, raw materials, and manufactured articles?

Eliminating the effect of price changes, the percentage decreases in the volume of imports into and exports from Germany during the first quarter of 1931 compared with the corresponding period of 1929 were as follow:

Category.	Imports for home consumption.	Exports. (Domestic produce and manufactures, including deliveries on account of Reparations.)
	Per cent.	Per cent.
All articles of which—	18.9	6.9
Food and Drink	18.1	21.2
Raw materials and semi-manufactured goods.	15.8	7.8
Manufactured goods.	29.2	6.3

NOTE.—According to the classification of the official trade returns of Germany, unmanufactured tobacco is included with raw materials and manufactured tobacco with manufactured goods.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information as to the extent to which the export trade of the British bicycle industry is hampered by the operation of tariff barriers?

I have from time to time received complaints with regard to the Customs duties levied in foreign countries on cycles and motor-cycles, especially the latter. There can, I think, be no doubt that the volume of trade is reduced by these tariff obstacles, but I am afraid that it is not possible to give an estimate of the reduction in the exports which is attributable to this cause.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is

—	Carpets, carpeting and rugs of wool.		Jute carpets and rugs.		Cork carpets.
	Quantity.	Declared Value.	Quantity.	Declared Value.	Quantity.	Declared Value.
	Sq. yds.	£	Sq. yds.	£	Sq. yds.	£
Total Imports into the United Kingdom consigned from Czechoslovakia:
1926	84,990	18,866	1,210,921	146,774	—	—
1927	572,235	169,444	2,159,852	199,002	—	—
1928	371,332	118,215	1,640,914	158,154	—	—
1929	451,928	119,161	1,376,258	131,993	—	—
1930	482,336	121,459	1,253,666	143,054	—	—
Domestic Exports from the United Kingdom consigned to Czechoslovakia:
1926	319	176	—	—	—	—
1927	446	353	10	4	478	92
1928	853	897	151	32	1,531	235
1929	392	402	95	26	276	64
1930	175	54	7	2	225	38

NOTE.—The figures for 1930 are provisional.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many wrecks have occurred within a distance of 12 miles off Strathy Point within the last five years?

I am advised that four casualties have occurred within a distance of 12 nautical miles of Strathy Point within the period mentioned.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the total of the imports of carpets into this country from Czechoslovakia for the last, five years; whether there are any exports of carpets from this country to Czechoslovakia; and, if so, what the figures are for the same period?

The following table shows, in respect of the undermentioned descriptions of carpets, carpeting and rugs, the quantity and declared value of the total imports into, and domestic exports from the United Kingdom registered as consigned from and to Czechoslovakia during the years 1926 to 1930.he is urging local education authorities to build and provide forthwith such increased number of places in public elementary schools as will be required in the event of the school-leaving age being raised by one year within two years' time; and whether he has recently sanctioned for grant any building programmes submitted to him by local education authorities involving the provision of accommodation in excess of the requirements needed for the education of children up to the age limit laid down in the existing law?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. My right hon. Friend is send- ing the hon. Member a copy of a memorandum which he has recently addressed to local education authorities on the matter. As regards the second part of the question, the Board have recently approved, in accordance with the lines indicated in that memorandum, some proposals providing accommodation for children up to the age of 15, to the extent which it is anticipated would be required if the school age were raised from some date after the end of the period of special pressure which will be felt in the senior schools.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is now in a position to state the policy of the Government as to the building of further airships?

His Majesty's Government have now decided to postpone a final decision on this matter pending a report by the Committee on National Expenditure on the financial situation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of licensed aerodromes in existence at the beginning of 1931 and the number of aerodrome licences issued during 1930, stating separately those which were licensed for short periods?

The number of licensed aerodromes at the beginning of this year was 122. The number of new licences issued during 1930 was 288, of which 228 were issued for periods of six months or less.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been drawn to the position of the civilian waiters and batmen at the Royal Air Force seaplane station, Mount Batten, Plymouth; whether he is aware that, owing to the cost of living, these men lost 1s. 3d. per week in September last, and that, as a result of a further reduction of 2s. 7d. per week, their wages are now £1 19s. 7d. per week; and whether, seeing that their work is uninsurable and that their working week consists of seven days, including one night in four and until 8.30 p.m. every other night, he can see whether an increase of wages can be made?

The reductions in the wages of the employés in question are a consequence of the fall in the cost-of-living index figure, which has affected the remuneration of all employés in the Civil Service who are paid on a basic rate plus bonus. It is, therefore, regretted that it is not possible to give special treatment to the employés at Mount Batten. It may be added that the wages stated in the question are the net figures after deduction of the contribution under the National Health Insurance Acts.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is yet in a position to give a decision in regard to the application made by the Portsmouth City Council for sanction to construct a children's playground in Commercial Road, Portsmouth?

