asked the Minister of Labour whether he can make arrangements to close the gap between the cessation of payment of compensation to injured workmen and the commencement of unemployment benefits in cases where the workman is served with 10 days' notice and is then declared fit for work by the medical referee?

I cannot at present add anything to the reply on this subject given to the hon. Member on 23rd February. My right hon. Friend is, however, looking further into the matter in consultation with the Secretary of State for Home Affairs.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that last week the hon. Member for Gorbals (Mr. Buchanan) put a similar question to the Minister of Health, who has made up the difference in regard to National Health Insurance, and cannot the same thing be done for those who receive workmen's compensation?

I am not sure from the question exactly to which period my hon. Friend is referring—whether to the 10 days' notice or to what happens after a man has been declared fit for work by the referee. If he is referring to the latter point, he will realise that the law as regards Health Insurance is not quite the same as the law with regard to workmen's compensation. The latter is a little more complicated, but I hope to see if we can get an arrangement on the same lines.

I am referring to the latter point, and I accept the assurance of the hon. Gentleman that he will go into the matter and see what can be done.

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons were unemployed at Doncaster on 1st May, 1933, or the nearest date when figures were available and similar figures for the comparable date in 1932?

The number of unemployed persons on the registers of the Doncaster Employment Exchange was 10,338 at 24th April, 1933, and 14,356, at 25th April, 1932.

Can the hon. Gentleman say of what class of person the decrease consists?

The decrease of over 4,000 has been, I am glad to say, in respect of men.

Has the hon. Gentleman any figures for the last fortnight with regard to the large number of miners who have been dismissed?

The hon. Member knows that the figures for the 24th April are the last that we have. No doubt when the count which was taken last Monday is received, I shall be able to give him further information, but there was a definite drop of 4,000 during the period ending the 24th April.

Do these figures include the figures for the Don Valley Division?

These are men who were registered at the Doncaster Employment Exchange, and no doubt some of them may live in the Don Valley.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can state the extent to which unemployed urban men are being engaged to work on farm land; where such a policy is being carried out; and what are the conditions governing such relief work?

I am not aware of a policy on the lines to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. If he would be good enough to send me particulars of what he has in mind, I should be happy to go into the matter and communicate with him on the subject.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any statistics showing the present number of unemployed actors, actresses, musicians and other theatrical employes; and if not, whether he will arrange to obtain such statistics at an early date?

As the reply includes a table of figures, I will, if I may, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour if he can state what is the latest information in his possession as to the comparative real wages in the following countries: Great Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States of America, France, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Czechslovakia, Italy, Spain, and Portugal?

The latest statistics of comparative real wages in oversea countries relate to July, 1930, and were published by the International Labour Office in the "International Labour Review" for October, 1930, and reproduced in the "Ministry of Labour Gazette" for November, 1930, page 404. The International Labour Office have not compiled and published statistics of comparative real wages in respect of any date later than July, 1930.

Why is the International Labour Office not publishing the figures any longer?

I understand that certain foreign countries took exception to the conclusions that were drawn as a result of this inquiry and objected that the figures were not properly comparable.

Do the figures referred to include the wage value of social services?

The hon. Member will find full particulars in the Ministry of Labour Gazette, page 404.

Will the hon. Gentleman have these figures published in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

I do not think that I can undertake to do that.

Would not the Parliamentary Secretary agree that the information about wages in his possession is very meagre as very few wages agreements are sent to the Ministry?

As far as this country is concerned, I do not think that that is so. As regards real wages, we can make a fairly good estimate, but we have not that information for foreign countries.

Would it be advisable to go to the expense of publishing a White Paper showing the wages for these countries?

That is the point of my reply—that we have not the informa- tion available, and that the International Labour Office have ceased to collect statistics.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that on or about 5th May, 1932, the Governor of Wandsworth Prison received a confession from a man named Hoye, admitting that he had committed the crime for which Henry Kendall, of 43, Goldsmith Row, Shoreditch, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment in April, 1932; whether he has verified this confession; and what action he is taking in the matter?

