asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now see his way to grant some form of bounty to assist the export cotton trade, in view of the long period of depression and unemployment it has suffered from?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to him on the 20th February, to which I have nothing to add.

If I ask my right hon. Friend again on 20th February, will he give me the same reply?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether in order to accelerate the use of Indian cotton, he will arrange for some form of rebate on cost or transport charges contingent on an increased volume of manufactured goods being taken by India?

As the House is aware, the question of increasing the consumption of Indian cotton in this country has for some time been under the consideration of the Lancashire Indian Cotton Committee. I am glad to say that the imports of raw cotton from India in the first nine months of this year have been three times as great as the imports in the corresponding period of 1932. I have nothing to add to the answer I gave on the 20th February to the hon. and gallant Member for Accrington (Major Procter).

asked the President of the Board of Trade the steps he proposes to take to help British 'shipping to meet foreign subsidised competition; and whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation for this purpose?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information to give the House on the present position of the shipping industry?

Since the statement I made in the House on the 3rd July, the shipowners have been working out a scheme to meet the Government conditions for the grant of a subsidy to vessels carrying tramp cargoes under tramp conditions. A scheme was submitted to the Government on 28th September and is now under discussion with the shipowners' representatives. Legislation will be necessary to bring a subsidy scheme into operation. Communications on the lines indicated in my statement have been sent to the Dominions and India and to certain foreign countries. I understand from the Chamber of Shipping that steps are being taken to convene an international conference of shipowners to frame proposals tending to adjust the supply of tonnage in the world to the demand.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when it is likely that legislation will be introduced in this matter?

I hope it will be at an early date.

I would like to ask the President of the Board of Trade if the Cabinet have discussed the advisability of nationalising the shipping industry?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he now proposes to initiate legislation to deal with imports from foreign countries where there has been currency devaluation against this country?

I have no reason to think that the home market cannot be adequately protected under existing powers.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he would consider making representation to the Import Duties Advisory Committee that they should give priority treatment to those industries that are suffering from obvious unfair foreign competition by the devaluation of currency abroad?

I have no doubt that that point will be taken into account by the Committee as and when it arises.

Can my right hon. Friend say if the Government have come to any decision regarding their monetary policy?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider securing additional powers so that adequate protection can be afforded?

No, Sir, I do not think that it is necessary to add to the powers, which are very full.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number and value of foreign typewriters imported into this country for the four months ended 30th September, 1932, 1933, and 1934, respectively?

During the four months ended 30th September, 1932, the imports into the United Kingdom of complete typewriters consigned from foreign countries amounted to 5,585 in number, valued at £50,062. The figures for the corresponding periods of 1933 and 1934 were 11,371, valued at £68,105, and 14,189, valued at £115,013.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is a fact that under the protection given to this industry the British typewriter trade has received an enormous impetus in their exportation and in their home manufacture: and, secondly, whether, in view of the large figures which he has disclosed, he will ask the Advisory Committee to give, on their own initiative, consideration to further protection as may be required from time to time?

I would remind my hon. and learned Friend that the Import Duties Advisory Committee considered an application for an increase of duty only this year, and that an Order was imposed on the 4th May of this year.

In view of the very great figures now disclosed, will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Committee to give, on their own initiative, immediate consideration to increasing the protective tariff in the interests of British trade?

That will be dealt with in the ordinary way in the Committee.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the making of each of these imported typewriters would provide work for one week for three persons in this country?

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House who are buying these imported typewriters?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can now make a statement as to the results of the imposition of quotas against Japanese imports throughout the Empire; and whether there is any likelihood of an agreement being reached with Japan with regard to the competition of her cotton and other exports?

The result of the quotas has been to restrict imports of Japanese cotton and artificial silk piece goods into the Colonies, but sufficient time has not elapsed, particularly in view of existing stocks, to estimate the effect on the United Kingdom export trade, though it is understood that a number of orders and substantial inquiries for future business are now being received. In reply to the last part of the question I cannot at present add to the final paragraph of the statement which I made in this House on the 7th May.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the negotiations have been broken off already, or whether they are proceeding?

No, I cannot say that they are broken off.

Has the right hon. Gentleman had his attention called to the great influx of cheap hosiery, brought into this country under conditions which we would not tolerate, and can he afford any steps at once to safeguard British trade from this very unfair competition?

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any idea where the Japanese got the machinery with which they are making this hosiery?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is satisfied that no danger to the economic position of this country is involved in the recent increases in manufactured imports; and, if not, whether it is proposed to take any steps to deal with the matter?

