asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state how many discharged soldiers desirous of re-entering civil life have been assisted in securing employment by the War Office during the last 12 months?

I assume that the right hon. Member refers to direct assistance by means of the Vocational Training Centres. During the 12 months to 30th June, 2,281 soldiers were under training at those centres, and of this number, 1,636 were placed in civil employment on the completion of their training.

Is there any other assistance given apart from the centres?

Yes, there are many semi-military organisations which give assistance to men in finding work.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state what is the estimated cost of the transfer of Army bands from the high pitch to the low pitch; and what are the grounds for the transfer?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 17th March last to the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Wight (Captain P. Macdonald), of which I am sending him a copy.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the change has taken place, and whether all the military bands have been transferred from one pitch to another?

I understand that the changes are complete.

May I ask what is the result?

The result is that the changes have been effected with the complete approbation of everybody concerned.

Does the change meet with the complete approbation of the civilian bands?

I cannot speak for the civilians. I can only speak from my information as to the military bands.

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman has the slightest knowledge of what this change of pitch will mean?

Yes. I come from the north of England, where brass bands are a part of our lives; consequently I know.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state what was the cost of construction and equipment of the National Ordnance Factory at the Meadows, Nottingham; what was the value of the premises and the price for the same paid by Messrs. Cammell, Laird and Company, Limited, under an agreement with the War Office, dated 16th November, 1923; and what reservations or restrictions were attached to the transfer, and whether such reservations or restrictions enable the promises to be utilised for providing employment now that Messrs. Cammell, Laird and Company, Limited, have closed down the works?

The cost of construction and equipment was approximately £520,000. As regards the precise terms of the agreement with Messrs. Cammell, Laird and Company, it would be contrary to practice to disclose information of this kind. The conditions attached to the sale included the right of re-entry by the War Department in certain circumstances. If the present owners no longer require to retain the property for their use, it will be open to them to sell it subject to similar conditions.

Are we to understand that this agreement with the War Office cannot be inspected by Members of Parliament? Secondly, may I ask, with regard to this firm, if there is any con- dition which would prevent the re-employment in similar work on those premises of men who have worked there for many years?

So far as scrutiny by individual Members of Parliament is concerned, I understand that it has always been the custom, not only of this Department but of all Departments, to keep the transactions as private and confidential as possible between the firm or firms with which they deal. In regard to the second part of the question, to the best of my knowledge—I speak with reservation—there is no reason, at all why people should not be employed at the same trade in these works, where anybody may carry on the work.

Am I to understand that transactions involving the sale of public property cannot be inspected by Members of Parliament?

I thought that that question had been answered.

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for War whether the annual camps of the Junior Division of the Officers Training Corps are being cancelled this year, and, if so, for what reason.

Owing to the continued incidence of cerebro-spinal meningitis throughout the country, it is considered inadvisable to collect boys of a susceptible age in camps in large numbers. Boys who would have attended camp but for the cancellation, will, for purposes of "efficiency," be deemed to have attended.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has received the report of the Scottish Advisory Committee on Rivers Pollution Prevention concerning the condition of the River Esk, Midlothian; and, if so, what action he proposes to take?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the latter part, a meeting is to be held in Edinburgh on Tuesday, the 4th August, when I shall discuss the report with representatives of local authorities in Midlothian in order that consideration may be given to the steps that should be taken to purify the river.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland in view of the anxiety of the clerks in the Registry of Sasines as to their scale of emoluments as compared with that of the executive officers in England and the difficulty of arriving at any decision in the matter until the publication of the second Fleming report, whether he will take steps to expedite the publication of that report?

The Committee have lost no time in completing their inquiry, and I understand that the report is being sent to the printers for proof to-day. I shall do everything possible to expedite publication, when the report is received.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the appeal made to him by representative workers interested in preventive and rescue work for the establishment of a reformatory for girls in Scotland has yet been considered; and what action he proposes to take?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. My right hon. Friend is not in a position meantime to state when it may be possible to re-establish a girls' reformatory school in Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state what progress, if any, he has made in his negotiations with the town council of Glasgow on the question of free speech on Glasgow Green; and if he has taken any steps in connection with the liberation of men imprisoned for offences against the by-laws?

