asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider introducing legislation for the reform of the rating system in Scotland?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has yet considered the memorial on local rating and valuation presented to him by the National Federation of Property Owners and Factors of Scotland and the Property Owners' and Factors' Association, Glasgow, Limited, calling attention to the prejudicial effects of the Scottish rating system upon rents, new house building, and industry in general; and whether he proposes to investigate the existing systems of valuation and rating in Scotland with a view to reform?

I have received the memorial referred to which is having my attention. As regards the second part of the question, I understand that the Scottish National Development Council has appointed a very representative committee to investigate this matter, which I notice is also being inquired into by a sub-committee of the Association of Local Lands Valuation Assessors of Scotland, and I propose to await the results of these inquiries.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, under the existing system whereby there are two sets of rates—owners' and occupiers' rates—the tenant has to pay more in rents and rates than he would have to do if a single set of rates were adopted?

This is a very complicated question which was inquired into in 1921 by a very authoritative committee under the chairmanship of Lord Dunedin, and they reported that as rents had long been fixed upon the assumption of the existence of such rates, it was not advisable to depart from this method of rating. I mention that because there is another side to the case which the hon. Member put in his question, and it is precisely those difficult issues which are to be inquired into by the committee which I have mentioned.

Is it not true in this particular case that the English system is better than the Scottish system?

That is exactly what Lord Dunedin's Committee reported upon, that the Scottish system on the whole suited Scottish conditions best.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the annual wastage of houses in Scotland caused by demolition, closing orders, fire, etc., for the years 1929, 1930, and 1931?

According to returns received from local authorities by the Department of Health for Scotland, the numbers of houses which were the subject of demolition or closing orders, or other similar procedure for securing closure under the Housing (Scotland) Acts, in the years 1929, 1930 and 1931 were 3,087, 2,295 and 2,982, respectively. In addition, considerable numbers of houses were demolished or closed under Improvement Schemes framed in terms of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1925, but details of the numbers of such houses for the years in question are not available. I have no information as to the wastage caused by fire or other causes.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is yet in a position to state the result of his inquiry into the position of over 40 tenants at Commercial Road, Glasgow, who are threatened with eviction from their homes owing to the Glasgow Corporation having decided to clear this area; and if the corporation are providing alternative homes?

I am informed that the Glasgow Corporation have resolved to offer alternative accommodation to the family occupants of the property at 89–91, Commercial Road, Glasgow, but that no action is proposed for the rehousing of the other persons at present residing there.

In view of the fact that some of these people are elderly couples with no families, cannot the hon. Gentleman make further representations to the Glasgow Corporation to reconsider their decision, as it is a terrible hardship to people who have been there for a number of years to be turned on to the streets?

I will consider the suggestion of my hon. Friend, but I think that he will agree that so far the corporation have acted with great consideration towards the families. Whether there are certain special classes as opposed to single persons, I do not for a moment know, but I will see what can be done.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is now the position with regard to the inquiry he has made into the question of the able-bodied poor at Montrose being asked to do test work; and what steps he has taken to stop this practice?

I am not in a position to add anything to my reply on this subject given to the hon. Member on the 2nd instant. As I then indicated, I am awaiting the decision of the public assistance committee of the county of Angus. If my hon. Friend will put down a question for this day fortnight, I think I shall be able to give him an answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps are being taken to bring the fishing industry of Scotland into a paying position?

The Government have in many directions afforded assistance to the fishing industry in all its branches; and the hon. Member will find particulars in the forthcoming report of the Fishery Board for Scotland. The Government will continue to give the industry whatever assistance is practicable in dealing with the special problems and difficulties with which it is faced.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform me when the report is likely to be published?

I cannot give the hon. Member a date, but it will be quite soon.

Since there are two days for Scottish Votes, one this week and one, I expect, next week, can the right hon. Gentleman inform me whether the report will be ready for the second day next week?

I am afraid I cannot inform the hon. Member, but I can assure him that I will do my utmost to get it out at the earliest possible date.

Is it not a fact that the Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Society has done much more for this industry than the Scottish Office?

May I take it that, of course, the right hon. Gentleman agrees that a 10 per cent. duty would be much more helpful than anything which has been done for the fishing industry?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the practice of certain omnibus companies in Scotland issuing free passes to chief constables and county councillors in their areas enabling them to travel free on the omnibuses: and whether, in view of the fact that chief constables and local authorities may be called upon to deal with omnibus companies contravening regulations, he will take steps to stop this practice?

