asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the Japanese are evading the import duty on goods going into Manchuria while British goods are charged the full import duty; and whether, in view of the effect this will have on. the Yorkshire and Lancashire cotton trade, he will say what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign. Affairs on 8th June to a question by the hon. Member for Farnham (Sir A. M. Samuel). If my hon. Friend has any particular cases in mind and will give me the details, I will look into them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can now inform the House whether the difficulties whereby the French licensing system was operating invidiously against the importing of British coal have been set aside so that Britain has now an equal chance with other countries in France?

The difficulties to which the hon. Member refers have not yet been wholly removed, but certain changes in the quota arrangements have made the position of British coal imported into France much less unfavourable than it was a few months ago in comparison with coal imported from all other countries. The question of improving the machinery for the issue of licences is still under consideration by the trade interests concerned.

Can the hon. Gentleman give us a guarantee that the licences are not being used to do the same as the quota arrangement?

It is very difficult to answer that question, because the two things are really distinct.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the nature of the latest proposals made by the German Government in answer to the British protest against discrimination in the operation of the import restrictions on British coal?

I am not prepared to make a further statement at present as it would obviously be undesirable to publish proposals tentatively put forward by a foreign Government in the course of negotiations.

Are the Government really trying to do anything serious about this matter? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the situation is rapidly becoming disastrous in some of the coal-exporting areas?

My hon. Friend's question does not relate to the nature of the import restrictions or to their effect, but simply asks if we will publish a portion of the diplomatic correspondence, and I say that that would be improper. We are aware of the seriousness of the position, and the matter is being actively pursued.

We desire to know that there will be some fruit from all these negotiations, and, as I was told that the Germans had made some proposals, I asked what the nature of those proposals were. When are we to get something decisive?

If agreement is reached upon the proposals put forward by the German Government, obviously an announcement would be made to the House.

Is the hon. Gentleman sure that the Government are approaching the right quarters in Germany; should they not approach the industrial quarters rather than go through diplomatic channels?

This is a matter for Government action, and we have addressed ourselves to the German Government.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information indicating the increased cost to British shipping using the Suez Canal since this country abandoned the Gold Standard, in view of the fact that the canal dues have to be paid on a gold franc basis?

At the date of our departure from the Gold Standard the Suez Canal dues were 6.65 francs per ton on the Suez Canal measurement for loaded vessels and 3.325 francs per ton for vessels in ballast. Since then the Suez Canal Company has reduced the dues by about 10 per cent., i.e., to 6 and 3 gold francs respectively. Taking the pound at approximately 93 francs, the increased cost to British shipping using the canal is about 1s. 1d. per ton for loaded vessels, and 6½d. for vessels in ballast.

In view of the subsidies given by foreign countries to their shipping, and in view of the fact that this is found money to the British Government, will the hon. Gentleman consider remitting this money to British shipping?

While the Government regard the nature of the question with sympathy, it is not a matter for them but for the Suez Canal Company.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider giving the necessary notice for the denunciation of our existing commercial treaties with foreign countries so that we may not be hampered by the most-favoured-nation clause in the negotiation of any new agreements with regard to tariffs or quotas with individual countries?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 26th May to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Member for North East Bethnal Green (Major Nathan), of which I am sending him a copy.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that this will mean great delay when it is sought to introduce fresh treaties if nothing is done in the meantime?

It has frequently been announced in the House that our policy with regard to the treaty position will be made dependent upon Ottawa.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in view of the fact that Danish exports to the United Kingdom during the three years 1929 to 1931 totalled£146,992,439, including£143,000,000 worth of butter, bacon, and eggs, as compared with£29,552,419 worth of British exports to Denmark, he will take steps to bring about a balance of trade more favourable to this country?