Kendall was convicted at the Central Criminal Court on the 10th March, 1932, on two separate charges. In respect of the first charge, that of receiving a motor car and storebreaking, he was sentenced to five years' penal servitude. In respect of the second charge, that of robbery with violence, he was sentenced to three years' penal servitude to run concurrently with the sentence of five years' penal servitude, and he was also ordered to receive 12 strokes with the cat. Statements to the effect mentioned in the question have been received in respect of the second charge and were carefully investigated, but my predecessor found no grounds for any action on his part. The case has again been reviewed, but I can find no reason for differing from the view taken by my predecessor.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this man has a paralysed arm and was sentenced for committing robbery with violence, and will he give me the opportunity of privately putting some facts before him?

I shall always be prepared to consider any facts which the hon. Member places before me.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can make a statement as to the present position of discipline in Manchester prison?

There is nothing in the present position of discipline in Manchester prison which calls for any statement by me, but I am glad to have the opportunity of contradicting statements published in certain newspapers in regard to a recent incident which are grossly exaggerated or untrue in almost every particular. They appear to have been made on information furnished by an ex-prisoner who seems to have given a garbled account of an incident when one prisoner, who was under mental observation, smashed some panes of glass and a few prisoners shouted as he was being removed by prison officers. On being ordered to do so these prisoners went quietly and obediently to their cells. Disciplinary action has been taken by the Visiting Committee against five prisoners in respect of the incident, which was in no way connected with any complaints against food. There has been no other disturbance, no refusal to work, no application for police help, and no person has been injured.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the name of the newspapers that circulated the report?

I understand that it was circulated in the "Daily Dispatch" and, I believe, also in the "Evening Chronicle."

Not the "Daily Herald" this time.

asked the Minister of Health whether any of the housing authorities in Yorkshire have yet submitted their slum clearance scheme; and, if so, whether he can give details?

No slum clearance scheme has reached me yet from any housing authority in Yorkshire in response to the request which I made on 6th April. The request was for the submission of schemes not later than the end of September; so that no inference should be based upon the fact that schemes have not yet reached me.

asked the Minister of Health whether any local autho- rities in Yorkshire have, Since the suspension of housing subsidies, constructed houses without subsidy; and, if so, whether he can give details?

No such houses have been actually built, but the Shelf Urban District Council has been authorised to build 16 three-bedroomed non-parlour type houses.

asked the Minister of Health what action he is taking with respect to the application of the City of Birmingham for permission to borrow for the purpose of building small houses to let without subsidy?

I have asked the City of Birmingham to bring its proposals for building small houses in general into relation to its programme for clEarlng or reconditioning slums, which I have not yet received. The most pressing need is for slum clearance or reconditioning, and it is obviously necessary to prepare the programme of fresh building and reconditioning under the slum scheme before it is possible to judge the needs or the means for other fresh building.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether, if a scheme is submitted to him under the enlightened policy of the Corporation of Birmingham, they will have the support of his Ministry in carrying through slum clearance?

I think there is a hypothetical element in that question.

asked the Minister of Health if he can state what is the total amount of loans which building societies have indicated that they are prepared to make under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Bill, 1933; and how this amount is distributed between the principal building societies?

This is not a matter on which I have precise information. It is not necessary that a society prepared to make loans should specify any total amount.

asked the Minister of Health how many local authorities whose applications to erect houses under the terms of the 1924 Housing Act were out of date, have, on consideration, been permitted to complete their schemes; and how many houses are involved?

The hon. Member will see from the circular which was issued to local authorities on the 22nd instant, a copy of which I am sending to him, that local authorities who consider that their proposals are entitled to consideration under the proviso to Section 1 of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1933, which only became law last week, have been invited to submit their applications, supported by full particulars of the grounds on which they are based, before the 30th June next, and that I propose immediately after that date, in consultation with the Treasury, to proceed to the approval of such applications as are found to fall within the limits of the Act.

asked the Minister of Health how many houses were in course of erection by private enterprise and by local authorities on 1st May, 1932, and 1st May, 1933?

The numbers of subsidised houses in course of erection in England and Wales on 30th April, 1932, by private enterprise and by local authorities, respectively, were 1,114 and 33,493. The corresponding figures for 30th April, 1933, were 1,388 and 29,122. Information is not available as to the number of houses under construction without State subsidy.

asked the Minister of Health if he will reconsider the application of the Mitcham Urban District Council and assist the council, by way of grant or otherwise, to re-house the occupants of houses destroyed by the recent explosion in Mitcham?

