asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he can give a list of the cadet units that have recently been recognised by that Department; and what their respective strengths were at the latest date for which figures are available?

I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a return which has been prepared by the British National Cadet Association, showing the number of cadet units affiliated to the association on 31st March last, and the latest available figures of their strengths.

Will my hon. Friend consider the desirability of inviting other cadet units in this country, such as the Church Lads' Brigade, the Jewish Lads' Brigade, and so on, to become affiliated to the National Cadet Association, in order that the training of the youth of this country may be organised and run by one Government Department?

I think that that is a matter which must be left to the units themselves; it is not one in which the War Office ought to interfere.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what are the respective present strengths of the Regular Army in the United Kingdom and the Territorial Army?

The strengths on 1st March were:

In view of the importance of the Territorial Army to-day, and in view of its strength compared with the Regular Army, will my hon. Friend consider the desirability of making one or two major-generals' appointments open to officers of the Territorial Army? In particular, might I suggest one at the War Office—that of Director-General of the Territorial Army?

I will consider that question.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will specify that all wire used in the manufacture of cable for Army purposes shall be of British manufacture?

It is the practice to require manufacturers, when tendering for Army supplies of cable, to state from what source they will procure the wire to be used, and a substantial preference is given to firms that use wire of British manufacture.

Can the hon. Member assure me that all the cable used shall be of British manufacture?

I cannot undertake to give that assurance, but considerable preference will be given to British cable.

When the Government are urging all manufacturers to buy British goods, should not the Government set an example?

Is it not a fact that firms in this country sometimes take advantage of that fact?

Is it not a fact that British cable is superior to any cable produced on the Continent?

I have no doubt that that is the case, and that is why we give a preference.

If preference is given to British wire, why should not preference be given to British beef?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the reasons why he has declined to approve of the scheme of house-building submitted to him by the town council of Clydebank, seeing that the scheme was put forward in response to appeals from his own Department?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave yesterday to a similar question by the hon. Member for Dumbarton Burghs (Mr. Kirkwood).

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the appeal from the secretary of the Moray music festival committee against the imposition of Entertainments Duty upon single entry classes; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The appeal has been received, but it has been found necessary to ask for further information before it can be considered.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is likely to be a decision soon on this question, in view of the number of forthcoming festivals which are dependent on it?

I appreciate the point which my hon. Friend has made, and I am sure that there will be no unnecessary delay.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many slum clearance schemes are at present being carried out in Scotland, and the total number of houses involved?

On the 29th February, 1932, the latest date for which figures are available, 71 local authorities were proceeding under the provisions of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1930, with rehousing schemes for the accommodation of persons who will be displaced from houses to be demolished or closed. The total number of houses for which tenders have been approved under these schemes is 6,561, of which 757 have been completed, and 5,804 are under construction or about to be commenced. In addition, 1,106 houses are under construction or about to be commenced by seven local authorities under the 50 per cent. Slum Clearance Grant in accordance with proposals approved by the Department of Health for Scotland prior to the passing of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1930.

Can the Under-Secretary tell us how many of these houses are in the Glasgow area?

I am afraid that I could not say without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why the Second Scottish National Housing Company refuse to conform to trade union conditions by paying travelling and country money to painters when engaged in work in Greenock?

I am informed that painters employed by the Second Scottish National Housing Company (Housing Trust) Limited, on work at Greenock are allowed the amount of return railway fares between Glasgow and Greenock for each working day, whether they travel or not, and I am causing inquiry to be made as to whether the conditions of employment laid down in the agreements between the organisations of masters and men are being observed.

Will the hon. Gentleman see that the conditions are observed, because my information is that the conditions laid down are not observed?

I will consider the matter with the facts before me.

Does not the fair wages Clause apply to this company?

That is a matter on which another question should be put down. I will look into the whole question with the facts before me.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the rate per hour paid to labourers engaged on repairs of steel houses by the Second Scottish National Housing Company?

I am informed that the rates of wages being paid to labourers employed by the Second Scottish National Housing Company (Housing Trust), Limited, on the repair of steel houses vary from 1s. 5d. to 1s. 1d. per hour, according to the skill and experience of each labourer.