I see no reason to modify the view I expressed in reply to the hon. Member for Stroud (Mr. Perkins), on the 28th March. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office, by how many anti-aircraft detachments the Territorial Army were below establishment during the July manoeuvres around London; and, in view of the necessity of maintaining the efficiency of these units, will he make special efforts to bring these units up to full strength?

The Territorial Army units which took part in the exercises mentioned were searchlight units. On 31st July last the strength of these units was below recruiting establishment to the extent of 33 officers and 1,260 other ranks; and 80 per cent. of the strength took part in the exercises. Steps aimed at bringing these units up to establishment are under consideration.

May I ask my right hon. Friend what immediate steps are being taken to bring these units up to strength?

I cannot go into details, but the whole matter of recruitment is under consideration at the present moment.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether any decision has been reached to move the Royal Arsenal from Woolwich?

No, Sir.

In view of the answer, and the persistent rumours regarding the removal of the Royal Arsenal, is it possible for the Minister to make an early statement, in order to allay the anxiety of people who are dependent upon it for their livelihood?

As the hon. Member knows, the whole matter is now under inquiry but I do not think that it will be possible to make any early statement.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to state when Part II of the Unemployment Act will be brought into operation?

Subject to the approval by Parliament of the regulations for the assessment of need, I propose, with the consent of the Treasury, to fix 7th January and 1st March, 1935, as the first and second appointed days respectively.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication when the Debate will take place on the regulations?

I am afraid not at the moment.

Have the Government any intention of bringing forward a Supplementary Estimate to relieve the distressed areas?

That is not a question which the hon. Member ought to address to my Department.

To which Department?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when we shall have the Regulations in hand?

I am afraid I cannot give the hon. Member any act information. The Regulations have been received, and they are now under the consideration of the Government.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is to be any financial provision for the local authorities who have had to bear the additional burden of the unemployed who are now on public relief?

Again, that is a question which my Department cannot answer.

asked the Minister of Labour how many local authorities have submitted proposals for the provision of centres of instruction for unemployed boys and girls in response to Circular A.C. 3; and how many of these proposals relate to urban and rural areas, respectively?

Up to the 26th October, 70 education authorities had submitted formal proposals for the provision of courses of instruction for unemployed boys and girls. It is not practicable to differentiate between urban and rural areas, as many proposals cover both types of area, but 28 of the proposals are from the Loudon County Council, counties of cities and county boroughs, and 42 from counties. My Department has received particulars of a number of other proposals though these have not yet been formally submitted.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how far that fulfils what was necessary in the circumstances?

I do not think that I can say more except that the matter is proceeding satisfactorily.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say for how many young persons these schemes are intended to cater?

Not without notice.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons receiving allowance from Unemployment Assistance Board?

These allowances will begin on Mr. LUNN asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons receiving allowance from the Unemployment Assistance Board?

These allowances will begin on the first appointed day which it is proposed should be the 7th January next.

Seeing that the unemployment figure is still more than 2,000,000, have the Government any proposals whatever in order to find work for the unemployed?

I think if the hon. Member will study the decrease in unemployment and the increase in employment since the time he sat upon these benches, he will be able to test the measure of the Government's success.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the statistics of the increasing number of persons on relief?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can arrange to include in the monthly statistics of unemployment supplied to the Press a table showing the unemployment in the five main groups, namely: manufacturing, mining and quarrying, building and contracting, transport, and services?

I regret that it would not be possible to include these additional statistics without delaying the issue of the statement to the Press. As my hon. Friend knows, comprehensive statistics for 102 industry groups are regularly published each month in the Ministry of Labour Gazette.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Government have any schemes in hand for the relief of the unemployed during the coming winter?

As has been stated on many occasions the general policy of the Government is directed to restoring industrial activity as the only effectual method of reducing unemployment. As regards special measures for relieving the situation in the depressed areas I would ask the hon. Member to await the replies to be given to later questions on the paper which have been addressed to the Prime Minister.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons registering at the Govan Employment Exchange on the last convenient date?

At 24th September, 1934, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 8,505 unemployed persons on the registers of the Govan Employment Exchange.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has now received a report from the Government of Bengal on the case of the hon. Member for Hanley (Mr. Hales); whether an inquiry has been made into the magistrate's conduct who was responsible in this case; and whether he is in a position to make a statement to the House?

