asked the Secretary for Mines what is the number of collieries temporarily closed down in Glamorgan and Monmouth; the output normally produced annually since 1920 to the present date: and the number of men thrown out of employment for the same period?

Since 1st January, 1924, 206 pits in Glamorganshire, employing 47,600 wage-earners at the date of closing and 51 pits in Monmouthshire, employing 21,700 wage-earners have been closed and not re-opened. I regret that the output of these pits prior to closing cannot be stated as it is not in every case available in my Department. These particulars do not include a number of very small pits, employing on the average, only four persons each.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there has been any increase of smuggling on the Kent and Sussex coasts since January, 1932; and the number of convictions arising from arrests made to date?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. Twelve convictions have arisen from arrests made in respect of smuggling on the Kent and Sussex coasts since January, 1932, but it is not the practice to arrest persons when proceedings by summons are practicable.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the present need of retrenchment exemplified by the cuts made and contemplated in every department of public expenditure, and in view of the development since the Athlone Committee reported of numerous agencies for supplying postgraduate teaching at the constituent medical schools of the London University, it is proposed to proceed with the foundation of the post-graduate medical school at Hammersmith; and if so, what is the amount of the contribution to be made by the Exchequer?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the maximum of the Exchequer grant for the building and equipment of the school will be £100,000.

asked the Minister of Health if he is able to state which local authorities are constructing working-class houses at an all-in cost of about £350 to be let at rents of 8s., exclusive of rates; and what steps he is taking to encourage the building of such houses in as many areas as possible?

A number of local authorities are building houses at a cost of less than £300 a house, exclusive of the cost of land, roads, sewers, etc. The all-in cost of these houses, if normal figures are taken for the excluded items, would work out at about £350. I am sending to my hon. Friend a list of typical instances of the kind. With a, view to encouraging the erection of low priced houses in every district in which this is possible I am urging all local authorities who submit proposals to me to keep building costs as low as practicable.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office, whether the Chemical Warfare Committee has any agreement or understanding with any manufacturer concerning the supplying of offensive or defensive material for use in chemical warfare; if so, what are the names and addresses of the manufacturers concerned; and what is the amount of any financial assistance given in virtue of such agreement or understanding?

The War Department has no agreement or understanding with any manufacturer regarding the provision of material for offensive use in chemical warfare. As regards defensive measures, arrangements are in force with certain manufacturers under which respirators are assembled, and chemicals required for the testing of those respirators are obtained. It would not be in the public interest to disclose further details.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the names of all universities or other educational institutions or private research establishments to which grants are given for chemical research work?

I presume the hon. Member refers to research work in connection with chemical defence. The only institution is Oxford University, where certain scientists carry out experiments for which payment is made from Army funds.