asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation in regard to the salmon fisheries of Scotland during the lifetime of the present Parliament?

The question of legislation on the subject of salmon fisheries in Scotland has not yet been considered by the Government, and I am not therefore in a position to say when such legislation will be introduced.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask him to bear in mind that all the salmon fishing interests in Scotland are desirous of having legislation passed as soon as may be reasonably possible?

I can assure my Noble Friend that I am aware of the facts and that we are at present considering the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the present position in regard to water supplies in Scotland?

As I stated during the Debate on the 18th instant steps have been taken in a few places in Scotland to conserve supplies by cutting off water during specified hours, by restricting the use of water for certain purposes, and by the issue of notices asking the public to avoid waste. No emergency is reported, however, and generally speaking the existing provision of water supply is functioning normally.

Does the Under-Secretary not think it a disgrace that there should be any clamour for water in Scotland which is known all over the world as the" land of the mountain and the flood"?

Whether I think it a disgrace or not, there are provisions in Acts of Parliament passed this summer under which grants are to be made available for improving the supply.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is exactly a month ago to-day that I put a question regarding the shortage of water and I was then told that the only place where there was a shortage was Brig of Turk; and can he say whether any provision is being made to deal with that shortage?

I should require notice of a question about Brig of Turk.

Is not this demand for water an entirely new development in Scotland?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that wine merchants in Perth complain of inadequate storage facilities for bonded liquor; and if he will inquire into the position?

I am not aware that there is any general colt-plaint on the part of the wine merchants at Perth of inadequate storage facilities for bonded liquor at that place, although I am aware that certain traders would prefer to be allowed to store their goods in bonded warehouses of their own rather than in the ordinary public warehouses. Applications for extension of bonded accommodation are under consideration by the Customs and Excise authorities at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that a certain town council in Scotland has refused to grant a certificate from their sanitary inspector as to the condition of a house, on the ground that this can only be done on production by the tenant of a notice from his landlord of an increase of rent under the Rent Restriction Acts; and whether he will take steps to draw the attention of the council to their duty in such a case?

My right hon. Friend has been in communication with the local authority concerned, who appear to have been under a misapprehension as to the legal position. I am informed that they are now prepared to issue a certificate.

Seeing that a decision has been given in the court against one particular tenant, who was refused this certificate, may I ask what action the hon. Member intends to take to get that decision of the court reserved?

I shall have to consider that point.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the commission now in Newfoundland have in any way recommended reorganisation of the financial or industrial concerns in the Dominion; what is the nature of such recommendations; and whether any report of their work is available for Members of this House?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the second part does not therefore arise. As regards the third part of the question, as stated in my reply to the hon. Member for Gower (Mr. D. Grenfell) on 10th July, I have asked the Governor to furnish me at a convenient opportunity with a general report on the economic situation in the island, and I shall be glad to lay this report before the House.

As I understood the right hon. Gentleman to say, in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Gower (Mr.D. Grenfell), that he proposed laying the report shortly, I should like to know whether he has got such a report; and, as this matter is to be raised on the Adjournment Motion next Tuesday, can he give us some information before that time regarding the work of the commission?

I do not know anything about the Debate on Tuesday next, but I want to assure my hon. Friend and the House that, as he heard from me last week, the Government have contributed a, large 'sum of money towards development, and my information at the moment is that it is bearing fruit. I have asked for an immediate report. If I get the report before Tuesday, I shall certainly circulate it, because this is an important question, and I want the House to have all the information which I get upon it. I would remind my hon. Friend, however, that I cannot answer any question upon it until I get the report from the commission.

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) what is the total export trade of coal from all the South Wales ports for the years 1929, 1930, 1931, 1932, and 1933, and the latest available figures for 1934; and will he give each port separately;

asked the. Secretary for Mines the amount of coal exported from this country to the Irish Free State, France, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and the Argentine for the six months ending 30th June of each year from 1928 to the present year, inclusive; and the exports from the Bristol Channel ports separately:

As the replies to these questions involve statistical tables, I will,

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he can furnish a statement showing the increase in volume and value of the exports of British goods to Denmark and the Argentine Republic, respectively, during the last 12 months; and whether he can estimate the increased number of persons in employment as a consequence;

I regret that the precise information desired is not available, as calculations of the volume of overseas trade are made only in respect of our aggregate trade with all countries and, for reasons which my hon. Friend will appreciate, it is not possible to apply the results so obtained to trade with any individual country or group of countries. Particulars of the aggregate value of our trade with individual countries are normally compiled in respect of calendar years and quarterly periods only, and those for the quarter ended June, 1934, are not yet available. I will, however, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing the value of the exports of United Kingdom goods to the countries in question during the 12 months ended March, 1934, and during the corresponding earlier period. It is not possible to estimate with any degree of precision the increase in employment resulting from the increase shown in the value of our exports to Denmark and the Argentine.

