asked the Minister of Labour (1) what are the proposals of His Majesty's Government with reference to work-sharing for the distribution of employment and the consequential decrease of continuous unemployment;

As I informed the House yesterday, I have arranged for immediate consultation with representative organisations of employers and workpeople regarding the general question of hours of work, and in this connection the particular points to which my hon. Friend refers will undoubtedly be brought under review.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for what he has said, may I ask him whether he will consider giving the benefit of the advice of his Department to any firm which desires at once to put into operation any scheme for the shortening of the working week?

Yes, I shall be only too glad to do so.

Am I to understand from the reply of the right hon. Gentleman that the Government are definitely going to recommend to the employers the adoption of the seven-hour day and the five-day week?

No, Sir. The hon. Member must not understand something that I never said. I said that I was going to discuss, I hoped, with industries individually the possibility of the absorption of more workers by means of the shortening of hours.

Are we to understand from the right hon. Gentleman's statement last night that the question of discussion would be overtime? Is he going to bring up these other matters in addition? Is he going to recommend to the employers that they should adopt these other things in addition to leaving off overtime?

It is not only a question of overtime, but the hours of work generally.

Is the right hon. Gentleman himself in favour of recommending these things?

Is it a fact that those firms which have already experimented with the 5-day week have in each case

asked the Minister of Labour the number of people gainfully employed in Lancashire in 1921 and the number in 1934, respectively; and the number signing on at the Employment Exchanges for the same periods?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health to a similar question on 30th July last. As regards the second part, the number of unemployed persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Lancashire at 22nd October, 1934, was 385,915. I regret that a comparable figure for 1921 is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give the number of cotton mills closed down altogether in Lancashire since 1921, and the number employed in the cotton industry of Lancashire at that date; and will he give the latest figures he has in his possession of the number employed now?

I cannot answer in general terms a question like that, but one firm which I believe the hon. Member has in mind—I have not had a chance to study the report—has decided to continue the experiment.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men, women, and young people out of employment in the borough of West Ham on the last day of March, 1933 and 1934, and to the nearest available date?

As the reply includes a table of figures, I will, if I may, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Some investigation will be required in order to obtain the information desired. I will send the hon. Member a statement as soon as the information becomes available.

Is any attempt made to examine this question? Is there any procedure for looking ahead to find them work in the future?

The whole subject is under the closest review. If the hon. Member wants the exact figures that he asks for in his question, it will take a certain amount of investigation.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any decision has yet been taken to afford at the Wallsend training centre an opportunity to adult shipyard workers, displaced from their own skilled craft, to train as electric welders?

Arrangements have been made to train in electric welding a limited number of unemployed skilled men in the shipbuilding industry who cannot secure further employment without such training. Preference will be given to married men with dependants. It is hoped to commence the training early in the new year.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, if this experiment should prove successful, it will be received with very great satisfaction by the trade unions interested in the matter, and also by those of us who have been alarmed by what is to become of men who are displaced in the shipbuilding industry and who cannot find work?

I am very much obliged to the hon. Lady for the information.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are more electric welders than we can find work for?

That is not my information.

asked the Home Secretary the number of deaths from asbestosis; whether he has any statistics that show how long is the period between contracting the disease and death: if he is satisfied that every precaution is taken to keep this disease in check; and whether he will take steps to have the regulations enforced in all parts of the factories, including the warehouses?

About 60 deaths have been brought to the notice of the Department and after investigation are all attributed by the Senior Medical Inspector of Factories to exposure incurred previous to the Asbestos Industry Regulations of 1931 which require elaborate precautions. The disease usually takes years to develop and the period between commencement and death varies very widely. Special inquiry in 1932 as to the risks in warehouse and certain other processes revealed no need for any extension of the regulations, but their effectiveness will continue to be closely watched.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in one or two cases men and women working in warehouses have been neglected and have died in consequence? Will he not consider making the regulations effective as far as workers in warehouses are concerned?

I cannot say more at the moment; but this problem is being closely watched.

asked the Minister of Health if he has any statement to make as to the publication of the report of the inquiry into the death of Mrs. Taylor?

I have come to the conclusion that the circumstances of this case are so special as to justify an exception to the established rule against publication. I am so informing the city council of Manchester, at whose request I caused the inquiry to be made, and the authorities of St. Mary's Hospital, who concurred in the request.

asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking in areas where there has been a reduction of the amount spent on the maternity and child welfare services, in view of the fact that an additional amount of £5,000,000 was included in the general Exchequer contribution for each year in the first fixed grant period under the Local Government Act, 1929, to be used for the development of local services, including the development of the maternity and child welfare services?

