asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (1) what is the present duty on British edible fats and lard entering Australia; and whether the duty has been increased since the Ottawa Agreement was signed;

Since the reply takes the form of a tabular statement, I propose to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. Briefly, the position is that the duties to which my hon. Friend refers were increased in the early part of 1933, but were in each case reduced on 5th October, 1933.

Is it not a fact that there is a net increase in each of these two cases?

I believe that that is so, but the figures are given in the tabular statement.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has done anything about this matter during the last six months, in view of the fact that I brought it to his notice over six months ago?

Arising out of the original answer, may I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has received representations from the manufacturers of elastic web, who are suffering?

Yes, Sir. With regard to the supplementary question of the hon. Member for Stroud (Mr. Perkins), I am in, I will not say daily, but constant communication with the Dominions on all these matters.

Is there any immediate prospect of anything being done? Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of occasions and dates upon which the tariff boards of Australia and Canada, respectively, have sat to consider applications from British industry for tariff alterations and the industries which have made application to be heard in pursuance of the Ottawa Agreements?

I have no information in regard to the number of occasions or the dates upon which the tariff boards in Canada and in the Commonwealth of Australia have respectively met since the ratification of the Agreements made at Ottawa. So far as Canada is concerned, I am sending to my hon. and learned Friend a list of the tariff items which have been submitted by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to His Majesty's Government in Canada, for review by the Canadian Tariff Board. As regards Australia, I understand that the tariff board has, since the signature of the Ottawa Agreement, submitted numerous reports which have resulted, in the main, in the reduction of tariff rates on United Kingdom imports.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for the information he has given me, may I ask if there is no cohesion at all between the tariff boards sitting in these two Dominions and the Dominions Office here; and whether it is a fact that the first application from any British industry was sent as far back as August, and that only one application has been heard, despite the time that has elapsed since the Ottawa Agreements?

I do not know whether my hon. Friend is referring to Canada or to Australia in this connection—

To Canada.

If it is to Canada, he should himself get, into touch with the British interests, who are in daily contact with the Dominions Office.

May I still ask whether it is a fact that the first British industry to go before the tariff board only sent in its application as recently as last August

I do not know, but if that is so it rather shows that they were very lax in their own interests.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the testimony of the Newfoundland Royal Commission that the economic stability of Newfoundland would be increased if more of the ore imported into the United Kingdom by the steel-makers of this country were taken from Newfoundland instead of from foreign countries, he will say by what means he proposes to encourage this intra-Empire trade?

I understand that negotiations have taken place between the various commercial interests concerned in this 'matter, which, it is hoped, will result in an increased use in future of Newfoundland ore in the United Kingdom. I understand that im- ports of this ore have recently been resumed after a considerable lapse of time.

May the House take it that the right hon. Gentleman himself is fully alive to the importance of developing these resources in the interests of Newfoundland and of the whole Empire?

I may say that I promised Mr. Alderdice two years ago to do my best, and personally called the steel interests together and even went to the extent of negotiating prices. This is the first result, and I hope that it will be followed up.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the Government will be able to announce the completion of the negotiations for a diplomatic and trading agreement between Great Britain and Russia?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give any further information regarding the negotiations for a trade agreement between this country and the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics?

I would refer my hon. Friends to the reply given yesterday to the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams).

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware of the terrible amount of unemployment in the shipbuilding and engineering industries of this country, and of the fact that they are only waiting for these negotiations to be carried to a successful conclusion to get a good deal of work in the shipbuilding and heavy engineering industries of this country in connection with Russia?

Yes, Sir, I am very well aware of the amount of unemployment in the shipbuilding and marine engineering industry. That is one of the things that we have in view in connection with all these matters.

What are the fundamental reasons why you cannot come to an understanding on this question?

We are coming to an understanding.

rose—

I think the question has been sufficiently dealt with.

Owing to the unsatisfactory reply I have received, I shall ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House on this question immediately questions are over.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he proposes to take with regard to Japanese competition in industries, other than cotton textiles, where no trade negotiations are taking place?

The Government are fully aware that industries other than the cotton textile industry are being affected by Japanese competition, and I can assure my hon. Friend that the whole position is receiving their careful consideration. It is, however, clearly desirable in the first place to see what is likely to be the outcome of the discussions with the Japanese industrialists in regard to cotton and rayon goods.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any information as to when he will move in this matter? Time is going on.

