asked the Secretary for Mines whether the methods of regulation introduced in the Coal Mines Act have in their experimental working shown any need of modification; and, if so, along what lines?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on Thursday last to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for Macclesfield (Mr. Remer).

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of fatal accidents at mines under the Coal Mines Act for the year 1930, giving separate figures for surface and underground and showing how they compare with 1929?

During the year 1930, there were 866 separate fatal accidents underground at mines under the Coal Mines Act involving 940 deaths, and 73 on the surface involving 73 deaths. The corresponding figures for 1929 were 936 accidents and 996 deaths below ground and 76 accidents and 80 deaths on the surface.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of fatal accidents for 1930 caused through explosions of firedamp; how many lives were lost; and the figures for 1928 and 1929?

During the year 1930, there were 18 explosions of firedamp, involving loss of life, the total number of deaths being 70. The corresponding figures for 1929 were 13 explosions and 34 deaths; and for 1928, 15 explosions and 36 deaths.

asked the Secretary for Mines the latest figures of the number of boys below the age of 16 years who are at present employed and working underground in the coal mines; can he say what number of shifts they have worked during the last 12 months; and how many of them have been on the night-turn between nine at night and five the following morning?

In December, 1930, the latest date for which information is available, 24,200 boys under 16 years of age were employed below ground at coal mines. I have no information as to the number of shifts worked by such boys but the average number of shifts worked during 1930 by workers of all ages below ground was approximately 238. No record is kept of the number of boys or other persons employed on night shifts but a special inquiry undertaken in April, 1927, indicated that at that time nearly one-third of the boys employed worked on shifts ending after 9 p.m. or beginning before 5 a.m.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that last week he stated that the cost would be too heavy to alter existing Acts of Parliament in order to prevent boys working underground on night turns; are we not, therefore, entitled to know how many boys are working at night?

I shall be happy to give any information that is available, but I cannot give information that is not in our possession. I drew attention in my answer to the fact that it would not only be an additional cost, but would mean difficulty in reorganisation, and I said that we shall be glad to consider any representations that may be made to us.

I hope that the hon. Gentleman will get the information for which I am asking.

asked the Secretary for Mines the average number of days worked each week by mine-workers in Great Britain during the year 1929, and the average each week during the first nine months of 1931?

During the year 1929, the average number of shifts per week worked by mine-workers was 4.93 and during the first nine months of 1931, 4,67. As regards South Wales and Monmouth the figures included are those for the year ended January, 1930, and the nine months ended October, 1931, respectively.

asked the Secretary for Mines what quantity of coal was in stock on 1st April, 1st July, and 1st October, 1931, in various parts of Great Britain?

I am informed that the stocks of coal at mines in Great Britain amounted to 5,778,000 tons on 1st April,?,359,000 tons on 1st July, and 8,050,000 tons on 1st October.

Do not these figures indicate that the quota schemes have not caused a shortage of coal or decreased working days?

I think that the bon. Gentleman will probably draw that conclusion from the returns.

Are these figures the average or more than the average of former years?

I must have notice of that question, and I would ask the hon. Member to let me know for what years he desires the figures.

asked the Secretary for Mines what statistics the Department has as to the condition of miners in Yorkshire as regards nystagmus; whether it is increasing or decreasing; and what steps are being taken to reduce it to a minimum?

Statistics are available for the past few years of the number of cases of nystagmus in Yorkshire reported to the certifying surgeons under the Workmen's Compensation Act. These figures, which I will send to my hon. Friend, show a decrease since 1925 but with some fluctuation. The principal measures in hand for the prevention and cure of nystagmus are those to secure improved lighting in mines and an investigation under the auspices of the Medical Research Council.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the importation of gravestones into this country; whether he can state the country from which these gravestones come; and whether he is aware that correspondingly suitable stone can be obtained in this country at reasonable rates?

Gravestones are not separately recorded in the Trade Returns of the United Kingdom, but the main importation of monumental and architectural granite is from Germany and Czechoslovakia, and of marble from Italy and Belgium. I am aware that granite and other stones suitable for monumental purposes are available in Great Britain.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has not been able to include foreign gravestones in the classification of abnormal importations?

That will be considered along with other commodities.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the district that he represents, Cornwall, there is ample material for all the gravestones required in this country?

