asked the Secretary for Mines the number of cases in England and Scotland, respectively, where mining development has been materially hampered by the action of private individual coal royalty owners during the last two years?

Since January, 1933, 13 cases have come to the notice of the Mines Department in which persons have complained that the efficient working of the mineral was impeded by the attitude of royalty owners. Three of these cases were in Scotland. In eight cases the complainant made a formal application for an order from the Railway and Canal Commission under the Working Facilities Acts. Five applications were granted, one withdrawn, and the other two are still under consideration. There may, of course, have been other cases of difficulties with royalty owners which were settled privately, but as to these, if any, my Department has no information.

Can the hon. Member say whether the Government are considering legislation for the nationalisation of royalties?

There is a question on that point later.

Has the hon. Gentleman satisfied himself that these complaints have been justified from all quarters?

If my hon. Friend will analyse the reply, he will see that that question has been dealt with.

asked the Secretary for Mines what steps, if any, are being taken by His Majesty's Government to implement the recommendation with regard to the re-organisation of the coal trade, contained in the report on the county of Durham by the Civil Lord of the Admiralty; and whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to introduce at an early date legislation to secure the unification of mining royalties?

I can assure my hon. Friend that the matter is under active consideration by the Departments concerned.

Can the hon. Gentleman give us any information as to when this Bill is likely to be introduced?

I have said that the matter is under active consideration, and by that I mean active.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his Department take any steps to ensure that none of His Majesty's inspectors of mines hold office in districts where relatives of theirs occupy positions in an official capacity in the mines?

It has not been found necessary to lay down any hard and fast rule in the matter, and any case of the kind that arises is considered and dealt with according to the circumstances, which may be widely different in different cases.

Has the hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the recent appointment at Gresford Colliery, where a son of the divisional inspector of mines has been appointed manager and agent, and to the dissatisfaction caused by that appointment because of the lack of confidence on the part of the men in the work of the inspectors?

I should regret to accept the latter part of the hon. Member's statement. I considered very carefully the situation that would arise in regard to the appointment in this colliery, and in the present circumstances I do not consider that any action on my part is desirable. The matter may need further consideration when the circumstances change.

Has the hon. Gentleman received any letters of protest from private individuals or organised labour against this appointment, and is he aware of any other part of the British coalfield in which a similar case has arisen?

I should want notice of the latter part of that question, but in regard to the first part the answer is "Yes."

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, in view of the announcement of policy by the Minister of Defence, South Africa, to the Imperial Press Conference on 5th February, whether he can give the total annual value of South African exports to all countries which the British Navy protects on the high seas?

As the reply includes a number of figures, I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can my right hon. Friend state whether South Africa makes any contribution at all towards the maintenance of our sea defence?

I should like notice of that question.

Following is the reply:

The latest complete figures published by the Union Government in regard to the exports of the Union of South Africa are those for 1933. These are as follow:

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether he is aware of the serious decline in the manufacture of linseed oil in this country from 121,000 tons in 1932 to 61,000 tons in 1934, the lowest figure for over 30 years, and that this decline is due to the imposition of the 10 per cent. duty on the raw material linseed imported into this country from the Argentine; and whether, as it has now been established that a duty on Argentine linseed has not been beneficial to India, that the area under linseed to-day is approximately the same as it was in 1930–31 and the production of linseed is actually less, he will take the necessary steps to remove the import duty on this raw material with a view to saving the industry from further disaster?

There has been a heavy decline in our imports of linseed since 1932, but I am not aware that this is wholly due to the imposition of a duty on foreign linseed. The imports of linseed from India have greatly increased since 1932, and the maintenance of a preference of 10 per cent. for Indian linseed is one of the terms of the United Kingdom-India Agreement concluded at Ottawa.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the total acreage under linseed in India was actually less at the end of 1934 than it was 12 months previously and that the total amount of this seed in India on the 31st December, 1934, was less than it was 12 months before, and if he is unable to withdraw the 10 per cent. duty on linseed, will he favourably consider increasing the duty on linseed oil dumped into this country in increasing quantities?

I shall be glad to consider any suggestions put forward by my hon. Friend. Perhaps he will communicate with me in detail on the matter.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the seed-crushing industry has for over 18 months pressed the Advisory Committee to increase the taxation on linseed oil coming into this country, with a view to saving this industry for our country, and is he also aware that there are to-day hundreds of men unemployed—

That is what the hon. Member should communicate to the Minister.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that hundreds of men are thrown out of work in East Hull owing to Government action in regard to this industry?

