asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many State-aided houses were under construction in Scotland in March, 1933; the number under construction at present; and what is the cause of the decline?

The number of State-assisted houses under construction by local authorities and private enterprise in Scotland at the 31st March, 1933, was 23,503. Figures for March, 1934, are not yet available. For purposes of comparison I give figures for February of 1933 and 1934. These were 22,315 and 16,446, respectively. With regard to the second part of the question, the hon. Member will recollect that local authorities are at present concentrating upon programmes for slum clearance. These are not sufficiently advanced to be reflected in the houses under construction at 28th February, but the tenders approved for new construction are now showing the effect of this activity, the number of tenders approved for February, 1934, under the Act of 1930 being 1,122 compared with 334 in February, 1933.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied with the progress that is being made with house-building in Scotland, seeing that we have tens of thousands of builders unemployed, and tens of thousands of people who want houses?

I am satisfied that the State must concentrate upon the most important topic first, and we think that that is slum clearance. We are now considering further efforts with regard to overcrowding. With regard to the ordinary provision of houses, may I say that there has been a continuous increase in the number of unassisted private enterprise houses, the figures being 1,726 for 1932, and 5,570 for 1933. I cannot go further than that.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many local authorities in Scotland have reported a shortage of water supplies; how many villages have no proper supply, even apart from the drought; what action does the Government propose to ensure a supply for all parts of Scotland; and is he aware that in the vicinity of Loch Katrine there are hamlets and villages which have been short of water supplies since last summer?

As regards the first two parts of the question, of the local authorities who have so far replied to the inquiry made by the Department of Health in January last, 50 town councils and nine county councils have reported a shortage of water in their areas during 1933. The replies from the nine county councils referred to shortages in 65 special water supply districts and 43 villages without publicly-owned supplies. As regards the third part, the Department propose, immediately the Bill at present under consideration in another place is passed, to invite applications from local authorities who desire to participate in the grant to be made available for the improvement of rural water supplies. As already stated in the House, the Government have under consideration further steps for dealing with an emergency due to the drought should circumstances so require. As regards the last part of the question, I am informed that the only village in the vicinity of Loch Katrine which has been short of water since last summer is Brig o' Turk, and that this case is at present receiving the attention of the County Council of Perth.

Does the hon. Gentleman not think it a scandal that even in one place there should be a shortage of water right in the heart of the

"land of the mountain and the flood." where they are surrounded by water?

The hon. Member has received a very full answer to the question on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action has been taken by the Scottish committee of the Consumers' Council to make representations to the Scottish Milk Board against the decision to charge winter prices for summer milk in an area with over 4,000,000 people; and whether he now intends to take action on behalf of the Government to prevent an increase in the price of milk supplies to infirmaries, poor institutions, mental hospitals, child welfare centres, etc.?

With regard to the first part of the question I am informed that the observations of the Scottish Milk Marketing Board on the complaint made with respect to the proposed milk retail prices for the summer months have now been received by the Consumers' Committee for Scotland and that the Committee are to-day hearing representatives of the board. With regard to the second part of the question I cannot at present add anything further to the answer I gave the hon. Member on the 13th March as to future action.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recall a supplementary question which I put to him as to the statement of the convener of the Health Committee in Glasgow that it was going to cost Glasgow alone £16,000 more to supply the necessities of the women and children in Glasgow; did he not say that something was going to be done about it, and may I ask him now what has been done?

I remember vividly the supplementary question put to me by my hon. Friend, but I think the first part of my answer indicates the steps which are now in progress in regard to this matter.

How long will it be before this matter is decided?

I assure my hon. Friend that there is no delay whatever in the matter. The procedure which we are following is that laid down in the Act of 1931, and until reports have been received my hands are very largely tied.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether it is the intention of the Government to make available any grants for the eradication of bracken in Scotland; and, if so, on what terms?

As stated in answer to a question by the right hon. Member for Boss and Cromarty (Sir I. Macpherson) on 13th February last, an investigation is now being made into the possibility of improving existing methods of eradication of bracken. When the results of that investigation are available I shall consider what further action should be taken in the matter.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication as to when he expects to be able to make up his mind on the matter?