As the trade union rate is 1s. 2¾d., while in a number of cases only 1s. 1d. is being paid, will the hon. Gentleman see that the proper conditions are observed in this case also?

If I may say so, my answer to the previous supplementary question applies to this one also.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the rate per hour paid to red-leaders by the Second Scottish National Housing Company who are engaged on painting of steel houses?

I am informed that the rate of wages being paid to red-leaders employed by the Second Scottish National Housing Company (Housing Trust), Limited, on steel houses, is 1s. 1d. per hour.

As that, again, is not the rate laid down by the building trade organisations, will the hon. Gentleman see that that rate is conformed to also?

Once again the same supplementary answer applies.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in reply to the numerous applications for smallholdings from Badenoch, Inverness-shire, arrangements will be made for early settlements in that region?

Having regard to the schemes in progress in other districts, I regret that it does not seem likely that the Department of Agriculture for Scotland will be in a position to develop a scheme in this area at an early date, but the matter will be kept under review.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of bankruptcies of farmers in Scotland in each of the years 1929, 1930, and 1931?

The figures desired by my Noble Friend are as follow:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if any education authorities have purchased, or proposed to purchase, cinematographic apparatus and a small library of films for the use of the schools in their area; and what is the attitude of the teachers on the subject?

In December, 1930, the latest date for which information is available, there were 11 schools under the management of education authorities which were in possession of film projectors. In one of them the whole cost of the apparatus, and in another half the cost, had been met by the education authority. I regret that I have no other information on the matters referred to in my hon. Friend's question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the total sums expended in Scotland by the Government and local authorities on education in the financial years 1912–13 and 1930–31, respectively?

The total sums expended by the Government and local authorities on education in Scotland in the years 1912–13 and 1930–31, respectively, were £4,739,086 and £13,466,786. The latter figure is subject to correction on audit. In addition to the total expenditure from the Vote for Public Education, these figures include the grants in aid of Universities, Agricultural Colleges and Reformatory and Industrial Schools, and also, in the former year, the payments made for educational purposes from the Local Taxation (Scotland) Account.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the total amounts expended on health and housing, exclusive of relief

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the total amounts expended in Scotland on police in the financial years 1912–13 and 1930–31, respectively?

During the years Ended the 15th May, 1913, and the 15th May, 1931, the total net expenditure on police in Scotland amounted to £651,790 and £2,172,335 respectively, of which £220,000 and £1,090,644 respectively was defrayed by Exchequer Grant.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will hold an inquiry into the mining operations at Brownhills West, in the Cannock Chase coalfield, which are being pursued to the danger of life and property?

I am advised that the to unemployed persons, by the Government and local authorities in Scotland in the financial years 1912–13 and 1930–31, respectively?

As the answer involves a tabular statement, I propose, with my hon. Friend's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

In view of the present over-production in the coal industry, could the hon. Gentleman make further investigations as to whether it is essential that this kind of mining should go on, and should be allowed to pull down a, whole village, depriving many people of their life's savings?

The question of damage that may be caused at the surface is, I understand, one which concerns the Ministry of Health. I have no power to prevent colliery companies from carrying out their work on such lines as they think proper. As the hon. Member will know, this question has been governed by an award that was made in 1870, when power was reserved to carry out mining operations irrespective of what might happen on the surface.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the dangerous condition of certain properties in Brownhills West, due to mining subsidence; and if he will take steps to have the matter investigated?

My right hon. Friend has caused inquiry to be made into the matter referred to by my hon. Friend. He understands that a number of houses in this locality have suffered damage by mining subsidence, but that there are none which are dangerous within the meaning of the Towns Improvement Clauses Act, 1874, or the Public Health Acts, and further, that there are no houses in so dangerous a state as to be unfit for human habitation as laid down in the Housing Acts.

Does not my hon. Friend consider that a house is dangerous where gas leakages are constantly occurring and where plaster falls from the ceiling when children are in bed?

If my hon. Friend has any facts which she desires to bring to the notice of the Minister he will be pleased to consider them, but he has made an inquiry, and the result of the inquiry is the answer which I have given.

Will my hon. Friend investigate and consider if the Acts to which he refers are adequate?