Proposals for rehousing have been submitted to me by the council and are being dealt with as a matter of the greatest urgency, but I am afraid that I have no power to make such a grant as the council have suggested.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the opinion of the Mitcham Urban District Council these houses that were destroyed by the explosion would have been scheduled as a slum area? In view of his well-known desire to help in providing new homes for people living in slum areas, will he reconsider the application from that point of view?

I have gone into the matter, and I am advised that legally it is not possible for me to make such a grant.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the increasing practice of local government bodies stipulating in their schedules or contracts a particular make or brand of certain articles and whether, in view of the direction of the Ministry of Health in Appendix VI of its Annual Report for the year 1931–32, which states that it is undesirable that particular makes of goods or fittings or proprietary designs should be specified, and specifications should be drafted to permit of supplies being obtained through competitive agencies, any further action can be taken to secure compliance with the directions laid down by the Ministry?

It is the practice in cases where my sanction is required to a loan to require open tenders and, where the matter comes before me, to object so far as practicable to the specification of proprietary articles, unless there are special reasons to the contrary. Contracts for ordinary supplies which are paid for out of revenue are not subject to my approval. I am not aware that the practice of asking for particular articles is increasing, but I propose to call atten to the matter again in my forthcoming Annual Report.

If particular cases are brought to the notice of my right hon. Friend, will he look into them?

I will certainly look into any case which the hon. Member brings to my attention.

asked the Minister of Health if he will request local authorities who have been invited to arrange local conferences with housing interests, in order to stimulate the erection of houses to let at low rents, to consider also the provision of adequate water supplies?

I have already issued a circular to county councils and rural district councils on rural water supplies. Supplies in urban areas are generally satisfactory, and the best course is to deal specially with any individual case which requires attention.

Will my right hon. Friend follow up those conferences with regional conferences on water supplies, dealing with the areas that could most conveniently be linked up?

That is a matter which would be best considered in relation to particular areas. If my hon. Friend has any particular area in mind, I will very gladly go into its case.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the resolution passed by the organising committee of the World Economic Conference not to intensify the measures which at present misdirect and paralyse international trade, provision will be made for the effects of any devaluation of currency?

If any unforeseen situation should arise while the Tariff Truce Resolution is in force, whether in regard to the level of currencies or otherwise, the Organising Committee would no doubt meet again to consider how to deal with such a new situation in conformity with the spirit of the resolution.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to accept the guidance of expert industrialists upon the terms of international trading agreements which representatives of His Majesty's Government propose to submit for acceptance at the World Economic Conference?

His Majesty's Government are taking steps to arrange for the appointment of industrial advisers to the United Kingdom Delegation, in order that the Delegation may have the advantage of consulting them as occasion requires. An announcement will be made as soon as the list can be given.

Have the Government any intention of using the expert advice of Lord Snowden?

indicated assent.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that a portion of the proceeds of the German 5½ per cent. loan of 1930, floated in London, was paid into the Treasury, His Majesty's Government will accept re sponsibility for maintaining in full the terms of the contract by which British investors were induced to subscribe their savings to a loan to Germany as part of the British policy of European pacification under the Young scheme?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for North Paddington (Mr. Bracken) on Thursday last.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated financial effect in a full year, on the basis of last year's figures of production of beer, of the reduction in the rate of duty on brewers' licences?

As stated in the Budget White Paper the estimated revenue effect of the alteration proposed in the duty on licences to brewers for sale is negligible.

The word "negligible" may mean anything. Cannot we have any more definite information in regard to a duty which has not been altered Since the beginning of the War?

The alteration in the duty is necessitated by the fact that brewers no longer have the option to decide whether duty should be paid on the standard barrel or the bulk barrel. They now have to pay on bulk barrels. Before they could pay on standard barrels. The duty has been reduced accordingly, but the effect on the revenue will not be more than a few thousand pounds one way or the other.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the desirability of minimising unemployment due to the levy of the Entertainments Duty, he will arrange to obtain statistics showing the proportion of this duty which is yielded by the duty on dramatic entertainments, musical entertainments, music hall entertainments and cinematograph entertainments and sporting events, respectively?

I regret that separate particulars of the receipts of entertainments duty from different classes of entertainments are not obtainable, because in the case of duty paid by the purchase of stamps or stamped tickets there is no information as to the class of entertainment for which the stamps or tickets may be used.

