asked the Minister of Labour whether he will take steps to inform insured contributors when they have reached the age at which they are entitled to receive old age pension, in view of the fact that persons in receipt of unemployed benefit are so informed when they become eligible for old age pension?

Persons who are claiming benefit or transitional payments are informed when, according to the Departmental records, they are approaching the age of 65, in order that they may claim their pensions before their benefits expire; but I regret that it would not be practicable for the Ministry of Labour to give such notice to contributors generally.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that ex-service men are being requested to bring their discharge papers to the Warrington Employment Exchange; and can he state the reason for this action?

I am not aware of any special action of this kind at the Warrington Employment Exchange. Reference to discharge papers is necessary where the claimant has had no employment since discharge from the Forces, and in other cases where his service entitles him to a preference for certain kinds of employment. The procedure in this connection is the same in all Exchanges.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will consider the advisability of issuing a circular to public assistance committees to revise transitional payments without undue delay, in view of the long period during which applicants are at times kept waiting?

My right hon. Friend has no evidence of such delay, and will be obliged if the hon. Member will furnish him with particulars of the cases on which he bases his question.

asked the Minister of Labour the total cost to the State if children's allowances under the administration of transitional payments were increased from 2s. to 4s.?

Owing to the operation of the needs test, any estimate of the cost of this proposal must be pure conjecture.

Will the hon. Gentleman try to make some conjecture of some practical kind so that we may have some guide on the matter?

Any estimate I might make would be pure conjecture.

May we have the conjecture?

I am sure thon hon. Member is as capable as I am of making conjectures.

asked the Minister of Health the nature of the interview between officials of his Department and the clerk to the West Riding (Yorks) County Council on 22nd March; on whose authority the interview was arranged; and why no members of the public assistance ommittee were invited to attend?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams) on 2nd May.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of residential training centres for unemployed men now in operation; the approximate number of men attending these centres; and the percentage of men for whom employment is found on leaving the centres?

There are nine residential instructional centres now in operation with 1,718 men in attendance at the end of April. In addition, five residential summer camps with a capacity of 750 places will be opened during May. As was explained in the reply given to the hon. Member for Gower (Mr. D. Grenfell) on 16th March last, attendance at these centres is no longer limited to the numbers for which employment is likely to be available at the end of the course, but of the men who completed courses during the first quarter of this year, 16.5 per cent. were either placed in or found employment.

Can my hon. Friend say if any increase in the number of training centres is contemplated?

Yes, Sir. The increase which I have stated. It is proposed to open residential summer camps.

How many camps are there to be, and how long will they last?

The provision of residential summer camps is an experiment, and we are opening five this summer to see how they work. The period of opening will very largely depend on the weather, but we hope that the weather will be propitious and that we shall be able to keep them open until late in the year.

Can the hon. Member inform the House whether one of the training camps is to be provided in Wales?

Not without notice.

I gave notice some time ago, and I was promised a reply. I put a question.

I will certainly make inquiries and let the hon. Member know.

asked the Minister of Labour how many German workmen are now employed by the Maville Hosiery Company, Ilkeston, Derbyshire; for what periods they have been there; and for what purposes they are now employed?

There are nine German workers employed under permit by the Maville Hosiery Company. One has been employed for 18 months, six for one year and two for a few weeks. They were all admitted for the specific purpose of training British workers.

Does the hon. Gentleman think that real efforts are being made at this factory to train British workers?

That is a matter which will come up very shortly when these permits expire, and it is not the intention at present to renew all of them.

asked the Minister of Labour from what Employment Exchange or Exchanges the men and youths were engaged to take the place of those in dispute at a plywood works, Silvertown, arising from the introduction of the Bedeaux system at the works; whether the applicants were informed a dispute was in progress; and what were the rates of wages they were to receive?

The Canning Town Employment Exchange received from the firm notification of vacancies for skilled labourers, no rates of wages being specified, and brought this to the notice of men on the register, at the same time inform- ing them, as required by the Regulations, that a dispute was in progress. The number of men engaged under this procedure was three.

Is it not the duty of the manager of the Employment Exchange to take steps to inform men who are required, that a dispute is in progress?

Each of the applicants signed the following statement:

"It has been explained to me that there is a trade dispute in operation at Messrs. Venesta's, Ltd. of Silvertown and I desire to be submitted to a vacancy there."

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of police detailed for duty at the Venesta Plywood Works, Silvertown, to escort the men who have taken the place of those in dispute from the works to Silvertown station; who is responsible for the cost incurred; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The number of police detailed for this purpose on the 28th and 29th April was one inspector, three police sergeants, 30 police constables and two mounted police constables. On 1st May, owing to cases of assault and intimidation, this number was reinforced by the addition of two mounted men and two police cars. No special cost is involved, apart from the pay, travelling expenses and other charges in respect of the men which are borne in ordinary course by the Police Fund. With regard to the last part of the question, the police will give all necessary attention to the preservation of order and the enforcement of the law, and there is no occasion for action on my part.

