asked the Minister of Labour if he will state the result up to date of his attempts to co-ordinate rates of transitional payments throughout the country; and, in this connection, if he is aware that the scale of transitional payments being administered by the Bilston Public Assistance Committee, which covers the areas of Short Heath, Wednesfield, and Willenhall, is lower than the published scale of the adjoining county borough of Wolverhampton; and if he will take any steps to raise the former rates?

Subject to the various statutory directions, the scales and rules adopted by local authorities for guidance are within the control of the authorities themselves, and my right hon. Friend cannot issue directions to them on the matter. My information is, however, that authorities are recognising in increasing measure the importance of eliminating unjustifiable discrepancies in the treatment of comparable classes of cases.

Am I to understand that the Bilston Committee will be quite in order in exercising their discretion to raise their standard?

It is not my duty to pass any comment upon that.

Is it not a fact that they can exercise their discretion in that direction if they think fit?

That would be a matter for the Minister of Health.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is proposed to introduce the new Unemployment Insurance Bill before the House rises for the Summer Recess?

No, Sir. It is hoped that the Bill will be printed in the autumn and proceeded with forthwith.

As this is a very important Bill, can the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that it will be in the bands of Members in time for perusal before the Debate takes place?

Yes, it will be in the hands of Members in adequate time to enable them to consider it.

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

At 26th June, 1933, the number of insured persons in the coal mining industry classification recorded as unemployed in Warwickshire was 1,602, of whom 1,240 were wholly unemployed and 362 were temporarily stopped.

Does the hon. Gentleman think that the recent activities of the Coal Reorganisation Committee of Warwickshire are likely to have any effect in increasing or decreasing the number of miners employed?

That is a matter for the Minister of Mines. The figures that I have read out show a decrease compared with last year.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) if he has any information as to the number of totalisator employés on greyhound tracks who have lost their employment as a result of the legal decision as to their illegality:

(2) if he has any information as to how many persons previously employed in totalisator manufacture, have lost their employment since tile decision that the operation of the totalisator on greyhound tracks was illegal?

I regret that there are no statistics on either of these points.

As a large number of my constituents are affected, I wonder if my hon. Friend would instruct his officers in the district concerned to make inquiries from the greyhound tracks and from the manufacturers of apparatus in order to obtain this rather important information.

I am afraid it is impossible, because I gather that the manufacturers of totalisators make totalisators also for horse-racing.

Could the hon. Gentleman ask with regard to greyhound tracks, which are easily defined?

No, that would be impossible, because many of these people are part-time employés who work on the tracks after their ordinary day's work.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that men have been sent from Ormskirk Employment Exchange to various farms in the district to be engaged on pea-picking; that, in addition to having to travel six to 10 miles at their own expense, the men have been receiving for this work wages amounting to 9d. per hamper of 40 lbs.; that in some cases it took 2¾ hours to fill a hamper, and that in another case it took a man half a day to earn 1s.; that some of the men have been denied unemployment benefit for refusing to continue at such low wages; and whether he will have inquiries made into the matter?

I am having inquiries made and will write to the hon. Member in due course.

Is not the Minister aware that it is illegal for such a decision to be given in regard to the rate of pay?

My right hon. Friend is not concerned with the rate of pay. The question whether a man refuses reasonable employment is one for the court of referees, over which my right hon. Friend has no control.

Are not rates of pay such as those mentioned in the question justification for refusal?

I am not prepared to accept the statements in the question until I have made inquiries, but, even if the facts were as stated, it is a matter for the court of referees and not for any official of the Department.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state in a single figure the approximate number of persons who are no longer included in the unemployment returns since August, 1931, owing to the operation of the Anomalies Act and any other administrative changes?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 27th October, 1932, to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for Aberdare (M r. G. Hall). For the reasons then given I regret that it is not possible to make any estimate in respect of the present time.

Is it not true to say that the recent employment figures represent a remarkable and substantial improvement in the position?

Yes, that is undoubtedly so.

(for Dr. JOHN WILLIAMS) asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the number of insured persons over 58 years of age who have been continuously unemployed for more than 12 months in the Wales Division and in Great Britain?

I regret that statistics giving the information desired are not available.

