asked the Minister of Labour in what countries there have been decreases of wages or increases of hours or adoption of the double-shift system since 1st January, 1932, in manufacturing industries competing with British manufactures?

Comprehensive statistics on this subject are not available, but the latest statistics published by the International Labour Office, which appeared in the issue of "The International Labour Review" for November, 1934, indicate that in nearly all countries there has been some reduction, since 1932, in the average level of rates of money wages. I have no evidence of increases in normal weekly working hours, in any of the principal oversea countries, since 1932; in some countries, notably Italy, the United States, and India, there have been reductions. I am not in possession of information showing to what extent double-shift systems of working have been instituted in oversea countries since 1932.

Are we to understand, in regard to increases in hours, that this country has been the only one to impose increases within recent years, under the influence of the Conservative Government?

The answer I gave was "not since 1932." The change to which the hon. Member refers was some years before then.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what is the amount of outstanding unpaid export credits granted by this country; the individual amount in the case of each nation; and the nature of the trade in relation to which these credits were originally granted?

I have been asked to reply. From 1st July, 1926, to 31st December, 1934, claims under the Export Credits Guarantee Department's Guarantees have arisen in respect of unpaid credits amounting to £880,000. This is a gross figure and the actual outpayments by the Department have been considerably smaller. I regret that the information asked for in the second and third parts of the question is not readily available for technical reasons, which my hon. and gallant Friend the Secretary of the Overseas Trade Department will be glad to explain if my hon. and gallant Friend will communicate with him.

asked the Minister of Labour how many stage and cinema actors are employed in Great Britain; how many belong to trade unions; and how many theatrical agencies there are and whether these are required to be registered by his Department?

At the date of the 1931 Census—27th April, 1931—there were 8,673 actors and 10,169 actresses in Great Britain. Figures for more recent dates are not available. I have no information as to the numbers who belong to trade unions. Theatrical agencies are not required to register with my Department and I am afraid that I cannot say how many there are.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that this is the most astonishing census in the history of the community, and ought we not take some action in the matter?

asked the Minister of Labour whether his intervention has been invoked in the dispute between the British Actors' Equity Association and the directors of Drury Lane Theatre; and what announcement he has to make?

A joint meeting is taking place this afternoon for the discussion of a means of settlement of this dispute. I am glad to say that in the meantime an arrangement has been made under which it will be possible to proceed with the signing of contracts for the production of plays without prejudice to the terms of the final settlement.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that complaints are being made of the influx of Irishmen into the Birmingham area and that they are being given preference over Birmingham people when vacancies occur; and what action he proposes to take to remedy this?

I am not aware of the complaints mentioned, but I am making inquiries and will let my hon. Friend know the result in due course.

asked the Minister of Labour how long it is necessary for Irishmen coming from the Irish Free State to be resident in England before they are eligible for any of the benefits under the new Unemployment Act regulations; and are there any figures available showing the number of such Irishmen who have registered and found work during the last two years?

Applicants for allowances must show that their normal occupation is employment in respect of which contributions are payable under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Acts, 1925 to 1932. The question whether this qualification is fulfilled in any particular case is for decision by the board's officer and, on appeal, by the Chairman of the Appeal Tribunal. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the statement sent from the Glasgow Corporation containing an estimate of the number of claimants who, as transitional claimants or able-bodied applicants, will be subject to the regulations issued by the Unemployment Assistance Board; whether that statement contains any estimate of the number of such claimants whose house rent is under 7s. 6d. per week; and whether he will state what that estimate is?

I received a letter, dated 17th December, from the Glasgow Corporation, which contained no estimate of numbers beyond a statement that 75 per cent. of the recipients of able-bodied relief in Glasgow are living in houses with a rental of less than 7s. 6d. per week. This statement did not apply to recipients of transitional payments.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received the report of the committee considering whether bath and wash-house attendants working for public authorities should be looked upon as insurable workers?

Representations have been made that this class of employment should be brought within the Unemployment Insurance scheme, and I am at present awaiting further information from interested parties before deciding whether the necessary draft regulations should be made and submitted to the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee.

Will that apply to pit-head baths attendants as well?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will be good enough to put a question down. My recollection is that we have already decided to make draft regulations and submit them to the Statutory Committee.

Will the Minister take into consideration that the public who use public baths and wash-houses pay for admission, and that the public bodies who are the owners of the institutions make a profit out of them? The attendants are therefore employed in a profit-making undertaking.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. W. Lowrie, who was transferred from the Glenbranter training centre to the Earlston camp in New Galloway; whether he is aware that, having to cease work on account of a sprain, Lowrie was given his pay note which showed that after working for nine and a-half hours at 11d. per hour, and being credited with wages to the amount of 8s. 8d., deductions in respect of insurance and hut accommodation left him with a balance of 1d.; that it cost Lowrie 5s. 9d. to get back to Glasgow, having to pawn boots and clothing in order to raise the necessary funds; that at the Earlston camp there is no medical examination and no precautions taken to see that men who enter the camp are clean and free from disease; and whether he will make inquiries into these matters?

