asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the complaints made as to the attendances of appointed persons on courts of referees and the fact that the absence of referees sometimes causes considerable inconvenience to the person appearing before the court, he will take steps to secure regularity of attendance by members of these courts?

Every effort is already made to secure regular attendance, and I have reason to think that there has been considerable improvement in recent years. I shall be glad to hear from the hon. Member if he has any particular area in mind.

asked the Minister of Labour haw many temporary clerks are now employed in the Employment Exchanges throughout the country and the number so employed on the same date in 1932?

There were 10,469 temporary clerks employed in Employment Exchanges on the 26th June, 1933, as compared with 12,508 on the corresponding date last year.

asked the Minister of Labour how many unemployed are in Scotland; what is the number on transitional payment; and how many have been disqualified from transitional payment and are now receiving aid from the public assistance authorities?

At 26th June, 1933, there were 344,159 unemployed persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Scotland, including 164,691 with claims authorised for transitional payments. I regret that statistics are not available showing the numbers in receipt of relief from public assistance authorities whose applications for transitional payments have been disallowed by courts of referees.

asked the Minister of Labour when it is proposed to open the Kielder training camp?

The necessary accommodation and equipment are being provided as quickly as possible, and it expected that trainees will be in residence at the Kielder Centre by the 24th August.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the communication recently sent to him from the National Union of Agricultural Workers with regard to the position of Agricultural workers and Unemployment Insurance; and will he state the nature of any reply that has been sent to them?

I have had a letter from the National Union of Agricultural Workers in which they ask me to receive a deputation on this subject. I hope to be able to receive this deputation within the next two or three weeks, and am writing to the National Union to this effect.

Will this be one of the questions that the Cabinet will consider between now and the publication of the Unemployment Insurance Bill next year?

That is one of the questions which will be considered.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of miners unemployed at the latest available date?

At 26th June, 1933, the number of insured persons in the coal mining industry classification recorded as unemployed in Great Britain was 384,589, of whom 233,601 were wholly unemployed and 150,988 were temporarily stopped.

Is that an increase or a decrease?

There is a very considerable decrease. It is a decrease as compared with a year ago, of no fewer than 40,415 and, as compared with a month ago, of no fewer than 11,097.

Is it not a fact that there is a considerable increase in. the wholly unemployed?

With regard to the wholly unemployed, it is a decrease also, as compared with a month ago, of 1,175. As compared with a year ago, it is an increase of 13,324.

is it not an actual fact that there are fewer miners working at the mines to-day than there were 12 months since?

I should like notice, if I am asked to give actual figures, because I have not got them, but probably what the hon. Member says is true. I do not dispute it.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of miners wholly unemployed in the county of Durham at the latest date

At 26th June, 1933, the number of insured persons in the coal-mining industry classification recorded as wholly unemployed in the county of Durham was 44,424.

Is that an increase or a decrease?

It is a decrease, as compared with a year ago, of 3,375 and, as compared with a month ago, of 4,064.

Is that a decrease of 4,000 wholly unemployed?

Is it not a. fact that these numbers could be considerably reduced if Part I of the Coal Mines Act were repealed?

I do not think the right hon. Gentleman has answered my question, which was whether he could state the number of men wholly unemployed in the county of Durham at the latest date.

The number of miners wholly unemployed in the county of Durham at the latest date was, as I have already answered, 44,424.

Is that an increase or a decrease?

Order

I think, if I may say so, the lion. Member is justified in asking that question. The figures show that in the total there is a decrease of 3,375, as compared with a year ago, and of 4,064, as compared with a month ago. Now the hon. Member asks me to separate these into temporarily stopped and wholly unemployed. With regard to the tem- porarily stopped, it shows a decrease of 3,560, as compared with a month ago, and of 2,581, as compared with a year ago. With regard to the wholly unemployed, it shows a decrease of 504, as compared with a month ago, and of 794, as compared with a year ago.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state the number of initial applications and review

asked the Minister of Labour the present position in the West Riding (Yorks) with regard to the administration of transitional payments; whether the full committee are serving; and, if not, will he state which section, if any, has declined to administer the present scales?