I am unable to make up my mind until I have had the report of those to whom I have referred the matter. I have asked those individuals to investigate it, and I have pointed out to them the seriousness of the question, and when I get their report I assure my Noble Friend that there will be no delay.

Is the right hon. Gentleman going into the question of bracken disease which is possibly one of the easiest ways of doing away with this pest?

I think that will be considered by those who are investigating the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to receive the report of the Committee on Sheep-stock Valuations?

:: I regret that I am not at present in a position to say when this report will be ready.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will consider the desirability of reaching an early decision as to whether legislation is to be introduced to continue the existence of the Scottish Education Endowments Commission after the end of this year?

Yes, Sir, my right hon. Friend is considering the desirability of reaching an early decision on the matter referred to in the question.

In considering this matter, will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind the widespread and deep-seated dissatisfaction existing in Scotland regarding many of the schemes submitted?

All relevant facts will be taken into consideration.

Will he also bear in mind that this Commission has outraged Scottish sentiment and that the sooner it ends its inglorious career the better?

And will he see that it suspends its baleful activities in the meantime?

Can the hon. Gentleman say what proportion of its work this Commission has carried out?

Not without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many education authorities in Scotland have applied under the Employment of Children Act for an exemption from school for a week or a fortnight for the sons of shepherds to assist their fathers during the lambing season; and what has been the response to such requests?

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend refers to exemptions granted by education authorities to individual pupils under the provisions of Section 3 of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1901. On that assumption seven exemptions of the type referred to in the question have been applied for this year and none of them has been refused.

Will the hon. Gentleman keep his eye on this business, and see that this is not a case of getting cheap labour and of employing these children as shepherds instead of getting the work done in the ordinary way?

I think that matter is being kept under observation.

Will the hon. Gentleman be careful to see that these children do not suffer in their education by taking on employment of this kind when there are so many young fellows already unemployed?

Yes, Sir, that is certainly so, but I think the facts show that there have been a very small number of requests of this sort so far as this year is concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many new schools have been built in Scotland during the last two years; how many are in course of construction; and in how many schools have extensions or structural alterations taken place?

The number of new schools built in Scotland during the two years preceding 31st December, 1933, was 46; the number at present under construction is 35. Extensions and alterations have taken place during the last two years at 215 schools.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that in September last, in connection with applications for appointments to the principal posts under the Scottish Milk Marketing Scheme, only seven days were given for applicants, and can he state how many applications were received for these posts; whether the applications were acknowledged; and whether similar methods of selection as govern Civil Service appointments were adopted?

Staffing arrangements, including methods of selection governing appointments, are the sole concern of the board administering the scheme, and I have no information on the subject.

Would it be out of place for the right hon. Gentleman to try to get information from the Milk Marketing Board, which was set up under legislation passed by this House?

It was decided to make these boards representative of the producers, and we have no power whatsoever to interfere in any question of this sort.

Does that mean that they have the power of a monopoly over the milk supply of Scotland and that they can do whatever they like, without interference?

No. I am only referring to the staff arrangements, which was the question put by the hon. Member.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take power to ask whether the appointments made under this board were done with due observance of the ordinary decencies of Government appointments to public posts?

I think it would not be in keeping with the position of these boards if I started to ask them how they chose and whom they chose, which is a matter that must rest entirely on the board.

Could the right hon. Gentleman not write a letter to get the desired information?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that, as a result of an interdict obtained in the year 1924 by the proprietors of salmon fishings in the upper reaches of the River Forth and its tributaries, the fishermen in the neighbourhood of Kincardine-on-Forth are prohibited from using the species of nets which are essential for white fishing and, in consequence, are deprived of their means of livelihood, many of them now being in receipt of public assistance; and whether he will take steps to secure that the white fishermen shall be enabled to resume their calling?

I am aware of the interdict referred to but I have no information as to whether any of the fishermen concerned are in receipt of public assistance. I have no power to override a decision of the court, and I can only suggest that the fishermen should approach the district board to see whether any concession is possible.

In view of the hardship and unemployment which this interdict occasions for so many fishermen, will the right hon. Gentleman explore the possibilities of removing the hardship by legislative action?