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the increased unemployment in the furniture trade, what action he proposes to take to check the import of foreign furniture?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that increasing quantities of manufactured house furniture are being sent into this country, for instance, from Italy, where girl polishers are paid ¾d. per hour; and will he be prepared to put a tariff on foreign furniture to decrease unemployment in Shoreditch and elsewhere?

As my hon. Friends will be aware, certain metallic furniture is included in the Order of the 20th November last under the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act. The facts concerning other imports of furniture will also be reviewed in relation to that Act.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity and value of woollen and worsted tissues imported from Poland during the first 10 months of this year; and if subsidies are being paid to Palish manufacturers by the Government of that country?

During the first 10 months of 1931, the total imports of woollen and worsted tissues into the United Kingdom consigned from Poland (including Dantzig) amounted to 1,611,000 sq. yards, of a declared value of £188,000. Exporters of woollen and worsted tissues from Poland receive a non-transferable certificate valued at about 3d. per pound on pure wool tissues and about 2d. per pound on mixed wool tissues, which is available for payment of Customs duties on articles of any kind imported by them. The intention of this system is stated to be to reimburse to the manufacturer the duties payable on his raw material.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity of fish landed into this country by Dutch, Danish, and German trawlers for the 12 months ended 30th September last; whether he can give the figures for the corresponding period of the previous year; and whether it is the intention of the Government to take any steps with the view to protecting the interests of the British fishing industry?

The total weight of fish, of all kinds from deep sea fisheries brought in to the United Kingdom by Dutch, Danish and German boats during the 12 months ended 30th September, 1031, was 14,000 cwts., 113,000 cwts., and?99,000 cwts., respectively, compared with 18,000 cwts., 85,000 cwts., and 1,006,000 cwts., respectively, during the 12 months ended 30th September, 1930. As regards the second part of the question I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries on the lath November to my hon. Friend the Member for South-West Hull (Mr. Law).

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the total money value and the average price of offals imported into this country in October, 1931, the similar value and average price of the same in October, 1930, and from what countries do they come?

As the answer involves a number of figures, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is there not a very great increase in the price?

If the hon. and gallant Member will wait and see the figures, I will then discuss them with him.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any liquid milk, either pasteurised or otherwise apart from tinned milk, is being now, or has been during the last year, imported into this country, and, if so, how much?

The only fresh liquid milk imported into the United Kingdom comes from the Irish Free State, and the, bulk of this passes over the land boundary into Northern Ireland. During the first 10 months of this year 38,403 cwts. of fresh milk were so imported. In addition, 3,174 cwts. of unsweetened preserved milk (other than condensed and powdered milk) were imported into the United Kingdom.

asked the President of the Board of Trade in. what quantities the under-mentioned products have been imported into this country since 1st January, 1931, and the value of this year's total importation of each: cut flowers, bulbs, and pot plants?

During the first 10 months of 1931 the total imports into the United Kingdom of fresh flowers, which are recorded by value only, were of a, declared value of £927,500, while the Imports of bulbs amounted to 525 million, valued at £1,312,600. Imports of pot plants are not separately distinguished in the trade returns.

Are these imports classified as luxury imports or as necessaries?

That is a matter of opinion. I have no doubt the producers think that they are necessaries.

How do the Board of Trade classify them?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the quantity of paper-machine wire which was imported into this country during the first 10 months of 1930 and during the same period of 1931; and whether there has been any sign of abnormal imports during the last six months?

I regret that I am not in a position to give the hon. Member the information which he desires, as the imports of paper-machine wire are not separately recorded in the trade returns of the United Kingdom.

Can the information be got from any source which is open to the right hon. Gentleman?

I will make inquiries to see whether it can be obtained.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to cases of abnormal imports under Class II of the Board of Trade returns; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative and the second part therefore does not arise.

Is it the intention of the right hon. Gentleman to introduce legislation dealing with the subject mentioned in the last part of the question?

I cannot make any statement on that question at present.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the extent to which dumping of goods from Germany, France and Czechoslovakia is affecting worsted factories in Scotland; and whether the amount of such imports will be taken into immediate account with a view to action under the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act?

As my hon. and gallant Friend will see from the Schedule of the Order which was made on Friday last, the provisions of the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act have been applied to imports of woollen and worsted tissues.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made with the setting up of the organisation to promote the sale of British goods to which the late President referred on 7th October last in his reply to the hon. Member for Howdenshire (Major Carver)?