My hon. Friend need not be under any apprehension on that subject; we are moving all the time.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it would be wise to call into consultation representatives of the woollen and worsted manufacturers, in order that we may not get into the same trouble with regard to that branch of the textile trade as has been the case with cotton, hut that we may take steps before we have to meet the very serious position that may arise?

If the industrialists in the woollen trade will make the same representations that were made to us about cotton, of course we shall give them every assistance.

I think that that has been done.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the fact that exports of artificial silk from Japan during the month of September to this country ex- ceeded the whole of the imports of the year 1932; and what steps he intends to take to deal with these imports on their arrival in this country'?

My attention has been called to the Japanese statistics of shipments of artificial silk goods to the United Kingdom in September last, and I have no doubt that these statistics will be borne in mind by the representatives of British industry in their forthcoming discussions with Japanese industrialists.

Is it not obvious from the figures that the Japanese are forestalling

I have only given an answer on the facts. The deductions to be drawn from them, of course, the hon. Member can make.

Is it now definitely understood that artificial silk will be included in the textile negotiations?

I should like to have notice of that question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that this is stopped pending the negotiations?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has considered the resolution passed and sent to him by the International Federation of Silk Associations, recommending that all national associations connected with the silk trade should make representations to their Governments that Japanese imports of silk goods should be restricted by quota; and what action he proposes to take?

I have received from the Silk Association of Great Britain and Ireland a copy of the resolution mentioned in the question with a request that the Government should take action on the lines recommended. The Government hold, however, that, apart from other considerations, it is desirable in the first place to see what is likely to be the outcome of the discussions between British and Japanese industrialists.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some Governments, notably the Swiss Government, have already taken action to prevent Japanese imports?

I am very glad to hear that information.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the imposition of a quota for imports of oranges from foreign countries, in view of the fact that the present import duty of 3s. 6d. per cwt. on foreign-grown fruit is inadequate to prevent quantities of oranges of foreign origin being placed upon the markets in this country to the detriment of citrus fruit development in British Dominions and Colonies?

My only power to regulate imports of agricultural products is derived from Section 1 of the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1933, which does not apply where the interests of agriculture in the United Kingdom are not affected.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the importance of this industry to many of our Dominions and Colonies, and cannot the Department take some steps to give them a preference in our own market?

They get a preference in our own market.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that German exporters of machine tools are receiving bounties through a system of blocked marks; if he can make a statement on the effect of such bounties upon British trade in our home market and on British competitive power in markets overseas; and if any action is contemplated by His Majesty's Government?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if Iris attention has hen drawn to the use of sperrmark and scripsmark currency, having for its object the provision of a bounty on German exports; and what steps he proposes to take to secure British manufacturers against such subsidised competition?

I am aware of the practice referred to. The whole position is being carefully reviewed and in the meantime I am unable to make any definite statement.

When does the right hon. Gentleman think the process of review will be completed?

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to meet the representations made by many industries so affected?

Yes, we have.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the operation of this subsidy is prejudicing our interests in countries with which he has concluded trade agreements?

This is not a subject that we can get to the bottom of by question and answer. It is very much more difficult than a good many problems which are dealt with here.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the value of the domestic exports of manufactured goods, per head of the population, in the year 1932, from the following countries: the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France, and Germany?

As the answer is long and involves a, table of figures, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can make any statement with regard to the visit of the French Minister of Commerce to this country in connection with the French surtaxes on British goods entering that country; whether the visit arises out of protests made by him in connection with these surtaxes; and whether there is any possibility of the negotiation of a new trade agreement with France in the near future?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the 15 per cent. exchange compensation tax imposed some time ago by the French Government is having a detrimental effect on the export of textile machinery from this country; and what steps the British Government propose to take to get this tax waived in respect of textile machinery in the same way as it has already been waived in respect of other British exports?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is in a position to make a further state- ment with regard to the negotiations for the withdrawal of the 15 per cent. surtax on British imports into France?

I would refer to the statement which T made on Thursday last in reply to a question by My hon. and learned Friend the Member for Central Nottingham (Mr. O'Connor) to which I have at present nothing to add

asked the Press dent of the Board of Trade how many complaints have been made to his de partment during the present year in connection with the application to goods of foreign origin of the title British; and whether he is satisfied that adequate powers exist and are sufficiently used to prevent repetitions?

