asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, along with the reduction of education grants to local authorities, he has effected any economy in the central administration of the Scottish Education Department since the financial crisis of 1931; and, if so, to what extent?

As a result of measures taken since 1931, the staff of the Scottish Education Department has been reduced by one staff officer, two executive officers, six clerical officers and one temporary clerk. The annual saving from this reduction of staff is estimated at £2,700. Other economies in office administration, inspection, travelling, the expenses of the Royal Scottish Museum, etc., bring the total annual saving up to approximately £9,350 on a vote of £146,523—about 6.4 per cent.

Can the hon. Gentleman say if there has been any loss of efficiency from the financial economies which he has effected?

No, Sir, I have not detected any.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the approximate percentage of the male members of His Majesty's Civil Service who were of military age in 1914 to 1918 (17¼ to 51 years) who served in His Majesty's Forces during the War and are still serving in His Majesty's Civil Service?

It is estimated that of the total male non industrial staff of the regular Civil Service on 1st August, 1914, excluding men over military age and men unfit for military service, about 77 per cent. were released to His Majesty's Forces. I regret that the further information asked for is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the disparity between the remuneration paid to sheriffs-substitute in Scotland and that paid to judicial officers of the same status in England; whether he is aware of the widespread anxiety in Scotland lest the efficiency of sheriff courts should suffer through members of the bar of the necessary professional attainments being unprepared to accept appointment as sheriffs-substitute on the present terms; and whether he proposes to take any steps to deal with the matter?

The comparison drawn between the remuneration of sheriffs-substitute and of judicial officers in England is necessarily subject to qualifications; but in considering the remuneration of the sheriffs-substitute the necessity for maintaining the efficiency of the sheriff court will of course be borne in mind. The matter is now under my consideration.

(for Mr. KIRK-WOOD) asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of industrial firms and companies in Scotland which have been derated under the 1929 Derating Act; and what is the annual amount they receive in derating and the total rebate since 1929?

I have no information as to the number of industrial firms and companies which have been derated under the derating provisions of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1929, but the total annual rate-reduction due to those provisions is, on the basis of the standard year (1928–29), approximately £3,340,000. Of this amount it is estimated that about half, or £1,670,000, represents the benefit applicable to industrial subjects. Figures for later years are not available, but I have no reason to suppose that the amount of relief has varied substantially. Accordingly, the total relief for the four years since 16th May, 1930, may be taken as roughly £6,500,000.

(for Mr. DAVID WILLIAMS) asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the town council of Burntisland has arrested for arrears of rates the wages of five workers on the first payment of wages they received after a long spell of unemployment, and that one man had £3 15s. 6d. deducted from his wage of £5 1s. 6d., another £3 14s. 6d. from £4 18s. 6d., a third £2 10s. from £3 10s., and the other two had the whole of their wages of £2 3s. 4d. and £2 0s. 4d. arrested, and, further, that this council intends in future to arrest 20 per cent. of wages of £2 10s. and 30 per cent. of wages over £2 10s.; and what action he will take to prevent any further treatment of this nature?

I am informed that the facts are substantially as stated in the first part of the question. As regards the second part my right hon. Friend has no powers which would enable him to interfere with the exercise by the local authority or any other creditor of their rights to enforce by process of law payment of debts due to them.

Is it not the case that whore powers of arrestment have been granted to anyone in Scotland by a court in Scotland there must be a certain amount left, in order to provide the individual whose wages are being arrested with sufficient to purchase food and clothing during the particular week?

I could not answer that legal question without notice, but I think I might say now that even so I do not think that would give the Secretary of State any powers.

Is it not the case that the entire wages of the two individuals in this instance were arrested, leaving absolutely nothing for them to purchase-food for their families?

I can only repeat that I could not answer that legal question without notice.

Are there any courts m Scotland similar to those in England, namely, county courts, where people have to go in matters of this kind?

Again, I say that I cannot answer any legal question without notice.

rose—

The hon. Gentleman has already answered that he cannot reply to the question without notice.

(for Mr. KIRK-WOOD) asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the proposal of Lanarkshire firms to construct coke-oven plants at blast furnaces on condition that they can obtain a market for gas as a by-product; and will he arrange a conference between the firms concerned and Lanarkshire company gas undertakings for the purpose of securing an agreement which would co-ordinate the production of pig iron and gas in that area?

I am aware of the proposal to which the hon. Member refers. I understand also that an offer has been made to sell the surplus gas, amounting to 10 million cubic feet a day, to the Glasgow Corporation, but that the corporation has not seen its way to accept this offer. Apart from the corporation, the Lanarkshire gas companies, even if they were to purchase their entire requirements, could only take altogether a little more than one million cubic feet per day from the coke-oven owners. In these circumstances, it does not appear that the conference suggested by my hon. Friend would serve any useful purpose.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the investigation into the working of overtime in the mining industry in Lancashire and Cheshire; and whether he intends a similar investigation in other districts?