Has the right hon. Gentleman also the figures of imports in respect of the same countries for the same periods?

The table which I propose to give to my hon. Friend covers the domestic exports from the United Kingdom. If a question is asked in regard to imports. I can obtain the information.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that, while 226 tons of typewriters were imported in the first six months of 1933, 397 tons were imported in the first six months of 1934, an increase of 171 tons or 75.7 per cent.; and the source from which these machines are being imported and the reason for the increase?

I am aware of the increase in imports to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. 95 per cent. by weight of the imports in the last six months were derived from the United States. It may be that the increase is due in part to imports in anticipation of the increased duties which took effect on the 4th May.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the number of clocks imported during the first six months of 1934 is larger by 377,374, or 32.7 per cent., and of clock movements by 207,783, or 49.6 per cent., than in the first six months of 1933; whether he will state the source from which these articles were imported; and whether any estimate has been formed of the effect upon the British industry?

I am aware of the figures referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend. The main source of these imports is Germany, less important suppliers being France, Switzerland, Italy and the United States. With regard to the last part of the question I notice that one of the principal United Kingdom clock makers has recently announced that it has been necessary to increase plant to cope with the demand.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the imports of typewriters in the six months ended 30th June, 1934, were seven and a-half times as great in quantity and five times as great in. value as in the corresponding period of 1932; and when he proposes to deal with dumping due to deliberate currency depreciation?

I am aware of the increased imports of typewriters, on which increased duties were imposed as lately as the 4th May last. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer to the reply I gave on 10th July to the hon. Member for Willesden, East (Mr. D. G. Somerville).

May I ask if these typewriters are imported as parts of typewriters or as complete typewriters?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that in respect of hardware, tiles, and motor cars the volume of imports in the first half of this year is in each case more than double that in the first half of 1933; and whether he will make inquiries as to the effect of those imports on employment in the industries concerned?

I am aware of the increased imports to which my hon. Friend refers. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer to the reply given yesterday to the hon. Member for Smethwick (Mr. Wise).

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the imports of builders' woodwork have increased from £352,937 in the first six months of 1933 to £630,987 in the first six months of 1934, an increase of £278,050, or 78.8 per cent.; whether he will state what is the chief item in the increase in those imports and the source from which it comes; and whether he can ascertain the reason for this increase?

The main item in the increase to which my hon. Friend refers appears to be the increase in the imports of doors from the United States, Sweden and Canada. I presume that this in- crease is due to activity in the building trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how the volume of retained imports of manufactured goods during the first six months of the present year compares with the same half of last year?

Full information on this subject will be published in the Board of Trade Journal on Thursday next, in the usual quarterly article on "Volume and Value of Overseas Trade."

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that German importers are allowed to import and are provided with currency facilities to pay for unlimited quantities of Norwegian herring; that German merchants desiring to purchase British herring are not allowed currency to pay for them; and, in view of the fact that Germany purchased 267,000 barrels of British herring in 1933, will he consider making representations to the German Government with a view to securing equal treatment regarding currency facilities for German importers of British herring?

I am aware that Norway has concluded an exchange agreement with Germany containing provisions designed to facilitate the payment of debts due in respect of her exports to Germany of herring as well as other goods; and that there have been drastic curtailments of the foreign exchange allotments placed at the free disposal of German importers for payments in respect of herring and other goods purchased from all countries, including the United Kingdom. As regards the last part of the question, negotiations for an Anglo-German Exchange Agreement, similar to the agreements concluded between Germany and other countries are at present proceeding in Berlin.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total amount of exports in coal and goods of all kinds from the United Kingdom to the Irish Free State during 1931, 1932, 1933 and the first six months of 1934?

The declared value of the aggregate exports of merchandise from the United Kingdom to the Irish Free State during each of the last three years is given in Tables XI and XII of the issue for January last of the "Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom." The corresponding particulars for the first six months of 1934 will be published in the issue of these accounts for July. As regards coal, the desired information will be found in the issues for December, 1933, and June, 1934.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the report up to the the end of June will be obtainable?