Is it one of the duties of either the mounted police or the foot police to escort what they call the "Black stockings" in and out of the works; from their work to the railway station and vice versa?

Oh, yes. It is the duty of the police to see that no conflicts take place which can be avoided.

And to march the men out of the works to the railway station?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the intimidation of workers by mass-picketing at the Ford motor works at Dagenham on 27th March and at the works of Briggs Bodies, Limited, at Dagenham on 30th March; and why the provisions of the Trade Disputes Act were not enforced?

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that the police on duty on the public roads in the neighbourhood of the Ford Works and at the works of Briggs Bodies saw no intimidation of persons desiring to work on the dates mentioned in the question. Police were present on both occasions for the purpose of preserving order and enforcing the law. The number of pickets allowed outside the works of Briggs Bodies was limited by police, but apart from that they found no ground for action under the Trade Disputes Act.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the references in the Press which describes thousands of strike pickets who forced workers to alight from omnibuses?

Is it not a fact that this dispute was settled very quickly and that the settlement reflected credit on all parties?

Can the Minister say if intimidation is reported by any of the victims, to whom it is reported and what act ion is taken upon it?

I presume that if there is any complaint it is made to the police, who will properly make their report to me. I have no evidence that any complaint was made, and I prefer not to depend on newspaper reports.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that on the occasion of a recent Jewish demonstration in London against oppression in Germany damage was done to several motor cars waiting for their owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter and explain why no action was taken by the police to prevent this damage being done?

Inquiries have been made, but I have been unable to obtain any information as to the incident referred to in the first part of the question. If the hon. Member will furnish me with more precise particulars, I will be glad to make further inquiries.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on this occasion men who were in semi-uniform went round and took the numbers of the cars of the people who were in charge of the cars, and interfered generally with people leaving the meeting?

As I say, if the hon. Gentleman will give me any references I will make inquiries.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the recent observations of the Recorder of London with reference to the dangerous use of a converted dummy revolver by a person convicted of a crime of violence; and what steps he proposes to take to protect the public in this respect?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With reference to the second part, I am not in a position to add to the terms of the answer returned on 30th March last to a question by the hon. Member for Westhoughton (Mr. Rhys Davies) on the subject of the new legislation now under my consideration.

In view of the great public alarm in reference to so many acts of violence and offences in connection with the improper use of dummy firearms, will the right hon. Gentleman consider giving facilities to introduce, as soon as possible, a general Measure of reform dealing with banditry and the use of firearms in general?

As I said in reply to a question before, a Bill for this purpose is in draft, and I am not in a position to say, in the state of Parliamentary business, when there will be time to deal with the matter?

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for what he has said, may I ask whether it is possible to let the House see a copy of the Bill before the Adjournment for Whitsun?

I will consider that matter.

asked the Home Secretary the grounds for the deportation order made against Oscar M. Hartzell, an American subject; and what has been the result of his inquiries into Mr. Hartzell's claim to unsettled or unappropriated estate of Sir Francis Drake or his family?

I decided in February last, on the advice of the Aliens Deportation Advisory Committee, to make a Deportation Order against Oscar Hartzell, on the ground that, as he had no genuine occupation and was holding himself out as carrying on a scheme for the recovery of the so-called Drake estate alleged to be dormant in Chancery, it was not conducive to the public good that he should be allowed to remain in this country. So far as His Majesty's Government is aware, there is no unsettled or unappropriated estate in existence which formerly belonged to Sir Francis Drake or to any member of his family.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the statement by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, in his report for 1932, to the effect that deliberate attempts have been made to stir up discontent in the force; if he can state the disciplinary action which has been taken against those responsible for.such attempts; and whether, in recent times, there has been less cause for complaint on the ground mentioned?

Yes, Sir, but I do not think it would be in the public interest to enter into further deails on this matter at this stage. Full opportunity will be afforded at a later date for discussion of the matters raised by the Commissioner of Police in his report.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the importance of seeing that these federation boards are not permitted by means of propaganda or otherwise to endeavour to cause or foster discontent in the police force, who are a loyal body of men, second to none?

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether the Government have yet considered this report? If so, have they arrived at any conclusion, and is it intended to implement the recommendations, or any part of them, by legislation?

The right hon. Gentleman says that it is not in the public interest to discuss the matter further at present.

On a point of information. Several newspapers have stated quite categorically that the Government are proposing to bring in legislation. We should like to know whether they have that intention. We are not asking to discuss the report.

I will shortly issue, a White Paper for the information of the House and legislation, no doubt, will follow.

asked the Minister of Health whether, and to what extent, tenements of equally good design are dearer than cottages per square foot of floor area; what is the reason for the difference; and whether he will issue model plans and specifications to local authorities of urban areas?

