asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the complaints from all classes of the community that officials at Employment Exchanges are lacking in helpfulness and courtesy to applicants; and whether, in view of the hardships suffered by the unemployed and the necessity for alleviating their conditions, he will instruct his officials to maintain such courtesy and efficiency in the fulfilment of their duties as are displayed by other branches of the Civil Service?

So far from such complaints being general, I think I am right in saying that the testimony of those who have personal dealings with Employment Exchange officials is that they maintain a high standard of courtesy and efficiency in their dealings with those who have occasion to use the Exchanges. If any complaint is made, it is at once investigated and should it be found to be justified—as I am glad to say is rarely the case—appropriate action is taken.

Is the right hon. Gentleman a ware that there are large numbers of cases in many parts of the country, including ex-officers, ex-public school boys, and workers of all classes, black-coated and otherwise, and will he take such steps as he may think necessary to ensure that courtesy is given to those who attend Employment Exchanges, and that they receive the same courtesy as is given in all branches of the Civil Service?

I am sure that courtesy is already given. I can only say that I think it is a pity that, if the hon. Member knows of instances of that kind, he did not bring them to my notice before asking the question, rather than after.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I have brought this matter forward, appreciating the responsibility which devolves upon me in so doing and being satisfied that in giving ventilation to it on the Floor of the House it will do what is necessary?

I can only repeat that I think before my hon. Friend made general allegations of this kind against a very loyal and courteous body of civil servants, he should have produced the details of complaints, which might have been investigated.

asked the Minister of Labour the name of the chairman and the names of the other members of the Statutory Committee under Part I of the Unemployment Act; and what salary the chairman, the vice-chairman and the other members of the committee are to receive?

asked the Minister of Labour the names of the members of the Unemployment Statutory Insurance Com- mittee; the respective salaries; and which of its members are to give full time to the post?

The members of the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee are:

Sir William H. Beveridge, K.C.B. (Chairman).

Mr. A. L. Ayre, O.B.E., J.P.

Mr. A. D. Besant, B.A., E.T.A. Captain the Right Hon. C. C. Craig, P.C. (Ire.), D.L.

Mr. Arthur Shaw, J.P.

Miss Katharine J. Stephenson, C.B.E., J.P.

Mrs. M. D. Stocks, B.Sc. (Econ.), J.P.

The chairman will receive a salary of £1,000 per annum, and the other members fees of five guineas for each day spent in attending a meeting, subject to a maximum of £500 in a year. No member will be required to give full time to the work of the committee.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the committee will meet?

I cannot say when they will hold their first meeting, but the committee has already been appointed.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any objection to inquiring into the other resources of the members of the committee?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the discontent among artistes, technicians, artisans, etc., employed in British film studios, through the introduction of aliens, mainly exiles from Germany; on what grounds his Department recommends the granting of permits to these persons; whether he will state the names of the parties who made application for such services; and, as plenty of British labour is available for the work, will he take immediate steps to cancel these permits in order to avoid trouble between British and alien labour?

I have no evidence of such discontent and the suggestion that these permits, which in total are quite few, are mainly issued to Germans is quite incorrect. The film company is re- quired to make application in each case and to show that the introduction of an alien is necessary. If these permits were cancelled, as my hon. Friend suggests, the result might well be not to increase but to reduce the amount of employment available for British workers.

Has the right hon. Gentleman personally investigated, or caused to be investigated, the real reason for the discontent prevailing in the studio. I have investigated—

Order!

Perhaps the hon. Member will give me the results of his investigations.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the regulations of his Department, paragraphs 189 and 190, L.O. Code 7, provide that if the wife of an unemployed man advertises for summer lodgers she is automatically disallowed benefit whether in fact she has succeeded in obtaining lodgers or not; and whether, in view of the hardship caused by this rule, be will consider amending the regulations so that where it is proved that no lodgers were kept the wife's allowance will be restored?

The effect of these paragraphs is not correctly given in the question. Cases of the kind described are not automatically disallowed, but are referred to the insurance officer for his decision whether they are to be allowed or are to be referred to a court of referees. The ultimate decision depends, not on regulations, but on the provisions of the Acts themselves. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a leading decision of the Umpire bearing on the matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the official to whom he refers in one particular town acts upon decision of the Umpire and upon that decision has disallowed benefit in this particular case, although in fact no lodgers have been taken by the woman?