I have received a number of complaints alleging the misuse of the description "British." Some of these allegations have proved on investigation to be groundless, but in four cases during the present year proceedings have been instituted by the Board with success. As regards the second part of the question, perhaps my hon. Friend will let me know in what particular direction he thinks that the existing Merchandise Marks Legislation needs strengthening.

What are the four cases that are found to be correct?

I could not charge my memory with them at the moment.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give us one outstanding case out of the four?

The charges that are dealt with are fully reported in the Press. If the hon. Member would like the names of the persons concerned in the four cases, I shall he delighted to get them for him.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in negotiating new foreign trade agreements, he will provide specifically that out of the proceeds of foreign sales in this country there will he set aside sufficient currency to meet liabilities incurred in respect of foreign purchases of British goods?

In all such negotiations His Majesty's Government will continue to bear in mind the difficulties arising out of exchange restrictions, with a view to securing the best arrangements possible for United Kingdom trade.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these trade agree-merits are of very little value unless steps are taken to remove currency restrictions?

I could not agree with the hon. Member's opinion.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the withdrawal of the compensation system by the Turkish Government and the effects on British trade of the commercial conventions entered into by Turkey with other countries; and if he is taking any action in the matter?

I am aware of the matters referred to in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, representations have already been made to the Turkish Government regarding the most-favoured-nation rights which this country possesses by treaty, and the whole question is receiving careful consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the increasing imports of German oats, he will consider opening negotiations with Germany with a view to stopping this importation, as the low price at which these oats are being offered is having a depressing effect on the price of oats in this country?

I doubt whether the course suggested by my hon. Friend would achieve the desired result.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information that a subsidy is being given by the German Government?

Is the Department investigating the whole position or not?

Yes, we' are getting information together and keeping it up, to date.

If this agreement does not achieve the object, what course does the right hon. Gentleman propose in order to achieve it?

I cannot say at present.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any decision has yet been reached as to whether the recent action of the Spanish Government in granting a 35 per cent. rebate in the duties levied on certain foreign motor vehicles entering Spain constitutes an infringement of our Commercial treaty with that country; and, if so, whether he proposes to make any protest in the matter or take any other action?

The withholding of this rebate from United Kingdom motor cars was regarded by His Majesty's Government as a breach of the terms of Article 5 of the Anglo-Spanish Commercial Treaty, and a claim that the rebate should be extended to United Kingdom motor cars was made in July last. As stated in the reply given to the hon. Member for Moseley on 17th November, the Spanish Government have recently intimated that the rebate will be extended to United Kingdom cars.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of the 3,760 tons of nickel exported from this country during the first nine months of 1933 have gone to Germany, France and Russia, respectively; and whether any steps are being taken to ensure that nickel and other material exported is not being used by Germany for purposes of re-armament?

The domestic exports of unwrought nickel in pellets, cubes, etc. from the United Kingdom registered during the first nine months of 1933 as consigned to Germany, France and the Soviet Union amounted to 1,045 tons, 397 tons and 523 tons, respectively. I am informed that there has recently been a large consumption of nickel in Germany for coinage and I have no information to indicate that the nickel exported to Germany is being used for purposes of rearmament.

Are there no means of making inquiry in Germany which will satisfy apprehensions as to the destiny of these large exports of nickel?

We have made the necessary inquiries, and I have stated the result in the answer which I have just given.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Tariff Advisory Committee will be asked to give special consideration in the near future to the effect upon the efficiency of the British tariff of the depreciation of the United States dollar?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been drawn to the danger to British trade arising from the devaluation of the dollar of the United States of America; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

I would refer my hon. Friends to the answer which I gave to the hon. Members for Moseley (Mr. Hannon) and for North East Derby (Mr. Whyte) on the 23rd November.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Canadian Government is taking action against the depreciated currency of the United States?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will state the price per cwt. paid by his Department for Canadian oats and the reasons for purchasing Canadian oats in preference to English or Scotch oats?

A small percentage of our total home requirements of oats is purchased for the Supply Reserve Depot, for which purpose oats possessing special keeping qualities are required. Canadian oats possess these special characteristics. I regret that I cannot disclose prices paid under a contract.

Is it not possible to purchase these oats in this country?

Not oats possessing these special qualities.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether any decision has yet been arrived at in regard to the amalgamation of Woolwich and Sandhurst?

It has been decided not to amalgamate the Royal Military Academy and the Royal Military College.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the reasons shortly why this decision has been come to?