Working class tenements of from three to five storeys cost ordinarily from 12s. to 15s. per square foot of floor area. The comparable figures for cottages of one or two stories are from 7s. 6d. to 9s. The difference is due largely to the greater cost of foundations and heavier construction of buildings of more than two storeys, and also to the comparatively small demand for tenements, resulting in less specialisation in this class of work. Many model plans of cottages and tenement buildings and a model specification for cottages have been issued, and further plans are at present under consideration. The advice of the technical officers of the Ministry is always available to local authorities.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there has been a rise of about 20 per cent. in timber for house building; and whether he is doing anything to prevent such increase in the raw material of the building trade which will make it impossible to build houses for the working class without subsidies?

No, Sir, I am not aware of more than a very slight increase. I am closely watching the movements of prices.

asked the Minister of Health if he will report the progress made in regional water control and inter-connection of supplies, with the object of remedying suspect and inadequate supplies in certain areas?

Regional water committees have already been formed for South-West Lancashire (22 authorities), West Riding of Yorkshire (142 authorities), Sherwood Area of Nottinghamshire (24 authorities), Isle of Wight (11 authorities), Holland, Lincolnshire (12 authorities) and South Buckinghamshire (6 authorities), and the Central Advisory Water Committee is now considering where others should be formed. With the supplies of water already available for populated areas, it is not likely that many large new schemes will be required in the immediate future. Rural supplies present the greatest difficulty, and I am issuing a circular on them in the course of the next few days.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the present scarcity in the water supply of the district of Denby Dale and also of the proposal, since turned down, for Bradford to supply Kingston-upon-Hull to obviate the need for the new supply now being applied for in respect of that town?

Yes, Sir. I am in touch with these cases, but if my hon. Friend wants to make any special representations, I shall be very happy to consider them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether, in addition to negotiating with the local authorities, he will make financial provision to enable the local authorities who lack financial resources, to provide these water supplies?

It would be better if the hon. Member would await the Circular which I am about to issue.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the power that his Ministry now possesses is sufficient to enable him to deal adequately with these water supplies, or does he not think that he ought to apply to Parliament for fresh legislation to give him the necessary power to deal with this urgent matter?

No, Sir. I am of opinion that the existing powers are adequate if they are properly put into force.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will recommend to the appropriate local authorities in areas scheduled as distressed to undertake an immediate inquiry with a view to ascertaining whether there has been any material alteration in the physical condition of the unemployed and their families during the past five years?

It is already the duty of medical officers of health to acquire an accurate knowledge of all influences which may affect prejudicially the health of their areas. It is also the practice of my Department to require medical officers of health in their annual reports to draw attention to any noteworthy conditions prejudical to the health of their districts, and it is customary for school medical officers in their reports to deal with the physical condition of the child population. I do not therefore think it necessary to make any further special recommendation on this subject to the local authorities of certain areas, as suggested by my hon. Friend.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to make a defi- nite statement as to the exact position with regard to this matter on the discussion on the Estimates next Monday?

When the matter is debated in the House I shall be glad to give any information that I am able on the subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give the total sums collected by the inland revenue in stamps on bills of exchange in the years 1928, 1929, 1930. 1931 and 1932?

I would refer my hon. Friend to Table 28 on page 40 of the 75th Annual Report of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue (Command Paper 4196 of 1933), which shows the receipts for the 10 years to 1931–32. The classified figures for 1932–33 are not yet ready.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the yield from Entertainments Duty during the past financial year for the following admission prices: up to and including 6d., from 7d. to 1s., inclusive, from 1s. 1d. to 2s. 6d., inclusive, from 2s. 7d. to 3s. 6d., inclusive, and from 5s. and upwards?

I am afraid that the information desired by my hon. Friend cannot be given, as detailed statistics of the Entertainments Duty at the various prices of admission are not available.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say approximately what proportion of the Entertainments Duty is paid on the admission prices up to sixpence?

No, Sir. As I have said, there is no division of receipts of duty from the various classes of seats.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of the expenses of the conversion of the War Loan to be deducted from the increase in the nominal debt of £211,000,000 for the year 1933?

As I stated in my Budget Speech, the increase included £23,175,000 on account of the expenses of War Loan Conversion.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the net nominal addition to the Debt, excluding and independent of the Loan Conversion and the Equalisation Account?

I do not like to trust my memory in regard to the figure, but I can send it to my right hon. Friend.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any reason to believe that those who are handling this question are charging more than trade union rates?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount received from import duties on agricultural produce from 31st March, 1932, to 31st March, 1933?

There is no general heading in the tariff for agricultural produce as such. If my hon. and gallant Friend will let me know the particular articles or classes of article in respect of which he desires the information, I will have such figures as are available extracted.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the low rate of interest now payable on Government loans, he will give old borrowers under the Agricultural Credits Acts the same advantage as new borrowers and charge a rate of 3½ per cent. instead of 5 per cent. on all loans?

I would refer my right hon. Friend to the answer given by the Financial Secretary to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Berwick-on-Tweed (Captain Todd) on 17th November last, of which I am sending him a copy.

May I ask whether the Government are considering the advisability of doing this or not?

I would ask my right hon. Friend to look at the answer that I am sending to him.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that farmers are obtaining the full benefit under these Agricultural Credits Acts that the Government intended they should have, and as regards the short-term credits does he not consider that amendments are urgently needed in the interests of the farmers?

