asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will inform the House as to the representations which nave been made to him on behalf of the Dominion of Canada with reference to the proposal of the Central Soft Wood Buying Corporation, Limited, to purchase some half million standards of Russian timber at prices with which countries employing free labour could not compete; and what reply has been returned on behalf of the Government?

The High Commissioner for Canada recently drew my attention to reports which he had received of negotiations between a group of members of the timber trade in the United Kingdom and representatives of the Soviet Government for the purchase of a large quantity of Russian timber. As I understood that the High Commissioner was specially apprehensive that an undertaking might be sought that any contract which might be concluded would not be interfered with by the grant of preferences to imports of timber from the Dominions I informed him that no application for an undertaking of this nature had been addressed to His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, and I referred him to the statement which I made in the House on 11th December in which it was made clear that no commitments of any sort or kind would be made that hampered or prejudiced a free and unfettered discussion at the Imperial Economic Conference at Ottawa. This attitude is unchanged. I would further remind the House that the proposals of the Government outlined in the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the 4th instant will clearly be of direct benefit in this respect to imports from the oversea parts of the Empire.

I am obliged to my right hon. Friend. Can he say whether it is not a fact that the price quoted to the Corporation, whatever preference was given to that Dominion, would make it impossible for them to compete owing to the condition of labour in Russia?

I do not know about the price, but the House clearly will appreciate my attitude, which was, first, not to allow anything to prejudice the forthcoming Conference, and, secondly, to give the maximum benefit possible in this direction.

Why is it that some people are so anxious to know the conditions of labour in Russia while they do not care twopence about the conditions in this country?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the advisability of prohibiting the importation of the kinds of timber of which there is an adequate supply in Great Britain?

Such a prohibition, even if it were desirable, is not practicable.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to large pending purchases of Russian timber by English trading companies for import into the United Kingdom; and whether in view of the effect of such importations upon our Home and Imperial interests and our trade with Scandinavian countries, he will take steps to conserve the British market for British and Scandinavian products in this respect?

I have seen statements that, as in previous years, negotiations are taking place for the purchase of Russian timber. With regard to the latter part of the question I can add nothing to the reply given yesterday by my hon. Friend the Secretary to the Department of Overseas Trade to questions put by the hon. Members for East Dorset (Mr. Hall-Caine) and Chiselhurst (Mr. Smithers).

Has the right hon. Gentleman sufficient powers under the Abnormal Importations Act and pending legislation to deal with this situation, in the interest of home and imperially-grown timber, should it arise?

It is not possible under those Acts to discriminate as between one country and another.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give a list of organisations which have approached his Department since the formation of the present Government asking for protection for home products against foreign competition?

asked the President of the Board of Trade from which trade organisations he has received deputations on subjects relating to tariffs since 1st November last, giving in each case the number of times deputations have been received from each organisation in question?

Many representations of the kind mentioned have been made to the Board of Trade in recent weeks, but I do not think any useful purpose would be served by issuing a list of them.

Will the hon. Gentleman give us an idea how many organisations have been involved?

It would be easier to give a list of those who have not come.

Might we not know exactly whence comes the pressure to which the hon. Member referred a day or two ago?

There is no pressure of any kind. The Board of Trade exists in this country for the purpose of assisting industry.

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether it is true that a Rhubarb Growers' Association is in the list?

asked the President of the Board of Trade which countries, since the introduction of the Abnormal Importations Bill, have imposed new or additional duties on British imports, and on what articles?

New and increased import duties have been imposed by several foreign countries since the introduction of this Bill. In some countries only one or two articles are affected, but in others a general percentage increase of duty has been applied to most goods. All the new duties and increases are equally applicable to imports from all countries except in the case of the exchange compensation surtax which has been extended to imports into Tunis and French Indo-China since 17th November, though the original tax was imposed in France before that date. Apart from increases of duty, it must be borne in mind that there is a growing tendency in certain foreign countries to restrict imports by other means, as, for example, by prohibitions and exchange restrictions.

The hon. Member has not told me which countries. That was the question I asked him.

