asked the Minister of Labour whether any countries are adopting the principle of the subsidisation of wages with a view to the relief of unemployment; and, if so, if he can give the details?

As the reply is long, I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

From information in my possession, it would appear that the principle of subsidising the wages paid by private em- ployers, with a view to the relief of unemployment, has been adopted in the following countries: Austria, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland, the Union of South Africa, and New Zealand. Brief particulars of the main schemes are given below.

Austria. —The Austrian Unemployment Insurance Act empowers the Ministry of Social Administration, in prolonged periods of industrial depression, to make agreements with employers' and workers' associations under which an employer who refrains from dismissing workers during a period of complete or partial closing down is guaranteed repayment from the unemployment insurance funds of part of the expenditure thus incurred. The repayment may not exceed the amount which would otherwise have been paid as unemployment benefit. It is known that such an agreement was made for the textile industry in 1933.

France. —A Decree of 29th January, 1935, provides for the payment, under certain conditions, of a subsidy from the Unemployment Relief Funds to employers who increase their existing staffs in specified proportions by engaging workers in receipt of unemployment relief. The subsidy may not exceed the amount of unemployment relief, exclusive of dependants' allowances, to which the workers engaged would have been entitled had they remained unemployed, and may not be paid to the same employer in respect of the same worker for more than 180 days in twelve months.

Germany. —In 1932, the German Government introduced a scheme, which was in force from 1st Ocotber, 1932, to 30th September, 1933, under which employers who engaged additional workers from among the unemployed received subsidies in the form of "tax certificates," which they were authorised to use as instruments of credit or to tender in payment of certain Federal taxes during the years 1934 to 1938.

At the present time, arrangements exist for the grant to small-scale farmers of wage subsidies from the Unemployment Fund in consideration of the employment, for at least six months, of additional young workers as farm assistants. The subsidy is limited, in general, to a maximum amount of 25 Reichsmarks a month for each additional worker. The scheme was instituted in March, 1933.

An Act of August, 1934, relating to the substitution of older workers for workers under 25 years of age, provides for the payment of wage subsidies from the Unemployment Fund in cases where an employer engages trained non-manual workers over 40 years of age who have been unemployed for a prolonged period. The subsidy is payable during the first six months of employment, and varies according to the remuneration and family circumstances of the worker.

The Netherlands. —In the spring of 1934, an experimental scheme was instituted under which the Government undertook to pay to farmers and horticulturalists in certain districts a subsidy in respect of additional workers engaged for agricultural or horticultural work for which the employers were not in a position to pay the normal wage. The subsidy was to be equal to one-third of the wages normally paid. The scheme was limited to a trial period of four months, and it is not known whether it has been continued.

Portugal. —Employers are, it is understood, subsidised from the Unemployment Relief Fund to the extent of 50 per cent. of the wages of unemployed workers engaged by them for a minimum period of three days a week. Details of this scheme are not in my possession.

Switzerland. —Under a Decree of 18th March, 1932, subsidies are granted to Swiss undertakings for specified export orders if the orders could not be undertaken without such subsidies, and the undertakings would otherwise have to close down or dismiss a large number of workers. The subsidy may not exceed the amount which the Confederation would have to pay in the form of grants to unemployment funds or as emergency benefit if the orders were not undertaken. The Cantons in which the undertaking is situated are called upon to provide a subsidy equal to at least one-half of the Federal subsidy. Subsidies are granted: ( a ) as loans to be repaid in whole or in part out of subsequent profits; or ( b ) as non-recoverable grants. A Decree of 20th June, 1934, amends this Decree, and grants higher subsidies, in exceptional cases, in order to meet increased competition by foreign exporting undertakings assisted by special Government measures in the engineering, machine construction, vehicle building and tool-making indus- tries. Five million francs have been allotted for providing subsidies under the two Decrees.

South Africa. —In connection with recent schemes of assistance to farmers, the Government has undertaken to pay seven-eighths of the wages of unemployed Europeans employed by landowners and public authorities on anti-erosion schemes. With a view to the settling of white families on the land, the Government, in addition to granting loans to farmers to enable them to provide accommodation for such settlers, grants bonuses to supplement wages, the amount of the bonus being dependent upon the wage paid, the size of the worker's family, etc.

New Zealand. —The Unemployment Board pays wage subsidies of varying amounts from its funds to farmers who take unemployed workers into full time employment on work which the farmer could not carry out wholly at his own expense. The board also subsidises wages under various other schemes of land development work, and grants subsidies to gold mining companies in respect of unemployed persons taken into full time employment. In the case of gold mining companies, all subsidies must be refunded before dividends are paid or interests are disposed of to other companies.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether he can arrange for Members of the House to be supplied each week with typical assessments for different parts of the country, disguising the identity but setting out the full facts in each case, so that it may be possible for Members to see for themselves how the determinations are reached?