(for Dr. J. WILLIAMS) asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether he will issue a report showing the number of employed and unemployed persons whose cards are returned to Kew for this year; and whether it will be possible to ascertain the proportion of men, women and young persons included in the total;

(2) the number of employment cards sent to Kew in the course of the year and give the record of employment of each individual insured person; and whether the Returns showing the totals employed and unemployed as ascertained by the Department from these sources are published and where they are obtainable?

The unemployment books, numbering about 12,500,000, sent to the Claims and Record Office, Kew, at the expiration of their year of currency are the basis of the detailed statistics of the number of insured persons, which give separate figures for males and females, boys and girls and are also analysed in various other ways. For a number of reasons, the books at Kew are not a suitable basis for obtaining statistics of unemployment; these statistics are compiled once a month from a count of books lodged at Employment Exchanges, and of uninsured persons registered at these Offices. All these statistics are to be found in the Ministry of Labour Gazette.

(for Mr. D. GRENFELL asked the Minister of Labour the number of insured persons classified as coal-mining employés in the Wales division in June, 1922, June, 1932 and June, 1933, with the percentage of registered unemployed in that category on the same dates?

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

(for Mr. D. GRENFELL) asked the Minister of Labour the number of insured persons employed in the coal mining, engineering, shipbuilding, iron and steel manufacture, and the corresponding number of registered unemployed for this group in June, 1930, 1931, 1932, and 1933?

As the reply includes a table of figures, I will, if I may, cir-

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that large numbers of unemployed who are subject to the operation of the National Health Insurance and Contributory Pensions Act, 1932, are anxious as to what their position is under that Act, and that approved societies are not making the position plain; and whether he will take steps to inform those concerned, through the Labour Exchanges in conjunction with the Minister of Labour, what steps can be taken to ensure the continuance of benefits under the National Health Insurance Acts?

Would my hon. Friend include the figures for 1929?

Yes, Sir, if my hon. Friend has no objection.

A notice with regard to arrears due to unemployment is being sent to every insured person affected, and posters informing insured persons of their right to redeem arrears without waiting until they receive this notice are displayed in every Employment Exchange. Any insured persons who are unable to secure employment and do not exercise their right to continue as voluntary contributors will be informed by their societies of the date of cessation of their insurance.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his answer that the National Health Insurance contributors are to receive notice personally, may I ask if the notice is to be in simple terms, because there is confusion in the minds of these people as to their position in the matter?

Is the right hon. Gentleman making clear on the notice by what method they can safeguard their future rights?

Yes, Sir. Of course in drafting these notices the purpose which they have to serve is being very carefully borne in mind, and since the purpose in this case is to explain to un-

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that boys and girls are starting work in cotton mills in Lancashire and have to work a period without receiving wages; and will he cause inquiries to be made to find out to what extent this is being done?

I am having inquiry made, but, if the hon. Member has any specific cases in mind, perhaps he will let me have them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has considered the advisability of introducing legislation for the regulation of holiday educated people exactly what their rights are, I am confident that these notices will be adapted for that purpose.

(for Mr. D. GRENFELL) asked the Minister of Labour the ratio of insured persons to the total population of Great Britain, and of England, Scotland, and Wales. respectively, for June, 1930, 1931, 1932, and 1933?

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

I am advised that offences against public order and decency can be dealt with under the existing law and by means of by-laws, and there is at present no evidence in my possession to indicate any need for further general legislation on this subject.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the advisability of introducing legislation for the sanitation of holiday camps, especially semi-permanent ones?

There are powers in the existing law for dealing with the sanitation of encampments of this kind, and I am considering, in consultation with the Associations of Local Authorities, whether further powers are required.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the inconvenience caused in the administration of justice in the counties of Cumberland and Westmorland, and the northern parts of the county palatine of Lancaster, by the closure of the gaols at Carlisle, Lancaster and Preston, and of the hardship inflicted, particularly on persons on remand who are compelled to travel long distances at further expense from the gaols at Durham, Liverpool and Manchester; and whether he will consider the reopening of the prison at Preston?