This question relates to matters which are alleged to have: occurred after Mr. Lowrie had left the Ministry's centre and had been placed in employment at what is described as the Earlston camp, which is a private contractor's job and in no way under the control of the Department. I am however making inquiries and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Is it not a fact that, in the first place, Mr. Lowrie was transferred to the Ministry of Labour?

Yes, Sir. It was in the ordinary course. I am glad to say, as is the case with many people who join the Ministry's labour camps, work was found for him, and the work was at this particular place. I am making inquiries as to the work at that camp.

Will the Minister let me know what is the result of those inquiries, because, if the work that is being found is of this character, it is better not to transfer them?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether he can state the total cost of maintaining the unemployed who have received transitional payments since the passing of the Order in Council of 1931, and what the total cost would have been during the same period if these persons had been receiving standard benefit without the application of the means test? and

(2) whether he can state the annual cost of maintenance of those who are now on transition, whether they were receiving the standard rates of benefit of the Unemployment Insurance Act; and the estimated annual cost of the maintenance of such transitional cases?

I regret that it has not been possible to calculate these figures in time for me to give them to the hon. Member to-day, but I will send them to him in a day or two, unless he would prefer to put down his question again.

asked the Minister of Health how many operatives belonging to the industry of agriculture, excluding forestry, in the North Riding of Yorkshire were returned as in work and out of work, respectively, in the census of the 26th April, 1931?

I regret that the figures asked for are not available; but I am sending my hon. Friend certain figures bearing upon his inquiry, which I hope may be of use to him.

As some of the figures of the census in this connection have already come out in the reports of the Statutory Committee on Unemployment Insurance, will the Minister expedite the publication of the remainder?

I am not quite sure to what figures my hon. Friend is referring.

I refer to the figures in Table 3 of the Report of the Statutory Committee on Unemployment Insurance, published beforehand showing these very figures.

It appears to me that that is a question which should be addressed to the Ministry of Labour.

asked the First Commissioner of Works where the area office in Wimbledon of the Unemployment Assistance Board is situated; whether it has been bought and, if so, how much was paid for it; who was the owner from whom it was bought; and what is the distance from the nearest Employment Exchange in that district?

I have ben asked to reply. This area office is temporarily housed at 1, Ridgeway Place, Wimbledon, which is vested in the Postmaster-General. I understand that the property was purchased as a site for a new Telephone Exchange for £3,550, the vendor being Sir Rupert Howorth. The premises are less than 1½ miles from the nearest Employment Exchange.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the determinations made under the new unemployment regulations up to 26th January in the Wallsend, Long Benton, Weetslade, and Gosforth areas, the percentage of cuts, and the percentage of increases?

I am in consultation with the Unemployment Assistance Board regarding the supply of information on questions of the kind to which my hon. Friend refers. At the moment such information is not available.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make the announcement as soon as possible in order that those who represent industrial areas may know what their position is in the matter?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that justices are ordering children to be sent to approved schools under the Children and Young Persons Act, 1933, in such numbers that these schools cannot take them and the children are being sent to remand homes, which are also becoming crowded out; and whether he proposes to take any steps to meet the difficulty?

The number of children and young perons sent to residential schools has increased substantially since the Children and Young Persons Act, 1933, owing largely to the raising of the age and other new provisions. In consequence of this increase the vacant accommodation in existing approved schools has been largely absorbed. Certain emergency measures have been taken to relieve the immediate pressure as far as possible, and the Home Office has discussed the situation with several of the local authorities, with whom the responsibility for providing accommodation rests. It is hoped that arrangements will be made before long to open a few additional schools.

asked the Home Secretary the numbers of undesirable convicted persons who are now in this country but who cannot be deported either owing to diplomatic difficulties or to any other cause; whether any continuous supervision is exercised over such men and women; and what is its cost?

In the course of the last three years there have been about 90 cases in which, after a court has recommended deportation of an alien, this course has been prevented by practical difficulties, of which the most common is the impossibility of establishing the alien's national status. In such cases it is usual, if an additional measure of supervision is considered desirable, to make an order requiring him to report periodically at stated intervals to the police. This involves no extra cost to the police.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the report of the departmental committee on the statutory definition and classification of firearms and ammunition; whether he proposes to implement the recommendations of the committee; and, if so, when the necessary legislation will be introduced?

Yes, Sir. Effect can be given to some of these recommendations by administrative action, and the necessary steps are being taken for this purpose. As regards the recommendations requiring legislation, I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, but in view of the present state of the Parliamentary time-table I cannot undertake that it will be possible to introduce legislation this Session.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the remission of the charges usually made for police officers at unofficial functions when the services of such officers are required in connection with meetings, distributions, etc., of any bona fide charity?