(2) whether arrangements can be made to supply Members each month with an analysis of the number of assessments which have been increased under the operations of the Unemployment Assistance Board; the number which have been decreased; and the number in which no change has been made?

asked the Minister of Labour the determinations made under the new unemployment regulations up to the end of January in the Birmingham area, the percentage of cuts, and the percentage of increases?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will publish the percentage of assessments which had been reduced, increased, or altered, respectively, up to the date of the standstill now current?

I would refer my hon. Friends to the appeal made yesterday in the reply given to a similar question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Northampton (Sir M. Manningham-Buller).

asked the Minister of Labour the precise nature of the questions with regard to seasonal workers which he proposes to refer to the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee?

I propose to ask the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee to consider the operation of the Seasonal Workers Regulation and to advise me generally on the matter. Public notice will be given so soon as the Committee are able to receive representations from interested persons.

asked the Minister of Labour what were the necessary qualifications in the appointment of chairmen and vice-chairmen of the unemployment assistance committees in Wales; what is the number of chairmen appointed who have a knowledge of the Welsh language; and in what form had they rendered public service to qualify themselves for such posts?

I assume that the hon. Member refers to appeal tribunals under the Unemployment Assistance Act, 1934. In making appointments of chairmen and reserve chairmen of the tribunals I have endeavoured to find persons whose character, local reputation, experience and ability would ensure general confidence in the work of the tribunals. Of the 18 chairmen in Wales and Monmouth my information is that 15 speak Welsh and where the chairman does not, there is a reserve chairman who does.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what local qualifications existed in the appointment made in the case of the Rhondda Valley?

asked the Minister of Labour what number of persons appointed as chairmen and vice-chairmen in Glamorganshire, under the Unemployment Assistance Board, are in receipt of a Government pension; and will he give the name of the person and the amount of pension received, together with his age?

The only chairman or reserve chairman of appeal tribunals in Glamorganshire in receipt of a pension paid from public funds is Mr. James Evans, the chairman of Rhondda, a retired civil servant. I understand that his pension is at the rate of £573 4s. 6d. and that his age is 66. The rules as to the adjustment of pension when a person in receipt of a pension paid out of public funds is employed in Government service will be applied in the case of Mr. Evans.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has formed the appeal tribunal for the county of Durham under the Unemployment Act, 1934; and, if so, whether he will give the names and occupations of such members?

There are eight appeal tribunals in the county of Durham and as the answer involves a tabular statement, I will, with the permission of the hon. Member, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the desired particulars of the chairmen and reserve chairmen. As stated in the answer given on the 4th February to the hon. Member for Ogmore (Mr. E. Williams), I do not think the expense of publishing the panels of workers' representatives and representatives of the Unemployment Assistance Board would be justified, but I am sending the list to the hon. Member.

Following are the particulars referred to:

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has had any requests from trade unions for representation on the appeal tribunal for the Unemployment Act, 1934; and what answer, if any, he has sent to such request?

I have received such requests in one or two cases. The answer given was that I was forming the panels of workpeople's representatives upon the appeal tribunals in the light of the advice of the local employment committees on which, as the hon. Member is aware, trade unions are fully represented.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any members of the Unemployment Assistance Board are in receipt of a Government pension; and, if so, will he give the names and the amount of pension received in each case separately?

Yes, Sir. Dr. Thomas Jones, one of the members of the board who renders part-time service, is in receipt of a pension of £495 per annum in respect of previous Government service.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is contemplated that gardeners will be included among agricultural workers in connection with the scheme that is to be introduced to provide unemployment in surance benefits for the latter; and whether, in view of the fact that there are over 100,000 persons in the country employed as gardeners, he will give sympathetic consideration to their claim for inclusion?

No decision has yet been reached on the question of unemployment insurance for agricultural workers, but I will see that my hon. and gallant Friend's point is borne in mind. As he no doubt knows, the report of the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee recommended that private gardeners should be excluded initially, but with power given to the Minister to bring them in subsequently by regulations.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, during his discussions with employers' associations and trade unions on the question of hours of work, he will also take the opportunity of discussing with them the question of day continuation classes for young people between the ages of 14 and 18?

My hon. Friend may rest assured that if these matters should arise in the course of the discussions referred to, their effect on employment will not be ignored, but will be brought to the notice of the Departments concerned.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make such arrangements as are necessary to ensure that persons attending the Employment Exchange at Tooting Broadway are provided with adequate shelter from bad weather and adequate privacy?

Arrangements are actively in hand with a view to the provision of new premises for this Exchange.

asked the Minister of Labour at how many Employment Exchanges provision has been made to secure that those attending or waiting outside are adequately sheltered from bad weather?

