asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any special instructions have recently been issued to commercial attaches, and consuls and vice-consuls, with a view to the expansion of British trade in world markets?

No general instructions have recently been issued. Special instructions are constantly sent to individual officers as circumstances dictate.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the development of trade between this country and the Colonial Empire, and the problems which must arise through resultant prosperity leading to the development of various colonial manufactures, he will consider the desirability of calling a conference at an early date in order to lay down future policy with regard to colonial manufactures as a whole?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answers which I gave on the 14th November. For the reasons there given I do not think a conference is either necessary or desirable.

Is it not a fact that a great deal of uncertainty exists in the mind of the primary producers in certain parts of the Empire, and will my right hon. Friend take steps to reiterate what the Government policy is in regard to manufactures in the Colonial Empire?

I do not really think that there is any uncertainty. The whole policy of the Government is to give the greatest possible encouragement to primary producers of the Colonial Empire—this is being done—and to give-the widest possible preference to the British manufacturer.

Does that mean that it is not the Government's policy to encourage the building of factories in the Colonies or anything that may lead to manufacture?

The policy, broadly speaking, is to encourage the primary producer by the grant of preference and to give reciprocal preferences in return. It is only in rare cases that any conflict of interest is likely to arise. I believe that with, reasonable good will and common sense cases like that can very easily be settled.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the threat to Lancashire and other industrial areas, he can make a statement on the position raised by the proposed alteration of Australian commercial relations with Great Britain, announced by Dr. Page at Canberra, as a result of the agricultural policy of His Majesty's Government?

I have seen a Press report of a speech made by Dr. Page, the acting Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia, at an inter-State agricultural conference on 3rd December. I am not at present in a position to add to the statements regarding the situation in relation to various primary products which have been made by the Government from time to time, and in particular to those regarding milk products and meat respectively contained in Command Paper 4519 and 4651.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the agricultural policy of His Majesty's Government is jeopardising not only—

Order!

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he will give particulars of the proposal made to the New Zealand Government under which she is given until December to accept the quota on meat exports to this country and to pay in addition a levy of ½d. a pound in order to buy a subsidy for the British farmer on home-produced meat?

The hon. Member is, I think, under a misapprehension. His Majesty's Government in New Zealand, in common with other Dominion Governments, were asked in July last for their views as to the payment of a preferential levy on meat imported into the United Kingdom, on the lines indicated in Command Paper 4651 of 11th July, as an alternative to quantitative control only.

Would it not be more in accordance with Imperial traditions to allow New Zealand produce to come free into this country?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of British coastal trade is carried by foreign ships; and whether he has evidence to show if this has increased during the last six months?

Of the total net tonnage of the arrivals and departures with cargo in the coasting trade of the United Kingdom during the 10 months ended October, 1934, 0.8 per cent. related to foreign vessels. The proportions for individual months varied from 1.4 per cent. in February to 0.5 per cent. in July. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Are not those figures taken from the returns of all the ships which technically come under the heading of coastal trade, which includes many big ships; and may I ask whether the same proportions exist in the smaller ships, of 250 tons and under, engaged in the coastal trade?

I could not answer that question without notice. The particulars which I have given relate to the net tonnage of vessels in the coastal trade entering and leaving ports.

Having regard to the lack of definite knowledge on this particular matter and the frequency with which it arises in the House could not the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of altering the method in which the statistics are compiled, so that we may actually know the tonnage whether in or out?

I must protest at the suggestion that there is any lack of definite knowledge. If the question is made definite, I will give a definite reply. I was asked a question as to the total coasting trade. If the hon. and gallant Member desires information as to vessels of any particular tonnage and will say so, there should be no difficulty in giving an answer.

Is it not a fact that these figures relate to the gross tonnage entering and leaving the ports and have no relation to the tonnage carried in or out?

That is quite another question.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether any special representations have been made to the Spanish Government in view of the visit of the Board of Trade delegation to that country to investigate the possibility of increasing British trade; and if the commercial attaché and British consuls and vice-consuls in Spain have been advised of the object of the mission and were asked to co-operate in making its work in Spain a success?