I cannot say without notice, but I hope very shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will cause inquiries to be made with a view to preventing quantities of Japanese goods being shipped via Manchukuo and Chinese ports in order to escape inclusion in the quota restrictions imposed by the Indo-Japanese trading agreement?

My hon. Friend may rest assured that the Government of India are fully alive to the necessity of enforcing the quota restriction, but they will be sent a copy of his question. The Government of India have already prohibited the import of cotton piece goods manufactured in Japan, irrespective of port of origin, unless they are covered by the Japanese export certificate which brings them within the quota.

While appreciating the attention that has been given to this important matter, may I ask my hon. Friend to see that specific attention is paid to this question of importation by way of Manchukuo, which is increasing?

I have already assured my hon. Friend that this question has been sent to the Government of India.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will consider the possibility of instituting a through-ticket system for cotton piece-goods imported into Aden so that a quota can be given to that proportion of the imports intended for domestic consumption without interference with the entrepot trade?

The Government of India will be asked to consider this suggestion.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will consider the possibility of instituting a through-ticket system for cotton piece-goods imported into Hong Kong so that a quota can be given to that proportion of the imports intended for domestic consumption without interference with the entrepot trade?

As my hon. Friend is aware, the trade of Hong Kong presents exceptional difficulties and the retained imports are relatively small; but I will ask the Governor for his considered opinion on this suggestion.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps, if any, he is taking or proposes to take to negotiate a trade agreement with the United States of America?

I do not think that His Majesty's Government could, at the present time, usefully propose such negotiations.

In the event of proposals of this character being made to His Majesty's Government, may I ask that care shall be taken to keep in the closest touch with the Canadian Government?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office how many officers of the Army are in receipt of a double forage allowance; how many of these are actually in possession of two horses used for military purposes; and what the total amount paid out for this double allowance was for the last 12 months?

Approximately 900 officers draw forage allowance, or forage, in respect of two horses. All these officers are actually in possession of two horses used for military purposes. The total amount paid for the past 12 months was about £35,000.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what was the number and value of remounts purchased for the Army in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and the Irish Free State, respectively, during the first six months of 1934, and how such numbers and values compare with those for a similar period in 1932 and 1933, respectively?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with my

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the confidential report on Major W. A. Adam, late 5th Royal Irish Lancers, was communicated to him in accordance with the King's Regulations, Appendix XXIII, paragraphs 2 (a) and (b) and paragraphs 3 and 4; and, if this has not been done, will the Army Council carry out these regulations forthwith?

All the adverse reports on this officer were shown to him in accordance with the King's Regulations.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is proposed to issue any explanatory pamphlets concerning the changes which took place as from the 1st July in unemployment benefit for the information of unemployed persons?

Special posters have been exhibited in all Employment Exchanges giving the increased rates of benefit which came into force on 1st July. A leaflet (U.I.L.18) describing the conditions for the receipt of unemployment benefit as amended by the new Act is given to every claimant, while fuller particulars of the changes introduced by the new Act are included in a leaflet (U.I.L.8) which can be obtained on request at any Employment Exchange.

Are these leaflets in a sufficiently simple form for any ordinary working man to understand? If not, can something on those lines be done?

I think that when the hon. Member has read the leaflets he will agree that the ordinary unemployed man can understand them.

Will the hon. Gentleman kindly consider issuing these leaflets to Members of Parliament, who will be inundated by claimants who feel themselves aggrieved, and who will want to know what is contained in the leaflets?

I will see if I can arrange for copies to be put in the Vote Office. I shall be glad to send them to any Member who writes to me.

Do these leaflets apply only to people receiving standard benefit, and do they state that men on standard benefit receive only 16s. instead of 17s.?

I assume that the persons in Durham who are on transitional payments are aware of the scales in force now.

Are they in the leaflets?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour the present debt of the Unemployment Fund; and what amount, if any, stands to the credit of the fund?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for South Croydon (Mr. H. Williams) yesterday, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give any information to the House relative to the 45 women ranging in age from 49 years to 15 years who were sent from the Cardiff Employment Exchange on Monday afternoon to go fruit picking near Hereford; if he can state the rates of wages to be paid; whether the work was day work or at piece rates; the hours to be worked; what sleeping and sanitary accommodation was provided; and whether he has received a report from the manager of the Employment Exchange at Hereford in connection with the matter?

I am making inquiries into the matter and will let the hon. Member know the result.

Will the hon. Gentleman find out whether the people in question were informed of the rates that they were to receive before they left the Employment Exchange?

