asked the President of the Board of Trade the total number of limited liability companies which have been formed since the War; the number that have gone into liquidation or have otherwise ceased to function; the total amount of capital lost to shareholders through the failure of such companies; and the number of prosecutions which have been instituted in connection with any of such failures?

The total number of limited liability companies registered in England and Scotland during the years 1919 to 1931 inclusive is 115,020. It is not possible without a very lengthy investigation to state how many of these companies have been dissolved but the number of companies of all classes irrespective of their date of registry dissolved during those years is 59,182. I regret that the remainder of the information desired is not available.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any approximate figures in reply to the part of the question which relates to the amount of capital lost?

The amount of capital lost to shareholders cannot be stated with any accuracy, because during liquidation it very often happens that a certain amount of capital is repaid, and there are some other factors of an uncertain character which would make the figures unascertainable.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to make representations to the French Government on the subject of that Government's decision to establish a quota for various kinds of cotton goods?

As I have said in reply to previous, questions of this kind, I do not think that general representations against the restriction by quota of cotton goods or any other class of goods would serve a useful purpose, but I should, of course, be ready to consider representations if the quotas proposed were such as to involve discrimination against this country. The French Government have expressed a desire that United Kingdom exporters of cotton goods should enter into negotiations on the matter with French cotton organisations, and I understand that arrangements are being made to that end.

Can my right hon. Friend say on what year the proposed quota will be based?

I am afraid I could not do so without notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the French import quotas for various goods for the current quarter, published in the Board of Trade Journal of 14th April, have been the subject of negotiation between His Majesty's Government and the French Government before they became operative?

The quotas in question are in respect of the same goods as were subject to quota in the first quarter of the year. No discussions took place on the quotas for the second quarter, so far as I am aware, but the original quotas for leather, leather goods and certain electrical apparatus, which are among the most important articles so far as United Kingdom trade is concerned, formed the subject of discussion between the trade interests in this country and those in France. His Majesty's Government are not parties to such discussions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what takes place when the French Government contemplate the imposition of a quota against us? Do they make representations to us, and do negotiations take place before these quotas are imposed by the French Government, or have we to await the announcement of their decree before we know where we are?

The arrangement of a quota is a matter entirely within the competence of the Government which is imposing the quota; and the only ground on which we can protest is when there is discrimination against us.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to assure these countries that retaliatory measures will be adopted if they impose quotas against us?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the action of the German Government in putting an export tax on all machinery transferred from German factories for use in factories to be set up in this country; and, in view of the effect of these duties on the possible establishment of new industries in this country, will he make representations to the German Government for the removal or modification of these prohibitory taxes?

I am aware of the high export duty which has been placed on the exportation from Germany of used machinery of certain descriptions. This duty is applicable to German and foreign-owned machinery alike, whatever the country of destination; and, in the absence of any evidence of discrimination, does not afford grounds for representations to the German Government.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this tax amounts to £400 per ton, and that it is delaying the erection of new factories in North-East Lancashire?

If there are any new facts to be brought to my notice, I shall be happy to look into them.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these restrictions apply to the textile industry?

They apply to certain forms of machinery which may be used in any industries.

Are we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman believes in and desires the expansion of the importation of foreign capital to this country?

Is this one of the results of the Abnormal Importations Act?

It has no connection with it whatever.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total amount of imports which have entered British ports in foreign ships and British ships, respectively, during the period 1st April, 1931, to 31st March, 1932; the total amount of exports carried in British and foreign ships, respectively, from this country during the same period; and the comparative figures in each case for the period 1st April, 1930, to 31st March, 1931?

I regret that the desired information is not available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any film studios have recently been erected in this country by American or other interests; and whether he is contemplating any legislation in connection with this matter?

I am not aware that any American or other foreign interests have recently erected film studios in this country, and the second part of the question therefore would not appear to arise.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of increasing the quota of British films shown in this country?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in order to encourage the further development of the British film industry, he will introduce legislation to increase the quota of British films?