The fishermen referred to have their right of appeal to the district board. I am aware that they appealed a few years ago, but, if they appealed again and laid further information before the district board, the present decision might be reversed.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that there are no hospitals, nursing, or maternity homes in the islands of Harris, North Uist, Benbecula, and Barra, or the smaller islands adjacent thereto, with the exception of a casual sick house in Harris; is he aware that the medical services for the said islands are performed by visiting doctors and nurses; and will he state what provision is made for sudden and serious illnesses, accidents, and maternity cases in these islands?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The medical and nursing services are provided by doctors and nurses actually resident on the islands named. As regards the last part of the question, arrangements are made wherever practicable for the removal of patients from Harris to the hospital at Stornoway, and from the other islands named either to Oban or Glasgow. Cases from Benbecula are sometimes treated in the private hospitals on South Uist. The doctor at Benbecula was specially selected for appointment because of his surgical knowledge and experience. In urgent cases, as an alternative to the removal of the patient, the surgeon from Stornoway, accompanied if need be by a nurse, may travel to his home.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that with seas too rough for small boats, and with no large coastal boat available at the time, a patient becoming suddenly ill in North Uist would require to be conveyed over the island by car, over the four-mile north ford by open boat or pony and trap, over Benbecula by car, over the one-mile south ford by open boat or pony and trap, and finally over the island of South Uist to the hospital by car?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, since he does not propose to adopt either the majority or minority reports on rating of the Scottish National Development Council, he will consider introducing other legislation designed to remove the burdens now placed on private house building in Scotland through the operation of the present rating system?

The relation of the present rating system and the provision of houses by private enterprise is necessarily under close and constant observation, but my right hon. Friend is not in a position to make any statement in answer to my hon. Friend's question.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider amending the law under which at present factories when working benefit by derating, but when they are not working are rated in the same way as private houses?

My hon. Friend's question deals only with private house building, but his supplementary question ranges over other subjects.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to the cause of the accident at the Park Colliery, Ashton-in-Makerfield, on Wednesday, the 14th instant, which resulted in the death of three workmen?

This accident occurred at a place where a retreating longwall machine face crossed an old brow, the floor of which had lifted. The face and brow were supported by props and bars closely set, and the roof at the goaf edge was further supported by chocks. At the time of the accident three men were engaged in levelling the floor of the brow and re-arranging the supports to make room for the coal cutter and conveyor. The roof became uneasy and suddenly collapsed over an area 15 feet long by 14 feet wide; one of the men and the deputy, who was close by, narrowly escaped the fall, but the other two men and a coal cutter attendant were killed. I am satisfied that special care had been taken to support the roof closely under difficult conditions, and that the work of re-arranging the supports was done with care and skill under the close supervision of the deputy, but the accident shows the need for still further precautions, and the character of these requires, and is receiving, the careful consideration of the management in consultation with all concerned. The hon. Member will be aware that at the inquest last week the jury returned a verdict of misadventure and attached no blame to anyone.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that as a result of this accident the method of timbering has now been entirely changed, and is he satisfied that as a result of new methods of getting coal the regulations are adequate?

I am not sure of that, but I would say that the reports show that the accident is a good commentary on the proposition that is frequently made that the safest mode of extracting coal is on the retreating system.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that at the inquest the under-manager gave an undertaking that he would change the method of timbering?

I am aware of the opinion of the divisional inspector that the management did their utmost to prevent an accident.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will prepare and issue a return showing the amount of dead rents being paid in each of the several districts comprising the coalmining industry in England, Wales, and Scotland, and in respect of idle mines and/or coal areas not being actively exploited, and the amount of such payments separately for each of the years 1929 to 1933, inclusive; and whether such payments are included in costs of production at the mines where work is carried on?

The information asked for in the first part of the question is not available. With regard to the second part, certain payments of "dead rent" are included in the costs of production in the returns furnished in connection with the wages ascertainments.

Is the hon. Gentleman prepared to take steps to obtain the information asked for in the first part of the question?

The answer is that it could not be obtained without a special inquiry, and I should not feel justified in making such an inquiry.

Would it be possible to get this information by means of a special inquiry, and will the Department institute such an inquiry?

One of the difficulties has been hinted at by the hon. Member. It is the fact that it is very difficult to decide whether we should get a genuine result that stands in the way.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the owners have given notice to terminate the engagement of about 700 men employed in the Pretoria Pit, Westhoughton; that owing to water trouble hundreds of men employed at Stotts Pit, Westhoughton, have also received notice; and what steps his Department is taking, not only in connection with safety, but also with a view to the establishment of a co-operative pumping scheme in the mining area in and around Westhoughton?