I have received the report of this inquiry, and I have decided to publish it. I hope that it will be in the hands of Members in the course of a few days. With regard to the second part of the question, I propose to consult the Mineworkers' Federation, and the other interests concerned in the matter after the publication of the report.

Will the Secretary for Mines continue to use all the pressure he can to get this question of overtime settled?

As the hon. Member knows, I have done a good deal about it.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether further inquiries are likely to be made in Yorkshire?

That will depend upon the conversations I may have.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is in a position to make a statement with regard to the suggested regulation for the compulsory use of gas detectors underground?

It is an essential condition of effective action in this matter that the workmen individually and through their organisations shall cooperate willingly and actively to give effect to any regulations that may be made. Otherwise, the regulations would be ineffective. The reasons why this is s0 were fully stated in the unanimous report made some years ago by a representative committee—the Miners' Lamps Committee—and they are reasons which hold good to-day. In these circumstances, it is of the first importance that I should if possible find a basis of action by agreement with the workers' representatives, and I propose to invite them to a further discussion of the objections they now feel to the proposals put forward by me.

Can the hon. Gentleman give any indication when he is likely to complete the investigation?

Not without notice.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether, when the federation came away from his Department on the last occasion, it was intimated to them that the hon. Gentleman had already made up his mind, and will he tell us what purpose can be served if, before the arrival of the deputation, he had made up his mind?

I could not accept that statement at all.

Is the hon. Gentle man aware that that was the statement which was made to the Miners' Federation Executive?

If the hon. Member will read the answer he will see that it shows that that was not the case.

asked the Secretary for Mines what has been done in regard to the death of Horace Turner and the breaches of the Coal Mines Act?

I have now examined the evidence and reports relating to the death of Horace Turner at Upton Colliery on 22nd May. There appears to have been some neglect of statutory duty on the part of certain officials of the mine, and so far as evidence is available, legal proceedings will be taken under the Coal Mines Act.

asked the Secretary for Mines the average day wage paid to Yorkshire mine-workers for the year 1933 and the average number of days worked per week?

The average cash earnings per manshift worked by all workers employed above and below ground at coal mines in Yorkshire during the year 1933 was 10s. 1.80d., and the average number of shifts worked per week was 4.12.

Has the hon. Gentle man any idea whether there is any likelihood of an improvement in the number of days on which the Yorkshire miners can work?

I would point out that in 1932 the average number of shifts worked per week was 4.05, so that there is an improvement in that it is now 4.12.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he has any information regarding the closing, due to flooding, of Bredisholm Colliery, Uddingston; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with the spread of flooding in the mines of Lanarkshire?

I am informed that as the result of the closing of mines to the west of Bredisholm Colliery, the water formerly pumped at those mines was expected to come through to the lower seams at Bredisholm. The owners decided that they were not in a position to incur the additional expense of pumping this water, and accordingly in 1933 they abandoned the lower seams and continued to work the Glasgow Upper Seam only. This working is now being discontinued, but I understand that its abandonment is not due in any way to the water problem, but to other economic considerations. With regard to the second part of the question, I am afraid that this problem is too complicated to deal with by way of question and answer, but I shall be very pleased to discuss it fully with the hon. Member if she desires.

Is not the hon. Member aware that the question of flooding in the mines surrounding this particular area and Glasgow has been a vexed question for a considerable period, and is he in a position to hold an inquiry into the matter to see whether joint action can be taken by the mine owners to remove the stumbling blocks?

There are a good many stumbling blocks in the matter.

Many serious ones?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether his attention has been called to the fact that not a single application made to a Dominions tariff board by British exporters has yet been the subject of a decision; and whether he will make representations to the Dominions concerned as to the desirability of expediting matters?

My hon. Friend must, I think, be under a misapprehension. In Australia and in Canada the respective tariff boards have submitted a number of reports, which have resulted in the main in the reduction of the tariff rates on United Kingdom goods. In New Zealand, the only other Dominion concerned, the Royal Commission which has been conducting a comprehensive review of the New Zealand tariff will, it is understood, present its report shortly.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is great dissatisfaction in the wool textile industry in Yorkshire regarding the results of the particular application made on behalf of that industry, and are the Government prepared to bring pressure upon the Canadian Government to implement the Ottawa Agreements?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (1) whether he intends to publish as a White Paper the Interim Report of the Canadian Tariff Board on the application of the wool textile industry for the grant of a preference to this country in the tariffs on wool textiles imported into Canada;

(2) whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction in all sections of the wool textile industry at the manner in which the application to the Canadian tariff board was treated; and, in view of the discontent created by the failure of the board to grant any preference, what steps he proposes to ensure that home industries are not in future put to useless expense in making similar applications?