I cannot possibly give them shortly.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether a decision has been arrived at with regard to the new uniform for the Army which has recently been on trial?

No, Sir. The trials are still in progress.

These trials have been in progress for two years. Can the hon. Gentleman not say how they have proceeded and what prospect there is now of this uniform being adopted?

I do not think they have been in progress as long as two years. The special question which is now being considered is how they do in very wet weather. We did not have very much opportunity of judging of that.

Can my hon. Friend say in what respect the new uniform is considered to be superior to the old one?

It is not possible to say until the report has been considered.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is satisfied that the effect of the withdrawal of the light-horse breeding subsidy borne until recently on the Vote of his Department is in the best interests of the country; and, if not, will he state what measures he proposes to adopt to remedy the situation?

My hon. and gallant Friend is probably aware that the grants for the encouragement of light-horse breeding were discontinued solely on the ground of economy. The question of the resumption of a grant from Army funds is under consideration, but I am unable at present to give any indication as to whether it will be found possible to make a grant.

May I ask whether, if it is not found possible to continue the whole of the grant, they will continue as much of it as is possible?

That possibility will certainly be taken into consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many local authorities have applied to build houses under the 1933 Act; how many private builders and friendly societies have offered to build under the same Act; and, in view of the inadequacy of the subsidy under this Act for municipal houses, will he consider introducing an amending Act which will stimulate house building by local authorities?

Five local authorities have already applied for and obtained approval to the erection of 282 houses with the aid of subsidy under Section 1 of the Housing (Financial Provisions) (Scotland) Act, 1933, and 20 local authorities are known to be formulating schemes covering 1,435 houses. Proposals by private builders and societies for the erection of houses under Section 3 of the Act fall to be made to local authorities in the first place, and I understand that several inquiries have been received. No applications have, however, yet been submitted for the approval of the Department of Health to guarantees under the Section. As regards the last part of the question my right hon. Friend does not agree, on the information at present before him, that the subsidy available under Section 1 of the Act is inadequate. The housing situation with regard to the matters raised in the question will be very carefully watched but my right hon. Friend is not of opinion that legislation dealing with them is necessary at present.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied with the information from his Office, and that everything is as it might be, as far as getting on with the building of houses in Scotland is concerned?

I am never satisfied that everything is perfect. I am satisfied that the £3 subsidy is going to be of use, and I am satisfied that we must for a time continue the experiment under Section 3, and, of course, we are getting on with slum clearance very well.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied with the attempt which is being made, and is it in keeping with his expectations at the time the Bill was brought in, originally?

On the whole, I am satisfied, but that kind of question is not suitable for answer at Question Time. One is never absolutely satisfied. If I were satisfied, it would not be worth while being in this job.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the report of the Scottish Housing Committee is likely to be published?

I am informed that the report is in an advanced state of preparation, but I cannot yet say when it will be received. It will be published with all expedition.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will order an inquiry into the batoning of workers which took place recently on the way from Kilbirnie to Kilmarnock and the allegations against the police, namely, that after the men had been arrested a few of them were again batoned and kicked by the police in the police station, which was witnessed by a number of the arrested men?

I have obtained reports on the disturbance which took place in Kilmarnock on the 15th October last, and, after careful consideration, I find no ground for any further action on my part. I am informed that there is no foundation for the allegation that some of the persons arrested were batoned and kicked by the police in the police station.

If I can supply the right hon. Gentleman with the names and addresses of the persons who were present when some of their comrades were kicked and batoned in the police station savagely by the police, will he consider the matter further?

I will always consider any representations made by lion. Members in this House, and I may add that no complaint was made by any of the accused persons to the chief constable or to the court about their treatment by the police while in custody after the arrest.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if there is any use in protesting to the person who was responsible for the attack? I am simply asking the right hon. Gentleman if he will make inquiries if I furnish him with the data and the names and addresses of the persons who were present when it took place?

I think that I have already answered that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the officials of the Glasgow public assistance committee have hitherto declined to exempt the first 7s. 6d. of National Health Insurance benefit when assessing the income of claimants for able-bodied relief; and whether he will take steps to ensure that all public assistance committees are made aware of his decision on this point?