The Spanish Government were consulted before the departure of the Delegation, and expressed general approval of the objects of the investigation; the Delegation is working in the closest possible co-operation with the Commercial Counsellor and His Majesty's Consular Officers in Spain.

Can the hon. and gallant Member give any further information than that?

No, Sir, not at this stage, but the matter will be actively pursued.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the desirability of improving the standard of broadcasting to the Colonial Empire and of making some arrangements to obtain financial support for such service from the Colonies which benefit; and whether he will call for observations on this matter from the various Colonial Governments?

The Colonial Office is in constant touch with the British Broadcasting Corporation as well as with Colonial Governments with a view to securing the greatest efficiency in the Empire Broadcasting Service. I will not lose sight of the possibility that Colonial Governments might be asked to consider some form of contribution to the cost of the service, where their finances permit. I am sending my hon. Friend copies of two circular despatches which have been issued with regard to the scheme.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in some parts of the Colonial Empire a great deal of the programmes that are broadcast is from Germany and is of a propaganda nature? Will he take steps to see that an adequate programme is provided from Imperial sources and that this other source of broadcasting is curtailed as much as possible?

It is impossible to prevent people who have listening-in machines from receiving anything that may happen to go on the ether, The whole object of the broadcasting scheme of the British Broadcasting Corporation for the whole Empire is that there should be an effective British programme available for the whole Empire, and that is being done, I think, with great success.

Will my right hon. Friend co-operate with the Foreign Secretary on the question of broadcasting to the British communities in foreign countries?

I am afraid that that is rather outside my province.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, what action he proposes to take on the assertion in the Kenya Land Commission Report regarding the difficulty of securing suitable local people, official or otherwise, to sit on the lands trust board as trustees of the native interests, the necessity that the board should command the confidence of the natives, and that it should be removed from the sphere of local politics?

No final decision has yet been taken on the question of the composition of the Native Lands Trust Board. I am still in consultation with the Governor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered a petition from Kenya Colony complaining of an order issued by a District Commissioner in the Kavirondo Reserve, prohibiting the collection of funds by the North Kavirondo Central Association, a native body formed to protect the interests of African workers at Kakamega; and, if so, whether he will direct the Kenya Government to see that the prohibition is withdrawn and permission to collect funds granted?

I would refer the hon. Member to the first part of the reply which I gave to his question on 7th November. I am sure the hon. Member will appreciate that it is impossible for me to give consideration to memorials of this nature unless they reach me through the recognised and prescribed channels.

Are we to understand that that is the recognised channel?

Yes, Sir, it always is. The recognised channel is for petitions and memorials to go through the Governor in order that he may have an opportunity of commenting upon them. That is not only the regular way but it saves a good deal of time.

May we take it that these people will have facilities for presenting petitions to the Governor?

Yes, Sir, and hundreds of petitions are presented every year, but they get considered more quickly if they go the right way.

May we take it that there is no objection to petitions in principle, and that there is no objection to natives providing for themselves, collectively, some method by which petitions may be presented?

I would much rather not answer a general question about petitions and in regard to circumstances of which I have no knowledge.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in this case the interests of the natives of the Kakamega district are vitally affected?

The interests of the natives of the Kakamega. have been and will be most thoroughly looked after, but I am sure it would be very wrong of me to attempt to answer a question about a petition which I have not even seen.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make a statement of the circumstances attending the dismissal of a customs official in Jamaica for alleged fraud and the subsequent order for his reinstatement?

A member of the staff of the Collector-General in Jamaica admitted that he had misappropriated a sum of about £14 from Government funds. In view of his service of over thirty-five years and as dismissal would have entailed the loss of pension, the Governor in Privy Council recommended that he should be punished by a. reduction in rank, and should be retired on reaching the pensionable age of 60 in 1937. I accepted this recommendation.

