asked the President of the Board of Trade how many British passenger vessels are now fitted with cinema apparatus; whether he is aware that at the present time no British films are ever shown on such British passenger vessels; and whether he will take the necessary steps to provide for a greater proportion of British films being shown on British vessels?

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether the cinematograph films shown on British Transatlantic liners are of British or American make; and, if of both, in what proportions are the two shown?

I have no information as to either the number of British passenger vessels that are fitted with cinema apparatus or the proportions in which they show British and American films. I would, however, refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave on this subject on 2nd March.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are very few, if any, British films shown on British ships crossing the Atlantic, and will he make inquiries and see if he cannot influence British shipowners to use British films?

I have no doubt they will be very glad to do so, and I am informed that there are some British films shown on board British ships.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into the point as to whether if these ships are British territory the statutory condition as to the quota should be satisfied?

They spend most of their time outside the three-miles limit.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of incoming cargo-carrying ships which have berthed in the country in the week ending 29th February and the two previous weeks?

According to the navigation returns furnished to the Board of Trade the numbers of vessels that arrived, in the foreign trade, at ports of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, with cargo for discharge at the port of arrival, during the weeks ended 15th, 22nd and 29th February, 1932, were 934, 1,116 and 1,455, respectively.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what reply the Government have made to the request of the Cunard Company for the assistance of His Majesty s Government to enable them to complete their new ship at John Brown's Yard, Clydebank?

The reply which has been made by the Government to the Cunard Steamship Company is to the effect that they have most regretfully reached the definite conclusion that it is not possible for them, by way either of subsidy or of guarantee, to give financial assistance to the company in the building of the new steamer.

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to tell the House what the Cunard Company proposes to do in regard to building 534, now lying at Clydebank?

No, Sir, I am afraid that I cannot tell the House what the Cunard Company propose to do. The purport of my answer, which is the considered opinion of the Government, is that if the vessel is to be completed, it must be completed out of the resources at the command of the company

Is it not a fact that the Cunard Company are very doubtful whether, with the large cost of the ship, it would pay them to fit the ship and to run her at the present time?

I am afraid that I cannot express any opinion on the trading capacity of this ship.

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken into consideration the great loss of prestige to this country in the trans-Atlantic trade, vis-a-vis European countries?

Yes, Sir, all those facts have been taken into consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to tell the House what reply the Cunard Company gave to the Government or to him when they interviewed him or the Cabinet?

I have given an answer which covers the question which has been put before us by the Cunard Company. The last communication was by way of letter, and it has been replied to by letter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what maritime countries have now ratified the Merchant Shipping International Conventions on Safety of Life at Sea and Load Line;

The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1929, has been ratified by Denmark and the Netherlands. The International Load Line Convention, 1930, has been ratified by Denmark, Latvia and the United States of America. The United States deposited their instrument of ratification of the Load Line Convention on 10th June, 1931, and the Safety Convention has been submitted to the Senate with a view to obtaining its advice and consent to ratification. Several countries which have not yet ratified the Conventions have intimated that they are in a position to do so. As five ratifications are necessary to bring either of the Conventions into operation, it is proposed to make such arrangements regarding the deposit of further ratifications, including those of this country, as will bring the Conventions into operation on a date or dates which are mutually convenient to the countries concerned. The 1st November next has been suggested as suitable.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to state whether the order issued by the German coal commissioner on 27th February particularly restricts imports of English coal to Germany; and if he can now make a statement to the House giving the result of his inquiries an this matter?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on the 2nd March. I will, however, advise him as soon as I have received further information so that he can then put down a further question.

May I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his answer, and ask him if he is aware that this Act is operating very hardly and harshly, particularly on the North-East Coast? Will he, therefore, expedite his inquiries, and will he inquire whether recent legislation has affected the decision on the part of Germany?

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that South Wales has suffered more severely than any other coal-exporting district?

I have no doubt that any curtailment of the coal export trade will hit South Wales as well as the North-East Coast, but in this case it is the North-East Coast that is suffering most severely. We are well aware of that fact. I do not connect the recent German action with anything that has been done here. The only reasons given to us in regard to the quota have nothing to do with our own arrangements in this country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total tonnage of imported coal which has been prohibited by special orders in importing countries; and whether he can name the countries concerned?

As the reply involves a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will the reply embody a statement of the names of the countries which discriminate against us?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has yet received a reply from the Italian Government to the representations made by His Majesty's Ambassador in Italy on the question of the Landing Duty imposed on coal imported into that country by sea?