In any case in which there has been such a reduction the first step is to ascertain the reasons for and the effect of the reduction. If there is reason to fear a reduction in the efficiency of the services, I direct a local investigation and make the necessary representations to the local authority. The expenditure of the grant mentioned by my hon. Friend is within the discretion of the local authorities, but it is a condition of grant that they shall maintain a reasonable standard of efficiency and progress in the discharge of their public health functions. As my hon. Friend is aware, the policy of the Government is to secure a development of the maternity and child welfare services and steps have recently again been taken for the purpose. On other occasions opportunity has been taken to emphasise the claim of these services on the additional grant referred to.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the National League of the Blind has only one representative out of 20 on the Central Advisory Committee for the Welfare of the Blind; and whether, in view of the fact that the National League is the largest organisation for the blind, he will consider the possibility of giving it additional representation?

The composition of the committee was carefully considered from the point of view of giving adequate representation to the interests concerned, without having numbers too large for efficiency. In addition to the member representing the National League for the Blind there is, I understand, another member closely connected with the League. I regret that I cannot undertake at present to add to the size of the committee.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will consider with- drawing the restriction placed by Circular 1437 upon the freedom of local authorities to give milk or meals free to children on account of their parents' poverty without first requiring a medical inspection, in view of the dissatisfaction it has aroused and of the acknowledged difficulty of detecting the early signs of malnutrition?

My Noble Friend is not prepared to withdraw the Circular. He is satisfied that medical selection on the lines indicated in the Circular affords the best means of securing that those children who need food or milk in fact get it, and that under any system other than that of medical selection there is a danger of overlooking children who require attention. He attaches the highest importance to a close study of defective nutrition and its treatment, and he regards it as in every way advantageous that this part of the work of the school medical service should be closely linked with the arrangements for the provision of meals and milk.

Is the hon. Member aware that the organ of the local education authorities has condemned this restriction on their freedom, and are not local authorities the best judges of what should be done in this matter?

Is it not much better to prevent children becoming ill rather than to deal with them after they are ill?

I think the system of medical inspection is much the best way of doing that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the average cost of every special medical inspection, and also of every routine inspection of a school child?

My Noble Friend regrets that in the returns supplied to the board the salaries of school medical officers are not apportioned between the various forms of medical inspection and their other duties, and that, therefore, it is not possible to give the information asked for.

Is not a cost for inspection of 7s. per child a large expenditure for the purpose of determining whether a child shall receive 2½d. worth of milk?

There may be a slight increase in the cost, but I hope the hon. Lady and her friends will not grudge a small increase of expenditure in view of the importance of the subject.

How is it that the Parliamentary Secretary always says that his Noble Friend has given him orders. Are we to be always subject to his Noble Friend?

I understand that that is the usual way when answers are given by an Under-Secretary.

As the cost of medical inspection is so high, would it not be better to spend the money in giving milk to the children?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that about 2,000 miners are travelling to work at Cefn Coed Colliery, Crynant, from all parts of South Wales, involving travelling expenses of 6s. or 7s. a week because there is no housing accommodation for them in the district; that owing to the housing shortage miners are being asked to pay a rent of 15s. a week for the houses to be let in the district; what steps he proposes to take to make provision of houses for these men at rents within their capacity to pay; and whether he will consider introducing legislation to restrict the rents in such circumstances?

I am aware that many miners working in the Neath Rural District are travelling considerable distances to their work. I approved some time ago the erection of 250 houses by the Rural District Council towards relieving the housing shortage and the council have been informed that I am prepared to consider further proposals. I am not satisfied that legislation of the kind suggested in the second part of the question, in addition to the Rent Restrictions Acts, would be either practicable or desirable.

As the Rent Restrictions Acts cannot protect these people, will the right hon. Gentleman take powers to meet so urgent a case, which he knows will not be met for a considerable time?

I think the Rent Restrictions Acts do adequately protect them.

If a man is earning £2 a week and has to pay 15s. rent, is that adequate protection?

That is a position which can be dealt with.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into the special problem in relation to housing in a district where a colliery opens and where there are no houses available?

That is a situation where the attention of the housing authority is required.

asked the Minister of Health if he can state how many cases have been brought to his notice where a local authority has sent workmen to demolish a private house without notice and without compensation, and to sell the rubble on the site to pay for the expenses of demolition?