The elected members of the Jamaica Legislature deleted from the Estimates of the Colony the provision for the salary of the officer in his new appointment. While on reconsideration in the light of fuller information which subsequently became available I reached the conclusion that the delinquent officer had been treated with undue leniency and should have been dismissed, I found myself unable to agree to a procedure of which the effect would have been to try him twice for the same offence and to allow the Jamaica, Legislature to intervene in regard to discipline in the public service, a matter in which, under the constitution of the island, His Majesty exercises his prerogative through the Secretary of State for the Colonies and the Governor in Privy Council. As it was my duty to maintain that prerogative, I requested the Governor to bring the matter before the Legislature with a view to financial provision being made for the salary of the officer concerned. On the elected members declining to reconsider their action, the Governor, with my authority, declared the matter to be one of paramount importance, and the motion to restore the salary was carried on his casting vote.

I will place in the Library a copy of my despatch to the Governor of Jamaica, which has been laid before the Colonial Legislature, and which elaborates the reasons for my decision.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action the Government proposes to take with regard to the recommendations of the committee on leave and passage conditions for the Colonial service?

I would invite my hon. Friend's attention to the reply which I gave to a similar question on the 28th November, of which I am sending him a copy.

Does my right hon. Friend hope to be in a position to make a statement when the House re-assembles after the Christmas Recess?

No, I should very much doubt that because the report has to go out to every Colony, and in some cases that will take a very long time, and the report raises a number of extremely difficult and intricate points which are possibly susceptible of different constructions in different Colonies. It is a tremendously important document, as I am sure my hon. Friend will agree.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the fines for killing preserved species of animals in Malaya are in all cases fixed at a higher figure than the value of the animals in the local market when killed?

I have no information as to the decisions of the local courts io such cases. My hon. Friend is no doubt aware that the law provides for penalties of imprisonment as well as fines for certain offences against protected wild life.

If I draw the attention of my right hon. Friend to a case where the value of the animal when killed is much more than ten times the value of the animal in the market, will he consider the matter?

Yes, I would certainly refer such a case to the Governor. Speaking from memory, I think the fine goes up to 100 dollars in that case. I should think that a maximum fine of that kind covers the majority of animals. For a second offence there is a possible penalty of imprisonment as well.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give any information on health conditions in Grenada; what action has been taken on the report of the commission set up in December, 1932; whether housing conditions are adequate; what is the incidence of tuberculosis; whether there is any intention of providing a more hygienic consumption hospital; what is the state of nutrition of the school children; and why milk grants for children have been stopped?

As the reply is necessarily of considerable length, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

Health conditions in Grenada are, so far as I am aware, generally speaking, satisfactory. The latest report avail- able shows that the death rate of 13.8 per 1,000 in 1932 was the lowest on record. In accordance with the recommendations of the 1932 Poor Relief Commission, the poor asylum buildings were enlarged, a casual ward was provided in the vicinity of the Government hospital, and the nurses' quarters at the asylum and its sanitary arrangements have been improved. My approval is being given to the adoption as from the 1st of January, 1935, of a simplified and more expeditious procedure for granting of poor relief.

In the case of housing conditions the information before me shows that there is still room for improvement in Grenada where conditions outside the towns have not altered materially in the past ten years, although in the town areas a considerable number of better-class houses have been erected in recent years. The possibility of providing funds to assist the St. George's Town Board in a scheme of slum clearance and the erection of 50 model houses is under consideration.

As regards the incidence of tuberculosis the latest figures available are as follows:—36 new cases were notified in the year and 46 deaths were notified. The erection of a new and improved tuberculosis hospital forms one of a number of recommendations made recently by a medical commission appointed to report to the Governor of the Windward Islands on the medical services there. The Acting Governor has yet to consider these recommendations. I can trace no information regarding any malnutrition in schools. The latest medical report available shows that as a result of school inspection 85 per cent. of the children were regarded as healthy. The results of medical inspection of schools are now entered in the school registers and a form sent to the district nurse giving the names of all children in the district needing treatment.