Lancaster and Carlisle prisons were closed more than 10 years ago and Preston prison in April, 1931. I am not aware that any inconvenience or hardship has resulted which would justify the expense of reopening this prison in present circumstances.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the same difficulty is being experienced in North Wales, and prisoners on remand have to travel to and from the gaol at Liverpool to attend police court proceedings

I think it would he quite impossible to have prisons in so many places as to prevent all possibility of inconvenience.

asked the Home Secretary how many English girls under 18 years of age have taken up cabaret dancing in Malta during the last 12 months; how many of these girls have returned to England; and if he has had any complaints concerning the conditions of service there?

In reply to the first part of the question, no English girl between the ages of 14 and 18 may be taken abroad for the purpose of performing for profit unless a licence has been issued by a Magistrate at Bow Street. During the last 12 months no English girls have gone abroad under a licence to perform in Malta. The remaining parts of the question do not arise.

asked the Home Secretary what colliery company or combination of colliery companies have submitted schemes for insurance of workmen under the Workmen's Compensation Act; how many of them are satisfactory to him; and what districts or counties have failed to submit any scheme?

The hon. Member seems to be under some misunderstanding as to the procedure which has been adopted in this matter. I did not ask each district to submit a scheme, but the Mining Association took up with each district the question of improving the existing arrangements for mutual insurance, and, on the information now obtained, they appear to be either satisfactory or in an advanced stage towards being put on a satisfactory basis, except in Lancashire. The unfortunate position in Lancashire is quite exceptional. Negotiations there for the scheme referred to in the reply given to the hon. Member on 6th April broke down, and the present position is indicated in the reply given to the hon. Member for St. Helens last Monday. I understand that some large groups in different areas contemplate setting aside reserves under Trustees, but the drafting of the Model Trust Deed previously mentioned has not been finally settled.

Is the right hon. Gentleman riot aware that he gave a promise that, unless some definite improvement was made, they would be threatened with legal proceedings? In Lancashire they are making no definite progress at all. I am hoping that he will take a step forward and tell them that unless they do something the law will go forward.

They have been recently seen, and it has been frankly explained to them that they must make progress. Indeed, I understand that in one part of Lancashire progress, if not already made, is in process of being made, and I hope that it will be proceeded with.

In the event of their not complying, will the right hon. Gentleman then do something with them?

When I have all the facts before me and have had time to consider them, I will see what can be done.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of miners employed in Great Britain for the weeks ending 1st July, 1933, 3rd June, 1933, and 2nd July, 1932?

The number of wage-earners employed at coal mines in Great Britain during the week ended 1st July, 1933, was 765,000 as compared with 768,100 during the week ended 3rd June, 1933, and 799,400 during the week ended 2nd July, 1932.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of miners employed in county Durham for the weeks ended 1st July, 1933, 3rd June, 1933, and 2nd July, 1932?

The number of wage-earners employed at coal mines in the county of Durham during the week ended 1st July, 1933, was 98,600, as compared with 99,300 during the week ended 3rd June, 1933, and 100,300 during the week ended 2nd July, 1932.

Is the Secretary for Mines aware that the Minister for Labour stated that there was a decrease in the number of miners unemployed. As that statement is now contradicted, will he send the figures to the Minister of Labour?

The hon. Member is trying to compare two sets of figures which cannot be compared. The figures I have quoted refer to the number of workmen actually on the colliery books for the period mentioned. There can be no comparison with the unemployment figures given by the Minister of Labour; they are not on a comparable basis. It must also be remembered that wholly unemployed and temporarily stopped workers show different variations inside the same totals from day to day, and a number of those who work part of the week are in both sets of figures.

How can there be fewer miners employed compared with a month or a year ago and yet be a decrease in the amount of unemployment

I have explained the reason for these variations.

Are not the figures given by the hon. Member the real figures

Both figures are real.

May I ask if these figures cover 100 per cent. of the numbers employed?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the complaints made to him by certain coal-owners about the restriction of coal exports from this country to Belgium that these are drastically reducing our exports to Belgium, he will state what steps he proposes to take about this matter?