I beg the hon. Member's pardon; I have told him. The countries are Tunis and French Indo-China.

Are those the only two countries?

The only two countries by which this country is specially affected because of the tariff. In other cases all countries are affected equally.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if there are any indications and, if so, of what nature that Russia is still exporting consignments of articles into this country at prices which may be described as dumping; and, if so, what these are?

If I may assume that the hon. Gentleman means by dumping selling at prices out of proportion to the cost of production, I am afraid that I am not in a position to give him the information he desires.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the activities of the director of statistics in asking for similar details to those given in the Census of Production; if he can state what is the scope of these activities; and what is the cost of them to the taxpayer?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the necessity for economy, he will consider discontinuing the issue of the forms (issued during the War) twice a year to furniture shops, upholsterers, etc., regarding the amount of flock they use and how many armchairs and sofas they are making, etc.?

It has been found impossible to identify the forms of return to which my hon. Friends refer, but if they will furnish me with further particulars the matter will be looked into.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to include transfers for ceramics under some form of tariff?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to protect the brush-making industry by putting a duty on imported brushware?

I would refer hon. Members to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the 4th February and to the Resolutions now under consideration in Committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many hundredweights of tomato pulp were imported into this country during each of the last five years; and what proportion of this quantity was of Empire origin?

Precise information regarding the imports of tomato

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the quantity of soap of all kinds imported into the United Kingdom and registered as consigned from the Soviet Union amounted in 1929 to 20 cwts., but in 1930 and the first 10 months of 1931 to 34,365 cwts. and 28,540 cwts. respectively; and whether he will consider the limitation of such abnormal importations as have taken place during the last two years?

If my hon. Friend is thinking of action under the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act, I would remind him that my right hon. Friend has no power to impose duties on goods from particular countries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to take any action with regard to the growing menace to traders of coupon free-gift trading?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received from the various chambers of commerce petition-

I have recently received a deputation from a number of traders' organisations in support of legislation directed against this system of trading. Any action that it may be found desirable for the Board to take in regard to this matter will necessarily depend upon the progress of the Bill on this subject which is to be introduced to-day by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Wallasey (Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon).

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of goods bought by the United States of America from Great Britain in 1931 and the value of goods bought by Great Britain from the United States in the same year?

During the year 1931, the total declared value of merchandise imported into the United Kingdom and registered, as consigned from the United States of America was £104,171,000, and the total exports of merchandise from this country to the United States amounted to £25,112,000, including £8,011,000 in respect of re-exports.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of horses and ponies, respectively, imported from Russia and from other countries into Great Britain during the years 1929, 1930, and 1931?

The total number of horses (including ponies) imported into the United Kingdom from the Soviet Union during each of the years 1929, 1930 and 1931 was nil, 17 and 168 respectively, the number imported from other countries, principally from the Irish Free State, being 12,260, 11,861 and 11,786, respectively.

Does this statement include horses imported into the Irish Free State, and re-exported to this country, with Irish pedigrees?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been directed to the new butter duties imposed by the German Government under the latest German tariff decree; and what steps does he propose to take to counteract their effect on home and Empire producers?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the trade with Germany in butter of United Kingdom origin is too small to be separately distinguished in the United Kingdom Trade Returns. The question of the effect on Dominion producers is one for the consideration of His Majesty's Governments in the Dominions in the first instance.

Would it not be a help if a campaign were started to eat more butter, and drink less beer?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has received a report from the University Committee appointed to make an industrial survey in the North of England; and whether any new industries have been established in the distressed mining areas as a result of the survey?

The report prepared by Armstrong College on the position on the North-East Coast of England has been received and is wider consideration. One of the objects of the survey was to consider the prospects of early expansion and new development, and it is hoped that the results will be of assistance to the development organisations which are endeavouring to attract new industries to the area in question.

Is it intended to publish the report?

I am afraid that I must leave that matter to Armstrong College.

Would it not be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to get permission to publish this report, so that we may see what it is?

I will gladly communicate with the college, but it is their document.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the continued hostilities in the Far East, he will now consider withholding licences for the export of arms to China and Japan?