It is not usually necessary for applicants to have to wait outside for any length of time if they attend at the times previously indicated, and no provision of the kind mentioned is normally made. If my hon. Friend has any particular cases of difficulty in mind, I should be glad to know them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of complaints about inadequate shelter, and is provision made in cases where permanent buildings are being put up?

When we put up permanent buildings we try to make them so that they will take the applicants inside and so that there will be no necessity for them to form outside at all.

If certain cases are brought to the Minister's notice will he give attention to them?

Yes, I shall be glad to do so.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that owing to the extension of work due to the coming into force of the Unemployment Act employment exchanges which were formerly adequate are now inadequate for the purpose, and will he inquire into the matter and see if improved accommodation can be provided?

Yes.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the relationship between the exchange value of sterling and wages and prices in the unsheltered industries, he will arrange for a continuous analysis of wages in the basic industries to be made in such a form as will disclose the influence of unsheltered wage-levels upon sterling exchange values; and will he publish periodically the results of the analysis in the "Labour Gazette" and the "Board of Trade Journal" so that the influence of wages and prices upon the export trades can be studied?

There are serious difficulties in preparing such an analysis which at present I do not see my way to overcome. I should be glad if my hon. Friend could discuss the matter with me.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that we cannot form any accurate opinion on the subject of the future stabilisation of sterling unless we have a knowledge of these basic facts in some definite form; and as this information does exist can he take steps to see how it could be furnished?

asked the Minister of Labour the latest available approximate percentage figure showing how much the average purchasing power level of real wages, mainly in organised industries for those in full-time weekly employment, was above or below the figure applicable to persons of similar grades for the inclusive period 1925 to 1929, using for the calculation the official working-class cost-of-living index figures for the relative periods and omitting time and piece rates, variations in occupation and earnings, and in proportions and forms of employment?

The information in the possession of my Department, relating mainly to rates of wages in organised industries, indicates that for corresponding grades of workers the average level of full-time weekly rates of wages at the end of December, 1934, was approximately 5½ per cent. below the average level for 1925–29. The average level of working-class cost of living at 1st January, 1935, as measured by the official cost-of-living index number, was about 15 per cent. below the average level for 1925–29. On the basis of these figures the average level of real wages for workpeople in full employment was about 11 per cent. above the average level of 1925–29. This figure takes no account of changes in actual earnings resulting from variations in the state of employment, or from changes in the proportions of workers employed in different industries and occupations or paid at time rates and piece rates, as to which comprehensive statistics are not available.

Will the right hon. Gentleman allow this information to appear in the "Labour Gazette" and the "Board of Trade Journal," so that we can study its implications?

The facts upon which my answer is based already appear in the "Labour Gazette," but to publish them in the form in which they appear in the answer, in view of the last paragraph, would be rather misleading.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consider, in connection with the forthcoming Silver Jubilee celebrations, recommending the remission of sentences on prisoners, more particularly political and star prisoners, persons in prison wounded in the Great War, prisoners who may be regarded as the victims of prolonged unemployment, and debtors?

In the opinion of His Majesty's Government, proposals involving special clemency to persons who happen to be serving sentences of imprisonment on a particular date are open to grave objection, and it is not proposed to recommend that any such proposals should be adopted.

Has the right hon. Gentleman caused inquiries to be made in other countries as to what is the custom on these occasions?

I think we should follow our own custom.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that the provisions of the Workmen's Compensation (Coal Mines) Act, 1934, are being complied with?

The Act does not provide for its enforcement by the Home Office or other Government Department, and I have no definite information, but I have received no complaints and I have no reason to think that the Act is not complied with.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to give the result of his inquiries into the so-called Fazackerley millions; whether there have been any proceedings by claimants in the Chancery Court; whether any legal proceedings are now taking place in camera; whether there are any undistributed assets from the so-called Fazackerley estate; and what action he proposes to take to prevent people paying money to unscrupulous promoters alleging the existence of a valuable Fazackerley estate in Lancashire?

The inquiries which I have made show that there is no record of any Chancery proceedings in respect of any Fazackerley estate and that there is no such unclaimed estate being administered by the Court in Chancery. Similar inquiries at the Principal Probate Registry show that during the last 40 years there have been no probate proceedings in any case of Fazackerley deceased. There is no foundation for the suggestion which appears to have been made in certain quarters that proceedings of this kind might be taking place in camera. As regards the last part of the question, I fear that there is no action which I can take to prevent credulous persons from parting with their money on the faith of statements which they are prepared to accept in the face not only of ordinary probabilities but of specific contradiction.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that poor people, old age pensioners, are mortgaging their houses in order to purchase shares in this matter, and cannot he do something to stop this swindle which is going on in Lancashire?

asked the Home Secretary whether there are any cases during the 12 months ended December, 1934, in which, following a flogging with the cat administered in any prison or Borstal institution in England and Wales, it was necessary, on account of septic wounds or other serious physical injury caused by the flogging, to keep the person who had been flogged under medical observation and/or treatment for a period of seven days or more; if so, whether he will give particulars of such cases, the nature of the injuries caused, and the period which elapsed before the persons concerned had completely recovered from the physical effects of the punishment?

