asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many applications have been made to his Department within the last 12 months for Navy co-operation in the production of British films; and what reply was given in each case?

Apart from news films, for which numerous facilities have been given, one film, depicting escape from a submarine was made with Admiralty co-operation during the past 12 months. One or two other applications have been received, but are still under consideration.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider the introduction of grade requests in the Naval Welfare Conferences, as well as general and class requests, in order that requests affecting chief petty officers only or other grades might be represented for the consideration of the Admiralty?

The Admiralty have no reason for thinking that the present practice, under which requests affecting the whole of a grade in the Service can be put forward as general requests, does not meet requirements.

Will the Noble Lord consider the abolition of the Naval Warfare Committee altogether and return to the pre-War condition of encouraging officers and men of all grades to put their requests through the commanding officers as being in the best interests of naval discipline?

I do not think that arises out of this question. We always wish to see requests put forward through the usual Service channels.

Would any saving be effected financially by the abolition of this committee?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what steps have been taken to advertise the projected sale of Port Edgar, situated near. South Queensferry, and the adjoining property of Butlaw belonging to the Admiralty?

We advertised the properties in the special Industrial Supplement issued by the "Estates Gazette" dated 14th November, 1931, and the West Lothian County Council have included particulars in their brochure of the county. Prior to this, the Port Edgar property was widely advertised when it was exposed to Public Roup in December, 1929.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has received any applications for the purchase of the establishment of Port Edgar, situated near South Queensferry, and the adjoining property of Butlaw; whether any such applications have been refused; and, if so, upon what grounds?

Tentative applications have been received and negotiations have extended over a considerable period but have not yet matured. No application has been refused.

Is the First Lord satisfied that the terms and conditions of sale in regard to these properties are not prohibitive and, if he is not so satisfied, in view of the fact that their values are rapidly decreasing, will he be prepared to modify the terms and conditions of sale?

I will bring my hon. Friend's suggestion to the notice of the Civil Lord.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the number of people anxious to travel home by air from the Colonies, including civil servants, is larger than the existing Imperial service can convey; and whether, in these circumstances, assistance is being given by the local Governments concerned to the promotion of increased facilities?

I have received no representations that the existing air service to and from East Africa is inadequate. It is not proposed to ask the East African Governments to increase the generous contributions which they already make to the subsidy. The provision of extra machines to meet increased traffic is a matter for the company.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the benefit to the Colonies of an airmail service to and from Great Britain, he can state the extent to which the Colonies are co-operating with Imperial Airways in the provision of aerodromes and wireless services?

The extent to which the East African Governments have co-operated in the preliminary organisation of the air route to the Cape was indicated in the reply which I gave on the 2nd March to my hon. Friend the Member for the Fairfield Division of Liverpool (Mr. Brocklebank). In addition, those Governments have undertaken to provide subsidies up to a maximum of £37,000 per annum to assist in the operation of the air service during the first five years

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent, as a result of the recent recognition of the Imperial Institute of Entomology in London as the international centre for the collection of data on the movements of locust swarms, it has been found possible to expedite work in this connection; and how many foreign Governments are co-operating in the work at the present time?

The foreign Governments so far co-operating in the investigation into the breeding of locusts are those of France and Italy, covering their respective dependencies. The progress made already includes Anglo-French co-operation in an investigation of the breeding-grounds of the migratory locust in West Africa. His Majesty's Government have just received from the Committee on Locust Control of the Economic Advisory Council its fourth report, which deals with this question and is now under consideration. The programme of future work in co-operation is to be discussed at a further inter-national meeting in Paris next July, and this will afford a convenient opportunity of considering any recommendations made in the report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken by his Department to confer with officials from the information agencies of British tropical Colonies and other colonial representatives in London, with a view to the drafting of a comprehensive scheme for the development of colonial trade before the commencement of the Ottawa Conference?

I am in constant touch, not only with the trade agencies of the Colonies, but with those who are in a position to speak for the varied trade interests of different groups of Colonies. I am also in communication with all Colonial Governors on the possibilities of the extension of trade between the Dominions and the Colonies.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, having regard to the disturbances arising from unemployment, if this question will be placed on the agenda of the Ottawa Conference as a separate item?

The object of the Conference at Ottawa is, in accordance with the Resolution passed by the Imperial Conference of 1930,

"to examine fully the various means by which inter-Imperial trade may best be maintained and extended."