I gave no undertaking to enter into negotiations with the town council on the subject referred to. The matter is not one in which I have any jurisdiction, as the by-law in question was made by the town council under powers conferred by Statute, and was confirmed by the Sheriff. What I did undertake to do was to ascertain whether there was any difficulty in the way of the lay preachers, referred to in the question of 2nd July, obtaining permits to preach the Gospel on Glasgow Green at any time they so desired. I have done so, and I find that permits under the by-law are freely granted and very rarely refused. Accordingly, there seems no reason to doubt that, had they made application, the lay preachers would have obtained permits. As regards the last part of the question, the lay preachers were liberated on 8th July in due course of law, their fines having been paid.

I understood the right hon. Gentleman's previous reply. Will he not consider, having regard to the great public disturbance that this is causing in Glasgow, the desirability of entering into conversations with the Glasgow City Council, with a view to having these by-laws modified or abolished?

I had already informed my hon. Friend that, whilst I am quite ready to discuss this matter, it is one in which I have no jurisdiction.

That is not what I am asking.

May I ask if the Secretary of State for Scotland does not think that this proves the necessity of such a by-law, and that, considering the highly inflammable nature of religious opinion in certain parts of Glasgow, it is obvious that any lay preacher who was not going to do more than preach the Gospel and not be provocative, would have no hesitation in asking for a permit?

In regard to the question which has just been asked, is the Secretary of State for Scotland not aware that there was nothing of a sectarian nature in the work that these men were doing, but that they were simply preaching a plain Christian gospel, without any provocation whatever, and that they have been imprisoned for that?

We are going beyond the question on the Paper.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will state what steps, if any, have been taken to ensure that the Coal Mines Act, 1931, is being carried out in all districts?

In England and Wales the Coal Mines Act, 1931, appears to be working smoothly. In Scotland, evidence has been collected in regard to alleged breaches of the law, and is being considered with a view to prosecution.

Will the Minister insist that no district or town shall take undue advantage of any other district or town?

All I can say is that legislation has been provided, and that we expect that it will be operated.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will state the percentage decrease in the shipments of coal from this country to France during the first six months of 1931 as compared with the first six months of 1930 and the percentage increase in Polish, Dutch, and Belgian shipments of coal to France during the same period?

As compared with the corresponding period of 1930, exports of coal from this country to France during the first six months of 1931 decreased by 18½ per cent. Omitting January, however, when shipments were affected by the dispute in South Wales, the decrease was 13 per cent. Coal shipments to France from Poland, Holland and Belgium during the first five months of 1931, the latest period for which information is available, increased by 40, 37 and 43 per cent., respectively.

Are we to understand that, while the export of British coal is steadily diminishing, the export of coal from other exporting countries of Europe is on the increase?

That appears to be so, from the figures.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken to bring to the attention of the French Government the effect on em- ployment in this country which will be caused by their proposal to reduce coal imports into France by a system of import licences; and what international engagements exist in connection with this matter?

The French Government have now brought into force a system of restricting coal imports by admitting coal only under licence. His Majesty's Embassy have been in touch with the French authorities during the time when the scheme was in preparation with a view to safeguarding British interests. France is under no treaty obligation towards this country which would prevent her from imposing this restriction.

Therefore, the simple answer is that the right hon. Gentleman can do nothing?

No, Sir, that does not follow by any means.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to what extent the Empire Marketing Board, in accordance with the decision of the Imperial Conference, is carrying on publicity in oversea Empire countries; and whether the co-operation of such countries is being generally sought and obtained?

The terms of the Estimate for Empire Marketing for the current year have been amended in accordance with the recommendations of the Imperial Conference, and the Empire Marketing Board contemplate certain experiments in publicity overseas which they have approved as in keeping with the discussions of the Imperial Conference on this subject.

Have they done anything yet in the way of reciprocity between this country and the Dominions except to raise their tariffs?

With regard to advertisement Overseas for this country, they are dealing with that side of the question now, and I hope they will succeed.

Will this country pay for its publicity overseas, or will it be paid for by the Dominions?

Under the terms of the Empire Marketing Board's grant, the money is found by this country, but I am equally open to receive any grants from the Dominions.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the amount which has been expended by the Empire Marketing Board upon advertisements in the national Press and in trade and local papers during the 12 months to 31st May, 1931; and if he can make any estimate of the value of these sections of the Press, respectively, in arousing public interest in the sale of British and Dominion produce?

The total amount expended from the Empire Marketing Fund upon newspaper advertisements during the 12 months to 31st May, 1931, was £23,758 4s. 1d. Of this amount, £11,545 was in respect of advertisements inserted in the national Press, and £12,213 in respect of insertions in trade and local papers. The Board are satisfied that all the media employed have contributed towards increasing public interest in the sale of Empire produce, but it would obviously be difficult to draw distinctions as to their relative value.