I have no information on this subject so far as county councillors are concerned. As regards chief constables, I am not aware to what extent (if at all) such free passes are held by them, but in my view it is undesirable that police officers should travel free of charge, or at special fares, on omnibus services other than those run by a local authority.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the export surplus of Germany in the months of January, February, March, April, and May, respectively?

In the separate months January to May, 1932, the value of exports from Germany, including deliveries on account of reparations, exceeded that of imports in millions of reichsmarks by 10.1.3, 97.0, 163.4, 54.0 and 95.8, respectively. The figure for May is provisional.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider making representations to the French Government that it would be of advantage to this country and to France to lower the Customs barriers which operate against the exports of the French luxury trades to this country and the export of British coal to France?

My hon. Friend's suggestion has been noted.

Does the answer mean that the House can take it that His Majesty's Government are not in agreement with the policy of the removal of mutually disadvantageous restrictions?

It has been announced that such bargains could not be undertaken before the Ottawa Conference, but the suggestion of my hon. Friend in this regard has been noted.

May we take it that as soon as the Ottawa Conference has been concluded, negotiations will be entered into in this direction?

Many countries are anxious to enter into negotiations with us.

Are we to understand that the mining class is to be starved until the Ottawa Conference takes place?

Will my hon. Friend give an assurance that in no circumstances will the Silk Duties be used as a bargaining power?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the descriminatory action against British coal going into Germany restricting the amount entering German ports to 100,000 tons per month, he will consider the advisability of using the powers under the Import Duties Act to restrict the inflow of German products coining into this country?

I would refer to the answer given yesterday by my hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Blaydon (Mr. Martin), in which he announced that he was receiving a deputation from the Mining Association on this subject and that the question of what action should be taken in the matter must be reserved for further consideration following on this interview.

Are we to understand that action is going to be taken after the interview, and before the Ottawa Conference?

I cannot say anything further, because the interview takes place this week and, as was intimated yesterday, the question of what action should be taken in the matter must be reserved for further consideration.

Are we to take it that we have not to wait until the Ottawa Conference, and that action, will be taken after the interview?

This does not depend on the Ottawa Conference in any way.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is now proposed to establish some form of clearing house between this country and those where restrictions on foreign payments are now in existence?

The examination of this question is not yet concluded, but I shall make a statement as soon as possible.

Is the hon. Member aware that these restrictions of foreign exchange are having a very adverse effect on British exports, and does he contemplate any action being taken to give our nationals a fairer chance than they have at the present time?

Yes, Sir, I am aware of those considerations, and I will make a statement 'as soon as I can.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that all legal process connected with a limited liability company has to be served at the registered office, he will consider the advisability of inserting in any amending legislation a provision insisting that the address of the registered office shall appear on all note-paper, invoices, and other issues used by a limited liability company?

Yes, Sir; this and other suggestions will certainly be considered.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the figure of the total value of the Preferences given by the Dominions to the United Kingdom on our exports to them since these Preferences were first granted?

The calculation asked for by my hon. Friend could only be obtained with a disproportionate expenditure of time and labour.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement defining the attitude of the Government to the proposal of the Italian Government to discuss at the Lausanne Conference the suspension of that part of The Hague agreement relating to the purchase of Welsh coal for State purposes?

No such proposal has been made by the Italian Government so far as His Majesty's Government are aware.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what licences for

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the increase of approximately 50 per cent, in the importation of foreign leather and fabric gloves for the month of May, as compared with April, since the removal of the protection afforded by the Abnormal Imports Duty of 50 per cent.; and whether, in view of

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing the quantities of the material in question for which export licences have been issued up to the end of May.

Does that show that there is no foundation for the allegation that indiscriminate licences are being given to export arms from this country to the Far East?

All these applications are examined very carefully.

Yes, Sir. I am aware of the increase in importations. My right hon. Friend cannot, of course, make an Order increasing a duty except upon a recommendation from the Import Duties Committee. The committee have given public notice that applications in respect of gloves are before them.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the fact that an immense increase of importation from Czechoslovakia is only held back because of the dread of the exporters of an increase in the tariff; and is he aware that if there is not an early decision in this matter a fresh flood of importations will come in at low prices?

I am sure that those considerations will be before the Import Duties Advisory Committee.

Is it also the case that much of the material supplied to the Czechoslovakia factories comes from the Midlands of England?

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman convey the substance of this question and the reply which he has given to the Imports Duties Advisory Committee?

No, Sir. The Import Duties Advisory Committee are closely in touch with all these matters and representations have been made directly to them.

Is it not understood that this committee is to be free from political pressure?

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

The number of Army retired officers employed in the War Office in receipt of Army retired pay is 32. The amount of their retired pay is approximately £7,000.