I have nothing that I can add to the reply given to the hon. Member on the 4th February.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the terrible danger of war in the Far East; and will he not do something to lessen that danger?

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he can now make any statement as to the steps he proposes to take to improve the trade in cotton goods with India; and whether he is prepared to recommend the despatch of a trade mission to that country?

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

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that owing to the volume of abnormal imports before the recent orders came into effect it will, in many cases, be impossible to ascertain the effect of these orders for at least nine months; and whether in all such cases he proposes to ensure before modification of an order that a fair trial has been given to its operation after the absorption of the abnormal imports referred to?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement regarding the duties under the Abnormal Importations (Customs Duties) Act made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on Thursday last.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that in many foreign ports British liners are forbidden to land passengers in the launches or boats carried on board, and are compelled at heavy expense to engage launches or tugs at the foreign ports in order to land their passengers; and whether representations will be made to the foreign governments in question that the same facilities in this respect should be granted to British ships in their ports as are granted to foreign ships in British ports?

My attention has not previously been drawn to this matter; if my hon. Friend will furnish me with particulars of the cases he has in mind, I will look into the position.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will initiate an inquiry into the cause of the foundering of the steamship "Opal" off the Longships lighthouse on Friday, 4th September, 1931?

A very full preliminary Inquiry was held into this casualty, under Section 465 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, and, as a result of the conclusions reached, namely, that the ship took a serious list through the shift of its grain cargo, action is being taken by my Department in the interest of the safety of ships engaged in the carriage of grain cargoes in the home trade. No useful purpose would be served by a formal investigation under Section 466.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what is the anticipated saving annually consequent on the closing of the Pimlico clothing factory and the placing of orders for clothing to private contract?

The saving to be effected by the placing of orders for clothing out to contract is estimated to be about £25,000 a year.

Will the hon. Gentleman try to persuade other Departments to follow the same policy wherever possible?

It is not my duty to advise other Departments.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether it is proposed to close down the Royal Army Clothing Factory, Pimlico; and, if so, for what reason?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will make a statement as to the proposal to close the Royal Army Clothing Factory, Pimlico, and the number of persons who will lose employment should the factory be closed; and whether he will arrange that the clothing of His Majesty's Army shall continue to be made in State workshops and not by private contractors?

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. Thorne). The decision to close down the factory will ultimately involve the discharge of approximately 590 employés. This number excludes all full dress workers.

Does the hon. Gentleman expect to get these goods cheaper as a result of placing the orders out to private contract?

Yes, Sir, I have just said so.

Will the hon. Gentleman answer the second part of Question 29?

To effect economies.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office for what reasons an artillery officer was recently appointed to be in charge of the Cavalry Record Office; and whether in future this will be considered a cavalry appointment?

This post is regarded as one normally to be filled by a cavalry officer, but in February, 1931, when the present holder of the appointment was selected, there were no colonels late of the cavalry available.

Has this post ever been held by anyone except a cavalry officer before; and is it intended in the future to follow this practice?

This may be a position suitable for a cavalry officer when there are cavalry officers available, but I could not say off-hand whether it has ever been held before by an officer who was not a cavalry officer.

Would not a Salvation Army officer be cheaper?

Would it not be an advantage to transfer a colonel from this House?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether a court of inquiry has been held into the circumstances of the death of Private Benjamin Clark, No. 3,186,292, of the King's Own Scottish Borderers, who was fatally shot in barracks at Fort George on 24th October, 1931; and, if so, whether the findings of such court have been communicated to the deceased's next of kin?

A court of inquiry was held to investigate the circumstances of this soldier's death, hut, in accordance with the King's Regulations, it was not required to give any opinion as to the cause of death. The soldier's father was with him at the time of his death and full details were given to him verbally by the commanding officer.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office how many remounts have been purchased from foreign countries, the Irish Free State, and Great Britain, respectively, during the past year?

For the year ended 31st January last the figures were:

Has my hon. Friend received any report from various interests pointing out that there are a great many horses available, and has he also the idea that it is better to buy British horses than horses from overeseas?

