asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many local authorities in Scotland have presented schemes under the Housing (Rural Authorities) Act, 1931, the number of houses proposed to be built; and what schemes he has approved and the number of houses included in the approved schemes?

Fourteen county councils in Scotland have submitted applications for a special contribution under the Housing (Rural Authorities) Act, 1931. The number of houses covered by these applications is 1,748. As the Act provided that applications could be made at any time before the 30th November, 1931, and as the amount of money available for distribution is a fixed sum, the advisory committee appointed under the Act have not been in a position to dispose of any of the applications, and accordingly none of the proposals submitted has yet been approved.

Will the hon. Member tell me whether he is still considering these schemes; or has his Department dismissed them entirely?

Oh, no. The applications have not been dismissed. They are still under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is prepared to take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to ensure that without unnecessary delay and expense tenants are enabled to insist on landlords carrying out the necessary repairs in contemplation of which they were given an increase of rent in the last amendment of the Rent Restrictions Act?

The question of the enforcement of repairs is one which, along with other matters relating to the Rent Restriction Acts, will be considered by the Government in the light of the report of the Departmental Committee which was recently issued.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this condition of the increased rental is notoriously neglected by the owners of house property in the West of Scotland?

The hon. Gentleman will recollect that the tenants even at present have certain remedies in their own hands. Where the house is certified, I think I am right in saying, that the tenant, if he is sued for payment, can put in a certificate as presumptive though not conclusive evidence that the house was not, and is not, in a reasonable state of repair. And my hon. Friend will find that there are other remedies, which I will not go into at present.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell the House whether the Government have in mind any return being made by the house owner or the factor as to the amounts taken by them in the 25 per cent. for repairs, and how much has been expended by them in repairing the houses?

As regards what is in the mind of the Government, I cannot at this moment say; and, as regards the general question, I should require notice.

If the hon. Gentleman will make inquiries into the condition of those houses to which the question refers, he will find that the statement made in the House of Commons is absolutely true.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has considered the representations made to him as to the state of dangerous disrepair of the pier at Gairloch; and if he proposes to take any action?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, Gairloch Pier is privately-owned and therefore no assistance towards the cost of its reconstruction could be given from the monies at the disposal of the Department of Agriculture.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that untried prisoners are compelled to sleep on the floor of cells at Glasgow central police office; and if he will consider whether it is possible for some better provision to be made for them?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I am informed that each of the cells in the Glasgow central police station is equipped with a bed. Chairs, tables, mattresses and rugs are kept in all police stations, and these are available in normal cases for the use of untried prisoners.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been drawn to the claim by Professor R. W. Wheeler that a satisfactory solution of the low-temperature carbonisation problem has now been evolved at Sheffield University, which has been accepted by the Third International Bituminous Congress at Pittsburg; and whether he will put at the disposal of the House all the information he has on this subject?

Although Dr. Wheeler visited America on behalf of the Safety in Mines Research Board he did not attend the conference referred to as the representative either of that Board or of the Government. He described one of the large number of low-temperature carbonisation processes which are the subject of examination and experiment in this country. I have no doubt his paper will he published in the technical Press.

Can the hon. Gentleman inform us whether, in view of the potential importance of such a proposal to coal mines and also to the shale oil industry in Scotland, any steps are contemplated to put this new system into operation and give it a trial on a commercial basis in this country?

Every opportunity will be given for testing, and all means at the disposal of our Department can be used in this direction, but it would be impossible, of course, for the Department to express an opinion upon the process until the necessary proofs have been given.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the closing down of Windlestone Colliery some time ago; and if he has any information as to the possibility of the mine being reopened?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I understand that Windlestone Colliery is no longer a separate mine. Its shaft has been used as the upcast shaft for Chilton Colliery, which is at present closed owing to lack of trade. I am unable to say when this latter colliery is likely to reopen.

Has the colliery closed down owing to the depression in the iron and steel industry?

I understand that that is certainly one of the main causes.

Will the Secretary for Mines bring that answer to the notice of the President of the Board of Trade?

Is the hon. Gentleman quite sure Windlestone was not an export colliery?