Will unemployment not be a specific subject on the agenda for special consideration, and also the various troubles that are arising in different parts of the Empire?

I assume not, but I assume that when we are approaching the problem of inter-Imperial trade, we shall have clearly in our minds all the time that a reduction in unemployment must or ought to result from our efforts.

Is there any reason why unemployment should not be put on the agenda as an item for discussion?

No reason, but it is far more important to discuss means for employment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the House any information as to whether the Government of Northern Rhodesia has yet finally decided upon the location of its new capital?

The Government of Northern Rhodesia decided on Lusaka as the site of the new capital.

In the interests of economy, will the right hon. Gentleman suggest to the Governor the postponement of the building of this new capital for the time being?

That requires very careful consideration. I have sanctioned a certain amount of work which had been arranged for; but the rate of progress must obviously depend on financial conditions. There are many difficulties in having a capital so close to the border and there is general agreement as to the need of a change.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many all-weather aerodromes there are in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanganyika?

I under stand that there are about 75 aerodromes and landing grounds in Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika. My information does not enable me to say which of them can be regarded as all-weather landing grounds.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many miles of all-weather roads are administered and maintained by the Public Works Department in Tanganyika outside townships?

Outside townships and district headquarters, the Public Works Department is responsible for 2,652 miles of main roads and 757 miles of district roads, Grade A. These are earth roads, but can be used for the greater portion of the year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is proposed to publish lists of films which are passed by the new Advisory Committee as appropriate for exhibition in British colonies?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to him on the 18th of April. The question of publication is one for the decision of the Company concerned and not of the Government.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will invite representatives of the National Safety First Association and the Pedestrians' Association to be members of the Rail and Road Conference with the purpose of ensuring consideration as to the nature and extent of the regulation which, in view of modern developments, should be applied to goods transport by road and by rail; and whether the conference will consider what regulation as to goods transport by road should be made so as to reduce the number of deaths and accidents of both motorists and pedestrians?

While I regret that it is not possible to offer these associations direct representation on the conference in ques- tion, I gladly renew my assurance that all interests concerned will have an opportunity of expressing their views before any action is taken on the findings of the conference.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that several of the statutory rules and regulations relating to mines and quarries and to agriculture are published in the Welsh language; and will he therefore cause to be published in Welsh the statutory rules and regulations under the Road Transport Act?

On the information before me, I am not convinced that the cost of a separate issue of the highway code in the Welsh language would be justified by the probable demand, but I should be quite willing to discuss the matter with my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called: to the fact that many of the public service vehicles condemned by his inspectors as unsuitable for carrying passengers are converted into lorries for the purpose of carrying goods; and whether he will consider the desirability of taking some action in the matter, in view of the dangers caused by the presence of such heavy vehicles on the road in an imperfect condition?

I am aware that this has happened in some cases. I will bear the hon. and gallant Member's point in mind when I come to consider the report of the Road-Rail Conference.

When does the hon. Member expect the conference to report?

Before the end of July.

asked tht Minister of Transport the number of registrations of Diesel or other heavy-oil engined motor vehicles in the years 1929, 1930 and 1931?

The returns at present furnished by local authorities do not distinguish such vehicles, but with their growth I am considering whether the returns should not record them separately.

In view of the fact that those vehicles do not pay their fair share of motor taxation, will the hon. Gentleman consider recommending a tax on Diesel oils to the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

Yes, I will consider all relevant matters concerning this type of vehicle.

The Minister must be very careful what he does here, because it is a question of interfering with the development of the Diesel engine, which is very necessary to engineering at the moment.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to a recent decision in the King's Bench Divisional Court that it is illegal to carry goods or parcels in a private motor car; and, having regard to the possibility of the prosecution of motor owners, if he will take immediate steps for the removal of this restriction?

Immediately after the decision of the Divisional Court to which my hon. Friend refers I got into consultation with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer as to the situation which has been created, and will make a statement at the earliest possible moment.

In view of the very serious trouble among the small traders who are using their cars partly for business and partly for pleasure, will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that they may be able in the meantime to use those cars without the fear of any police interference?

No, Sir, I cannot give any such assurance, but I have caused a circular to be sent to licensing and registration authorities requesting them to maintain their existing practice pending the further consideration of the matter.