I cannot answer without particulars of the individual case, but a claim can only be disallowed by the court of referees.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that many single unemployed men in Durham who have hitherto received full transitional allowance are now receiving an addition of 9d.; whether this is the maximum amount for single men; and why the 10 per cent. has not been restored to such men?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Batey) on 9th July. The amounts set out in the basis of need laid down by the Commissioners are not hard and fast, but may be modified to meet the needs of any individual case, provided that the unemployment benefit rates are not exceeded.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, so far as one can learn from personal investigation and also from resolutions received, the practice referred to is going on, and that men below 50 years of age who are receiving the full amount of unemployment pay get 9d. instead of is. 9d., while men above 50 years of age get more generous consideration? Can he take steps to see that, as far as possible, the 10 per cent. is restored to the men, at least to the people who are receiving the maximum amount?

As I said in answer to a previous question, the general effect of the new scale is to add rather more than 10 per cent. to the cost of transitional payments.

Seeing that the Commissioner in Durham is in a special position compared with other parts of the country, can the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that, as far as possible, those in receipt of the maximum amount will at least receive the benefit of the 10 per cent., which they are not getting at the present time?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put a question down on that point. I cannot answer now with certainty, but I do not think that it is within my power to do what he suggests.

Is the Minister aware that the same circumstances do not exist at Rotherham, where there is also a Commissioner?

Are not certain local authorities, in effect, giving the 10 per cent., and would it not be possible to have some uniformity in this matter?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why this distinction should be made and why single unemployed men get 16s. instead of 17s.?

The Commissioner, in the exercise of his discretion, has drawn up a scale, the general effect of which is to provide for more than the 10 per cent. increase.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I shall raise this matter on the first possible opportunity.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the public assistance committee of the corporation of Newcastle-on-Tyne have declared it is illegal to pay 26s. per week transitional benefit under any circumstances; and will he take steps to ensure the same interpretation of the legal position in both the counties of Northumberland and Durham?

I am not aware of such a declaration, and I have no grounds for believing that the authorities referred to are unaware of their legal powers and duties in respect of the administration of transitional payments.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on one side of the river 26s. is paid and on the other side 24s., and will he state why the Newcastle Corporation say they are not legally entitled to do the same as is done on the other side of the river?

If my hon. Friend will refer to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Lawson) on 5th July, he will see the legal position set out.

In view of the fact that within a short distance two people in exactly the same circumstances, and living in practically the same locality, are receiving different amounts, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that he should takes steps, while recognising the legal position, to influence the local authorities to see that both persons are treated alike?

The hon. Member will realise that I have no power in this matter.

Has the right hon. Gentleman not the power in these circumstances to call the two local authorities together and get them to see common sense in the matter?

It depends on the discretion of the local authorities, who are answerable for their actions to the ratepayers in their own districts.

Is it not possible, in view of the wide dissatisfaction in the area for the Minister or one of his departmental officials to call a conference and get the two authorities to adopt common sense views?

Surely the Minister is aware that the money comes from the Treasury and not from local funds?

Is the Minister not aware that the cause of this is the statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and also by the Minister of Labour, which has led people in the country to believe that 10 per cent. would automatically accrue to them?

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that the concession to disabled ex-service men that the first £1 of disability pension would be left out of account when assessing their incomes under the means test cannot become operative until the new board is set up under the Unemployment Act, he will remind public assistance authorities of the circular issued by his predecessor in 1931 and of a number of statements subsequently made on behalf of his Department, the effect of which was that such authorities might at their discretion increase payments to disabled men on account of their disability above the normal; and will he invite them to consider taking this action at their discretion so that any hardship may be alleviated forthwith?

Public Assistance Authorities were informed in a circular of 24th November, 1932, issued from my Department, that where in any case the nature of the disability is such as to involve extra expenditure and calls for a greater measure of assistance than would otherwise be appropriate, the authority may properly take such special need into consideration in determining the amount of transitional payments to be allowed in any case. I have no reason to suppose that authorities need to be reminded by any further circular of their powers and duties in the matter.

In view of the special circumstances which have arisen owing to the expectation given to these men and the necessary delay which has occurred in bringing it into full activity, will the right hon. Gentleman consider reminding these authorities of their powers?

If there is any necessity to remind authorities of their powers probably the object has been achieved by the question of the hon. and gallant Member and the answer.

asked the Minister of Labour if he has any information as to what wages are paid and hours worked in the carpet factories of Belgium; and whether any special conditions for employment therein are laid down by the Belgian Government?