It was concerned, I understand, with the export trade, but I suppose the depression in the iron and steel trade would have a considerable effect upon it.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us what proportion went to export and what went to the home trade?

Is it not the case that our exports are down 20,000,000 tons?

Quota.

asked the Secretary for Mines if the stocks of coal in the various parts of Great Britain on 1st October, 1931, exceed the stocks of 1st October, 1930; and will he say what is the average of stocks for the last five years?

I am informed that the stocks of coal at mines in Great Britain on the 1st October, 1931, amounted to 8,050,000 tons, as compared with 6,187,000 tons on 1st October, 1930. The average amount of stocks at this date during the years 1927 to 1930 was 5,071,000 tons.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is in a position to state the number of mine workers who have been refused employment underground owing to having drawn compensation for nystagmus?

I regret that this information is not available. As it is improbable that colliery companies keep a record of applicants for employment and of the reasons why employment is refused, I am afraid that the information could not be obtained with a reasonable degree of accuracy.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that men suffering from this disease have to declare before they are signed on, and that consequently the figures could be obtained in that way?

The only figures available to the Department are those which are set out in the report for 1930. The hon. Gentleman is probably acquainted with those figures. This is the only reliable information which we have upon the matter.

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) the causes of the colliery explosions that have taken place in this country during the last 10 years;

As these questions involve a number of figures I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate the answer to them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that imports of coal from this country into France as from the 1st December, 1931, are to be further restricted to 72 per cent. of the average imports for the three years 1928, 1929, and 1930; and can he now state the result of the representations made by his Department to the French Government on this matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, the reduced quota applies to coal imported into France by other countries as well as by the United Kingdom. In this respect, therefore, there is no discrimination against this country, and, as is implied in the statement made on 16th November by my hon. and gallant Friend, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Department of Overseas Trade in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Westhoughton (Mr. Rhys Davies) the question of making representations does not arise. I presume, however, that the hon. Member has in mind the representations which have recently been addressed to the French Government with regard to the 15 per cent. Surtax. No reply has yet been received to these representations.

Can the hon. Gentleman give any idea how many mine workers will be unemployed as a result of the recent action on the part of the French Government?

I think that some estimate could be given as to the reduced tonnage, but, as to the comparative unemployment caused, I could give no exact estimate.

Was this one of the subjects raised with the French Government representatives who were over here this week end?

asked the Secretary for Mines if the appointment of Sir Ernest Gowers for work in connection with coal mines amalgamation still continues; and how many amalgamations have been completed?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, one amalgamation has been completed, and two more are now before the Railway and Canal Commission.

Is not that a very poor result for the efforts of such a highly qualified person as Sir Ernest Gowers was reported to be?

Sir Ernest Cowers has done a great deal of work in surveying the whole field. He has visited every mining district in the country in the course of his survey and has also visited every area in company with the members of the Commission.

I wonder if the Minister could tell us if it was true that Montagu Norman instructed the last Minister of Mines—

Order!

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will postpone making any arrangements with the Dominions for inter-Imperial trade until he is in a position to explain to them our own agricultural policy, in order that the requirements of British agricultural producers in our own home markets shall not be overlooked?

My hon. and gallant Friend can rest assured that in connection with any proposals to be made to the Dominions for the extension of inter-Imperial trade due regard will be had to the interests of home agricultural producers.

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree with Mr. Bruce that priority to British agriculture should be given in our home market before anything else; and what agricultural representative will the right hon. Gentleman have to guide him?

I agree with the answer I have given.

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the Cabinet so that a statement of agricultural policy may be made in this country and at the Imperial Conference at the earliest possible moment?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether only samples are being sold in the shop opened by the Empire Marketing Board in Lord Street, Liverpool; and whether the attendance and interest of the public has come up to expectations?

Sales in this Empire shop are, as always, strictly limited to samples, and the size and nature of these samples have been agreed with the representative retail organisations concerned. The facts that 14,000 samples were sold and an exceptional number of trade inquiries received within 10 days of the shop's opening will, I am sure, satisfy my hon. Friend as to the keen public interest which the shop has aroused.