I had better have notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture for what reason British eggs which have been gas-stored have to be marked "sterilised" before being offered for sale whereas imported gas-stored eggs have not to be so marked?

By the Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) (Eggs) Regulations, 1930, British eggs which have been kept in chemical storage are required to be marked on the shell with the word "sterilised." This provision is operative so long as an Order in Council under Section 2 of the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, is in force prohibiting the sale or the exposure for sale in the United Kingdom of imported eggs unless they bear an indication of origin. The object of the Regulations is to safeguard the market for home-produced fresh eggs. In the case of imported eggs it is not practicable, in the absence of international agreement, to require differentiation in marking between fresh eggs and eggs which have been preserved by various processes.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of ceasing to require this marking in the case of native eggs on the ground that it is calculated to create prejudice against them compared with imported eggs which are not so marked?

Somehow or other it must be possible to distinguish between stored eggs and fresh eggs, otherwise it would prejudice the case for the British fresh egg.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if, in view of the increase in the imports of beef, mutton, and lamb in the first quarter of 1933 over the similar period of 1932, he will state whether the quota agreements are in practice serving the purpose for which they were intended; and, if not, what further steps he proposes to take to secure to British farmers a fair price for their meat, mutton, and lamb products?

As regards chilled and frozen beef, the total imports from all sources during the first quarter of this year were over 7,000 tons less than in the corresponding quarter of 1932. As regards mutton and lamb, I would remind my hon. Friend that the increase in imports during the first quarter of 1933 was largely attributable to supplies from Australia and New Zealand, the arrangements with which relate to the year 1933 as a whole, and not to quarterly periods. The increased supplies from these Dominions will, therefore, be offset by smaller shipments later in the year. I am satisfied that the arrangements are proving advantageous to the livestock industry of this country.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the quantities and values of mutton and lamb imported during the three months immediately prior to the operation of the voluntary quota; the quantities and values of imported mutton and lamb for the three months ended 30th April, 1933; and the average prices received by British farmers for sheep and lambs in these two periods?

According to the Monthly Accounts of Trade and Navigation for the United Kingdom, the quantity of frozen mutton and lamb imported into the United Kingdom during the three months ended October, 1932, was 1,510,697 cwts., with an average declared value of 38s. 10d. per cwt. The Monthly Accounts for last month are not yet available, but during the three months ended March, 1933, imports amounted to 1,807,554 cwts., with an average declared value of 45s. 4d. per cwt. During the earlier period, the price of sheep and lambs was falling, the average price of first quality sheep at the principal markets in England and Wales being 7½d. per lb. dead weight, and for lambs 8¾d. per lb.; the corresponding figures for the second period were 10½d. per lb. for sheep and 1s. 1¾d. per lb. for lambs.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what proportion of the meat was in wrappers made in the United Kingdom?

asked the Minister of Agriculture the quantities and values of chilled and frozen beef imported during the three months immediately prior to the operation of the voluntary quota, and also the quantities and values of imported chilled and frozen beef for the three mouths ended 30th April, 1933; and the average prices received by British farmers for cattle in these two periods?

According to the Monthly Accounts of Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom, the quantity of chilled beef imported into the United Kingdom during the three months ended October, 1932, was 2,102,072 cwts., with an average declared value of 40s. 3d. per cwt. Imports of frozen beef amounted to 915,627 cwts., the average declared value being 31s. 7d. per cwt. Monthly accounts for last month are not yet available, but during the three months ended March, 1933, imports of chilled beef amounted to 2,049,297 cwts., with an average declared value of 42s. 4d. per cwt.; imports of frozen. beef amounted to 604,330 cwts., with an average declared value of 37s. 7d. per cwt. During the earlier period cattle prices in this country were falling rapidly, the average price of first quality fat cattle at the principal markets in England and Wales in October being 39s. 2d. per live cwt., as compared with 44s. 6d. per live cwt. in the previous August. In the second period prices were steady at an average of about 42s. per live cwt.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the quantity and value of bacon imported during the three months immediately prior to the operation of the voluntary quota; the quantity and value of imported bacon for the three months ended 30th April, 1933; and the average prices received by British farmers for pigs in these two periods?

According to the Monthly Accounts of Trade and Navigation for the United Kingdom, the imports of bacon into the United Kingdom during the three months ended October, 1932, were 2,859,610 cwts., with an average declared value of 57s. 6d. per cwt. The Monthly Accounts for April are not yet available, but during the three months ended March, 1933, imports amounted to 2,410,581 cwts., at an average declared value of 55s. 4d. per cwt. During the earlier period the average price of first quality bacon pigs at the principal markets in England and Wales was 9s. 8d. per score and in the later period 11s. 1d. per score.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if lie is aware of the continued fall in wholesale prices of Chinese frozen egg and egg-pulp products, and that the prevailing prices are £33 per ton below those obtaining in December last; and if, in view of such reductions, he will take steps to afford to British producers an opportunity of fair competition upon the home market?