Before ordering the demolition of a house the local authority are required to notify the owner. No case has been brought to my notice in which an authority has disregarded this requirement. Where the owner fails to carry out his statutory duty to demolish a house on which a demolition order has become operative, it is, and has been since 1890, the duty of the local authority to demolish it and sell the materials. The legislation makes no provision for compensation being paid in the case of a demolition of a house which is unfit for human habitation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the reasons for the instructions given to the various customs houses that the import duties on hardwoods shall be paid on the American lumber code price or the contract price, whichever is the higher; if he is aware that this American lumber code price has been declared illegal by the courts in the United States, at Memphis, Tennessee, that this code price is not now operating, and that purchases are being made by timber merchants in the United Kingdom at 10 per cent. to 20 per cent. below this code price; and if, in view of the fact that this in effect is an increased import duty on timber arriving from the United States and therefore discriminates against that country, he will give the necessary orders to have this instruction cancelled?

The statutory value for duty of imported goods is the price an importer would give in the open market, which is not necessarily the same thing as the price a particular importer has actually given. On the information before me the decision of the Memphis court is not correctly described in the statement of my hon. Friend, and there appear to have been decisions by other courts upholding the legality of the Code prices. There appears, however, to be some reason to think that the Code prices are not at present generally operative, and accordingly, until the position is clarified, the Customs will not apply them in fixing values. There is no question of discriminating against the United States of America.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will arrange for the recommendations of the Import Duties Advisory Committee presented to Parliament to have on their outer cover an indication of the goods to which the Lords Commissioners' orders, therein recorded, apply?

Technical difficulties render the adoption of my hon. Friend's suggestion hardly practicable, but I am considering whether the form of the White Papers cannot be improved by a freer use of heavy type.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any schemes for the elimination of toll bridges have been approved by him during the past three months; and whether he is satisfied with the progress being made in this respect?

Since 1st August last two schemes for the elimination of privately owned toll bridges have been submitted to me. In both cases I have informed the highway authority concerned that should their negotiations for the purchase of the bridge prove successful I will look favourably on an application for grant. There still remain 37 toll bridges on classified roads and I shall not be satisfied until they are all freed of tolls.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps are being taken to deal with the uneven surface of the new road between Wolverhampton and Birmingham, in view of the general dissatisfaction of those who use it?

The highway authorities concerned have entered upon a programme for the re-surfacing of this road with the assistance of grants from the Road Fund of 60 per cent. of the expenditure and will, I understand, proceed with it as their financial resources permit.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that motoring on this road is like being in a small boat on a stormy sea, and will he urge the local authorities to get on with the work as quickly as possible?

I am so much aware of it that I have offered the grant, and I have told my hon. Friend that the local authority will proceed with the work as quickly as its resources permit, which I hope will be very soon.

Does the road run through the hon. Member's constituency?

No, it does not.

Will the hon. Member not tell the local authority himself?

asked the Minister of Transport what communications have passed between him and the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee with regard to delaying the erection of additional beacons at crossings until further experience has been gained of their advantages and disadvantages?

On Friday, 9th November, I read statements in the Press to the effect that the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee had passed a resolution asking me to call upon local authorities to stop all work in connection with the provision of pedestrian crossing places in London. In these unusual circumstances, I thought it necessary to write that evening to the chairman of the committee, my hon. Friend the Member for Central Wandsworth, and to issue the letter for publication. He replied, expressing his deep regret that there had been a breach of the rule that the proceedings of the committee should be treated as confidential and this letter also was published. I have now received a resolution from the committee endorsing the action of their chairman. So far as I am concerned, the matter is disposed of, and I feel sure that I shall receive the co-operation and advice of the committee in the same way as my predecessors and myself have done in the past.

Does that mean that my hon. Friend intends to proceed with a. great extension of these crossings before those best qualified to judge have come to the conclusion that the existing experiment has been a success?

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension if he thinks that that view represents the view of those best qualified to judge. I have announced my programme, and, as this matter has been given publicity, I may say that the London and Home Counties Advisory Committee itself, about three weeks ago, approved the regulations now in force for the use of these crossings and the principles upon which the crossings are laid down. I hope no effort will be made to draw a distinction between myself and my advisers. I have my responsibility to Parliament, and I cannot abrogate it to anyone else.

In proceeding with this programme, will the Minister have special regard to the visibility of these beacons at night, and does he not agree that the placing of many of them renders them invisible to the motorist, and creates a most dangerous set of circumstances in which both the motorist and the pedestrian believe that they have a right of way?

I would like to take advantage of the opportunity presented by the hon. Member's question to make this matter plain. In almost every civilised, city in the world there is a system of pedestrian crossings arid the marking is in steel studs alone. In order to meet the criticism that these steel studs might not be sufficiently visible, I, in conjunction with my engineers, whom I asked to examine this question, sought to find the most visible indication on the roadway that I could possibly put there. The result was that the beacons were discovered. They are an addition to the marking, and do not exist in any other city in the world. I regret very much that they are not totally visible, although much of the criticism I receive would indicate that they are too visible. I regret that they are not visible to everybody, but I ask the hon. Gentleman to bear in mind that there is no marking which in all circumstances and from all angles can be visible to everyone. I have done my very best in the circumstances.