In view of the deadly effect of this tax on small cinemas, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that he ought to attempt to ascertain this information before the Amendments on the Order Paper are dealt with?

Before we could do that the method of selling stamps or tickets would have to be changed.

Could the right hon. Gentleman not call for a return from cinema proprietors on which he could base his final judgment when the Schedule referred to is fiNaily dealt with?

No, the duty is paid by purchase of stamps, and cinema proprietors could not give that information.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the amount paid by the Exchequer for the year ended 31st March last to the unemployment insurance (including transitional payments), the national health insurance, the contributory pensions (old age, widows 'and orphans'), and the old age non-contributory pensions?

The amounts paid by the Exchequer for the year ended 31st March, 1933, to the services mentioned by my hon. Friend are as follow:

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the difficulties caused to the trade by the present enforcement of the new regulations governing the export of cloth for finishing, he will take steps to ensure smoother working in this respect in future?

I am not aware of the particular difficulties to which my hon. Friend refers, but if he will communicate with me I will have enquiry made.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will state the reasons for the delay in the negotiations concerning the establishment of a catchment area on the East LinColnshire coast; and if he will indicate what action he proposes to take?

The delay has arisen mainly in connection with the question of the inclusion of the County Borough of Grimsby within the proposed catchment area, on which matter the views of the county borough have only recently become available to the Lindsey County Council. The question is, to-day, being further discussed at a meeting between officers of the Ministry and of the County Council.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will consider arranging for the re-introduction of the broadcasting of National Mark egg prices; and what is the reason why such broadcasting was abandoned?

The practice of broadcasting National Mark egg price quotations was abandoned because, in the opinion of the Board of National Mark Egg Control, the form in which it was possible to broadcast these price quotations was misleading. I understand that the Board have recently been approached with a view to the resumption of the practice of broadcasting the quotations in question, and if they consent to this course, I will do my best to make the necessary arrangements.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the need of immediate Capttal on many farms in the country; and if he is further considering the possibility of affording farmers a better system of short-tenn credits?

I am aware of the circumstances referred to in the first part of the question. In regard to the last part of the question, however, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer I gave on the 18th May to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend, the Member for the Isle of Wight (Captain Mac-donald).

asked the Minister of Agriculture the price of fat cattle at the present time and at this time last year?

The average price per live cwt. of first quality fat cattle for the week ended 17th May, at markets for which the Ministry obtains reports, was 40s. 10d., as compared with 49s. 10d. for the corresponding week in 1932.

Do those figures not show that the restrictions on imports are not severe enough and will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman take immediate steps to increase them?

Are not these prices due to the poverty of the people rather than to a shortage in the supply?

Obviously, more factors have to be taken into account than the factor of restrictions. There is the possibility of a change-over to other forms of meat.

Is the Minister not aware that cattle now coming on the market are store-fed cattle, that they cost more to produce and that they give more employment than is given by grass-fed cattle, and will he take steps to make store feeding profitable?

We can do nothing until the Bill is on the Statute Book and then with the co-operation of the hon. and gallant Member we shall be able to see that it is made effective.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of Soviet butter which has been imported into this country Since the establishment of the embargo on Russian imports; and to what extent licences have already been issued for the importation of such butter in the immediate future?

19,286 cwts. of Russian butter have been imported under licences issued under Section 2 of the Russian Goods (Import Prohibition) Act, 1933, and licences will shortly be issued for a further quantity of 10,000 cwts. All this butter had been substantially paid for before the issue of the Royal Proclamation on 19th April.

Is the Minister not aware of the urgent necessity for restricting the importation of butter from all sources into this country, and thus giving encouragement in the dairy industry?

I am quite well aware of it, and, if it can be done only to the detriment of the persons against whom it is directed, that is all very well, but I do not like to penalise our own people.

Would it not be possible to know who are the purchasers of this butter?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will enter into negotiations with the Canadian Government to ensure that cattle imported from this country to Canada are subject to the same conditions, with regard to quarantine, as Canadian cattle imported into this country; and whether, failing agreement, he will impose similar conditions in this country to those imposed by the Canadian Government?

I am advised that the incidence of animal diseases in this country —such, for instance, as foot and mouth— is different from their incidence in Canada, and the regulations of each country in respect of the import of cattle from the other must be expected to reflect that difference. I do not see my way to adopt the suggestion in the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question. The last part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these Canadian regulations are a great handicap to our farmers; and will he consult the Minister of Agriculture and see whether anything can be done to help?