I do not think I had better go into the matter fully until I have all the information, because there is a considerable conflict of evidence about what happened.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the large number of workers who are unemployed in the road-stone industry; and what steps the Government are taking to improve the position?

I have been asked to reply. As the reply is somewhat long, I propose, with my hon. Friend's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Health in what main occupations in England and Wales there has been an increase in the employment of women between 1921 and 1931; and in what occupations in England and Wales in which there has been an increase in the employment of women has there been a decrease in the employment of men?

My hon. and gallant Friend will find the full information asked for in Table G on pages 673-680 of the recently published 1931 Census Volume of "Occupation Tables."

Can we take it that women are ousting men from a great many occupations in this country?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) the number of prosecutions of persons accused of creating disorder at meetings of the British Union of Fascists during the last 12 months; and if he will state their names;

asked the Home Secretary the number of prosecutions and the names of members of the British Union of Fascists accused of creating disorder at public meetings during the last 12 months?

My right hon. Friend regrets that the information asked for is not available for the country as a whole and it is only possible to give particulars in respect of the Metropolitan Police District. My right hon. Friend is informed by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that, during the last 12 months, 69 persons, of whom 16 are known to be members of the British Union of Fascists, have been prosecuted on charges of creating disorder at public meetings in the Metropolitan Police District. As rival meetings are often held in close proximity and as some of the persons prosecuted were prosecuted for creating disorder at their own meetings, it would give a misleading impression to classify the persons prosecuted in the manner suggested in the questions. My right hon. Friend does not think that any useful purpose would be served by publishing the names of the persons prosecuted.

Is it not a fact that 90 per cent. of those accused of attacking Fascists rejoice in such fine old British names such as Ziff, Kerstein and Minsky?

Were some of them called Feigenbaum, Goldstein and Rigotsky and other like good old Highland names?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received a report from the chief constable of Luton in connection with the British Union of Fascists' meeting that was held on Wednesday evening at which a young man, 20 years of age, was picked up unconscious after the disturbance was over and- subsequently died; whether an inquest has been held and, if so, what was the verdict?

Yes, Sir. I have received a report from the chief constable, and I understand that the inquest, which was opened on the 20th instant, has been adjourned until tomorrow.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to a case in the Calcutta High Court, E. A. King v. the King Emperor, and to the allegation of counsel in that case as to the terrorising and bullying of witnesses; and will he make representations to have a full inquiry made into the case in question?

I have no information regarding the case referred to, but will inquire.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been directed to a charge, proved to be false, made by the Calcutta chief presidency magistrate against the hon. Member for Hanley (Mr. Hales), a charge for which, on appeal being made to the Calcutta High Court, the magistrate was severely censured by the high court judges; and whether an inquiry will be made into the magistrate's conduct?

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that many serious complaints have been made against the unfair decisions of the hon. S. K. Sinha, the chief presidency magistrate of Calcutta, such as the bullying of witnesses, and the unfair treatment of counsel, resulting in many applications for the transference of cases to another court; and will he make arrangements for a searching inquiry to be made with the least possible delay in the interests of British subjects residing within the jurisdiction of the chief presidency magistrate?

I have seen a report in the Press that the findings of the chief presidency magistrate, Calcutta, in the case mentioned by the right hon. and gallant Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood) were criticised by the Calcutta High Court. I have no information regarding the complaints referred to in the other question. The question whether there is a case for inquiry is a matter for the consideration of the Government of Bengal.

May I ask whether magistrates are entitled to make serious charges against Members of this House with impunity, more particularly when those charges are proved to be entirely unfounded?

I have only hitherto seen a Press report of this matter. If the right hon. and gallant Member so desires, I am ready to ask for a report from India on the facts. Naturally, I congratulate the hon. Member for Hanley (Mr. Hales) on the result of his appeal.

Will the hon. Gentleman remember that it is the business of the Government, if I may say so, to defend the honour of this House?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that at the time when the strictures were made they caused considerable comment in India, and did a great deal of harm to this House in India, and will he give this matter his most careful consideration with a view to seeing whether anything can be done to defend the honour of this House?

I have already informed the right hon. and gallant Gentleman who put the question that I am willing to ask for a report on the facts. The question of whether a further inquiry arises on the facts is a question for the Government of Bengal. In reply to the hon. Member for Aylesbury (Mr. M. Beaumont), I have already said that I am glad the hon. Member for Hanley won his appeal.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of "A" licensed pilots who have failed to retain their licences in the last three years, respectively?