This matter has been engaging the attention of His Majesty's Government, and I am able to inform my hon. Friend that during the first four months of this year, as compared with the same period in 1931, the total value of United Kingdom exports to Denmark increased by 14 per cent., while Danish exports to this country fell by 14 per cent. As regards the ensuing three months, June to August, although Denmark has found herself obliged, in order to balance her international payments, to restrict imports during that period, yet permits for the importation of United Kingdom goods are valid to the value of£3,269,000, as compared with actual imports of United Kingdom goods to the value of£2,857,000 during the same period in 1931.

Arising out of that answer, may I ask my hon. Friend whether, in view of the substantial balances of payments in favour of Denmark, he can make representations to the Danish Government to enable them to release sterling for the purpose of making payment for goods consigned to that country?

Has the Department any information to the effect that British manufacturers are not sufficiently adapting themselves to the requirements of the Danish market? Is that the reason?

This question deals only with a matter of figures.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he will state the import duties per pound now charged upon tea entering the Irish Free State?

The Customs Duty is 6d. per pound, with a British preferential duty of 4d. per pound. If consigned ready packed, an additional duty of 2d. for each package, not exceeding 2 lbs. in weight, would be payable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the duty on works of art entering this country is levied on works executed by British artists with British materials; whether such works of art will be taxed if only partly executed; and who is to be the judge of the artistic value of the work, whether complete or incomplete, for the purposes of the tax?

There is no exemption from general ad valorem duty for works of art as such, whether wholly or partly executed, or whether executed by British artists with British materials or not. Under Section 15 of the Import Duties Act the value for duty is the price an importer would give for the article if it were delivered to him at the port of importation, freight and other charges incidental to the purchase and delivery (except any duties of Customs) having been paid. The importer is required to declare the value (which is not the "artistic value," but the commercial value) at the time of importation, and the value declared, if reasonable in the circumstances of the case, would be accepted.

:Who is to decide whether an article is a work of art?

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman do nothing to modify this tax upon British artists who are working abroad?

My hon. Friend will remember that the question was being considered by the advisory committee.

What is the commercial value of a picture, unless it be a poster advertising someone's soap.

Its value, like that of anything else, is what it will fetch in the market.

Who decides that? How is it decided?

I have already answered that question.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what agreement has been reached between the Dock and Harbour Authorities Association, the chambers of commerce, and the Customs with reference to the working of the Import Duties Act; and what is the present position with regard to this matter?

I assume my hon. Friend is referring to the question of the inclusion of dock dues, etc., in the value of imported goods for Customs purposes. As a result of the discussion with the interested parties, the Commissioners of Customs and Excise have adopted, as from 17th May last, the following procedure, which applies to all ad valorem duties, in any case where the value is based on a c.i.f. price and where dock dues, landing charges, etc., are payable over and above the freight:

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state particulars of the cases which have been reported to him where guarantees have been given by manufacturers undertaking that there shall be no increase in price as a result of the imposition of the tariff; and what are the industries concerned?

No, Sir; the question of guarantees does not arise. It was considered in the public interest to impose a tariff on a wide range of goods at the earliest possible moment, and the views of the Import Duties Advisory Committee on the possible exploitation of the consumer are contained in paragraph 18 of their first report.

Is it not well known that certain industries have given such voluntary guarantees; would it not be in the public interest that these cases should be known; and will the hon. Gentleman try to collect the necessary information?

No, Sir; the information would not be relevant. The policy of His Majesty's Government is well known, and is stated in the Act of Parliament in question.

Is it not also well known that, if you increase your turnover, as you can in the home market if you have some protective duties, you can lower the price?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of factories in Great Britain at present producing grease-proof paper?

According to the information in the possession of the Board of Trade, there are in this country at least three mills which are producing grease-proof paper at the present time.

Will the hon. Gentleman endeavour to get later information as to whether it is not a fact that there are eight mills in operation which are capable of supplying the entire needs of the country in regard to this article? Will he look up later information and report to the House?

May I ask what can be later than to-day?

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many new industries have been started in the county of Durham since the inception of the tariff policy of the Government?

I have not received particulars of the establishment of any new industry in the county of Durham during recent months.