As has been explained on previous occasions, a quota system for imports of coal and briquettes into Belgium from all countries was introduced in October, 1931, on the basis of a uniform percentage of imports in 1930. This basis was altered, in February, 1932, to the first six months of 1931, with the result that imports from the United Kingdom were reduced, both absolutely and relatively, to a greater extent than imports from other countries. Accordingly, diplomatic representations against the change in the basis of the quota were addressed to the Belgian Government in March, 1932, and again in September, 1932.

Is the hon. Member aware that our exports to Belgium have been reduced in the last three years by 4,000,000 tons and look like being still further reduced? Is he also aware that there is an opinion that there is a deliberate reduction of our quota as far as Belgium is concerned with a view to making some trade agreement in the future?

I cannot discuss a matter of opinion, but my hon. Friend will understand that representations have twice been made on this point.

Has any satisfactory reply been received by the Government from the Belgian Government?

At the moment, no.

The hon. Member has said that the last representations were made in September of last year. Is he not aware that the process of reduction has been going on with increasing force during the whole of the past year?

I am aware of that, but at the moment I do not think that any useful purpose will be served by further representations being made to the Belgian Government. The matter has not been lost sight of, and any suitable opportunity will be taken for raising it again.

asked the Home Secretary if he intends to take any action and, if so, of what nature giving effect to the findings of the recent Departmental Inquiry into police force amalgamation?

As I informed the House during the recent Debate on the Police Vote, I hope that there may be an opportunity in the autumn to introduce a Bill dealing with this subject.

asked the Home Secretary what is the number of traffic police now engaged on special traffic duties; whether they are drawn from the existing police force; what special qualifications, if any, are required for employment on those duties; and whether they receive any and, if so, what extra pay?

According to the latest available returns, obtained a year ago, 1,242 police were wholly employed and 317 partially employed in the summer, and 1,176 wholly and 335 partially employed in the winter on motor patrol duties in England and Wales. The men have been drawn from the existing personnel of the forces: they are given appropriate training and are not retained on these duties unless they prove suitable. They do not receive any extra pay.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether these officers remain for any length of time after they have gained experience of London traffic, or are they moved somewhere else?

I think that my hon. and gallant Friend had better put that question upon the Paper.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a procession of some 5,000 black shirts processed in military order through main London streets on Sunday, and that the traffic was held up for them to pass; whether this was done by the orders of the Home Office or on whose instructions; and whether, in the interests of traffic, this will not be allowed again?

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that about 600 members of the British Union of Fascists took part in a procession through certain streets in the West End of London between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. last Sunday evening. The Commissioner was informed in advance of the proposed route, but, in view of the small number of persons taking part and since the traffic at that time on a Sunday evening is generally light, he decided that there was no reason to object to the proposed route. All processions cause a greater or less degree of dislocation of traffic, but in this case the inconvenience did not appear to be likely to be serious. As the House was informed in reply to a question on the 15th February last, the Government are anxious to maintain, to the utmost extent compatible with the general interest, the right of holding public processions provided they are orderly and well-behaved.

The number, of course, is a matter of estimate, but the fact is that I and the traffic in Trafalgar Square were held up for six and a-half minutes; and may I ask whether this is to continue, and why this particular brand of lunatics are allowed to take this advantage?

This question was satisfactorily answered yesterday, but, in view of the fact that I have taken great interest in this particular matter, may I have an official copy of the reply?

Oh, yes. I will see to that.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is satisfied that the deposit of £15,000 by insurance companies referred to in Section 42 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, is adequate; and if he will consider the advisability of taking steps to increase it and of obtaining a close scrutiny of the accounts of insurance companies if and when expedient?

The purpose of the statutory deposits required from insurance companies is to provide some measure of check on companies entering on this class of business without resources. The question whether the deposit of £15,000 fixed in 1930 for motor insurance business is adequate will be considered when amending legislation is under consideration. As regards the latter part of the question, I would remind my hon. Friend of the special powers recently conferred on the Board of Trade by the Assurance Companies (Winding-Up) Act, 1933, which will necessitate a close scrutiny of the statutory accounts of motor insurance companies.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the increasing number of serious accidents caused by drivers of motor vehicles and others coming out of side roads into main roads without due regard to the safety of those using the main roads; and whether he will take further steps to ensure protection to the users of main roads?