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour, through the experts in his Department, to ascertain the comparative merits of the respective methods of advertisement employed by the Empire Marketing Board, so that possibly economies might be effected in the total expenditure?

This is like most other matters that are referred to experts; in the main, common sense determines it, and not experts.

Are we to understand that the expense of advertising for the Dominions in this country is entirely borne by the taxpayers of this country?

Certainly. As I have explained repeatedly, when criticisms have been made about the Old Country's contribution to the Empire, every copper expended by the Empire Marketing Board is found by the British taxpayer, and in the main it is directed to advertising Empire goods.

Has any money been spent on advertising British goods in the papers in the Dominions?

That is the same question which was put to me earlier. The change made at the last Imperial Conference enables us to do that now, but, again, it is a very difficult matter to say to the Dominions, "We want you to advertise British goods"; and, if they are competing in the same goods, there is a reluctance to do so.

Have the Dominions made any contribution?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs how the new commercial treaty concluded between Canada and Australia affects the amount of Imperial preference into either country now enjoyed by parts of the British Empire other than the two Dominions concerned; whether he can give any specific instances of how this new system will work; and whether the Government proposes to take into consideration the effect which commercial treaties of this kind will have on the prospects of closer Empire trade?

I have not yet received the full text of the agreement, and in the meantime I do not think that I can usefully comment on the points raised by the hon. Member in the first part of his question. The answer to the last part of his question is in the affirmative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can now make a statement as to the progress of the surveys in certain industrial areas and in which areas such surveys have now been commenced?

Satisfactory progress has been made in all the areas mentioned in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Mossley (Mr. H. Gibson) on the 17th March last. As I have already explained, in view of the large amount of material to be examined, some months must elapse before results can be expected.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what results have been obtained through the setting up of the Bankers' Industrial Development Company; how many applications for financial assistance have been approved, and to what extent; and whether any applications are under consideration at the present time?

Despite the unfavourable conditions for industrial issues since the formation of the Bankers' Industrial Development Company, it has made two public issues in connection with the rationalisation of the basic industries, namely, an issue of £1,000,000 5 per cent. debentures for National Shipbuilders Security, Limited, and an issue of £2,000,000 6½ per cent. debentures for the Lancashire Cotton Corporation, Limited. I am informed that other proposals have been, and are, under examination by Securities Management Trust, with a view to the framing of schemes which might be submitted to the Bankers' Industrial Development Company.

Is the right hon. Gentleman really satisfied with the working of the company? Does he not think some altered system is necessary?

That is a difficult question. I think it would be impossible to express dissatisfaction, because all its operations have been undertaken in a time of profound industrial depression when there was really not a fair chance.

Is it not a fact that over 90 per cent. of the Lancashire Cotton Corporation issue was left with the underwriters?

That may be, But that point is really covered by what I said in reply to the preceding supplementary question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the average value of ready-made suits of clothes, part woollen, imported from Poland?

During the first six months of 1931 the total declared value of men's and boys' suits, coats, vests and trousers of wool or wool mixed with other materials imported into the United Kingdom and registered as consigned from Poland (including Dantzig) was £25,677. I have no information as to the average value of these imports.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of imported ready-made clothing into the United Kingdom during the past 12 months and the countries of manufacture?

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing the imports during 1930. Similar particulars for a more recent period of 12 months are not available.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if there has been an increase?

There has been an increase within very recent times.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet received from the joint industrial council of the glove industry the figures of unemployment in the industry subsequent to the lapse of the Safeguarding Duty?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 30th June to the hon. Member for Hallam (Mr. L. Smith), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what were the total figures of the German imports and exports for the month of June last, reduced to sterling?

During the month of June, 1931, the value of the imports for home consumption into Germany, converted into sterling at the approximate par rate of exchange, amounted to £29,730,000 and domestic exports to £36,550,000, including deliveries on account of Reparations valued at £1,630,000.

Does not this show a very heavy trade balance in favour of Germany—a very large excess of exports over imports?

No doubt there is a balance, but I need not warn my hon and gallant Friend against making deductions.

Do not these figures indicate that Britain is the best, customer of Germany?

The figures relate to all German trade and not merely the trade with this country.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he can give figures for the first six months of 1931 and 1930 of transactions in respect of exports to Germany passing through the Export Credits Department; and whether the terms offered in respect of the export trade to Germany are as favourable as those in respect of exports to Soviet Russia?