As the reply is somewhat long, I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REORT.

asked the Minister of Labour how many aliens have been granted permits for employment at the factory of Messrs. Bata at Tilbury; what number of such permits have terminated; and what number are still in operation?

Permission has been granted for the employment of 28 aliens at the Bata factories at Tilbury. Four permissions have terminated; the number in operation at present is 24.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why these permits were given? Is there a dearth of labour in this country?

These are permits granted to special men who are brought over here in order to train labour in this country.

Is it not the case that a similar number of English people are employed in a factory in Czechoslovakia as a result of this arrangement?

Is it not the case that there are many people in the boot and shoe industry who are unemployed, and why is it necessary to bring in these foreigners?

I understand that this firm has a particular process, and it is necessary to bring over skilled men to teach British labour here how to use this process. These permits are only for a limited time.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to excessive hours being worked by juveniles at the factory of Messrs. Bata, of Tilbury; and whether he will take steps to see that the law in this respect is observed and the health of the work-people thereby protected?

I have received a report showing that the normal hours at these works are 7.30 to 5.30 with no Saturday employment. Some of the employes have been working longer, but apparently within legal limits. In one or two instances there have been irregularities but these were not serious and the firm have promised to see that they are not allowed to occur again.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will furnish a statement showing the number of ex-police officers in receipt of pensions other than war pensions; the average amount of pension per head; and the number of such pensioners who are in paid employment while in receipt of their pensions?

The number of retired members of police forces in England and Wales in receipt of police pensions on 31st March, 1934, was 35,184, and the average pension was about £150. I have no information as to the number who have obtained employment since they retired.

asked the Home Secretary whether the seven members of the Metropolitan police force, including two sergeants, who were suspended from duty in the East End of London have been reinstated; and whether the policemen in question had any of their pay stopped?

The Commissioner of Police informs me that the sergeant and six constables referred to have all been reinstated. Four of the constables who were found guilty of the offences with which they had been charged were not paid for part of the period of suspension.

asked the Home Secretary whether, seeing that owing to the weight of the cloth of which the uniforms are, made the police suffer in hot weather, he will arrange either to clothe them in drill or thin blue cloth or permit them to dispense with their tunics and wear a white shirt when on duty during the heat wave, whereby they would be cooler and more visible in traffic?

As regards the Metropolitan Police, I have nothing to add to my previous replies. Elsewhere the matter is within the discretion of the chief constable.

Is it not the case that a policeman's uniform is exactly the same in summer as in winter; that there is a total disregard of climatic conditions?

No, Sir; that is not the case. There are two kinds of uniform.

Will the right hon. Gentleman examine the cloth which policemen are now wearing as I have done? It is about three times the consistency of the cloth any hon. Member in this House, other than myself, is wearing?

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries in the provinces as to what arrangements are made there during the hot weather to help the police in the performance of their heavy duties?

As I have already explained in my previous answer, in the case of excessive hot or cold weather measures are taken to clothe the police according to the circumstances.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the unfavourable impression created in London by the uncomfortable clothing worn in hot weather by the police?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a document containing a black list of certain anti-Fascists has been compiled by the Blackshirts; that the Blackshirt movement is active among the armed forces of the Crown, and that a list of certain recommended weapons is included in the same document; and what action, if any, he proposes?

I have no information regarding any such document, but I shall be glad to consider any information which is in the possession of my hon. Friend.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the report in the "Daily Telegraph" of a speech delivered last Sunday by the Secretary of the National Union of Railwaymen, and will Mr. Marchbank, in the public interest, be required either to repudiate or to substantiate those allegations?

I have not seen it.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in regard to the closing orders adopted by the Exmouth Local Authority, under the Shops Acts, he is satisfied that those orders are being enforced?

The local authority responsible for making and enforcing Orders under the Shops Acts in the Exmouth district is the Devon County Council. I am informed by the council that the Orders are duly enforced in this area, and that during the last two years they have received no complaint, but that they understand that a complaint addressed to the Exmouth Urban District Council is about to be sent on to them. This complaint will be investigated in due course and I will communicate with the hon. Member when I learn the result.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware that parents of the girls at the Saltburn High School, Yorkshire, have received notice that certain middle-school forms will stay at home on given dates in order to provide adequate accommodation for examinations; and whether he is satisfied that the secondary education facilities in the vicinity are adequate?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.

Is not this a clear indication that the secondary education facilities in this area are not sufficient, and is the hon. Member aware that the neighbouring area, with a growing population of over 60,000, is utterly unprovided for in this respect and that local feeling runs rather high?