I am aware that men employed at the Pretoria Pit, Westhoughton, have received notice, but I am informed that this is due to economic causes and not to any difficulties in regard to water. I am also aware that the workings in the two lower seams at Stotts Pit have been abandoned owing to threatened danger from water, but it is hoped that it may prove possible to re-employ some of the men affected by developing a seam at a higher level. His Majesty's inspectors have given, and will continue to give, unremitting attention to the safety aspect of the question, and I am satisfied that there is now no immediate danger. With regard to the establishment of a co-operative pumping scheme, I am afraid that I cannot add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 19th December last.

Could the hon. Gentleman not have a survey made of this district, because of the possible danger of flooding of the mines in the neighbourhood? Is he aware that in my constituency of Leigh the mines are at a lower depth than these mines and that there is a danger of them being flooded unless there is some control?

There is no trouble about ascertaining the facts. The facts are well known, and the details, but the trouble is as to the powers to deal with them.

Will the hon. Gentleman be good enough to look into this question again, in view of the fact that the whole of this area is liable to be flooded; is he aware that merely because there is a conflict between several colliery companies there is a danger of the district becoming derelict; and will he seek powers to do something in the matter?

I have discussed this question with the hon. Member and with other hon. Members at length, and I shall be very glad, in view of the new circumstances, to re-discuss it with them at any time.

Will it not be possible for the Secretary for Mines to call on the owners of the district to get together with a view to co-operation?

asked the Secretary for Mines if he can give the number of fatal accidents that have taken place at the coal face during the last 12 months; how many of them have been where the coal is machine cut and conveyors used; and how many have occurred where the coal is hand got?

I regret that the statistics# asked for are not available, and I am afraid it is not possible to find any reliable basis of comparison between the safety of machine work and of hand work at coal faces.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider getting this information in order to find out whether machine-worked coal is causing a greater number of accidents than hand-worked coal?

The hon. Member knows that statistics are not drawn up on that basis but in regard to classes of work, and I do not think any relevant comparisons can be made.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think, in view of the increase of machine-mining, that the time has come when there ought to be a different classification so that proper conclusions can be arrived at?

That is a matter of opinion. Of course, there are other factors to be considered as well.

Why not consider all the factors?

asked the Secertary for Mines whether the Government kept in consultation with the British coal exporters during the negotiations of the Scandinavian trade agreements?

Yes, Sir. The British Coal Exporters' Federation have informed me that they are completely satisfied with the way in which they were consulted during the discussions with the Scandinavian countries, and were kepi; in touch with the course of negotiations. They state that their views were invited on all matters of importance, and, though there were some suggestions which the Government oculd not accept, full find sympathetic consideration was given to the views expressed by the Federation.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he has any information with regard to the labour dispute in the Canadian lumber industry; and if there is any present difficulty in obtaining reliable quotations for Canadian timber for shipment?

I have no information regarding the labour dispute to which the hon. Member refers, nor am I aware of any present difficulty in obtaining reliable quotations for Canadian timber for shipment, but if the hon. Member has any specific case in mind and will let me have the necessary particulars I will make inquiries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade which countries grant countervailing subsidies to offset competition from other countries in supplying another market and on what class of goods?

I regret that such information as I have on this subject does not lend itself to being given within the compass of a Parliamentary answer. If, however, my hon. Friend will indicate what particular country or what class of goods he has in mind, I shall be happy to let him have such information as is available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the imports of hats, caps, and other headgear in the first two months of the present year totalled 431,000 dozen as compared with 225,000 dozen in the corresponding months of last year; and what steps it is proposed to take to deal with this increase in importation?

I am aware of the figures to which my hon. Friend draws attention. It is open to the manufacturers concerned to apply to the Import Duties Advisory Committee for an increased duty upon these goods.

Is it not a fact that some foreign countries are subsidising these imports into this country?

I shall have to have notice of that question.

Will my right hon. Friend bring this question to the attention of the Import Duties Advisory Committee, because it is of considerable importance to the industry?