Charges for lent police are fixed so as to cover the pay and allowances, etc., of the men employed, and I should not feel justified in recommending police authorities to adopt any other basis of charge for all charity functions. It is, of course, open to a police authority to reduce the charges in any particular case if they see good ground for doing so.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to a case heard on 13th December, 1934, by the Scarborough North Riding bench of justices, who, after hearing the case for the prosecution against Mr. Stewart Tidmarsh on a charge of causing unnecessary cruelty to a pig, held that no prima facie case had been made out, dismissed the summons against him, and thus precluded him from calling witnesses or giving evidence on his own behalf, but, after hearing the case against a codefendant, proceeded to censure Mr. Stewart Tidmarsh; and whether, in view of the circumstances in which this censure was delivered, he will institute an inquiry into the facts of this case?

I have already had correspondence with my hon. Friend about this matter, and have informed him that I cannot regard the case as one in which it would be practicable for me to intervene.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that Mr. Tidmarsh has had no opportunity of presenting his case at all; and could the right hon. Gentleman not afford him some opportunity by way of inquiry, or, if not inquiry, by some other way of presenting his case and of meeting the censures that have been levelled against him?

I have said that I cannot see any possibility of being able to intervene, but, if the hon. Gentleman cares to discuss the matter with my Department, I shall be glad to give facilities.

If the facts are as stated is this not a glaring act of injustice, and should there not be some remedy in this case?

asked the Home Secretary whether he will seek an explanation from the Metropolitan licensing authorities for taximeter-cabs why they still continue to allow the use of fare-meters having black dials with illegible numerals working in apertures too small to allow the amount of the fare to be seen by artificial light; and will he direct the authorities to pay closer attention to the requirements of the public for a meter-dial upon which the fares can be read easily at all hours?

The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that in his view the type of meter fitted to motor cabs is satisfactory if the meter is properly illuminated. Every effort has been made to see that the dials of taximeters are properly illuminated. During the year ended 31st December, 1934, 11 cases of failing to observe the requirements in this respect were reported for proceedings. In 329 other result of inspection, notice was given that the cabs were not to ply for hire until the police were satisfied that better means of illumination had been provided.

What would the objection be to the licensing authorities asking those who make these dials to make them slightly bigger and more legible? Would not the expense be very small, and the wishes of the public thereby met?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that 10 motor lorry drivers were summoned at Nuneaton on 7th January, 1935, under the silent control system for exceeding the speed limit; that the provisions of Section 21 of the Act of 1930, which definitely stipulate that a summons should be issued within a fortnight from the date of the occurrence, were not complied with; and will he take the necessary steps to ensure that this Section of the Act is carried out by the police in future throughout the country?

I have seen a reference in one of the law journals to the case to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. Under Section 21 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, the service of a summons within 14 days of the commission of the alleged offence is not essential: it is sufficient if the defendant was warned at the time of the offence that the question of prosecution would be considered, or if within 14 days the defendant was given proper notice of the intended prosecution. The special attention of all Chief Officers of Police was drawn to the requirements of this Section when it became operative, and I have no reason to think that any further communication on the subject is required.

Is it not a fact that none of these men were stopped at the time and warned that they would be summoned? It is for that reason that I am raising the question that they did not receive their summonses within 14 days. Is not that very unfair to the driver of a lorry?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will give me any detailed information, I shall be glad to have it.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the hardship to workpeople caused by police interpretation of Section 25 of the Road Traffic Act, which became operative on the 1st December, 1934; that thousands of workpeople in North-West Kent and South Essex, including Plumstead, are suffering from these decisions; and whether in view of the absence of any travel facilities in these rapidly-growing areas, he will take steps to ensure the continuance of travel facilities until the transport authorities are able to deal with this urgent demand?

I have been asked to reply. My hon. Friend presumes the hon. Member refers to the use of certain vehicles of the private car type by fare-paying passengers without public service vehicle or road service licences. The Road Traffic Act of 1930 requires that vehicles used for carrying passengers for hire or reward at separate fares shall only be operated if they are licensed as safe and suitable vehicles for such a purpose and the service is also authorised by a road service licence. The Section of the 1934 Act to which the hon. Member refers relates to the use of vehicles for the carriage of private parties on special occasions. Representations as to the need for additional services in this district should be made to the London Passenger Transport Board.

While thanking the hon. and gallant Member for the reply, may I ask if he is aware that there has been for a considerable time contracts arranged between private companies and workers as to the traffic facilities, but the police by their interpretation of the Act have cut off the whole of them? Until the time that the Transport Board is able to provide these facilities, will the Ministry allow the present arrangements to continue?

I will convey that question to my hon. Friend the Minister of Transport.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has noticed that penny football pools are now being advertised in the Press and from Luxemburg every Sunday; and, in view of this fresh attempt to spread gambling among children, whether he will consider amending the Betting and Lotteries Act in order to render it illegal?