The matters to which the hon. Member refers are within the province of the local authority. I have no reason to believe that the necessary arrangements for the administration of transitional payments are not being made.

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

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one section of the public assistance committee in the West Riding area is refusing to administer the scales which he has superimposed upon them? May I ask whether, as the right hon. Gentleman takes steps to suppress public assistance committees where he thinks they may be too generous, he will pay the same sort of attention to public assistance committees whose scale is an atrocity?

I have no official information with regard to the guardians committees, which are responsible to the main committee and not to me. As far as I know the main committee is carrying out its duties according to law. I have no information whether the guardians committees contemplate throwing in their hand, or have actually done so.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the public assistance committee is carrying out its duties according to the law as interpreted by the right hon. Gentleman and the Minister of Health, and, as it is inflicting great hardship on all sorts of people, will he now examine the result of its work?

I have no reason to believe that the statement made by the hon. Member can be substantiated in any way.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that where an unemployed man on the means test finds employment for a week or two the wages he earns for this period are taken into account and his transitional payments are reduced by the amount his wages have exceeded his transitional payments; and whether, as this tends to discourage men from finding employment, he will take steps to alter this practice, so that the employed man and his family can enjoy the full amount of the wages earned?

I have no knowledge of the cases which the hon. Member may have in mind, but I have no reason to believe that authorities do not Lilly appreciate the importance of not discouraging men from finding employment. I would point out that the matter is one within the discretion of the local authorities and not one in which I have any power to issue instructions.

Are we to take it that action such as is described in the question is not being taken upon the instructions of the right hon. Gentleman's Department, but really upon the initiative of the particular public assistance committee which is operating the transitional payment?

I have no authority whatever to give directions to local authorities.

If the Glasgow Town Council does not carry out this practice will not the Minister interfere with them in any way? Will he allow the corporation to do what they like in this matter without interference?

That is the same thing over again. I have no authority over local authorities and no power to interfere.

Are we to take it that if a local public assistance committee recognise the right of individuals, when they have obtained employment, to enjoy the full earnings that they receive, the Minister will not interfere and insist upon this practice being discontinued?

I would like to see that question on the Paper so that I may know exactly what the hon. Member means. What I have told him is accurate. I have no power to give directions. If the hon. Member wishes further expression of opinion, I shall be glad if he will put a question down.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will take steps to preserve the right of medical benefit to a group of persons suffering from prolonged unemployment whose right to benefit will otherwise cease at December, 1933?

No, Sir. As I have said in reply to previous questions, this matter was fully debated during the passage of the National Health Insurance Act of last year, and the Government are not prepared to reopen it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire from the various approved societies the number of people who will be affected?

No special inquiries are necessary, but I am in close touch with the situation.

asked the Minister of Labour how many trades in Scotland have agreements giving the workers holidays with pay; how many trades have no such agreements; and will he consider the introduction of legislation giving all workers 14 days' annual holiday, plus statutory holidays, with pay, in the same way as is done with Government employés?

An article giving particulars of the industries in which general or district agreements were known to exist, containing provision for paid holidays, was published on pages 242–243 of the issue of the "Ministry of Labour Gazette" for July, 1932, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member. It is not proposed to introduce legislation on this subject.

Arising out of that part of his reply in which the Minister said that he did not propose to introduce legislation, I want to ask him why?

I welcome these arrangements, and I hope they will increase, but I should not feel justified in attempting to force them on any particular industry. The arrangements are much better made voluntarily.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that this sort of concession cannot be given unless the industries are making a profit?

Yes, no doubt that is so.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the first interest should be not profit, but the health and happiness of the people of Great Britain?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that a very large number of firms who are making big profits give no holidays at all?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has made any representations to the Government of Australia in respect of the recent increase of their tariff against British manufactured goods; and, if so, what is the result?