I have received no such representations, but I have got the idea mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend. As I said in my answer, no horses have been bought from overseas.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now in a position to make a statement with regard to agricultural credits for Scotland?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the Agricultural Securities Corporation for Scotland is to be set up; and if the draft articles of association have yet been approved by the banks interested?

As a result of their consideration of the draft memorandum and articles of association of the corporation, the banks on the 22nd January made certain proposals to the Department of Agriculture for Scotland, some of which necessitated a further reference to the Treasury. I regret the delay, but I hope that these matters will now be quickly adjusted.

Were any objections taken before 22nd January by the banks; and have they not had over three months in which to consider this matter?

This is the first letter which I have received.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman take steps to see that the banks hurry on with this question, as Scottish farmers are in an unfortunate position by not having these facilities?

The hon. Gentle-roan must realise that I have no control over the banks. There has been no delay as far as I am concerned.

Is it not the case that the Scottish banks refuse to give the Scottish Office the same advantageous credits that the English banks give to the English Department? I would like an answer to that question.

These are just the matters that are now under negotiation, and it would hardly assist the negotiations if we had a discussion on the subject now.

My question is this: Is it the case—

The hon. Member has had an answer to his question.

I want a simple answer to a plain question and one that, with due respect to you, Mr. Speaker, I think is in perfect order. Is it not the case that the Scottish banks during the two or three months that the negotiations have been going on have refused to give the same credits that the English banks give to the Ministry of Agriculture here?

The terms of credits that are to be given are exactly the subject of the negotiations which are going on. I shall be able to answer the hon. Member's question when the negotiations are completed.

Why not say "Aye" or "No" and be a man?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the arbiter appointed under the Lands Clauses Arbitration Act, awarded to the late proprietor of Luskentyre a sum equal to 400 years' purchase of the net value of the fishings as returned on the valuation roll for rating purposes; and whether he proposes to appeal against the award or otherwise take such steps as will secure a reduction in its terms?

I do not quite follow the hon. Member's calculation. The position is that the arbiter has awarded the sum of £3,639 for fishings, based on 15 years' purchase of the net annual rental value as calculated by him. I understand that the value of the fishings as entered in the valuation roll for rating purposes prior to the acquisition of the estate by the Department of Agriculture was £20. As regards the second part of the question, the decision of the arbiter on questions of fact is final.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has yet interviewed a deputation from certain friendly societies in Scotland regarding their problem of approved membership; and if he proposes to take any action?

I met representatives of the societies in question on Friday, the 5th instant, and careful consideration is being given to the representations which they then submitted.

Can the hon. Gentleman state any approximate time that it will take him to give a decision, seeing that the approved societies hold this to be very urgent?

I think I can say that this matter will probably be considered with regard to legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has carried out any investigations into the working of the Courts dealing with small debts and rents in the City of Glasgow; if he has interviewed the public assistance committee of Glasgow with regard to relief; and if he can make a statement as to the result of any action he has taken?

In answer to the first part of the question, arrangements have been made to secure monthly returns of the number of ejections carried out in Glasgow, and since I spoke on the 9th December on the Adjournment I have learned that 458 ejections were carried out by sheriff officers in the eight months ending 31st January, 1932. I may add that I paid a visit during the Recess to the ejection court in accordance with the promise made to the hon. Gentleman in my speech. With regard to the second part of the question, I met the convener, the vice-convener and the chief officials of the public assistance committee and accompanied by them saw the poor relief and transitional payments systems at work. May I add that what I saw confirmed me in the view I expressed in the Debate on the Adjournment? With regard to the third part of the question, I have not considered it necessary to take any action.

In view of the appalling number of over 450 ejections in a month in the City of Glasgow—

In eight months.

—in eight months, may I ask if the hon. Gentleman has made any inquiries on the other point that I put, namely, the number of people who are virtually evicted but who do not wait until the actual decree is carried out?

I have not been able to get any information on that point, but the hon. Member will recollect that I made it clear in the Debate on the Adjournment that a good number of eviction cases were in fact dealt with by the public assistance authorities after the decrees had been issued by way of assistance in the payment of rent.