These temporary arrangements only occur on two days in the year, and I do not think that they justify additional accommodation. The North Riding of Yorkshire is the responsible authority, and they are satisfied that a new school is not justified at present.

Is the hon. Member aware that the North Riding education authority continually blames the Board of Education for a lack of educational facilities?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether, in view of the numbers of families who take their annual holiday in August on account of the school holidays and the consequent congestion and high cost of accommodation at seaside resorts during that month, he will consider closing all elementary schools during July in order to relieve the position and also with a view to giving to children under 14 years of age the benefit of a holiday during a month with longer hours of daylight?

The fixing of school holidays is a matter which lies within the discretion of the local education authorities. It is already the practice of a number of authorities to adjust the school holidays to local needs.

Does not the operation of school holidays by local authorities depend on the insistence of the Department that schools shall have a certain number of openings in the year; and will the hon. Member consider now whether the number of openings required should not be substantially reduced?

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the communications sent from urban district councils calling his attention to the failure of private enterprise to provide an adequate supply of homes under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1933, to be let at rents payable by the working class; and, in view of the widespread desire that the Government should introduce such financial assistance as will enable local authorities to build this type of house, what action he intends to take?

I have received and considered certain communications of the kind described by the hon. Member in the question. As regards the remainder of the question I would refer the hon. Member to my observations in the course of the recent Debate upon the Estimates of my Department.

In any further legislation dealing with this matter, will the Minister of Health bear in mind the fact that many miners are earning less than 5s. per day?

The hon. Member will find these matters considered when the legislation is introduced.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give the House any further information in regard to the statistics which he proposes to publish, showing the number of houses built and the number of slum dwellings demolished during recent months; and whether he will issue such figures to the Press at regular intervals?

The statistics will be tabulated in a half-yearly return dealing with house production and slum clearance. For details I am afraid I must ask my hon. and gallant Friend to await -the publication of the return which, as I have already stated, will be issued as soon as possible after the end of September.

Would my right hon. Friend consider publishing some figures, if not all, every quarter, instead of twice a year, so that the country may know the very substantial progress that is being made in these matters?

In fact, very close consideration has been given to that question, but it has been found that the labour involved by more frequent publi- cation would not be justified, in view of the results. The half-yearly returns will probably give a sufficiently close view of the situation.

Will that half-yearly return contain figures as to the number of houses that have been built for letting and not for sale?

I must ask hon. Members to await the actual details in the return when it is published. It will deal with house production.

Will the figures include houses that have been demolished because they are worn out, though not part of a slum clearance scheme?

I am not sure to what class of houses my hon. Friend refers.

Could the right hon. Gentleman not do something with the films in this matter?

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the Report of the National Housing Committee in which it is stated that the attitude of the Treasury seems to have been governed by the view that the need for subsidies for the housing of the workers was temporary, and that the Treasury has been concerned rather to limit the commitments of the national Exchequer in relation to housing than to consider the best financial methods of carrying through a national housing scheme; and what action does he propose to take to put into operation the recommendations of this committee?

I am aware of the report referred to. I do not at all accept the statement quoted from that document or that it represents accurately the attitude of His Majesty's Government or of any Department of Government.

As this report has been circulated not only to Members of Parliament but to the public generally, if the right hon. Gentleman does not accept the findings, will he make some representation to them, or may we assume that the view of the Ministry is that the National Housing Committee does not know what it is talking about?

The prospect opened up by the hon. Member's suggestion that there should be an immediate refutation of every document circulated by a private authority is a very formidable one.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in connection with claims for widows', orphans' and old age contributory pensions his Departmental notes request that the claim numbers shall be quoted in communications; whether he is aware that embarrassment is caused to aged people, inasmuch as the claim numbers exceed 27 millions; and whether he will give instructions that simpler numbers are used?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; as regards the second and third parts, the pension number serves three purposes, namely, to denote a particular pensioner, to show the week of the year in which a new order book is issuable, and to show the week and year in which the pensioner will attain the age of 70, when the charge for the pension has to be transferred from the Pensions Account to the Vote for Old Age Pensions. This greatly facilitates the use of machines for recurring operations, and the advantage to the pensioners themselves of the virtually automatic renewal of their pensions far outweighs any slight disadvantage which the use of necessarily long numbers may involve.

While the reply has nothing at all to do with the question on the Paper, I should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman, with special reference to the question, why these forms have been issued? They contain eight figures and are, therefore, a source of embarrassment to aged people. They are written, not typed. If they were typed they would be more easy to decipher. Will the right hon. Gentleman not consider that these forms are an embarrassment to old people?