The recent increases in the duties levied in Australia upon certain classes of goods, five in number, imported from the United Kingdom were, I gather, made in accordance with reports by the Tariff Board, and I assume that the board was guided by the principles laid down in Article 10 of the Agreement between His Ma sty's Government in the United Kingdom and His Majesty's Government in the Commonwealth of Australia, concluded at Ottawa. I shall, however, be happy to consider any specific representations in the matter which may be made by the United Kingdom industries concerned.

Has the right hon. Gentleman made any representations to the Australian Government about this matter?

I have already said that I expect the particular trades to consult me.

Do the Australian Government advise the British Government of any proposed advances in duties before they are imposed?

No, there is no provision for that. We do not advise any foreign or Dominion Government of any particular action that is determined by the Board.

Is it not the fact that we do not impose any extra duties on Dominion goods, and therefore it is not necessary to advise them?

And that is why it is not necessary for the Government to interfere with what, after all, is the duty of the Board themselves.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the approximate annual value of British import trade into France which is affected by the Bill which has just been passed by the French Chamber and which increases the duties on a large range of British exports to France by from 30 to 150 per cent.?

I regret that the particulars given in the Official Trade Returns both of France and of this country are not sufficiently detailed to enable an estimate to be formed of the amount of our trade affected by the Bill, but I should explain that the increases in question affect all countries to which the French minimum tariff applies and that the goods concerned are in fact mainly goods in which the predominant interest is not that of this country.

Is the hon. and gallant Member satisfied that this is not a contravention of the Most-Favoured-Nation Clause in our trade agreement; and, also, may I ask whether it is not a contravention of the Tariff Truce entered into by the French Government during the term of the Economic Conference?

As at present advised, I think it is not, but I should require to have notice of the question.

In view of the fact that this Bill has only just been passed in the French Parliament, is it not obvious that it is a breach of the Tariff Truce?

It may have been initiated some time ago; but I should require notice if I am to investigate the matter thoroughly.

Is it not a fact that this Bill has been rushed through the French Parliament during the last few days, and is the hon. and gallant Member not aware that this increase in tariffs is going to hit our trades and that it has been imposed because we will not join the gold bloc?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is now in a position to make any statement as to the effects on British export trade of the recent agreements with the Scandinavian countries?

The Danish Agreement only came into force on 20th June and the Norwegian and Swedish Agreements on 7th July. It would therefore be premature to attempt to assess their effects.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is at present considering any further trade agreements the proposals for which specially affect cotton textiles?

The negotiations with Argentina and Finland, now proceeding, affect cotton textiles.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he will obtain a special report as to the market for British textiles in the territories of Manchuria and Eastern Mongolia?

Yes, Sir. I am giving instructions for the preparation of such a report.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many of the 646 new factories established in this country during the year 1932 were commenced while the abnormal import duties were in force; and how many of the 355 factories closed during the same year were closed after such duties were withdrawn?

I regret that the desired information is not available.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the closing of the 355 factories has anything to do with the tariff?

I could not say without a good deal of research. This survey is very full, and it has been made for the whole year and not for separate months. I doubt whether the information for which the hon. Member asks is available, but I will look into it.

Is it not a fact that a large number of the closed factories have only shifted their operations from one part of the country to another?

That appears from the survey itself.

Is it possible to give us any information as to when the establishment of these factories was first notified to the Board of Trade?

That might be possible but the information for which the hon. Member is asking would really involve a fresh inquiry, and the expense and time would be quite disproportionate to the value of the information obtained.

Is it not the case that there is no real comparison of the criterion as to the advantage gained by this country from the opening of these factories unless one knows the loss on the factories which have been closed down?

That is shown by the survey.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can supply figures showing either the volume or, on a comparable costs basis, the value of articles wholly or mainly manufactured, excluding iron and steel and manufactures thereof and coke and manufactured fuel, imported into this country during the four months ended 30th April in each of the years 1931, 1932 and 1933?