Has the hon. Gentleman any information as to the number of individuals, men, women, and children, who were rendered homeless by these 450 evictions?

No. I have given the House the information that I have on that point.

On his visit, did the hon. Gentleman not think that something might be done in the way of some allocation of time in connection with the calling of cases at the courts?

The question of calling cases is, so far as I know, in all courts a matter of some difficulty, but that is not a point to which, so far, my attention has been directed. I should be glad to consider it and to see whether any suggestion could he made by the sheriff. May I say that when I have an opportunity of paying visits to familiarise myself with public activities in Scotland, these must not be termed investigations?

asked the Secretary for Mines how many collieries in Lanarkshire have been abandoned on account of flooding; and what steps he is taking to prevent the danger of this flooding spreading to other collieries and thereby causing more unemployment in the coal industry?

No mines in Lanarkshire have been abandoned recently on account of flooding, but since the latter part of 1930, 10 small pits in that district have been abandoned either through financial failure or high pumping costs. Any arrangement for co-operative pumping by other pits which may be affected is primarily a matter for the colliery owners concerned, but I shall be pleased to give them any assistance in my power in framing a joint pumping scheme if they decide to take this step.

When a mine has to be closed down, does the inspector make an inquiry to see if there is any probable danger to the mines adjoining through water that they will have to pump out themselves?

I will have regard to the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that certain abandoned collieries in the Durham coalfield are flooded; whether he is aware that this is causing grave concern to miners working in the adjoining collieries owing to the danger of flooding; and whether he will take steps to deal with this matter and thus allay the prevailing anxiety?

The situation is being closely watched, and inspections and inquiries are continually being made by His Majesty's inspectors at mines in and around the waterlogged areas. I am not aware at present of danger from any sudden inrush into seams or mines at present being worked, but if the workmen in any mine feel anxious as to their safety, representations through their organisations to His Majesty's divisional inspector of mines will be most carefully considered and dealt with.

Has the hon. Gentle-man received any report upon this matter, because the men themselves have passed resolutions about it, and it is causing considerable trouble in. the pits?

I have made careful inquiry. No representation on the subject of the Question, which is in regard to the safety of men working underground, has been made. The economic question is a different matter, and if the hon. Gentleman would like to question me about it, perhaps he will put a question down.

Is the hon. Gentleman taking into consideration large-scale pumping operations as a possibility in areas such as this?

I would rather a question be put down if it has to do with the economic issue, because that raises a different matter from the issue of safety, which is rather a larger question.

It is a question of safety.

As to safety, no complaint has been received.

asked the Secretary for Mines what is the present quota for British coal imports into France; whether there was any reduction on 1st February; and if representations will be made to the French Government to ensure that the quota shall not be less than the average tonnage of the three years 1928, 1929, and 1930?

The present quota for coal imports from the United Kingdom and from other countries into France was reduced as from 1st February from 72 per cent. to 64 per cent. of the average imports for the three years 1928, 1929, and 1930; a margin of 6 per cent. is reserved for additional allocation at the end of each month if there is a demand for the coal. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative, but all possible steps are being taken to ensure that this country secures as favourable treatment as other importing countries in the application of the quota.

Has the hon. Gentleman any information to show that there is any connection between this new quota and the Abnormal importations Act?

No. I think the quota was established long before that Bill was thought of.

Is it not true that the quota restriction against this country has been increased since the passage of the Bill?

It has been increased, but it was established before any alteration in fiscal policy was made by this country.

Does not the Abnormal Importations Act give us an opportunity now of dealing with such matters?

Were the Government in any way represented at the important deputation that is waiting on the French Government to-day with regard to the South Wales quota being reduced?

No, but the Government made the arrangements for the representatives of the coal industry here to meet the representatives of the French Government. It was not an interview between Governments; it was an interview at which the interests themselves desired to make their own representations.