I am causing a copy of the interim report of the Canadian tariff board on wool textiles to be placed in the Library of the House. No representations have reached me on this matter. I understand that certain other applications to the Canadian tariff board are at present under consideration by the board, and there would appear to be no ground for action on my part such as is suggested in my hon. Friend's question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the serious dissatisfaction in the West Riding of Yorkshire with the manner in which this application has been treated and the feeling that West Riding industries have been put to very considerable expense to no purpose?

I hope that West Riding people will be more satisfied when they get the full report. The only report now is an interim report.

Is not the interim report quite definite that the West Riding is to receive nothing from the Ottawa Agreements, and is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to tell the House that he will put pressure upon Canada to implement the Ottawa Agreements?

No one knows better than the hon. Gentleman that the time to make any comment is when there is a full report. I would be accused of being hasty if I acted on the interim report.

Is it correct to say that, before the final report is submitted, the representatives of the West Riding-will be required again to send delegates to Canada? If the right hon. Gentleman could make that point clear, I think it would help very much.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean to tell the House that a decision, after nine months' negotiation, could be termed a hasty decision?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what communications have been received from the Governments of Australia or New Zealand regarding the unfair competition of foreign subsidised shipping in their waters; and what, if any, replies have been sent?

Communications have taken place and are taking place with His Majesty's Governments in the Commonwealth of Australia and New Zealand, but I am not at present in a position to make any statement on the subject.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the question of policy involved is entirely a matter within the discretion of the Australian and the New Zealand Governments?

I have already said that communications are taking place between both Governments.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he is likely to be in a position to make a statement if I put down a further question on the subject?

No, but I will undertake to let my hon. Friend know.

Thank you.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information as to the level of Wages paid by the American subsidised Matson Line running in competition with British interests in Australia and New Zealand shipping between America and New Zealand and Australia; and whether such wages are higher or lower than those paid by Australian nd New Zealand shipowners?

Such information as is in my possession at present suggests that the wages paid by the Matson Line are lower than those paid by Australian and New Zealand shipowners.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the price of Danish bacon per cwt. for the month of June in each of the last three years?

According to information collected by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the average price (wholesaler to retailer) in London of first quality Danish green bacon was 60s. 6d. per cwt. in June, 1931, 66s. in June, 1932, and 77s. 6d. in June, 1933. The price of Danish smoked bacon was 8s. higher than green bacon in June, 1931, and 10s. higher in June, 1932 and 1933.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the price paid to British farmers for bacon pigs shows a corresponding rise?

The question refers only to Danish bacon.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the anxiety which is felt regarding the activities of National Shipbuilders' Security, Limited, in buying up and dismantling shipyards, and in disposing of the sites under restrictions against further use for shipbuilding; and whether he is satisfied that the operations of the company are not prejudicial to the interests of the community?

I am aware of the anxiety to which my hon. Friend refers, and I have otained from the company some explanations and assurances on the subject. The company have informed me that, so far as is consistent with their objects of assisting the industry by eliminating redundant and obsolete shipyards, their policy is to buy up berths for dismantling as evenly as possible between the shipbuilding districts of the country and as between all classes of work. The existing shipbuilding capacity is still far in excess of any likely requirements, and at no time during the last 10 years have more than half the berths available been occupied with work. Last year work was proceeding on only 5 per cent. of the building berths and at the present time, when the position of the industry has somewhat improved, the percentage is still only 27. The company have also assured me that they make every effort, in conjunction with local interest, to dispose of disused sites for employment by other industries and that they have succeeded in doing so in several instances. Moreover the policy of the company does not involve the withholding of consent to the further use for shipbuilding of land sold under restrictive covenant where it can be reasonably shown that the interests of the nation or of the industry make it desirable to re-establish a shipyard; and if the company were satisfied that in fresh circumstances any site could be profitably re-employed, they would not stand in the way. Such restrictive conditions as have been imposed would, the company state, never be utilised to jeopardise output in any time of national emergency.

Is it possible for us to get a full report as to the operations of this company?

I will consider that matter. I have given all the information that I possess.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the activities of this company in the long run make it certain that some shipyards will never be used again, in spite of the statement which they make?

I am afraid that that is not the only reason which would account for the fact that some shipyards will not be used again.

Is it not the case that the operations of this company are based on the assumption that the tariff policy of the Government is not in the interests of shipbuilding?

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether this company, which I understand exists for the destruction of capital, makes a dividend?

May I ask whether this company is to be allowed to pursue its activities without any regard to the social consequences?

If the hon. Member will study the answer, which I am afraid I read with great rapidity, he will probably see that therein lies the answer to his question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the present position in the negotiations for a trade agreement with France?