I am aware that many serious accidents occur at cross-roads, although I have no information that their number is increasing. One of the signs, recommended by the Departmental Committee on Traffic Signs, to indicate the approach to a major road has been approved and highway authorities have already been informed to this effect. My hon. Friend will also be aware that light signals, which are being erected in considerable numbers with the aid of grants from the Road Fund, contribute greatly to the safe movement of traffic at crossroads.

Is my hon. Friend aware that this practice of marking main roads has been in existence for many years in foreign countries? Why are we always behind foreign countries in these safety measures?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education if he is aware of the absence of a Catholic school on the new housing estate at East Latchford, Warrington, and that approximately 400 children are therefore compelled to travel daily outside this parish in order to obtain instruction in the faith of their parents; and whether, as the Catholics of Warrington are prepared to provide such a school without any expense to Government funds, he will forthwith authorise the building of suitable school premises?

The proposal to build a new Roman Catholic public elementary school at Latchford, to which my hon. Friend refers, has already been considered by the Board. Their decision has been postponed until it is possible to see the effect on the public elementary school accommodation available in the district of a new school which is expected to be opened in November next.

asked the Minister of Health the reasons for the increase in cases of maternal mortality; and whether these cases are evenly spread all over the country or are more noticeable in certain areas?

The rate of maternal mortality in 1932, though slightly higher than in 1931, was slightly lower than in the three preceding years, and it is not possible to assign specific reasons for these small variations in the yearly rate. On the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Lady to Chapter VI of the Final Report of the Departmental Committee on Maternal Mortality and Morbidity published last year.

Will my right hon. Friend give that information to the "Daily Herald"?

If that information were to become widely known it would remove some of the gross misrepresentations on the subject recently circulated in the Press.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether his Department is considering the question of the age distribution of maternal mortality to discover whether the increased mortality is due to the increased average age at which the mothers have children?

I think I can assure my hon. Friend that these aspects of the question are constantly under investigation and consideration, and in particular interesting questions of statistical analysis such as that to which he has just referred.

Is it not the case, as stated in the "Daily Herald," that maternal mortality is a standing disgrace to civilisation, and that this Government in making "cuts" will make conditions worse instead of making them better and alleviating the situation?.

No, Sir. That is an allegation which is absolutely without any foundation whatever in fact. I am delighted to be provided with this opportunity to give it the most categorical denial. On the contrary, the constant policy of His Majesty's Government is to press ahead with the development of the maternal services.

Is the right hon. Gentleman able to ascertain whether in the better and the new housing areas of cities the rate of mortality is heavier or not?

It is not always possible to relate statistics of mortality to any particular area which is not recog- nised by the Registrar-General as a unit area for the collection of statistics, but I may say that deductions based upon mortality in areas which are not sufficiently big to give a true statistical basis are often very misleading.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the discovery of the hair worm, which is dangerous to human beings, in Worcestershire; and whether there is reason to believe that there is any serious diffusion of this worm generally in England

I am aware that the presence of this worm has been reported in Worcestershire. I understand that the two species of worm commonly referred to as hair worms are both widespread in this country, but I am advised that there is no evidence that they are dangerous to human beings.

asked the Minister of Health whether the use of enamel ware is being officially discouraged far use in public institutions; and what is being recommended in its place?

I have not thought it necessary to discourage the use of enamel ware in public institutions, but I have issued a general warning that now that the use of antimony in place of tin has become common in the manufacture of enamel glazes, enamelled hollow ware vessels obviously intended for other purposes may be dangerous if used for the preparation or storage of food and drink.

Will my right hon. Friend circularise local authorities with a view to more tin being used?

No, more pottery?

I have already circularised local authorities as to the danger of the misuse of enamel ware with antimony in the glaze, and I should hesitate to recommend preference between one or other form of substance.

asked the Minister of Health the numbers, respectively, of county councils, county borough councils, and other borough and district councils providing services under the Maternity and Child Welfare Act, 1918; and how many of such councils exercise the power to pay the midwife's fee in the case of necessitous mothers whose confinement takes place in their own homes?

The numbers asked for in the first part of the question are, for England and Wales, 61 county councils, 83 county borough councils, and 289 other borough and district councils. As regards the last part of the question, the latest information available to my Department relates to the year 1932. At the end of that year 16 county councils, 43 county borough councils, and 46 other borough and district councils were exercising the power referred to.