There has been only one such case, which occurred in April last. In this case owing to an unexpected movement by the prisoner a superficial injury to the chest was accidentally caused by one of the strokes. No unfavourable symptoms appeared at the time. Some 15 days later a slight local inflammation was noticed which required treatment for some time but it has since completely subsided. At no time was it necessary to admit the prisoner to hospital. I may add that the records of the last ten years have been examined and there has been no similar case in that period.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the time has arrived when this brutality ought to be stopped?

asked the Home Secretary which of the principal countries include flogging as a penalty that may be imposed by courts of criminal law, and for what offences?

Authoritative and up-to-date information on this matter could only be obtained by addressing special inquiries to a number of Governments; and information confined to the points mentioned by the hon. Member would be of little value. Comparisons between the penal methods of different countries involve the assessment of many complex factors.

asked the Minister of Health whether any plan for re-housing tenants on the derelict sites of cleared slum areas in Manchester has been presented to the Ministry of Health by the corporation of the city of Manchester?

I presume that my hon. Friend has in mind the Collyhurst and West Gorton Clearance Areas which the corporation propose to use for re-housing. I have not yet received specific proposals for this re-housing.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any power to expedite this matter, in view of the urgency of the Housing problem in Lancashire?

I think the corporation have that consideration in mind.

asked the Minister of Health what protests he has recently received against the provisions of the National Health Insurance and Contributory Pensions Act, 1932, as it affects unemployed persons; and whether he will consider introducing legislation to remove the hardships referred to in those protests?

I have received representations from various quarters urging reconsideration of the provisions of the National Health Insurance and Contributory Pensions Act, 1932, which affect unemployed persons. These are receiving any careful consideration, but I would refer the hon. Member to the replies which I gave on the 14th November and the 31st January last to the hon. Members for Gorbals (Mr. Buchanan) and Wallsend (Miss Ward).

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the fact that some approved societies are able, because they are well placed, to pay the arrears for these unemployed persons, while other approved societies are not, and that consequently an anomaly prevails?

Though the form of that reply holds out no hope of the Government doing anything in the matter, are we to understand that the Minister is reconsidering the question, and that there is a prospect of the Government doing something?

If the hon. Member wiil look at the replies to which I have referred, he will see that we are awaiting the report of the Government actuary for the first decennial period.

asked the Minister of Health when he expects to receive and consider the Government actuary's report on the workings of the pensions scheme in connection with the National Health and Contributory Pensions Act, 1932?

I am informed that the calculations on which the first report on the financial working of the Contributory Pensions Acts will be based are far advanced. It is hoped that the report will be available in the course of a few weeks.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is prepared to issue instructions for the publication of the district auditors' reports in the Welsh language as well as in English in the case of local authorities in Wales?

I am not prepared to issue any general instruction to this effect, If, however, a local authority wishes to produce for publication or for distribution to its members a copy of the Auditor's report translated into Welsh I have no objection, provided that the original report and the translation are issued together.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the constant refusal of requests by local authorities for reports of this kind in the Welsh language is causing great dissatisfaction throughout Wales, and cannot he give instructions that these reports shall be issued at the same time in both Welsh and English?

It is not necessary for me to issue instructions. The local authority knows that it is at liberty to issue Welsh translations.

In that case the responsibility for the accuracy of the reports does not rest with the auditor but with the local authority, and does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that that may lead to serious difficulty?

No. I do not think it need cause any serious trouble.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the disastrous effect of speculation on the commodity market, he will ascertain the extent to which speculation in raw materials and in Stock Exchange paper values is being stimulated by abnormally cheap money; and whether, if gambling has been so facilitated, he will consider measures by which the benefit of cheaper money should be confined to legitimate industrial or financial reconstruction?

Speculation in commodities and Stock Exchange securities is not specially characteristic of periods of cheap money, but is found whenever there is increasing confidence in future prospects. Moreover forward dealings, which I understand is the form usually taken by speculation on the commodity markets, are not in fact facilitated to any material extent by the prevalence of easy money. The second part of the question does not therefore arise.

What is the actual state of the market in commodities now? Is there not ample evidence that considerable speculation has taken place and that very disastrous results have followed?

It does not appear to me to be due to the prevalence of cheap money.

Is it not the case that people who have control of large volumes of credit have been buying quite unnecessarily large quantities of a commodity in order to try to corner the market?

Is it not the historical fact that sooner or later not cheap money but abnormally cheap money usually gets us to a point at which legitimate trade is injured by the misuse of abnormally cheap money by speculators or gamblers?