I understand that there has recently been a fall in prices of Chinese frozen liquid eggs, though in the absence of market quotations I am unable to confirm the figure referred to. My hon. Friend will be aware that under the Agricultural Marketing Bill, the Government is seeking power to regulate imports of eggs if that course is shown to be necessary to enable the reorganisation of the home industry to be fully effected under a marketing scheme. In this connection, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I have, at present, under consideration a request from the industry for the constitution of a Reorganisation Commission to prepare schemes for the marketing of eggs and poultry under the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1931.

Will the Minister of Agriculture bear in mind the fact that the present price of the Chinese commodity in the home market is about £11 per ton below the cost of production of the British commodity with a view to giving some protection to the home producer?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the Import Duties Advisory Committee has reported on the question of the 10 per cent. import duty on partly squared Norway timber which is used for props and bars in coal mines; and, if so, what action he proposes to take?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the second part therefore does not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of typewriters imported. from Canada for the periods of January to March, inclusive, for the years 1932 and 1933, respectively?

The number of complete typewriters imported into the United Kingdom and registered as consigned from Canada during the first three months of the year was 503 in 1932 and 3,602 in 1933.

Does not this show conclusively that the Canadian corridor is being used for bringing foreign goods into this country? May I ask whether there is any machinery at all to prevent this being done through the manipulation of values being made at the Canadian place of acceptance?

It is a little too early to draw exact deductions from these figures, and may I point out that the importation from all sources is less than half it was two years ago.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for the information, is it not the fact that whereas imports from foreign countries have gone down, they have increased from Canada because the foreigner is using the Canadian corridor?

asked the President of the Board of Trade with which foreign countries trade agreements and treaties are now under active consideration by His Majesty's Government?

Commercial agreements with Norway, Sweden and Iceland are now being prepared for signature; preparations are also being made for negotiations with Finland and the Baltic countries. Preliminary discussions have taken place with Poland.

As some apprehension must arise in the case of many trades, which may feel that they are to be called upon to make sacrifices under these agreements, will the right hon. Gentleman give the House an opportunity of discussing these various sacrifices before they are embodied in an agreement?

It is not for me to dispose of the time of the House, but, of course, everyone desires the House to see and approve these agreements.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of his undertaking that the views of the Import Duties Advisory Committee should be sought on questions affecting the British tariff during the trade negotiations with Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, he will state whether the committee were consulted in every case; and whether their recommendations have been adopted?

The Import Duties Advisory Committee were informed of the requests for tariff reductions made by Norway, Sweden and Denmark and were invited to comment on them. The negotiations were wholly conducted by the Government who, of course, assume full responsibility for the terms of the agreements.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the existence of an international cartel between the Scandinavian and other European countries for the purpose of controlling the output and prices of sulphite wood-pulp and the recent increase of over 25 per cent. in the prices of that commodity to this country, he will take steps, in negotiating trade agreements with Sweden and Norway, to safe- guard United Kingdom paper manufacturers from exploitation in the purchase of their raw materials?

I am aware that a convention controlling the sales of sulphite wood pulp has been in existence for some years and that recently there has been some increase in the price of this commodity. With regard to the trade agreements with Sweden and Norway, I am unable to add anything to my statement made on 12th April. But I would point out that there are obvious difficulties in dealing, by means of bilateral agreements, with prices fixed internationally.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that during the time the prices of these raw materials have been increasing, these same countries have been importing paper made from those materials at much lower prices; and is he also aware that the paper industry of Great Britain is getting into a very difficult position?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade at what figure of exchange the peso is to be taken in the payments to the United Kingdom by the Argentine Government envisaged in Article 2 of the Trade Convention between this country and the Argentine Government, dated 1st May, 1933?

My hon. and gallant Friend will see that the Article in question does not fix any definite rate of conversion, but as regards the bonds to he issued under the Article, it is provided that the rate of conversion end other conditions of the bonds will be agreed between the Argentine Government and a committee representative of the holders of the balances awaiting sterling exchange for remittance to the United Kingdom.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any definite figure as regards the 12,000,000 pesos supposed to be immediately released?

No, Sir, I am afraid I cannot give any definite figure.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with a view to being in a better position to safeguard the interests of the cotton trade when making trade agreements, he will set up some organisation capable of entering into undertakings which will be binding on the cotton industry as a whole?

As my hon. Friend knows, I am in frequent touch with those representing the cotton trade. As at present advised, I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by setting up an organisation on the lines which my hon. Friend appears to have in mind.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that the effect of these trade negotiations have not been disadvantageous, in respect of the cotton trade, by reason of the absence of any such organisation?

I think if I had time to consider that question I would probably agree.

In the negotiations with these foreign countries for trade agreements does the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the many representations made by the textile industry of Lancashire?

Certainly.

May I take it from the right hon. Gentleman's reply that he does not think that the cotton trade could have come off better in these trade agreements if another organisation has existed?

If I thought they could have come off better, I certainly would not have been a party to the agreements.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he will be in a position to make his promised statement relative to Japanese competition?