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the serious decline in the manufacture of linseed oil is not connected with the difficulties in the import of linseed?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that a contract has been signed in London to enable Russian timber to be sent to this country during the 1935 season amounting to 400,000 standards of a value approximating to £6,000,000; and whether he is satisfied that such an arrangement will not affect adversely the use of home-and Empire-grown timber?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given yesterday to the hon. Member for Maidstone (Mr. Bossom).

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information to give the House relating to the progress of negotiations for a trade agreement with Poland?

I am not yet able to make a statement, but I hope to be in a position to do so shortly.

Will my right hon. Friend ensure that the agricultural interests are not sacrificed, as they are in other agreements?

No, Sir, they never are.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of imports from the Argentine during 1933 and 1394 were carried in British and Greek ships, respectively?

I regret that the desired information is not available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the repeated pronouncements of the French Prime Minister as to the desirability of reducing restrictions upon international trade, there were any discussions on this subject between His Majesty's Government and M. Flandin on the occasion of the recent visit of the latter to this country?

No opportunity for any close consideration of trade problems arose in the course of M. Flandin's brief visit.

Is the House to understand that no approach has yet been made to the French Prime Minister on this subject since his most satisfactory pronouncement?

No. I think it would be equally fair to say that no approach has been made by the French Government themselves.

Was he not in this country recently?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will request the Government of Hong Kong to keep a careful check on textile exports from the territory in order to ensure that textiles of Japanese origin are not re-exported under some other designation?

I will certainly bring my hon. Friend's suggestion to the notice of the Governor, but I would remind him that the onus of determining whether merchandise is tendered for import under false descriptions must rest primarily on the Governments of the importing countries.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has had an opportunity of considering the evidence laid before the Canadian Price Spreads Commission showing that textile imports are gradually being eliminated from Canada at the expense of declining home consumption, declining home production, and inordinate profits to Canadian textile manufac- turers; and whether he will make representations to the Canadian Government with a view to a more reasonable level of import duties on imported British textiles?

I understand that the Royal Commission on Price Spreads and Mass Buying in Canada has not yet presented its report. It would clearly be premature for me to express any opinion in the meantime on the matter referred to by my hon. Friend.

Is it not the fact that the quantity of British textiles sent to Canada has considerably increased?

That is true.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the increasing State pressure being placed upon private French shippers of coal to make their shipments under the French flag; and whether, as this may react unfavourably upon British shipping at present engaged in carrying coal to France, he has considered a remedy?

I have received no recent information to the effect suggested in the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question, but, if he has any information which he would care to submit to me, I should be glad to consider it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the obstructions in the way of varying investments deposited with the High Court under the Assurance Companies Act; and whether he will either make further rules or take such other steps as will simplify and cheapen a process beneficial to the interests of policy holders?

So far as I am aware, the difficulties to which my hon. Friend has drawn my attention do not arise from the requirements prescribed by the Board of Trade in their Order dated the 6th June, 1910, relating to deposits by insurance companies. The procedure in these matters is governed by the rules of the Supreme Court.

Has the Board of Trade no power of controlling these businesses and making it reasonably easy for those who wish to vary their investments, to do so?

Any communication on that point had better be addressed to my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman satisfied, in view of recent happenings, that some further powers are absolutely necessary?

As I have pointed out, any communication made to the Government on this subject ought to be made to the Attorney-General.

I do not see why.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make a statement relative to the Anglian Insurance Company; whether his Department were warned some time ago of the possible collapse of this company; and what steps were taken to safeguard the interests of the policy holders?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make a statement with regard to the position of the Anglian Insurance Company, and also as to steps he proposes to take to protect the interests of policy holders in future?

After examination of the statutory returns made by the Anglian Insurance Company and in the exercise of the power conferred on them by the Assurance Companies (Winding-Up) Act, 1933, the Board of Trade required the company in August last to furnish further detailed information relating to its business and financial position. Up to that date no representations had been received warranting action by the board. In the light of this further information, the board decided to request the leave of the Court to present a petition for the winding-up of the company. The petition came before the Court of Session on 12th December, 1934, and was temporarily adjourned on terms which involved the provision of additional security for the policy holders. Early in February, however, it became evident that further adjournment was not justified, and on the 5th February a winding-up order was made by consent.

As regards the second part of the question by my hon. Friend the Member for Birkenhead, East (Mr. White), the Board of Trade will continue to watch the position of insurance companies as disclosed in their statutory returns and will not hesitate in any suitable case to exercise the powers given to them by the Assurance Companies Winding-Up Act, 1933.

In view of the very serious disaster, involving hundreds of very poor individuals, by the activities of companies of this kind, will the right hon. ^Gentleman be good enough to go into the whole problem of dealing with this sort of company in order to prevent such disasters happening in future?