As regards the cessation of milk distribution, to which the hon. Member refers, a Government grant of £100 to the Maternity and Child Welfare League in Grenada was deleted from the Grenada Estimates in 1933, owing to financial stringency; but in 1934 this grant, some portion of which is understood to be applied to milk distribution, was substantially restored.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Jews have actually been deported from Palestine during 1934 to the latest date available?

During the period from 1st January to 25th November 627 Jews have been deported from Palestine, including 243 who were rejected at the frontiers.

Would it be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to obtain an estimate from the Palestinian Government of the cost of preventing people going into that country and of imprisoning them before deporting them, including the new naval service recently organised?

I think it would be quite impossible to give such an estimate, because very largely it would be within the ordinary department. But I am perfectly clear that the number which the High Commissioner thinks it right to admit to Palestine as economically possible is in the common interests of everyone. It is absolutely essention that those permitted to enter should come through the recognised channels and not come in illicitly.

In order to avoid the possibility of cost to which my right hon. Friend referred, will he take steps to see that the channels of immigration are closed up, so that these illicit immigrants shall not be allowed in?

Will the right hon. Gentleman take no such steps whatever, and can he give the figures at the same time of the number of Arabs who have been deported?

The number of people who are either deported or rejected is certainly not confined to the Jews, and, if my right hon. and gallant Friend will put down a question, I will try to get for him any figures he requires. I think my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Isle of Wight (Captain P. Macdonald) is speaking rather under a misapprehension. By the recognised channels, I mean the channels of permitted immigration under which the labour schedule is agreed as between the High Commissioner and the Jewish Agency, and the Jewish Agency distribute the certificates to authorised immigrants. It is frightfully important that the number of authorised immigrants should not be reduced, as it must be if illicit immigration goes on.

That is exactly my question. Is it not possible to tighten up the channels?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will take steps to secure that the two nominated members of the Jerusalem Municipality are British or/and American subjects, residents who have no votes?

As I informed the right hon. Member last May, the High Commissioner's powers of nomination are discretionary, and I should not think it proper to intervene.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the High Commissioner has power to appoint anybody to the municipality, and has the right hon. Gentleman no guarantee that they will not be German subjects instead of British subjects?

I do not know. I will ask the High Commissioner whether he does exercise his discretion and how he does it, but I will not interfere with his discretion.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he expects to be in a position to announce the new plans of the Government for the further development of Empire air routes before the House rises for the Christmas adjournment; and whether these proposals will involve legislation?

I still hope that it may be possible to make an announcement before the House rises for the Christmas adjournment, but, as my hon. and gallant Friend will recog- nise, the matter is one which concerns other Governments as well as His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, and I cannot therefore yet say definitely. So far as can be judged at present, legislation will not be involved.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any financial grants are at present made by the Air Ministry to any British universities for aerial scientific investigations?

The Air Ministry keeps closely in touch with research at o the universities, and grants are made on the recommendation of the Aeronautical Research Committee to individual scientists to assist them to carry out investigations of special aeronautical interest. No grants are given directly to the universities.

Does not the French Air Ministry make such grants to the universities of Lille, Toulouse, and Marseilles?

I do not know about that, but we find that we get much more benefit out of the special grants to certain individual scientists to work on special subjects.

Are those grants given to individuals with the approval of the university authorities?

Yes, certainly.

Are not the results of our research generally far better than in any Continental country?

I believe that is the case.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether it is proposed that Great Britain shall ratify the Rome International Convention of May, 1933, regarding liability for damage by aircraft and compulsory insurance of aircraft?

Yes, Sir, I hope that this convention will be ratified in due course. Some difficult questions in regard to insurance remain, however, to be settled before a definite decision can be reached.

Will this mean legislation?

I think so.

asked the Under secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the growing importance of civil aviation, he will consider organising an annual civil aviation display correspond ing to the Royal Air Force pageant at Hendon?

I am obliged to my hon. Friend for his suggestion, which has been, sympathetically considered. As he will be aware, however, a number of flying displays are arranged each year by different flying clubs throughout the country, in addition to the two annual displays at Hendon, the second of which is organised by the Society of British Aircraft Constructors, and includes both military and civil aircraft. In the circumstances, there hardly seems to be scope for the organisation of a third annual display.