The point raised by the hon. Member does not arise in the case of recipients of able-bodied relief as such persons are necessarily not in receipt of sickness or disablement benefits under the National Health Insurance Act. No action is, therefore, required with regard to the second part of the question.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that this public assistance committee has not taken the amount into account, and will he instruct them to do so, if that is the case; and will he tell the House whether any notice is to be taken of the amounts that have been disallowed in the past, with a view to having them re-allowed by the public assistance committees?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will await my reply to Question No. 41.

Is it the case that a man cannot be drawing health insurance and at the same time be an able-bodied person, that it applies only to Poor Law persons, and that the late Secretary for Scotland, Mr. Adamson, refused to take action in the last Parliament?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the Board of Health has considered the appeal against a decision of the Glasgow public assistance committee refusing relief for a child which was born after the parents had been in receipt of sick relief; and is hat action has been taken?

I assume that this question refers to the case of Mr. James Watson about which my hon. Friend was recently in correspondence with me. Mr. Watson submitted to the Department of Health a statutory complaint regarding the amount of relief afforded to him by the Poor Law authority of Glasgow and the Department being of opinion, after careful consideration, that the relief afforded could not be regarded as inadequate dismissed the complaint.

Is not an issue raised here beyond the question of relief for an individual case. Has the hon. Member considered this, that a person who is in receipt of Poor Law sick relief, under this decision of the Glasgow Corporation is debarred from in any way increasing his family? If that be the law, should not the law apply to everybody in the country? Why single out poor people for special reference in connection with this matter?

I think my hon. Friend is drawing too broad a deduction from one special case.

As this matter raises an important principle, I beg to give notice that I shall raise it on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the position with regard to the Glasgow Public Assistance Committee and the payments made to persons on sick poor relief and the calculation of the first 7s. 6d. of health insurance in their amount of relief: and if it is the intention of the Board of Health to make that decision uniform throughout Scotland?

Following a recent investigation made by one of their general inspectors which showed that the Glasgow Public Assistance Committee were giving only partial effect to the terms of the statutory provision on this subject, the Department of Health have written to the corporation pointing out that complete exclusion from an applicant's income of the first 7s. 6d. of health insurance benefit was necessary under the provisions of the Statute. I am informed that these requirements will now be fully observed by the public assistance committee. As regards the latter part of the question the Department will, in accordance with their practice, call the attention of Poor Law authorities to the terms of the Statute in any case where such a course appears to he necessary. I would add that in the only case in which my attention was drawn to the fact that a local authority had passed a resolution which involved the disregard of the statutory provisions, the Department specially communicated with the local authority on the matter.

In view of the fact that a large number of people have been denied this right for some considerable time, will the hon. Member take steps to see that the local authority makes good the amounts due to these people through their lack in operating the Act? I would like the hon. Member to consider that. Will he not take action in the matter seeing that these people have been deprived of what was their Parliamentary legal right? Will he take steps to see that they are paid back from the date when the money was due?

The supplementary question was wiser in its original form, as to my considering the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will inquire into the case of Mr. D. R. McClure, 12, Hawthorn Quadrant, Glasgow, who has been expelled, together with his brother, from the panel of his panel doctor, on the ground of certain actions and statements made by their father while acting as a political agent during the recent by-election at Kilmarnock?

An insurance practitioner is entitled, without stating reasons, to give notice at any time to the Insurance Committee for the area that he desires particular insured persons to be removed from his list, and the committee must take the necessary steps to enable such persons to choose another doctor. I am informed that this procedure was followed in the cases referred to by the hon. Member. In these circumstances, my right hon. Friend has no power to intervene and he therefore considers that there is no point on which Inquiry would serve a useful purpose.

If I furnish the hon. Member with certain facts that after the recent Kilmarnock by-election Dr. Barr, the son of the Labour candidate, cut off the two sons of our Independent Labour Party political agent because of statements that were made against his father during the election, will he inquire into the matter; and does he not think that it is a dangerous precedent that political bias and persecution should operate by members of the Labour party against members of the Independent Labour party?

In giving the answer which I gave to the hon. Member I assumed that the facts were as stated, and I drew the necessary deduction therefrom.

While agreeing that a doctor is entitled to exclude any paniel patient, does the hon. Member think that a doctor committing in writing political bias for the exclusion of patients from the panel is a desirable thing, and is it not the beginning of Fascism in this country?

Is not a doctor to be allowed to have some respect for his father?

Yes, and the father should have some respect for the people.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is now the position of the Scottish Agricultural Securities Corporation?