During the first six months of 1930 the Export Credits Guarantee Department contracted to guarantee a proportion of credits amounting to £154,828 in connection with exports to Germany. The corresponding amount for the first six months of 1931 was £90,013. The terms upon which guarantees are given, whether for Germany, Soviet Russia or other countries, vary from case to case and from time to time, and it is impossible to make comparisons between the facilities given in different circumstances for different countries.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the facilities granted to Soviet Russia are greater than those granted to Germany?

No, I think that it will be quite impossible for me to answer that question, especially at the present time.

I take it that we can rely upon the Government always to favour Russia, if possible.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has any information which will show what has been the effect of the present financial crisis in Germany on the export trade from Great Britain to that country?

I am afraid that at this stage it is too early to form an opinion on the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the number and description of tanks, armoured vehicles, and other instruments of war exported to Soviet Russia during the last six months, with a comparison for the previous six months, and the number and description of such orders as are now in hand of similar instruments of war?

Separate particulars regarding the exports of tanks and of armoured vehicles are not recorded in the trade accounts. The total declared value of the exports of military, naval and ordnance stores and appliances other than arms and ammunition registered as consigned to the Soviet Union during the first six months of 1931 was £72,966, the corresponding figure for the preceding six months being £40,251. As regards the last part of the question, I have nothing to add to the answer which was given to the hon. Member on 15th July.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman give me a reply to the last part of the question, whether orders are now in hand?

I told the hon. Gentleman previously that I could not give information, even if I had it, regarding the orders of individual firms.

What amount or number of these engines of war are sent to Russia under the guise of agricultural tractors?

If the Russian Government were to order a battleship here, would it be turned down?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now state the quantities and the value of all imports into this country from the Soviet Union in the first four months of 1931 or, failing this, for the first three months; and if he will give the same particulars for the years 1927, 1928, 1929, and 1930?

I would refer the Noble Lady to the reply given to her questions on the 26th June respecting the total imports and details of the principal commodities for the years 1928, 1929 and 1930 and the first three months of 1931. Detailed particulars of the imports from the Soviet Union during 1927 are given on pages 124 to 126 of Volume IV of the Annual Statement of Trade, 1929.

Cannot the figures sent to me on 26th June by the President of the Board of Trade be printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT as, I think, they will be of considerable interest to numbers of people?

I will call the attention of my right hon. Friend to the Noble Lady's suggestion.

On a point of Order. May I ask whether, when a question is asked in this House and is answered by the sending of a statement, it is not the usual custom that that statement, which is an answer, should be given the same publicity as the question, by being published in the OFFICIAL REPORT. May I ask, in the interests of publicity, why it was that the answer given by way of statement to the Noble Lady on the 26th June was not published in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

I thought that was the usual custom.

I am asking for your assistance, to see that that custom is followed in future, because in this particular case the answer, in which several of us were interested, was not published.

May I ask whether that statement cannot now be published, together with the answer which will appear in the OFFICIAL REPORT to-morrow?

I do not know why the statement was not published, but I will certainly have the matter looked into and see if it can be published as desired.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury which were the sugar-beet companies in respect to which the Treasury has been called upon to make good its guarantees under the Trade Facilities Acts to the extent of £545,000, of which £162,000 has been written off as irrecoverable; and the amount involved in each case?

The irrecoverable loss was in connection with the Orchard Sugar Company, Limited, which went into liquidation on the 30th March, 1928. In accordance with the invariable practice under the Trade Facilities Acts, I regret that I cannot give details of the other cases, but I may say that the reason for the advances was the failure of a company to pay off capital as rapidly as required by its agreement. No default has taken place on interest and the Treasury is receiving interest on the sums it advanced.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the scheme for the accommodation of a number of fruit research workers from oversea Empire countries at East Mailing Research Station is now operative; and from what oversea Empire countries and in what numbers has provision for research workers been made?

Laboratory accommodation for six oversea workers is now available at the station. Following the recent Dominion tour by the director, several oversea Governments are known to be anxious to send workers to the station for the two-year period contemplated under the scheme, but, owing to the economic depression, they have not yet been able to make the necessary financial arrangements. These difficulties are engaging the attention of the Empire Marketing Board. In the meantime, a number of oversea workers are visiting the station for short periods.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the report on the survey of dairy research recently presented to the Empire Marketing Board is yet available; and whether the report has been communicated to the Ministry of Health?

