asked the President of the Board of Trade the tonnage of British ships sold to foreign owners and for breaking up, respectively, during the year ended 30th June, 1934?

As reported to the Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen, the tonnage of vessels registered at ports in the United Kingdom, Isle of Man and Channel Islands, the registers of which were closed during the 12 months ended 30th June, 1934, on account of sale to foreigners amounted to 759,636 tons gross, the corresponding figure for vessels broken up or sold for breaking up being 403,488 tons gross. The latter figure is exclusive of any vessels reported as sold to foreigners for breaking up.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total amount of foreign landings and imports of sea fish of all kinds, the importation of which is regulated by orders issued by him under the Sea-Fishing Industry Act, 1933, in the year ended 31st December, 1933, and the total amount of fish landed and imported from the Dominions during the same period?

During the year 1933 the quantity of fresh or frozen fish, not of British taking, of the descriptions subject to the Sea Fishing Industry (Regulation of Landing) Order, 1933, imported into the United Kingdom and consigned from foreign countries was 2,147,528 cwts. and from British countries 15,661 cwts. The total imports of fish of all kinds consigned from British countries was 299,887 cwts.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has yet received a report in respect of the results of the Levant Fair recently held at Tel-Aviv; and whether it is a favourable one?

I have received from the Federation of British Industries a very favourable report on the results of the recent Levant Fair at Tel-Aviv. The report, copies of which may be obtained from the offices of the Federation, states that practically every exhibitor in the British Pavilion, and most of those exhibiting British goods in other pavilions, expressed themselves as being thoroughly satisfied with business done at the fair and with the openings made for future business. The official report which is being prepared by the British Commercial Agent in Palestine, will, on its receipt, be published in the Board of Trade Journal.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that imports of chilled and frozen pork in the first six months of this year show an increase of more than 100 per cent. over imports in the corresponding period of 1933; and whether he is proposing to take any steps to deal with the matter?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, imports of chilled and frozen pork have hitherto been unregulated, though the quantity used for conversion into bacon in this country has been controlled. The position. however, is now being considered in connection with the problem of the regulation of imports of meat generally.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the percentages of all the chief foods which enter into the assessment of the cost-of-living index applicable to the working classes which are produced in this country and which are imported from abroad, respectively?

The particulars given in the following table are extracted from the Report on Agricultural Output and Food Supplies of Great Britain prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in 1929. I regret I am unable to give corresponding information for any later period.

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether he is aware that, under the City of Plymouth (Granby Street and Lane) Compulsory Purchase Order, 1934, which it is understood will shortly be approved by the Ministry, there are included three cottages, Nos. 13, 14 and 15, Granby Street, which were reconditioned by the owner-occupiers in 1928 at a cost of £300, a mortgage being raised for that purpose which is still outstanding; whether he is aware that the owner-occupiers, who let rooms as furnished lodgings, are dependent on the property for their livelihood; and whether he will take steps to see that, as this is a case of genuine hardship, the owners will receive reasonable compensation instead of less than site value as at present intended;(2) whether he is aware that, following the recent public inquiry held at Plymouth on the City of Plymouth (Granby Street and Lane) Compulsory Purchase Order, 1934, the Ministry is about to confirm such Order, there being included therein the acquisition of a cottage (No. 3, Granby Street, Plymouth) by the local authority at less than site value; that, as a result of a sanitary order in December, 1931, the cottage was thoroughly reconditioned at a cost of £105 15s. to the satisfaction of the local authority; and, as the property is now in a good state of repair, the tenants expressing satisfaction with the property and the owner being a poor lodging-house keeper living in the area to whom the loss will be a hardship, will he take steps to see that reasonable compensation is paid;(3) whether he is aware that, under the City of Plymouth (Granby Street and Lane) Compulsory Purchase Order, 1934, there is included No. 7, Granby Street, which is owned by a builders' labourer, who, relying on the income from such property, has purchased another house near the area for his own occupation, subject to a heavy mortgage which it will be impossible for him to discharge out of his wages; and whether, the property being said to be in good condition, he will give special consideration to this case?

I am aware from the report made by my inspector who held the local inquiry into this Order and visited all the properties in the area that the properties mentioned in these questions were repaired at the instance of the local authority. After careful consideration, however, of the evidence given at the local inquiry and of the report of the inspector, I was fully satisfied that at the time of the inspection each of the properties was, by reason of disrepair and sanitary defects, unfit for human habitation, that demolition was the most satisfactory method of dealing with them, and that the Order should be confirmed in so far as these properties were concerned. I so informed the Plymouth Corporation on 9th July. There is no provision by which the amount of compensation assessed in the manner provided for by Statute cab be increased.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the policy adopted by some local authorities of sending home married men from

So far as I am aware, the only local authority concerned is the London County Council, and I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a report on the subject.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has any information regarding the case mortality of diphtheria in France, Germany, Poland, or any other European country?