Yes, Sir; I have now received a report from the Government of Bengal on the questions raised in this House regarding the conduct of the Hon. S. K. Sinha as Chief Presidency Magistrate, Calcutta. In two cases, one of which was concerned with the hon. Member for Hanley (Mr. Hales), Mr. Sinha can be considered to have committed an error of judgment; but after reviewing all the circumstances of these two cases, the Government of Bengal have satisfied themselves that there is nothing to suggest that Mr. Sinha did not act throughout in perfect good faith, or to cast any reflection on his judicial probity. They are also satisfied that there is no foundation for the allegations that have been made in the remaining cases. Mr. Sinha's judicial conduct has already been passed under review by the Calcutta, High Court, and after taking the comments of that Court into account the Government of Bengal have decided that there is no justification for executive action in the matter. Their view is supported by the Government of India and after a careful examination of the information supplied to me I find myself in entire agreement. Out of 638 appealable cases disposed of by Mr. Sinha and 238 actual appeals, only 30 have succeeded. The percentage of successful appeals to appeals is much below the percentage for the courts of First Class Magistrates in Bengal as a whole.

asked the Secretary of State for India when the Report of the Joint Select Committee on Indian Constitutional Reform may be expected?

I suggest that my hon. Friend should await the Resolution on this matter which will he moved on Thursday.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of acres, under wheat, oats, and barley cultivation during the present year, and figures for 1933 and 1932?

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving the information desired.

Will the right hon. Gentleman at the same time circulate a statement showing the number of places where these commodities are not now being cultivated?

I am afraid that I can only circulate the answer to the question. If the hon. Member desires any further information, I shall be glad to give it if he will put a question down.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the latest available figures of those employed in agriculture, and comparable figures for 1933?

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he has received the report of the committee on sugar-beet; and, if so, whether he is in a position to outline the long-term policy of the Government towards this branch of industry?

The report referred to has not yet been received. I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on 30th July last to the hon. Member for Bethnal Green, South-West when I stated that it was expected that the committee would report in November.

I am circulating figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Having regard to the fact that considerable employment would be found in this branch of agriculture if the industry were assured of stability, will the right hon. Gentleman accelerate the decision of the Government in the matter?

I can assure the hon. Member that the report will be taken into consideration as soon as it is received.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if any changes are contemplated for regulating the import of oversea milk products and enabling home milk producers to earn a reasonable livelihood?

My right hon. Friend will recall that the situation arising from the low level of prices of manufactured milk products, butter and cheese in particular, has been dealt with by the provision, under the Milk Act, 1934, of advances to Milk Marketing Boards. Grants are also being made to the boards for improving the quality of milk and for increasing the demand. No immediate changes are in contemplation. As regards processed milks, the quantitative regulation of imports is being continued. The Governments of the foreign countries mainly concerned in the United Kingdom market have been asked to arrange for the following reductions in supplies during the last quarter of this year, the reduction in each case being based on imports during the corresponding quarter of 1932; cream, 35 per cent.; condensed whole and condensed skimmed milk, 30 per cent., milk powder, 25 per cent. Endeavours are being made, which the Government have every hope will be successful, to secure the continued agreement of the Dominion Governments concerned in the arrangements proposed in respect of these products.

May I ask whether butter is included in the products to be regulated? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that British butter to-day is selling at wholly unremunerative prices?

Butter is not included in the reductions which I have ennumerated, and, with regard to the low price for butter, that is dealt with in the first part of my reply to the Question.

May I ask what these restrictions mean when translated into terms of liquid milk what percentage they are of the total output of milk?

I cannot say without notice, but the hon. Member knows that they represent a small proportion of the total milk output of the country.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can announce the decision of the Government relating to the regulation of oversea meat supplies?

Following the issue of the Government White Paper on the Livestock Situation (Cmd. 4651) discussions have taken place, and are still proceeding, with representatives of the Dominion and foreign countries supplying meat to the United Kingdom. I am not in a position at present to make any further statement with regard to long-term policy, but pending a final decision on this matter in the light of these discussions interim arrangements are under consideration with the exporting countries concerned for the regulation of meat imports for the period 1st July, 1934, to 31st March, 1935, when the Cattle Industry (Emergency Provisions) Act expires. I am glad to be able to say that a substantial measure of co-operation has already been afforded.

Can the right lion. Gentleman assure the cattle-raising districts of the country that they will be able to carry on their industry with a reasonable hope of a profit?

I could not give such an assurance as that to any industry.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will make a statement with regard to the working of the system of marked crossing places for pedestrians?

As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, since he put his question on the Order Paper, progress has been made in the provision of crossing places for pedestrians in London, and revised Regulations have been brought into force. I am aiming at the provision of some 10,000 crossing places in the Central London Area of which some 5,000 have already been laid down. As to the provinces, I have issued a circular (of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy) to all local authorities concerned drawing attention to the provisions of Section 18 of the Road Traffic Act, 1934. I understand that these authorities are engaged, in consultation with the Chief Officers of Police, in framing schemes for the establishment of crossing places, and that these will be submitted to me in due course for approval, as the Act requires. A number of local authorities have, of their own volition, laid down crossing places in their areas. The working of the crossing places in London is being carefully watched by my officers and the police authorities; and although some time must necessarily elapse before all pedestrians and drivers of vehicles conform to the rules upon which the success of the system depends, I am satisfied that the provision of the crossing places is already making for a more orderly use of the highway by all classes of road users.