The Acts are adequate. The question is not as to the Acts, but as to the facts. If my hon. Friend has other facts to throw any light upon the results of our inquiries we shall be glad to receive them from her.

Does it mean that houses where there is gas leakage and plaster dropping are fit for human habitation if they are working-class houses?

asked the hon. Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, if he can now state what has been the result of the negotiations in connection with increasing the supply of pit props for British coal mines from home sources?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of countries which have introduced new import duties affecting in any way the importation of British coal; which these countries are; and what is the nature in each case of the new restriction introduced?

Of the 20 principal foreign markets for United Kingdom coal, which account for about 90 per cent. of the total exports, only three countries have during the last six months placed increased duties upon coal. In Italy a surtax of 10 per cent. ad valorem was imposed on coal in September, and a landing tax of 2½ paper lire per ton was imposed in January on coal imported by sea. In Portugal the Customs import duty on coal was increased by 5 per cent. in February; and in Germany, imported coal was made subject to a 2 per cent. import tax in connection with the German turnover tax legislation.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what steps he is taking in regard to this matter and what line of approach these negotiations will take?

I should like to have notice of that question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what proportion of the coal sent to these 20 countries would in the ordinary way go to the three countries which he has named?

I could not do so without notice.

Is it not the case that these duties are discriminatory against us, and did not the right hon. Gentleman promise to do his best to get this matter put right? Can he say what has been the result of the negotiations that have taken place?

There is a question on that point on the Order Paper.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of countries which are adopting discriminatory measures against the import of British coal; which they are; and what is the nature, in each case, of the discrimination?

Quota restrictions on the importation of coal are in force in Germany, France and Belgium. As I have already informed the House, the recent successive reductions of the quota of British coal imported into Germany are regarded as discriminatory against this country. The French and Belgian quota restrictions apply to coal imported from all countries, but the method of calculation of the quotas and the administration of the licensing systems which give effect to the quotas are considered to be inequitable to this country. In Italy the general landing duty of 2½ lire per ton applies only to goods imported by sea, and accordingly affects coal from this country to a greater extent than coal from other countries.

May I ask whether in the case of Belgium, which has imposed discriminatory duties against us, he has called the attention of the Belgian Government to the fact that we financed the restoration of their industrial life after the War?

Representations were submitted to the Belgian Government on the 22nd of March, and were followed up by discussions two days later between our Commercial Secretary at Brussels and the Director and Assistant Director of the Mines Department and the Director of the Commercial Relations Department of the Belgian Ministry. We have not yet had the conclusions which were arrived at.

Is the fight hon. Gentleman limiting himself to a protest or is he taking any retaliatory measures?

Can the President of the Board of Trade tell the House why these countries are discriminating against us?

In reply to the first supplementary, we do not wish to make any threats against any foreign country if it can be avoided, but, of course, where it is a discrimination against this country we cannot ignore it, and we must take such steps as appear to be necessary.

Has that been done?

That has been done. In reply to the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Lawson), the discrimination in each of these cases took place before the new departure in British fiscal policy.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House why these countries are discriminating against us?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give the House information in respect to the selling price of export coal for the financial year ended 1929; and if he can state the selling price of export coal to Germany?

During the 12 months ended the 31st March, 1929, the average declared value (f.o.b.) of the total exports of coal from the United Kingdom was 15s. 7d. per ton, and of the exports of coal consigned to Germany 13s. 3d. per ton.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs on what date the agreement entered into by the British Government with the Australian Commonwealth Government on 8th April, 1925, giving effect to certain provisions of the Empire Settlement Act of 1922 to establish joint responsibility for the employment of British migrants to Australia, ceased to operate?

The agreement to which the hon. Member refers has not yet ceased to operate, but negotiations are now proceeding for its termination. In view, however, of the terms of Article 9 of the agreement, I could not accept the general description of its provisions given in the hon. Member's question.

Do I understand from the right hon. Gentleman's answer that the agreement does not involve responsibility for the employment of migrants to Australia?

The general effect of Clause 9 of the agreement is that the Australian Government are responsible for the after-care of the migrants.