A meeting was held on the 9th October at which a number of representative business men were present, and I understand that a subcommittee was formed to consider how the matter might best be pursued. The Empire Marketing Board, as my hon. and gallant Friend will have observed, have launched a vigorous campaign, in which they have had the invaluable assistance of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.

Has it never dawned on the right hon. Gentleman that the best way to encourage the buying of British goods is to give the British the power to buy British goods? They have not the money to buy.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that housewives cannot buy British butter up to May next because it is not labelled British?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he has taken with regard to the recent increases in French import duties which discriminate against British products and manufactures?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which was given on this subject yesterday by the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department to my hon. Friend the Member for Morpeth (Mr. G. Nicholson).

In the event of the French Government adopting an unreasonable attitude, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to impose additional duties on French wines and other goods?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the expectation among Continental countries of this country adopting a tariff policy, any proposals have been received from any country with the object of establishing a system of mutual preferences?

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the importance of encouraging purchasers to buy British goods, he will consider the advisability of taking steps to compel advertisers to state in their advertisements the country of origin of the goods they seek to sell?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is prepared to initiate legislation to ensure that all advertisements relating to goods of foreign origin, whether in the public Press or on the hoardings, shall bear an indication of the country of origin of the goods advertised?

The Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, does already require the addition of an indication of origin to any specific advertisement of goods which have themselves to bear such an indication under Order-in-Council, and it is open to the manufacturers of any particular class or description of goods to take advantage of this provision by making application for an Order-in-Council.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House of the nature of the exhibition of advertised articles of British manufacture held recently in London; whether that exhibition was organised by the retail advertisers themselves, and whether they invited the manufacturers to attend?

The hon. Member ought to put down that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will favourably consider the advisability of reduced tariffs on foreign goods carried in British vessels?

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any negotiations have recently taken place with regard to tariff reductions by other countries; and whether any offers or proposals of such a kind have been received?

There have been no recent negotiations or proposals for negotiation with foreign countries except on the ordinary basis of mutual most-favoured nation treatment. I may explain, however, that two recent agreements of this description, namely, those concluded with Chile and Salvador, did in fact result in United Kingdom goods securing reductions of duty which had previously been accorded to other countries but withheld from us.

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to continue the negotiations instituted by the late Government with the object of reducing foreign tariffs?

Whenever opportunity offers we shall certainly take advantage of it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proportion the imports of iron and steel into the United Kingdom bear to the total of iron and steel manufactured in the United Kingdom in September and October of 1931; and how this proportion compared with the proportion of imports of total make in September and October of 1930?

During September, 1931, the proportion that the imports of pig-iron, ferro-alloys and steel ingots and castings into the United Kingdom bore to the quantity produced in this country was 2.93 per cent., compared with 3.51 per cent. during September, 1930. During October, 1931, the proportion was 4.61 per cent., compared with 3.81 per cent. during October, 1930.

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that steps will be taken forthwith to stem the flow of imports of iron and steel, which are unnecessarily increasing the adverse, trade balance?

The matter is having our constant consideration.

Has the right hon. Gentleman yet received a report from his Department as to whether there are or are not abnormal imports of iron and steel at the present time?

May we ask for an announcement on this subject from the right hon. Gentleman before the House rises?

asked the Prime Minister if he will state the reasons for the exclusion of Great Britain from the Report of Delegation, Command Paper 3601, on the industrial conditions in the iron and steel industries, June, 1930?

The reason that this report deals only with the industrial conditions in iron and steel industries abroad is that it was specially prepared to supply information on this subject to the Committee of the Economic Advisory Council which was at that time considering the position of the iron and steel industry in this country.

When may we expect a report concerning the British industries?

That question has been dealt with again and again in this House.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of countries which limit the amount of British coal to be imported and under what international agreements they do so?

The only countries of substantial importance from the point of view of the United Kingdom coal trade which directly restrict the importation of coal are France, Belgium and Germany. There is no international agreement which limits the right of France and Belgium to impose such restrictions, and the right to apply import restrictions to coal was reserved by Germany under the Anglo-German Commercial Treaty of 1924. I should perhaps add that certain countries, notably Brazil and Spain, whilst not directly controlling importation, enforce requirements that industrial users of coal must consume certain proportions of native coal.

Has the right hon. Gentleman in mind the use of similar limitation to goods imported into this country to the prejudice of our agriculture?