Is it not the fact that in one of these cases it was not the fall of the commodity price but an unexpected rise which caught people out?

Is it not the case that large quantities of commodities have been bought and not paid for by buyers who have been unable to meet their obligations? Would the right hon. Gentleman consider an inquiry into the circumstances in order that the House and the country may know how far this thing has been done?

No, I do not think an inquiry is necessary.

Could any Government stop people from gambling?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will clear up the misunderstanding that exists with regard to the remaining Red Star Line ships by confirming that the Treasury and the Bank of England will not oppose, or take effective measures to oppose, any further action being taken by the British interests concerned if they wish to buy these ships and assuming the vessels are still available for purchase?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will explain his attitude in permitting the Red Star liners "Minnetonka" and "Minnewaska" to be purchased by British interests for breaking-up purposes in this country whilst he continues to raise obstacles, or declines to remove existing obstacles, to the proposed purchase of the Red Star liners "Pennland" and "Westernland" by British interests for operating purposes from this country?

I have already explained to the House the reasons why, when informally consulted, I was unable to agree that this case should be excepted from the general request I have made relating to operations involving the transfer of funds abroad. My view on that subject is unchanged. The circumstances attending the sale of the "Minnetonka" and "Minnewaska" were entirely different, and the transaction did not fall within the category of cases to which my general request could apply.

Are we to understand from the reply that it is not the competition of the White Star merger but the foreign exchange problem which has made my right hon. Friend maintain his attitude?

No, Sir. I do not think that that would be a fair inference to draw from the answer I have given.

Arising out of the original reply, is it not a fact that the Red Star vessels are at present owned by a British firm, and that it would not in fact mean a transfer of money abroad if British interests were allowed to buy them?

That all depends on the circumstances of the purchase.

Are not the Germans in the same position about exchanges as we are?

I cannot speak for Germany.

Is it the case, if there is no difficulty about transference of money abroad, that the right hon. Gentleman will not exercise his influence to prevent the building of ships in this country, or the purchase of ships in this country, on the ground of competition against the White Star and Cunard liners?

In such a case I do not suppose that my opinion would be asked.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give particulars as to how and when the Treasury was approached in an informal manner by those concerned in purchasing the Red Star Line ships; and whether the British group themselves approached either the Treasury or the Bank of England?

On 8th November last I received an informal request for my view on behalf of the financial interests concerned. In accordance with a common practice in cases involving the remittance of money abroad, the request was transmitted through the Bank of England.

Is it not a fact that these ships have now been sold to a German firm, and that it is using them very largely as cargo vessels?

I have seen statements to that effect in the Press, but I can go no further than that.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will refuse to grant a licence for the sale and transfer to a foreign flag of the two remaining ships of the British Red Star Line?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether effective steps have been or will be taken to prevent the threatened transfer of the last two remaining vessels of the Red Star Line from the British to the German flag?

The Board of Trade have no power to prevent the transfer of these vessels to a foreign flag.

Is it not a fact that any firm wishing to sell British vessels has to obtain a licence from the Board of Trade?

I have said in answer to the two questions on the Paper that we have no power to prevent this transfer.

Does any right hon. Friend realise that this is a reduction in the power of the auxiliary Navy in war time, and cannot he take steps to prevent it?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether there has been any change in the position with regard to the raising of money for the purpose of operating the vessels of the Red Star Line on a new type of Atlantic passenger service; and whether he has any information to the effect that such a service may be provided by any foreign country if the initiative is not taken by a British concern?

With reference to the first part of the question I would refer to the reply I have given to-day to the hon. Member for Dewsbury (Mr. Rea) and to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for West Birkenhead (Lieut.-Colonel Sandeman Allen). With regard to the second part I have no information beyond statements that I have seen in the Press.

On account of the unsatisfactory nature of the replies to questions on this point, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he has yet received from the Import Duties Advisory Committee any recommendation for an increased duty on imported granite; and, if so, what action he proposes to take?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which was given on 22nd May, 1933, to the hon. Member for Derbyshire South (Mr. Emrys-Evans).

When my hon. Friend is deliberating on the matter will he take into consideration the fact that there is an association which has a monopoly and is selling granite from Finland at prices which under-cut our own granite?

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is very grave unemployment in the granite industry, that it is increasing and that there are many hundreds out of work?

Is my hon. Friend further aware that the present duties are ineffective in carrying out their purpose?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the anxiety throughout the country as to the importation figures of foreign goods and also of the dissatisfaction at the non-use by the Government to the fullest extent of the tariff weapon; and if he will give the House a day for discussion of the position?