No reply has yet been received. The matter is still the subject of discussion between His Majesty's Embassy and the Italian Government.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of coal mines furnished

The figures will show the way in which these discriminations or these limitations affect us in regard to France, Belgium and Germany.

Will the statement make any reference to recent legislation and any connection between the two things?

No, Sir. They make no such reference because there is no connection between them.

The total number of coal mines in England, Scotland and Wales furnished with pit-head baths for workmen, is 103. Of these baths, 85 were provided out of the Miners' Welfare Fund and six were partially paid for by the fund. In addition, 41 installations, all provided out of the fund, are in course of construction. I will send the hon. Member a table giving the detailed information for each district.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the effect on the coal industry of the restrictions placed by the Coal Mines Act on the production and sale of coal, he will take steps to remove these restrictions at an early date?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies that I gave on the 1st March to the hon. Member for the Sedgefield Division of Durham (Mr. Jennings) and the hon. and gallant Member for Hexham (Colonel Brown). Since that date I have received the reply of the Miners' Federation. I am still awaiting replies from two organisations, one of which is the Mining Association.

In considering this matter, will the Secretary for Mines take into consideration the special case of Northumberland and Durham, which are hardly hit by this Act?

Representations have been made already, and I have had the honour of visiting the North East Coast and consulting with those on the spot.

Does the Minister for Mines believe that Durham has been hardly hit by the Act?

I made no admission to that effect.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will give the latest figures available for 1931, showing the number of explosions by firedamp in coal mines; the number of deaths caused and the number of non-fatal accidents; and will he give similar figures for 1930?

During 1931, 107 persons were killed and 100 injured by 49 explosions of firedamp or coal-dust. The corresponding figures for 1930 were 70 killed and 128 injured by 62 explosions.

Does not the Minister for Mines consider that these distressing figures justify an immediate use of automatic gas detectors?

There is no evidence which would justify us in coming to that decision. That is a matter for inquiry.

Are the inquiries still proceeding?

All the arrangements, as the hon. Member is aware, are in hand and will be carried through as soon as circumstances permit.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that the closing down of coal mines in many parts of Lancashire and the removing of pumping plant is causing danger to the other mines in the vicinity through water accumulating; and will he consider bringing in legislation to prevent mines being closed until the inspector of mines is satisfied that it will not endanger other mines?

These developments are being closely watched from the point of view of safety; and there is no reason at present to apprehend any danger to mine workers. The closing of a mine is determined by economic considerations and it is the duty of the owners of neighbouring mines to take any precautions that may become necessary in consequence. The circumtances are always examined by His Majesty's Inspectors of Mines from the safety point of view.

Has the attention of the Secretary for Mines been drawn by his inspectors to those cases where mines which are closed are an added danger to other mines in the vicinity through an accumulation of water?

My answer related to the question of safety. I have no power to deal with mines which are closed on economic grounds.

But my questions asks whether the Secretary for Mines will take powers?

Will the hon. Gentleman be good enough to consider the last part of the question which asks whether he will consider bringing in legislation in view of the fact that there are cases of mines being closed because other mines are not keeping to their contract in regard to the disposal of water?

Any representations of that sort will be considered.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of tons of coal bought by Canada for the year 1931 from this country and also from the United States of America?

Imports of coal (for consumption) into Canada in 1931 were:

Seeing that Canada bought from this country less than 1,000,000 tons of coal and that she bought 10,000,000 tons from the United States of America, is it the intention of the Government at the Ottawa Conference to draw their attention to the advisability of buying more coal from this country?

A memorandum has been prepared by my Department for submission on that occasion.

Will that memorandum be handed over to the representatives of this country when they go to Ottawa?

It is prepared for that purpose.

(for Mrs. WARD) asked the Secretary for Mines the amount of money (raised by the levy on coal) that has gone to the Miners' Welfare Fund of Great Britain; and if any of the money is devoted to helping the aged miners?

The total amount collected in respect of the output levy to 29th February last, was £9,965,927. The only grants made therefrom specifically for the benefit of aged miners have been for the provision of aged miners' homes, and these amount to £30,350.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the complaints regarding the methods of cartage and delivery at present prevailing in the sand and ballast industry, he will take steps to protect the consumer by making regulations for a system of standardised measurement in the industry?

This question is being examined and the Standards Department are in communication with representatives of the trades concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is in a position to make a statement on the amplification by Germany of the existing tariff; to what extent the trade of Great Britain and countries within the British Empire is affected by these new duties; and if any representations are being made on this subject to the German Government?