Could not the Director of Civil Aviation co-ordinate the various air circuses which are touring the country into one super annual air display under the auspices of the Air Ministry?

I will pass on to the Director of Civil Aviation the suggestion of my hon. Friend.

Would it not be practicable to ran the two together, or indeed to substitute one for the other?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is now in a position to state the comparative subsidies paid to Imperial Airways and the K.L.M. Air Line of Holland?

I regret that the information published with regard to the subsidy to the Royal Dutch Air Line does not enable such a comparison to be made.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the growing widespread demand, in the interest of public safety, for the provision of an adult attendant in addition to the driver on all heavy road-motor goods-carrying vehicles; and whether he will propose the necessary legislation on this matter at an early date?

During the passage of the Road Traffic Bill of this year, Amendments proposing to require that an additional man be carried on heavy goods vehicles were negatived in Committee and again on Report; and I know of no new circumstances which would justify me in asking the House to reverse that decision.

Has there been any communication between the Ministry and the trade union representatives of the road-motor drivers?

Not as far as I am aware, but I know that all the branches of the National Union of Railwaymen have passed resolutions on this matter, and I realise that it was to take traffic off the roads and convert it to the railways.

Does my hon. Friend recognise this as part of the railway propaganda to prevent road transport developing?

Will the Minister take powers to see that trailers drawn by road-motors have a man on them, because that is done in the case of every vehicle of that kind on the Continent?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that it is impossible for the drivers of omnibuses, oil tankers, and various species of delivery vans to give signals which are visible to traffic immediately following; and whether, in view of this fact, he will consider making it obligatory for them to carry some form of mechanical indicator?

The Departmental Committee on Traffic Signs recommended that the fitting of direction indicators should be optional and the draft Regulations on the subject, which are at present before the Road Safety Committee, have been framed accordingly.

Is my hon. Friend aware that none of these omnibuses carry indicators, and, as the drivers cannot show which way they are going to turn, will he take steps to rectify the matter?

It is not admitted that hand signals are invisible. My predecessor referred this subject to an expert committee, which confirmed that view.

If it be demonstrated to my hon. Friend that hand signalling is impossible, will he take steps?

The hon. Member ought to give notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that considerable apprehension exists among operators of public service and goods vehicles as to their future in the industry of road transport owing to their licences being withheld; and will he reassure them that no combines of railway companies will be allowed to take over their trade, especially that of the small men in rural districts?

I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that the number of cases where a licence is refused is small, and that it is always open to an unsuccessful applicant to exercise his right to appeal against the decision of the authorities responsible for the administration of the two systems of licensing.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the small men in many cases try for licences, and the big railway companies and the lawyers turn them inside out, and they go in fear of their lives; and cannot he give them some protection?

I am sorry to hear that. The provisions of the law ought to be followed, and, as I have said, there is a right of appeal.

Is my hon. Friend aware that at a mass meeting at Newbury these grievances are going to be put forward, and, if I send him the resolutions that are passed, will he look into the question?

Most certainly I will. I shall be very grateful to my hon. and gallant Friend, for I desire to see all injustice avoided.

Is it a, fact that in some cases licences are disallowed to small men because the services are no longer required on those routes, and later on they are granted to the bigger companies?

My hon. and gallant Friend will be aware that I am not the licensing authority, and I cannot intervene, but the provisions of the law must be obeyed by the licensing authorities.

Is it not the case that the reason why the small men were dropped was that an accident happened, and, when we pursued the matter for the benefit that should accrue to the individual who met with the accident, the small men went out of business?

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made in the negotiations between the county councils of Durham and the North Riding of Yorkshire regarding the provision of a new bridge over the river Tees at Barnard Castle?

I have no information as to the progress of negotiations between the two county councils, but have expressed my readiness to consider an application for a grant to an agreed scheme, subject to funds being then available.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can give any figures of the number of running-down cases in which the insurers of motor vehicles against third-party risks have repudiated their liability on the grounds of breach of conditions or fraud on the part of the policy holder; if such cases are increasing; and whether he contemplates any amendment or strenthening of the compulsory insurances provisions of the Road Traffic Act, 1934?