Is it not clear that the majority of local authorities are not exercising these most necessary and beneficent measures, and is it not a fact that the voluntary societies concerned have investigated this matter and have shown that it is largely due to the ignorance of these authorities of the fact that they have these powers, and will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that they do know, and exercise these necessary powers?

I do not think that the deduction that the majority of local authorities are making inadequate use of these powers would be accurate. On the contrary, I think they show very substantial use. I can repeat to my hon. Friend the assurance that I have just given to the House, that it is the policy of the Ministry of Health and of His Majesty's Government constantly to press ahead with the development and exercise of the powers of the Maternity and Child Welfare Act.

Yes, but when these powers are in existence and are not being used in certain cases because the local authorities do not know of these powers, will the right hon. Gentleman not tell these local authorities that they have these powers, and ask them to use them?

Would it be necessary to put these powers on to the local authorities and thus transfer the cost to the rates, if some of the unemployed did not lose their rights to contributory pensions?

May I have an answer?

The Minister has replied.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to make the information available as to the total amount of Surtax collected in 1931 from the 12,000 persons who in 1932 dropped below the level at which liability to Surtax would fall upon them?

An inquiry to ascertain this information would involve considerable expenditure of time and labour, and in these circumstances I regret I cannot see my way to undertake it.

Does the hon. Member appreciate the difficulty of assessing the proper value of the figures already given unless the amounts appertaining to each return are also made available?

Is it not a fact that the 12,000 were not 12,000 special individuals, but the difference between the number assessed one year and the next?

Yes, Sir. I think that is roughly the case. I am sure my hon. Friend opposite will appreciate that it would be difficult to analyse the returns of 12,000 people out of 100,000 people concerned.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether reliable information can be made available to explain the marked decline in the amount of Surtax collectable from £76,700,000 in 1931–32 to £51,000,000 in the current year's Estimates; and whether he has any information as to the extent of the decline due to legal evasion?

The decline in the yield of surtax to which the hon. Member refers is to be attributed to shrinkage of income and not to growth of evasion. That shrinkage of income is due to the fall in all kinds of income, but particularly in profits, dividends and interest which has taken place in recent years.

In the fourth line of the question the words should read: "which would leave this country as British-made goods."

I am afraid that does not make it any clearer. I have no information which would lead me to suppose that the fall in the exchange value of the dollar has seriously affected our export trade up to the present. I am not sure that I apprehend the meaning of the last part of the question, but I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that His Majesty's Government have constantly in mind the position of the export trade.

Is my hon. Friend not aware of the fact that loans made abroad of British capital from England must leave this country as goods and therefore help the export trade? May I ask why the Treasury is still prohibiting the making of loans in this country to foreign countries, thus keeping up the value of the £ and hitting our export trade?

I do not think that the assumption in the question of my right hon. Friend can be universally sustained.

How can capital leave this country except as goods?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the total amount paid by the Treasury during the last five years in respect of stamp duties on royal warrants, letters patent, and dockets conferring knighthoods on persons who have been unable to attend investitures either through residence abroad or other causes; and will he state in what year of the five the highest amount was paid?

The total payments made by the Treasury in the five years, 1928 to 1932, in respect of the stamp duties in question amounted to £2,448, and the year of the five in which the highest amount was paid was 1928.

Is the hon. Member aware that we have a Supplementary Estimate before us incurring a liability of £18,000, at a time of strict economy? Cannot the hon. Member advise those who accept these honours to pay for the cost of them?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if there has been a decline or an increase in the amount of duty paid on greyhounds imported from Ireland; and what sums have been collected from this source for the past three years?

Greyhounds imported from the Irish Free State only became liable to duty as from the 15th July, 1932, under the Irish Free State (Special Duties) Act, 1932. No information is available as to the amount of duty collected in respect of such animals as they are not separately classified in the revenue accounts, but are included under a general heading of "Animals not separately specified."

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Import Duties Advisory Committee will be free from the date of the adjournment of the World Economic Conference to recommend increased import duties and the Treasury to make orders giving effect to such recommendations in respect of applications made after 12th May?