I understand that the German Government intend to introduce a maximum Customs tariff which may be applied to the goods of countries which have no commercial treaty with Germany or which discriminate against German goods, but so far as I know no such tariff has yet been brought into actual operation. According to my information the only parts of the Empire which could be affected by such a tariff are Canada and Australia. No question of representations on the part of His Majesty s Government in the United Kingdom therefore arises.

Will the Board of Trade watch any contemplated action by the German Government that might affect the interests of Australia or Canada?

I think the Dominions are quite capable of looking after their own interests.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can make a statement on the conclusion of a commercial treaty between France and Italy; and if British trade, rights and privileges under existing treaties with both countries are affected by this treaty?

I understand that negotiations for a new commercial agreement between France and Italy have reached their conclusion, a modus vivendi having been signed on 4th March. The text of the agreement is not yet avail- able, but it clearly could have no effect upon the rights secured to this country by existing treaties with the countries concerned.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, on the basis of last year's trade, he can state the approximate value of Imperial Preference which is now being given to the Dominions and Colonies under the Import Duties Act?

I regret that, as statistics of the imports from the Empire into the United Kingdom, in 1931 of goods now liable to the 10 per cent. general ad valorem duty under the Import Duties Act, 1932, are not yet available, it is not possible to give the figure for which my hon. and gallant Friend asks.

Can my right hon. Friend say when he will be able to give the figures?

No, Sir, I cannot say yet when they will be available.

(by Private Notice) asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the Redburn Iron and Steel Works at Scunthorpe have been closed down for a considerable time and that the main factor against reopening is the heavy carriage on bars from the Redburn works to Wales; and if he has the power of reducing or influencing the reduction of such railway rates?

This question concerns rather the Ministry of Transport than the Board of Trade, and I am handing it over to my hon. Friend who is the head of the Ministry of Transport, who will no doubt inquire into it. I may say, in passing, that it appears to be more a case for the Railway Rates Tribunal than for the Ministry of Transport.

On a point of Order. In what circumstances has this question been put down as a Private Notice question? It does not seem to me, with great respect, to comply with any of the conditions governing such questions.

This question could not have been asked after a Quarter to Four on the ground of urgency or public importance. The time allowed for Questions is one hour, from a Quarter to Three until a Quarter to Four. Any question which can be put during that time, whether or not it is urgent, can be put in the ordinary course, if notice to me has been given.

On a point of Order. Why has this question, dealing with freights on railways and canals, been allowed to be put in this way, when questions that have been put in at the Table dealing with excessive passenger fares have been ruled out, on the ground that they ought to have been sent on to the Railway Rates Tribunal?

I cannot say why they have until I see the questions to which the hon. Member refers, but questions are often put to the Minister of Transport.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will consider the desirability of issuing third-class reduced fare railway warrants instead of first-class to officers who prefer to use these in the interests of economy both to the State and to themselves?

The proposal that third class railway warrants should be granted to officers when travelling on duty at the public expense has been considered on more than one occasion, but it has not been found expedient to make any change.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the relative strength of the armies of France, Italy, Japan, and the United States of America, compared with that of the British Army, in 1913 and 1931?

I will, with my hon. Friend's permission circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT such figures as are available.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if his attention has been called to the effect of the system of Scottish rating upon building, industry, and commerce in Scotland; and whether he proposes to investigate the existing systems of valuation and rating in Scotland, with a view to reform?

Representations on the subjects of valuation and rating in Scotland have been received by me. As regards rating, my hon. Friend will remember that this was the subject of inquiry by a committee presided over by Lord Dunedin, which reported in 1922. I expect shortly to receive a deputation from the Convention of Royal Burghs on the subject of the valuation of municipal undertakings. Pending the reception of this deputation, I am not in a position to reach a decision on the matter of a further inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the amount of the grants sanctioned to each of the three Scottish agricultural colleges during the financial year ending 31st March, 1932; and whether it is proposed to continue the same grants during the next financial year?

Grants from State funds have been sanctioned in aid of the maintenance expenses of the Scottish agricultural colleges in the current financial year as follow:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the agreement reached by all parties concerned, it is now proposed to introduce legislation dealing with damage done by deer to crops in the North of Scotland?

At a conference held on 23rd February a committee representative of the associations concerned was appointed to consider proposals for dealing with this subject. When the report of this committee, which I hope will show unanimity of opinion, has been submitted to me, I shall consider the question of the introduction of legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the representations from the small burghs in Scotland regarding the limitation of their powers in connection with town-planning schemes within burgh boundaries; and whether he is prepared to adjust an Amendment to the Town and Country Planning Bill to meet the points raised?