A trade agreement between the two countries was initialled on Saturday, the 16th. It is expected that this will be signed very shortly, and that the arrangements embodied in it will then be brought provisionally into force pending ratification. I am not in a position to give detailed information in regard to the agreement pending its signature, but I may say that it will result, amongst other things, in the restoration to this country of her full share of the French import quotas, and in the withdrawal of the 20 per cent. Surtax on certain French goods imposed in this country by the Order of the 9th February last. Discussions are also being set on foot for the conclusion of a further agreement regarding the treatment of persons and companies and other miscellaneous questions.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure us that in making this agreement the Interests of agriculturists have not once more been given away?

Can the right hon. Gentleman make any statement with regard to the artificial silk position in this Trade Agreement?

No, Sir. I cannot make any further statement than the one I have read to the House.

Will the agreement be published as soon as it is signed?

Yes, immediately it is signed. The hon. and gallant Member for Tiverton (Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte) is not justified in saying that we have given away any national interest. We have guarded them all.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the countries with which this country had a favourable visible trade balance in the year last ended?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 22nd February to a question by the hon. Member for Southampton (Mr. Craven-Ellis).

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has considered the memorandum from the Federation of British Industries relating to the compulsory marking of foreign imported goods, and urging that the pro- tection of British industry can best be achieved by tariffs and quotas; and if he will make a statement on the policy of His Majesty's Government in relation to submissions embodied in this statement?

The memorandum referred to by my hon. Friend was sent in response to a request from the Board of Trade for the federation's views on a proposal that the Merchandise Marks Act, 1826, should be amended in such a way as to require all imported goods to bear an indication of origin. The federation is opposed to the compulsory marking of all imported goods. They say that there is clearly a considerable difference of opinion on the subject, and they express the view that any attempt

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the recent reduction in duty on British motor vehicles imported into the United States has been made in consideration of similar concessions in duty on American motor vehicles or other commodities imported into Great Britain?

No, Sir. The duties hitherto imposed in the United States on motor vehicles and certain other articles have varied according to the duties levied by other countries on similar goods of United States origin. I understand that the United States Government now take the view that such forms of discrimination are inconsistent with the most-favoured-nation provisions of their Treaties and have accordingly decided to

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many motor vehicles were imported into Great Britain from the United States during the year 1933; how many British motor vehicles were exported to the United States during the same period; and what was their value?

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

Are we to understand that this spontaneous gesture of good will is without any corresponding advantage to the United States on goods we import from them, and is not this entirely in opposition to their usual fiscal policy?

I would rather not express any opinion on the fiscal policy of the United States.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his attention has been called to the proposed British trade exhibition train to tour Victoria during the centenary celebrations; and what steps are being taken to secure adequate representation of British staple industries on this train?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Department of Overseas Trade is co-operating with the London office of the Australian Association of British Manufacturers with a view to bringing this project to the attention of United Kingdom manufacturers, and His Majesty's Trade Commissioner at Melbourne, who is now on an official tour in this country, is also drawing the attention of manufacturers to the possibilities presented by the exhibition train whenever a suitable opportunity occurs.

Will any financial assistance be given by the Government to this admirable project?

That question has not yet been raised.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the value of orders placed in this country by the Soviet Government during the first four months of this year, and comparable figures for 1933?

For the reasons stated in my previous reply I have no official information. My attention has, however, been drawn to a statement in the May number of the "Monthly Review" issued by the Moscow Narodny Bank, indicating that the value of orders placed in the first four months of this year amounted to £3,449,335 as compared with £1,433,736 in the same period last year.

May I ask if the hon. and gallant Member is now satisfied with the results of the ratification of the agreement?

I am not satisfied until the increase continues for a period, but the indications are that substantial orders are being placed.

Can my hon. and gallant Friend say why there has been such a large fall in the exports from Russia in the first five months of this year as compared with the first five months of last year, and such a large increase in the imports to Russia?

That question hardly arises out of the question on the Order Paper.

(for Mr. KIRKWOOD) asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department how many orders have been placed in Scotland by Russia since the completion of the Anglo-Russian trade agreement; and what action is contemplated by the Government to arrange terms for the placing of Russian shipbuilding orders in Scotland?

There are no official figures, as United Kingdom firms are under no obligation to disclose the orders which they receive from abroad, and such unofficial figures as I have do not separately distinguish orders placed by the Soviet in Scotland. As regards the second part of the question, I presume the hon. Member has export credits in mind. His Majesty's Government do not contemplate taking any special action to arrange terms for the placing of Russian shipbuilding orders, and I would remind him that since July, 1931, export credits guarantees have not been available for the sale of construction of ocean-going vessels for any country. Guarantees are, however, available for special craft such as dredgers.

Have the Government no means of ascertaining which of these orders are for goods or products manufactured in this country, and which are for goods re-exported to Russia in the nature of raw materials?

