asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has considered the resolution which was adopted by the Chamber of Shipping at its annual meeting, on 1st March, urging that the Government, after consultation with the Dominions, should limit the enjoyment of Imperial preference to goods imported in ships belonging to countries which give fair play to British exports and British shipping; and if any action in this direction is contemplated?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on the 6th March to the hon. and gallant Member for Ayr Burghs (Lieut.-Colonel Moore) and to the hon. Members for Southampton (Mr. Craven-Ellis) and Sunderland (Mr. Storey). Mr. HANNON: May we assume that this important subject is continuously engaging the right hon. Gentleman's attention and that he will shortly make some statement as to the policy of the Government in relation to it?

If my hon. Friend has recollected what I said on 6th March, I think he will have gathered that this subject is under consideration in consultation with the shipping industry at the present time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the percentage of total imports into each of the countries with which treaties have been signed which has been derived from the United Kingdom during the last six months or for the latest available period and during the corresponding period prior to the signature of the treaties?

As the answer involves a tabular statement, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that, in spite of the trade agreement concluded with Norway, both the imports from and the exports to that country in 1933 were lower than in the previous year; and if he will state the causes of this decline?

I am aware that the value of the trade was less in 1933 than in 1932, but the whole of the decrease occurred in the first three-quarters of the year. The Anglo-Norwegian Trade Agreement did not come into force until the 15th July, 1933, and there was an appreciable increase both in imports from Norway into the United Kingdom and in exports of United Kingdom goods to Norway in the fourth quarter of 1933 as compared with the corresponding period of 1932. The improvement continued in January of this year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the difficulties standing in the way of his Department coming to a decision in the matter of the reversal of the Merchandise Marks Act; and whether he is aware that many proofs exist of the evasions of the existing Act now taking place to the detriment of British trade and industry?

It is not possible in an answer to a Parliamentary question to explain at length all the difficulties. It will perhaps convince my hon. and gallant Friend that this is not a matter on which a hasty decision should be taken if I say that it is by no means certain that his proposal will commend itself to many important interests in this country, and that it presents considerable practical difficulties. As regards the last part of the question, I shall be happy to look into any cases brought to my notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can now make any statement as to the negotiations between the textile interests of Japan and Great Britain?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has now any statement to make regarding the negotiations with Japan regarding cotton goods?

I would refer my hon. Friends to the reply which was given yesterday to the hon. Member for East Willesden (Mr. D. G. Somerville).

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether any progress whatever is being made in these negotiations?

May I asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he has noticed the imports of hosiery; is he aware of the great fear in the hosiery trade which is being caused by the long delay in the consideration of this matter; and will he put a time limit to these discussions?

If my hon, Friend puts down a question with regard to hosiery, I shall be glad to answer it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question as to whether any progress is being made in these negotiations?

I am inclined to deprecate these constant inquiries with regard to a conference which must, of necessity, be held behind closed doors.

Is it not a fact that the negotiations have practically broken down?

No, Sir, it is not.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in the negotiations with the French Government, he will give an undertaking that the recommendations of the Import Duties Advisory Committee as to the silk industry will be taken into consideration, and that no final agreement will be arrived at without full consultation with that committee?

In the course of the forthcoming negotiations with the French Government the interests of the United Kingdom industries likely to be affected will be borne in mind and full consideration will be given to any information and advice regarding those industries that the Import Duties Advisory Committee may be able to give.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps have been taken in the direction of pressing the Turkish Government to cease discrimination against British exporters to Turkey; and will he insist upon Turkey fulfilling her treaty obligations so far as most-favoured-nation treatment is concerned?

I am unable to add anything at present to the replies I have already given on the subject. All aspects of this difficult question are being fully examined.

In view of the fact that the attitude of the Turkish Government in this matter has resulted in a loss of £1,000,000 to industries of this country, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if the Government are taking a very serious view of the action of the Turkish Government towards British exporters?

Yes, Sir. I am afraid I can only repeat that it is being fully examined at the present time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in assessing the value of British exports to Denmark, it is the custom to include articles imported into this country and re-exported?