In the terms of the resolution adopted on 12th May by the Organising Committee of the World Economic Conference, the Govern- ments concerned agreed that they would not adopt any new initiatives in the matter of tariffs before 12th June nor during the proceedings of the conference, except that in the case of any individual Government power was reserved to withdraw at any time after 31st July, 1933, on giving one month's notice to that effect. In the view of His Majesty's Government the Governments which subscribed to that resolution remain bound by its terms during any adjournment of the conference, until its proceedings are finally concluded.

Am I to understand from that answer that this country is bound for an indefinite period not to impose increased duties in certain cases? In these circumstances, will His Majesty's Government give the necessary one month's notice at the end of this month?

We are not bound for an indefinite period, because we have reserved the right to withdraw at any time after the 31st July, on one month's notice being given.

May I take it that that notice will be given?

It depends whether there is cause to give notice, and what is the view of His Majesty's Government on that cause.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this tariff truce is entirely against our interests?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, whether tooth-brushes, such as are now being sold in this country in cartons bearing the imprint "Made in Canada," and on the handle in gilt lettering the words "Made in Canada," and in small lettering "Made in Japan," are charged with the general ad valorem duty or additional duty or both such duties; or whether they are being treated as goods consigned from, and manufactured in, a part of the British Empire entitled to imperial preference and to admission free of duty?

I am informed that no importation of tooth-brushes bearing the marks described can be traced. If, however, my hon. and gallant Friend will furnish me with details of any par- titular consignment, I will have further inquiries made.

Will the hon. Member accept from me these samples which were purchased from London chemists, as proof of the statement in the question?

I shall be very happy to do so. That is what I asked my hon. and gallant Friend to present me with. I shall be happy to receive them as prima facie evidence of such importation, but, if they bear the description that he gives in the question, they will be liable to forfeiture under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887. Therefore, my hon. Friend will excuse me if I do not return to him the tooth brushes.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give an assurance that no trade agreement will be signed with Russia before the House has had an opportunity of discussing the principles of Russian trade in the light of recent events?

In the event of a trade agreement being signed during the Recess, opportunity will be given, if desired, for the House to discuss such agreement before ratification.

Does that mean to say that whether the House is sitting or not there is a possibility of a trade agreement being fixed up with Russia?

Perhaps the hon. Member has forgotten that the executive have full power, and have always exercised it, to enter into such agreements. It is only during recent years that the practice has become general of laying such agreements on the Table of the House for 21 days, and I have given an assurance that before ratification there will, if desired, be a Debate,

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Western Electric Company, Limited, of America, has supplied about 2,000 cinemas in this country with talking picture apparatus and in the contract for supply of such apparatus inserted clauses binding the purchaser only to get repairs done or additional equipment or parts from them; that these clauses prevent British manufacturers from getting valuable orders which they are able to carry out; and whether, as the courts in the United States of America have recently decided that such clauses are illegal and void in that country, he will take steps by legislation to make it illegal to impose such restrictions in this country?

My attention has been called to the decision in a United States court, to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. I am informed that the apparatus and the replacement parts are manufactured to a very large extent in this country. As at present advised, my right hon. Friend cannot see his way to introduce legislation on the lines suggested.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the total number of P-class clerks promoted in the Board of Inland Revenue, respectively, to the established clerical and departmental clerical classes up to the 1st April, 1933?

The total is 481 of whom 68 were promoted to the general clerical class and 413 to the departmental clerical classes.

asked the Minister of Agriculture in view of the demands of poultry farmers in England, Wales, and Scotland for the appointment of an egg reorganisation commission, if he can state when such a commission will be set up?

My hon. Friend will no doubt have seen the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland on 11th July to a question by the Noble Lord the Member for Perth (Lord Scone) on this subject. I am sending him a copy for convenience and can only add at this stage that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I will reach a decision on the application before us without avoidable delay.

What is the cause of the delay that has already occurred?

It was only on 10th July that we had notice that the organisations concerned desired this Reorganisation Commission to be set up. The delay has been with the organisations concerned.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if there have been any new outbreaks of fowl cholera, and, if so, where; whether the source of the disease has been traced; and what steps are being taken to prevent further importations of live poultry from the same source?