Will the right hon. Gentleman agree to keep the shop open for some time?

I hope before the House adjourns to give the country some information on the magnificent results of this experiment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the average value per month of the current year of the total imports included in No. 1 Order, 1931, Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties); what is the proportion this value bears to the total value of imports under Class III for the same period; and what was the value of the same imports, respectively, during the first and second 10-day periods of November?

I regret that it is not possible to furnish my hon. Friend with all the information he asks for in this question, but I hope to be able to put before the House adequate statistical information of the kind in question during the Debate on the Resolution which is down for next Friday.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it has been found necessary, following upon the passage of the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act, to engage additional officials; and, if so, how many?

As my hon. Friend informed the hon. Member for Gorbals last Wednesday, the passage of the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act has so far involved no increase in the staff of the Board of Trade.

What is the need, therefore, for the extra buildings for this purpose, if there is no staff to occupy them?

I know of no extra buildings that have been required.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any drawback is granted from the duties imposed under the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act in the case of a firm importing wrapping paper and exporting the same in the form of made-up paper bags?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade on Tuesday last to the question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for South-West Bethnal Green (Mr. Harris).

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of drawbacks for re-exports in connection with all the different goods in his schedules in order to safeguard the entrepôt business of this country?

Under the Act provision is already made to deal with such goods.

Does the President of the Board of Trade realise that that does not cover goods in transit? This is a drawback.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is his intention to continue to issue lists of tariffs under the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act during the Parliamentary Recess; and can he assure the House that no delay will be caused by lack of Customs officials?

There is nothing in this Act which stands in the way of an Order being made at any time, if the circumstances require it. I understand that the Customs do not anticipate any difficulty in the administration of further Orders owing to lack of staff.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the increasing amount of manufactured cotton goods and yarns coming into this country, he is prepared to consider the inclusion of these goods in the next list of imports upon which duties are to be levied, with a view to protecting the interests of the Lancashire cotton industry?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the increase in price of tinplate bars produced in South Wales, from £4 12s. 6d. to £5 a ton, which followed the abandonment of the Gold Standard, he will refrain from adding to the price of imported steel bars used for tinplate manufacture by the imposition of a duty?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the imposition of a duty on women's wearing apparel made from woollen and worsted tissues, seeing that the duty already imposed on such tissues under the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) (No. 1) Order can be evaded by sending them in as made-up garments?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the increased importations from abroad of tennis racquets, tennis racquet frames, and gut, which are sold in this country at below cost prices; and whether he will consider the desirability of a duty to protect British trade in these articles?

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether his attention has been called to the quantities of made-up garments imported into this country, while at the same time numbers of persons engaged in this trade in Birmingham and Manchester are unemployed; and if he will take an early opportunity to bring the industry under the operation of the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act, 1931;

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that the rural industry of basket-making has been crippled by foreign competition, he will consider the advisability of imposing import duties on foreign baskets coming into England and so stimulate employment in agricultural areas?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the dissatisfaction of the paper-making trade that the new duty under the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act only applies to packing and wrapping paper; and whether he will consider the application of this duty to all paper, irrespective of weight, which is being imported into this country in abnormal quantities?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether seeing that the total number of square yards of cotton yarns and manufactures imported into the United Kingdom during the whole year 1921 was only 22,082,185 square yards and in the 10 months up to 31st October, 1931, 40,599,239 square yards, he will take immediate action under the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act, 1931?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that there have been curtailments by British buyers of deliveries of cotton blankets of British manufacture owing to the importation of foreign cotton blankets; and whether, in view of this, he will include these goods in an early Order under the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act, 1931?

I would refer hon. Members to the reply given on the 25th November to the hon. Members for Barnstaple (Sir B. Peto), Ealing (Sir F. Sanderson) and South-East Leeds (Major Milner).

Will the right hon Gentleman be able to make a definite announcement with regard to the cotton trade before the House rises?

Answer!

Get on, or get out.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us why Yorkshire in the woollen industry should have a preference over Lancashire seeing that Lancashire is so emphatic on this matter?