Yes, Sir. As I have tried to make clear, we cannot tell the total number of orders placed, because it is not necessary for firms to make returns to us of all orders placed; but we can see at the end of the year, from the trade returns, the proportions of domestic exports and of re-exports.

(for Mr. THORP) asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that 22,000 dozen khaki shirts have been recently imported into the United Kingdom from Poland, and that they are now being sold by retail in Cardiff and elsewhere at 6s. 11d. per dozen; and whether he will take steps, by negotiation or otherwise to prevent further dumping of this kind?

My hon. and learned Friend has informed me that his question relates to overalls. My attention has not hitherto been called to this matter. As my hon. and learned Friend will realise, the question of any increase in the protection given to the home industry is, in the first place, a matter for the consideration of the Import Duties Advisory Committee.

This seems to be a question of dumping pure and simple; is that provided against?

Yes, Sir; machinery is already provided for the examination of any case of that kind.

asked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, if they have had any applications from local authorities to take in hand for planting purposes those areas of land which, owing to the closing down of collieries, are derelict and unsightly to surroundings; and will he say if it is the intention of the Forestry Commissioners to consider applications of such a nature?

The Forestry Commissioners have received from time to time suggestions of the character referred to, but such areas are, as a rule, unsuitable for the production of timber or too small in extent for economical management.

Have the Commissioners any power to help such areas as Cannock Chase even though it may be uneconomical? The land itself could be made a beauty spot whereas it is now unsightly.

I do not know whether the area in Cannock Chase can be regarded as a large plot of land, but I would remind the hon. Member that local authorities and other owners of land, both corporate and individual, are eligible for grants for planting from the Forestry Commissioners.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can make any statement on the Government's proposals to assist the livestock industry?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave yesterday to a question on the subject by my hon. Friend the Member for Horncastle (Mr. Haslam).

May I ask whether, in view of the urgency of this matter, as it affects 70 per cent. of the farmers of this country, the right hon. Gentleman will give an undertaking that something will be done before the Summer Recess?

I do not think it will be possible for me to give such an undertaking.

Does not the Minister realise that it is absolutely essential that something should be done before the autumn?

I am fully acquainted with the urgency of the situation. I merely say that it is not possible for me to give such an undertaking as that desired by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been drawn to the statement of the chairman of the Milk Board at the annual general meeting to the effect that the Ottawa Agreement prevents action of a satisfactory character to regulate imports; and what steps the Government propose to take in the matter?

I was aware of the statement referred to by my hon. Friend. Government proposals for meeting the present situation are embodied in the Milk Bill now before the House.

Does my right hon. Friend think it desirable that the chairman of the Milk Board should make an implied attack on the Dominions when the real trouble comes from foreign imports?

I accept no responsibility for his statements any more than I accept responsibility for statements made by the hon. Member.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether a report has yet been issued by the Import Duties Advisory Committee as to the representations made for increasing the duties on canned fruits; and whether, having regard to the incidence of the existing burden of 15 per cent. on these imports upon the general consumers in this country, he will give an assurance that full consideration shall be given to any further proposals for adding to the price of these commodities?

The Committee recently announced that they had this matter before them, and invited representations from interested parties. I have no doubt that they will give full attention to all relevant considerations.

Will the hon. Gentleman inform the House how representations from the consumer can reach the advisory committee before an order is approved?

They can reach the advisory committee in writing.

Do the advisory committee still invite people to make representations to appear before them?

The committee have invited representations to be made in writing.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has yet come to a decision as to whether there is any action that he could usefully take for the better control of house-to-house collections and collections in such places as shop arcades and railway stations for charitable purposes in the Metropolitan Police District; and, in particular, whether he will make it obligatory for all persons taking part in such collections to have a permit from the police as recommended in the report of the Advisory Committee on Street Collections for 1933?

Since my hon. Friend asked me a question on the same subject in April, I have given the matter my careful consideration. As he is probably aware, the Departmental Committee on the supervision of charities which reported in March, 1927, recommended among other things that a system, of licensing for door-to-door collections should be introduced, and this proposal was included in the Collecting (Charities (Regulation) Bill which was introduced by the Government in 1929. This particular proposal, however, met with great opposition and the Bill was not proceeded with. In the absence of any reason to suppose that there has been a material change of feeling I do not see my way to introduce fresh legislation for the purpose, and in any case there would be no opportunity for legislation this Session.

asked the Home Secretary if he is now in a position to make any statement as to whether he proposes to introduce a Bill to enable inquiries into fires to be held throughout the country in the same way as they are held in the City of London under the provisions of the City of London Fire Inquests Act, 1888?

No, Sir. I regret that I am not in a position to add to the reply which I gave to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Blackpool (Captain Erskine-Bolst) on the 13tih November last. I have already sent a copy of this reply to my hon. Friend.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of recent cases where magistrates have bound over first offenders with the express purpose of enabling them to regain their self-respect and reform themselves, and where their object in so doing has been defeated by sensational Press reports, he will introduce legislation to enable magistrates or county court judges at their discretion to forbid the publication of evidence in cases where their verdict is to bind over an offender not to offend again?