My right hon. Friend has arranged to meet, on Thursday, the 10th March, a deputation from the Convention of Royal Burghs who are to put before him the representations of the small burghs in Scotland with regard to their position under the Town and Country Planning Bill. After bearing the deputation my right hon. Friend will consider how far it may be possible to meet the views of the small burghs.

Is the hon. Member aware of the strong feeling which exists among the smaller burghs in Scotland that, as the authorities immediately concerned, they should control town planning schemes in their own areas?

I have no doubt that that consideration will be borne in mind.

asked the Minister of Labour the total amount expended to the most convenient date in respect of training centres set up in various parts of the country by his Department; and whether he can give separate figures relating to the Blackpool centre?

The total amount expended in respect of the scheme for training young unemployed men at the various Government training centres and transfer instructional centres from the commencement of the scheme in 1925 to 31st December last was approximately £1,900,000. This total covers both capital and running expenses, including allowances and travelling expenses paid to trainees, but not benefit or transitional payments received by them. The corresponding total for the Blackpool centre, which was closed in October, 1931, was £38,000.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether Brandon is to be closed down?

No, Sir. There is no present intention of closing Brandon.

asked the Minister of Labour the total amount of the grants made to local authorities, and to other public bodies, in respect of unemployment relief schemes to the most convenient date?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given to the hon. Member for Derbyshire, West (Marquess of Hartington) on 25th February, and to the right hon. Member for Tamworth (Sir A. Steel-Maitland) on the 3rd March, of which I am sending him copies. These replies referred to State-aided relief works assisted from the Unemployment Grants Committee and from the Road Fund, on which the bulk of expenditure out of public funds is incurred.

asked the Minister of Labour when he expects to receive the findings of the Royal Commission on Unemployment Insurance; and when the report will be published?

It is not yet possible to say exactly when the Royal Commission will make their report.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, as far as agricultural labourers are concerned, the matter is one of urgency?

I do not anticipate that the report will be very long delayed.

asked the Minister of Labour whether Employment Exchanges are authorised by his Department to refuse a green card to a man who has found work for himself?

The "green card" is an introduction from the Exchange to the prospective employer and signifies that the person named on it has been selected by the Exchange for submission for a particular vacancy. My hon. Friend will see therefore that the card cannot be given to anyone who has not been so selected.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed in the building trades in Lancashire at the latest date for which figures are available?

As the reply includes a number of figures I will, if I may, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, when considering the disposal of the money received under the Import Duties Act, he will examine the possibility of restoring the reductions made in unemployment insurance benefits?

I must deprecate all attempts to anticipate the division of a hypothetical surplus in the next Budget.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman himself, in a speech in this House recently, anticipate the disposal of this surplus?

No.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the pound has depreciated approximately 30 per cent. while the fiduciary issue has increased by less than 6 per cent., he will consider taking the necessary steps to increase the fiduciary issue in order to provide an ample supply of currency for the increased employment which is expected to result from the operation of the Import Duties Act?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a similar question by the hon. Member for Southampton (Mr. Craven-Ellis) on 1st December last.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that since 1928 the amount of currency in circulation has been reduced by over £50,000,000; and does he appreciate the fact that, if we are to provide more employment, we shall have to provide more wages, and that, in order to do that, we shall have to increase the amount of currency; and, in view of these facts, is it not desirable that the fiduciary issue should be increased?

That is not entirely the question which the hon. Member put in the first instance, but he can be assured that these matters are being carefully watched.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not contemplate reducing the fiduciary issue, so as to raise still further the value of the pound?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now take the necessary steps to repeal Part III of the Finance Act, 1931?

As I stated on 8th December last, the Government have suspended work upon the valuation prescribed by Part III of the Finance Act, 1931, and the necessary legislation will be included in the forthcoming Finance Bill.

Do I understand from my right hon. Friend's reply that the necessary legislation to do away altogether with Part III and the valuation, will be included in the Finance Bill?

I said "the necessary legislation." Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will await the Finance Bill.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a general concensus of opinion in this House that no expenditure should be incurred in respect of Part III in the future?

I am sure that my hon. and gallant Friend will be quite satisfied.

Does the right hon. Gentleman fully appreciate how well this announcement has been taken by some of the hon. Members behind him?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of Income Tax payments outstanding on 31st December, 1931, and on 31st March for the years 1928, 1929 and 1930, respectively?

I regret I am unable to furnish estimates of the amounts in question.