Will the hon. Member restrict as much as possible the employment of these retired officers as the cost is unnecessary?

The cost is no higher than it would be if the work were done by anyone else. Somebody has to do the work that they are doing, and if they are qualified to do it, I do not see why they should not be employed as well as anyone else.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what military hospitals have been closed during the past five years; what hospitals are now occupied and where they are situated; and whether he will make a statement on the reorganisation of the Royal Army Medical Service?

As the answer is somewhat long, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, send him the information for which he asks in the first two parts of the question, together with a statement recently issued regarding the reorganisation of the Medical Services of the Army.

Can the hon. Member say how many additional Majors-General are involved in this reorganisation of the Royal Army Medical Corps?

I think the hon. and gallant Member will find that information in the statement that I am issuing in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office for what reason it has been decided that the regiment of Household Cavalry stationed at Regent's Park barracks is in future to be accommodated in Hyde Park barracks; the estimated cost of making the necessary alterations; and whether the staff in occupation are to be transferred to other quarters?

The reason for this decision is to facilitate administration and guard-mounting duties. The estimated cost of the alterations to Hyde Park barracks is £3,500. It is hoped to find War Department accommodation for the whole of the staff now in occupation of Hyde Park barracks.

Can the hon. Member say why the Household Cavalry were removed from Hyde Park to Regent's Park and what is the real reason why they are now being transferred back to Hyde Park? Does he regard it as sound economy to be removing different regiments backwards and forwards in this manner?

I have given the real reason why they have been moved back to Hyde Park barracks. They moved out because at the time, shortly after the War, from the point of view of administration and the number of the Household Cavalry, the accommodation was better at the Regent's Park barracks, but they can now be fitted in at Hyde Park barracks, and that is why they are being sent back.

Can the hon. Member say where the troops now stationed at Hyde Park barracks are to be moved, and the estimated cost of the reorganisation that is taking place?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what changes have been made in the disposition of British forces in Egypt since September, 1931; where the regiments are stationed; and whether the whole cost of the British forces in Egypt is paid by that country?

There has been no change in disposition since September last. The regiments are stationed in and about Cairo, at Alexandria and at Moascar. The whole cost is borne on Army Votes.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the new system of wireless diffusion; whether his Department has granted licences to any local authorities to install this system; and will he state the names of the areas to which such licences have been granted and the conditions connected therewith?

The system under which wireless exchanges are established for the reception of broadcast programmes and their distribution by wire to subscribers' houses has been in operation for several years. About 150 licences have been issued by the Post Office to companies and private individuals for the establishment of such exchanges in various parts of the country. No local authorities have applied for licences. The conditions contained in the standard form of licence are too long to be quoted in a Parliamentary answer, but I will send the hon. Member a copy of them.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will, for the purpose of helping to increase employment, make the same reduced charges for telegrams used for purely commercial objects as are already conceded for Press telegrams relating to news?

My right hon. Friend is sorry he cannot see his way to introduce the legislation which would be necessary to give effect to my hon. Friend's proposal. Apart from the practical difficulty of discriminating between commercial and other telegrams, he would not be justified at the present time in taking any steps which would increase the loss on a service on which there is already a considerable deficit.

Would it not be better to do away with this unnecessary subsidy to the Press?

That is a matter that could only be dealt with by legislation. My right hon. Friend has already stated in reply to a recent question that he is not prepared to introduce legislation.

Is it necessary to introduce legislation in order to effect a change in the Post Office tariff?

This matter is under the constant and anxious attention of my light hon. Friend. If my hon. Friend has any suggestion to make, my right hon. Friend will only be too glad to go into it with him.

The hon. Member has not answered my question. Is the Post Office tariff subject to the discretion of the Postmaster-General or must we have legislation to change it?

It would require legislation.

Is it not a fact that specially favourable tariffs to the Press were part of a bargain made, and that that was the only way in which the telegraphs could be taken over?

Yes.

asked the Postmaster-General if his attention has been drawn to the inconvenience caused to the people of Leigh through the pulling down of the old Post Office in Silk Street and the present premises not being adequate to meet the requirements; and will he press forward with the new building and in the meantime take steps to improve the temporary accommodation?

The construction of a new head Post Office at Leigh on the site of the old building will be started this month, and it is anticipated that the new building will be completed by the end of March next. During the building operations the work of the Post Office is being conducted temporarily in rented premises; and while my right hon. Friend is sorry for any inconvenience which may be occasioned to the people of Leigh, the hon. Member will no doubt recognise that some slight inconvenience is unavoidable in order to secure the advantages in a few months' time of a specially designed new building.