Can my hon. Friend say whether the owner of a private car is entitled to take home a pound of vegetables?

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of its importance to foreign visitors, he will arrange that facilities for passengers waiting shall be provided at the motor coach stopping places on the Embankment?

While I am anxious to assist foreign visitors to London in every possible way I have no power to arrange for facilities to be provided for passengers waiting at the motor coach stopping places on the Embankment, and on the other hand I wish to encourage the provision of these facilities on private property and not on the public highway.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider the desirability of arranging for the representation of the interests of the public of inner and outer London before the special committee appointed to inquire into and consider various points of principle in connection with motor coach services to and from the Metropolitan area?

Provision has already been made by which the views of the public may be laid before the committee. Notice to this effect was issued to Associations of Local Authorities and to the Press on the 30th March. I will send the hon. Member a copy of this notice.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that where omnibus services are withdrawn at short notice by order of the traffic commissioners, the public have no opportunity of using the return halves of their tickets; and whether he will instruct the commissioners that reasonable notice should be given to the public before services are withdrawn?

I have heard of one or two cases where difficulties have arisen, but I will bring the point to the notice of the commissioners.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if it is proposed to hold an Imperial Sugar-Cane Research Conference this year, and where; and what recommendation was made by the Empire Marketing Board on the scientific needs of the cane-sugar industry of the British Empire following the last conference?

As regards the first part of the question, it is not proposed to hold an Empire Conference on sugar-cane research this year. As regards the second part, the report of the Imperial Sugar-Cane Research Conference held last year has been published by the Empire Marketing Board and careful examination is now being given by the Board to the problem of allocating such limited funds as may be available for carrying into effect the recommendations of the Conference.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department or the Food Council is now checking the accuracy of the prices of fish published by the Billingsgate market authorities?

The question of the method of compilation of the fish prices to which my hon. Friend refers was dealt with in the reply of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries to my hon. Friend the Member for Farnham (Sir A. M. Samuel) on the 13th April, Until a conclusion has been reached as to the relevant recommendation of the Fishing Industry Committee it is not possible to say what action it may be found desirable to take.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the quantity of cider produced in Britain in 12 months to the last convenient date; and how much was used for home consumption and the quantity exported?

According to the returns obtained in connection with the Census of Production taken in respect of the year 1924, the total production of cider and perry in the United Kingdom in that year amounted to 6,745,000 gallons. The domestic exports in 1924 amounted to 124,000 gallons, and the retained imports to 1,114,000 gallons. The total amount available for home consumption was therefore 7,735,000 gallons. The corresponding figures from the Census of Production for 1930 will not be available until the autumn of this year. Particulars respecting cider alone are not available.

Will the hon. Gentleman confer with his right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade with a view to seeing that this commodity pays a due tax comparable to the tax on other commodities of a like kind?

Is this not the only type of wholesome drink which is not taxed, and will not the right hon. Gentleman leave it un-taxed?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if it is the policy of the Government to make no reductions in tariffs during the next 12 months even in return for reciprocal reductions by foreign Powers?

His Majesty's Government share the view of the Import Duties Advisory Committee that the duties imposed by the recent Order should not in general be reduced during the next 12 months. In the general interests of United Kingdom trade, however, it may well prove that some modification in them may be found expedient even within that period, if it should prove possible to secure in return important reductions in foreign duties which promise substantial advantages to our export trade.

Does that mean that the Government are prepared to negotiate with foreign countries at once for a mutual reduction of tariffs?

The hon. Member must study my answer, and then, I hope, be will appreciate the value of tariff bargaining.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that the Commissioners of Customs have ruled that bristle cannot be regarded as raw hair and is, therefore, subject to the 10 per cent. ad valorem duty; that this decision is based on the fact that imported bristle is disinfected to ensure freedom from anthrax; and will he take steps to ensure that necessary health precautions are not administratively regarded as manufacturing processes?

It is not the case that bristles have been ruled to be liable to general ad valorem duty merely because they have been disinfected before being imported. The bristles which have been held to be liable to duty are bristles which have been dressed and sorted or otherwise processed, so that they no longer come within the description "Wool and animal hair (raw) whether cleaned, scoured or carbonised or not," to which the exemption from general ad valorem duty in favour of animal hair is limited.