In the trade returns of this country, exports of the produce and manufactures of the United Kingdom are recorded separately from re-exports of imported merchandise. Total exports include both categories.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how the issuing of import licences by the Danish Government, under the control of the National Bank of Denmark, is affecting British imports; and whether, in view of our trade agreement with Denmark and the disparity of imports into the respective countries, he will suggest to the Danish Government that such licences should not be imposed on any British imports?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 20th February to the hon. and gallant Member for Northampton (Sir M. Manningham-Buller).

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the number of typewriters imported into this country in 1933 exceeded by 130 per cent. the import of these machines in 1932; if the output of typewriters of British manufacture is still unequal to our requirements in this country; and if any further measures are contemplated to assist the production of typewriters in Great Britain?

I am aware that there was a considerable increase in the number of typewriters imported into this country in 1933 as compared with 1932 and that the output of British manufacturers has increased in recent years. As regards the last part of the question I understand that the industry have already made an application to the Import Duties Advisory Committee for an increase in the rate of duty.

Would the right hon. Gentleman give any indication to this House that might encourage the Import Duties Advisory Committee to take action?

Oh!

Is it a fact that this consideration has now been going on for some nine, ten or eleven months, and that during the whole of that period this country has been flooded with a foreign typewriter, and no indication of any sort has been given as to any steps to safeguard this important industry of the city of Leicester?

If my hon. Friend has evidence of that, he ought to put it at the disposal of the Import Duties Advisory Committee.

When you are considering the question of import duties, do you consider the social labour which is embodied in every article?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the imports of brooms and brushes in 1933 increased by 30 per cent. in quantity over those of 1932, and that the average price has fallen from 2s. to 1s. 4d. per dozen; and whether he will take further immediate steps to deal with the dumping of these goods in this country?

I am aware of the facts to which my hon. Friend draws attention. It is open to the interests concerned to make application to the Import Duties Advisory Committee for an increase in the duty upon these goods.

Have they already made an application?

I do not think that any supplementary application has been made, but I should like to have notice of that question.

May we know how long it takes the Committee, as a rule, to consider applications from these various trades?

There is no loss of time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the final report of the Census of Production, it is proposed to publish a table showing the average net output per person in factories of varying sizes; and, if so, when the information will be available?

The final report on the 1930 Census of Production will contain, for each industry, a table of the kind to which the hon. Member refers. The report is being published in five volumes, of which Part I, covering 26 industries, was issued in October last, and Part II, covering 25 industries, will be issued next month. It is hoped to complete the series by the autumn of this year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the imports of matches into this country from abroad during the year 1933 were substantially higher than in the previous year; and whether he will take this fact into account when considering the duty upon matches?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, all relevant factors will be taken into consideration when the duty on matches is reviewed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what bonding facilities have been created in the London area outside the Port of London within the last two years; and in respect of what commodities were these facilities granted?

I am having the desired particulars extracted from the published lists of bonded warehouses and will furnish them to my hon. Friend in due course.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office for what reason horses have been imported from Southern Ireland for the use of the Army while instructions had been sent that no more British horses should be bought?

My hon. and gallant Friend appears to have been misinformed. I am not aware of any such instructions having been issued.

If I send the hon. Gentleman is letter showing that there have been restrictions will he be good enough to look into it?

Do I understand the hon. and gallant Gentleman to say that there have been restrictions?

More than restrictions—that there has been a prohibition on the buying of British horses—and will he be kind enough to look into it?

Certainly. I will look at anything which the hon. and gallant Member sends me.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on what grounds the Scottish Milk Marketing Board have decided that the winter price of milk, 2s. a gallon retail, is to be charged to consumers during the summer; and, seeing that this will mean an increase of £500,000 in cost to consumers compared with previous summer periods, and that the decision was made despite the protests of retailers and co-operative societies and without the consumers being consulted, what action does the Government intend to take to have the price reduced so that consumers, and particularly children, will get the benefit of abundant supplies during the summer?

With regard to the first part of the question, the fixing of milk retail prices is a matter in the first instance for the Scottish Milk Marketing Board. I understand that complaints as to the price so fixed have been received and are now before the Consumers' Committee for Scotland.

With regard to the second part, I would remind the hon. Member that reports by the consumers' committee are, in accordance with the 1931 Agricultural Marketing Act, dealt with by the Scottish Committee of Investigation.