Is the President of the Board of Trade aware that an answer a fortnight old is not good enough for Lancashire, and that Lancashire will insist on having an answer very soon?

asked the President of the Board of Trade on what grounds a dumping duty was imposed upon cardboard for boxes and cartons, seeing that such cardboard is the raw material of a considerable manufacturing and export industry; and will he consider the propriety of cancelling the 50 per cent. duty?

A duty was imposed on certain packing and wrapping paper because goods of that class were being imported in abnormal quantities. Any representations regarding the effect of the duty will, of course, receive consideration.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me why the manufacture of cardboard for boxes and cartons should he selected for a penalising tariff on their raw material, more particularly when that raw material cannot be supplied in adequate quantities?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that only the Socialist party believe that this country is not capable of making these goods?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the exemption given to overseas territories in respect of the operation of the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act, any special steps will be taken and, if so, of what nature to ensure that Foreign products are not imported through the Dominions or Colonies to this country; and, if so, what form of certificate of origin will be insisted on?

The exemp- tion of Empire products from the duties in question will be subject to the same regulations as those which have been in force with slight modifications ever since the inception of Imperial Preference in 1919. They are set out in full in the notice of 1st February, 1926, to Importers in Great Britain and Northern Ireland and to Exporters in other parts of the British Empire, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why valves, permanent magnets, and batteries have been excluded from the application of the 50 per cent. import duty applicable to wireless sets and component parts thereof; and if he intends to bring these articles under the next Abnormal Imports order to be issued by the Board?

I would remind my hon. Friend that wireless valves and permanent magnets are already subject to duty under Part I of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, 1921, as amended by the Finance Act, 1926. For the rest, I would refer him to the reply given on Wednesday last to the hon. Members for Barnstaple (Sir B. Peto), Ealing (Sir F. Sanderson) and South-East Leeds (Major Milner).

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, and when, a second list of duties under the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act will be issued?

As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) No. 2 Order was issued last night.

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 he 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?

As the answer is somewhat long I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Yugoslavia Government is under the control of the French Government and will he made representations to the French Government on the subject?

asked the President of the Board of Trade which countries have, since the introduction into this House of the Abnormal Importations Bill, indicated their intention of imposing new or additional duties on British imports; and will he name the articles affected?

So far as I am aware no country has expressed the intention of taking action on the lines indicated in the question since the introduction of the Bill.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the House any information or figures as to the exports from this country to China during the last six months or to the most convenient date?

The total declared value of the domestic exports of merchandise from the United Kingdom registered during the six months ended the 30th September, 1931, as consigned to China (excluding Hong Kong, Macao and leased territories) was £3,449,000. My hon. and gallant Friend will find, in the monthly "Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom," particulars of the exports of certain commodities to China, in some cases including Hong Kong, amounting in the aggregate to about 40 per cent. of the value of the total exports to these countries.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these imports have increased during the past few weeks or months, owing to the boycott of Japanese goods?

I cannot say what has been the cause, but there has been an increase in the imports.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received any report of abnormal imports of iron and steel manufactures during the last four weeks?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if be has received any recent reports that the imports into this country of foreign yarns and cotton piece goods are abnormal?

The latest available figures of the imports of the commodities referred to are under consideration.

In view of the fact that the October imports exceed the September imports by 55,000 tons and that on the evidence, which appears to be accurate, there is a still further increase, does the right hon. Gentleman not realise the great urgency of this matter?

That fact and all other facts are under consideration.

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to make any statement to the House on the iron and steel situation before the adjournment for the Recess?

Answer!

I do not think it is fair, Mr. Speaker, pressing the Minister in this way.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether in view of the lapse of time, it is possible for summarised figures of the recent census of production to be published forthwith, showing for each of the main divisions of industry the percentages that exports and imports, respectively, bear to the total production?

The first of a series of preliminary trade reports on the results of the 1930 Census of Production will be published in the Board of Trade Journal of the 10th December. This report will deal with the heavy iron and steel trades and will include a comparison of production with imports and exports. Similar reports on other trades will be published as quickly as the work of collecting outstanding returns, and examining and tabulating the returns received, permits.

Is it possible for the right hon. Gentleman to put side by side with our own production of iron and steel the production of the United States and Germany?