Estimates of the volume of our overseas trade, eliminating the effect of price changes, are made in respect of quarterly periods only. For the first quarter of each of the years 1931 to 1933, the relative volume of imports of articles wholly or mainly manufactured (excluding iron and steel and manufactures thereof, and coke and manufactured fuel) was 100, 78 and 68, respectively.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can supply any information or estimate of the balance of trade and of payments between this country and the rest of the world for the first four months in each of the years 1931, 1932 and 1933?

The excess of imports over exports of merchandise in the trade of the United Kingdom during the first four months of 1931, 1932 and 1933, was £120,000,000, £99,100,000 and £77,800,000, respectively. It is not practicable to furnish an estimate of the invisible items entering into the balance of payments, for periods other than a calendar year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in making arrangements for a new trade agreement with the Soviet Government, it is the policy of His Majesty's Government not to grant any further credits while Russia has a favourable trade balance with this country?

My hon. Friend will appreciate that while negotiations for a new trade agreement are proceeding it is not possible to make any statement on the subject.

May I ask what possible justification there can be to give credits to a country that has a favourable trade balance?

The hon. Member must not expect me to say anything more during the progress of negotiations. I will remind him that the question of the trade balance with Russia has been very prominently before His Majesty's Government, and, in point of fact, last year it improved very greatly from any previous year.

Will the Government take note of the fundamental axioms of ordinary business?

Is it not a fact that the Argentine balance is worse than the Russian balance?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many boroughs or county boroughs there are in England and Wales with a population of 50,000 or under which have separate police forces; what is the total cost of those forces; and what is the amount per annum which would be saved if those forces were amalgamated with their neighbouring county forces?

Forty-five boroughs, including two county boroughs, in England and Wales of population under 50,000 have separate police forces, and their total net police expenditure in 1930–31 was £598,000. Any estimate of the saving to police funds if those forces were merged with the county forces can only be tentative, as it would depend in each case on the extent of the reorganisation that became possible on amalgamation. On the basis, however, of the tentative estimate framed by the Home Department for the use of the recent Select Committee this House, the saving would be approximately £60,000 a year if all the forty-five forces were merged with the respective county forces Half of the saving would accrue to the Exchequer and half to local rates.

May I ask my right. hon. Friend if he will consider the advantage of getting from the chief constables of the neighbouring county forces detailed estimates of what economies could be effected by such amalgamations?

It would be very difficult to get detailed estimates from them, because it is impossible to say what the details of the organisation would be. The Home Office is trying to get the best estimate they can, but it is rather difficult.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many boroughs an amalgamation of police forces would cause an increase of rates and would be strongly opposed?

No, I am not aware of that fact.

asked the Secretary for Mines what was the amount of quota allocated to the country and to the districts for the last period of 12 months

As the reply involves a statistical statement, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how much of this has been used?

Does the hon. Member mean the figures for any particular district, or for the whole country?

For the country as a whole.

The figure is 14,781,089 tons.

Does it not show that it is absurd that the Central Board should proceed to allocate certain tonnage, if the country are not allowed to use that tonnage even when they want more?

If my hon. Friend would analyse the 17 sets of tables and the totals, he will find that there are great variations in all the districts.

Had not my hon. Friend better repeal Part I of the Act?

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been drawn to the condition of coal miners who, through working in hot mines, are subject to boils and carbuncles, which in many cases causes incapacity and loss of work; and will he inquire into it to see if there is sufficient evidence to include this in the schedule of diseases under the Workmen's Compensation Acts?

My right hon. Friend has not yet had occasion to consider this question, but he will consult my hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines in the matter.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is now in a position to make any statement as to the effects on British export trade of the recent German agreement?

The agreement with Germany took effect only on 8th May last, and complete trade figures are not yet available to reflect its results.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether his intention has been called to the charges made regarding alleged payments by candidates for school appointments in South Wales; and if he will cause an inquiry to be made into these allegations?