I understand that there, is pending in the High Court an action in which the question at issue is whether the advertisement of a football pool competition in the Press contravenes Section 26 of the Betting and Lotteries Act, 1934. Judgment in that case has been reserved.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that football pool promoters have a rule or a regulation which they put on the back of their coupons to the effect that they do not accept bets from anyone under 21 years of age?

Is it not perfectly impossible, in the case of these football competitions, to know whether the person applying is 21 years of age, or any other age?

asked the Home Secretary whether any regulations have been framed in respect of the method of determining the accommodation for spectators on a track according to the provisions of Section 5 of the Betting and Lotteries Act, 1934?

The Act contains no provision empowering regulations to be made on the subject, and I can only refer my hon. Friend to the provisions of Section 6 (2), of paragraph (iii) of Section 7 (1) ( a ), and of Section 16 (1) ( b ) of the Act.

asked the Home Secretary whether any regulations have been framed to govern the form of application necessary to obtain a licence under Section 7 (2) of the Betting and Lotteries Act, 1934?

The Act contains no provisions empowering me to make regulations on this subject, and, as at present advised, I do not think it is necessary to recommend the adoption of any special form of application. The Act contains clear and specific directions as to the particulars which must be given to the licensing authority by an applicant for a licence.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is in a position to say how many local authorities have made complaint to him during the last two years of the nuisance caused by slag heaps, pit heaps, etc., and asking for greater powers to deal with them; and what steps his Department have taken?

About half-a-dozen authorities have made complaints during the period but none of them have asked for greater powers to deal with the matter. On the general question my Department are in consultation with the Ministry of Mines; in the meantime individual complaints are being dealt with as they arise.

In the case of Tyldesley, where the right hon. Gentleman sent his inspectors, has there been any abatement as a result of the action he has taken?

I shall have to inform myself about the most recent state of affairs in order to satisfy the hon. Member.

It has been before the right hon. Gentleman's notice for 12 months.

asked the Minister of Health how many colliery pit-heaps are on fire in Lancashire; and what steps it is necessary for colliery companies to take in regard to notifying either the local authority or his Department when a colliery pit-heap gets on fire?

I have had information of 10 pit-heaps on fire in Lancashire. As regards the second part of the question, there is no statutory obligation to notify either the Ministry or the local authority.

Do not the Minister and his Department think it is time some action was taken where colliery companies put down accumulations of waste matters which are liable to spontaneous combustion? At present, apparently, nothing can be done until a fire breaks out.

As the hon. Member will be aware from recent communications, every possible action that can be taken is taken, but in the case of these fires the critical difficulty is that of extinguishing them.

In view of the losses which result from subsidence, will not the right hon. Gentleman's Department collaborate with the Mines Department with a view to keeping this material underground, rather than bringing it to the surface?

All possible measures are taken to avoid these fires.

In view of the Minister's statement that everything that can be done is done, may I ask him whether that indicates that at present he has not sufficient powers to deal with this matter.

I do not think it is a question of powers, but far more a question of the technical difficulties.

asked the Minister of Health whether any local authorities have yet asked for his advice in regard to the request of the Medical Practitioners' Union that local authorities should give their organisation recognition; and, if so, what advice they have been given?

I have received a communication from one local authority on this subject. I do not consider that it is a matter on which it is properly my function to give advice.

asked the Minister of Health when the new committee for the ascertainment of all the sources of water supply in the country will be appointed; how many technical people it will have on it; and if the terms of reference will be broad enough to enable recommendations of allocation to be made?

The membership of the committee will be announced very shortly. Five of the members will be scientists or engineers. The object of the survey is to collect and to correlate reliable records of available supplies, surface and underground. It will not be within the functions of the committee to make recommendations of allocation, for which additional information, of other kinds, is required.

Is it proposed that anything should be done at a later date to deal with the question of allocation, one of the greatest difficulties being to allocate the water to the right people?

I will certainly take my hon. Friend's suggestion into consideration.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider setting up a committee to inquire into and report on measures to be employed to abate nuisances arising from the use of pulverised fuel, with special reference to nuisances connected with generating stations and other statutory undertakings?

A committee was appointed by the Electricity Commissioners in June, 1930, to consider and report upon the measures which have been taken both in this country and in others to obviate the emission of soot, ash, grit and gritty particles from the chimneys of electric power stations. The report of this committee, which dealt, inter alia, with the use of pulverised fuel, was published in 1932. In the circumstances I do not think that there is occasion for the appointment of a fresh committee.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any representations from local authorities on this subject?

Clearly, I should require notice of that question in order to give a satisfactory reply.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the feeling among some local authorities that progress towards the elimination of domestic smoke is too slow; and whether, as a step in this connection, he will consider, as a condition of future housing subsidies, laying down restrictions for the elimination of domestic smoke?