I am not aware that anxiety on this point is widespread; and it does not appear that the statistics of our foreign trade during the last year disclose any ground for anxiety. Any particular industry which considers that higher duties should be imposed on its goods should, under the procedure laid down in the Import Duties Act, make application to the Import Duties Advisory Committee. In view of the pressure of Parliamentary business, I can hold out no hope of a day being given for the discussion of this subject.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether, even at question time to-day, he has not had an illustration of the unsatisfactory working of the Import Duties; and as this Government was elected for the purpose of bringing in adequate tariffs—

No.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the policy of the Government not to restrict imports of goods used as materials of industry even if adequate supplies of these goods can be produced in this country?

The policy of the Government as laid down in the Import Duties Act, 1932, is that in considering what rate of additional duty should be imposed on any class of goods consideration shall be given to the interests of trade and industry generally, including the interests of trades and industries which are consumers of the goods as well as those which are producers. As my hon. Friend is aware, a number of the semimanufactured materials of industry are subject to additional duties, and some others are not made in substantial quantities in this country.

In view of that answer, will my right hon. Friend assure me that in future neither he nor the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade will contend that there is no objection to the importation of goods which go through subsequent processes of manufacture in this country?

That undertaking would be most unfair to the using industry.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state the date of the installation of the pump at the pumping station at Kirk Bramwith, near Doncaster; whether he is aware that the lifting capacity is so limited that the pump is unable to operate if the River Don is carrying a large volume of water; and whether he is satisfied that the drainage authorities are keeping the equipment of this pumping station sufficiently up to date to deal with present-day requirements?

I am informed that the pump referred to was installed in 1878 by the Dun Drainage Commissioners. It was designed to deal with the drainage from an area of about 6,400 acres and is stated to be still capable of doing so, given a normal level of water in the River Don. I understand that the Dun Commissioners have recently had the question of the revision of their drainage system under consideration but came to the conclusion that it would be premature to take any action in that direction.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that the normal water level of the Don is considerably higher than it used to be on account of building developments higher up the river, and does he not realise the necessity for considering the replacement of the existing pump by a more efficient model?

I am a little nervous about asking for reconsideration of any decisions reached in this area.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has yet instituted any inquiry into the possibility of agreeing upon sites for air-bombing practice in home waters which will least interfere with fishing activities; and, if so, what arrangements will be made with regard to the hearing of the views of the various fishing interests?

My Department, at the request of the Air Ministry, has been making inquiries as to the districts which could be utilised for bombing sites without serious interference with fishing activities. It is the practice to consult the local Sea Fisheries Committee before arriving at any definite decision to use any area for such purposes.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs under what Act the Government of the Irish Free State claim the right to prevent British fishermen from carrying on fishing operations within three miles of the coast of the Irish Free State; and if His Majesty's Government admit the validity of the Ordinance?

I would refer my Noble Friend to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave on the 5th February to the hon. Member for Banff (Sir M. McKenzie Wood).

As the right hon. Gentleman's reply on that occasion was not susceptible of definite interpretation, could the right hon. Gentleman not give us a definite assurance as to what the intentions of the Government are in this matter?

I am quite ready to send my Noble Friend a copy of the reply, in which he will discover that it was a direct answer to a direct question.

Does my hon. Friend not agree that the real problem here is whether in fact the limits set to territorial waters are fair and reasonable, and will he not consider entering into negotiations on that special point, which is of great importance to fishermen?

My right hon. Friend has already expressed his readiness to consider the matter of making representations, if hon. Members will give him all the facts at their disposal.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that under the rules required to be observed for qualification in the Ministry's attested herd scheme it is practically impossible to make any contract for selling milk; whether any bodies of registered producers have been consulted on these rules; and whether he will take steps to have them amended in consultation with representatives of milk producers, so that a workable scheme can be evolved?

The Milk Marketing Board and the Association of Producers of Certified and Grade A (Tuberculin Tested) Milk were consulted upon the Attested Herds Scheme before it was issued; and no representations were made that the conditions of the scheme would interfere with contracts for the sale of milk from attested herds. I am advised that the conditions of the scheme, though they may appear stringent, are the minimum necessary to attain the object in view, namely, the establishment and maintenance of herds free from tuberculosis. I should be glad however to consider any representations on the subject.

Is the Minister aware that there has been some misunderstanding of these regulations; and will he be kind enough to consider the representations of the producers with a view to clearing up those misunderstandings?

I have said that I would be very glad to consider any representations.

Arising out of the original reply, can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House the number of producers who expressed a desire to qualify under the scheme?

I am afraid I could not give that information.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the increased infection and infestation of potato-growing districts from the eel-worm pest; and whether he is prepared to make this a notifiable disease, in view of the fact that the sale of seed potatoes from infected land has been one of the worst causes of spreading infection?

The answer to the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question is in the affirmative. The measures to be taken against the root eel-worm of potatoes will depend on the results of research in this subject, for which increased provision has recently been made. As regards the tuber eel-worm, evidence of the extent of infestation of seed potatoes by this pest is being obtained, and the most suitable method of preventing its spread will be carefully considered in the light of this evidence.