My Department is not in a position to ascertain the total number of cases of repudiation of the character to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, but the number of cases reported by interested parties to my Department has decreased. It would, I think, be premature to ask Parliament to re-open the question until some experience has been gained of the operation of Part II of the Road Traffic Act, 1934, which comes into operation on 1st January next.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is now in a position to consider making a grant for the construction of the Church Stretton by-pass?

The scheme is a desirable one which I shall not overlook, but I cannot regard it as possessing a sufficiently high order of priority to justify a grant from the funds at present available.

Can my hon. Friend give an assurance that giving them a grant to construct the road will not be prejudiced by the erection of the orange globes?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the inadequate lighting of registration plates on practically all motor vehicles; and will he take steps to make compulsory the use of plates providing for the illuminant showing through opaque letters and numbers adequate to permit of identification of a fast-moving vehicle?

I agree that many of these plates are very difficult to read at night, and I have already asked the committee on road safety to consider and to report to me upon the whole matter.

May I ask whether the subject of the inadequate lighting of the number plates on mail vans will be considered at the same time?

asked the Minister of Transport the number of accidents which have occurred at level crossings since the repeal of the speed limit at railway level crossings by the Road and Rail Act, 1933?

During 1933, 140 accidents, and during the first 10 months of 1934, 122 accidents, in which the movement of trains at public road level crossings has been involved, have been reported by the railway companies

In view of the great danger of level crossings, will my hon. Friend consider reimposing this speed limit, which had been in force for 90 years, or, alternatively, speeding up the steps which he is taking to abolish level crossings?

I do not think that the figures which I have given would justify any such action at the moment.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any schemes of road improvement in the area for which the City Corporation is responsible and for which assistance from the Road Fund was asked were held up by the financial crisis of 1931; and whether any such schemes are now to be proceeded with?

As a result of the financial crisis in October, 1931, the City Corporation were informed that applications for grants from the Road Fund could not be entertained in connection with schemes for widening—

(a) Houndsditch, between Cavendish Court and Cutler Street;

(b) Parts of Leadenhall Street, Aid- gate and Aldgate High Street; and

(c) Part of Queen Victoria Street.

I understand that the corporation are considering the question of proceeding with the Houndsditch scheme in the next financial year.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the scheme relating to the re-paving of Lombard Street, and is he prepared to assist it?

I hardly think that that arises out of the question.

Is the hon. Gentleman nowprepared to review each proposal from the City on its merits in the light of the present financial position?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that his Department endorsed a proposal to proceed with a road scheme on the island of Bute, Scotland, upon which a survey has been made, the cost of which has been met by the Road Fund to the extent of 50 per cent., and his Department promised further 25 per cent. if the work was proceeded with, and also to pay 75 per cent. of the cost of the scheme; and whether he can state what obstacle now prevents a commencement of this scheme?

A grant of 50 per cent. of the cost of surveying the site of a coastal road from Ettrick Bay to Kames Bay was made to the Bute County Council. I have also promised to consider making a grant of 50 per cent. of the cost of widening a section of private road, forming part of the route, provided agreement can be reached with the landowner to make it a public highway. This matter is still the subject of negotiation.

In view of the fact that the local authorities desire that this work should be proceeded with, will the hon. Gentleman take every available means to press the landowner to allow it to be proceeded with as money has already been spent on it?

I will do all that comes within my province.

asked the Minister of Transport if he aware that in a recent prosecution an inspector of the London Passenger Transport Board stated in evidence that it was the duty of passengers desirous of leaving a vehicle and whose fare had not been collected to give their fare to the nearest passenger; and whether, in view of the difficulty imposed upon a passenger in such circumstances, he is prepared to urge all road passenger transport undertakings to adopt the practice in vogue in Glasgow for many years of having an uncollected-fares box on the vehicle's platform?