The report to which the hon. and gallant Member refers will be published in about two months' time. It has not yet been communicated to the Ministry of Health, but a copy will be sent to that Department immediately on publication.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the importance of these various Departments each being kept informed of what the others are doing?

I believe that contact is established, and it is very necessary.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the quantity and value of potatoes imported into this country during the months of April, May and June, respectively, this year?

As stated in the monthly accounts relating to trade and navigation, the total imports of potatoes into the United Kingdom registered during the months of April, May and June, 1931, were 1,342,000 cwts. valued at £497,000; 1,958,000 cwts. valued at £1,217,000; and 2,835,000 cwts. valued at £2,141,000, respectively.

How does the Government propose to deal with this under the Marketing Bill?

That is a question for the Minister of Agriculture.

Do the figures show an increase over last year?

Yes, they are much in excess of the corresponding period.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when His Majesty's Ship "Revenge," now refitting at Devonport, will pay off so as to enable the Portsmouth men to return to their own depot, having in view that the refit at Devonport instead of the manning port has entailed longer separation from their families for these ratings who have already been away so long, and also the additional expense involved to them and their families?

The date for paying off His Majesty's Ship "Revenge" has not yet been decided, but all ratings have been given the foreign service leave to which they were entitled. The complement of the ship has been reduced to the minimum requirements necessary for maintenance and refit while at Devonport.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in order to return the honours accorded to His Majesty's Ships "Dorsetshire" and "Norfolk" on their recent visit to Kiel, an invitation is to be extended by His Majesty's Government to the German Government for German war vessels to visit British waters; and whether the possibility of their visiting Portsmouth during Navy week has been considered?

The recent informal British visit was in the nature of a return visit for German visits to Dominion and Colonial ports. It is hoped that visits to the United Kingdom will be paid by German ships when their programmes permit. Any proposals for such visits would be made by the German Government.

When that happens, will the right hon. Gentleman bear Portsmouth in mind?

I am sure the hon. Member for Portsmouth (Sir H. Cayzer) will not let us forget.

Of course, the right hon. Gentleman will bear in mind that Plymouth is much better.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the number of officers above the rank of inspector now employed on the factory inspection staff; whether all such officers have had service as inspectors; and whether it is intended to adhere to this practice in all future promotions?

If my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the Chief Inspector and his deputies and the superintending inspectors, the number of officers now employed in these ranks is 15 and all of them had previous service as inspectors. As regards the last part of the question, I prefer that these posts should always be filled by promotions within the inspectorate, but in making appointments, particularly of the higher officers, it is necessary in each case to take into account the particular circumstances, and I am afraid it is not possible for me to bind myself and my successors in the way suggested.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean to neglect altogether the question of practical experience?

Certainly not. I think, if my hon. and gallant Friend reads my answer, he will see that the contrary is my intention.

Are people ever brought in from outside or is it always promotion?

The. latter part of my reply covers the supplementary question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether any extra officials are to be employed on valuation of land values before the 1st January, 1932; if so, what qualifications are required of them and how are they selected;

It will be necessary to recruit a staff of temporary valuers, valuation assistants, and draughtsmen. Candidates for appointment as valuers or valuation assistants must have had experience in the valuation of land, and applicants for appointment as draughtsmen must be capable land surveyors; the selection will be carried out by the Board of Inland Revenue, and candidates will, on appointment to the Valuation Office, be instructed in the method of carrying out their duties.

Considering the importance of the system of valuation which has to be carried out, are no regulations being issued or training given to those about to carry out the work?

I have already said that these men, on appointment, will be instructed by the Inland Revenue in the method of carrying out their duties.

Can the hon. Gentleman say approximately how many officials are being taken on in this way?

I could not say without notice.

Will the hon. Gentleman make an announcement of the condi- tions under which valuers will be appointed by the Treasury?

I think that the conditions are in the answer.

Surely some public announcement will be made?

What grade will these officers fill, what will be their appropriate approximate salary, and will they be temporary?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put down that question, I will look into it and see if I can give the information.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what increase, if any, has taken place in the consular service abroad during the last two years; and whether it is proposed to make further increases and in which countries?

There has been no material change in the numbers of the Consular Service in the last two years; with regard to the second part of the question, the matter is under constant review.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has under consideration any scheme of aerial signposts?

The answer is in the negative. I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to him on 26th November last.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many fatal accidents there have been during instruction to pupils at light aeroplane clubs during each of the last three years?

During the year ended 20th July, 1931, there were no fatal accidents to pupils under instruction at light aeroplane clubs; during each of the two previous years there were two fatal accidents.