I am afraid that is not possible in the publication of the 10th of December.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether considering the French Government has levied a duty of 15 per cent. against British goods on the ground that the British pound has depreciated and, further, considering that the franc has depreciated by 80 per cent. and the pound by less than 25 per cent., he will consider arming the Government with bargaining powers by imposing a duty of 70 per cent. on imports from France?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given on this subject to my hon. Friends the Members for West Bromwich (Mr. A. Ramsay) and Morpeth (Mr. G. Nicholson) on 19th and 23rd November respectively.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Food Council has yet obtained an explanation from the firms concerned why the retail price of proprietary brands of cocoa and the retail price of loose cocoa have only fallen 12½ per cent. and 4 per cent., respectively, during the period when the wholesale price of Accra cocoa has fallen 40 per cent.?

As I told my hon. Friend last week I have asked the Food Council to investigate this matter and they now have it under inquiry. My hon. Friend will realise that an inquiry involves not only consideration of the details mentioned in the question but equally relevant factors such as wages, transport and overhead costs.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of the arms and war material exported from this country to China and Japan, respectively, during the years 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, and this year?

As the answer is somewhat long I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the figures for the last mentioned year?

They are set out in detail, and it will perhaps be more convenient to publish them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what were the imports of box and willow calf from the 1st November up to the latest date available consigned from France; and what was the percentage increase in these figures in comparison with the same period in 1930?

Particulars of the imports into the United Kingdom of box and willow calf dressed upper leather consigned from France are published monthly in the "Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom" and the figures for the month of November, 1930 and 1931, will be contained in the next issue to be published on the 11th December.

Has the right hon. Gentleman the figures of the most recent date in November?

If the hon. Member will look at the accounts of trade and navigation for the month, he will find all the information lie requires.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the imports of chrome-tanned hide upper leather from Germany and Holland from 1st September to the latest date available, and the imports for similar periods for 1929 and 1930?

The total imports into the United Kingdom of chrome-tanned dressed upper leather registered during the period from 1st September to 31st October, 1931, as consigned from Germany and the Netherlands amounted to 5,744 cwts., valued at £103,691, and 3,017 cwts., valued at £94,652, respectively. During the corresponding period of 1930 the imports from Germany were 1,779 cwts., valued at £41,460 and from the Netherlands 646 cwts., valued at £17,011. Similar particulars for 1929 are not available as the imports of chrome-tanned leather were not separately recorded in the trade returns of the United Kingdom prior to 1930.

Is not this a clear case of abnormal importation?

Yes, but it is also a clear case of a raw material.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the date of the signing by this country of the International Convention for the Abolition of Import and Export Prohibitions; what classes of goods does the Convention cover; how long does it last without renewal; and what is the policy of the Government as to continuing its operation?

The Convention was signed on behalf of the United Kingdom on 8th November, 1927, and brought into force by a Protocol signed on 20th December, 1929. It remains in force for five years from 1st January, 1930, but any of the countries which still remain parties (namely, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Denmark, Japan, the Netherlands and Norway) may withdraw on 30th June, 1932, or on the same date in 1933, or 1934. It covers all descriptions of merchandise, but permits of prohibitions or restrictions imposed for certain purposes, such as health, and public security. The Convention, however, provided for the maintenance of certain exceptional prohibitions by particular countries, and in particular allowed of the continuance of the prohibition in force in this country of the importation of synthetic dyestuffs and analogous products. As regards the last part of the question, His Majesty's Government will consider before next June whether or not they shall remain parties to the Convention, but no decision has yet been taken on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Norway, Denmark, and France, among other countries, are importing quantities of fish into this country; and whether the import of British catches into those countries is limited by duties or in any other way?

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend's question refers to sea fish either fresh or frozen. If so, the answer to the first part is that appreciable quantities of such fish are imported from Norway and Denmark, but very little from France. With regard to the second part, there is no duty or restriction upon the importation of such fish of British catch in either Norway or Denmark. In France, however, customs duties are levied, and there is also a quota system in force since October last which restricts the imports to specified quantities. Particulars of this system of restriction will be found in the issue of the "Board of Trade Journal" for 29th October. The 15 per cent. discriminatory duty on British goods applies to fish as to other goods.