As to these particular beacons, can tenders be obtained for them independently by each local authority or do they all have to come from one contractor through one central authority? Must they be of one particular design or can local authorities make alterations according to their need?

I am glad to make that plain too. Every highway authority in this country is autonomous and independent. Every highway authority in whose area crossings have been put down has put those crossings down of its own volition. There has been no compulsion, and every single authority in London has agreed by a majority resolution of its council to have these crossings. It can place its own orders for the beacons and the steel studs, and, although my Ministry took the precaution in order to assist local authorities of trying to make special prices with the firms concerned, there is no compulsion upon any local authority to buy the beacons or the crossings from any particular firm.

May I ask the Minister whether, in view of the fact that the Advisory Committee has been put in an invidious position owing to the half revelation of the facts which has recently taken place, a position which may be made worse by his announcement to-day, he does not consider it fair to the committee that there should be a full and accurate revelation of the recent history of events in regard to this matter?

If the Advisory Committee has been put into an invidious position, it has been put into that position by the improper action of certain of its members. It was in those circumstances that the exchange of letters took place between myself and the chairman of the committee, and the committee itself yesterday unanimously endorsed the action of the chairman. I hope that the matter may rest there and that in the future our relations will be cordial and on a proper basis.

asked the Minister of Transport the estimated cost of the beacons so far estimated to be required to mark pedestrian crossing-places in London and the provinces; and how the cost will be divided between local and national funds?

The estimated cost of providing beacons for the full experiment in London is about £20,000. The initial cost will be borne by the Road Fund and the cost of any permanent works divided between the Road Fund and the local authorities in the proportion of 60 per cent. and 40 per cent. respectively. I am not at present in a position to give any figure for the provinces.

asked the Minister of Transport what financial liability has been incurred by the local authorities, the Ministry of Transport, and otherwise, in the erection of signs or the preparation of plans for road crossings which have subsequently been adandoned; and how is the cost being met?

I am not aware that any pedestrian crossing, laid down under recent schemes in London, has been abandoned?

Will the Minister take note of the position in regard to several of them, if I send him details—some located within half a mile of this House?

Yes, Sir, I shall be much obliged for the assistance of the hon. Member or anybody else who will approach this matter in a helpful spirit.

Can the Minister say whether the Ministry of Transport has not under consideration the construction of illuminated pedestrian crossings which would make the illumination of these beacons unnecessary?

That question does not arise.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the fact that many large borough authorities strongly object to disfiguring their streets with the type of beacon used in London for pedestrian crossings, he will give an assurance that it is not intended to enforce upon municipal authorities in the country any particular form of beacon?

I have had no such objection made to me by any highway authority. The weight of opinion on this matter is that some form of special indication, in addition to markings in the road-bed itself, is necessary in present circumstances to give warning to drivers when they are approaching a pedestrian crossing. I think my hon. Friend will agree that, if these crossings are to achieve their object, the signs used in connection with them must be substantially uniform throughout the country.

Can my hon. Friend say if the highway authorities have to supply the money to buy these beacons nut of their own funds?

In London the Road Fund pays 100 per cent., subject to a refund by the local authorities of 40 per cent. No arrangement has been made for the rest of the country.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his joint study with the Minister of Health on ribbon development has yet been completed; and, if so, what steps he contemplates taking in this matter?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave yesterday to a similar question by my hon. Friend the Member for North Newcastle-on-Tyne (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle).

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children in Glasgow are now having a daily glass of milk as a result of the new milk-in-schools scheme; and what is the total number of children in Glasgow having milk in schools?

The Glasgow Education Authority have not yet in operation a scheme for the provision of milk under the new milk-in-schools scheme, but the matter is under their active consideration, and a draft scheme has been prepared. I understand that, when the scheme is in operation, about 142,000 children will be included. At present 5,900 children in Glasgow are having milk in schools.

How soon may we expect the scheme to be in operation?

I could not give my hon. Friend an exact date. He will recollect that the scheme was to come into operation on 5th November, but municipal elections and so on have intervened and complicated matters in regard to making arrangements. I would only say that no time will be lost.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of houses, with various State subsidies, owned by the Glasgow corporation; the total amount of arrears of rent by tenants up to 1st October, 1934; and the highest amount owing by any single tenant, and in what scheme this tenant resides?