I am not in a position to make any statement as to future action until the report of the latter Committee has been received.

Did the Minister of Agriculture consult the Secretary of State for Scotland before he put this into force, that they were going to charge the same for the summer supply as for the winter supply?

As I said in my answer, the fixing of the milk retail prices is a matter in the first instance for the Scottish Milk Marketing Board. The 1931 Marketing Act set up elaborate procedure by which the interests of the consumers are conserved, as I have indicated in the latter portion of my reply.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the convener of the milk committee in Glasgow has stated that this will mean £16,000 extra charge on necessitous mothers and children in Glasgow?

I was not aware of that point, but I am very glad the hon. Member has brought it to my notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now in a position to make a statement regarding the representations recently made to him by the milk producers of eastern Scotland against the levy imposed on them by the Scottish Milk Marketing Scheme?

The representations received were lacking in specification, and I have asked that, if so desired, they should be repeated in detail. My Noble Friend will recollect that since the representations were made the situation has been altered by the announcement of the Government's milk policy.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if it is the intention of the Government to continue the subsidy for housing beyond the present time limit, owing to the large number of houses which will not qualify for same?

I assume the hon. Member refers to the subsidies payable under the Housing, etc., Act, 1923, and the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924. These subsidies fell to be reviewed after the 1st October, 1933. A draft Order has been laid before the House for approval under which houses being built by private enterprise must be completed by 31st March to qualify for subsidy and houses being built by local authorities and not completed by 30th June will qualify for a reduced subsidy of £3 a house.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the local authorities are finding considerable difficulty in finishing their houses by the 30th June, owing to certain circumstances, and has he, along with the Secretary of State for Scotland, considered that matter in view of the representations from the city of Glasgow?

Yes. The matter is under consideration. The existence of a strike is, of course, under consideration.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when he will be able to make any statement on the subject, in view of its great urgency to local authorities in Scotland?

No. I think any question relating to the strike should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour.

But apart from the strike—

We cannot have a Debate.

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is a plasterers' strike on and that it is impossible to finish these houses—

Order!

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the officers of the Education Department who visited the Continent recently for the purpose of studying Continental educational methods have made a report; and if such report is available for the use of Members?

The report is in course of preparation, but, until it has been submitted to my right hon. Friend and he has considered it, I cannot make any statement as to the last part of the question.

Is it not eight or nine months since this visit was paid, and is it not rather a long time?

No. He returned early in November. We have, of course, had verbal discussions with him, and I hope his report will soon be in our hands.

Did they go to Russia and Germany?

No. My hon. Friend will be sorry to hear that they did not.

They went to Torquay.

Was this information meant particularly for Scotland, or was the whole country intended to have the advantage of the report?

As far as we are concerned, an official of the Scottish Education Department took a tour for the purpose largely of studying technical education in certain European countries, and the result of his observations will be presented to my right hon. Friend in the form of a report. As I said in answer to the question, it is a matter for consideration whether the report shall be published or not.

can my hon. Friend say whether they were seeking any information about educational endowments?

No. Thanks to my hon. Friends in this House, we have sufficient information on that point.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many separate advanced division schools have been established in Scotland and the number of other schools with advanced divisions; what is the total number of teachers employed in this work; and how many of these are recognised under Chapter V of the Regulations for the Training of Teachers?

The number of separate advanced division schools in Scot-land at 31st July, 1933, was 37 and, in addition, there were 1,557 primary schools providing advanced division instruction. The total number of teachers in separately staffed advanced divisions is 3,237, of whom 565 are recognised under Chapter V of the Regulations. In addition to the foregoing, there were 232 secondary schools which offered instruction leading to presentation for the day school certificate, i.e., instruction equivalent to that given in schools with two or three year advanced division courses. The instruction in these schools was given by teachers approved under the Secondary Schools Regulations.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many appointments have been made during the last two years to the positions of inspectors or sub-inspectors of schools; what qualifications and experience of school work are demanded of applicants for such posts; where vacancies are advertised; and what is the nature of the competitive examination which applicants undergo?