The procedure is perfectly well known, and the approach must be made by the parties interested.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that the imports of wheat meal and flour from foreign countries during the first two months of this year have increased by 68 per cent. as compared with the corresponding months of last year; and what steps are being taken to deal with this danger to the milling industry?

I am aware of the position in regard to the imports of wheat meal and flour from foreign countries. My hon. Friend will no doubt have noticed that the Import Duties Advisory Committee who have recently had under consideration an application to increase the duty on foreign flour, have decided not to make any recommendation at the present time in regard to the application.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication why the Import Duties Advisory Committee are constantly turning down what seem to be reasonable applications?

Does my right hon. Friend realise that the mills on Mersey-side have had to shut down for a week on that account?

If that be the case, it ought to have been brought to the attention of the Advisory Committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government will take immediate steps to prohibit the importation of oat products which are subsidised by foreign Governments?

No, Sir. I would remind my hon. Friend that the duty on foreign oat products was increased to 7s. 6d. per cwt. as recently as the 13th January last.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that the importation of oats and oat products subsidised by the German Government has broken the price of oats and oat products in spite of the duty, and is he not going to take any steps to deal with the position?

The recommendation was made by the advisory committee and accepted by the Government.

Does my right hon. Friend think that in cases where the importation of goods is subsidised by foreign Governments they are matters not for the advisory committee, but for direct action by the Government?

No, I cannot accept that view.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has received any reply from the Japanese Government with reference to the breakdown of the negotiations between the Japanese and British textile interests?

As I have already informed the House, I saw the Japanese Ambassador on the 16th March and he intimated that he would communicate with his Government on the position. I have not yet heard further from him.

Is any time limit being placed on receiving a reply?

No, Sir.

While the right hon. Gentleman is trying to get the Japanese Government to do the right thing towards the Lancashire textile industry, is he taking any steps with the textile industry to reorganise itself?

That question does not arise out of the reply.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the percentage by which retained imports of manufactures have risen in the first two months of this year as compared with the corresponding period of last year; and similar information wth regard to the exports of manufactures?

For the first two months of 1934 the total value of the retained imports of goods classed as wholly or mainly manufactured in the trade returns of the United Kingdom was 25 per cent. greater than for the corresponding period: of 1933; the value of the domestic exports of such goods was greater by 7 per cent.

Does not my right hon. Friend think that further steps should be taken to prevent the importation of manufactured goods into this country?

On making an analysis of the figures of these imports into this country, I see that the preponderating part is in materials for use in our own factories.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the imports from foreign countries of feeding stuffs for animals during January and February of this year have increased by one-fifth as compared with the corresponding period of the year before; and whether he will take steps to remedy this state of affairs?

I am aware of the figures to which my hon. Friend draws attention. It is open to producers of feeding stuffs in this country who are adversely affected to apply to the Import Duties Advisory Committee with a view to an increase in the rate of duty upon foreign feeding stuffs.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he is aware that the Government members of the committee dealing with the Indian Textile Protection Act, 1934, have voted against any increase in duties on Japanese cotton yarns imported into India; that cotton yarn is outside the terms of the new Indo-Japanese trading agreement, and that in consequence the proposed quota restrictions may be rendered valueless by increased importations of cotton yarn from Japan; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I have seen no report of the proceedings of the select committee of the Indian Legislative Assembly, to which I assume that my hon. Friend refers. Representations in regard to the duties on cotton yarn have been made to the Government of India on behalf of the Lancashire industry and were considered by the Government of India before the Bill was introduced. I understand that the Indian millowners have also laid their views before the Government of India at a later stage. I think my hon. Friend may rest assured that the Government of India have given careful thought to the possibility to which he refers.

Could my hon. Friend say what was the result of the representations which his Department made to the Government of India on this question?

My hon Friend will have seen the Bill which was introduced, and I have said that the representations were made before the Bill was introduced.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how soon he hopes to be able to remove the existing embargo on foreign loans with a view to assisting in the revival of the overseas trade of this country?

I fear that it is not possible at present for me to add to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend on the 9th November last.

Could the right hon. Gentleman take the House into his confidence so far as to say what is the principal object in continuing this embargo?

I should have to have notice of that question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he may be in a position to make a full statement to the House upon the reasons governing the policy of the Government on this question?