The hon. Member's supplementary question really satisfies me that the answer was most relevant to the question. I apologise for the length of the reply, but, if the hon. Member will consider it, I think he will find that it meets his point.

asked the Minister of Health how many county or county borough councils have applied for permission to contribute towards the support and maintenance of institutions for deaf and dumb persons; and whether he can state the names of such councils, and, in each case, the amount of the proposed subscription, and the action taken by him in connection with such application?

Thirty county or county borough councils have applied during the past year for my consent to the payment of subscriptions to missions for the deaf and dumb, and I understand that at least nine other councils are paying annual subscriptions to such missions. I will send my hon. Friend a statement giving the names of the councils and the amounts of the subscriptions, and showing what action has been taken on each application. In those cases in which sanction has not yet been given to the proposed subscriptions, I am making further inquiries, as I am not at present satisfied that the Councils in question have given adequate consideration to the needs of the missions in respect of the placement of deaf and dumb persons in employment.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that local authorities are making as wide a use of the powers provided under Section 67 (6) of the Poor Law Act, 1930, as is desirable in the public interest; whether he has received adequate response to his Circular No. 1,337, dated 22nd May, 1933; and whether he will consider the desirability of extending the provisions of Sections 2, 3 and 4 of the Blind Persons Act, 1920, to deaf and dumb persons?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the negative. I am, however, taking action with a view to securing closer attention by the local authorities to the suggestions made in the 'Circular mentioned by my hon. Friend, and as at present advised I do not consider that fresh legislation on the lines he suggests is desirable.

In those cases in which my right hon. Friend has not received any application, will he communicate with the local authority concerned and again draw their attention to the circular?

In cases in which 1 am not satisfied as to the adequacy of the action there is further communication.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has any information to show that the United States of America, or any other countries, prohibit the importation of liquid eggs on grounds of health; and whether he will consider prohibiting their importation to this country on these grounds

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Liquid eggs imported into this country and intended for food must be free from preservatives and fit for human consumption, and, subject to those conditions, I am not aware of any reason for prohibiting their importation on grounds of public health.

Will my right hon. Friend further consider this matter and carefully examine it to make sure that these eggs are not injurious to health? Fresh eggs are better.

I am sure that fresh eggs are very preferable, but the point of concern at the moment is as to what precautions are taken to ensure that eggs are fit for human consumption.

Has my right hon. Friend's attention been drawn, to the manufacture of slab cake, one of the chief ingredients of which is Chinese liquid eggs, and will he see that a decent standard of what is fit for human consumption is required?

Is not the Ministry standard of what is fit for human consumption a very low one, and is not that evidenced by the fact that dyed herring are allowed to take the place of properly smoked kippers?

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the distressed condition of Glamorgan, he is prepared to reconsider the recommended grant to the Mid-Glamorgan Water Board in order to facilitate the provision of water schemes within their rural area?

In assessing the grant for this scheme account has been taken of the local conditions and needs. The grant provisionally allocated is equivalent to one-quarter of the deficiency, and after allowance is made for contributions from the County Council and the Rural District Councils, the burden on the rates of the parishes served will be small.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that the sum of £44,000 is rather too heavy for a local authority like this, a local Water Board?

I think the hon. Member's question really shows the difficulty of considering all the aspects of such an application in the form of question and answer. That amount has been considered in relation to the needs of the locality.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether His Majesty's Government will undertake the printing and publication of the history of the institution and personnel of Parliament which is being prepared under the direction of a Committee consisting of Members of both Houses?

I have been assured by the Committee in question that the proposed history will not involve a net charge on public funds, and with the object of assisting this undertaking I have agreed on behalf of the Government to the following arrangement, which is accepted by the Committee as satisfactory and likely to produce the results required. Provided that there is secured beforehand from sources other than public funds a minimum sum of £15,000 towards the cost of compiling the history, the Government, while they cannot pledge Parliament or future administrations to a continuing expenditure of public money, will be prepared for their part to authorise the publica- tion, and placing on sale, by the Stationery Office at the public cost of volumes of the history up to a maximum number, varying, proportionately with the amount collected, from 20, if only the minimum sum is secured, up to the total of 40 if £30,000 is secured.