During the last two years, four appointments have been made to the post of His Majesty's Inspector of Schools, and three to the post of sub-inspector. I am sending the hon. Member copies of the regulations which give particulars of the qualifications and experience of school work looked for in applicants for these posts. With regard to the third part of the question, vacancies are advertised from time to time in leading Scottish newspapers and in educational journals where that course is thought necessary. It is not, however, the general practice to advertise vacancies. A standing list of applicants is kept by the Scottish Education Department, and applications can be lodged at any time. The most suitable candidates are interviewed by a Selection Board, the members of which are appointed by the Civil Service Commissioners after consultation with the Scottish Education Department. The Board recommend for appointment the candidate who appears to them to possess the highest qualifications.

Is there a competitive examination for these posts?

No.

Is there no foundation whatever for the widespread belief that the appointments to these posts are a piece of political patronage exercised by the Secretary of State for Scotland?

No. I think that is a completely unfounded rumour.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the percentage of the grants made for approved drainage schemes in the year 1934–35 is to be 33 per cent., or 25 per cent., of the total expenditure incurred in each case?

As recently announced, the rate of grants in aid of drainage schemes in 1934 will be an amount not exceeding 25 per cent. of the cost of the work approved by the Department of Agriculture for Scotland.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that all the other agricultural authorities in Scotland regard drainage as being of prime importance, and will he explain to the House why if is that the grant is not 50 per cent. at least?

I am well aware of the extreme desire by many authorities in Scotland for this grant to be increased. This is more a matter for debate in the House, but, in reply to my right hon. and learned Friend, I would say that one has to balance these things with the general situation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he is aware of the request for a road for vehicular traffic by the people of Leacklee, Kyles Stockinish, Cluer, Collam, Grosebay and Scadabay, Isle of Harris; that the county council's surveyor has reported that the population numbers 600 and that the cost of adding the 6½ miles of road to the list of highways would be £15,000; and will he take the initiative of getting grants from the Ministry of Transport and the Treasury;

(2) if he is aware of the petitions and correspondence that have been put before the Department of Agriculture for years by the inhabitants of Carinish, Knock-queen and Cladach Carinish, North Uist, requesting the construction of a road for vehicular traffic to connect them with the highway; that the original survey estimate of £6,000 was modified to £2,024, by the crofters being willing to use the strand when the tide was out; and, as the Department of Agriculture consider the offer of a grant unlikely, will he take the initiative and get a grant from the Ministry of Transport or the Treasury?

As I have explained to my hon. Friend in my letters to him on the subject, the question of the construction of these roads is one primarily for the county council of Inverness. I understand that the representatives of the Outer Islands districts on the county council will in the near future review and report on the whole subject of road construction in these districts. As regards the last parts of the questions, the county council must themselves make the applications for any grants they may desire.

May I ask my right hon. Friend if the county councillors of the Outer Isles, after meeting together, make a united request for the construction of necessary roads, and other means of transport, will he then put these requests before the Government Departments concerned in order to enable the county councils to get the funds to provide adequate transport facilities for the people?

The usual procedure is that these reports go first to the Ministry of Transport, and through that Ministry we come in touch with the county council. I can assure my hon. Friend that if all parties are agreed there will be no delay in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the petitions and correspondence that have been put before the Department of Agriculture for years by the inhabitants of Lem-re-way, Isle of Lewis, requesting the construction of a road for vehicular traffic to connect them with the highway; that in 1912 they constructed 1,000 yards by free labour; that the highways committee have agreed to construct the road, subject to the approval of the county council and to grants totalling 75 per cent. from the Department of Agriculture and the Ministry of Transport, and 25 per cent. from the local people by way of free labour; and, in view of the poverty of these people, will he forthwith get the road constructed without making any condition of free labour?

I am aware of the desire expressed by the inhabitants of Lem-re-way for this road, and as I have stated in the course of recent correspondence with my hon. Friend the Departments concerned will reach a decision on the matter without undue delay. With regard to the fourth part of the question, however, the form that any local contribution to the cost of a scheme shall take is a matter for the local authority.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the total cost involved in the construction of this road has been estimated at £1,000, and that the local people have been paying road rates for 60 years; is he further aware of the large amount of destitution in the district, and will he get this road constructed forthwith?