I shall be delighted to consult the Minister of Agriculture.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the fact that tariff adjustments with the Argentine are to be the subject of further discussions, he will give consideration to the serious position of the producers of oats in Great Britain and take steps to protect their interests when these discussions are taking place?

The interests of producers of oats in the United Kingdom will certainly be borne in mind during the tariff negotiations with Argentina.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any agreement has been reached between the beet-sugar interest and the refining interests on the future of the sugar industry in this country; whether this affects the continuance of the sugar-beet subsidy now granted by the Government; and, if so, to what extent and on what lines?

As (has already been announced, the Government have under consideration certain proposals, agreed between the refining and beet-sugar interests and submitted by them, but I am not at present in a position to make any statement either as to the nature of these proposals or as to their likely effect on the future needs of the sugar-beet industry.

Before the Government come to a conclusion on this matter, will they carry out the undertaking given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Budget speech last year, that there shall be an inquiry into the operation of the present beet-sugar subsidy?

My right hon. Friend will be aware that he asked a question of the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 16th March on that point, and I have nothing to add to the answer then given.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say when he expects to be in a position to announce the nature of these proposals?

We hope to be in a position to do so certainly before there is any anxiety about the future arrangements which have to be come to.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, for the convenience of visitors from the country, he will arrange for the glasshouses at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, to be opened from 10 o'clock onwards on all week days instead of on Tuesdays and Fridays only, as at present?

These glasshouses are open to the public every day from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and on Tuesdays and Fridays, which are students' days, also from 10 a.m. to 11.45 a.m. I regret I cannot see my way to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion, having regard to the time occupied in cultural operations, rearrangement of plants, and other necessary work in the glasshouses.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will inquire into the case of Mr. J. L. Johnson, of 34, Hawthorn Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne, in view of the fact that this man is helpless through gunshot wounds and is destitute; and will he state if he will do anything in this case?

As my hon. Friend is aware, this case has recently been investigated at his instance, and the full facts have been communicated to him. The pensioner in question is in receipt of a life pension at the rate appropriate to the extent of disablement resulting from his War service. There are no grounds on which I should have authority to increase the award.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many claims for disability pensions were received by his Department during 1932; how many were recognised and awards made; and how many were refused?

The information asked for in this question is contained in the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Deritend (Mr. Smedley Crooke) on 21st February last, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that an efficient separator is now being produced, it is proposed to take any steps to prevent the discharge of oil at sea?

The discharge of oil within the territorial limits of this country is prohibited under the Oil in Navigable Waters Act, 1922. If the hon. Member has in mind the compulsory fitting of separators on vessels, this is a matter for international action, the possibility of which is being considered.

Is it not possible for the Minister to get the authority of this House to impose very much heavier penalties upon those who discharge oil at sea?

I am advised that that proposal would not have the desired effect.

Does the Minister anticipate that nothing will be done to stop this pollution of the sea?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if, in view of the annoyance caused by the noise of aeroplanes to a large number of people, he will consider the desirability of restricting commercial flying to definite lines of traffic and pleasure flying to thinly-populated districts?

My Noble Friend regrets that he cannot adopt the hon. Member's suggestion. It would unduly restrict the reasonable development of commercial flying, and would to a large extent, deprive the general public of reasonable opportunities for pleasure flying.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not prepared to do anything to relieve people from the infliction that they suffer from aeroplanes?

The hon. Member suggests that flying should be concentrated in thinly-populated areas; but people usually go there to be quiet, and the inhabitants would be the first to complain if the hon. Member's suggestion were carried out.

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking any steps to prohibit the use of open exhausts on aircraft engines?

My Noble Friend knows that we will do whatever we possibly can to restrict noise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he is aware that the establishment of aerodromes greatly reduces the value of neighbouring property; and if he will introduce legislation to compensate those whose property has been so reduced in value?

My information goes to show that the effect of establishing aerodromes is often quite contrary to that stated in the question, and I regret I can hold out no prospect of special legislation on the subject being introduced.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the names of any aerodromes that he thinks have improved the character of the locality in which they were established, from a residential point of view?

I think that the land in the vicinity of aerodromes has gone up in value because of the extremely rapid means of transport available and the assurance of large open spaces that will not be built upon.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the names of any such aerodromes?