The Government do not intend to propose an amendment of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927, in the direction suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there are in existence any treaty provisions intended to prevent the imposition of surtaxes on British goods entering Tunis; and whether the recently imposed 15 per cent. surtax in Tunis is discriminatory?

United Kingdom goods are entitled to most-favoured-nation treatment in Tunis by an exchange of Notes of 8th March, 1919, between His, Majesty's Government and the French Government. In the opinion of His Majesty's Government the surtax in question is discriminatory.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider making representations in reference to this discriminatory tax?

We are already making representations to the French Government on the whole question of the 15 per cent. surtax, and communications are passing on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there are in existence any treaty provisions to prevent the imposition of a 15 per cent. surtax on British goods entering Morocco?

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can make any further statement as to the progress of negotiations with the Governments of Germany, Belgium, Italy, and Portugal with regard to the discriminatory measures recently adopted by them against the importation of British coal?

His Majesty's Ambassador at Berlin has been instructed to make further strong representations to the German Government. Replies to our representations have now been received from the Belgian and Italian Governments, and are under consideration. The recent increase of 5 per cent. in the Portuguese Customs duty on coal imports is not considered to be discriminatory.

Are these other countries going to be allowed to disregard commercial treaties, without any retaliatory measures being adopted by His Majesty's Government?

No, Sir.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say at what stage he proposes to tell these countries that discriminatory tariffs against us will be no longer tolerated?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether negotiations are proceeding with the French Government with a view to securing an increase in the quota allotted to British coal; and what is the nature of the pressure being exerted by the British Government?

Yes, Sir. The French Government have been pressed for an early reply to our representations regarding the method of calculation of the coal quota and the inequitable operation of the licensing system.

Is the right hon. Gentleman hopeful that satisfactory results will eventuate from these negotiations?

That is a matter of opinion.

Is the right hon. Gentleman keeping in touch with the owners and miners' representatives in the exporting districts in this matter?

Yes. We are in the closest touch with them day by day.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the preferential treatment of Dutch coal as against British by certain municipalities and institutions in Germany; and if any representations have been made to the German Government on the subject?

I have seen it both affirmed and denied in the Press that certain public utility undertakings in Berlin and Hamburg are diverting their custom to Dutch coal. I am making inquiries and will let my hon. Friend know the result.

When can I put a question down to my right hon. Friend on this subject, with the hope of getting some definite reply?

Towards the end of next week.

How much longer are we going to conceal from ourselves the fact that these measures against us are retaliatory?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has now considered the resolution passed by the Walsall Town Council in February, requesting that Sections 20 to 29 of the Weights and Measures Act, 1889, which relate to the sale of coal, should be extended to apply to the sale of coke and patent fuels; and what action he proposes to take?

Legislation would be necessary to give effect to this proposal. I cannot do more at present than promise that it will be considered when an opportunity occurs for amending the Weights and Measures Acts.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is able to state the percentage of the total imports of wool into this country originating from Australia?

During the years 1929 to 1931, the proportion of the total imports of raw sheep's and lambs' wool into the United Kingdom that was consigned from Australia was 33.4 per cent. by weight and 35.5 per cent. by value, while the proportion of the retained imports that was consigned from Australia was 37.2 per cent. by weight and 39.4 per cent. by value. It is believed that all but a negligible amount of this wool consigned from Australia originated in that country.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will inform the House as to the nature of the first list of recommendations which he has received from the Import Advisory Committee?

I must ask the hon. Member to await the statement which will be made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer this afternoon.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has any information regarding the effect on British trade of the Japanese occupation of Manchuria?

Information received by my Department is to the effect that United Kingdom trade with Manchuria has not been seriously affected by the Sino-Japanese conflict in that territory. The position is, however, being closely watched.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his attention has been called to the severe handicap which is still being placed upon industry by exchange restrictions in various foreign countries, more particularly in Hungary and Austria; and whether he will take immediate action to remove this disability?