Thank you.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has now any further statement to make respecting the use in coal mines of automatic gas alarms; and whether any decision has been made regarding the compulsory use of a minimum number of these appliances in British coal mines?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has yet interviewed representatives of the Mining Association, Miners' Federation, National Association of Colliery Managers, and the Deputies' Association on the question of gas alarms; and has he any statement to make on the subject?

Meetings have been held for discussion of this difficult problem with representatives of each of the four associations named in the second question. There are still substantial differences of opinion, but I have been asked to carry the discussions further, and I believe it will serve a useful purpose to do so. In the meantime, I am not able to make any further statement.

In view of the frequency of these explosions, all due more or less to fire damp, either by accumulation or otherwise, will the hon. Gentleman try to expedite this inquiry?

I do not know of any recent explosion that can be said to be associated with the subject raised by this question, but I regard the matter as being important, and every step will be taken to secure expeditious inquiry.

Does not the hoe. Gentleman admit that all recent explosions are due to the non-discovery of inflammable gas, and that the use of the automatic gas alarms might have discovered it?

I have made express inquiries, and I am told that no recent explosion is one which can be attributed to the absence of automatic gas detectors.

Is it not the case that in all the reports of His Majesty's Chief Inspector following recent explosions the information is that the explosions occurred because of accumulations of fire damp, which some use of automatic alarms may have discovered?

"May."

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will publish a statement of all the colliery accident funds in existence at this time, on the lines of Parliamentary Paper, No. 155, of Session 1924-25, and include in it the name of the fund, the number of dependants and the amount paid to them, and the number of officials and cost of administration in each case?

The hon. Member will see from the 1925 return that very few of the funds had, or were likely to have, any considerable balance of money after all claims on the funds had been met. Although responsibility rests met entirely on the trustees of the funds, my Department has watched their progress, and I do not think a further inquiry, such as is suggested, would serve any useful purpose.

I am not asking for an inquiry; I am asking that the statement with regard to these funds should be brought up to date.

I shall be happy to meet the hon. Member to see what additional information can now be furnished.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he has considered the request from the Miners' Federation of Great Britain to meet them to discuss the position of boys under the age of 16 years working underground on night shifts; and will he say if he is prepared to meet them?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.

If I put down another question, will the hon. Gentleman let me know?

I only received a request on Thursday or Friday last week when I was at Nottingham, and I will arrange for a meeting as soon as possible.

Will the hon. Gentleman do all he can to prevent boys under 16 working on night shifts underground?

I shall be happy to do anything that I can, having regard to the conditions of the industry.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many safety-in-mines conferences have been held; if it is his intention to have the proceedings and subjects that were discussed published and available to mine workers; and if it his intention to hold similar conferences?

The sixth district safety conference was held at Nottingham last Saturday and was attended by some 4,000 persons representative of all interests in the mining industry. I intend to hold another conference at Swansea in March and the eighth and final conference probably at Birmingham in April. Every mining area in the country will then have been covered. The proceedings at these conferences are well reported in the local Press; and the material is used in the various safety publications of my Department and in the lectures and demonstrations on a smaller scale by which the work of these large conferences is being followed up.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he can make any statement as to the results of the International Conference which has just been held further to consider the possibility of an international commercial agreement for the marketing of coal?

A report on this International Conference has been published. It is, I am afraid, impossible to summarise its contents within the limits of an answer to a Parliamentary question and I am, therefore, putting a copy in the Library for the information of my hon. Friend and others who may be interested.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is now in a position to state the Government policy in respect to the International Mines Convention?

If the hon. Member will put down his question again two weeks hence, I hope to be in a position to make a statement.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of accidents in the coal mines of Great Britain during 1931 where coal cutting and conveyors are driven by electricity, compared with those where compressed air is used?

I have not sufficient information to enable me to give comparative figures for all classes of accidents, but I expect the hon. Member has in mind, more particularly, the risk of explosion. In 1931 one explosion causing injury was due to the employment of coal cutters or conveyors driven by electricity; and none was caused by compressed air machines. One other explosion, that at Newdigate Colliery, may be in question, but the report of the public inquiry has not yet been published.