The application before my right hon. Friend relates to the purchase of part of the land required for a children's playground. The acquisition of the main portion of the land is the subject of a provision in the Portsmouth Corporation Bill now before Parliament, and he has not thought it appropriate to anticipate the decision of Parliament.

asked the Minister of Transport what statutory and other provisions regulating the use of motor vehicles have been repealed by Orders made under the Road Traffic Act, 1930, and their provisions not yet reproduced by subsequent Orders, and as to the position of matters meanwhile, as, for instance, is there any provision restricting the overcrowding of omnibuses and other public vehicles now in force; and whether he intends to consolidate the numerous Orders made by him since the passing of the Act in question, together with other Orders made by him prior thereto affecting motor vehicles under the Lighting of Vehicles Act, 1927, the Roads Act, 1920, and the Highway Code, so that those affected thereby may readily become acquainted with their obligations?

Generally where provisions relating to the use of motor vehicles have been repealed by Orders made under the Road Traffic Act, 1930, their place has been taken either by the provisions of the Act itself or by Orders or Regulations. There is not at the moment any provision in force governing the carrying of standing passengers in omnibuses, but Regulations on this somewhat difficult subject have been discussed with the organisations interested and will be made shortly. So far as I am aware, the only other provisions relating to the use of motor vehicles which have been repealed and have not yet been replaced are certain Articles in the Heavy Motor Cars Orders restricting the use of weak bridges. These will be replaced by Section 25 of the Road Traffic Act as soon as the form of the necessary notices which I am discussing with the railway companies and others interested has been determined. As regards the collection and consolidation of the Regulations, I have the point in mind for consideration at a later date.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether he has considered the request sent to him from the Association of London Omnibus Proprietors for official guidance as to the representation of their interests on the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee and also as to the need for closer definition so far as they are concerned of Section 99, Sub-sections (2) and (3), of the Road Traffic Act, 1930; and whether he will receive a deputation on this subject;(2) whether there is any member on the London and Home Traffic Advisory Committee representing and nominated by the Association of London Omnibus Proprietors; and, if not, whether he will consider the appointment of such a nominated member?

I will answer the hon. Member's two questions with regard to the Association of London Omnibus Proprietors, Limited, at the same time. I have considered the applications of the association referred to, and have caused replies to be sent, copies of which I am sending to the hon. Member. He will observe that the association have been informed that I am unable to receive a deputation upon the question which they raise, and I see no reason to alter my decision on this point.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what is the total floor space on each floor to be provided in the new building which it is proposed to erect on the Montagu House site at an estimated cost of £2,355,000?

The estimated office floor space—i.e., excluding corridors, lavatories, etc., and basement storage accommodation—which will be provided on each floor in this new building is approximately as follows:

		Ft. sup.
Lower ground floor	…	69,000
Ground floor	…	69,000
First to eighth floors, each	…	71,000
Ninth floor	…	35,000

asked the Secretary for Mines how many wage-earners were employed in the coal mines of Great Britain during the week ended 2nd August, 1930, and the week ended 11th April, 1931, respectively?

The number of wage-earners on colliery books in Great Britain during the week ended 2nd August, 1930, was 891,900 and during the week ended 11th April, 1931, 868,100.

asked the Secretary for Mines the latest average weekly earnings in the mining industry for each separate district available in Great Britain; and the corresponding figures for each of the last five years?

District.	1925.		1927.		1928.		1929.		1930.
	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.
Scotland	53	11	52	5	51	4	52	4	50	4
Northumberland	45	5	41	11	37	5	38	6	36	10
Durham	47	8	44	6	40	0	40	11	39	7
South Wales and Monmouth*	53	6	47	7	48	5	49	7	47	3
Yorkshire	52	2	48	0	43	4	45	11	44	43
North Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire			49	1	43	6	46	1	45	3
South Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Cannock Chase and Warwickshire.			49	1	42	4	44	3	43	11
Lancashire, Cheshire and North Staffordshire.	46	1	43	8	39	11	41	9	41	8
Cumberland, North Wales, South Staffordshire, Shropshire, Bristol, Forest of Dean, Somerset and Kent.	46	8	45	1	42	6	44	5	44	9
Great Britain	50	8	47	2	43	9	45	6	44	4†

NOTE.—It should be noted that the particulars of cash earnings shown above do not include the value of allowances in kind which during the first nine months of 1930 varied from about 5s. 4d. per week in Northumberland and Durham to about 2½d. per week in Scotland, Lancashire, Cheshire and North Staffordshire.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any advances have been made out of the Colonial Development Fund or out of any other money voted by Parliament towards paying interest on any loan raised by the Governments of Kenya, Uganda, Northern Rhodesia, Nyasaland, or Tanganyika under the Palestine and East Africa Loans Act, 1926, as amended by the Colonial Development Act, 1929?