I am afraid I cannot yet give a date.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that in his projected negotiations with Japan, to which he referred the other day, the consideration of sharing the British market in the British Colonies and Dependencies with Japan, will not be considered?

I think I had better wait and see the proposals put forward before I give any answer.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of placing a complete embargo on Japanese goods, in view of Japan having been found guilty of treaty-breaking?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to take any steps to ensure that any benefits now given to certain foreign countries by new trade treaties and agreements are not also given to all other foreign countries having most-favoured-nation clauses in their trade treaties with this country and which have not conceded anything in return for such advantages?

Countries entitled under existing treaties to most-favoured-nation treatment will enjoy the benefits of any reductions which are accorded by the arrangements now being negotiated, hut His Majesty's Government propose in due course to undertake negotiations with other foreign countries, and they will certainly not be prepared to continue indefinitely to accord full most-favoured-nation treatment to countries which show themselves unwilling to meet the reasonable requirements of this country in regard to the treatment of United Kingdom goods.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state how long it would take to denounce these treaties, supposing he did take action such as he has indicated?

I could not say without notice being given of the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he proposes to take in connection with the resolution of the Stockport Chamber of Commerce, regretting the absence of any policy or action on the part of the Government which is at all likely to bring any satisfactory measure of relief to the Lancashire cotton trade, and urging that immediate attention be given to the matter?

My attention has not previously been drawn to the resolution of the.Stockport Chamber of Commerce, but if my hon. Friend will arrange for a copy to be sent to me, I shall be happy to consider it.

Would not some definite and precise reduction of the tariffs against manufactured British goods imported into those nations with whom we have entered into trade agreements, be more satisfactory to the Government and more in accordance with the declared policy?

The original question asked whether I had seen a resolution and whether I would express some opinion upon it. As I have not seen the resolution, I cannot express an opinion upon it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the total amount of British capital invested in cotton mills, coal mines, jute works, and other industrial concerns in China, Japan and India, respectively?

I regret that the information for which the hon. and gallant Member asks is not available.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can make any statement as to the rate of mechanisation in Government offices, indicating those Departments where machines have been introduced, and the public economy which has thereby been effected?

It is the policy of the Government to proceed steadily with the introduction of mechanised methods into Government Departments wherever suitable; and expert officers are available for advice in this connection. The possibility of economical use varies from the adoption of such machines on a small scale in practically all Departments, to the use of large batteries as in the Post Office, the Ministries of Health and Labour, and the Customs and Excise Department. A careful estimate made in 1931 showed that, as stated by the Committee on National Expenditure, an annual saving of about £500,000 had been secured in the previous five years in some 12 of the largest Departments and while progress at this rate could hardly be maintained, further important economies have been introduced since that date.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many officials are employed in registration of transfers on the sale of land, as required under Section 28 of the Finance Act, 1931; and what has this cost the Exchequer up to date?

The number of officials employed is 32. The cost to the Exchequer to date is approximately £8,000.

Is the Financial Secretary aware that if the Government had made up their mind to repeal Part III of the Finance Act, the Land Value Tax, there would be no need to continue this wasteful expenditure?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now able to make a statement in reference to the recent discussions which have taken place between the President of the United States of America, and himself?

Yes, Sir. As, however, the statement is rather long, I propose, with the permission of Mr. Speaker, to make it at the close of Quesions.

I should imagine the House would like a statement, as brief as I can make it, of what happened during my visit to Washington.

My conversations with President Roosevelt during the four days I was in Washington followed exactly on the lines which I indicated to this House during the Debate on the Adjournment on the 13th of last month. I was anxious first of all to ascertain the President's views upon the calling of the International Economic Conference, and finding that we were in agreement, and, subsequently, that M. Herriot shared our opinion, we communicated with the organising committee, and the 12th June has been fixed for the meeting of the Conference. We discussed in some detail, as I indicated in the speech to which I have referred, the subjects which were to be brought up at the Conference. These included questions of tariff, quotas, exchange controls and stability in national currencies. A tariff truce during the sittings of the Conference was also considered. Our purpose was to ascertain by intimate discussion what the prospects were of cooperation, not to come to definite agreements. We both shared the view that our respective countries should enter the Conference, which is now to meet so soon, with hands completely untied.

The result of these exchanges of view and examination of problems was most encouraging. In view of the controversy which has arisen with reference to the suggestion of a tariff truce, I had better say that I felt it to be my duty to point out how different is the position of a country like our own from that of those which are already high tariff countries, with policies of economic defence already fully worked out and in operation. Whilst I welcomed the idea of a truce during the period of the Conference, I made it plain that its application would have to be subject to the safeguards which this difference in our position requires. This was considered to be reasonable. I took an opportunity of putting before the President a full account of British policy on disarmament, and as the result of our discussions we reached common views which have been reflected in the effective co-operation between the British and the American delegates in support of the Draft Convention now before the Disarmament Conference at Geneva.