The following table gives the latest information available in this country on this subject.

asked the Minister of Health the capital value of housing and public works schemes in respect of which local authorities applied for loans from the Public Works Loan Commissioners during the years ended 31st March, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1933, and 1934; the value of such applications withheld and granted, respectively, in each year, distinguishing in each case the purpose of the loan; and whether he will make available to Members similar information for each subsequent year as soon as may be after the close of such year?

I have been asked to reply. Full particulars of the sums advanced by the Public Works Loan Board in the years 1930, 1931, and 1932 are contained in the 56th, 57th and 58th Annual Reports of the board; the 59th Report, covering the year 1933, will be available shortly. The further details asked for by my hon. Friend are not readily available, and in the absence of any generally expressed desire that the present reports should be amplified as he suggests, I am reluctant to ask the board to undertake the additional work involved.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to remarks by the Recorder of the City of London concerning a woman detained at Epsom under Sub-section (1) of Section 11 of the Mental Deficiency Act, 1931; and will he institute inquiries whether any special amendment of the Act with regard to the frequency of medical inspections is called for in the light of experience of the working of the Act?

Yes, Sir. These remarks appear to have been based upon inadequate information. Apart from the periodical statutory reviews to which the Recorder referred, (mental defectives in institutions are under the constant observation of the medical staff, suitable cases are frequently given leave of absence to test their fitness for discharge, and the Board of Control can discharge any patient at any time. The second part of the question does not, therefore, appear to arise.

asked the Prime Minister what progress has been made with the official manual for the passive defence of the civil population in attack from the air; and whether a sufficient quantity of bleach (chloride of lime) is available in this country to counteract possible attacks of mustard gas?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statement which I made on this subject in the course of the Debate yesterday.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the results of the offer made on 22nd December last to holders of certain Newfoundland stocks to convert their holdings into Government of Newfoundland 3 per cent. Guaranteed Stock, 1943–63?

It is not yet possible to give final, figures, but I am glad to be able to state that up to date non-trustee securities to the value of £15,135,310, or approximately 99 per cent., have been converted under the terms of the offer. In addition, holders of trustee securities to the value of £497,117 have exercised the option of converting their holdings into guaranteed stock.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the need for a new Parliamentary Redistribution Bill to subdivide some of the overgrown constituencies, he can make any statement as to the intentions of the Government on this point?

His Majesty's Government have no present intention of introducing a Measure of redistribution.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office who are the members of the War Office Selection Board?

The present constitution of the board is as follows:President:General Sir Archibald A. Montgomery-Massingberd, G.C.B., K.C.M.G., A.D.C., Gen., Chief of the Imperial General Staff.Members:General Sir Cecil F. Romer, K.C.B., K.B.E., C.M.G., Adjutant-General to the Forces.General Hon. Sir J. Francis Gathorne-Hardy, K.C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., A.D.C., Gen., General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Aldershot Command.General Sir Cyril J. Deverell, K.C.B., K.B.E., A.D.C., Gen., General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command.General Sir John T. Burnett-Stuart, K.C.B., K.B.E., C.M.G., D.S.O., General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command.Secretary:Lieut.-General C. P. Deedes, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., Military Secretary to the Secretary of State for War.Assistant Secretary:Brigadier F. S. G. Piggott, D.S.O., Deputy Military Secretary.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the results of the water divining experiments made on Salisbury Plain?

The experiment is not yet completed.

asked the Home Secretary the grounds upon which the prohibition of meetings within the proximity of Employment Exchanges was effected on 2nd December, 1931; and whether, provided no breach of the peace is feared at such meetings, he will withdraw such prohibition from such meetings?

My predecessor, the right hon. Member for Darwen (Sir H. Samuel), in reply to a question by the hon. Member for West Walthamstow (Mr. McEntee) on 2nd December, 1931, explained the reasons why the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis considered it necessary to take steps to pre vent the holding of meetings in the streets near Employment Exchanges. The reason briefly is that experience shows that meetings held in such circumstances are likely to lead to disorder and obstruction. The question has again been reviewed, and the Commissioner has decided that steps must be taken, as in the past, to prevent the holding of meetings in the streets near Employment Exchanges, but there will continue to be ample opportunity to hold meetings elsewhere.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that on 24th July, at 10.30 a.m., a public meeting was held outside the Stratford Employment Exchange and that the meeting was addressed by a Member of this House; and, as the gathering was of a very orderly character, necessitating no interference from the police and causing no annoyance or obstruction, will be give instructions for the removal of the ban placed upon such meetings in December, 1931?