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary for Mines, in relation to the recent serious explosion at Llwynyria Colliery, whether, having regard to the inspection made last Sunday and to the resumption of the inquest proceedings tomorrow, he can state to-day whether or not he will direct the holding of a formal investigation under Section 83 of the Coal. Mines Act, 1911?

After full consideration of the circumstances relating to this grievous disaster, I have decided that there are special circumstances which make a formal investigation desirable; and I am giving directions accordingly.

Having regard to the unfortunate results involved by this disaster, may I ask whether the inquiry will be held by a special Commissioner or will it be conducted by the Chief Inspector of Mines for the district?

The inquiry will take the ordinary form, and I assume that His Majesty's Chief Inspector will preside.

Will there be an opportunity of considering the advisability of changing the course of the inquiry so that a judicial man may be in the chair?

That question might be dealt with subsequently. I think it would be better that the inquiry should be conducted under ordinary conditions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what Parliamentary grants have been withdrawn or reduced during November and December, 1931, and the amount involved?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give any information as to the economies which are being effected in Government Departments?

For the action taken by His Majesty's Government to reduce expenditure I would refer my hon. Friends to the White Paper issued in September last and to the subsequent proceedings in connection with the Economy Act. The White Paper indicated that economies to the amount of 222,000,000 were expected in the current financial year, a figure which I have every reason to believe will be fully realised. I regret that it is impracticable to give figures of economies effected in Government expenditure for particular months of the year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can now see his way to making a reduction in the duty on beer, and thereby relieve the unemployment which has been caused in this industry by the recent tax imposition?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given on the 4th February to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Black-pool (Captain Erskine-Bolst).

Could the right hon. Gentleman suggest to the brewers that they should advertise less and not discharge men during this national crisis?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the December returns from the Beer Duty as collected by the Customs and Excise?

The amount is £6,166,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the actual rate of interest, free from Income Tax or Super-tax where liable, which is payable by the Government on savings certificates now convertible into long-date national securities?

As the reply contains a number of figures, I will, with the permission of the House, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take steps to enable unmarried persons whose earnings are now assessed for Income Tax purposes to claim relief in respect of a relative whom they are now obliged to keep under the operation of the means test?

There is no provision in the Income Tax Acts which would enable a deduction to be made in respect of assistance afforded by relatives in the circumstances suggested.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when it is expected that the £80,000,000 credit obtained by the Treasury last August from foreign countries is to be discharged; and if he can give a full statement with regard to this transaction?

I would refer to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury gave to the hon. Member for the Gower Division (Mr. D. Grenfell) on the 4th February.

(by Private Notice) asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he proposes to take steps to stop the purchase of gold coin from private people at a premium with a view to its export?

The residue of sovereigns and other gold coin in private hands cannot, even on the most liberal estimate, be large enough to require special legislation making transactions of this kind illegal. But I take the opportunity of saying that people who possess gold coins can best serve the public interest, not by selling them, but by paying them in to a bank or post office with a view to their transmission to the Bank of England.

What action, if any, will be taken against people who accept the offer which has been advertised of 27s. 6d. for each golden sovereign?

I do not think there is any occasion for legislation.

With regard to the question of the sovereign going back into the Bank of England, I want to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what benefit that will be to the average member of the working classes, seeing that the Bank of England is a privately-owned concern?

I despair of dealing with that question in reply to a supplementary question.

Is it not a fact that, if a private individual buys golden sovereigns of the realm to melt them, he is liable to imprisonment or a heavy fine, and why is it that it is allowed that a public office can advertise and buy gold coins which they require for no other purpose than for melting?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put his question on the Order Paper.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will arrange for an examination of the staffing of the office of the Public Trustee, both in London and Manchester, with a view to reducing the total of 803 persons by not less than 10 per cent, in the interests of economy?

The cost of the Public Trustee's Office is covered by the fees paid by the public, and I have no reason to believe that the staff is out of relation to the requirements of the work, which is steadily increasing. The establishment of the Office is under continuous review, and every effort will continue to be made to secure whatever administrative economies may be practicable.