The Scottish Agricultural Securities Corporation began its operations towards the end of the month of August and is how dealing with applications from farmers and others for loans on the security of land. A sum of £100,000 has been advanced to the Corporation by the Treasury for the establishment of the guarantee fund provided for in the Agricultural Credits (Scotland) Act.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether he has any information with regard to the situation created in the coast towns of the North-East coast of Scotland by the failure of the East Anglian herring fishing; and whether he has any proposals to deal with distress among the share-fishermen and their dependants?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the hardships of the herring-fishing industry owing to the failure of the summer fishing and the collapse of the autumn fishing; and whether, as the fishermen are not covered by unemployment insurance, the Government will consider the possibility of according some special measure of assistance to the distressed towns and villages on the East coast of Scotland (luring the present emergency?

I am aware of the hardships which have arisen owing to the results of the East Anglian fishing. Reports on the situation of the herring fishing communities generally have been called for, but until the fishing vessels' settlements have been made up accurate information will not be available. Meanwhile, I have no reason to believe that the usual methods for dealing with any distress that may arise will be inadequate. I may add that every effort is being made to secure that the situation of the herring industry will be improved for next season.

Will the right hon. Gentleman remember that two-thirds of these fishermen are completely outside the scope of the Unemployment Insurance Scheme, and will he bear that in mind in deciding on any proposals that he may make?

Yes.

Does the right hon. Gentleman really think that he will be able to relieve the distress of these men during the forthcoming winter by rating them in order to pay for their own relief? That is what it amounts to.

Until I have accurate information as to the situation which has unfortunately arisen in the North-East of Scotland I am afraid that I cannot give any further answer.

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect to receive the reports?

I will inform my hon. Friend directly I receive the information, and perhaps he will then put down a further question.

Will the Government consider doing half as much for the fishermen as they do for the sugar-beet growers?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further measures the Government propose to take to assist growers of oats?

I would refer to the answer I gave to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for Central Aberdeen (Mr. R. W. Smith) on 14th instant and to my statements in the course of the Debates on the 15th and 23rd instant, and I have nothing to add to that statement.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that in spite of the months of agitation in this House the oats position to-day is worse than it has ever been?

I am well aware that the position has not improved for many long months, but, as I indicated in the Debates on the 15th and 23rd instant, certain machinery has been set up by the Government for the trade itself to operate.

Was the right hon. Gentleman present last night when the Lord President of the Council told us that everything was as well as possibly could be expected, and that we were practically round the corner?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many municipal and company banks there are in Scotland; the aggregate number of depositors and the amount of deposits connected with these banks; and will he introduce legislation enabling local authorities in Scotland to open municipal banks on the same terms and conditions as trustee savings banks?

No local authority in Scotland has received statutory powers to open a municipal bank. I am aware that in certain towns in Scotland private companies have been formed by members of the local authority for the purpose of receiving deposits and lending to the local authority, but I have no detailed information regarding the operations of these banks. The Government are not contemplating legislation of the kind referred to in the last part of the question.

Can the Financial Secretary say whether any Scotsmen have found any difficulty in saving money?

They could not save money out of you anyway.

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that 40 families are in danger of being evicted to-day from condemned houses at Denbeck Street, Shettleston, by Court order, and if he can arrange with Glasgow Corporation to grant a period of time with a view to these people being housed?

:I have communicated with the Corporation of Glasgow and I am informed that so far as they are aware about 32 houses at different addresses in Denbeck Street and adjoining streets have been broken into and taken possession of by their present occupants without the permission of the Corporation. The Corporation had already cleared the tenants in these houses into new houses and had boarded the old houses up. The Corporation are now taking steps to secure an Order of the Court for the eviction of the present occupants. I understand that if such Order is granted it will be about three weeks before it can be made effective.

While being aware of the facts, and that these people have been told that they could only go to the workhouse on being deprived of their rooms because of the application of the means test, let me state that I simply wanted to secure time in order to see whether arrangements could be made to have these families housed?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what alteration of policy in connection with the Exchange Equalisation Account has been, or will be, made in consequence of recent fluctuations in the American dollar rate?

As I indicated in my reply to the hon. Members for Moseley (Mr. Hannon) and North-East Derby (Mr. Whyte) on the 23rd November, I am carefully watching the situation in all its aspects, but I do not think it necessary or desirable to say more at the present time.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that answer, would it not be in the public interest to give the information?

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea, when this fund will be wound up and an account rendered to the House?

Not at present.