Is the Board of Trade giving any attention to the county of Durham?

Yes, Sir, a great deal of attention; but my hon. Friend's question relates to foreigners who might desire to establish new industries in Durham, and none of them have so far decided to do so.

Why do they prefer Darwen to Durham?

Will the Parliamentary Secretary say what attention they are giving to Durham?

I should hesitate to take up the time of the House by doing so.

Are not the Government giving a good deal of attention to Durham? Are they not destroying the old industries?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the dumping of china tea sets and other china ware in this country at a price below the cost of production even in the foreign country from which they emanate; and whether he will make representations to the Tariff Advisory Committee regarding these facts, with a view to action being taken to help the home industry?

My attention has not previously been called to this matter. As regards the second part of the question, it is open to the trade to make representations in the usual way to the Import Duties Advisory Committee.

Is it possible to expedite matters, because last week alone a£3,000 order went to people abroad?

The best course to pursue would be for the trade to make representations to the Advisory Committee, which would be only too glad to receive them.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the position of the whole industry is very serious and that it is a matter for immediate action?

(for Mr. HAMMERS-LEY) asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what has been the result of his appeal to the joint stock banks to pass on to industry the benefit of cheap money?

I think my hon. Friend has misapprehended what was said on previous occasions on this subject. My right hon. Friend has not made, and does not propose to make, any formal appeal to the banks in this matter. He trusts, however, that the banks have taken note of what has been said and will be willing to take such action as they can to facilitate the widest possible extension of the benefits of cheap money.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that, even although the Bank Rate is so low at present, the trading community stall have to pay five per cent, for loans?

Will not the right hon. Gentleman permit the trading community to borrow direct from the Bank of England, going past these other banks?

asked the President of the Board of Trade with regard to the extra charge which is now being made for the foreshore of the different seaside resorts of the country, what charge has been made in the past; what charge is to be made in the future; which seaside resorts are to be summoned to pay; and which resorts are exempted from payment?

For many years the practice of the Board was to grant regulating leases of foreshore under their management to local authorities, where desired, at a nominal rental of£l per annum, but leases granted since the year 1925 have ordinarily, in addition, incorporated a profit-sharing clause. All the regulating leases granted by the Board and still in force, are being reconsidered with a view to fixing such rentals as, upon an investigation of the facts, which has only just commenced, the Chief Government Valuer may recommend to be fair and adequate.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether any firms carrying out armament contracts for the Government allow foreigners to visit the works for the purpose of instruction?

I regret that information is not available to enable me to answer this question.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office why Indian students at the British universities are debarred from joining the Officers Training Corps at their respective colleges; and whether he will take steps to remove this restriction?

The Officers Training Corps is designed to train potential officers for the Regular and Territorial Armies and the Supplementary Reserve, and since Indian students are not eligible for commissions in these forces, the Officers Training Corps is not open to them. No change in the regulations is contemplated.

Seeing that the policy of the Government is to increase the Indianisation of the Army in India, could not the regulations be altered to enable commissions to be given to Indians?

It is not considered that it would assist in any way the granting of commissions to Indians in the Indian Army.

Will the hon. Gentleman give any reason for this discrimination against students in the same colleges?

I have just given the reason.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the number of Army officers retired who are now employed under Government and are in receipt of pay plus pension; and what the annual cost to the country is?

I regret that this information is not readily available and a large volume of work would be involved in obtaining it. In the circumstances, I trust that my hon. Friend will not press for it.

If there are men of this kind in the Government service, is it not a case where economy could be obtained?

It would not be practicable to search through the records of 10,000 men to find out whether any of them are in Government employment. It is questions of this kind which mean an increase in the staffs of Government Departments which hon. Members are inclined to deplore.

Could not the Government prohibit Army officers who are receiving fairly good allowances from taking second jobs?

Are there not trade union leaders with two jobs?

Is not the pension of an officer in the nature of deferred pay?

indicated assent.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of able-bodied persons assisted with rent grants up to 1st May, 1932, since the Glasgow Corporation took over public assistance duties; and the total amount of assistance during the same period?