My attention had not previously been drawn to this matter. The Regulations require a passenger whose fare has not been demanded to pay it to the conductor before leaving the vehicle. It is the conductor's duty to collect fares and I do not see any need for action on the lines indicated in the second part of the question.

As many passengers are inconvenienced because of the impossibility of paying the conductor, who has too much work to do, will the hon. Gentleman adopt the suggestion in the question in view of the fact that in Glasgow they collect an income of over £1,000 a year by this simple expedient

I shall be happy to receive any information as to what happens in Glasgow.

Is my hon. Friend aware that in Aberdeen we adopt this system and that it is most successful in getting uncollected fares from the Glasgow visitors to our city?

Is there anything left in the boxes in Aberdeen?

asked the Minister of Transport how many applications there are at present in his Department from local authorities for financial assistance for bridge and tunnel schemes, the details of which schemes have already been worked out and a definite financial contribution promised by the authorities concerned; what is the total capital sum involved in the schemes; and what is the amount promised by the local authorities?

The records of my Department do not distinguish bridge works from the comprehensive road schemes of which, in many case, they form part; and I fear that the information which the hon. Member desires could only be obtained at considerable cost in time and labour.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will ascertain from the police authorities and state to what extent they will permit public thoroughfares in the Metropolitan area to be obstructed by the storing of cars in the streets instead of at garages; and whether he is aware of the annoyance caused to residents and shopkeepers whose premises are obstructed by these vehicles?

In this matter the police have a very difficult task to perform. There are not sufficient garages in. central London to accommodate all the cars seeking accommodation, and the result is that many cars are left standing in the streets. Again, while it is true that annoyance is sometimes caused to frontagers access to whose premises is obstructed by standing vehicles, complaint is often made by shopkeepers that their customers' vehicles are not allowed to stand in front of their premises. In these circumstances it is the practice of the police to intervene when obstruction or danger is likely to arise, and to consider, as far as possible, the interests of all concerned.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the problem caused by the excessive time taken in loading and unloading tradesmen's vehicles outside shops?

Has the right hon. Gentleman noticed the answer given recently by the Minister of Transport, in which he stated that this form of obstruction was a fruitful cause of fatal accidents?

asked the Minister of Transport whether with a view to obviating the excessive overcrowding now prevalent during rush hours on the suburban trains of the Metropolitan Railway, he is prepared to recommend to the London Passenger Transport Board that trains proceeding to a given destination should, as in the case of omnibuses, be run in duplicate, so that accommodation may be provided without any appreciable delay in the second train for those passengers for whom adequate seating or standing facilities are not available in the first of such duplicate trains?

The London Passenger Transport Board inform me that they are already running during the peak period, the maximum number of trains which can be worked over the junction at Finchley Road and that in the circumstances it would be impracticable to give effect to my hon. Friend's suggestion. They expect, however, that when their proposals for improving the service on the Metropolitan line, in connection with which they are seeking statu- tory powers, have been put into operation any overcrowding which at present exists will be eliminated.

Will the Minister be good enough to consult the Chairman of the Board to see whether it is advisable to run the trains alone in what is known as the rush hour service?

asked the Minister of Transport whether his Department are taking any steps in conjunction with the Westminster City Council to provide a subway for pedestrians at the junction of Victoria Street and Vauxhall Bridge Road to link up with the existing subway between Victoria Underground and the Southern Railway stations?

Yes, Sir, my Department is in consultation with the Westminster City Council and other interests concerned, regarding the provision of a subway at this junction, and I am hopeful that a decision will be reached in the near future.

asked the Minister of Transport how many undertakings in the area of London and the Home Counties electricity district have a standard charge for lighting under 4d. per unit; and how many of them are municipal undertakings?

As the answer contains a number of figures, it is proposed, with the hon. Minister's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Did not the hon. Gentleman the other day give figures which showed that the charges for these districts average 50 per cent. above the charges of local authorities, and does he not think that these extra charges by the companies in London constitute a heavy burden of hundreds of thousands of pounds on the people of London?