I could begin by giving the name of the aerodrome in London—Croydon.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been drawn to the scarcity of identification signs throughout the country for the assistance of air navigation; and if he will arrange for towns and railway stations to have their names conspicuously displayed in white letters legible at 1,000 feet?

I think the scarcity of ground markings is rather less serious than my hon. and gallant Friend's question suggests, and that there is no special further action which the Air Ministry could suitably take at the present time. As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, the Air Ministry is sympathetic to the scheme outlined in my reply of 9th December, 1931, to my Noble Friend the Member for Central Bristol (Lord Apsley).

Would it not be possible for the Air Ministry to give some special encouragement to railway companies to have the names of the railway stations painted on the roofs as well as on the walls of their buildings?

Railway stations are very often situated in thickly-populated areas, and, if the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion were adopted there might he some danger from low flying.

Is the Minister aware that a large number of gas companies have already painted the names of their towns on the tops of the gasholders, and will he not consider writing a personal letter to gas companies in order to get this practice adopted all over the country?

I will consider that.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he will make a statement as to the results to date of the working of the convention regarding air navigation between Great Britain and Austria, which came into force on 14th January, 1933; and with how many other foreign countries similar conventions are in force or in process of negotiation?

As regard the first part of the question, it is known that United Kingdom pilots have taken advantage of the convention referred to, which enables them to make private flights to or over Austrian territory without obtaining prior permission. I have, however, no information as to the actual number of flights made. As regards the second part, two other such special agreements are in operation, and three are in process of negotiation. Occasion for such special agreements only arises, of course, in the case of States which are not parties to the Convention for the Regulation of Aerial Navigation, 1919; some 30 State members have subscribed to that convention.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if his attention has been drawn to the recent legal decision which laid down the pilot's powers when in charge of an aeroplane; and if he will take steps to have the principle thus legally determined included in Government legislation dealing with air navigation?

I have seen a report of the case to which my hon. and gallant Friend presumably refers. It does not, however, seem to me to give rise to any point on which new legislation would be appropriate.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many men during each of the past two years have been discharged from the Royal Air Force before their period of service was long enough to entitle them to a pension; and how many new recruits have been taken on during the same periods?

The number of airmen discharged or transferred to the reserve on the completion of their engagements, and not eligible for pension, was 1,823 during the financial year 1931, and 1,789 during 1932. The numbers recruited during the same years, including boys entered for apprenticeship training, were 2,251 and 1,069 respectively.

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate how undesirable it is that in so many cases employment in the Royal Air Force should turn out to be a blind-alley occupation?

It is obviously essential that there should be a proper flow of recruits coming into the Air Force, and that those who do come in should stay in for the period for which they have engaged.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that Scottish magistrates have no power to make any regulations, other than safety rules, for the exhibition of kinematograph films, and cannot prevent children and young per sons from attending films which have been passed by the censor as suitable for adults only: and whether he is prepared to introduce the necessary legislation to enable suitable regulations to be brought into operation?

As my right hon. Friend stated in answer to a question addressed to him on 21st March last, by the Noble Lady the Member for Kinross and West Perth (Duchess of Atholl), he is advised that the legal position in Scotland is as stated in the first part of the question, though he is not aware that the matter has been the subject of judicial decision. As regards the latter part of the question, the subject is at present receiving careful consideration, but my right hon. Friend is not in a position to give any undertaking as to legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the reason why the corporation of Aberdeen has not built any houses under the 1930 Housing Act; and whether he is taking any action in the matter?

My attention was drawn some time ago to the fact that, though the corporation of Aberdeen have completed over 3,000 houses with State assistance Since 1919, none of these has been provided under the Act of 1930. The corporation have, however, erected 280 houses for the replacement of unfit houses with the assistance of the slum clearance grant available under the Act of 1923. The Department of Health have been in correspondence with the corporation on this subject, and I am informed that the corporation are preparing a scheme for the erection of some 500 houses for slum replacement on land already in their possession.

Is it not the case that the corporation of Aberdeen has been very fully occupied with its 1924–25 programme, and that the suggestion that it has —been behindhand is entirely without foundation?

Is it not the case that a number of complaints have been made, not only to the corporation, but also to the Scottish Office, as to the delay in erecting houses under this Act?