I am informed that applications for grants towards rent have been considered by Glasgow Corporation since about November, 1930. From that date up to the 1st May, 1932, 6,007 applicants have received rent grants, the total assistance given amounting to£9,751 1s. 4d.

Will the hon. Gentleman advise other authorities to give this assistance to enable folk to pay their rent when they are right up against it, so that they shall not be thrown out?

I will consider the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can give the average tender price of all types of houses approved by his Department in the first five months of this year, as against the corresponding period in 1931 and 1932, respectively?

The average tender price of all types of houses approved by the Department of Health for Scotland in the first five months of this year was£301, as against£298 and£307 for the corresponding period of 1931 and 1930 respectively. These average figures are, however, not strictly comparable as the houses approved during the periods in question were not, as respects size and accommodation, in exact numerical proportion.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the fact that the Advisory Committee for Scotland, appointed under the Housing (Rural Authorities) Act, 1931, was directed to endeavour to secure generally that the rent of any house, exclusive of occupier's rates, should not exceed 4s. 6d. a week, he can state the extent to which the committee has been successful in its efforts; and how many of the houses in question are now let for a rent of not more than 4s. 6d.?

The Advisory Committee have deferred their final recommendations as to the rents to be charged until the local authorities concerned have determined the types and accommodation of the houses authorised to be built. None of the houses in question has yet been completed.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he can now state the result of the inquiry of the Inter-Departmental Committee on prices of building materials into the price of glazed fire-clay goods in Scotland?

As I stated in my reply to the question put by the hon. Member for Hamilton (Mr. D. Graham) on this subject on the 7th instant the Committee made inquiries but did not consider that they would be justified in taking action.

Can the hon. Gentleman say why?

No, I am not in a position to say why. I have no doubt that, if the Committee think it proper, they will say why in their next report. Reports are published from time to time.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the number of Scottish agricultural workers has decreased during the period 1926 to 1931 by 13,629, or 10.8 per cent.; and whether he will impress upon the Government the necessity for a policy which, by encouraging the production of oats and barley, will bring more land under the plough and thus check this increasing rural depopulation?

I am aware that the total number of agricultural workers returned on 4th June, 1931, shows, as compared with that returned on 4th June, 1926, the decrease stated by my Noble Friend. I would, however, point out that regular workers have decreased in number by 5,548 or 5.4 per cent., while casual workers are fewer by 8,081, or 35.1 per cent. The number of casual workers employed at a given date depends on the requirements of the season, and changes in their number are of less significance than changes in the number of regular workers. It is confidently anticipated that one effect of the Government's policy will be to check rural depopulation in Scotland.

May we conclude from that that the effect of the Government's policy of tariffs is to check rural depopulation?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the limits and seasons within which seine-net fishing is at present permitted in the Firth of Forth under by-laws issued by the Fishery Board for Scotland; and whether effect has been given to the representations received by the Board against the extension of the present limits?

The Fishery Board's by-law No. 40 permits seine-net fishing in the Firth of Forth within an area bounded by the south shore of the Firth and by straight lines drawn from the end of the East pier of Leith harbour to Inchkeith Lighthouse, thence in the direction East by North (magnetic) to a point due North (magnetic) of Fidra Lighthouse, and thence through Fidra Lighthouse to the shore. The by-law permits seining in this area from 1st June to 30th November, but in April last year it was decided to permit seining during the close time pending further consideration of the operation of the by-law as a whole. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say when it is intended to announce the decision about a close time season? Is the matter under the consideration of the Board?

The hon. Member's question referred, I think, to the area.

And season.

If the representations cover both points, the answer, as I say, is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he can state, separately, the number of convictions for illegal trawling and seine-net fishing in the Firth of Forth during the past 12 months; and what steps have been taken to secure the stricter policing of the Firth against such offences?