Since the occurrence of the disease in Norfolk and Suffolk was brought to my notice, I have received information of two further outbreaks near Wymondham and Dim in Norfolk, and one at Chichester among poultry sent from Norfolk. The source of the disease is not yet established but inquiries are proceeding. The third part of the question does not therefore arise at the moment.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the present position of the negotiations between the wheat-producing countries of the world to secure a quota agreement over wheat exports?

Negotiations are still proceeding between the countries principally concerned, and I am not at present in a position to make any statement.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that a firm in receipt of the sugar-beet subsidy is purchasing the jute bags for beet pulp from abroad; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter in view of the provisions of the British Sugar (Subsidy) Act, 1925?

So far as my information goes, the bags used by British beet-sugar factories for white sugar are pur- chased in this country, but, in the case of beet pulp, which is a comparatively low-priced commodity, some factories have purchased bags from Calcutta. With regard to the last part of the question, I would remind my hon. Friend that the British Sugar (Subsidy) Act, 1925, does not give me power to impose conditions with regard to the supply of materials and items of equipment for factories other than plant and machinery.

May I ask if it is not the case that until now beet pulp bags have always been bought in this country by subsidised firms; and whether it is true that the Anglo-Scottish Beet-Sugar Corporation Limited, of Colwick, Nottinghamshire have placed an order for over 1,000,000 bags outside the country? If that is so, will the Minister of Agriculture make representations, as otherwise all the bags may be purchased outside this country by subsidised firms?

While my hon. Friend is no doubt desirous of maintaining the trade of her constituency, the importance of inter-Imperial trade must also be kept in mind.

Is it not the case that all the plant and machinery purchased by subsidised firms has to be purchased in this country?

My hon. Friend will realise that it is impossible to discuss this matter by way of question and answer, but I shall certainly be happy to discuss it with her either now or later, as I have already done by the correspondence which she and I have had on the subject. I take this opportunity of complimenting her on procuring this further publicity for her constituents.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if, with a view to bringing the dispute with the Irish Free State to an issue, he will consider the advisability of trying to see if agreement could be reached on the composition of a mutually agreeable tribunal, having regard to the declaration made on both sides, with complete freedom of choice as regards nationality?

The position of the Government in regard to arbitration of the financial dispute with the Irish Free State has been made fully clear on many occasions. While I am always ready to consider any suggestion, I doubt whether the suggestion which the hon. Member makes would be likely to assist materially in reaching a satisfactory settlement of the whole dispute.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there has appeared in the newspapers a statement by Mr. de Valera that he is most anxious to come to an agreement with the British Government, and, in view of that statement, which appears to be rather extraordinary, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it an opportune moment for him to make an approach?

I not only saw the statement with interest and pleasure, but I reciprocate it.

May I ask if he also saw the statement made in the Dail that they were prepared to accept the hon. Member for Bridgeton (Mr. Maxton) as a person to decide the issue provided it was acceptable to the British Government?

I am quite sure that the Irish Free State have as high an opinion of the hon. Member for Bridgeton (Mr. Maxton) as I have, but they have not put it to that test.

Has not the whole trouble arisen over the hon. Gentleman's decision to limit the free choice of a tribunal?

On the contrary. The hon. Member must be aware that, apart entirely from the financial issue, there are political issues, and the position of the British Government is that they want the Treaty observed just as they themselves always observe it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the Dumbarton County Council Education Committee passed a resolution that representations be made to the Government that the expenditure by the Education Committee in Scotland be, to the extent of 75 per cent., met by grant from the national Exchequer; and whether he will take steps to meet their request?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As to the second, it will be obvious that so remarkable an increase in the rate of education grants as is suggested would impose a very large additional burden on the Exchequer. I cannot agree that there is any justification for such a proposal and, accordingly, I do not see my way to initiate any movement of the kind suggested.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the allocation to Scotland so far as education is concerned, that is, eleven-eightieths of what England gets?

Yes, Sir.

Do I understand that the right hon. Gentleman is satisfied?

I am satisfied that the allocation granted to Scotland is the exact proportion granted in the past under the Goschen figure.