My Noble Friend has no information as to the alleged payments by candidates for school appointments in South Wales beyond the references which have appeared in the public Press. He is confident that any local education authorities in whose areas these allegations are made will make searching inquiries, and he understands that one authority has already initiated an inquiry; but there is nothing before him that would justify intervention on his part at present.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the allegations made at a meeting of the Monmouthshire Education Committee that members of the Monmouthshire County Council have received money in bribes; and if he will take steps to order an inquiry into the matter?

I have read with concern allegations made in connection with the work of the Monmouthshire County Council. A special committee has been appointed by the Education Committee to investigate the allegations in that sphere, and I hope that in the public interest they will press forward with their task and make an early report. I will then decide what action it is necessary for me to take, in consultation, of course, with my Noble Friend so far as the education work is concerned.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the number of local education authorities to which his Department has suggested an increase or a decrease, respectively, in their establishment of teachers?

Up to the 30th June the Board of Education have dealt with the proposed establishments for 1933–34 of 169 local education authorities. In the case of 32 of these authorities the board have suggested or approved establishments larger than those approved for 1932–33; in 108 cases they have suggested or approved decreases, and in 29 cases there is no change as compared with 1932–33.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the erection by local authorities of private dwelling-houses, either without flues or with a type of flue that precludes the use of coal or other solid fuel; and whether he will take steps to prevent the further construction of houses on lines which limit ventilation and restrict the tenants' choice of fuel?

I have received certain representations to the effect suggested in the first part of the question.

I am not generally prepared to approve of the erection by local authorities of houses in which a coal fire cannot be used in at least one room.

May I ask what steps the right hon. Gentleman has taken or proposes to take to see that the local authorities comply with the requirements in this respect?

Plans would not be passed unless they were in accordance with the requirements.

(for Mr. HICKS) asked the Minister of Health the number of cases in which guarantees have been given under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1933, with respect to each area; and the total number of houses?

The hon. Member is aware that this Act was only placed on the Statute Book about two months ago. Approval has so far been given to the guarantee, by one local authority, of 250 houses.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the death, on 22nd June, 1933, of Mr. Horace Sheridan Freeman, of 10, Hand-field Road, Waterloo, who was drowned through a rushing flood in Akenside Street, Litherland; what action, if any, has been taken to deal with this death trap; and is the Minister prepared to hold a public inquiry?

I have ascertained that the local authorities concerned with the area in question are trying to find a remedy for flooding. I do not think there would be advantage in a public inquiry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that seven or eight years ago a bay, in trying to escape from a similar flood, lost his life by being electrocuted; that for 12 years, owing to the houses being badly drained, the land has been liable to flooding for two or three months; that houses are immersed to the extent of 12 feet; and that neither Litherland nor Bootle are taking any steps to deal with this matter? Is not an inquiry by the Minister requisite?

I was not acquainted with some of the older circumstances to which the hon. Member referred. As regards his account of the conditions, I do not recognise them in all respects. The particular flooding in question was at a specially low-lying spot under a railway bridge. I am satisfied that the local authority are pressing their investigations as to the means of avoidance in future.

Is the Minister aware that most of the councillors there and most of the population of Bootle wish to place the responsibility on some authority, and that up to the moment there has been no placing of responsibility; and, as this is a death trap, does it not call for a public inquiry?

Is it not a fact that officials from the Ministry have been sent down to investigate conditions on the spot?

The Ministry is taking the usual steps to stimulate action in the matter, and I am satisfied that the local authority are pressing the investigation. In the circumstances, I think that a public inquiry would simply delay action.

asked the Minister of Health the total number of people receiving relief at the end of June?

The total number of persons (men, women and children) in receipt of poor relief in England and Wales (excluding rate-aided patients in mental hospitals, persons in receipt of domiciliary medical relief only and casuals) on Saturday, the 24th June, 1933, was 1,272,058.

Has the Minister got with him the figures of the number of those who are able-bodied?