Will the Minister consider scheduling the infected areas as has been done in Sweden until there is immunity?

I am afraid I could not promise that without further consideration.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the voluntary quotas negotiated with the chief egg-supplying countries are now being strictly observed; and, if not, what steps are being taken to that end?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the anxiety of the egg producers, he can state definitely that the report of the English Reorganisation Commission will be published this week; and whether, in view of the fact that the present restrictions of imports were only partially successful, he will take steps to augment these so that the position of the industry may not deteroriate during the consideration of the report?

The report of the Reorganisation Commission for Eggs and Poultry for England and Wales will be published to-morrow (Friday). It is too early to say whether the arrangements proposed for the regulation of imports of eggs in shell during the current quarter are being strictly observed, but the position is being kept under close review. I would draw the attention of my hon. Friends to the reply which I gave to questions by my hon. Friends the Members for Wycombe (Sir A. Knox) and Honiton (Mr. Drewe) on 31st January, of which I am sending them copies.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the first part of my question, as to whether these quotas have been observed in the past?

I think the answer is given in the replies to previous questions, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider the last part of Question 42 as to keeping down foreign imports during the consideration of the report?

Certainly, Sir. My hon. Friend knows that while the scheme is under consideration it is possible to regulate imports into this country.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in determining the home quota of bacon under the marketing schemes, any change has been made in the basis of calculation of pigs in terms of bacon; how the position of the British home-producer has been affected in relation to import quotas; and whether care has been taken to safeguard his interests, especially in view of the intended expansion of British land settlement?

The factor of 138 lb. of bacon per pig adopted in arriving at the estimate of home bacon output for the second contract period to 31st December was not realised in practice and it was accordingly decided for this year to revert to the factor of 128 lb. of bacon per pig used in the first contract period. Insofar as this tends to reduce the estimate of home bacon output to a figure more in accordance with probable results it also tends to increase import allocations since the objective of total supplies is the level recommended by the Lane-Fox Commission. I can assure my hon. Friend that the legitimate interests of the home producer under the bacon supply arrangements have been fully safeguarded.

Will the Minister, when considering the interests of the home producer, also consider the interests of the home consumer; and is he aware that owing to his policy large numbers of the working class to-day cannot afford to buy bacon?

I shall certainly do my utmost to take into consideration the position of the home consumer and indeed these matters have been reviewed by an independent commission. As for the position of the working class, bacon is cheaper to-day than it was when the Government which the hon. Member supported was in office.

They do not think so at Wavertree.

Is it not the case that the price of coal has gone up since pre-war days more than the price of bacon?

Yes, Sir. Under the quota system introduced by hon. Members opposite the price of coal is very considerably higher.

rose —

Mr. North.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in order to secure regularity in the operation of the bacon import quotas in relation to home supplies, he will arrange for the publication each fortnight of the quantity of bacon consigned by each importing country and the quantity allocated in each case?

Arrangements have been made this year by which imports of bacon from the five main foreign bacon exporting countries are regulated on the basis of fortnightly periods. Observance of these arrangements is checked initially by reference to import certificates, final adjustments being made on the basis of monthly import and re-export statistics. I do not think any useful purpose would be served by publishing fortnightly figures.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether, without such publication, it can be effective?

So far we have found the arrangements for fortnightly and monthly figures sufficient for the purpose.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is now in a position to state when the Bill for control of ribbon development along the highways of the country is to be introduced?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the Prime Minister on Monday last to the hon. Member for Leeds, West (Mr. V. Adams), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the dangerous overcrowding which occurs, particularly in the evening rush hours, on the Piccadilly Tube trains from Hammersmith to South Harrow and Uxbridge; and whether he will address urgent representations to the London Passenger Transport Board with a view to immediate steps being taken to at least double the present service of trains to South Harrow in view of the fact that some of the trains at present carry 400 standing passengers?

The London Passenger Transport Board do not admit that crowding of a serious nature is taking place on the railways to which the hon. Member refers, but they inform me that the traffic is expanding and that they will shortly augment the service with additional rolling stock.

Is the Minister aware that if he investigates the condition of these trains leaving Hammersmith Station any evening after 5.30 o'clock he will find that the facts given in the question are accurate?

I would not impugn any facts brought before me by the hon. Gentleman, and, if he asks me to take action on any matter which is within my normal sphere of influence, I will do my best to help him. In this case, I cannot do more than I have done.

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made with the eastern extension of Westway, W.12?

The London County Council, the appropriate highway authority in this case, are now preparing plans and estimates for the extension eastwards of Westway between Wood Lane and Latimer Road and when these are submitted to me I shall be prepared to consider the question of making a grant towards the cost of the scheme.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is prepared at the present time to make any reduction in the toll charges for vehicles using the Menai Bridge?