I am aware of the facts mentioned by my hon. Friend, but, as I have told him more than once, the initiative for these matters must rest with the county council, which, as I have stated before, has to repair and upkeep these roads in future years.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the numbers of the staffs employed in the administration of Scottish affairs in Departments for which he is responsible, and the numbers of such staff employed in Scotland and in London, respectively; what permanent heads of such Departments are located in London and Edinburgh, respectively; and whether he has in contemplation any arrangements for the transfer from London to Edinburgh of further administrative work affecting Scotland?

The whole-time staffs of the Administrative Departments for which I am primarily responsible, exclusive of messenger and other minor grade staffs, number 1,659. Of this total 1,542 or 93 per cent. are located in Scotland, and 117 or 7 per cent. in London. The only staffs employed in London are those of the Scottish Office and part of the Scottish Education Department. As regards the second part of the question, the permanent heads of the Departments dealing with agriculture, health, education, fisheries, prisons and mental deficiency and lunacy are located in Edinburgh. The only Department whose head is located in London is the Scottish Office, and I may add that arrangements have been made by which the permanent Under-secretary of State is available at week-ends for the transaction of official business in Scotland. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative. I have made arrangements that a branch of the Scottish Office should be established in Edinburgh at as early a date as possible for the transaction of such business as can be conveniently carried on there, including in particular work connected with local authority administration in its various aspects. I have also in view a further transfer, at the earliest practicable date, of officers of the Scottish Education Department.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us if he intends to deprive the House of the benefit of his presence?

On no account.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is now in a position to say what progress has been made respecting the investigation he proposed to institute regarding overtime being worked; and what districts are being dealt with?

A special inquiry into the extent to which overtime is being worked in Lancashire, and the reasons for such overtime was begun in the middle of February and is proceeding.

May I urge the Secretary for Mines to get on with this matter, as overtime is increasing and the idea is that the Secretary is taking no action?

I have already pointed out that the work started in the middle of February and is proceeding. As the hon. Member knows, the work is complicated and difficult, and it will take two or three months.

Is any inquiry taking place in this matter in Yorkshire?

No. After consultation with the Miners' Federation we decided to make a survey in Lancashire to begin with. When I have the results, I shall have to see whether they will justify an extension of the inquiry.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many mines have been closed down in Lancashire since 1927 and how many during 1933; and how many mine-workers there were in Lancashire in 1927 and how many in 1933?

Since 1st January, 1927, 132 pits in Lancashire have been closed and not re-opened, of which 10 were closed in 1933. The average number of wage-earners on colliery books in Lancashire in 1927 was 89,000, and in 1933, 63,700.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of coal mines which have gone out of production within each of the urban authorities of Aspull, Blackrod, Hindley, and Westhoughton during the last 10 years up to date; the number of workpeople affected in each case; the number of mines still working; and the number of men still employed?

The information asked for is being obtained and I will send it to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

In view of the distress which is caused in those areas by the continual closing of coal mines, has the Secretary for Mines any authority to investigate whether any pit can be continued in production and so prevent its closing down?

asked the Secretary for Mines if his Department keep a record of abandoned mines where the accumulation of water in them is likely to be a danger to adjoining mines that are working; and, if so, what steps are taken to ascertain the depth of water in them?

To assist in dealing with the problems of water dangers, my Department has compiled and published in five large volumes a catalogue as comprehensive as possible of plans and other records of abandoned mines. This is kept up to date by the publication of an annual supplement. A qualified surveyor is specially employed for this work. At mines where there is likely to be danger from accumulations of water in neighbouring workings, the statutory responsibility for taking the necessary precautions rests on the management; and the inspectors of mines make from time to time such inspections and inquiries as are necessary for the proper administration of the law. Usually it is not possible to ascertain the depth of water in abandoned mines unless the water comes up the shafts, but in cases where the head of water can be ascertained and where also it is relevant to the question of safety, the inquiries made by the inspectors cover that point.

May we take it from that answer that, although the facts are known to the Mines Department, it is possible for one mine to be flooded by another and the Department has no authority to prevent the flooding of a mine by a mine that is already closed?