The Noble Lord will observe that the latter part of my answer referred to the quota system which is in operation in Brazil and Spain. The quota system is being considered here.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the wholesale price of Accra cocoa has fallen 40 per cent. between December, 1928, and November, 1931, and that the retail price of certain well-known proprietary brands of cocoa has fallen only 12½ per cent., and the retail price of loose cocoa has fallen only 4 per cent., during the same period; and mill he therefore take action under the Foodstuffs (Prevention of Exploitation) Act, or other similar Act if applicable; and, if none is applicable, will he request a competent body to institute an inquiry and to publish a report?

The figures mentioned do not, of course, take into account all the factors concerned. Nevertheless I am asking the Food Council to inquire into the matter raised by my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the House the figure of the total value, for each of the last three years, of the preferences given by the Dominions to the United Kingdom on our exports to them, and also the similar figure accruing to the Dominions from the preferences given to them by the United Kingdom?

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT such information as is available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the retained imports of foreign teas in the United Kingdom, which amounted in 1921 to 32,000,000 lbs., had increased in 1930 to 85,000,000 lbs., while the Empire's share in the same period fell from 92 per cent. to 81 per cent.; and whether he can assure the House that early steps will be taken to secure a preference for British Empire teas, especially having regard to the fact that all British tea entering Holland is subject to an import duty?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I am unable to make any statement at present.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the present very grave position of British tea planters, and will the Government deal with the matter at the earliest possible date?

I am aware of the position.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state with respect to what industries Safeguarding Duties have been removed during the period from June, 1929, to the present time; what annual amount of revenue was pre-

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that orders for aeroplane engines for naval aircraft are being placed in this country by Japan; and whether he will consider the advisability of placing an embargo on such orders in present circumstances by international action?

Yes, Sir, but I cannot adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that it is an im-

The Safeguarding Duties on lace, cutlery, gloves, gas mantles and packing and wrapping paper have expired during the period mentioned. With my hon. and gallant Friend's permission I will circulate particulars of the revenue obtained from these duties in the OFFICIAL REPORT. As regards the last part of the question cutlery, gloves and packing and wrapping paper are included in the Order made on the 20th November under the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act.

In the case of those not included in those previously safeguarded, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that the duties are re-imposed?

We will look into their merits.

Order!

The hon. Member is asking for an opinion.

I bad not finished my question.

Mr. Clarry.

The question I wanted to put to the Prime Minister was whether he does not think that steps—

The hon. Member must not ask what right hon. Gentleman thinks.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Government of Yugoslavia have promulgated a new Act prohibiting the importation of goods which can be produced in that country; if he will state what were the principal classes of goods exported to Yugoslavia from Great Britain in 1930–31 and their approximate value; and what was the value of the goods imported from Yugoslavia in the same year?

Inquiries are being made into this matter and I should be glad if my hon. and gallant Friend would put his question down for answer next week.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of War Certificates falling due for redemption next year; and what steps he proposes to take in connection therewith?

The amount of Savings Certificates of the first issue which will be outstanding on the 31st March, 1932, is estimated at approximately £150,000,000, including accrued interest. An announcement respecting an offer of extension or conversion to holders of these Certificates will be made at an early date.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount of the Beer Duty paid to the Inland Revenue for the month of October, 1930, and the amount paid, or payable, at the increased rate for the month of October, 1931?

The only comparison which can be made at the present moment is between the gross amounts of Excise duty assessed for the month of October in each of the years mentioned (but not payable until the following month). These were £6,076,000 in 1930 and £6,123,000 in 1931. I would repeat, however, that it would at present be premature to draw any conclusions as to the effect of the increase in the duty.

In view of the apparent failure of the tax to produce revenue, and of the fact that it prevents a number of poor men from getting their accustomed beverage, will the Government take into consideration action will, a view to removing the duty?

When sufficient facts have been accumulated, the Government will take that question into consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in view of the effect of the increased beer tax on the hop-growing and barley-growing industries of this country, he will give an early indication that it is the intention of the Government to reduce this tax at the earliest possible opportunity?

My hon. and gallant Friend will not expect me to anticipate the next Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether His Majesty's Government will abolish forthwith the organisation which was recently established under Part III of the Finance Act, 1931?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave on the 19th November to the hon. and gallant Member for Chelmsford (Sir V Henderson).

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that he has power to suspend forthwith the working of this part of the Act, and will he not, in view of the pledges as to economy that he gave before the last General Election, exercise that power forthwith?