Will the right hon. Gentleman raise this question at the Ottawa Conference; and is he aware of the deplorable condition of many of these migrants to Australia at the present time?

I am well aware of it, and it is not necessary to wait for the Ottawa Conference to raise the question; but that is not my hon. Friend's question. My hon. Friend has clearly indicated, not only in this question but in previous questions, that he wants the British Government to take special responsibility for them, and that I do not accept.

I am sorry if the right hon. Gentleman has understood, from this or any previous questions that I have asked, that I want to put the responsibility on His Majesty's Government. May I put it in this way? Will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to see that one or other of the two contracting parties who entered into the agreement—either the Home Government or the Commonwealth Government—will take responsibility for the maintenance of these people?

I have indicated previously that, as far as His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are concerned, the first question put on this point was as to whether I was aware of a differentiation in treatment between those in distress. I took up that question, and ascertained that there was no differentiation. Then came a question as to who was responsible, and I have stated to-day that the Australian Government are responsible. Now comes a supplementary question as to whether I will take steps to see that the Australian Government are held responsible for their responsibility, and, in reply to that question, I say that I will draw their attention to any complaints submitted to me—and, to be quite frank, many complaints have been submitted which show real cases of hardship.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of requests which have been made for investigation under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 1929, during the year 1931 or nearest convenient date; how many company investigations have been made by his Department pursuant to such requests; and in how many instances he has insisted upon security being furnished by the applicants?

Ten requests were made in 1931 for the appointment of an inspector under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 1929, and in two of these cases inspectors were appointed. In both cases security for the costs of the inquiry was furnished by the applicants. In the remaining cases either the application was not pursued or the Board did not consider that they would be justified in appointing an inspector. In no case was the application dropped as a result of the Board's request for security.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many public companies have not lodged annual accounts in accordance with the requirements of Section 110 of the Companies Act, 1929, as on 5th April, 1932; and will he state the number in default on 5th April, 1931, and explain the failure of his Department to obtain every year punctual compliance with the law, although the Act has been in force, in January 1930, 1931, and 1932, respectively?

The number of public companies having a share capital which were in default in respect of their Annual Returns under Section 110 of the Companies Act, 1929, was on the 5th April, 1932, 235. Precise figures for a corresponding date in 1931 are not available but on the 4th April of that year approximately 287 such companies were in default. The reasons for delay in compliance with the Act vary from case to case but where it is not possible to secure compliance cases are referred to the Solicitor to the Board of Trade who takes such action as is necessary.

How many of these firms are hire purchase firms?

I could not give an answer to that question without notice.

The reason for that Supplementary—

That need not be given.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has considered the request from shareholders of the Allied Silica and Chemical Products, Limited, for an investigation by the Board of Trade under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 1929, into the affairs of that company; whether he has had representations made as to the hardship that would be entailed by those applying if security for costs of the inquiry had to be furnished; and whether he will, in the public interest, order such investigation to take place without requiring any security?

I have considered the request of shareholders of the Allied Silica and Chemical Products, Limited, for an investigation under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 1929, into the affairs of the company but it does not appear to me that any useful purpose would be served by the appointment of an Inspector since, so far as I am aware, no directors or other officers of the company can be traced and the company does not appear to have any offices or books.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, seeing that the company has ceased to function and that a number of shareholders have lost the whole of their investments in the concern, he will bring the matter to the notice of the Director of Public Prosecutions with a view to his giving such consideration and taking such action as the matter justifies?

I will look into the matter again and communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the total nominal sterling capitalisation in all forms of the five principal Argentine railroad systems in which British investors are interested, and the average annual rate per cent. representing interest and dividends on that total capitalisation distributed to the proprietors in respect of the last two financial years?

I regret that it is not possible to give from official sources information on all the points raised by my hon. Friend, but I think he will be able to get the data he requires from the Stock Exchange Official Intelligence.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the total value of the following raw and semi-raw materials imported into this country in the year 1929–30: cobalt, liquid gold, bone, and ceramic transfers?