I should have to make a long statement about the law in reply to that question. Perhaps the hon. Member will put it down.

asked the Secretary for Mines the present position with regard to the responsibility for miners' welfare provision at Wood End and the application of the Wednesfield Urban District Council for a grant in connection withh the children's playground?

The Miners' Welfare Committee have decided that the responsibility for miners' welfare provision at Wood End falls on the Cannock Chase District Welfare Fund, and they have referred the urban district council's application to the Cannock Chase District Committee for their recommendation.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is prepared to set up a committee to inquire into the effect of stone dusting as a contributory cause of silicosis?

The problems of the causation and diagnosis of silicosis are being investigated under the direction of the Industrial Pulmonary Diseases Committee of the Medical Research Council and in other quarters. This, I believe to be the best method of attacking the problem of this disease, and at the present stage of the investigations I do not think the suggested committee would serve any useful purpose. At a later stage, however, I will take the suggestion of the hon. Member into consideration.

Can the Secretary for Mines say whether stone dusting is regarded as a contributory cause? Is there any evidence of it?

Not that I know of.

Would it not be simpler to make silicosis an industrial disease under the Workmen's Compensation Act?

No. There are many other issues involved.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of ex-service men who are receiving a special sanction award under the arrangements made for dealing with claims submitted outside the statutory limit of seven years?

Approximately 2,000 officers and men are, at the present time, in receipt of awards in respect of late claims for disablement.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of widows in receipt of a pension under Article 17a and 17b of the 1924 Warrant?

The number of widows currently in receipt of a pension under the Articles of the Royal Warrant referred to is about 9,750.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of widows in receipt of special sanction awards because they were ineligible to receive a Great War warrant award, under Article 17a and 17b of the 1924 warrant?

The number of widows in receipt of awards under special sanction on the ground that, for one reason or another, they were found ineligible for awards under the provisions of Article 17 of the Royal Warrant is approximately 460.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of acres under sugar-beet in the county of Norfolk for the last three seasons, respectively?

I have been asked to reply. The total acreages under sugar-beet returned by occupiers of agricultural holdings exceeding an acre in Norfolk in the last three years were as follows: 1933–99,834 acres; 1932–66,135 acres; 1931–41,980 acres.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the percentage of medically defective children in public elementary schools in England and Wales at the ages of 5, 10, 12, and 14 years; and the percentage in non-provided schools, giving the particulars for England and Wales separately for the years 1920, 1925, 1930, 1932, and to the last available date?

As the reply involves a number of figures I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what number of nursery schools there are in England and Wales; what are the ages of admission and the ages they leave; are the children medically examined; if so, what is the percentage of medically defective children on date of leaving; and what is the nature of the defects, giving England and Wales separately?

There are at present 58 nursery schools recognised by the Board of Education. All these schools are in England. Children may be admitted at the age of two and usually leave at the age of five. The children are submitted to periodical medical examination, and the defects discovered are similar to those found in children attending public elementary schools. No information is available as to the percentage of children suffering from defects on leaving these particular schools. They are all subject to the usual examination on entering the ordinary public elementary schools.

Is it the policy of the Board to encourage nursery schools or not?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether, in connection with the scheme for providing milk for school children, it is proposed to leave open the method of payment or to instruct the different educational authorities concerned to defray the necessary cost?

My Noble Friend is unable to add anything material to the statement made by his right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture on 22nd February pending the submission of the programme of the Milk Marketing Boards. One of the objects of the proposed programme is to encourage an increased consumption of milk by making supplies available to school children at reduced cost to parents.

I would like to ask how it is possible for the Government to encourage the consumption of milk when we have a statement from the convener of the health committee in Glasgow that it will cost Glasgow £16,000 more to supply necessitous children and mothers under this new arrangement?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give an estimate of the amount which will be paid to the municipal authorities to meet the extra payments entailed by the Unemployment Bill; and whether he has made any arrangements to cover the financial responsibility of local authorities in the matter of Poor Law assistance for any interim period which may exist between the operation of the present system and the coming into force of the Unemployment Bill?

I think my hon. Friend must be under a misapprehension as the provisions of the Unemployment Bill, so far from imposing extra payments upon local authorities, confer considerable financial benefits upon them. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement which I made upon this subject in the Debate on the 27th February.

