Written Answers to Questions
Tuesday, January 29, 1935
Questions
Customs and Excise Department (Staff)
asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the increase in the staff of the Customs Department since October, 1931, and the cost?
The increase in the number of staff of the Department of Customs and Excise from 1st October, 1931, to 1st January, 1935, was 2,021. The increase in the cost per annum is estimated at approximately £410,000.
United States (British Debt)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any further statement to make with respect to the American war debt?
The answer is in the negative.
Land Settlement Association
asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has any information to give the House as to the activities of the Small Holdings Association for England and Wales?
The association in question has now been registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act under the name of the Land Settlement Association, in order to carry out experimental schemes for the provision of small holdings for unemployed persons. I understand that the association is proceeding with the development of the Potton Estate presented to it by Mr. P. Malcolm Stewart before his appointment as Commissioner for the Special Areas (England and Wales). I also understand that the association is working in close collaboration with the Commissioner for the Special Areas with a view to assisting in the transference of men from those areas to small holdings in other parts of the country. The association has also received a donation of £10,000 from the Carnegie Trustees, and intends shortly to issue an appeal to the public for further financial support for their work, which I regard as of great importance.
St. Monica's School, Rickmansworth (Milk Supply)
asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the application made to the Milk Marketing Board to supply milk to St. Monica's School, at Rickmansworth, has been refused; and, if so, can he state the reasons of the refusal?
I understand that the school to which my hon. Friend refers does not come within the categories mentioned in the approved arrangements governing the scheme for the supply of milk to schools at reduced rates, and that the Milk Marketing Board feel themselves unable in these circumstances to allow rebates in this case in respect of milk supplied.
Coroners' Inquests (Committee of Inquiry)
asked the Home Secretary whether he is prepared to introduce legislation with a view to rendering uniform the procedure in coroners' courts throughout the country?
Number of destitute able-bodied unemployed at 15th December, 1934, 1933 and 1932. — Males. Females. Dependent Wives. Dependent Children. Total. At 15th December, 1934 … 60,684 7,338 38,312 91,309 197,643 At 15th December, 1933 … 43,245 5,954 24,275 55,940 129,414 At 15th December, 1932 … 34,802 4,856 19,981 47,907 107,546 Note. —The increase in 1934 is largely due to the payment of supplementary allowances to persons in receipt of unemployment benefit and transitional payment.—The increase in 1934 is largely due to the payment of supplementary allowances to persons in receipt of unemployment benefit and transitional payment.
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of persons in receipt of Poor Law relief in Scotland on the last available date, giving separate figures for men, women, and children, and
Number of sane persons in receipt of poor relief in Scotland at 15th December, 1934, 1933 and 1932. — Males. Females. Dependent Wives. Dependent Children. Total. At 15th December, 1934 … 115,862 56,348 64,690 165,027 401,927 At 15th December, 1933 … 91,227 51,685 45,497 119,753 308,162 At 15th December, 1932 … 79,420 48,861 38,786 106,701 273,768 Note. —The increase in 1934 is largely due to the payment of supplementary allowances to parsons in receipt of unemployment benefit and transitional payment.—The increase in 1934 is largely due to the payment of supplementary allowances to parsons in receipt of unemployment benefit and transitional payment.
Drunkenness (Convictions)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of convictions for drunkenness in Scotland for the years 1932 and 1933, respectively?
The numbers of convictions for offences involving drunken-
I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to-day to a question by the hon. Member for Caerphilly (Mr. M. Jones).
Poor Law Relief
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of persons in Scotland in receipt of able-bodied poor relief and the number of their dependants on the last available date, and comparable figures for the same period in the previous two years?
The following statement gives the information for which the hon. Member asks.
comparable figures for the same period during the previous two years?
The following statement gives the information desired.
ness in Scotland for the years 1932 and 1933 were 9,823 and 10,089 respectively. These figures include convictions for being under the influence of drink when driving or attempting to drive, or when in charge of a motor vehicle, and exclude convictions for breach of the peace.
Coal Industry (Statistics)
asked the Secretary for Mines the total production of coal during 1934; the average pit-head price per ton; the total amount exported; and the average f.o.b. price?
The information is as follows:
Estimated output of sale able coal 220,954,000 tons. Average pit-head proceeds per ton disposable commercially during the 12 months ended September, 1934 * 13s. 5d. Coal exported: (i) Quantity 39,659,880 tons. (ii) Average value (f.o.b.) per ton 16s. 1d. * Latest information available. Latest information available.