Particulars of the imports of the commodities specified by my right hon. Friend are not available, as they are not separately recorded in the trade returns of the United Kingdom, but during the years 1929 and 1930 the declared value of the total imports into this country of cobalt and cobalt alloys was £206,000 and £116,000, respectively, of cobalt oxide £161,000 and £142,000, respectively, and of bones and horns for manufacturing purposes (other than glue-making and for manure) £71,000 and £41,000, respectively.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the total tonnage of iron and steel exported from the United Kingdom during the month of March; and the total tonnage of similar materials imported during the same month?

My hon. Friend will find the desired particulars in the March issue of the "Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom" which will be published to-day.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House to what extent the Tariff Advisory Committee recommend that the British iron and steel industry should be protected?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that electric bulbs of foreign manufacture are marked in such a way that the markings can easily be erased; and whether he will take steps to require these bulbs to be marked in such a manner that the public shall not be misled into buying them in mistake for the British article?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will let me have particulars of the cases he has in mind, I will have the matter investigated.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give the imports of foreign-grown tea and British-grown tea, respectively, for the quarter ended 30th March, 1932?

My hon. and gallant Friend will find the desired information in the March issue of the "Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom," which will be published to-day.

In view of the alarming nature of the figures which I anticipate, will the right hon. Gentleman approach the Chancellor of the Exchequer with a request that he will give some substantial preference to growers within the Empire?

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has taken note of the suggestion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the continued increase in the importation of foreign-grown teas into this country; and if he will consider the imposition of a duty on them in order that assistance may be afforded to tea grown within the British Empire?

I am aware that there has been an increase in the imports of foreign-grown teas, but I am unable to anticipate my Budget statement.

I am not asking my right hon. Friend to anticipate his Budget, but will he give very careful consideration to the enormous increase when framing his Budget?

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, if he is aware that the Soviet Government has recently placed an order in Germany for 300,000 tons of iron and steel products; and what steps are being taken by his department to obtain the fullest possible share for this country of Russian orders, particularly in the iron and steel trades?

With regard to the first part of the question, the order definitely placed, so far as I can at present ascertain, is for 100,000 tons only. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement I made on March 3rd regarding the steps which are being taken by His Majesty's Government to improve the trade balance.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that there is an order waiting in Russia for heavy engineering if the Government would only extend the credit system?

I am aware of the fact that the Russian Government have expressed a willingness to buy, but the difficulty arises that they want a longer time in which to pay than any other country.

Did not the hon. Member tell the House yesterday that his Department were making a substantial profit on the credits that were at present given to Russia, and, if that be so, would it not be possible to give better terms and make more profit?

A profit is always made as long as payments are maintained and the risks are safeguarded.

Can my hon. Friend say what credit terms the Germans are giving to the Russians?

As far as our information goes, the German Government are not giving any credits to Russia, but certain banking arrangements have, however, been made but not by the Governments.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that Germany is getting orders from Russia, and will not the Government make the same arrangement with Russia as Germany is making and then we could get orders in this country?

I have indicated that the German Government are not granting credits.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury (1) whether he is aware that, owing to the Import Duties Act, 1932, the services of customs officers, including watchers and lookers, at bonded warehouses and transit sheds after 4 p.m. will be requisitioned to a much larger extent than previously; and whether, therefore, he will consider the necessity for altering the hours of such customs officers, including watchers and lookers, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., working in two shifts, thereby synchronising with the hours worked by the dock, warehouse, and ship labourers;

(2) whether, seeing that the working hours of the dock, warehouse, and ship labourers, under the national agreement of April, 1919, were fixed at from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or two shifts of four hours each, and 8 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturdays, and as a result of the amount of overtime that it has been necessary to pay to customs officers, watchers, and lookers, whose services are required between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., he will take the necessary steps to arrange for the hours of customs officers at docks and warehouses to coincide with the hours worked by the dock, warehouse, and ship labourers?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given on the 10th March to a similar question by the hon. Member for South Bristol (Mr. Lindsay).

Is the Financial Secretary aware that in the reply to which he has referred no information was given as to whether or not it could be worked on the two shift basis? Considering that this is not an increase in the number of hours to be worked but only a change in the scope of the regulations, can he say that the Treasury will give careful consideration to the matter with a view to making the necessary alterations?

I will look into that point. I do not think that was raised in the previous question.