We also discussed the question of debts and frankly examined the problem in all its aspects. These exchanges of view were of particular importance as they brought out in well defined detail what differences had to be reconciled not only in a final settlement but in the immediate handling of the question. On this subject I can make no fuller statement at present, as the matter has necessarily not yet reached the stage of agreement.

As to the visit as a whole, while I wish to convey no exaggerated impressions, I would say with confidence that the mutual understanding between ourselves and the American Government has been materially improved by the discussions which I have had with the President, for whose friendly hospitality and unreserved helpfulness throughout all our deliberations the warmest thanks of the Government are due.

I think the House will agree that the Press, as usual, has been able to anticipate the statement of the right hon. Gentleman, but I wish to ask him whether Tuesday will be convenient for him to make a fuller statement and to take the House and the country into his confidence? I understand that the right hon. Gentleman is broadcasting to-morrow night, and I want to know whether it will be convenient for him to come down to the House next Tuesday and give us a full statement of the Government's policy generally in regard to the World Economic Conference. There are many questions that I would like to add, but obviously I have no right to try to raise them now. I am sure, however, that both the House and the country will expect to hear very much more from the Prime Minister than the very meagre statement that he has just made, and I hope we may be able to discuss that statement on Tuesday, on a Supply day.

That is why the Supply day has been put down for Tuesday. I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman will help me to understand what he means by certain things that he has said to-day, by making a statement and putting questions to me on Tuesday upon the further matters about which he wishes to have information. I shall be very glad indeed to give a full reply, as fas as I possibly can, to the questions that are put and the observations that are made.

This is an extraordinary way for a Government to conduct its business. We ask what the policy of the Government is, and the Prime Minister says, "Put some questions to me." What have I to put questions to him about? I will only say now that there is no one in this House or outside who has the least idea what the right hon. Gentle- man has in his mind for putting before the World Economic Conference. Our position is that the House and the country have a right to know, before the Government go into that Conference, what policy it is that the Government propose to put before the Conference and to ask the Conference to adopt. It is all very well to make a set of general statements like those we have just heard, and then for the Prime Minister to say, "Ask me questions about them." We want the right hon. Gentleman to set out the Government's policy, and then we will question him.

Will the question of War Debts come before the World Economic Conference?

No.

The Prime Minister told the House that we were going into the Economic Conference with our hands untied. Does he realise that the trade agreements already before the House to some extent tie our hands before we go into the Conference?

rose—

It is irregular to have a Debate on the subject.

My question arises out of what has been said. May I ask the Prime Minister whether he is aware that it is quite useless to hold this Economic Conference until the question of War Debts has been settled?

asked the Prime Minister if he can now make any statement as to the date and place of the World Economic Conference?

As has already been announced, the World Economic Conference is to meet on 12th June next in London.

asked the Prime Minister if he can make a statement on the proposals for a new programme of Australian naval and coastal defence which have been submitted to His Majesty's Government?

I am not in a position to make any statement on this subject.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of hours overtime worked on the six conveyor faces at Clipstone Colliery, Nottinghamshire, during the months of February and March, 1933?

I have had careful investigations made, and I understand that overtime was worked at this colliery on 16 days during February and March, 1933. The numbers of men affected varied from nine to 62 and the additional period worked from one hour five minutes to three hours 45 minutes. The total number of hours of overtime worked was 964, representing only about 0.3 per cent. of the total man-hours worked underground during this period. The working of the overtime appears to have been permissible under the terms of the Coal Mines Act, 1908.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that men at this colliery are now under notice; and will he have some further investigation made into the regular and constant practice of this colliery of working overtime?

I have had the most careful investigations made and they prove that the overtime at Clipstone was mainly due to breakdown of conveyors, and, on three occasions, to unexpected occurrences of strong or hard coal. As the hon. Member knows, overtime is permitted under the Act in cases of accident, danger, apprehended danger, emergency or work uncompleted through unforeseen circumstances, which requires to be dealt with without interruption to avoid serious interference with the ordinary work.

Does the hon. Member suggest that all the operations to which he has referred fall within the category of those which permit employment for overtime?

As I say, the operations at this pit have been carefully examined, and I have given my answer that in my opinion they all arise under the Act.

If all these operations are to be taken into account, is it not possible for any colliery to work overtime every day in the week and all through the year?

As the hon. Member knows, the line is not always easy to draw.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will introduce legislation to amend the Coal Mines Act so that those pits which cannot use their quota may be compelled to part with it?

I have no reason to think that the system of voluntary transfers of quota (provided for in each of the District Schemes in accordance with Section 3 (2) (e) of the Coal Mines Act, 1930) has given rise to serious abuse. I have received no representations from any executive board that an amendment such as that suggested by the hon. Member is required, and I would remind him that if such representations were made legislation would not be necessary to effect the necessary amendment in a district scheme.

Is it not the fact that some collieries could raise and sell coal at a. profit, but are unable to do so because they cannot obtain the necessary quota?

I should require to know the actual case in the hon. Member's mind. If he is thinking of some operations in South Wales I shall be dealing with that matter in reply to a, subsequent question.

