Written Answers
Royal Air Force (Accident, Andover)
asked the Undersecretary of State for Air whether he is aware of an accident that occurred on 8th June, near Andover, in which one pilot was killed; and whether he will state the type of parachute used and when it was last repacked?
Yes, Sir; the parachute in question was an Irvin, pilot, seat type, and was last repacked on 8th May of this year.
Flying Clubs (Subsidy)
asked the Undersecretary of State for Air the number of flying clubs operating within 50 miles of London; how many of these are ineligible for the Government subsidy; and whether he will take steps to see that all these clubs are put on an equal basis after 31st July, 1932, in respect of any subsidies that may be paid?
As regards the first two parts of the question, there are some 13 flying clubs within 50 miles of London. Eight of that number do not benefit by subsidy. As regards the last part of the question, my Noble Friend is satisfied that it is essential, both on financial and other grounds, to differentiate between clubs in respect of eligibility for subsidy. He regrets, therefore, that he can hold out no hope of any change in this policy.
Trade And Commerce
Australia (Import Prohibition)
asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he is aware that the Australian Government have prohibited the importation of wool-felt hoods for girls' and women's hats as from 2nd June; and if he will make representations with a view to having this prohibition cancelled until the matter can be discussed at Ottawa?
I understand that the facts are as stated. The matter is "being taken up with His Majesty's Government in the Commonwealth.
Tariff Reductions (Convention)
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the agreement, already initialled by Holland, Belgium, and Luxemburg, which provides for the reciprocal lowering of Customs barriers; whether any overtures have been made to His Majesty's Government; and what stps, if any, have been taken?
I would refer to the answer which I gave on 27th June to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton East (Mr. Mander), in which it was stated that the question of His Majesty's Government's adherence to the proposed Convention does not yet arise.
Northern Rhodesia
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will take steps to investigate the need for and, if found necessary, to establish a local rent board during the development of Lusaka as a capital for Northern Rhodesia?
I have not received any expression of local opinion in favour of a rent board.
British Army (Cadets)
asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what is the number of cadets at the Royal Military Academy and the Royal Military College, respectively, at the present time; and what is the maximum number that could be accommodated at each of those establishments?
The number of cadets at the [Royal Military Academy is 187, and at the Royal Military College is 582. The maximum number which can be accommodated at the Academy is 250, and at the College is 700.
Hove (Representations)
asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the various allegations made by Mr. Edward George, of Hove, upon which he claims to be entitled to public inquiry; and what steps he contemplates in connection therewith?
My right hon. Friend has received a number of communications from Mr. George. He has inquired into such of his allegations as appeared to concern the Home Office, but he has not found any ground for action on his part.
Agricultuee (Scholarships)
asked the Minister of Agriculture how many agricultural scholarships were awarded to the sons and how many to the daughters of agricultural workers during 1930 and 1931?
| — | 1930. | 1931. | ||
| Male. | Female. | Male. | Female. | |
| Children of (a) Agricultural Workmen | 31 | 8 | 24 | 9 |
| (b) Working Bailiffs | 9 | 8 | 11 | 7 |
| (c) Smallholders | 9 | 12 | 20 | 14 |
| Children of other rural workers (e.g. working gardeners, blacksmiths, harnessmakers). | 14 | 5 | 17 | 10 |
| Candidates who qualified on their own account as bona fide agricultural workers | 31 | 6 | 34 | 4 |
| 94 | 39 | 106 | 44 | |
The following table gives particulars of the awards made by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries during the years 1930 and 1931 under the Scheme of Scholarships for the sons and daughters of agricultural workers and others.