As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, there are in the Children and Young Persons Act of 1933 provisions for the protection of children and young persons on the lines which he sug- gests As regards older offenders, I recognise that indiscreet Press reports may make it more difficult for a first offender to rehabilitate himself, and it is very desirable that those responsible for reporting criminal cases in the Press should bear this point in mind. While, however, the need for proper discretion on the part of the Press is fully recognised, it would be contrary to the principle which has hitherto been regarded as fundamental in our jurisprudence to give justices a power to prevent the publication of information about their proceedings in dealing with offenders other than children and young persons. In many cases it is desirable that the public should know the reasons which have prompted the Court to deal leniently with an offender.

Would not the fundamental principle to which my right hon. Friend refers be adequately safeguarded by the publication of the findings of the court and the holding of the trial in open court, and not by sensational Press reports?

That no doubt would make a narrower limit, but, of course, it would necessitate legislation, for which there is no opportunity at the present time.

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received any report from the borough surveyor of West Ham and other local authorities upon the iron plates with diamond-cut tops laid by them in certain streets; and whether he can state the life of the iron plates; and whether they have proved effective to stop skidding in damp or greasy weather.

These surfaces are being kept under careful observation, but as experience only extends over three years, it is not yet possible to forecast the life of the material or, at the present stage of wear and tear, to draw final conclusions as to its other properties.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a definite plan of resettlement of Assyrian Christians in Brazil has been worked out; and whether, in the event of its proving acceptable. His Majesty's Government will participate financially in this scheme?

The Committee of the Council of the League which has this matter in hand reported to the Council on the 5th June that the scheme for resettling in Brazil those Assyrians who wished to leave Iraq had broken down owing to the recent adoption by the Brazilian Constituent Assembly of a restrictive measure on immigration in general. The second part of the question therefore does not arise. I should add that on the 7th June the Council instructed its Committee to persist in its efforts and to make fresh representations to the Governments of countries whose territories might lend themselves to the settlement of the Assyrians. The Council in the same resolution addressed an urgent appeal to the Governments to which the Committee of the Council might make requests, to give favourable consideration to such requests and to facilitate the Committee's task in view of the great importance of the problem. The Committee has, I understand, since addressed appeals to a considerable number of Governments.

Is it proposed to continue the negotiations with the Brazilian Government?

No; they have passed restrictive measures of immigration.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position with reference to the proposed agreement for a general embargo on the exports of arms to Bolivia and Paraguay; and whether the British Government proposes to act independently of other countries, on the analogy of the traffic in dangerous drugs and slave trading and in accordance with the precedent set by President Roosevelt?

The Governments of 34 countries have announced that in principle they are prepared to agree to the imposition of this embargo. The Italian Government have, however, made their agreement conditional on agreement by the Japanese Government. The latter have not yet given formal agreement, though they have explained that no exports of arms have in fact been sent from Japan to Bolivia or Paraguay. The formal coming into force of an embargo is accordingly for the moment delayed. As regards the second part of this question, His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are continuing to hold up the issuing of licences for the export of arms to the two belligerents, but they are not prepared to give an undertaking that this unilateral action would be pursued indefinitely and in all circumstances.

Can my right hon. Friend say when the matter will come before the Council of the League for discussion or decision?

I cannot say definitely. We are taking what action we can. We have made representations to both the Italian and the Japanese Governments in respect to their reservations.

Is it a fact that the Italian Government made it a condition of consent to this embargo that existing contracts should be carried out first?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the terms of reference of the four sub-committees of the Disarmament Conference recently set up at Geneva; which British Minister, if any, will attend; the names of the chairmen; the date when each will commence or has commenced work; and when the General Commission meets again?

The terms of reference of the four committees of the Disarmament Conference referred to by the hon. Member are' contained in the Resolution adopted by the General Commission on the 8th June, the text of which has been published in the Press. I am circulating the text of the Resolution in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The Committee on Security, the chairman of which is Monsieur Politis, held its first meeting on the 18th June; the Committee on Guarantees of Execution and Supervision, under the chairmanship of Monsieur Bourquin, held its first meeting on the 13th June; the chairman of the Air Committee is Monsieur de Madariaga and the chairman of the Committee on the Control of the Manufacture of and Traffic in Arms is Monsieur Scavenius. The chairmen are empowered to fix the dates for the first meetings of the two latter committees. It is not intended that any British Minister should attend the meetings of the committees at the present stage. No date has been fixed for the next meeting of the General Commission.

Can my right hon. Friend say who will represent the British Government? If Members of the Government do not themselves attend, surely there will be some civil servants, and cannot my right hon. Friend give the names?