Will the Government take into consideration the fact that France has put on a duty against this country, and that all the fish that we require can be secured in this country, and will steps be taken to place on French fish a duty equal to that which they have placed on our fish?

The balance of trade between France and ourselves, so far as fish is concerned, is considerably in our own favour.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state the reasons for the non-publication of the recent Governmental inquiry into the iron and steel trades?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which the Prime Minister gave on this subject to a supplementary question by my hon. Friend the Member for Hulme (Sir J. Nall) on the 17th November, arising out of the question by my hon. Friend the Member for Newport (Mr. Clarry).

Is it not the fact that one of the reasons why this report has not been published is that both masters and men have agreed as to the need for protection of the steel industry?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now say if any fresh milk is being imported into this country from the Continent; and, if so, to what extent and at what date did the importation commence?

I regret that particulars of the imports of fresh milk into the United Kingdom during last month are not yet available.

Would the hon. Gentleman make inquiries from the traffic manager at Liverpool Street Station and ascertain where this milk is being consigned?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has any facts indicating whether any improvement is yet taking place in the tool-making section of the engineering industry since the issue of the Order imposing duties on imported tools?

It is obviously too early to reach conclusions as to the effect of an Order which only came into force last Wednesday.

Is it not of the first importance that we should know precisely whether these duties are having an effect for good or ill; and can we have an assurance from the right hon. Gentleman that he has the machinery for noting any change which takes place in the protected industries?

Yes, Sir, the matter is being watched very carefully and, as I said yesterday, as soon as there is any information, in which the House would take an interest, I shall be very glad to give it to the House.

Seeing that the engineering industry is in such a deplorable condition and that they are anxious to know what benefit is going to accrue from the operation of these duties, we have put down this question, but we have not got any satisfactory reply yet.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give the value of imports of cotton blankets for the three weeks preceding the 15th November as compared with the similar period for last year?

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will give the figures showing the increase in the pounds weight of cotton yarn imported into this country during the first fortnight of November, 1931, as compared with the pounds weight for the first fortnight of November, 1922;

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity of cotton piece goods imported during the first two weeks of November and the quantity imported during the same period of last year?

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what is the increase in the weight of cotton yarn imported in the first fortnight of November, 1931, over that imported in the comparable period in 1922;

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total quantity of cotton piece goods of all descriptions imported into this country during the first 14 days, or such period as may be convenient, of the current month, and the figures for the comparable period in 1924?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of imports of cotton quilts for three weeks preceding 14th November, as compared with the similar period last year?

I would refer my hon. Friends to the reply given on Tuesday last to my hon. Friend the Member for Rotherham (Mr. Herbert) respecting statistics for shorter periods than one month. Particulars of the imports of cotton yarns and piece goods in considerable detail are published monthly in the "Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom," and figures for the whole month of November, with comparable data for each of the past two years, will be published on the 11th December.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that during 10 months of this year, 78,000,000 square yards of cotton piece goods have been imported into this country and that that is the reason why our mills in Lancashire are lying idle to-day?

In view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman can give these figures for the first 10 days of the month, only six days after the expiration of that period, why can he not give us the figures for the first fortnight of the month, at the end of the month?

I assure my right hon. Friend that it is not a difficulty which I have created for the purpose, but I cannot press the officials of the Department to give me their figures at intervals of a few days. It adds greatly to the work, and I give the figures as soon as we can make any use of them.

In view of the fact that there has been 100 per cent. increase in the importation of these goods, since 1924, surely the right hon. Gentleman thinks it time to take action?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the terrible unemployment in Lancashire is principally due to the dumping of foreign cotton cloth?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give the figures showing the quantity of cotton piece goods made in this country exported to Europe and re-imported in a dyed, bleached, or finished condition into this country and/or reexported abroad?

As the answer is long I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what were the imports of cotton piece-goods of all classes from the United States of America as well as from Europe for the period in 1931 for which he has actual or even approximate figures, as corn-pared with the similar period during 1930, 1920, 1928, and 1927?