I have received representations from some local authorities on this subject. I do not think it would be practicable to adopt the suggestion made in the second part of the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of us would be better satisfied if there were more domestic smoke?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a number of persons, having no suitable qualifications, are posing as specialists and purporting to treat and cure deafness and head-noises, and that many persons suffering from such afflictions are being put to loss and possibly physical damage by the treatment given by these unqualified practitioners; and whether he will take steps to protect those who are deaf from exploitation by unqualified persons pretending to treat and cure deafness?

I am aware of the facts stated in the first part of the question. They are discussed in Dr. Eichholz's Report on the Deaf in England and Wales. I have no power to take such steps as are suggested in the last part of the question, but I understand that the National Institute for the Deaf are always prepared to advise those who are deaf on suitable aids to hearing.

As the secretary of that institute says his blood is made to boil by these cases and therefore he is unable to take any action that is effective, cannot the right hon. Gentleman consider getting some power for these provincial towns such as exists in London by which they can withdraw their licence, as has recently been done in the case of the most notorious quack in the country?

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think his hon. Friend ought to be congratulated on his enthusiastic trade union activities?

Will the right hon. Gentleman urge all the approved societies who pay part of the cost of these appliances for the deaf to send their cases to the institute, because it is understood that some of them make a practice of doing it, in order to prevent this exploitation?

I will certainly take the hon. Gentleman's suggestion into consideration. As a matter of fact, I think the possibility of the practice, the desirability of which is obvious, is well known to the approved societies.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the feeling among women that the training of medical students in maternity hospitals is often conducted without due regard to the welfare and comfort of the patients who are attended by students and of the concern which this impression is creating in the minds of the mothers themselves, he will inquire what, if any, action is being taken by those responsible for the arrangements in such hospitals to allay this anxiety and to ensure that every woman receives considerate attention as well as adequate medical and nursing treatment?

I have not received any information to the effect stated in the first part of the question and the continued and indeed increased popularity of maternity hospitals would not seem to point to any lack of consideration in the treatment of their patients. The hon. Member will no doubt appreciate that I have no control over the arrangements made for the training of medical students.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make the inquiries into the matter referred to in the question?

asked the Minister Health whether he has received the report of the committee re-appointed in 1931 on garden cities and satellite towns; and, if so, when will it be published?

This report has been received, and instructions have been given for its publication.

Is it likely to be published during the course of the discussions on the Housing Bill, to which it is germane?

I could not state the exact date without notice.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that some highly-rated local authorities are becoming alarmed at the methods adopted by more favourably placed authorities in attracting persons to transfer businesses where the rates are lower; and will he consider whether any steps can be taken to stop this practice?

I am not clear what the hon. Member has in mind, but, if he will send me particulars, I will consider whether I have any powers in regard to the action being taken.

It is clear, is it not, that low rates and taxes mean much more employment?

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons in Birmingham in receipt of able-bodied poor relief, and the number of their dependants, on the last available date,

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give the number of persons in receipt of Poor Law relief in Birmingham on the last available date, giving separate figures for men, women, and children; and comparable figures for the same period during the previous two years?

The total number of persons in receipt of poor relief in Birmingham (including dependants but excluding rate-aided patients in mental hospitals, persons in receipt of domiciliary medical relief only and casuals) on Saturday, 19th January, 1935, was 21,879 as compared with 22,655 and 24,122 on the corresponding days in 1934 and 1933. The weekly returns from which these figures have been obtained do not distinguish the numbers of men, women and children, but approximately 29 per cent. of the total consisted of men, 33 per cent. of women and 38 per cent. of children.

and comparable figures for the same period in the previous two years?

As the answer contains a number of figures in tabular form, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The returns made to my Department do not distinguish able-bodied persons in receipt of poor relief. The figures available are for the numbers of persons ordinarily engaged in some regular occupation. The figures include cases in which the primary cause of relief was sickness and not unemployment.

The figures are as follow:

asked the Minister of Health what steps he proposes to take to safeguard the position of persons whose pension rights expire at the end of 1935 owing to their being no longer insured under the National Health Insurance Act?

As indicated in the reply which I gave to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for Gorbals (Mr. Buchanan) on the 14th November last, the whole position will be reviewed when the first report of the Government Actuary on the financial operation of the Contributory Pensions Acts is received. This report is expected shortly.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, when any further consideration is given to a re-organisation of various pension schemes, he will consider the inclusion of spinsters of 55 years under similar conditions to those operating for widows when they reach the age of 55, with the proviso that no pension shall be granted unless the individual ceases working for gain?