While thanking my hon. Friend for his answer, will he ask the Postmaster-General to receive a deputation in regard to the points of inconvenience, so that they may be met?

We shall be glad to consider that. We have not received other complaints in regard to this matter.

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been drawn to the disparity of transitional payments between Lancashire administrative county, where since 12th November 19.5 per cent, have been disallowed altogether against 8.5 per cent, for Great Britain; and if he will inquire into the causes of this disparity?

I would refer the hon. Member to the explanation given by my right hon. Friend on 22nd March in reply to his question on the subject of transitional payments statistics.

Is the hon. Member aware that a deputation from the two chief industries of Lancashire, coal and cotton, have been to the authorities and were told that the Ministry of Labour had issued instructions from which they cannot depart?

I do not think that question arises out of the question on the Paper.

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall call attention to this matter at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the hosiery firm of Messrs. Foister, Clay and Ward, of Mansfield, are employing seven Germans; and if he will state the reasons why these seven men have been allowed to come to this country for the purpose of operating hosiery machines that can be operated by unemployed hosiery workers in the district?

Permits were issued to this firm to employ these foreigners for the purpose of training British workpeople to operate a special type of hosiery machine obtained from Germany. The permits were for limited periods in no case exceeding six months.

Is the hon. Member aware that this type of machinery has been operated in the district for six or seven years past and that there is no reason at all for employing these foreign instructors?

Our information does not bear out the hon. Member's statement. These machines were made in Germany, and these German instructors were only allowed into the country for the purpose of supervising their erection and training these employés in the use of this particular machinery.

Will his Department take greater care in future in the granting of these licences?

.: On a point of Order. May I, Mr. Speaker, draw your attention to the fact that there is a well recognised rule of this House that any hon. Member who puts down a question on the Order Paper makes himself responsible for the facts contained therein? When I saw the hon. Member for Mansfield (Mr. C. Brown) last Friday, I told him that I was chairman of this company and explained to him the exact circumstances, that these foreign workmen came in temporarily and for the express purpose of training British workmen. I want to ask whether it is not an abuse of the Rules of this House that this question should appear on the Order Paper?

There is a well-known rule that hon. Members who make statements in a question make themselves responsible for them, but they are not always right; they are sometimes wrong.

May I be allowed to say, in reply to the hon. Member for New-castle-on-Tyne, North (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle) that when I heard him on Friday I was unconvinced by what he had to say and. therefore, I had no alternative but to go on with the question.

Is it in order for an hon. Member to rise during Question Time upon a point of Order and explain his connection with a particular company? Is it not the case that he should do it immediately after questions, and not take advantage of Question Time?

It is quite in order for an hon. Member to rise to a point of Order at Question Time, and I am not sure that the hon. Member for Gorbals (Mr. Buchanan) has not done BO himself. If an hon. Member wishes to make a personal statement he must, of course, wait until the end of questions.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there is a large increase in the number of able-bodied men in London since October last granted domiciliary relief; to what extent this increase is clue to unemployment and disqualification by courts of referees of applicants for unemployment benefit; whether he proposes to sanction additional places at non-residential training centres; and whether he has any proposals to deal with the situation?

The answer to the first part is Yes. As regards the second part, my right hon. Friend has no information as to the extent to which persons whose claims to unemployment insurance benefit or transitional payments are disallowed apply for public assistance, nor as to the extent to which applications are due to sickness and want of work or other causes. As regards the third part, arrangements made by public assistance authorities for setting to work, training and instructing able-bodied men in receipt of outdoor relief do not require my right hon. Friend's sanction, but he understands the arrangements made in London to have been recently extended and a further substantial extension to be in contemplation. As regards the last part of the question, the hon. Member must await the report of the Royal Commission on Unemployment Insurance.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been drawn to the losses among cows in Lechlade following an illness whose nature is not yet known; and whether his Department is making inquiries?

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend's attention has been drawn to the losses referred to, and inquiries by veterinary officers of the Ministry confirm the views of the local veterinary practitioners that the disease is due to an acute mineral deficiency associated with lactation and parturition in cows. The disease is well known to veterinary surgeons in Great Britain and Western Europe, and my right hon. Friend is advised that it can be successfully treated if treatment is adopted on the earliest appearance of symptoms.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many test inspections under the Agricultural Wages Act, 1924, were undertaken during the first five months of 1931 and 1932, respectively; and what arrears of wages were collected by the Board for the same period in 1931 and 1932. as a result of these test inspections?

The numbers of test inspections carried out under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act during the first five months of 1931 and 1932 were 1,091 and 347, involving arrears of wages of £2,253 and £730 respectively. Part of the latter amount has only recently been claimed and has not yet been paid.