I am glad to inform the hon. Lady that I am reducing the Menai Bridge tolls as from the 1st April next. Particulars of the new charges, which represent reductions in general of 50 per cent., will be announced shortly.

While thanking the Minister for the concession which he has made, may I ask him now whether he would not be prepared to consider the abolition of this toll altogether, on a bridge which is, after all, a vital part of a national highway?

I do not like to refuse the hon. Lady anything, and I will, with pleasure, give the matter that further consideration for which she asks.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that many road surfaces are being laid down which are practically black; and that, as visibility on such roads at night is greatly inferior to that on roads of lighter colour, he will endeavour to secure that, in the interests of public safety, material of lighter colour shall be used?

The attention of all highway authorities has been directed to the desirability of producing a light coloured surface when dressing and gritting roads. Experiments are at present being carried out, under the observation of officers of my Department, by certain highway authorities to increase the visibility of road surfaces at night.

Is it not a fact that concrete roads are invariably light in colour; and would the Minister recommend local authorities and highway authorities to use concrete roads on all occasions?

asked the Minister of Transport whether any progress has been made with the local authorities concerning the lighting up at night of the new East Lancashire road (Manchester to Liverpool)?

I have asked the Lancashire County Council to be so good as to give attention to this matter, and I understand that they will consider it at their meeting on the 20th February.

May I ask the Minister to continue to use his influence in this matter to achieve two purposes—one to ensure safety and the other to provide additional employment?

I have every sympathy with the hon. Gentleman's point of view. I have informed him that the county council will consider the matter on 20th February, and I hope that a satisfactory issue will result.

Is the Minister aware that there are already red lights at the end of this road—at Wavertree?

asked the Minister of Pensions how many applications for pensions have been made to his Department during the last five years by ex-service men who have become blind; how many of such applications have been entertained; and how many refused?

I regret that the records of my Department do not enable me to give all the figures asked for by my hon. Friend, but I may say that during the last five years 89 cases have been admitted to pension in respect of eye disabilities resulting from war service. Of these, two were cases of total blindness.

asked the Minister of Pensions the procedure when an application from a pensioner is received at an area war-pension office for a domiciliary visit, and the number of days that elapse, on an average, before the area medical officer makes his visit?

Applications from pensioners for medical examinations are immediately referred to the local medical officer of the Ministry. The date of the visit, if a domiciliary visit is necessary, is determined in accordance with the circumstances of each case. I have no records which would enable me to make the calculation asked for in the last part of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make any alterations in his recent amendments to the milk marketing scheme to remedy the injustices from which milk producers in the south-west of Scotland consider themselves to be suffering?

The amendments referred to were made with a view to arriving at a fair settlement of the questions at issue, on a temporary basis, pending the outcome of the inquiry to be undertaken by the reorganisation commission. My right hon. Friend is not, therefore, prepared at present to make any modification of these amendments.

Will my hon. Friend consider consulting with the Secretary of State for Scotland as to the advisability of modifying the regulations still further in the interests of the East of Scotland producers, who are still suffering unfairly?

No; I think the answer I have given applies to both sides of the country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether lascars and other British coloured subjects employed on British ships receive the scales of pay laid down by the National Maritime Board; and, if not, what authority is responsible for regulating their pay?

The rates of pay agreed by the National Maritime Board apply to vessels of 200 tons gross and upwards whose crews are engaged in the United Kingdom on ordinary Board of Trade Articles. They cover lascars and other coloured British seamen on European Articles who form part of the mixed manning of the deck, engine-room or stokehold departments, but there is provision for considering separately a few special cases. There are no statutory powers for fixing the pay of any class of British seamen.

Have the Government any say in the rates of pay laid down by this body?

No. The rates that are adopted by this body are adopted by agreement.

Is it not a fact that the rates of pay given to lascars are below those given to our sailors, and is not that fact the main reason for the unemployment of the latter?

No, that is not the case.

Is it not a fact that there is an arrangement that a certain number of these men must be carried, and could not a provisional arrangement for our nationals to be carried be made instead?

asked the Secretary of State for India the numbers of elected Indians who voted in the majority in the Indian Legislative Assembly against the trade agreement, and the number of non-elected members who voted in the minority?

I have asked for this information and will let my hon. and gallant Friend know as soon as I receive it.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has taken cognisance of the action of the Legislative Assembly in connection with the Indo-British Trading Agreement; and whether, in consequence thereof, any change in policy is contemplated?

The Government of India have decided not to accept the motion recommending the denunciation of the agreement which was carried by 66 to 58 votes in the Legislative Assembly. The validity of the agreement is not affected, and no change of policy is contemplated.

Are we to understand that the validity, not only of the agreement but also of the exchange of letters which followed the agreement, is not affected?