I do not think there is any real similarity between the pensions for spinsters on retirement which my hon. Friend has in mind and the pensions granted at the age of 55 to the widows of certain categories of men who died or had reached the age of 70 before the Contributory Pensions Scheme came into operation. The pensions for spinsters to which he refers are particular examples of retirement pensions. The heavy cost inherent in all such schemes as have been put forward and the administrative difficulties which have been explained in the House, in particular during the Debate of the 21st February last, make it impossible for the Government to hold out any hope of the acceptance of the type of scheme which my hon. Friend proposes.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that a considerable number of unmarried insured women give up their jobs to look after aged relatives and thereby lose their pension rights?

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how spinsters retire?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is prepared to sanction public assistance committees giving extra relief to Poor Law applicants in connection with the Silver Jubilee celebrations in May?

I have already issued a general sanction in this matter in a circular, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member.

Will that circular in any shape or form instruct the board's officers that they will have powers of discretion?

It is not a matter for me to issue an instruction at all. It is to indicate the powers of local authorities.

Do I take it that it will be sufficient if the board passes a resolution and that that will meet with the right hon. Gentleman's approval?

If the hon. Member will consult the circular, of which I am sending him a copy, he will see that it deals with the situation.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is prepared to circularise all mine-owners to give a day's pay to all engaged in mines on the occasion of the national holiday in regard to the Silver Jubilee celebration in May?

I will pass on the hon. Member's suggestion to the Mining Association.

I should like to ask the Prime Minister on this question of holidays whether it would be possible to follow the precedent which I think was adopted at the Coronation of His Majesty and for a public intimation to be given to employers of labour that the workers should be paid for the holiday? It is not very nice that they should have a day's holiday and lose a day's pay for it. If the right hon. Gentleman looks up the records, I think he will find that there was such an intimation made at the Coronation.

I wonder if my right hon. Friend would be good enough to have a question on that subject put to me, and we will consider it.

When the right hon. Gentleman is considering the matter, will the Government consider that the unemployed will possibly need extra pay? Will the Government consider that?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether a decision has yet been reached as to the participation or otherwise of representative detachments of the Territorial Army and the British National Cadet Association in the celebration of His Majesty's Silver Jubilee?

No decisions have yet been taken.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state the allocation of the special grant to distressed areas for the financial year ended 5th April, 1934; and particulars for the year 1933–34 in respect of each such area, showing in a comparative way the average number of registered unemployed, the average number of such unemployed chargeable to the local authorities, the total amount disbursed as outdoor relief for the maintenance of able-bodied unemployed persons and their dependants, the amount of relief afforded to the local authority by the special grant expressed as a rate for £ of valuation, and the amount of said relief expressed as a sum per head of the number of unemployed chargeable to the local authorities?

A statement giving the desired information, so far as it is available, is being prepared, and I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that proposals to build houses under the Financial Provisions (Housing) Act, 1934, have been submitted to the Cannock Urban District Council, but are being held up; and whether he is able to state who is preventing the carrying out of these proposals?

I understand that in one case the Cannock Urban District Council have declined to entertain a proposal made under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1933, and in another have given a guarantee in respect of a portion of the houses in respect of which an application was submitted. I am not aware that any further proposals under that Act are at present before the Council.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that over 600 people have applied for the proposed 100 houses which the Cannock Urban District Council have refused to sanction, and can he take steps to see that houses which are so badly needed in this area are provided?

The hon. Lady will be aware that the most efficient steps for the purpose are being taken in the legislation now before the House.

asked the Minister of Health what steps, if any, are being taken to provide houses to let to the working classes in Essington and other parts of the Cannock Rural District?

The question of the provision of further houses in Essington, to which attention was drawn by my hon. Friend in her earlier question, is now under discussion by the county and district council and I hope to be able to inform her of the result at an early date. I have received no representations on this matter in regard to other parts of the rural district.

asked the Prime Minister if he will state the number of cases during the last three years in which recommendations of Royal Commissions and Departmental Committees involving legislation have been accepted by the Government or the Minister concerned without resultant legislation having yet been introduced?

Many legislative proposals laid before the House arise directly or indirectly from the recommendations of Royal Commissions or Departmental Committees and it is the normal practice, when recommendations of such bodies are accepted by His Majesty's Government, for legislation to be introduced as expeditiously as may prove practicable. Pressure of Parliamentary business may, however, on occasion involve some delay in the introduction of the necessary legislation. I regret that the detailed information desired by my hon. and gallant Friend is not available.

Is it the Government's intention to bring in a Bill this Session to deal with mining royalties?

The hon. Member had better await events. As he knows this Session is pretty full up.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have yet decided to appoint an independent Government committee to inquire into the censorship of films?

As my hon. and gallant Friend may be aware, I received a few days ago (in company with my right hon. Friends the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Scotland) an influential deputation on the subject of cinematograph exhibitions, which laid before me a number of representations, including a proposal that the Government should institute an inquiry into the question of censorship. Those representations, are receiving the careful consideration of my colleagues, but I am unable to make any statement at present.

In his consideration of the problem, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that one of the chief difficulties is lack of uniformity in the censorship of American and British films, and will he represent that view to the Board of Censorship?