The numbers of "A" licences which for various reasons were not renewed during 1931, 1932 and 1933 were 509, 553 and 763 respectively. I should perhaps add that during the same period the new licences exceeded the total of these figures by 903.

In view of the present demand for pilots in the country, would it not be a good thing to see that these 700 licences remain in operation; and could not my right hon. Friend very carefully go into the matter and see what are the causes why licences are not taken up year by year?

I will consider that suggestion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the classes of persons in the service of the Crown or local authorities the amount of whose pensions will be diminished through the fact that their pensions are assessed on rates of salaries which will have been affected by the temporary cuts in salaries or grants made by Parliament in 1931?

As the answer to this question is a long one, I propose, with the right hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury which of the Government Departments are arranging at the present time for films to be made of their activities; and whether he can give any details?

As the answer is some- what long, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate the particulars in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give any in- formation to the House in connection with the 100 people living in Lincolnshire villages who are suffering from an illness caused by some kind of food poisoning; and whether he has received any information from the hospital authorities about the matter?

My right hon. Friend has received reports from the district and county medical officers of health, who state that about 30 persons in the Welton rural district were affected but that all have now recovered. The cause of the outbreak has not been established but some pickled meat is suspected.

Will the Minister pursue the inquiries to see what the real cause of the illness was?

We have, and we have only a suspicion of the cause.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the highest and lowest rates in rural areas for which a grant in respect of a water supply has been given, showing the amounts in both cases of the rates previous to a proposed scheme and the approximate increase due to a scheme, and the amounts granted by the county and the Ministry?

The highest rate is 22s. ld., and the estimated increase in rates needed to carry out the scheme without assistance approximately 3d. The proposal is a joint scheme for 33 parishes towards the whole of which a lump sum grant of £7,500 has been provisionally allocated on condition that the county council make an equivalent contribution. The lowest rate is 7s. 4d. and the estimated increase in rates needed to carry out the scheme without assistance approximately 3s. 8d. The scheme is a joint scheme for 18 parishes towards which the Ministry have provisionally allocated a lump sum grant of £3,000 and the county council an annual contribution of £487.

Will the hon. Gentleman tell us what will happen if county councils refuse to make the grants suggested—whether in such circumstances no water supply schemes will be started in those rural areas?

As no county council has hitherto refused to make a contribution that is entirely a hypothetical question.

asked the Minister of Health the total amount granted in respect of rural water supplies to date?

Grants to the total of £132,500 have been provisionally allocated in respect of schemes for 361 parishes estimated to cost £1,037,000.

asked the Minister of Health when the slum clearance order for the West Gorton division of Manchester will be confirmed?

My right hon. Friend's decision will be given as soon as possible, but some time must necessarily be taken in the consideration of this scheme; it is exceptionally large and the local inquiry occupied more than five weeks.

Is it likely to be confirmed before the House reassembles in the autumn?

I cannot promise that.

I ask in view of the fact that it is a small scheme and not a large one as the hon. Gentleman stated?

Is not the hon. Gentleman referring to the Collyhurst scheme, and is that not to be decided first?

The scheme mentioned in the question will be dealt with as quickly as possible.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the depression in the poultry industry, he will be prepared to make an order to ensure that all eggs imported in shell that have been cold-stored or subjected to other preserving process shall be marked with the apposite description?

I have no power to make an Order with the object indicated. As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, however, reorganisation commissions are now engaged in examining the whole question of the future organisation of the egg and poultry industry in this country, and I understand that the commissions have received numerous representations on the subject of the marking of imported cold-stored eggs.

In view of the long delay over this report, will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to take some interim action?

Things that require legislation can only be dealt with if I can get an Act passed before the House rises, and I cannot promise to do that.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of prohibiting the import of all kinds of liquid eggs between now and the next General Election?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that 54,876 long hundreds of eggs were imported from Turkey recently and sold at 3s. 10d. a long hundred, which is estimated to be one-third of the cost of production in this country: and whether he is prepared to protect the home producer against such competition?

I am aware that quantities of eggs recently imported from Turkey were sold at very low prices, but I am advised that the circumstances of these importations were exceptional and further consignments of a similar character are unlikely. The question of the action to be taken by way of import control when the present arrangements expire on 14th September next is under consideration, but I am not in a position to make a statement.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether any regulations have been issued to local educational authorities relating to technical education in elementary schools; if so, can he state the industries that are covered by such regulations; and will he make those regulations available for hon. Members?