Is the Minister of Transport satisfied that these schemes of his are getting wide enough publicity?

I am grateful for the additional publicity which the hon. and gallant Member has given.

Is the hon. Member aware that unlighted beacons are a source of extra danger at night in that the motorist is unaware that it is a crossing and the pedestrian thinks that he has the right of way?

May I ask why the present regulations have been brought into operation on the day when the House reassembles instead of waiting until Parliament has had an opportunity of debating them?

In reply to the hon. Member for East Fulham (Mr. Wilmot), I have learned in my brief experience that it is quite impossible to please everybody. With regard to the question of the hon. and gallant Member for Clitheroe (Sir W. Brass), I do not think that the House has been deprived of any opportunity. The regulations have come into force in order to meet the increasing number of crossings which have been put down.

Is the Minister of Transport aware that many of his beacons have been erected in positions where they are quite invisible to approaching vehicles by day or night, and is it not a great mistake that his light should be hidden in any way under a bushel?

Is the hon. Member aware that so numerous are these beacons in many streets that they have the appearance of an orange grove?

asked the Minister of Transport the number of schemes of replacement which have hitherto been adopted in respect of the 1,136 weak bridges in England as scheduled in the railway companies' list; and how many of such adopted schemes have actually been carried out?

I cannot identify the list referred to by my hon. Friend. Highway authorities are well aware of my readiness to make grants at the rate of 75 per cent. towards the cost of approved schemes for the reconstruction of weak bridges. Since the 1st April, 1933, 102 schemes for the reconstruction, strengthening or enlargement of weak bridges owned by railway or canal companies or in other private ownership have been approved for grant from the Road Fund.

Is my hon. Friend satisfied with the progress that is being made with replacement, and is he considering some means of accelerating it?

I am by no means satisfied with the progress that has been made. My hon. Friend is aware that the grant from the Road Fund is an exceptionally high one, 75 per cent., and I wish that more authorities would avail themselves of it.

asked the Minister of Transport the total premium income of insurance companies in respect of third party liability under the Road Traffic Act, 1930, for the year 1933; and the total amount paid during the same year in settlement of third party claims or in satisfaction of judgment or decree of court?

Authorised insurers are under no obligation to keep separate records of their premium income in respect of third party liability under the Road Traffic Act or of the sums paid in settlement of claims. The information required by my hon. Friend is therefore not available and there is no power to require authorised insurers to compile or to furnish it.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can now give the result of any recent investigation concerning the effect of exhaust fumes of motor vehicles in crowded thoroughfares?

I have no information about any investigation other than that to which I referred in my reply to my hon. Friend's question on the same subject on the 30th July.

Does that mean that my hon. Friend is satisfied that there is no danger to public health in narrow thoroughfares from the exhaust of motor vehicles, and would he say whether any air test has been taken?

No, I am not satisfied in either one sense or the other. I have called attention to a Home Office inquiry on the subject. Those who inquired into the matter on that occasion were satisfied that none of those troubles to which my hon. Friend refers occur from this source.

Does my hon. Friend realise that I put the question on the Paper on two occasions and drew his attention to the matter in the hope that he would satisfy himself?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the percentage increase or decrease in the quantity of matches on which Excise Duty and Customs Duty, respectively, were payable during the first six months of the present financial year as compared with the corresponding period in the last financial year?

No calculations of quantities of actual matches are possible. A comparison of the numbers of containers of matches on which duty was payable during the six months ended 30th September, 1934, with that for the corresponding period in 1933 shows the following increases, namely:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the percentage change in the assessment of Super-tax for the latest year for which the figures are now available as compared with the previous year?

The latest year for which figures are available is 1932–33. The amount of Surtax in assessment for that year by the 30th September last was £47,750,000. The amount in assessment on the 30th September, 1933, in respect of the year 1931–32 was £54,000,000. The difference between these two figures represents a fall in produce of over 11 per cent.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any negotiations are taking place on the subject of Britain's War debts to America?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is in a position to make any statement as to the position with regard to the next instalment on the Anglo-American debt which falls due in December next?

The answer to both questions is in the negative.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether any steps have been taken or are contemplated by the Government to put this vexed question on a more satisfactory basis?

No, Sir, there is nothing fresh.