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that, on the representations of the police, the meeting referred to was held not outside the entrance to the exchange as was originally intended, but on another site about 20 yards away from the nearest door or window of the exchange. No disorder or obstruction occurred at this site. In reply to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to-day to a similar question by him on the same subject.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the date from which the restoration of half the pay cuts to the police varies in a number of forces; and whether, in those cases where the restoration has been made on a date subsequent to that promised, he will cause the necessary adjustment to be made?

Yes, Sir. The dates from which the increased rates of police pay operate vary according to the pay days of the different forces but correspond exactly with the dates from which the reductions of pay came into operation. To make any alteration would therefore introduce inequalities, which the present Regulations are designed to avoid.

asked the Home Secretary what is the approximate number of members of the Metropolitan police who are exempt wholly or partially, or allowed time off in consequence of being engaged, respectively, on police federation work, sports, central band, divisional hand, and canteens?

The following numbers of individual members of the Metropolitan police have been exempted wholly or partially from duty, or allowed time off, on one or more occasions during the six months ended on 30th June, 1934, in consequence of being engaged in the manners specified:

asked the Home Secretary the number of medical appeals made by members of the Metropolitan police during the last 12 months, and the results?

Four medical appeals (under Section 12 (8) of the Police Pensions Act, 1921) have been made by members of the Metropolitan police since 1st July, 1933. Two were decided in favour of the appellants and two are awaiting decision.

asked the Minister of Transport if he can give any information relative to the Chatham, Maidstone and District Motor Service Company, who allowed one of their drivers to drive one of their service vehicles in excess of the working hours allowed under the regulations of the Road Transport Act; what action was taken; and how many previous convictions up to the nearest available date have been recorded under the Act?

I understand from a newspaper report that last week the company were convicted of an offence under Section 19 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, and were fined £10. I regret that I cannot give the number of previous convictions under the Act, but I am informed that this was the company's first conviction under Section 19.

asked the Home Secretary the number of prosecutions and convictions in the Metropolitan police area during 1934 for driving motor vehicles with excessively worn tyres?

The number of prosecutions in the Metropolitan police district in respect of motor vehicles with defective tyres in the first six months of 1934 was 100. In 72 of these cases a conviction resulted, in 18 the charge was found proved without conviction, and in 10 the charge was withdrawn or dismissed.

asked the Minister of Transport the cause of the breakdown of the Barking generating station on Sunday night?

No breakdown occurred at the Barking generating station at any time on Sunday. Late in the evening in the course of changing switchgear connections at the Ilford substation, the supply to Ilford was interrupted for a few minutes.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will consider setting up a departmental committee to determine what steps can be developed to ensure uniform and more up-to-date street lighting; and will he give due representation to local authorities upon such committee?

A departmental committee was appointed in June of this year with the following terms of reference:

"To examine and report what steps could he taken for securing more efficient and uniform street lighting with particular reference to the convenience and safety of traffic and with due regard to the requirements of residential and shopping areas, and to make recommendations."

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that, owing to the Polish action within the past few weeks, the position of the Pless undertaking and of its 4,000 workers and their families has recently become extremely acute; and whether, in the circumstances, he will make representations to the Polish authorities that they should give an assurance not to take independent action prejudicial to a fair settlement pending the examination by the Council of the League of Nations of the petitions submitted by Prince Henry of Pless?

The petitions to the League of Nations are being dealt with by the usual procedure, and there is therefore no occasion for intervention by His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the Nazi attacks on the President of the Governing Commission of the Saar; and what steps are being taken to defend the President, who is a British subject, against such attacks?

The President of the Saar Governing Commission is a servant of the League of Nations, and it is incumbent on the Council of the League therefore to take any steps that may be considered necessary. It is of course the Saar Governing Commission which is responsible under the League of Nations for the maintenance of order in the territory.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has considered the sworn statement of Mr. William Maxwell Bickerton concerning the treatment received by him at the hands of the Japanese police, in which he alleges that he was beaten by them on several occasions; and, seeing that this British subject was imprisoned for 24 days before being released, will he ask the Japanese authorities for an explanation, compensation, and an apology?