My attention was drawn to the matter in March, and a correspondence with the corporation was begun then by the Department of Health. In April certain ratepayers went through the ordinary procedure of Section 37 of the Act of 1930. I have not taken any action with regard to that position, as the matter is already in hand.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that many motor coaches carry side lamps so high that they are useless; and whether he will consider the desirability of issuing a regulation that side lamps should be carried at a uniform height at which theirutility for road purposes is greatest?

I agree that side lamps on motor vehicles should not be carried at too great a height, but my attention had not been drawn to any special difficulty with regard to motor coaches in this respect. Normally these vehicles, owing to their internal lighting, are sufficiently visible at night. I doubt whether a regulation on the subject is necessary, but I will bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind.

asked the Minister of Transport to what extent he is now prepared to consider schemes for the improvement of canal bridges; whether he has issued any recent circular to local authorities with regard to this matter; and, if not, whether he proposes to do so in order to stimulate such work at an early date?

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a circular letter which is now being issued to highway authorities regarding the grants which will be available for approved works of improvement of roads and bridges, etc., during the financial year 1933–34. The third paragraph of the letter deals with the reconstruction of weak bridges which are not vested in highway authorities, and explains the conditions under which the Minister is prepared to consider applications for grants towards the reconstruction of road bridges over railways, canals, etc.

asked the Secretary for Mines the figures of the average monthly imports of coal from the Bristol Channel ports and the United Kingdom, respectively, into the Irish Free State for the six months January to July, 1932, and the six months July to December, 1932, with the average c.i.f. prices in both cases?

I have been asked to reply. I regret that the Trade Accounts of the Irish Free State do not disclose such information, but the average monthly quantity of coal exported to the Irish Free State from Great Britain and Northern Ireland during the first six months of 1932 was 191,176 tons, and during the second six months, 130,458 tons. Of these quantities, 38,592 tons and 28,783 tons respectively, were exported from the Bristol Channel ports. Average c.i.f. figures are not available, but the average declared value, f.o.b., of all coal exported to the Irish Free State, was 18s. 9d. per ton and 17s. 11d. per ton during the two periods respectively. Similar values of exports from the Bristol Channel ports are not readily available.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has any information as to the tonnage of foreign coal imported into Ireland in the nine months July, 1932, to March, 1933, and the corresponding figures for the corresponding period a year earlier; and the c.i.f. price of coals from Germany, Poland and Belgium?

I have been asked to reply. Official statistics are not available, but, so far as I can ascertain, imports of foreign coal into the Irish Free State in the nine months July, 1932, to March, 1933, amounted to approximately 600,000 statute tons, and no foreign coal was imported in the corresponding period a year earlier. With regard to prices, typical examples of quotations c.i.f. Dublin within the last few days are as follow:

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that the figures reveal a loss of employment to 4,000 or 5,000 men engaged in the mining industry of this country, and a transference of that employment to Germany and Poland?

Perhaps the hon. Member will allow the Secretary for Mines to deal with that point himself.

May I be allowed to ask the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade whether this silly family squabble cannot be brought to an end?

May I ask whether the hon. Member's policy in connection with coal and Ireland is always one of surrender?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office, with regard to the proposal to build new barracks at Hong Kong, whether it is intended to alter the distribution of British troops in China?

Unless there should be any change in the situation in Shanghai, it is not proposed to replace the battalion which is to be withdrawn this winter from Shanghai to Hong Kong in accordance with the normal trooping programme. This does not involve a change of policy as regards our garrisons in China, Since the two battalions at Shanghai are an integral part of the garrison of Hong Kong, having been detached to deal with the situation in Shanghai. The total garrison in China will, therefore, remain the same, and it will always be possible to reinforce Shanghai from Hong Kong quickly, as was done in February, 1932.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, seeing that the Maharajah of Alwar has agreed to leave his State for two years pending the restoration of its finances by British officials, any guarantee will be obtained from the Maharajah before he is permitted to resume the administration of his State at the expiration of that period?

All questions of this kind will naturally have to be considered by the Paramount Power in deciding, when the time comes, under what conditions it would be advisable for His Highness to return to his State.

Do the Government contemplate restoring this ruler to power, after the affairs of his State have been put into order, without any guarantee?

I (have nothing to add to my answer except this, that we will consider the situation when it arises in two years' time.