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the reply on this subject which I gave yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for Platting (Mr. Chorlton), which shows that I am in close touch with business interests on this difficult question.

Have there been any negotiations with the collecting houses?

That is one of the subjects under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he can make any statement as to the progress of the organised milk marketing scheme for Scotland?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave yesterday to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for North Lanark (Mr. Anstruther-Gray).

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the provisions of the Agricultural Land (Utilisation) Act, 1931, with regard to allotments for unemployed persons, have been nullified by the Government's failure to provide any funds for that purpose; and whether, in view of the prevailing unemployment in many parts of Scotland, provision will now be made for allotments for unemployed persons in terms of the Act?

I am aware that, owing to the financial stringency, it has been impossible, up to the present, to provide for any scheme of State assistance for the purpose mentioned in the question; but, as the hon. Member is no doubt aware, a voluntary scheme has been organised by the Scottish National Union of Allotment Holders and the Society of Friends, and it is hoped that the funds at their disposal will be sufficient to meet the applications by unemployed persons in Scotland for assistance in cultivating allotments during the present year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the representations which have been made for a grant towards the construction of a pier or slip at Glenelg, Inverness-shire, and in view of the urgency of the matter for public safety in travelling and for the transport of cattle and sheep to and from markets, a grant will be made at an early date?

The provision of a pier or jetty at Glenelg is a matter in the first instance for the consideration of the county council of Inverness-shire. Should that body apply for a grant-in-aid, the application would receive due consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if his attention has been drawn to the case of an individual who was recently charged with a crime in Glasgow and discharged as innocent; and why his finger prints, which were taken at the time of arrest, were not destroyed, thereby saving the man from taking action in court seeking their destruction?

I am aware of the case to which the hon. Member refers. I understand that, in accordance with practice, the finger prints and other records were destroyed when the charge against the accused man was found not proven, and that his agent was informed to this effect some time ago.

Why is it necessary for this man to apply to the court if the finger prints have already been destroyed, and why was no assurance given in the court that such a course had been pursued?

I do not know whether it is necessary for him to apply or not, but the case is still sub judice.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if his attention has been drawn to the case, which was heard at Glasgow Valuation Court on 11th April, where a house factor charged £12 10s. as a premium on a two room and kitchen house; and what action he proposes to take to protect tenants from such methods?

I have seen a Press report of a case which I assume is that referred to by the hon. Member. From the terms of the report, it seems unlikely that the house was under the Rent Restrictions Acts, in which case the landlord and tenant were free to make any agreement they pleased as regards the payment to be made for the tenancy of the house.

Do I take it that it is entirely legal now for house factors and landlords to claim premiums from working-class tenants who are looking for houses?

I have nothing to add on that point, but where the Rent Restrictions Act is not concerned it is open to the landlord and tenant to agree to an extra payment in return for a lease.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider preventing such an extortion from poor tenants in a city like Glasgow?

That, of course, is a large question of policy about which I cannot reply.

Is there a chance of the Rent Restrictions Amending Bill, which is urgently required, being brought in?

That, again, is a question of policy about which I cannot reply.

Has not the tenant a right under the Rent Restrictions Act to withhold the payment of rent until what he has paid in key money has been consumed?

I have already explained that if it comes under the Rent Restrictions Act, a landlord who attempts to exact payment is liable to a heavy fine.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if his attention has been drawn to the decree granted, on Friday, 8th April, 1931, against tenants by a Glasgow sheriff in a property at 55 to 69, Dalness Street, Tollcross, which has a demolition order; and if he will set aside the decree?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I have, however, made inquiries and I understand that on Friday, 8th April, 1932, two tenants at Dalness Street, Toll- cross, Glasgow, were sued in the Ejection Court. One case was continued till 13th May; and in the other the sheriff, after hearing parties, granted an instalment of 6s. per week and continued the case sine die. My right hon. Friend has no jurisdiction in the matter.