All the facts are before us and will be taken into account.

asked the Prime Minister whether any decision has now been reached as to whether any time can be given during the current Session to make possible the passage of private Members' Bills of a non-controversoail character?

I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that although the Government have been forced, on account of pressure of public business, to take the whole time of the House during the present Session, opportunities still exist for the passage into law of Bills of a non-controversial character.

Will the House, in accordance with the promise of the Lord President of the Council, be given an early opportunity of considering proposals urgently requiring legislation but not covered by Government business?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that in November, 1930, in response to an appeal from all parties of the House, the Government of that day accepted a Motion to increase the pensions of old pre-war Royal Irish Constabulary pensioners; that pre-war constable pensioners are in receipt of £46 per annum as against a present-day pension of £154; that a sergent's pre-war pension is £53 as against £195 at present; and that a head constable's pre-war pension is £69 as against £256 at present; will be say how much it would cost the State to double these pre-war pensions to the few pensioners who remain of these old servants of the Crown; and will he take steps to see that the pledge then given will be honoured?

As the answer is somewhat long, I propose, with my hon. Friend's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these poor old men have to fill in very out-of-date forms with regard to their income during the year, which frequently means that they are deprived entirely of their pension? If I give him an instance, will he inquire into the case of one particular man who has been informed by the paymaster that he will get no pension until 1937 as the result of this inquiry which is so much out of date?

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it very unfair that any discrimination should be made against a loyal and patriotic body of men who have served their country, and cannot something be done to put them in the same position as others?

If my hon. Friends will examine my answer when they see it and they desire to make any further representations, I shall be very happy to receive them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that they are much fewer in number than on the last occasion when the matter was brought up and that the opportunity for doing them tardy justice is limited?

Following is the answer:

The motion mentioned in the first part of the question related to all pensions to which the Pensions (Increase) Acts, 1920 and 1924, applied, and not especially to those in respect of Royal Irish Constabulary service. Of the figures given in the second and third parts of the question, those in regard to pre-war pensions exclude the increases already given under the Pensions (Increase) Acts, and those in regard to post-war pensions are slightly below the maximum award possible in the case of constables and slightly above the maximum award possible in the case of head constables. In addition to the cost of the increases already given, namely about £65,000 a year, the cost of doubling the constabulary pensions to which the Pensions (Increase) Acts apply is estimated to be about £75,000 a year. Such a concession could not, however, be confined to Royal Irish Constabulary pensioners, who are only one of several classes dealt with by those Acts, and the total cost of adopting the proposal would therefore be very much more than £75,000 a year. As regards the suggestion of a pledge, the Government of the day, in stating that they would not ask the House to divide against the motion mentioned, made it clear that they could not make financial provision for the purpose of implementing it. It was further stated on 29th January, 1931, by the then Chancellor of the Exchequer that His Majesty's Government were unable to contemplate legislation to amend the Pensions (Increase) Acts. The present Government are unable to re-open that decision.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been drawn to a resolution passed by the Nant Conway sub-committee of the Carnarvonshire local pensions committee, stating that their decisions are considerably hampered by the fact that the reports received from the pensions officer are taken from conversations carried on in English with people of very meagre acquaintance with the English language; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this complaint?

My attention has been drawn to the resolution referred to. Enquiries are being made in the matter and I will communicate with the hon. and gallant Member when these are completed.

Will the hon. Gentleman take particular notice of this complaint, as it is practically impossible for these old people to give correct information to an ordinary Englishman who questions them with regard to their means, and in that way help to remove what has become a very serious complaint in Welsh-speaking areas in Wales.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is in a position to state when it is anticipated the Government's scheme to improve the standard of the milk supply in this country by accredited herds is likely to come into force; and whether he can make a statement on this subject?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether arrangements have yet been made to bring into force the scheme for giving special benefits to the producers of clean milk in this country; and whether he is yet in a position to make any statement on this subject?

The Government's Attested Herds Scheme as already announced comes into operation to-morrow. A further scheme, generally known as the Accredited Producers Scheme has been framed and put forward by the Milk Marketing Board. This is not, however, a scheme of the Government. I am not in a position to make any statement regarding this scheme except that I understand that discussions are proceeding between the board and the representatives of local authorities.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whom he consulted before bringing in the scheme which comes into operation to-morrow? Did he consult any body of producers or anyone who could give him any idea how to carry out the contracts?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will put down a question, I shall be glad to give him an answer?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now say when the schemes to take the place of the present cattle and sugar-beet subsidy are likely to be brought forward?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answers I gave yesterday to questions by my hon. Friend the Member for Horncastle (Mr. Haslam) my hon. Friend the Member for the Hallam Division of Sheffield (Mr. L. Smith), and my right hon. Friend the Member for South Molton (Mr. Lambert).