The only loan which has been raised so far under the Palestine and East Africa Loans Act, 1926, is one by Tanganyika for £2,070,000 in 1928. No advance has been made out of the Colonial Development Fund or out of any other money voted by Parliament towards paying interest on that loan. The Treasury have, however, agreed that, subject to the fulfilment by the territories concerned of the statutory conditions, guarantees will be given in respect of loans to be raised in due course to meet

The average weekly cash earnings of all workers employed in the coal mines in each district in Great Britain during the years 1923 and 1927 to 1930, the latest available, were as follow:expenditure on various approved schemes which is being met meantime by temporary borrowings. The following amounts have been sanctioned as grants to be made from the Colonial Development Fund over a period of years towards meeting the interest charges of certain of those schemes:

	£
(i) Nyasaland, for the Zambesi Bridge scheme (approx.)	500,000
(ii) Tanganyika, for various schemes	83,000

The first item is in respect of a loan to be raised of upwards of £3,000,000; and the work was commenced in 1930, but no issue from the fund by way of interest grant has yet been required. The second item is in respect of schemes which will involve expenditure from guaranteed loan of about £1,060,000 most of the schemes were commenced in 1929 or 1930, and the issues from the fund to date in respect of interest grants amount to £11,777. No such interest grants have been sanctioned out of any other moneys voted by Parliament.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the total amount of the advances which have been made out of the Colonial Development Fund under the Colonial Development Act, 1929; how much of this total has been advanced by way of grant and how much by way of loan; and what was the balance remaining in the fund at the close of the financial year 1930–31?

The total amount of the advances actually issued from the Colonial Development Fund to date is £487,284. This is in respect of sanctioned advances totalling £2,654,659 to be issued as required over several years on, behalf of schemes involving an expenditure of about £8,896,000, including £4,122,000 to be met from guaranteed loans under the Palestine and East Africa Loans Act, 1926. Of the issues already made, £283,918 was by way of grant, and £203,366 by way of loan. The balance remaining in the fund at the close of the financial year 1930–31 was £408,220, of which £145,505 has since been issued.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what guarantees have been given by the Treasury in respect of loans raised by the Governments of Kenya, Uganda, Northern Rhodesia, Nyasaland and Tanganyika since the Colonial Development Act, 1929, became law, and under the terms of the Palestine and East Africa Loans Act, 1926, as amended by that Act; and what sums out of loans raised before that date have been devoted, with the approval of the Treasury, to the purpose of paying interest on any part of those loans?

No loans guaranteed under the Palestine and East Africa Loans Act, 1926, as amended by the Colonial Development Act, 1929, have been raised since the latter Act became law. Since that date, however, the Treasury have agreed that, subject to the fulfilment by the Territories concerned of the statutory conditions, guarantees will be given in respect of loans to be raised in due course (1) by Nyasaland, to meet expenditure, estimated at £3,062,000, on the Zambesi Bridge scheme, and (2) by Tanganyika, to meet expenditure estimated at £1,617,418, on various schemes. Pending the raising of guaranteed loans, both Territories are financing the expenditure on the schemes by temporary borrowings. As no guaranteed loans have been raised since the Colonial Development Act, 1929, became law, the second part of the question does not arise, but no part of the proceeds of guaranteed loans raised before that date could properly be devoted to the purpose of paying interest on guaranteed loans raised either before or after that date.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of experiments and the number of animals involved in each of the chemical research laboratories during 1930?

I understand from my hon. Friend that he is using the term "experiment" to cover a single investigation in which one or more animals may be used, and the figures given below are on that basis. The number of experiments carried out at the Chemical Defence Experimental Station, Porton, during 1930, and the number of animals involved, were 131 and 719 respectively; the number of animals involved in experiments at the Physiological Laboratory, Cambridge, during the same period was 85. Exact figures as to the number of experiments at Cambridge are not available at the War Office, but I will obtain them and send them to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the largest number of animals involved in one experiment since the opening of the research laboratories; when it was performed; and for what purpose?

The largest number of animals involved in any one experiment since the opening of the Chemical Defence Experimental Station, Porton, after the War is 92. The experiment was carried out in August, 1924, with the object of ascertaining the effect, if any, produced by exposure to very low concentrations of gas.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs when arrangements were first entered into by the Empire Marketing Board for the production of the film "One Family"; whether any contracts have been obtained for the production of this film at cinema theatres; and how much money has been expended on this film to date?

The contract for the production of the film "One Family" was signed on 19th June, 1929; the answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative; expenditure on this film from the Empire Marketing Fund to date is £15,740.