I have already said that I will make a statement on the subject before the House rises.

Is not this a Measure which the Prime Minister and other Members of the Government think a very good one?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can now make any statement as to the policy of the Government with respect to Part III of the Finance Act, 1931?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave on the 19th November to the hon. and gallant Member for Dulwich (Sir F. Hall). I can as yet add nothing to that reply.

Will my right hon. Friend be good enough to tell me when I can put this question down in the hope of getting a reply?

I repeat that I hope to make a statement on the subject before the House rises.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in view of the number of manual and other workers who will be subject to Income Tax in consequence of the provisions of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 1931, he will consider the immediate introduction of machinery to provide for the payment of such tax due at the source by the employers of the workers concerned?

The deduction by employers of Income Tax from wages has been considered on various occasions in the past, but it has never been found practicable. I am, however, looking into the question again.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take the necessary steps to see that in future all wholesale and retail co-operative societies are made to pay Income Tax under Schedule D and are treated like all other trading concerns for taxation purposes?

This raises a question of Budgetary policy, and I am afraid that I cannot anticipate the Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the annual total contribution from Scotland to the national revenue; and what is the proportion allocated to Scotland, including the defence services, during the last financial year?

I regret that reliable statistics are not available, and. could not be collected without a disproportionate expenditure of labour.

In view of the dissatisfaction in Scotland at not getting its proper proportion, will not my right hon. Friend take steps to give us some information on the matter?

I must warn my hon. Friend that further investigations into this matter might not produce the result be desires.

I will abide by the result, whatever it is.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is the intention of the Government to defer stabilising the value of the pound sterling until the present bank rate of 6 per cent, has been materially reduced?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the principal conditions governing a decision to return to the gold standard?

I can add nothing to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Stockport (Mr. Hamonersley) on Tuesday last. The subject is clearly too large to permit of discussion by way of question and answer.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government has in view any steps towards regulating the value of silver in a fixed proportion to gold by co-operation with the chief silver-producing and silver-consuming countries; and whether he will bear in mind the importance of this matter to the cotton industry of Lancashire?

No, Sir. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for the Stockport Division (Mr. Hammersley) on Tuesday last.

Will not the right hon. Gentleman reconsider his views, and consider this question, in view of the report last week of the Silver Association, and also of the recent agreement between the Government of India and the silver producers in America?

I am not aware that any agreement has been come to between the Government of India, and the producers in America.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any estimate has been made as to the probable revenue, if any, from the duties levied under the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act?

No, Sir. Any such estimate would necessarily be based on so many uncertain factors as to possess no real value.

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman and the Treasury were consulted about the putting on of these various duties before the list was published?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much of the credits granted to the Bank of England for approximately £50,000,000 by the Bank of France and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has been repaid; and whether any portion of the credits for £80,000,000 granted to the Treasury has been repaid?

As regards the first part of the question, I can add nothing to the statement by the Bank of England published on the 31st October, of which I have already sent a copy to the right hon. Member. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I cannot understand the statement which he sent to me from the Bank of England; and will he kindly say how much of this £30,900,000 has been repaid? It is a very simple matter.

I was not aware that my right hon. Friend could not understand the statement. If he will be good enough to come and see me, I will endeavour to make everything clear to him.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that branches of firms abroad sell articles which are taxed under the Safeguarding and McKenna duties to branches of the same firms in England at sums below cost price, thereby avoiding the payment of the proper tariff on those articles; and whether he is prepared to take steps to stop this practice?

Care is taken to prevent payment of the proper duty being evaded in the way suggested, but, if my hon. and gallant Friend will give me particulars of any specific instances in which he has reason to think this is happening, I will certainly have the facts looked into.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the total accumulated surplus in hand at the beginning of the present month from the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, and the amount of interest earned by this surplus?

It is estimated that, after giving effect to the transfer required by Section 3 of the National Economy (National Health Insurance) Order, 1931, the balance to the credit of the Treasury Pensions Account on 31st October, 1931, is rather less than £45,000,000. This sum is not, however, properly to be described as a surplus. It is no more than a balance accumulated in the first years of the scheme, which is now diminishing and will be absorbed, together with any accumulations of interest, by the outgoings of the next 10 or 12 years. The interest earned on the investment of this balance is at present at the rate of approximately £2,000,000 a year.

Has it also been borrowed like the Post Office savings?