Is it not the case that under the Rent Restrictions Act a decree cannot be granted by a sheriff in regard to property for which a demolition or closing order has been made; that the courts have always held that, and that this case is a complete departure; and will the hon. Gentleman inquire into it?

That raises another question which cannot be answered now.

May I press the hon. Gentleman for a reply. Has not a decision previously been given——

That question does not arise out of the answer.

It has reference to the question on the Paper, and my hon. Friend is asking for a reply. He has repeated precisely the question on the Paper, and has asked whether as this decree of ejection has been made in regard to a, property which has been ordered for demolition, the hon. Gentleman will get the Secretary of State to set aside the decree, which has been made illegally?

I have already answered that. May I explain the law with regard to a civil decree. Whether correct or not, the Secretary of State has no power to have it set aside.

Is not the proper course to have it decided in the courts?

Arising out of that reply—

Mr. Leonard.

rose—

The hon. Member knows quite well that we cannot debate these questions.

On a point of Order. This is a serious case where people have been put out, and the law is emphatically that they must have alternative- accommodation. There is no alternative accommodation here; they have simply been thrown out, and their house demolished.

Mr. Leonard.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the need for road improvement in the north of Skye; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that this work will be proceeded with?

I have no information to the effect suggested in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, the maintenance and improvement of public roads is a matter for the county council as road authority.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps, if any, are to be taken to carry out the recommendations regarding registration of writs and other matters contained in the Departmental Committee's Report of 1928?

Important changes in the methods of registration were proposed by the committee referred to, and it was found desirable last year to ask the committee to meet again to consider certain difficulties. After consideration of the committee's further report in which they adhered to their recommendations, I have addressed a communication to the Legal Societies with a view to ascertaining whether the recommendations of the committee are acceptable to them; and I hope that a decision will not be long delayed.

asked the Secretary for Mines when he anticipates that he will be able to make a statement on the policy of the Government with regard to hours of work in the mining industry and to Part I of the Coal Mines Act, 1930?

These questions are engaging the earnest attention of the Government, and a statement will be made as soon as it is possible to do so.

Can the hon. Gentleman be more explicit about the date?

The date cannot possibly be given in view of the fact that negotiations are taking place.

Will the hon. Gentleman state between whom are the negotiations taking place, and in view of the desirability of avoiding even the possibility of conflict will he do what is possible to ensure that negotiations between the owners and the men are not left until the very last moment?

asked the Secretary for Mines if he has completed his inquiries into the position of boys working underground between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.; and if he will bring in a Measure to place them in the same position as boys working on the surface?

I am not quite clear what inquiries the hon. Member has in mind. I discussed this question with representatives of the Miners' Federation in February last, and informed them that I should be happy to consider it in detail when I had their arguments before me; but I have not yet received this information.

Do I take it from the reply that the hon. Gentleman is to get some further answers from the Miners' Federation?

I am waiting for fuller information, for which I have asked.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will give the latest figures in his possession showing the output per man-shift worked with separate figures for Lancashire; and will he give corresponding figures for the years 1913 and 1923?

During the year 1931, the output per man-shift worked by all workers employed above and below ground at coal mines in Great Britain was 21.61 cwts., and in Lancashire and Cheshire 17.12 cwts. I regret that corresponding figures for 1913 are not available, but in June, 1914, they were 20.32 cwts. and 15.19 cwts. respectively. In 1923 the figure for Great Britain was 17.83 cwts., but that for Lancashire and Cheshire separately is not available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Government scheme for the marketing of milk arid milk products will be available before September, when the producers and distributors meet to fix prices for the following year?

The Reorganisation Commission for Milk which, as announced yesterday in the House, I have now constituted, will be asked to submit a scheme without avoidable delay, but after the Commission's scheme has been considered and submitted by producers, it would not be safe to allow much less than nine months for the various preliminary stages laid down in the Act to be completed. I am afraid, therefore, that the scheme cannot be available in time to come into operation before 1933.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that, if the price of milk is dependent upon the Milk Combine for another 12 months, every farmer in the West of England who has to rely on his milk trade will be bankrupt, and can nothing be done to hasten things?