I am afraid I should want notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Health the nature of the reply received from the West Riding (Yorks) public assistance committee to his recent letters regarding their scale of relief?

I understand that the public assistance committee are submitting certain resolutions for consideration at the next meeting of the county council.

Do we understand that the right hon. Gentleman has received no reply to the recent correspondence, and that he is simply waiting for the next county council meeting?

I do not think that deduction would be justified; obviously, I must wait for the developments in this connection.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Russian bank for foreign trade has defaulted to the extent of £24,918 in respect of the enemy debts clearing office and £9,929 in respect of His Majesty's Treasury; and what steps he proposes to take with a view to recovering this money?

This bank is in liquidation and the necessary steps are being taken to protect the interests of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in making arrangements for a new trade agreement with the Soviet Government, it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to insist upon the recognition of public and private debts to this country?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply returned on 10th July to my hon. Friend the Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison) to which I have nothing to add.

May I ask if the occasion of these negotiations is not a very fine opportunity to insist upon the first principles of business honesty?

If the hon. Gentleman will look at the answer to which I have referred, he will find that that is fully dealt with.

Is it not time that Russia paid up her debts?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the total number of excise licences for the sale of spirits for consumption off the premises only; and how many of these possess justices' certificates?

The number of excise spirits retail off-licences issued in 1932–33 was 8,873 in England and Wales and 2,407 in Scotland. The number of spirits retail off-licences held with justices' licences in England and Wales is about 7,300. In Scotland off-licences can only be issued on justices' licences.

Is my hon. Friend aware of the anomalous position created by the granting of the concession to sell half-bottles of spirits to those off-licensees who hold justices' certificates, while it is denied to the 8,000 off-licensees who possess excise certificates? Will he consider remedying that anomaly?

No, Sir. This matter was fully debated on the Finance Bill, when my right hon. Friend gave his reasons for drawing this distinction, and he informed the House that it had been made in accordance with the desire of the retail trade.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state if any Government contracts have been obtained recently by Messrs. Beard-more for their works at Moss End; and, if so, whether any reason has been given why those works are closed down at present?

So far as I have been able to ascertain, no Government contracts have recently been placed for the Moss End works; the second part of the question therefore does not arise.

Moss End works are in my constituency. May I ask my hon. Friend whether it is not the case that Beardmore's works were closed during the term of the last Government, and, in view of the heavy increase in unemployment caused thereby, will he take that into consideration in placing Government contracts?

Apart from what happened in the last Government, is it not the case that this particular Government promised employment at Moss End and elsewhere?

In reply to my hon. Friend who represents the Division concerned, Moss End works have bee closed since 1931 at least. The Government, of course, have other contracts with Messrs. Beardmore, but contracts are not placed with these particular works.

What was the date in 1931 when the works were closed?

Before you went out of office.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the last completed contract was given to Messrs. Beardmore and delivered; the nature and value of the contract; whether any contracts have been given recently; the nature and value of the contracts; and the number of men they are estimated to give employment to?

The last completed contract of magnitude was for the main machinery of the Flotilla Leader "Duncan," ordered in February, 1931, and completed in March of this year. Within, the last few months, Messrs. Beardmore have received contracts for the main machinery of His Majesty's Ships "Amphion" and "Apollo," and orders for certain armament items, forgings, etc., for these and other of His Majesty's ships under construction. It would not be in the public interest to disclose the contract prices. There is no information available as to the number of men employed on Admiralty contracts.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can state the number of children on the school registers in the island of Skye in 1902 and 1932, respectively?

The average number of children on the school registers in the island of Skye in 1902 was 2,634: in 1932 it was 1,680.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will cause proceedings to be taken against the owners of the trawler convicted of illegal trawling, on 20th May, at Portree as well as against the skipper for the value of the fishermen's nets then destroyed?