Will the hon. Gentleman call for evidence as to where the pits mentioned in the question are?

If the hon. Member has any facts about any particular pits I shall be glad to see and consider them.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the fact that less coal is used by the Navy and that the standard tonnage of the Admiralty mines is based upon a former Admiralty demand, he will take steps either to reduce the quota for the Admiralty mines or to compel those mines to part with their quota?

I think the hon. Member is under a misapprehension. The periods taken as a basis for calculating the standard tonnages of what are known in South Wales as Admiralty collieries are subsequent to 1926, by which time the heavy reduction in the coal requirements of the Navy had already taken place.

Is it a fact that these collieries refuse to part with unexpended quota?

I think again the hon. Member is under a misapprehension. In the South Wales coal trade the term "Admiralty colliery" means a colliery producing first-class steam coal suitable for the Navy, but not necessarily a, colliery whose output is solely or to a substantial extent used by the Navy.

Is it a fact that these collieries refuse to part with their unexpended quota? May I have an answer to that question?

It would depend entirely. The Act allows a voluntary sale of quota, and it is quite within the power of those who have excessive quota, if they consider that a demand is unreasonable, to refuse it.

Then may I ask—

The hon. Member has had his quota.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the mines in South Wales have quota allocated which they cannot use, and will not sell to those mines which can produce and sell their output but are unable to obtain quota; and will he take immediate steps to see that those mines which can raise and dispose of their coals at a profit are supplied with quota to enable them to work their mines on an economic basis, and consequently to absorb unemployed miners?

I understand that the members of an organisation in the South Wales coalfield voluntarily restrict the production of their mines so far as they consider necessary to bring the total output in South Wales nearer to the estimated capacity of the market than is possible under a scheme covering the whole country. Clearly they would defeat their own purpose if they were to dispose of their surplus quota indiscriminately, but I understand that, where the requests for transfer of quota have been reasonable, such transfer to mines outside the organisation has taken place. I should add that in any case I have no power to take action in the matter.

Does this not show that the whole quota system is a perfect farce?

The answer is "No," because if the colliery concerned thinks it is unreasonably treated, it has power to go to impartial arbitration and have its standard tonnage increased.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is yet in a position to state what steps the Government propose to take for the co-ordination of minimum prices of coal in various districts?

The Central Council are meeting on 10th May to discuss further the question of amendment of the central scheme, and the Government have agreed to wait until after that date before taking action in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any record is kept of the number of operations at which anaesthetics were used in Glasgow during 1932, and, if so, whether he can state the number in which chloroform was used; the number in which chloroform and ether were used; and the number where ethyl chloride, chloroform, and ether were used?

I am informed that the information asked for, if completely available, could be obtained only by a detailed examination of the records at the individual hospitals. In view of the labour that would be involved in extracting the desired particulars, my right hon. Friend considers that he would not be justified in asking the hospital authorities to undertake the task.

Since there have been, in the Press in Glasgow, certain public statements as to operations under anaesthetics, will the hon. Gentleman do his best to get some form of statistics regarding these operations?

I will see what can be done.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is in a position to announce the terms of reference and composition of the Departmental Committee which he proposes to set up regarding the reconditioning of working-class houses and other matters?

The terms of reference to the committee which has now been appointed, are as follow:

To consider and report:

(a) What, if any, further steps are necessary or desirable to secure the maintenance of a proper standard of fitness for human habitation in working-class houses which are neither situate in an area suitable for clearance under Part I of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1930, nor suitable for demolition under Section 16 of that Act; and

(b) what, if any, further steps are necessary or desirable to promote the supply of houses for the working classes, without public charge, through the agency of public utility societies or other bodies subject to similar limitations, operating in particular areas or otherwise.

Sir Thomas Whitson, ex-Lord Provost of the city of Edinburgh, has consented to act as chairman of the committee, and the other members will be:

• The hon. Member for North Aberdeen (Mr. Burnett),
• The hon. Member for Dundee (Miss Honsbrugh),
• The hon. and gallant Member for Montrose Burghs (Lieut.-Colonel C. Kerr),
• The hon. Member for Paisley (Mr. Maclay),
• Councillor A. S. McKinlay,
• The hon. and learned Member for Stirling and Falkirk Burghs (Mr. James Reid),
• The hon. Member for the Bothwell Division of Lanarkshire (Mrs. Shaw),
• Bailie Mrs. Somerville, and
• The hon. Member for Cathcart (Mr. Train).

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Jews from Germany have been given visas for Palestine, without reference to Jerusalem, in accordance with his announcement; and will this practice be continued after the 200 certificates given to the British Consul in Berlin are exhausted?

I understand that no details are available in the Foreign Office as regards the first part of the question, but that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs will make inquiry and communicate the result to the hon. Member. As regards the second part of the question, this is a matter which must be left to the discretion of the High Commissioner for Palestine. I am not aware whether he has taken a decision in the matter, but I will enquire.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give me some information with regard to the first part of the question in a short time?