At a suitable opportunity.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the import of biscuits into this country is rapidly increasing; and, as many of these biscuits are outside the scope of the Import Duties Act, will he consider the protection of biscuits in his forthcoming Budget?

As regards the first part of the question, there are no strictly comparable figures available. As regards the second part of the question, my hon. Friend appears to be under a misapprehension. Biscuits are goods which it is within the province of the Import Duties Advisory Committee to consider and it is open to the interests concerned to apply to the committee.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the fact that the negotiations between the Lancashire and Japanese textile interests have broken down, he will now ask the Import Duties Advisory Committee to proceed with their consideration as to the incidence of the Silk Duties?

As my hon. Friend was informed on the 15th March by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, the two Governments are now engaged in reviewing the situation that arises as a result of the breakdown of the negotiations referred to in the question. In these circumstances, I have nothing to add, as regards the Silk Duties, to the answer which was given to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Lyons) on the 5th December last.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the uncertainty in the silk industry is causing great unemployment at the present time and-would he not do something in order to get finality in the matter?

I am aware of all the circumstances.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government are prepared to provide facilities for the purchase of Indian raw cotton; and, if so, upon what conditions?

I see no necessity for the Government to provide facilities for the purchase of Indian raw cotton. As I think the House is generally aware, the question of increasing the consumption of Indian cotton in this country has for some time been under the consideration of the Lancashire Indian Cotton Committee; and, as my hon. Friend himself, I believe, recently pointed out, purchases of Indian cotton by Lancashire have appreciably increased already.

Is there any truth in the statement which was recently publicly made that, six months ago, the right hon. Gentleman was prepared to advance the sum of £15,000,000 for the purchase of Indian raw cotton?

I have no recollection of any such offer on my part.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that an assurance was given by the Governor of Hong Kong that as much British cement as is possible shall be used on public works there; and will he inquire into the reason why, out of 42 Government jobs tendered for, the Government specified Japanese cement to be used in 30 cases, locally manufactured in nine cases, and mixed cement in two cases?

It is the universal practice of all Colonial Governments to give a preference to British goods when possible. I am not aware of the circumstances referred to in the second part of my hon. Friend's question, but I will make inquiries.

asked the Home Secretary (1) how many prosecutions have taken place against drivers of vehicles on the new East Lancashire road (Liverpool to Manchester) since the road was open for traffic; and how many convictions have resulted;

(2) how many fatal accidents there have been on the new East Lancashire road (Liverpool to Manchester) since the road was open for traffic?

The information asked for is not available without obtaining a special return, and I regret that I do not feel able to ask the police to undertake the labour that would be involved.

asked the Minister of Transport how many different kinds of forms have been issued for completion by omnibus operators and others for various purposes under the Road Traffic Act, 1930; how many have become obsolete or have been withdrawn; and how many now remain in force?

There are 18 standard forms in use in connection with the licensing of Public Service Vehicles, their drivers and conductors, and road passenger services under Part IV of the Road Traffic Act, 1930.

Special forms are used in London, where certain of the standard forms became obsolete after the passing of the London Passenger Transport Act, 1933.

I may add that the question of forms is kept under constant review with the object of simplification and reduction in numbers.

asked the Minister of Transport how many statutory rules and orders, regulations, and instructions have been issued under the Road Traffic Act, 1930; how many are now obsolete or have been withdrawn; and how many now remain in force?

There are 11 sets of rules and orders relating to Public Service Vehicles, many of which have been amended from time to time to meet current developments. This figure omits the Transitory Provisions Orders (since cancelled) and an Order since replaced by the London Passenger Transport Act, 1933. Regulations have also been made with regard to driving licences, Third Party (Insurance) Risks, Speed Limits and Traffic Signs, and instructions issued as to statistical and financial returns. The possibility of further consolidation of the various sets of regulations is engaging my close attention.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend satisfied that operators and others affected, particularly the smaller operators, are able to keep abreast of this welter of changing and ever-increasing legislation by regulations?

As I explained to my hon. Friend, we are keeping these regulations under review, and trying to reduce them as much as we can, and we are also trying to consolidate them; but obviously there are a great many, and it is a difficult matter for people to deal with.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what measures the Government proposes to take to ensure to the potato growers of this country a more reasonable price level both for the main crop now being marketed, and for the prospective new crop, in view of the importations of potatoes from other countries?