It is very doubtful if there is any power to take proceedings against any person except the person responsible for causing the damage, but my right hon. Friend is in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Lord Advocate on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether, under the proposed Foreshore and Sea-bed Works Ordinance, the Government of Hong Kong contemplate carrying out any schemes of reclamation; if so, what is the nature of such schemes and where is it proposed to carry them out; and whether the marine lot-holders who will be affected thereby will be entitled to the benefit of any such reclamations upon similar terms to those upon which reclamations have been carried out in the past;

(2) whether, under the proposed Foreshore and Sea-bed Works Ordinance, the Government of Hong Kong contemplate carrying out any works in the harbour of the Colony comprising the construction by the Government of warehouses for any purposes, and, if so, what is the nature of such works; where is it proposed to carry them out; and for what purposes are such warehouses to be used; and

(3) whether, under the proposed Foreshore and Sea-bed Works Ordinance, the Government of Hong Kong contemplate carrying out any works in the harbour of the Colony or establishing any transport services in the harbour which are likely to interfere substantially with the marine rights or facilities of any of the existing marine lot-holders or with any existing transport services; and, if so, what is the nature of such works or services?

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies has not yet received from the Governor of Hong Kong any detailed proposals for works to be executed under the provisions of the Ordinance, but the Governor has explained that, in a Colony of the geographical formation of Hong Kong, there are many schemes, such for example as approaches to vehicle and passenger ferries, which render a general Bill of this nature essential to the proper planning and development of the Colony. The Secretary of State's prior approval would be required before any important scheme involving the expenditure of public money could be initiated.

May I ask whether he will represent to the Secretary of State for the Colonies the undesirability of putting in a public Bill a Clause which gives such immense right for the extinguishing of private enterprise and private marine rights in the whole colony of Hong Kong and the desirability of proceeding as in the past by means of special Orders, instead of making an example that might be followed to the detriment of British trade by the Chinese authorities?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that officers in the Territorial Army are being refused their rebate of Income Tax on £7 10s. in respect of the upkeep of uniform, on the ground that Territorial Army officers received no pay last year owing to the cancellation of Territorial camps; and if he will take steps to make good this amount to the officers concerned?

I am aware of the position. The matter has been carefully considered, but I regret that a grant of the nature suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend cannot be made from Army funds.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that Territorial officers have to maintain their uniforms, whether they receive any pay or not, and is he aware that the vast majority of Territorial officers attended camp last year on a voluntary basis?

I am aware of those facts, but I regret that there are no steps that the War Office can take.

Cannot the hon. Gentleman reconsider this matter, as it is this type of grievance that is doing a lot of harm?

(for Mr. DAVID GRENFELL) asked the Minister of Health the items included in the Board of Control's estimate of £500 as the capital cost of providing a bed in a mental hospital; what new buildings have been erected in the past year under their supervision; and what further buildings are in contemplation?

As the answer is somewhat long and involves a number of figures, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT

(for Mr. D. GRENFELL) asked the Minister of Health if he will give an estimate of the annual cost of the present lunacy system, distinguishing what falls upon the rates from what is borne by the State; the total cost of the Board of Control, including the total of the salaries of commissioners, sub-commissioners, inspectors, and sub-ordinate officials; and the total expended on the salaries of superintendents and their assistants and attendants, with the wages of all employés in public mental hospitals, together with the annual coat of the maintenance of the inmates?

As the answer is some what long and involves a number of figures I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Health if he will give the figures covering general and infant mortality rates, respectively, for England, Wales and Scotland separately for the last five years, including 1932 if possible?

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate the figures for England and Wales in the OFFICIAL REPORT. With regard to the figures for Scotland the hon. Member should address an inquiry to my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether there has been an increase in infant mortality over England and Wales for 1932, as compared with 1931?

The rates for England and Wales of infant mortality, giving the deaths in one year per 1,000 live births, were in 1932 65, and in 1931 66, so that there has been a decrease.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware of the statement of the Secretary of State for Scotland, that infant mortality is on the increase in Scotland as a result of the treatment that this Government has meted out to them?