The Government will be represented but no Minister will be present, nor will Ministers from any other Government.

Has it not been the practice in the past to give the names of those who will be representing the British Government, and will not my right hon. Friend be good enough to give the names?

I do not think there is a precedent for it, but I will look into the matter.

Is it not a fact that there is a precedent, and will not my right hon. Friend be good enough to look it up?

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that there are in Sheffield some 700 or 800 wooden huts, erected in 1915–16, for the purpose of providing temporary accommodation for munition workers; that the huts are now used permanently for human habitation; that they in no way comply with the building by-laws; that many of them are infested with bugs; and what steps he is prepared to take to deal with the matter?

My right hon. Friend is aware of the existence of these huts, the demolition of which is contemplated by the Corporation of Sheffield. Their slum programme is a large one, extending to the demolition of some 9,000 houses in five years, and the Corporation propose to deal first with the worst houses. My right hon. Friend understands that they are advised that these huts are not so bad as other property with which they are dealing at the present time.

Does my hon. Friend accept the statement of the local authority that there are worse houses in Sheffield than wooden bug-infested huts?

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether he is aware that under the Housing Act, 1930, Mrs. J. Neale, of 23, St. Kenya Avenue, Hove, was ordered in October, 1932, to demolish Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4, Victoria Court, Southampton; that the demolition charges in connection with the same amounted to £43; that legal and other charges amounted to £42 10s.; that the municipal authorities of Southampton do not intend to purchase the site; that Mrs. Neale is not permitted to sell it to a private person for building purposes; and wheher he proposes to take any action in the matter;

(2) whether he is aware that Mrs. J. Neale has recently been served with an order to demolish Nos. 1 and 2, Vyse Court, Southampton, in the Wickham Court clearance area; that she is unable to pay the costs of demolition and to engage legal assistance to represent her interests at the inquiry; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The houses in Victoria Court were included as being unfit for human habitation in a Clearance Order confirmed by my right hon. Friend under the Housing Act, 1930. The Act provides that such properties shall be demolished by the owners, or in their default, by the local authority who may recover from the owners any expenses so incurred, and no compensation is payable. An owner has a right to appeal to my right hon. Friend at any time against restrictions imposed by the local authority on the development of the cleared site. Mrs. Neale has not exercised this right of appeal. The houses in Vyse Court are included in a Clearance Order which is at present receiving consideration. The objection lodged on behalf of Mrs. Neale will be carefully considered and my right hon. Friend's decision will be reached in the light of a report by his Inspector following an inspection of the properties. It will be open to Mrs. Neale to attend the inquiry which is to be held on the 26th June either in person or by any agent she may appoint.

With reference to the last part of the second question, may I ask what will happen to this lady, who is now entirely without means, if the council decide to demolish her property and she is unable to pay their bills?

That is a matter between the council and the lady in question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is yet in a position to make an announcement with regard to the ratification by this country of the convention concluded at the International Conference in November last for the protection of the fauna and flora of Africa?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make an announcement in regard to the ratification of this Convention.

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate how greatly a strong lead from this country would improve the chances of co-operation between the various countries concerned in this matter?

Yes, and we gave a very strong lead at the Conference; indeed, we were largely responsibl for its success; but a large number of colonies are concerned, and we want to be perfectly certain that in this respect they will work in common.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention has been called to a suggestion put forward by the Kenya Society for race improvement, supported by a number of doctors in practice in Nairobi, that research should be undertaken into the effects of the East African climate on European residents; and whether, having regard to the important bearing of this question on the problem of white settlement, he will himself initiate some such inquiry?

I know nothing of this suggestion beyond what has appeared in the Press; and my hon. Friend will not expect me to form an opinion upon such slender material.

Will my right hon. Friend make further inquiries?

I think I had better await developments.

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the advisability of appointing a special committee to investigate the charges made that private armament interests in this country have been responsible for fomenting discord between nations with a view to their own financial profit?

I do not know to what specific charges the hon. Member refers. I am not aware that any such charge has been formulated by anyone in a manner sufficiently concrete or substantiated to warrant or bear examination. In reply to a question on the 23rd April, I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol North (Mr. Bernays) that no useful purpose would be served by the appointment of a commission of inquiry. Nothing that affords a reason to alter that view has since been brought to my notice.

If I can bring to the attention of the Prime Minister some charges of this kind, will he be good enough to give the matter further consideration?

indicated assent.

Is the right hon. Gentleman conversant with the publications of the Union of Democratic Control, which include this statements

Yes, but it is rather old material.

You were responsible for it.