Mr. Bickerton's statement is now under consideration in consultation with His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo, and I am, therefore, at present unable to answer the second part of the hon. Member's question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether any decision has yet been reached as to whether milk supplied to schools under the new scheme must be delivered in bottles or can be supplied in bulk; and whether cups are to be used by the children or straws?

I understand that the scheme for the supply of milk in schools at reduced rates, which is to be submitted by the English Milk Marketing Board for approval under Clause 11 of the Milk Bill, will probably provide that milk should be delivered in bottles wherever possible; and straws will be supplied with the bottles.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can now state the result of the case of those members of the crew of the "Endeavour" who struck for higher wages than those normally accorded to the industry on the eve of the yacht's departure for America and were discharged; and whether and for what period these men are to be eligible for or deprived of unemployment benefit?

I understand that three claims for unemployment benefit by ex-members of the crew of the "Endeavour" are being considered by courts of referees to-day. I will let my hon. and gallant Friend know the result.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is satisfied that the Employment Exchanges of the country in places where there are seasonal workers avoid bringing in such workers from the outside until all the local seasonal workers have obtained employment?

It is the practice of the Employment Exchanges to offer vacancies in seasonal employment to local applicants who appear to be suitable for them before bringing the vacancies to the notice of applicants in other districts.

asked the Minister of Labour how many seasonal workers in the Blackpool area have

asked the Minister of Labour whether women members of

Arrangements have been made for ascertaining at the end of the summer season the extent to which seasonal workers in certain towns, including Blackpool, have received unemployment benefit during the season. In the meantime statistics are not available.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed persons in parliamentary boroughs with a population not exceeding 155,000?

As the statistics of unemployment are not classified on the basis of Parliamentary Divisions, I regret that I am unable to give the information desired.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will supply figures showing the proportion which the numbers of child dependants and of adult dependants in respect of whom allowances are paid bear to the total number of adult males on benefit, now or for any recent period or date, distinguishing, if possible, between dependants of men on standard and on transitional benefit; and also similar figures of the proportion of dependants on adult females in receipt of benefit?

The following table gives the information desired, so far as it is available, for 14th May, 1934, the latest date for which statistics relating to the number of dependants have been obtained.the sub-clerical grade are being given the same facilities as men members to retain their permanent status on assignment to the temporary investigating clerk grade of the Unemployment Assistance Board; and if not, what is the reason for differentiating between men and women in this respect?

This matter is under consideration. I will communicate with the hon. Member later.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will arrange for Members to be able to obtain copies of the Factories Bill that was passed by the Indian Legislative Assembly on 19th July, 1934?

As soon as copies are available I will send the hon. Member one, and have one placed in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the reasons why an order was made by the Department of Health at the beginning of this year that any surplus in the funds of friendly societies over 1s. per member must be transferred from the administration account to the benefit fund account; and whether he is satisfied that the said order has not made it difficult for the smaller societies to build up a reasonable reserve?

A regulation made on 26th May, 1933, applicable to all approved societies in the United Kingdom provides that where the surplus in the administration account of an approved society or branch at the date at which a valuation is made exceeds an amount equal to 1s. per member or the sum of £10, whichever is the greater, the excess shall be transferred to the benefit fund account. The object of the regulation is to secure that the amount available for administration expenditure shall approximate more closely to actual requirements than was formerly the case, and that accrued savings on administration shall be made available for the provision of benefits. I am not aware that the regu- lation has caused embarrassment to any of the smaller approved societies.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the comparatively small amount of work and time involved in the service of police officers providing reports and giving precognitions in the case of accidents, he will consider reducing the fees charged by chief constables from 10s. to 5s.?

No, Sir. The fees referred to were recommended as reasonable standard charges to cover the police time occupied in preparing documents or giving precognitions for the benefit of private individuals who are parties to a civil action. They may be modified or waived at the discretion of Chief constables in cases where they would entail hardship.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that, in the case of a certified herd, the Department of Health for Scotland state that the proprietor has no right of appeal against the decision of a county veterinary surgeon and have declined to appoint an impartial arbiter at the expense of the proprietor; and whether, in view of the importance of the matter to all proprietors of certified herds, he proposes to take any action?

Under the Milk (Special Designations) Order (Scotland), 1930, which regulates these matters, there is a right of appeal to the Department of Health by the licensee of a certified herd against the decision of a licensing authority to refuse or revoke a licence. There is no provision for an appeal on any other ground, and I understand that although the Order or one in similar terms has been in operation for many years, no request has been made for an extension of the right of appeal. The Order is at present under revision in view of the provisions of the Milk Act, 1934, and the question whether the Order should be amended in this direction will be considered.