I have been asked to reply. My Noble Friend assumes that the hon. Member has in mind the various forms of practical instruction given in public elementary schools. Such instruction is of a general, and not of a vocational, character, and no special regulations have been made by the board for it. The hon. Member may find the information given in Table 17 on page 117 of the board's recently published report for 1933 of interest.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that Mr. A. Mor, an employe in His Majesty's Dockyard at Gibraltar, was drowned in December, 1933, whilst engaged in discharging ammunition; and whether any and, if so, what compensation has been paid to his widow?

The death of Mr. Mor was reported to the Admiralty at the time of its occurrence. His widow was granted a gratuity of £43 17s. 6d. under Section 3 of the Superannuation Act, 1914, but she was held to be not entitled to compensation under the terms of the Treasury Warrant framed under the Section 1 of the Superannuation Act, 1887, as there was no evidence that her husband's death was caused either in actual discharge of his duty, or from an injury specifically attributable to the nature of his duty.

Seeing that the total amount given as compensation in this case was £43, does not the First Lord consider it is time a revision of the law of compensation in the dockyard at Gibraltar was undertaken by him or by the Governor of that place?

This question does not affect the Admiralty only in connection with the dockyard, but all people in Government employ.

I have already approached two Departments on this question. If I desire to have this compensation ordinance entirely changed, and proper terms of compensation given to injured people, or the relatives of those killed, must I approach the Prime Minister?

I do not know whether the hon. Member has in mind a local ordinance. If so, it would not affect this question.

is it not the case that this particular employé came directly under Admiralty conditions, and that if he had been an employe sent out from Portsmouth or from Sheerness the amount paid to him in compensation—or to his widow—would have been considerably in excess of £43, and does not that call for reconsideration on the part of the Admiralty?

This is not a question affecting merely the Admiralty, but it concerns the whole Government in relation to all Departments.

In view of the fact that different sums in compensation are paid to different individuals working on the same ship, will the right hon. Gentleman, as First Lord of the Admiralty, approach the other Government Departments concerned to see whether some arrangement can be come to under which a better law of compensation, more just in its operation, can be brought into operation in Gibraltar dockyard?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that on page 46 of the progress report of the committee for the regulation of the trade in and the private and State manufacture of arms and implements of war, in the result of the second question of the questionnaire asking for information as to what undertakings were chiefly or largely engaged in the manufacture of arms, it is stated that whereas there are 20 entirely private enterprises in Belgium, 107 in France, 60 in the United States, 5 in Yugoslavia, 9 in Switzerland, 9 in Poland, 6 in Rumania, there are none in the United Kingdom; and whether he will take steps to more adequately describe the comparative situation in this country?

The table on page 46 of the report to which the hon. Member refers was drawn up by the Secretariat of the League of Nations upon the request of the chairman of the Sub-committee on the Manufacture of Arms in an endeavour to summarise the replies of the Governments to the questionnaire of the 28th October, 1932. Necessarily the table does riot take into account the detailed explanations given by the Governments in their replies, which are set out in full earlier in the report referred to. His Majesty's Government have never sought to maintain that no arms are manufactured by private firms in this country, and I do not think that there is any doubt as to the position in this country. In view, moreover, of the fact that this report is more than a year old, and that there have been recent new developments in the committee appointed to study the question of the manufacture of and trade in arms, I do not consider that any useful purpose would be served 'at this late date in moving for the alteration of the report in one particular or another.

In view of the fact that this table presents an entirely false picture of the position, will not the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of making some statement which will bring the real facts more truly to the attention of the world?

No, Sir. I did not draw up the table. Our true position is perfectly well known everywhere.

Is it not a fact that the table is based upon information supplied by the British Government and have we not therefore a responsibility?

We are responsible for the information which was correct; we are not responsible for the drafting.

asked the Minister of Health what arrangements have been made up to date to restore in part to doctors and chemists the losses suffered by them as a result of the economy measures in 1931?

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a circular which was issued by my Department to insurance committees on the 20th June, setting out the arrangements for giving effect to the decision of the Government to restore, as from the 1st July, one-half of the deduction made from the remuneration of insurance practitioners and chemists, as a measure of economy, from the 1st October, 1931.

May I ask the Lord President of the Council what Votes of Supply will be taken on Thursday next?

The Supply Votes to be discussed are the Department of Agriculture (Scotland), Public Education (Scotland) and the Ministry of Health.

The Ministry of Health, England?

I assume so.