The number of convictions for illegal seine-net fishing in the Firth of Forth during the 12 months ended 31st May last was 14. Since that date five further detections have been made and reported to the legal authorities. There were no convictions for illegal trawling in the Firth during the period. All possible measures have been taken by the Fishery Board for Scotland with the resources at their disposal for the effective policing of the area, and special arrangements for night patrol have been in operation with good results.

asked the hon. And gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, what were the prices paid for ewes and lambs, eild ewes, ewe hoggs, and rams by the Forestry Commission when taking over the farm at Blairmore, Argyle; what prices were got in these respective classes when the sheep were sold; and what was the total loss incurred on the sheep stock?

The prices paid were as follow;

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman instruct the Forestry Commission to purchase no more sheep farms while deer land is being used for sport in Scotland?

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman prepared to make any representations through the Forestry Commission in regard to the present unfair methods of valuation adopted in connection with sheep stock in Scotland based upon inflated acclimatisation values, which create serious injustice and injury to the industry?

The Forestry Commission find the practice of adding an undisclosed acclimatisation value to the market value of the sheep stock very inconvenient and a frequent cause of hardship and loss to the Crown and others.

When the Forestry Commission push a man out of his farm, is it not satisfactory that he should be given some compensation?

Sir, they do not.

asked the President of the Board of Education what would be the estimated amount of revenue obtainable by imposing a school fee of 10s. per annum on parents for each elementary scholar under 10 years of age and£1 per annum for each elementary scholar over 10 years of age in schools maintained by public funds?

On the assumption that no exemptions were granted, the estimated amount of gross revenue obtainable would be approximately£3,900,000.

Can we assume that there is no implication in the answer that the Board will consider this reactionary proposal?

My right hon. Friend has no present intention of considering the proposal.

Is that a definite guarantee that they are not going to give way to these new committees which have been set up?

asked the Postmaster-General whether the India Tyre and Rubber Company, Inchinnan, is on the list of contractors to his Department?

The answer is in the affirmative.

That being the case, will the hon. Gentleman take action with the management of the company to see that the fair wages clause is carried out and that the workers get treated—

There is nothing about that in the question.

On a point of Order. Is not my supplementary question in order?

No, it is not in order. It is not relevant to the question on the Paper.

The question on the Paper is whether the India Tyre and Rubber Company is on the list of contractors to the Department, and the answer was "Yes." Surely I am entitled to ask the hon. Gentleman to see that the firm recognise the fair wages clause.

The hon. Member had better put that question on the Paper.

I want to ask a question about the company.

That also had better be put down.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether the India Tyre and Rubber Company, Inchinnan, is on the list of contractors to his Department?

No, Sir.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will inquire into the use made by the Press of the right to send telegrams below the cost of the service with a view to considering whether this indirect subsidy can, in the interest of public economy, be to some extent reduced without restricting the transmission of news of public importance?

I assume that what my hon. Friend has in mind is a restriction in the range of messages eligible for the Press rate. I am afraid that it would not be practicable for my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General to decide what news is of public importance and what is not. In any case, a radical curtailment of the privilege at present enjoyed by the Press in the matter of news telegrams would require legislation.

Does my hon. Friend realise that this indirect subsidy to the Press is the principal reason why the telegraph service is earned on at a heavy loss instead of a substantial profit?

Of course, that is well known, but it involves a matter of policy which cannot be dealt with within the limits of a Parliamentary question.

asked the hon. Member for Central Leeds, as representing the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, whether the Ecclesiastical Commissioners accept any responsibility for housing conditions where they are the ground landlords?

The power of a ground landlord to influence housing conditions on his land depends upon the terms of the leases and the dates when they will fall in. The Ecclesiastical Commissioners accept responsibility in proportion to the power they can exercise in each individual case.

Cannot they accept any more moral responsibility than that?

No, Sir.

Do the Commissioners recognise that it is their duty to assist under conditions which are prejudicial to the public welfare?

Responsibility goes with power, and I have already said that we accept responsibility in exact proportion to the power which we can exercise.

