asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the shortage of footpaths alongside main roads in Great Britain in the western counties and in Sussex; and whether he will make representations to the local authorities to make better provision for pedestrians?

I am aware of the need for footpaths in various parts of the country, and I stressed the importance of adequate provision for pedestrians in a Circular addressed to highway authorities in February of this year, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how much was imported from foreign countries, in the months of March, 1933, and March, 1934, of the following substances: skimmed condensed milk, full cream condensed milk, sterilised cream, and milk powder?

The following table shows the total quantity and declared value of the undermentioned commodities imported into the United Kingdom and registered during March, 1933 and

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of insurance companies taking up motor insurance which have gone into liquidation in the last 12 months, and the number of policies which were issued under them and which in consequence became worthless?

Two insurance companies which did motor vehicle insurance business have gone into liquidation in the last 12 months, the approximate number of policies in force at the date of the winding-up orders being 128,000. As regards the policies, I would point out that in the winding-up of an insurance company a policy-holder has the right to prove for the unexpired portion of the premium paid by him in respect of motor vehicle insurance, and that claims arising under the policies before the date of the winding-up order rank for dividend.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that telephonic communications between Berkshire and London is frequently rendered almost impossible by noises on the line, and that such noises are a universal accompaniment of trunk calls in this part of the country; whether he has received any complaints of this difficulty of telephonic communication between Berkshire

I am not aware that there is any general difficulty in connection with the telephone service between Berkshire and London, and I have received no complaints on this subject. I am making inquiries into the specific case of difficulty, about which my hon. and gallant Friend has recently written to me.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the present position with regard to the project to introduce Income Tax into Palestine; and whether, in view of the recent unsuccessful attempt to introduce Income Tax into Kenya, he will discourage any similar proposals in connection with Palestine?

The Government of Palestine has under consideration the question whether a low Income Tax, with exemptions on small incomes, could not usefully form part of a scheme for making the burden of taxation in Palestine less onerous; the primary object being not to increase the general burden of taxation, but to spread its incidence more equitably. A commission of local officials, with whom is associated an official of the Board of Inland Revenue as an expert adviser, was appointed last February to take evidence from chambers of commerce, representatives of the larger industries and professions, and other interested members of the public. Until that Commission has reported, and I have the recommendations of the High Commissioner, it would be premature for me to express any views on the question.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the number of old criminal statutes still on the Statute Book and still enforceable, including various Acts affecting Sunday Observance and the Profane Oaths Act, 1745; and if he proposes to take steps to clear the Statute Book of obsolete statutes which are no longer of value?

It may be that the older criminal statutes contain some provisions which are now obsolete in form or substance, but there are other provisions the repeal of which would not command general assent. I do not think that the examination and revision of such statutes would offer practical advantages commensurate with the expenditure of time and trouble that would be involved.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the action of the local authorities in the New Forest in installing fire-brooms at convenient points for use in the event of forest and heath fires; and whether he will circularise local authorities that they all should adopt a similar practice?

This action by the authorities in the New Forest had not been brought to my notice or to that of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health. The precautions to be taken for dealing with heath and forest fires depend on local circumstances, and the provision of fire brooms may not always be the best course to adopt. My Department are ready to give any possible help for which they may be asked, and some suggestions on the subject have been issued for the guidance of police who may have to assist in dealing with heath fires. The responsibility for fire precautions rests with the local authorities, but I will make inquiry regarding the arrangements to which my hon. Friend refers and consider whether there are any further steps which I can usefully take.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in order to put an end to the obsolete system of summoning fire brigades by firing maroons whereby much suffering is caused to nervous people, he will circularise local authorities recommending the installation of telephones to ensure that the brigade presents itself promptly on the occasion of an outbreak of fire?

The objections to maroons or syrens as a means of summoning a fire brigade are, I think, generally recognised, but neither I nor my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health would feel justified in urging on the smaller brigades the expenditure which the provision of telephones or bells to firemen's houses would entail.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs particulars of the decision arrived at with regard to the case of Mr. Lenox Simpson in Manchuria?

As stated on 12th March, in reply to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Cardiff South (Captain A. Evans), the decision in regard to this case, which has not yet been reached, will be communicated to Mr. Lenox Simpson as soon as it has been taken.