Will the Financial Secretary consider meeting a deputation from the Docks and Harbours Association on this matter, in view of the great inconvenience caused at the ports?

I should be glad to talk that matter over with the hon. Member, but I would not like to give an undertaking here and now that I will see a deputation.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be able to give an answer to the representations made to him by the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board?

I am seeing the Mersey Members on Thursday, and I hope then to be able to discuss outstanding questions with them.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise the importance of this matter in consequence of the Import Duties Act, and will he undertake to receive a deputation, in order that the whole matter may be carefully gone into?

I have indicated that I will have a conversation with the hon. Member for Preston (Mr. Moreing). I think that is the first step.

Is this one of the advantages of the Import Duties Act?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can give the list of countries included in the Colonial Empire which are to be given the advantage of the preferential tariff?

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

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of firms and what are their products which, domiciled on the Continent, have set up factories in Britain since the Abnormal Importations Act became operative?

The Board of Trade have received information regarding upwards of 40 new undertakings which have been set up in this country during the past few months by, or with the assistance of, foreign concerns. The range of the products to be made by these undertakings covers textile materials, garments, electrical and radio goods, toilet products and other articles.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say in how many cases these arrangements were entered upon before the Act became operative?

They are nearly all of recent initiation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that British insurance companies are more restricted in the range of securities in which their funds are invested than Canadian insurance companies; and if he will take steps to prohibit the agents of Canadian companies from obtaining new business in this country unless their companies conform to the same restrictions as to investments as British companies?

Neither insurance companies registered in this country nor companies registered in Canada are subject to any statutory restrictions in this country as to investments of their funds except that the deposits which are required to be lodged by such companies with the Paymaster-General on behalf of the Supreme Court under the Assurance Companies Act, 1909, must be in approved securities.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many full-time examiners were employed on examination work in Scotland for masters' and mates' certificates during the year 1931; what number it is anticipated will be similarly employed under the new scheme of concentration of examinations in Glasgow; and what amount will be thereby saved in salaries?

Two full-time examiners were employed in Scotland in 1931 in examining candidates for masters' and mates' certificates. Under the concentration scheme there will be one full-time examiner. The estimated saving on examiners' salaries will be about £500 a year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how much was received during 1931 in fees from candidates for examination in Great Britain for masters' and mates' certificates?

The fees received from candidates for examination for masters' and mates' certificates during the financial year ended 31st March, 1932, amounted to £3,132.

As the number of candidates must have been nearly 3,000, would the right hon. Gentleman consider raising the fee for the examination rather than closing down centres, and so spread the burden over many more candidates?

I will look into that matter and see how it would work out.

Would it not be better if the Minister made the examination stiffer instead of raising the fees?

The examinations are now conducted on a schedule that was settled three years ago. I could not propose to revise it again so soon.

It is my class that is affected here. It will make it more difficult for them to be masters or mates if the fees are raised.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the profound dissatisfaction in the North of Ireland in consequence of closing these examination centres, and have not representations been made to him pointing out the inconvenience, which is not compensated for by the small saving the Government make by closing down the establishment at Belfast?

I should prefer to describe it as a, concentration of the examination centres rather than closing down. There is a considerable saving in this concentration, and it also makes for a much better organisation of the staff as a whole.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman know perfectly well that great inconvenience is caused by closing down the only examination centre in Ireland—in Belfast—and compelling candidates to come over here and submit themselves for examination? May I also ask whether this is not the only opportunity we have of raising a protest, although we have made private representations to the right hon. Gentleman and his Department?

I have answered a good many questions on this subject in various parts of the country during the last few weeks.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make an exception, considering the exceptional circumstances and conditions in Northern Ireland, and allow the examination still to proceed at Belfast and not compel candidates to come over to England?

asked the hon. Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, the number of persons housed on the forest workers' holdings set up by the Commissioners; the average rent of the holdings; the average acreage; the number of head of livestock held by the tenants and the approximate total value of such stock; and the amount of the grants and loans by the Commissioners for the purachase of stock for these holdings?