As my hon. and gallant Friend will be aware, the assistance afforded to the potato industry by Custom duties has been supplemented since August last by voluntary arrangements for regulating the supply of main crop potatoes from foreign countries. These arrangements appear to have been fully observed and to have worked well, and have been generally appreciated by home growers. The question whether similar action should now be taken in regard to the supply of foreign early potatoes has been examined by the Market Supply Committee, in the light of the general supply situation and the low level of prices now ruling. Pending the framing of a permanent plan, it has been decided, after consultation with the Potato Marketing Board, that exporting countries should be invited to help the general situation by securing that their shipments of early potatoes to this market are held at last year's level. The foreign Governments concerned are being approached accordingly.

Could my right hon. Friend say what would be the total amount of imports of potatoes from foreign countries under this arrangement during a complete period of 12 months?

I am afraid I could not give that figure without notice.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if any steps are being taken by the various marketing boards by propaganda to explain their purpose and methods to and extend their good will among the general public; and, if not, whether he will bring to the notice of the boards the importance of this department of business organisation?

Yes, Sir. I am informed that plans of this nature are under consideration. As a first step, the Milk, Pigs, Bacon and Potato Marketing Boards have arranged, in co-operation with the Ministry, to stage exhibits in the Ministry's pavilion at a number of the leading agricultural shows during the coming summer. The Milk Marketing Board have I understand recently appointed a special publicity officer.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what further action the Government proposes to take in order to raise the price of beef to a remunerative level?

Having regard to the continual depression in the market for fat cattle, the Government have decided that it will be necessary to maintain during the coming quarter the reduction of 50 per cent. in the supply of fat cattle from the Irish Free State and to stabilise the imports from that source of the other classes of cattle covered by the Cattle (Import Regulation) Order. As I have already informed the House, the rate of reduction in imports of foreign frozen meat in the coming quarter will be increased to 35 per cent. and a somewhat larger reduction will be arranged in imports of foreign chilled beef than in the same quarter of 1933.

When does my right hon. Friend think he will be in a position to introduce the most effectual remedy of all, namely, a tariff on meat imported into this country?

Naturally I should not enter into controversy with my hon. Friend on this subject by means of question and answer. I would like to have his opinion as to whether it should apply to Dominion countries, or only to foreign.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered another alternative, such as increasing the purchasing power of the people by restoring the cuts?

Yes, Sir; that is continually in the mind of the Government.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that at a large meeting of dairy farmers held in Exeter on Friday last it was decided unanimously to collect sufficient signatures to demand a poll for the cancelling of the Milk Marketing Scheme at the earliest possible date, unless the award of the arbitrators was amended, and that in addition a large number of farmers agreed not to sign contracts under present conditions; and whether he proposes to take any steps to amend the award in order that better prices may be paid, that farmers may not be ruined, and that the scheme may not be wrecked?

I am aware that dissatisfaction has been expressed by farmers in Devon with the recent award on milk prices, but as I informed my Noble Friend the Member for Horsham and Worthing (Earl Winterton) on 19th March, I have no power to alter the award as such.

Is not the Minister aware that the situation is desperate, and do not desperate situations require special measures for dealing with them? Would he consider asking Parliament to give him power to deal with this situation?

There are various procedures under the Acts of 1931 and 1933, which would need to be exhausted before I could ask Parliament for further powers.

Does the Minister intend to use his powers before absolute ruin overtakes these farmers?

I think it would be inadvisable to discuss by question and answer whether absolute ruin is about to overtake everyone in Devon. The procedure under the Acts of 1931 and 1933 is known to my hon. and gallant Friend. The initiation of such action does not necessarily lie with the Minister.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will arrange for the publication of the cases put forward by the Milk Board and by the distributors on which the arbitrators gave their recent award, in order that this House and the public may be in full possession of the facts of the case?

The question of the publication of the cases put forward is a matter for the parties concerned, and I do not think it would be proper for the Minister concerned to put this forward by way of request.

Have not the Milk Board already published their case; and is there anything in the distributors' case on account of which they need be afraid to publish it? Why should they not publish it?

Clearly, if either party decides to publish its case, it is at perfect liberty to do so. I am only saying that I do not think that it would be proper for the Minister to request either party to publish its case.