It is anticipated by the Committee that receipts from sales, which will be credited to the Stationery Office Vote, will cover the cost of publication. It is understood that the Government cannot take any responsibility for raising the above sums but I am sure that there will be a general hope that the Committee may be successful in their efforts.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman, may I ask my hon. Friends in this House to help? It is a great honour.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the value of the motor-cars imported during the first six months of this yeas amounted to £716,937, approximately double the value imported in the same period of 1933 and nearly four times the value imported in the same period of 1932; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with the growing threat to the British motor-car, industry?

I am aware of the figures of the importation of motorcars to which my hon. Friend refers, but I would draw his attention to the fact that the importations of parts and accessories of motor-cars have substantially declined since 1932. The duty on motorcars, in common with other Budget duties, will come up for review in the ordinary course before the next Budget, and all relevant considerations, including those to which my hon. Friend has drawn attention, will be borne in mind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that sporting cartridge cases are being imported into this country unmarked, subsequently stamped with a fictitious name and address purporting to be that of a British firm, and the sporting ammunition in these cases when exported actually receives the drawback as being British products; what reply has been given to the application under the Merchandise Marks Act for the universal marking of all imported foreign cartridge cases with the country of origin; and what steps he proposes to take to stop this evasion of the Merchandise Marks Act?

I am aware that sporting cartridge cases are being imported unmarked and that, after loading, the cartridges are sold bearing the names of British firms; but my attention has not been called to any case in which the name is fictitious. There is no reason to suppose that a drawback of duty is allowed otherwise than in accordance with the appropriate Treasury Order. For reasons which have been explained in answers to previous questions on this subject the application which has been made for a Marking Order is not one which the Board of Trade are able to refer to the Merchandise Marks Committee.

May I ask how, in the absence of an Order being made under the Merchandise Marks Act, the public in this country who wish to buy British sporting cartridges can possibly know whether, if they are buying cartridges loaded by any of the firms controlled by the Imperial Chemical Industries Company, those cartridges are in cases which have come from foreign countries?

Any member of the British public who desires to buy British cartridges can specify the name of the proprietary article he desires to buy.

How is the British purchaser to know, even when he takes that precaution, in view of the present state of the trade in these foreign imported cartridge cases, that he will get a cartridge which is British right through, even to the case?

As the sale of a foreign article bearing the name of a British trader is an offence under the existing law, under the last Merchandise Marks Act, will the Board of Trade institute a prosecution, as they have the power to do?

I think my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. The article imported from abroad, if I understand the matter aright, is the blank cartridge case. That cartridge case is then filled in this country with the ammunition, wads, and so on. A very large percentage of the value of the finished article is thus British, and the name of the manufacturer put on the finished article is not put on the article imported from abroad at all. [HON. MEMBERS: "It is."] Will hon. Members allow me first to finish my sentence? I am advised that the putting by the manufacturer of the name on a filled cartridge is not the application of the word "British" to an imported foreign article, and in this connection it is quite impossible to treat cartridge cases on any different footing from any other material which goes to make up a finished article. There is a regular procedure under the Merchandise Marks Act, and unless that procedure is followed in connection with cartridge blanks it is not possible for the Board of Trade to intervene?

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the cap on the case is included in the cartridge case?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now say when steps will be taken to afford further protection to the agricultural machinery industry, having regard to the fact that the tonnage of the imports in the first half of this year is over 60 per cent. greater than in the same period of last year?

I fear that there is nothing I can add to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on the 8th May.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether any of the bills accepted by German nationals for British exports, and guaranteed under the export credits scheme, are in default?

It is not the practice to give information about individual countries or firms, but I can inform by hon. Friend that while, in the ordinary course, a certain number of bills on foreign buyers of British goods are unpaid from time to time, including buyers in Germany, there has not been any abnormal increase in Germany in recent times.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the number of clocks imported into this country has increased from 715,955 in the first six months of 1932 to 1,528,769 in the first six months of 1934; and what steps he proposes to take to protect further the British clock-making industry?

I am aware of the increase in imports of clocks referred to in the first part of the question. As regards the latter part, I would remind my hon. Friend that the duties on most clocks are governed by the trade agreement with Germany concluded in April, 1933.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the imports of dental, surgical, medical and veterinary instruments and appliances (except optical) have increased from £163,813 in the first half of 1932 to £215,250 in the first half of 1933, and to £247,022 in the first half of 1934; and what further steps he proposes to take to protect the British industry manufacturing these scientific goods?

I am aware of the facts to which my hon. Friend draws attention. Any question of an increase in the duty on these goods must be dealt with by the ordinary procedure under the Import Duties Act.