Is it not a fact that the sooner the Unemployment Bill is passed into law the better it will be for local authorities from the financial point of view?

Is the right hon. Gentleman able to give the local authorities the appointed day under the Bill?

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the prosecution on the charge of stealing a bottle of milk of a Mrs. Gillespie, living in North-West London; what allowances were being made by the public assistance authorities to her to keep herself and children; and whether he can state the facts in respect of this case?

Yes, Sir. I am informed that public assistance was given in this case from 2nd to 12th February. On that date Mr. Gillespie informed the relieving officer that he had work to go to on the following day, and after that date no further application for public assistance was made on behalf of the family.

In the circumstances would it be unfair to regard the account given in the "Daily Herald" as grossly misleading?

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. D. Clarke, of 11, Mount Street, Stockport, for many years employed as a groundsman at the Manchester High School for Girls, who contributed to the Unemployment Fund, was informed that his employment was non-insurable, subsequently became out of work, has been unable to obtain other employment for over two years, and has never received any assistance from the Unemployment Fund to help to support his wife and family; and whether, as the Ministry of Labour has reaffirmed that Mr. Clarke's former employment is uninsurable, he will take steps to ensure that such border-line cases as this are not treated as uninsurable occupations?

As my hon. Friend is aware, from the correspondence which has passed between us, the employment referred to did not enable Mr. Clarke to qualify for unemployment benefit, since it was excepted from the scope of the Unemployment Insurance Scheme as being employment in agriculture. My hon. Friend will also be aware that the question of insuring employment in agriculture is dealt with in the Unemployment Bill which is at present before the House.

May I ask whether these very difficult cases of groundsmen employed in urban areas, and classified as agricultural workers, who are unable to obtain employment in those urban areas because of the large amount of existing unemployment, will be dealt with in the new Unemployment Bill?

It is really a legal question as to whether they come within Clause 2 of the Bill, which deals with border-line cases. I will look into that point and let my hon. Friend know what my opinion may be, but ultimately it will be a question for legal decision.

May it be understood from that reply that it is the intention of the Government to bring those border-line cases within the scope of the Bill, subject, of course, to an examination of the details in the various cases?

If it is a borderline case, it will come within Clause 2, which is part of the Bill.

As border-line cases of this character, affecting grounds-men who are employed on tennis courts and bowling greens, occur in almost every constituency, will the right hon. Gentleman supply all hon. Members with a copy of the answer which he is going to give to the hon. Member for Stoekport (Mr. Hammersley)?

I am not quite sure whether I understand the hon. Member's question. If this is a borderline case, it will be dealt with under Clause 2 of the Bill, which deals with such cases, but whether it is a borderline case or not is a matter of legal argument.

But does not the groundsman's case also include the case of attendants at bowling greens as well?

As to these particular cases, our view is that they are not border-line cases, but that these men should properly be described as engaged in agriculture. If a man does not accept that conclusion, it is open to him to appeal in the manner provided. We have told this man that he can make an appeal.

Does the Minister say that the definition in the new Bill is to be left in such a way that legal decisions will be required to settle it?

The hon. Member knows as well as anybody else that if he looks at Clause 2 of the Bill he will see what the Bill does.

May we take it that for these border-line cases special arrangements have been made under Clause 2 for the Minister to deal with them and decide whether they are in or out?

That is also provided in Clause 2.

asked the Minister of Health what allowance public assistance committees make for dependent children of able-bodied persons claiming outdoor relief or transitional payments?

Public assistance committees or guardians committees, where they use scales of relief, are under no obligation to report these scales to me. In the scales within my knowledge applying to able-bodied applicants for relief, the allowance assigned to a child, within various limits of age and size of family, varies from 1s. 6d. to 6s. 6d.

Would it not be entirely wrong to state, or even to suggest, that 2s. is the maximum allowance for a child?

Has it even been suggested in this House that 2s. is the maximum allowance?

Is it a fact that 2s. is the maximum allowance in Lancashire?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give a list of those countries in which all contractual obligations to British creditors have been met punctually since 1st January, 1930, on all municipal or provincial loans?