As the answer is somewhat long I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the report of the committee investigating the question of obsolete tonnage may be expected?

The report in question was issued in May last as a Stationery Office publication and arrangements were made for copies to be available for Members at the Vote Office.

In view of the disastrous position of the shipbuilding industry, is it the intention of the Board of Trade to take any action in regard to that report?

I could not answer a question of that kind without notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the amount of unemployment prevailing in the seed-crushing industry and the greatly increased imports of foreign-made vegetable oils during the past six months, he will consider taking such immediate steps as are necessary to safeguard this industry?

I have no power to impose a duty on imported vegetable oils, as they are not comprised in Class III of the Import and Export List.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the extra imports, the abnormal imports, of last month were £4,000 more than for the same month of last year?

I do not know the exact amount by which they were more than the imports last year.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what steps are being taken by the Empire Marketing Board to avoid use by foreign interests of the Buy British campaign?

The Empire Marketing Board have been careful to refrain from issuing publicity material which might be open to misleading use in respect of particular products, or which might facilitate any evasion of existing legal provisions in regard to the descrip- tion of goods offered for sale. If, however, the hon. Member is aware of any instances of abuse, I should be grateful if he would communicate with me.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the number of the working classes now compelled to pay Income Tax under the provisions of the supplementary Budget of August last and to the hardship involved in the payment thereof by this new class of taxpayer, he will be prepared to consider suggestions for the payment of these Income Tax liabilities by monthly instalments?

In the case of manual wage earners who are chargeable to tax by way of half-yearly assessment, the taxpayer may spread the payment of his tax over a period of 13 weeks by paying his tax weekly by means of stamps in accordance with the arrangement that is explained on the Notice of Assessment. In the case of other employés the tax is payable in two instalments of three quarters on 1st January and one quarter on 1st July and I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on the 19th November to the hon. and gallant Member for St. Albans (Lieut.-Colonel Fremantle) in which my right hon. Friend dealt with the question of accepting payment by instalments in cases of hardship.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is now proposed, in view of the decision of the General Commissioners of Inland Revenue for the City of London allowing the appeal of an association against the refusal of the Board of Inland Revenue to allow deduction from the Income Tax returns of companies and business firms of expenditure incurred by them in connection with applications under the Safeguarding of Industries rules, to allow deduction on account of expenses borne by an individual firm in putting its case before an inquiry under the Safeguarding of Industries Act; and, if so, whether the Income Tax officials will be informed accordingly?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 14th May last to questions on this subject. If he has in mind any case which has not been dealt with in the manner indicated in this answer, perhaps he would be good enough to let me have particulars.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in the answer of 11th May it was stated that associations would be allowed expenses for Income Tax purposes? Is he prepared to recommend that the same treatment be meted out and the same facilities given to private firms as to associations of firms in respect of expenses being allowed for Income Tax purposes?

I require notice of that question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the possibility of incorporating in the Budget of 1932 a provision by which a man, with an invalid wife whom he has to support, may claim a housekeeper's allowance for Income Tax purposes?

All relevant matters will be taken into account in framing the Budget statement. My hon. and gallant Friend will not, however, I am sure, expect me to anticipate that statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the total amount of capital commitments sanctioned by the Treasury for loans the interest on which falls to be paid by the British taxpayer, though the works of development for which the loans were sanctioned are outside Great Britain?

The capital sum involved in schemes of this character is approximately £4,100,000. The obligation of the Treasury to make interest grants is limited in each case to a term of years and does not exceed in total £568,000. Practically all the schemes originated under the Palestine and East Africa Loans Act, 1926.

Is the Treasury still committed to an expenditure of £2,500,000, in Palestine to buy the land, for the making of railways in East Africa, and the construction of the Zambesi Bridge?

If the right hon. and gallant Gentleman desires those particulars I could furnish them, but I could not give them to him from memory.

What check is the Treasury exercising upon these schemes before the money is actually wasted?

I could not accept my right hon. Friend's suggestion that the money is wasted.

What about the Zambesi Bridge?

I could not accept the suggestion that the money is wasted.