I have given the hon. Gentleman full particulars, and, if any further question arises out of them, I shall be glad to answer it.

Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that the figures refute the fallacy that public authorities are not more efficient than private enterprise?

asked the Minister of Health whether the recommendation of the district auditor in his report to the Wembley Urban District Council, 18th September, 1934, that under Article 4 of the Rate Accounts Order, 1926, a list of irrecoverable rates should be submitted, has been acted upon; what is the amount involved; and for what reasons were the rates irrecoverable?

My right hon. Friend understands that the recommendation of the district auditor referred to has been acted upon. The total amount of irrecoverable rates involved was £4,647, made up of £3,237 in respect of allowances for empty buildings and £905 in respect of reductions in assessments. The balance—£505—was irrecoverable owing to failure to trace defaulting ratepayers or for other reasons.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the reports of the district auditor on the late Kingsbury Urban District Council, dated 15th May and 18th September, 1934, and submitted to the finance committee on 26th September, 1934; what is the amount of the defalcations of the late collector; whether legal proceedings have been taken; and, if not, will he state the reasons?

The amount of the defalcations was £236 12s. 10d. The Wembley Urban District Council, as successors to the Kingsbury Urban District Council, decided that in view of the past record of the officer in question and of other circumstances they would be justified in not instituting criminal proceedings. My right hon. Friend subsequently brought the case to the attention of the Director of Public Prosecutions, who after careful consideration of the facts saw no reason to dissent from the view which the council had taken.

Will the hon. Gentleman ask the Minister of Health, when introducing new legislation, to make it imperative for local authorities to take proceedings against dishonest public servants, with severe penalties?

I think the matter is best left to the discretion of the authorities.

Is not this a case in which the Ministry should consider putting in commissioners?

Hear, hear!

asked the Minister of Health whether he will reconsider the reply sent to the Horn-church Urban District Council in response to their application for sanction for a loan for the purposes of the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts to the effect that the council should consider the possibility of applicants borrowing the money from building societies, seeing that the conditions and terms of borrowing from councils under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts are lower and preferable to those obtainable from building societies?

As stated in reply to previous questions, my right hon. Friend is awaiting a reply from the Horn-church Urban District Council to the letter which he addressed to them.

asked the Minister of Health the number of ante-natal clinics and. the average attendance at each in Dewsbury, Rochdale, Hudders- field, Blackburn, Poplar, Putney, Wands-worth, Shoreditch, West Ham, and the Welsh counties, and the amount of hospital accommodation for maternity in each of these districts?

asked the Minister of Health the figures of maternal mortality in the administrative areas of Cannock urban district and Brownhills urban district; and how the position compares with five years ago?

As the answer involves a tabular statement, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

As the answer involves a tabular statement, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has any statement to make with regard to the position of the barley trade?

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend has nothing to add to the reply he gave on 26th November to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Mr. Liddall), of which a copy is being sent to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the egg imports from China in October, 1934, amounted to 208,471 great hundreds of eggs in shell as compared with 151,560 for the same month of 1933; and whether he has any statement to make on the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the current arrangements for the regulation of imports of eggs in shell relate to the three months October to December, 1934, and too much significance should not therefore be attached to the figures for one month only of that period.

asked the Minister of Agriculture when he will be in a position to state whether the cattle subsidy is to be continued after 31st March, 1935?

The Government's proposals for the period after 31st March, 1935, in respect of the livestock industry are embodied in the White Paper on the Livestock Situation (Cmd. 4651). As my hon. Friend is aware, these proposals involve negotiations with supplying countries and my right hon. Friend cannot give any indication as to when he will be in a position to make a further statement on the subject.

Will the hon. and gallant Member bear in mind the importance of making an announcement as soon as possible?

I will convey that suggestion to my right hon. Friend.

Can the, hon. and gallant Gentleman tell the House whether the negotiations are proceeding satisfactorily?

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of persons killed and seriously injured in and about coal mines during the present year and the cause of the same?

The figures are 991 killed and 2,901 seriously injured. As the remainder of the reply involves a statistical statement I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.