The information required, taken from the latest census of the forest workers' holdings established by the Forestry Commissioners, is set out in a table which, with the permission of the House, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the increase in the number of serious offences against the person and property shown by the official return of Criminal Statistics for England and Wales in 1930, he will cause an inquiry to be instituted concerning the adequacy of our police forces throughout the country to deal with these matters?

The strength of the police forces in England and Wales is constantly wader review by His Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary and in my Department, and I do not think that a special inquiry would serve a useful purpose at the present time.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Prison Reform Society is concerned with the defence of the prisoners charged with riotous conduct in Dartmoor gaol?

Some of these convicts are being defended under the Poor Prisoners Defence Act; others are represented by solicitors and counsel of their own choosing but I do not know how their expenses are borne. I would like to take 1,041 the opportunity of saying, as I believe some misunderstanding has arisen, that 1,042 the Howard League for Penal Reform has of course no connection with the 4,241 society referred to in the question.

asked the Secretary of State for India what estimate has been formed of the cost of the Lothian Commission?

I have been asked to reply. The cost of the present tour of the committee over which my Noble Friend, the Under-Secretary of State for India, is presiding is estimated to be about £17,500, of which about £5,500 will be met from British revenues and the remainder from Indian revenues.

May I ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman what date of termination that estimate supposes?

The right hon. and gallant Gentleman had better put down a further question.

asked the Postmaster-General the route now taken by mails for Shanghai sent via Siberia; and how the time taken in transport at present compares with normal times?

Mails for Shanghai sent by the Siberian route are at present being conveyed by way of Manchouli, Harbin and Dairen, and thence by sea to Shanghai. The average time of transmission of the mails despatched during January was about 21 days, and during the first week in February, the latest period for which particulars are available, 18 days. The normal time of transmission is from 15 to 19 days.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will consider making a reduction in the number of days which has to elapse before a person paying a cheques into the Post Office Savings Bank is able to draw against it?

As my hon. Friend has been informed in correspondence, it is, I am afraid, impracticable to reduce the number of days which has to elapse before a person paying a cheque into the Post Office Savings Bank is able to draw against it.

When a cheque is paid in, how long is taken to clear it? What is the time allowed?

I think that it is something like eight days.

Does not my right hon. Friend consider that that is much too long because any cheque in the United Kingdom surely should be cleared within two or three days, or at the utmost not more than four days?

My hon. and gallant Friend overlooks the fact that we have to allow a sufficient time for the authority to be presented in any one of the 14,000 Savings Banks in the country. It is not a case of any particular bank, but under our arrangement anyone is allowed to go to any bank in the country and obtain remittance, and therefore we must have a longer term, having regard to the fact that irregularities may occur.

Perhaps my right hon. Friend will be good enough to look into the matter and see if something cannot be done to reduce the period?

I understand that last year over 500,000 cheques were deposited in this way, and I do not think we had hardly any complaints.

Does not my right hon. Friend think that this is an example of private enterprise being better than a State Department?

No, Sir. I think that the answer to that question is what I said just now, namely, that 500,000 cheques have been deposited and that there have been no complaints at all.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, seeing that the Council of the League of Nations has appointed an expert commission to inquire into the whole question of slavery, he is prepared to submit to the League of Nations all the information in the possession of His Majesty's Government upon slavery in all its forms?

Yes, Sir. The committee appointed by the League will be provided with all the facts regarding slavery which it has been possible for His Majesty's Government to verify.

Will my hon. Friend consider the desirability of the report dealing with mui-tsai at Hong Kong being included?

Yes, Sir, I will inquire into that matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can give the names or the numbers of the permanent delegates to the League of Nations; if any are English; and what salary they enjoy?

There are no permanent English delegates to the League of Nations; but some countries do maintain permanent delegates who are, of course, paid by their respective Governments.

asked the Prime Minister what scheme, if any, has been considered by the Government to pension off aged men now in industry with higher pension rates, conditionally that they retire from industry, so as to absorb some of the numbers of young men between the ages of 18 and 25 who cannot find work?

No such scheme has been considered by the Government.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear this matter in mind when the report of the Royal Commission is received and the Government are considering the promised comprehensive legisation on Unemployment Insurance, as stated in the House last week by the Minister of Labour?

Yes.