I am hoping that the outcome of the steps we are taking to deal with the milk problem will be a better organisation among the producers of milk.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) the number of coopers unemployed in Scotland?

At 25th January, 1932, the latest date for which statistics are available, there were 1,277 wholly unemployed men on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Scotland who were applicants for work as coopers. Separate statistics of the number of coopers employed in connection with the production of Scotch whiskey are not available.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of public assistance committees his Department have communicated with in respect of their application of the means test; and will he say what has been the result?

I am not clear what the hon. Member means. A great many points of detail with regard to administration have naturally arisen in all parts of the country, and I could not attempt to give any exhaustive list.

May I take it that there are to be no communications with those authorities which are not carrying out the instructions or wishes of the Department?

We are in communication with the authorities which are not carrying out the letter and spirit of the Act.

Do these inquiries include any of the authorities where the percentage of dismissals or disallowances are very high?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government intends to adopt the Sunday Performances (Regulation) Bill in order to assure its passage into Law during the present Session?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave yesterday in reply to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Enfield (Lieut.-Colonel Applin).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider arranging a conference with representatives of the principal silver-producing countries, including India., with the object of so controlling the future output that the value of silver may rise sufficiently to enable those eastern countries, whose main currency it is, again to absorb our manufactures, and thus assist the reduction of unemployment?

I would refer the Noble Lord to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Gravesend (Mr. Albery) on the 5th April.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amount paid in salaries and pensions to Lord Chancellors and ex-Lord Chancellors during the last 20 years?

The total amount of salaries and pensions to Lord Chancellors and ex-Lord Chancellors of England in respect of the last 20 financial years is £466,183.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the method whereby the amount of fees payable to His Majesty's Law Officers in particular cases is determined?

The fees payable to the Law Officers of the Crown in particular cases are determined in accordance with the Treasury Minute dated 5th July, 1895, which was laid before the House as House of Commons Paper No. 431/Session 2, of 1895. I am sending my hon. Friend an extract from this Minute.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his answer, may I ask him whether the substantial emoluments of which the English Law Officers of the Crown are still in receipt are deemed to be a measure of their Ministerial superiority over all the other Members of the Government, and their professional ascendency over the vast majority of the practising members of the Bar?

Will the right hon. Gentleman publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the extract to which he has made reference?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury by what means it is proposed to replace the number of civil servants, totalling about 600, who have recently been transferred from various Government Departments to the Customs and Excise and Inland Revenue Departments?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 14th April to the hon. Member for Walthamstow, West (Mr. McEntee) of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether His Majesty's Government has made any estimate of the national income for the current or any recently past revenue year or any recent period, and of the distribution of such national income among the various ranges of income?

I regret that no official estimates are available.

When shall we have a separate report of the Revenue Department which will give these figures?

I am afraid I could not say just now.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a number of people have been refused transitional benefit on the ground that the income of a son or daughter is sufficient to enable them to be maintained by those relatives; whether he is aware that when the son or daughter make a claim on their Income Tax form for an allowance, on the ground that they are maintaining their parents, the Income Tax officials refuse to allow the claim; whether this is done on instructions from the Treasury; and, if not, whether he will issue instructions for such claims to be considered and, where genuine, allowed?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for Bothwell (Mrs. Shaw) on the 9th of February last.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether he has issued any instructions relating to consideration being given by the Inland Revenue officials to the claims which have been put in?

The answer given on the 9th February pointed out that there were no provisions in the Income Tax Act which would enable action to be taken such as the hon. Member desires.

Is it not a hardship upon those people that they should be placed in such a contradictory situation as to be held to be wholly maintaining their parents and not be allowed to claim a rebate of Income Tax?

The point is that there are no such provisions under the Statute.