The total number of houses owned by the Corporation of Glasgow as at the 31st October, 1934, in respect of which State subsidies are being paid is 36,092. The total rental of these is £797,491 1s. 8d. The amount of arrears of rent outstanding at 1st October, 1934, was £31,675. There is also the sum of £21,863 3s. which has been written off as irrecoverable during the period from 1919 to May, 1934. The highest amount owing by a sitting tenant is £37 10s. He is resident in the Knightswood Scheme. The highest amount of arrears owed by any person is £67 5s. In this case the debtor is not now a tenant of the corporation. He resided in the Riddrie Scheme.

Why is there differentiation between one tenant and another?

Under the Housing Act all questions of management are matters for the local authorities.

Are the arrears for the year only?

If the hon. Gentleman will look at my answer, he will see exactly what the position is.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent British coal exports to Germany have increased or decreased during the period since the signing of the Anglo-German trade agreement; and what approximate sum is at present outstanding in respect of payment for coal exported from this country to Germany?

United Kingdom coal and coke exports to Germany increased by an average of 57,154 tons per month in the period from 1st May, 1933, to 30th September, 1934, over exports in the preceding 12 months. I am unable to say what sum is at present outstanding on account of payments due in respect of these exports, but United Kingdom creditors are filing particulars with the Board of Trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the trade agreement entered into with the French Government on the 27th June last is operating satisfactorily; and whether, in in particular, France has entirely carried out her undertaking to import the stipulated minimum quantities of coal from this country?

On the whole the agreement is working satisfactorily. As regards coal falling within the French quota, steps have been taken with a view to determining whether the imports from the United Kingdom represent the full share of the total imports provided for under the agreement.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the French Press recently published a statement by the French Prime Minister in this regard and said that it was established that the imports of British coal showed a decrease of 64,000 tons and not an increase?

I cannot be responsible for statements made in the foreign Press, but we are taking steps to make sure that our allocation which is 49·nt., is given to us.

Am I to understand from that answer that the Government are not satisfied that there is the full importation of coal by France?

A suggestion to that effect has been made and we are examining it.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give the number of pits in Lancashire which have been closed down completely since 1921 and also the number employed at that date, and the latest figures in his possession of the number employed now?

Since 1921, 174 pits in Lancashire have been adandoned. The number of wage-earners on colliery books at end of October, 1921, was 104,800 and at end of October, 1934, 59,400.

Has the Secretary for Mines been invited to take part in consultation with the Cabinet on the figures for Lancashire in connection with the distressed areas?

I do not think I should be called upon to answer that question.

asked the Secretary for Mines the total quantity of coal exported from the Humber ports, respectively, during the nine months ended 30th September, and the comparative figures for 1931, 1932, and 1933?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the increasing tendency of British ocean-going ships to take in oil abroad instead of at home; what are the reasons for this policy; and whether coal bunkering shows any such reaction prejudicial to British interests?

I am glad to inform my hon. Friend that the statistics of bunkering in United Kingdom ports, in respect both of oil and coal, show an increase this year as compared with last year.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether any condition has been attached to the construction of the new Cunarder requiring the liner to be fuelled in this country?

That is quite another matter.

As the reply involves a statistical statement, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether there is any increase compared with 1931?

There are four sets of figures. There is a decrease as compared with 1931, but an increase compared with September, 1933.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a notice was posted at 7.30 p.m. on Saturday, 11th August, in the Cunard liner "Carinthia," while on a course to the northern capitals, to the effect that divine service next day would take place at 10 a.m.; that Soviet officers were picked up shortly after this notice had been posted, and that at 9.45 p.m. a second notice was posted to the effect that owing to the arrival on board of Soviet authorities it was necessary to cancel divine service; will he state for how long the captains of British ships have been expected by the Soviet Government to cancel divine service owing to the presence on their ships of representatives of the Soviet Government; and whether he will take steps to ensure that religion is not treated in this fashion on British ships, either in the interests of trade or any other interests?

I understand that the Cunard-White Star Company have issued a full explanation of this incident to the Press, from which it is clear that the Soviet authorities were in no way responsible for the alteration of the arrangements for divine service on the occasion to which my hon. Friend refers.

Will my right hon. Friend make representations to his colleague the President of the Board of Trade to get into communication with the steamship company in order to see that the normal facilities for British passengers on British ships are not interfered with out of respect for Russian or any other citizens?

So far as I am aware, there is no question of that.

Then will my right hon. Friend tell me how the question arises?

It is clear that there is no question from the statement of the steamship company.

Is it not considered good manners not to refer to holy water in the presence of his Satanic Majesty?