asked the Minister of Health the aggregate increase in the rates in 1932, in the eight most populous towns in Lancashire?

The aggregate rate income of the eight most populous county boroughs in Lancashire in the year 1932–33 is estimated to be £829,756 in excess of that for the preceding year.

asked the Minister of Health the percentage of cases among able-bodied men receiving out-relief where a scheme of education or training is in operation?

I regret that this information, is not available.

asked the Minister of Health the percentage of cases among able-bodied men receiving out-relief in which such relief is given in the form of a loan?

I regret that this in. formation is not available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what country the war vessel exported during the year 1932 was consigned?

The war vessel exported during 1932 was consigned to Yugoslavia.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether, in view of the hindrance that the international control of civil aviation will cause to the development of air transport in the British Empire and the industry of aircraft manu- facture, steps will be taken to help these industries to maintain the lead which-this country has established in technical progress and avoid further unemployment;(2) whether, in view of the detrimental effect on industry and employment of the internationalisation of civil aviation, he can say if any evidence on this question has been taken from the commercial interests primarily affected, such as the Society of British Aircraft Constructors and Imperial Airways, Limited; and, if not, whether these and other bodies will be afforded an opportunity of putting forward their views when the Government examine this question as envisaged in the recent White Paper on British disarmament policy and before any final decision is reached

Pending examination of a concrete scheme for the internationalisation of civil aviation, it is not possible to assess what reactions, if any, upon industry and employment would be involved. In considering any such scheme, His Majesty's Government will, of course, examine it from the points of view indicated in my hon. and gallant Friend's question.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that reservists' pay is taken into consideration by some public assistance committees, and that transitional payment is thereby reduced; and whether, as this pay is provided for reservists in order that they may keep themselves physically fit, he will issue a circular to these committees setting out the views of the Ministry on this matter?

I have no power to interfere with the discretion of public assistance committees in this matter, but I have no grounds for thinking that in determining transitional payments the committees do not have regard to any special expenditure which applicants who are reservists may be obliged to incur.