Since the Ecclesiastical Commissioners are a public authority, does not my hon. Friend think it desirable that they should set an example?

Are not the Commissioners a body of trustees?

asked the hon. Member for Central Leeds, as representing the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, whether the Ecclesiastical Commissioners are taking steps to urge upon the Paddington Borough Council the need for immediate steps to ameliorate the housing conditions at present existing upon land which is the property of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners.

In March, 1931, in answer to a question in this House, I stated that the Commissioners would gladly give their encouragement as ground landlords to any approved scheme made by the local housing authority. The question and answer were communicated to the borough council of Paddington, but no proposals for any scheme have been sent to the Commissioners.

Will the Commissioners continue to take more active steps to impress this necessity upon the borough council?

The power of the Commissioners is really confined to friendly helpfulness, and, if the hon. Member wants efficient action, I think he must go to those whom Parliament has endowed with the power, namely, the Ministry of Health.

Do the Commissioners anticipate getting any assistance from the Town and Country Planning Bill?

Does the hon. Gentleman not think that it would be a good thing if the Commissioners would get a crusading spirit?

asked the Minister of Health if he can state how many people live more than two in a room; how many more than three in a room; and how many in even more crowded conditions in England, Wales and Scotland, respectively?

The Census figures in question will appear very shortly for London, and thereafter successively for other counties and areas. But the Noble Lady will appreciate that the corresponding figures for England, or Wales, as a whole are not available in advance of the completion of all county tabulations. In regard to Scotland the Noble Lady should address a question to the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Does not the hon. Gentleman know that there are many thousands of children living in basement

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state how many persons in the United Kingdom are living in dwellings which have been condemned as insanitary; how many in basement or underground dwellings; and what proportion of these are children under 15?

My right hon. Friend regrets that the desired information is not available.

Does not the hon. Gentleman know that there are many thousands of children living in the slum areas, and the only possible way of giving them a chance is to have open-air nursery schools?

I shall be glad to answer the Noble Lady's question if she will put it on the Paper. I have already answered the question put to me.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state, to the nearest convenient date, the number of brewery and distillery workers wholly or partially unemployed in Perth and Perthshire, respectively, together with the corresponding figures for the same date in 1931?

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

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the giving out of the green card at Employment Exchanges is not properly understood by the unemployed who are refused it; and will he cause a circular to be put up at Employment Exchanges explaining how it works?

I am obliged to the hon. Member for his suggestion and will see what can be done to carry it out.

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been drawn to a stoppage of work at three firms of nut and bolt makers at Atherton, Lancashire, where some 400 male and female workers are at present prevented from working; that the employers refuse to meet the workers' representatives; and what steps his Department are prepared to take to bring the parties together?

I have been in correspondence with the hon. Member for West Ham (Mr. Thorne), who is the general secretary of the union concerned in this dispute, and I understand that he is dealing with the matter. On the information before me, I do not understand that intervention by a third party is necessary for the purpose of arranging a meeting between the parties.

I think that, as the Member for the division, I have a right to call the Department's attention to this matter.

I fully appreciate that position, but, as the hon. Member knows, this is a very difficult dispute, and any further statement which I might make at present might be rather embarrassing than otherwise. If the hon. Member will get into communication with the hon. Member for West Ham (Mr. Thorne), I think he will learn all that he desires to know on this question.

Is not the Minister perfectly well aware that the conditions under which the nut and bolt workers work are deplorable and will he let those workers know that he is siding with them against their employers?

There is no justification whatever for that suggestion. I have said that I have reason to understand that a meeting between the parties either has taken place or is about to take place.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state which officials are responsible for examination of first-aid equipment when a public service vehicle is presented for licensing under the Road Traffic Act?

I have been asked to reply. No statutory responsibility rests upon any particular official for the examination of first-aid equipment. In fact, however, it is inspected by the public service vehicle examiners when vehicles are presented for examination prior to licensing.