Is it not the case that a considerable proportion of these goods are dutiable under the Safeguarding of Industries Act, 1921, as extended by the Finance Act of 1926, and that accordingly no application can be made to the Import Duties Advisory Committee?

No, Sir. According to my information, that applies to very few of the goods in question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that the price of sisal imported into this country is round about £15 a ton, and that binder twine made from it is sold to farmers at a cost of £33 per ton; and whether he is satisfied that this high price for the manufactured article is justified?

I have no official information on this subject, but I understand that the difference between the prices quoted by my hon. Friend is mainly due to the cost of converting sisal into binder twine.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the possibility of relaxing the present restrictions on foreign lending?

I am glad of the opportunity to make a short statement. In the first place, I should like to convey my thanks to the authorities concerned, more particularly those of the London Stock Exchange for the manner in which they have invariably striven to give effect to my wishes. I should like to point out also, if I may, that the actual amount or foreign lending at the present time would in no circumstances be great and that it is easy to form exaggerated views as to the effect of the embargo. As regards the future, I am satisfied that it would not be in the public interest that the existing restrictions should be removed at the present time. But under present conditions I should be ready to consider particular cases especially those falling under the following heads:

(a) Sterling issues by a country within the sterling bloc where the loan is required to increase the sterling assets of that country and so to minimise fluctuations in the exchanges.

(b) Sterling issues on behalf of any borrower where the proceeds are calculated mainly to produce direct benefit to British industry.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of putting into his next Budget a rather heavy tax upon foreign loans.

I am afraid I cannot anticipate the next Budget.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can give separately the amounts of money voted by this House as subsidies, grants, guarantees, or loans since October, 1931?

As the answer is necessarily in tabular form, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any early legislation may be expected for the better regulation of industrial assurance; and whether the Government will consider the setting up of a national scheme under Government control?

The Report of the Committee on Industrial Assurance is still under consideration and I am not in a position to say when action will be taken on it, or what that action will be.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any preventive for grass sickness in horses is known at the present time; and, if not, whether any steps are being taken by his Department to evolve such a preventive?

The causal factor of grass sickness is unknown and no preventive agent can yet be recommended. Research on this subject is being conducted at the Moredun Animal Diseases Research Institute, near Edinburgh, the institute most conveniently situated to the areas in which the condition is most prevalent.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has now come to a decision on the suggested establishment of regional schemes for the slaughtering of animals as recommended in the report of the Reorganisation Commission for fat stock?

As indicated in the statement on the livestock situation, which I made to the House on 11th July last, the long-term plan favoured by the Government envisages a reform of the slaughtering system, but I am not at present in a position to make any further statement on the subject.

Do I understand that the right hon. Gentleman is not committed to the abolition of private slaughter-houses in rural areas?

I am not committed in any way.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what action has been, or is proposed to be, taken in regard to countries which, during the 15 weeks ended 30th June, have largely exceeded the quantity of eggs exported by them to this country in the corresponding period last year; and whether he is satisfied that the aggregate quantity of foreign eggs imported between 15th March and 14th September will not exceed that imported last year?

asked the Minister of Agriculture (1) whether he is aware of the serious condition of the poultry industry caused largely by the importation of cheap foreign eggs and eggs in shell; and whether he proposes to take any further action to help this industry before the Recess;

(2) whether he is aware that imports of eggs from Poland were higher during June, 1934, than during June, 1933, and that the imports from several foreign countries were higher during the first six months of 1934 than during the similar period in 1933 in spite of the voluntary restriction agreed to; and whether he proposes to take any further steps to reduce imports of eggs?

Since the arrangement proposed by His Majesty's Government in March last, for a standstill in imports of eggs in shell, applied to the period of six months to 14th September next, no special significance should be attached in this connection to the figures of imports in June or in the first six months of 1934. Imports from some countries in the first. 15 weeks of the arrangement, to 30th June, were greater than in the corresponding period of 1932, but total imports of eggs in shell from all sources in the period in question showed a reduction of about 10 per cent. The action to be taken to regulate imports of eggs after 14th September next is under consideration, but is unlikely to be announced before the Recess.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has not answered Question 38 in regard to poultry industry; and does he realise that this industry consists very largely of small men who cannot afford to go on losing money?

I have dealt with the position in the poultry industry, and I have more particularly answered the second part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question as to whether steps are to be taken before the Recess.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he will have power under the Anglo-Danish Treaty to reduce exports of eggs from Denmark?