Is it a fact that ordinary bristles if they go through no process other than disinfection are in-eluded in the Free List?

Bristles which come within the definition which I have just read to my hon. Friend would come within the Free List.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the descriptions that he has given do not tally with the trade descriptions, and will he look into the matter and see whether his descriptions can be made to tally with what is in universal use in the trade?

Certainly.

Why not apply that answer to the Government?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the nature of the resolution received from the exporting interests of the North-east Coast in respect of the German quota; and whether he has any statement to make on the matter?

The resolution moved by the Newcastle-on-Tyne Chamber of Commerce and adopted at the recent meeting of the Association of British Chambers of Commerce calls attention to the restrictions placed upon the importation of British coal into Germany and rages that in the absence of an immediate settlement appropriate action should at once be taken in regard to German imports into this country. Further strong representations in the matter were made to the German Government by His Majesty's Ambassador at Berlin on the 19th April, and a reply is expected shortly.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that the bargaining power of his duties is not so promptly effective as he said it would be?

The hon. Member had better await the reply of the German Government.

Did the resolution state that pits were being closed in the north of England as a result of this policy?

No, Sir. But I am aware of the effect of the German restrictions on the British coal trade.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether any financial assistance is to be given to the British Industries Fair to be held in Copenhagen in September; and what action is being taken by the Government to secure an increase in the export of British manufactures to Denmark?

As regards the first part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend, the Member for Moseley (Mr. Hannon) on 11th April. With regard to the second part of the question, I am in close consultation with a number of industries with a view to taking advantage of the opportunities provided by. that market The trade returns for the first two months of 1932 show an improvement in United Kingdom exports to Denmark.

Does the hon. Member know that impediments to trade between Denmark and this country are to be found in the arrangements between manufacturers in this country and in Denmark?

I am aware that there are certain trade arrangements which are framed with reference to trade as a whole, but the enthusiasm in Denmark for British goods is causing a very close interest to be taken in that country by our manufacturers.

Is the hon. Member satisfied that there is an awakened interest among manufacturers in this side?

Yes, Sir. I would ask the hon. Member not to believe every story that he hears about the slackness of British manufacturers.

asked the Secretary for Mines if his attention has been called to the probable increased demand for coal from steel manufacturers as a result of the new duties on semi-finished and other steels, and to the fact that consequently there is likely to be a shortage of coal suppliable under the quota in the last month of the present quarter from the mines able to supply this coal at the cheapest rate; and if he will state what steps he intends to take to avoid the inconvenience?

I would remind my hon. Friend that provision is made in the Central Scheme in force under the Coal Mines Act, 1930, for additional allocations to be made during any quarter to meet any increased demand for coal. I have no doubt that the District Executive Boards and the Central Council will not overlook the necessity for ensuring that adequate supplies of coal are available to meet any increased demand from the iron and steel industry.

Will the hon. Gentleman impress upon the officials in question the fact that this point of view is a probability. and that they will be prepared well in advance?

I have no doubt that all these matters are being carefully watched by the Boards which have been set up for the purpose.

Is the hon. Member watching the matter also?

I am watching the matter every day.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that pits have been closed in the North directly as a result of the Tariff policy when they were able to supply more than the quota?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the number of workpeople in the coal mining industry suffering from silicosis during the latest 12 months for which figures are available and the number who received compensation for this disease, giving separate figures for Lancashire?

Silicosis is not notifiable and the only figures I can give are those of cases under the Workmen's Compensation Act. The Returns under that Act show that in 1930—which is the last year for which figures are at present available— there were 20 cases in which coal miners recovered compensation for disablement from silicosis. Information as to the distribution of these cases is not complete, but so far as known, only one of them occurred in Lancashire. I may add that I am informed that the Medical Board, which was set up in June last, has not so far issued any certificate in respect of any coal miner in Lancashire.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the returns, seeing that the number given is so small that it cannot be in keeping with the numbers suffering from the disease?

I cannot form any opinion as to that. The matter is one for expert inquiry by a medical board.

asked the Home Secretary what was the production in Britain during the 12 months ended 31st December, 1931, of cocaine, codeine, dionin, heroin, morphine, and peronin; whether the production was in excess of the requirements for medical and scientific purposes; and whether the convention for the limitation of the manufacture of narcotic drugs is operative in Great Britain?