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether it has been brought to his knowledge that barley for malting purposes has been bought from foreign countries on the plea that no more British barley of malting quality was available for brewing; whether he is aware that in consequence some of the British barley has been sold to brewers abroad; and what steps he proposes to take to safeguard British barley growers from foreign importation?

I have no knowledge as to how far, if at all, purchases of foreign barley and exports of British barley have been made for the reasons stated by my hon. and gallant Friend. With regard to the last part of the question, I understand that the National Farmers' Union have made an application to the Import Duties Advisory Committee for an additional duty on foreign malting barley and barley substitutes used in brewing and distilling.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he proposes to bring in any measures to deal with the present barley difficulty.

No, Sir. Applications are actually before the Committee and the matter is sub judice, and I am afraid I cannot take any steps during this time.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the brewers to be loyal to the farmers in this matter?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give the farmers' deliveries to date with the average prices of home-grown barley of the 1934 crop; and also the corresponding figures for the four previous seasons?

As the reply contains a statistical table, I propose, with my hon. Friend's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

The quantities sold and average prices of British barley, per hundredweight during the period 1st September, 1934, to 19th January, 1935, with comparative figures for the corresponding period in the four previous seasons, as ascertained from Returns received from 173 scheduled markets in England and Wales under the Corn Returns Act, 1882, and the Corn Sales Act, 1921, were as follow:

asked the Minister of Agriculture by what percentage the total import of eggs in shell from foreign countries was reduced by the standstill agreement in the period mid-March till the end of September, 1934; whether, and by how much, the imports from these countries in the quarter October-December, 1934, were reduced as compared with the corresponding quarter of 1933; and whether all exporting countries have yet agreed to reduce their exports to this country in January-March, 1935, by 10 per cent. as compared with the first quarter of 1934?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that the imports of foreign eggs were fully maintained during October, November, and December, and that Empire supplies increased by 4 per cent., he will take emergency action to assist the home producer, pending the introduction of a marketing scheme or other long-range policy?

Total imports of eggs in shell from foreign sources showed an increase of 1.3 per cent. in the period mid-March to the end of September, 1934, and a decrease of 0.7 per cent. in the three months October-December, 1934, compared with the corresponding periods of 1933. A substantial measure of co-operation has been promised in respect of the majority of countries who have been asked to effect an actual reduction of imports of eggs in shell during the current quarter. Negotiations are still proceeding, and every effort will be made to secure general acceptance of the proposals, which are designed as a whole to secure a reduction of 10 per cent. in total foreign imports.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that it would be possible in a very short time to make this country self-supporting in the matter of eggs in shell without any undue hardship to the consumer?

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman why he does not insist upon the restrictions being put on, instead of going cap in hand to other countries and asking them for an agreement? Why cannot he be firm?

It is not difficult to be firm with other countries if one is totally regardless of any repercussions.

Are not repercussions regarded a great deal too much, and do not the agricultural community suffer in consequence?

Has it not been shown that this standstill agreement has led to nothing?

No, Sir. The standstill agreement has undoubtedly checked very considerably the increase of imports which would otherwise undoubtedly have taken place.

There still has been an increase.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the average price per live cwt. of first and second quality fat cattle in England and Wales for the first three weeks of the months of January, 1935 and 1934?

As the reply involves a number of figures, I propose, with my hon. Friend's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether, in view of the obvious failure of the Government's policy of the subsidy, he will not consider introducing a guaranteed price and financing it by a Revenue duty?

In the first place, I could not for a moment agree to the suggestion that there has been an obvious failure of Government policy, nor do I think that this would be borne out by livestock producers in any part of the United Kingdom. As to the suggestion of financing a guaranteed price by a Revenue duty, my hon. Friend cannot be unaware that an agreement such as the Ottawa Agreement, which he supported, makes that impossible.

Following is the answer:

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, under the Milk Marketing Scheme, producers in the far western region have received a price varying as much as 2½d. a gallon below that of the south-eastern region, whereas, before the scheme was introduced, liquid milk producers in the far western region received a higher price than in the south-eastern region; and, in view of all the circumstances, whether he will take steps to secure that the Milk Board shall bring about a national pool price?

I am aware that in one month, since the Milk Marketing Scheme came into force, the difference between the "pool" prices in the south-eastern region and the far western region was 2½d. per gallon, but, as my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, the average difference during the time the scheme has been in operation is 1¼d. per gallon. I was not aware that, before the scheme was introduced, liquid milk producers in the far western region as a rule received a higher price than those in the southeastern region. The question whether there should be a national "pool" price is one for the registered producers through their organisation, the Milk Marketing Board. I have no power to intervene.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether he personally would be in favour of a national pool if the Milk Marketing Board reported in its favour; would he take any steps in regard to the next stage?

I am afraid that I am not a producer under that scheme and therefore I have no right to vote.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable unrest in this matter, and can he kindly say when the inquiry into the Milk Board is to take place?