Yes, certainly.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in many parts of the country, poultry keepers are already selling off some of their stock very cheaply, and that men are being put out of employment?

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to stop the importation of eggs from Turkey?

Any reduction of imports must not discriminate specifically against any particular country.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will examine the possibility of fitting electric fans in the Chamber in order to produce a cooler atmosphere during the summer months?

The air is already drawn into and through this Chamber by means of electric fans. The installation of electric fans in the Chamber itself would only create draughts without reducing the temperature, which, during the recent hot weather, has never exceeded 71 degrees Fahr. To reduce the temperature further without increasing the humidity of the air to an uncomfortable point would involve provision of new plant at a cost of some £4,000 or £5,000, in addition to running costs of some £500 per annum, and I should be disposed to doubt whether conditions as they exist are such as to warrant expenditure of that order.

As the ventilation in this House has been so unsatisfactory during this summer, will the right hon. Gentleman make fresh inquiries before we have another hot summer?

Might not one of the results of this proposal be to make Ministerial replies even more inaudible than they are at present.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that very slight inconvenience is caused to Members of the Government, as there are usually no more than six of their back benchers in attendance?

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he can give an undertaking to the House that no steps will be taken to demolish St. John's Lodge, Regent's Park, until this House reassembles after the summer Recess or until it has had an opportunity of registering its views on the proposal?

As I have stated in reply to other questions, I have at this moment various proposals under consideration as to possible uses for St. John's Lodge. I do not anticipate being in a position to reach a decision in the matter before the Recess, and, if I ultimately come to the conclusion that there is no alternative to demolition, I will certainly inform the House before any such action is taken.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure us that the fabric will not come to pieces before these proposals are formulated?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland which education authorities in Scotland have reduced the reduction in the salaries of their teachers to less than 5 per cent. below the 1931 level?

As the answer is necessarily somewhat long, I propose, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will the hon. Gentleman also intimate to those county authorities, who have failed so far to carry out the decision of Parliament this year, his desire that they should do so?

My hon. and gallant Friend's question, as far as I understand, deals with a different point.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has any statement to make about the grave increase of fatal road accidents in the last fortnight?

May I refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on this subject on the 16th July to the hon. and gallant Member for South Leicester (Captain Waterhouse) of which I am sending him a copy?

Will the Minister consider making it compulsory that motorists should bear the first £5 of the costs incurred in each and every accident?

Why?

I should be much happier if my hon. Friend would put his suggestion in writing, together with the arguments with which he supports it.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the continued increase of road accidents, it is his intention to introduce legislation dealing with ribbon development on the main roads at an early date?

I am devoting attention to this question in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health and my hon. Friend will not expect me to make any statement as to legislation.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he proposes to introduce marked crossing-places where pedestrians will, unless held up by a policeman, invariably have the prior right; and, if so, what steps will he take to ensure that the public are made aware of the intention of these regulations?

Marked crossing-places for pedestrians have already been introduced experimentally at various junctions which are not controlled by police or light signals. At these crossings the pedestrian has the right of way at all times. The attention of the public has been drawn to this experiment by notices issued to the Press, broadcasts from the British Broadcasting Corporation, and a number of special articles in the Press.

Will the Minister consider having a policeman at each of these experimental crossing-places to explain to the public what is expected from them?

In view of the confusion which exists between controlled and uncontrolled crossings and the entirely different obligations on pedestrians and drivers of vehicles which are involved, will the Minister consider having these two types of crossings marked in a conspicuously different manner?

In regard to the first supplementary question, I have too much respect for the intelligence of the public to assume that they are unable to understand a system which prevails in all the principal capitals of the world. With regard to the second suggestion, I think it has already been adopted. Uncontrolled crossings are marked with a large "C."

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the early summoning of an Imperial air-defence conference to enable this country and the self-governing Dominions to co-ordinate their several air programmes, with the view to the organisation of a, common Imperial policy of air defence?

The normal methods of consultation with Dominion Governments in all matters of common concern are available in connection with problems of defence, and in addition special facilities are provided for the discussion of such problems through the machinery of the Committee of Imperial Defence. These methods are being fully utilised, and I doubt whether there is need to supplement them in the special manner suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend, though he may rest assured that His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom always welcome any additional opportunities which may arise for personal discussion with Dominion representatives.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the total loss to the industries of this country since December, 1931, occasioned by the dispute with the Irish Free State; and if he can give the figures of exports to the Irish Free State for the years 1922 and 1923 as compared with 1932 and 1933?