As the answer to the first part of the question contains a number of figures, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The answers to the second and third parts of the question are in the negative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in making regulations for the collection of the Excise Duty on stocks of tea in traders' hands, he will exempt from duty the first 1,000 lbs. of all such stocks in order to prevent unfair discrimination between traders?

I would refer my hon. Friend to yesterday's Debate in the House on this point on an Amendment to the Budget Tea Resolution moved by the hon. Member for Merthyr Tydvil (Mr. Wallhead).

asked the Minister of Labour in what industries the weekly hours of the workpeople are 48 or less; and how many men and women, respectively, are employed in those industries?

In the great majority of organised industries the normal weekly hours of labour fixed by agreement between employers and workpeople are 48 or less. Particulars of the hours recog- nised in each of the principal industries at 31st December, 1930, will be found on pages 83 to 86 of the "Twentieth Abstract of Labour Statistics" (Cmd. 3831). Statistics are not available as to the numbers of men and women, respectively, employed in industries in which the hours are 48 or less, but some information as to the proportions of workpeople working a normal week of 48 hours, over 48 hours, and less than 48 hours in a large number of industries in the year 1924, as shown by the results of a special inquiry made by the Ministry of Labour, will be found on page 102 of the same "Abstract."

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position in regard to the Anglo-Argentine Tramway Company?

I understand that the Mayor of Buenos Aires has submitted to the municipality an emergency tariff scheme, involving an increase of tramway fares, which is now under consideration, and that the plan for the formation of a traffic combine, referred to in the reply given to my Noble Friend on the 6th of April, is now being studied and discussed by the various interested parties.

Can the hon. and gallant Member give any idea when he will be able to make a fuller statement on this important matter?

No, I am afraid that I cannot. Now that these discussions are going on, we must await the result.

Is not this a question of our interfering with the internal affairs of another country?

No, Sir. There are British interests concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can inform the House as to the methods in operation in Palestine for ascertaining the numbers of unemployed; and if it is proposed to adopt machinery for the purpose of arriving at reliable figures?

District officers are responsible for the initial collection of unemployment statistics in the smaller towns and villages and immigration officers are responsible for this work in Jerusalem, Haifa and Jaffa-Tel-Aviv. It is proposed that the district officers should be assisted in this work by officers of the Departments of Health, Agriculture, Forestry and Education, which are in close contact with the public. The appointment has recently been approved of an additional officer in the Department of Immigration, who will act as adviser to the officers engaged in the collection of intelligence and be responsible for co-ordinating all the detailed reports.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office on what days of the week it is proposed to use Mitcham Common for the training of the Regular Army; what will be the nature of the training; and if it will be such as will interfere with the free use of the common by the general public?

I am informed that conversations are taking place between the local military authorities and the conservators of Mitcham Common regarding the use of the common by small parties of Infantry range-takers. Such use would in no way interfere with the free use of the common by the public.

asked the Minister of Health the number of able-bodied persons in receipt of public assistance in Lancashire; the number subjected to test work; and the nature of the test work in operation?

In the geographical County of Lancashire the average number of men ordinarily engaged in some regular occupation in receipt of relief during March last was approximate 29,000. The returns so far received show 2,545 of these men to have been set to work, trained or instructed during the month. The work required is of various types, including garden work and the sawing, chopping and bundling of wood and, in certain areas, elementary education, physical training and instruction in handicrafts.

Has the hon. Member's attention been called to the fact that the chairman of the Public Assistance Committee for Lancashire has lost his job as Labour agent because he is faithfully trying to carry out his work?

asked the Minister of Health the number of patients in the mentals hospitals in Lancashire on the 31st December, 1930, and at the latest date on which figures are available, giving separate figures for males and females?

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

asked the Home Secretary the number of police boxes similar to the one in Mitcham Lane that are to be erected in the Metropolitan Police area; and what other developments for the more efficient use of the police are to be adopted in the London and Greater London area?

160 police boxes of this kind are already in use or in course of erection in the Metropolitan Police district, and 40 more will be added shortly. It is not possible at this stage to state what will be the total number to be brought into use as the police box system is extended to other parts of the district. The Commissioner of Police is making every effort towards the most efficient use of the force at his disposal, but for obvious reasons it would not be desirable to indicate his measures too closely.