What is the qualification of a public service vehicle examiner for deciding whether first-aid equipment is suitable or not?

The qualification for the public service vehicle examiner is laid down in the schedule which gives the details of the equipment which each vehicle has to carry, and in this regard the examiner has to make dead certain that what is in the schedule is included in the equipment.

Do we understand that this first-aid equipment is not used except in cases of death?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will give a list of the countries which have declared a default in respect to the payment of their debts?

In view of the many different forms which the various defaults in the service of debts have taken and of the different degrees of default involved it would only be misleading to group all these defaults together in one list. I would therefore refer the hon. Member to the suggestion made by my right hon. Friend the Secre- tary of State for Foreign Affairs on the l7th February, in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Colchester, that inquiry should be made of the Council of Foreign Bondholders.

May I ask whether the foreign bondholders have a list of the American States that have defaulted?

I suggest that my hon. Friend might ask that question of the Council of Foreign Bondholders.

(for Mr. HOWARD GRITTEN) asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total sum of reparations received in cash or kind from Germany and allocated to the United Kingdom since the Sumner Commission Fund was provided in May, 1920, to mitigate the delay in the payment of the treaty reparations?

The Sumner Commission was appointed to consider cases in which there was a moral claim by British nationals to ex gratia grants by way of compensation for suffering or damage by enemy action within Annex 1 to Part 8 of the Treaty of Versailles. The reparation receipts of the United Kingdom since the appointment of the commission amount to£121,000,000, but, as my hon. Friend is aware, the claims coming within the terms of reference of the Sumner Commission constitute only about 1 per cent. of the total United Kingdom reparation claim.

(for Mr. HOWARD GRITTEN) asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the sum of£18,750,000, representing the outstanding balance of liquidated German property, has been credited to Germany, under the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles, specifically as a reparation payment; and, if not, under what heading it has been credited?

The amount in question (which, in fact, is£18,500,000) was credited to Germany against the original capital Reparation Debt under the Treaty of Versailles. Under the Hague Agreement of 20th January, 1930, that debt has now been replaced by the annuities laid down in the New Plan, and such credits against the original debt do not affect Germany's current obligations.

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend consider the desirability of issuing a White Paper showing the exact position and the moneys that are available?

I will consider that suggestion.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that Britishers have not yet been adequately compensated for injuries and loss of property sustained as the result of enemy action; and will he now recommend the Government to look into the matter again and deal justly with these people?

They have been paid. The award has not been paid in full, but no one has been paid in full.

asked the Minister of Health if he will state what is the composition and cost of the Parliamentary Department of the Ministry of Health?

There is no separate Parliamentary Department in the Ministry. The Parliamentary work is done in the divisions concerned as it arises, and in the legal Department. To this latter is attached a small clerical section for Parliamentary purposes consisting of one Higher Clerical Officer, and four Clerks, at an annual cost of, approximately,£1,500.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can now make any statement as to the extension of hours worked by Customs officials to conform with normal dock working hours, in view of the additional work entailed by the Import Duties Act?

Close consideration is being given to the representations which have been received on the subject referred to by my hon. Friend, but I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

Has my right hon. and gallant Friend's attention been drawn to certain difficulties; in respect of constructive warehousing?

asked the Minister of Health the number of contributors under the National Health Insurance Acts who refuse or omit to nominate or select a doctor from the panel, and approximately the total amount of their contributions; and what is done with their contributions?

No precise figures are available of the number of persons in England and Wales entitled to medical benefit on the 1st January, 1932, who had not at that date selected an insurance doctor by whom they wished to be attended, or made alternative arrangements for obtaining treatment; but the approximate number may be estimated at 500,000, approximately 3 per cent. My right hon. Friend is not in possession of any figures of the amount of contributions paid in respect of such persons. He would remind my hon. and learned Friend that there are about 16,000 insurance doctors in England and Wales, who remain collectively liable to treat all or any such persons; and it is for this reason that the total amount of the capitation fees payable to insurance doctors covers that liability.