asked the Secretary of State for Scotland for what reason Scottish Department of Agriculture has not yet introduced into Scotland the system for certifying strawberry stock as free from disease; and whether, in view of the fact that such a voluntary system has been in operation under the Ministry of Agriculture for English strawberry growers since 1927 and has operated to the benefit of the English strawberry culture, he will consider recommending the introduction of a similar system into Scotland at an early date?

When the English scheme was instituted the Department inquired of over 300 Scottish fruit-growers whether in the event of the Department introducing such a scheme, they would take advantage of it. Only about 50 replies were received, of which half were in the affirmative. In these circumstances the Department, acting on the advice of the Scottish Horticultural Advisory Committee, decided to take no further action. I may add that I understand that the English scheme provides for the certification of strawberry stocks for purity and vigour, but not for freedom from disease.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether it is his intention to introduce a Bill with the object of restricting the increase in furunculosis; and, if so, when such a Measure may be expected?

A Bill dealing with this subject is in course of preparation, and I hope that it may be found possible to introduce it next Session.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make any statement on the dispute between the State Council of Ceylon and the Governor; and whether His Majesty's Government propose to institute an inquiry into the questions in dispute?

I presume that the hon. Member refers to the action of the Governor in using the reserve powers which he possesses under the Constitution in order to carry certain Votes and Ordinances. In every case the Governor acted after prior consultation with the Secretary of State, and I see no necessity for any inquiry into the questions in dispute. This matter was fully dealt with by my hon. Friend the Undersecretary of State in his speech in the House on the 22nd of April.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that in certain proceedings in bankruptcy at Peterborough, Northants, the assistant official receiver publicly stated that he had been instructed by the Board of Trade to tell the court that in their opinion the debtor was liable to the Bankruptcy Laws; whether such instructions have been issued to the assistant or any other official receiver; and whether, in the event of no such instructions having been given, he will direct that assistant official receiver publicly to withdraw the statement he made as being un-authorised?

I have no knowledge of the matter to which my hon. Friend refers, but I am having inquiries made, and will communicate with him as soon as possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give figures showing the total salary in 1921 and 1932, and the cash reduction and percentage reduction in salary during this period, in the cases of the following: A civil servant on a salary of £818 in 1921 (including cost-of-living bonus); a civil servant on a salary of £259 in 1921 (including cost-of-living bonus); a civil servant on a salary of £256 in 1921 (including cost-of-living bonus); and a civil servant on a salary of £202 in 1921 (including cost-of-living bonus)?

The information desired is as follows:

asked the Minister of Labour the latest total estimate of those who have lost unemployment benefit and right to transitional payments, and have ceased to register at the employment exchanges?

It is estimated that up to 25th April, 1932, approximately 167,000 persons had ceased to register at employment exchanges as the result of legislative changes in the conditions for the receipt of insurance benefit and transitional payments. I am unable to say how many of such persons remained unemployed at the date in question.

asked the Minister of Labour the increase or decrease of the number of miners employed compared with the numbers for last month?

Between 21st March, 1932, and 25th April, 1932, there was an increase of 5,328 in the number of insured males in the coalmining industry classification recorded as wholly unemployed in Great Britain, and an increase of 57,600 in the number temporarily stopped. Statistics of the numbers of insured persons in employment are not available for particular industries, but between the week ended 26th March and the week ended 23rd April the number of wage-earners on colliery books decreased by 6,262.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the bed of the river Neath is so filled up that any flood causes an overflow and damage to property and endangers the life of the people; and will he cause inquiry to be made and make a grant to the local authority to have the river dredged from Neath to Glynneath?

I have been asked to reply. I am aware that the present condition of this river is causing anxiety locally. My Department has under consideration an application from the Glamorganshire County Council for the making of an order under the Land Drainage Act, 1930, constituting a catchment board for certain rivers in South Wales including the river Neath with powers to deal with drainage problems. I can, however, give no undertaking that any grant from State funds could be made available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total number of cases of compulsory acquisition of allotments, where arbitration has been resorted to, during the last 10 years; the total amount awarded over and above the rent-charge fixed; what rate per acre this represents; and the amount awarded against the acquiring authorities?

I regret that the information asked for by the hon. Member is not in the possession of my Department.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the representations submitted by responsible bodies urging the need of more frequent revision of the ordnance survey in districts in which development has taken place since the War, he will issue the necessary instructions for this purpose?

I have this matter under consideration, but I am not yet in a position to make any announcement. The problem is, of course, largely governed by the general financial situation.