Could the right hon. Gentleman give us any information as to who is likely to be the paramount Power at that time?

Certainly; the same Power which holds the paramountcy today.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Advisory Committee of the League of Nations which was set up in connection with the Sino-Japanese dispute has yet made any report on the question of an arms embargo; and, if not, whether, in view of Japan's continued aggression in Chinese territory, he will urge the committee to expedite its work?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, I think it may be assumed that the committee is pursuing its labours as expeditiously as it can.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when we are likely to have a decision on this matter.

I am afraid I cannot.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information regarding negotiations between the Governments of the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics and Manchukuo regarding the sale of Russia's interest in the Chinese Eastern Railway; and whether, seeing that such sale would constitute an infringement of the sovereignty of China, he will take steps to secure the recognition of this sovereignty which is guaranteed under the Nine-Power Treaty of Washington?

I understand that the Soviet Government have offered to sell their rights in the Chinese Eastern Railway to the Manchukuo Government, but it is not apparent to me that this involves any obligation on the part of the signatories of the Nine-Power Treaty.

Is it not the case that the Manchukuo Government have claimed that part of the railway which origiNaily belonged, and presently does belong, to China; and will the right hon. Gentleman not take into consideration the fact that this Government has no power to contract with the Soviet Republic of Russia to sell a railway in which it has no right?

I should be very sorry to assume that the Soviet Government will do anything to infringe the sovereignty of another country.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will answer my question, which was, not whether the Soviet Republic have any rights to sell, but whether the Manchukuo Government have any rights to buy?

That is an extremely difficult legal question, on which I am not prepared to pronounce an opinion.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received from His Majesty's Minister to the Chinese Republic any dispatch dealing with this subject, and, if so, can it be laid on the Table of the House, or will he state the Source of the information that he has just conveyed to the House?

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will put a question down. I have answered the question on the Paper.

I will raise it in the discussion to-morrow.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been drawn to recent cases where punishments of birching have been inflicted on boys before the expiration of the statutory period during which the decisions might be appealed against; if he is aware that two boys, aged 12 years each, were ordered at the Southport children's court, on 13th April, to receive six strokes of the birch each, and that the same two boys were on 19th April again ordered six strokes of the birch each for an offence committed before the former one; and whether, in view of these and similar cases, he will introduce a Bill to abolish birching as a punishment for young persons on the lines of the original draft of the Children Bill in 1932?

I am not aware of any requirement in law to delay the carrying out of an order of a court of summary jurisdiction for the whipping of a boy, as suggested in the first part of the question. On the contrary, the Summary Jurisdiction Act, 1879, provides that the whipping shall be administered as soon as practicable. My attention has been called to the Southport case and I am informed by the Justices that they only resort to whipping on the rarest occasions and with the utmost reluctance. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative. My hon. Friend will remember that only last year a proposal in the Children and Young Persons Bill to deprive Courts of Summary Jurisdiction of the power to order boys to be whipped was not accepted by Parliament.

asked the Minister of Health whether the deductions he proposes to make in the Exchequer grants payable to certain authorities have been fixed; and, if so, how the grant revenue of each of the boroughs and counties for South Wales will be affected?

asked the Minister of Health whether the grants to the county councils of North Wales are to be affected by the decision to allocate £500,000 to the distressed areas and, if so, to what extent?

The reference is presumably to the statement which I made on 12th April as to a temporary measure of assistance to the distressed areas.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of persons and firms registered under the Moneylenders Act on the 1st March, 1933, or on such other date on which the returns can be made up, giving the nationality of the persons so registered?

The system of registering moneylenders was abolished by the Moneylenders Act, 1927. Instead, moneylenders are, subject to certain exceptions, required to obtain Excise licences annually, and these licences are only granted to persons authorised by the Petty Sessional Justices or other competent authority to hold them. The number of licences issued in the year ended 31st March, 1932 (the latest date up to which the figures are at present available) was 3,519. No information as to the nationality of holders of licences is available.

Are any Hitlerites registered in this country?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement regarding the position of the Disarmament Conference Since the declaration by Mr. Norman Davis in the general committee?

The discussion of the United Kingdom Draft Convention is still continuing at Geneva. I hope that the Secretary of State will be able to make a statement on Foreign Affairs tomorrow, and perhaps the hon. Member will be so good as to await until then a fuller answer to his question.