May I ask whether there is a single case on record at the War Office or in any Defence Depart- ment of any armament firm in this country trying to create discord among the nations?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the fact that there is a large number of unemployed people in the United States of America, and that there is now a prospect of the Government of the United States of America being willing to accept the value of this country's indebtedness to them by payments in kind, he will explore the possibility of paying the American debt by the trans-shipment of boots, clothing, and other goods manufactured in this country, which could be purchased by His Majesty's Treasury for that purpose and used in the United States of America for the relief of destitution there?

As the hon. Member is aware, this matter was referred to in the Note recently addressed to His Majesty's (Government by the United States Government. A reply to that Note is at present under consideration, and I should prefer not to make any statement on the matter at the present moment.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consider the desirability of initiating test inquiries in typical areas with a view to ascertaining, approximately, what proportion of the total sum of £101,000,000, shown at page 67 of the 76th Annual Report of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, as the assumed cost of repairs for the purposes of Income Tax, Schedule A, under Section 30 of the Finance Act, 1933, is in fact so expended by property owners?

The actual expenditure on the repair and maintenance of property only comes under review of the Income Tax authorities in cases where the taxpayer claims a supplementary allowance on the ground that the actual expenditure, taken over an average of five years, exceeds the flat-rate allowance made in the assessment. The Inland Revenue Department have no knowledge of the actual expenditure in other cases, nor have they any power to require property owners to furnish any information in regard thereto. It is therefore quite impracticable to undertake an inquiry of the kind suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.

In the event of local authorities requiring specific repairs to be done to council property under the 1930 Act, will allowance be made by the Treasury with regard to Schedule A assessments?

I hesitate in reply to a supplementary question to lay down the law. If the hon. Member will give me notice of the question, I will be only too happy to answer it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction at the action of the High Commissioner for Palestine in restricting the number of Jewish immigrants to 5,600; and whether, in view of the undertaking to assist the Jewish people to build Palestine, the efforts which have made it possible to absorb Jewish labour and the large number of Jewish exiles at the present time, he will enter into consultation with the High Commissioner as to the desirability of allowing an increase in the number of Jewish immigrants?

The figure referred to by the hon. Member is the Labour Schedule for six months. The total number of immigrants is considerably in excess of that figure, the total for the first two months of this year being 4,890. As the hon. Member is aware, His Majesty's Government has always insisted, as is their duty under the Mandate, that immigration into Palestine must be governed by the economic absorptive capacity of that country. I am sure too that it will be generally agreed that the absorptive capacity can best be judged by the High Commissioner on the spot.

Is it not a fact that the addition to the ordinary quota has been advanced for the forth- coming half-year; further, will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House the number of certificates applied for by the Jewish agency and whether the Jewish agency were convinced that they could find employment for such a number; if so, what was the reason for cutting it down to a very small proportion?

I could not answer a number of detailed questions involving figures. I can take responsibility without notice for saying that the decision as to the number of immigrants that should be admitted was arrived at by the High Commissioner simply and solely on his authoritative judgment as to what was the genuine absorptive capacity of the country, looking both at the present and the future.

Will the right hon. Gentleman agree that there has been Government restriction, that he denied the other day?

No, Sir, most certainly not. There has not been any change whatever in the policy which every Government have pursued in the last 15 years ever since the mandate was undertaken. We are pledged under the mandate that the High Commissioner shall decide the number of immigrants on the absorptive capacity of the country.

Is that not a restriction on the number asked for?

Of course, it is a restriction.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the wages cost of weaving a piece of artificial silk in Lancashire is 8s., and that the wages cost for weaving the same material in the vicinity of Bradford is only 4s. 6d.; and whether he will take the necessary steps to extend the geographical limits prescribed by the Cotton Manufacturing Industry (Temporary Provisions) Bill?

My right hon. Friend has no precise information as to the respective wage costs involved in weaving artificial silk in the areas mentioned by my hon. Friend, but I would remind my hon. Friend that the purpose of the Bill is to make temporary provision for enabling stautory effect to be given to rates of wages agreed between representative organisations in the cotton manufacturing industry.

Is there no method of checking whether the statement made in the first part of the question is correct or not?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the officers on the Swansea prison staff are being neglected in the scope for promotion; how many officers have been promoted to the rank of principal officer during the past eight years to the nearest convenient date; how many officers have been awarded the Imperial Service Medal during that period; and whether there is any ground for differentiation in the treatment of the staff of this Welsh prison?

The hon. Member is mistaken in thinking that the claims of the prison staff at Swansea have been neglected in considering promotion to the rank of principal officer or awards of the Imperial Service Medal. When a vacancy occurs for a principal officer at any prison, all senior officers who are qualified for promotion are considered, and promotion is offered to the one who appears best suited for the post. During the last eight years the number of vacancies so filled has been 286, and it so happens that none has been promoted from Swansea, which has a small staff. During the same period there have been 10 retirements from the discipline ranks and two awards of the Imperial Service Medal at Swansea. There is no ground for the suggestion that there has been differentiation in the treatment of the staff at Swansea.