I am arranging for the circulation in the OFFICIAL REPORT of a list of those foreign countries which have, according to the information in my possession, since 1st January, 1930, met punctually all their contractual obligations to British creditors on municipal and provincial loans issued in the London market.

When my right hon. Friend gives that information will he also give those countries which have not met such obligations?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the advisory committee of the Assembly of the League of Nations is to meet on 14th May to consider the British Government's communication concerning postal relations with Manchukuo; whether he will give assurances that the British Government will continue fully to respect the policy of non-recognition; whether he will press for the Chinese Government being given an opportunity to express its views and make proposals on this question to the committee; and whether he will invite the Government of the Soviet Union to reconsider its refusal of the invitation to sit on the committee?

Yes, Sir: a meeting of the advisory committee has been summoned for the 14th May to consider this matter. As regards the second part of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply given on the 6th March to a question put by my hon. Friend, the Member for Islington, West (Mr. Donner). As regards the third part of the question, any communication or proposal which the Chinese Government may wish to make regarding this matter will doubtless receive full consideration from the committee. Any invitation to the Soviet Government would have to be issued by the League of Nations and not by His Majesty's Government.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when the League of Nations is likely to consider the recognition of an existing fact?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements have been made up to date for the provision of remand homes under Section 77 of the Children and Young Persons Act?

I am not in a position to state the number of remand homes which have been provided by local authorities under Section 77 (1) of the Children and Young Persons Act, 1933. I would, however, remind the hon. Member that Sub-section (4) of that Section provides that nothing in the Section shall be construed as requiring a local authority to provide additional remand homes for their area so long as any places of detention provided under the Children Act, 1908, and available for use as remand homes, remain suitable for that purpose and sufficient for the needs of the area. I believe it to be the case, broadly speaking, that the places of detention provided under the Children Act, 1908, are now being used as remand homes. In many cases the local authorities have delegated to their education committees their responsibilities in the matter. I am confident that the authorities are alive to their duties and have given and are giving attention to the matter. I propose at a later date to take steps to ascertain the position generally.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the present situation in Austria?

I have no special information beyond what has appeared in the Press of any recent developments in the situation in Austria.

Does the hon. Gentleman remember Victrix causa diis placuit sed victa Catoni—

Order!

I should not allow that language in a Question on the Paper.

Perhaps I might ask whether the hon. Gentleman would translate it: "God is on the side of the big battalions but Englishmen stand by those who are down."

The right hon. Gentleman will perhaps appreciate that the difficulty is sometimes one of definition.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether any notice has been taken of the appeal to show clemency which was addressed to Austria?

That was dealt with by my right hon. Friend a little time ago, and I have nothing to add to what he then said.

asked the Minister of Health the total losses up to this year on account of rates of the county borough of Bradford arising from the derating provisions of the Local Government Act of 1929?

The "loss on account of rates" of the county borough of Bradford arising from the derating provisions of the Local Government Act, 1929, as calculated on the basis of the figures of the standard year (1928–29), amounted to £310,922. No corresponding figure based on data relating to a later year is available. The general Exchequer grant payable to the county borough each year is about £434,000.

Do we understand they have made a profit on the transaction?

No, Sir, that would not be a necessary deduction.

asked the Minister of Health if he will state generally the present position with regard to the proposed motor racing track on the South Downs?

I understand that permission for the construction of the proposed motor racing track has been refused by the Portslade Urban District Council under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1932, and the interim development order in force. As the hon. Member is no doubt aware a private Bill has been deposited which has among its objects the preservation of the South Downs.

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether, in order to allay the anxiety caused by the recent inquiries into the adequacy of the slum clearance schemes of Bootle, Croydon, Durham City, Leicester, Lewes, Maid-stone, Margate, Widnes, Whitby, Willes-den, and Worthing, he will cause to be published as a White Paper all the speeches made and evidence taken at the inquiries together with the terms of the inspectors' reports; and

(2) what were the results of the recent inquiries held in Bootle, Croydon, Dunham City, Leicester, Lewes, Maid-stone, Margate, Widnes, Whitby, Willes-den, and Worthing into the adequacy of the slum clearance schemes; whether the results have been communicated to the local authorities in question; and, if so, what were the terms of his communications?