We have gone very closely into this question, and, as my hon. Friend will see from my answer, we have followed it stage by stage. I have no doubt that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, who is directly concerned in this matter, within the limits of his supervision and administration will also follow that example.

In view of the experience of the Board of Trade of companies of this kind, will the right hon. Gentleman look into the subject again with a view to preventing further calamities?

The matter is constantly under review.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether between December, when the company was more or less in difficulties, and February, when it had to be wound up, any fresh business was taken on, thus involving hardship to individuals who had put their money in the company?

Any further information which my hon. Friend desires he had better ask for on the Paper. I am afraid I cannot carry it all in my head.

Will my right hon. Friend consult the Attorney-General about the position?

There is no necessity to consult him.

I cannot understand the right hon. Gentleman's attitude. He has been very rude to the House. Does he not think that this sort of thing makes compulsory insurance against third party risks completely farcical?

That is a matter for argument. My hon. Friend asked me whether I should take certain action, but that certain action ought to be taken by the Attorney-General.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the directors of this company is a sheriff of Scotland administering justice, and, in view of that fact, should not the whole situation be reviewed? Does he think that, as a man sitting in justice is involved in this, it is right that these two things should run concurrently?

It is obvious that such a question ought to be addressed to the Secretary of State for Scotland, not to the Board of Trade.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of what has come out with regard to the condition in which this company found itself, his Department will not go into the matter and see what legislation is necessary to prevent this sort of thing happening in future?

I have already informed the hon. Member for West houghton (Mr. Rhys Davies) and the House that the matter is under constant review.

That is not what we want. Really, the right hon. Gentleman does not do himself justice. We are asking a perfectly simple question—will the right hon. Gentleman's Department consider, in the light of these happenings what legislation is necessary to prevent them in future?

The answer to that question is in the affirmative. It is exactly the same answer as I gave to the hon. Member for Westhoughton.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office (1) whether he is aware that, under the present regulations, the wife of a man in the Territorial Army who is unemployed can draw no benefit for the fortnight that her husband is in camp if he is under the age of 26; and whether, in order not to discourage married men of under 26 from joining the Territorial Army, he will adjust the regulations so as not to place these men at a disadvantage in this way;

(2) whether he is aware that the withholding of benefit from the wives of men under 26 while in camp for a fortnight with the Territorial Army is having an adverse effect upon recruiting; and will he state how much it would cost to pay this in the present year?

I hope to make a statement on the subject of marriage allowance for men under the age of 26 in the Territorial Army in connection with the introduction of the forthcoming Army Estimates.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will take immediate steps to secure that the British unit at Shanghai, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, now quartered in inferior hutments, is provided with accommodation equal to that provided by the brick and stone structures occupied by the French, American, and Japanese troops?

The quartering of a unit at Shanghai is not a permanent arrangement, and I have no reason to suppose that the accommodation now provided is below a reasonable standard for temporary use.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state whether the accommodation is as good as that provided for the troops of other countries?

It is of a different nature. I understand that most of the accommodation allotted to the troops of other countries is of a more permanent character, but, if our troops are not going to remain in Shanghai permanently, and if the temporary accommodation is good of its kind, it might well be considered waste of public money to put up buildings of brick and mortar.

As the right hon. Gentleman's answer contains so many hypotheses, could he see his way to get photographs of the accommodation for the British troops and of that of the other troops?

I do not know whether photographs always tell the truth. I can tell my hon. Friend that we have really had no serious complaints about this accommodation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the admitted great dissatisfaction amongst producers in the south-western area of Scotland with regard to the proposed amendments to the milk marketing scheme in Scotland now upon the Table of the House, he will consider notification of these amendments?

As indicated in the reply given to a similar question on 7th February, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend, I am not prepared at present to make any modifications of the amendments referred to in view of the inquiry to be undertaken by the Reorganisation Commission which has now been set up by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and myself.

In view of the circumstances, will the right hon. Gentleman consider instructing this new commission to have regard first to the conditions in Scotland?

I am sure the commission will take all relevant parts of the country into consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he intends to suspend the sentences passed recently on prisoners in Barlinnie Prison who were sentenced to various terms of imprisonment for alleged riotous conduct, in view of the proposed inquiry into the administration of the prison?

I do not propose to take the action suggested.

Is it not rather inconsistent for the Secretary of State to set up an inquiry as to the cause of the not while allowing the prisoners from whom he has inquired to be punished for their share in this alleged riotous conduct?

I do not think there is any inconsistency. The people who were punished pled guilty to the charges.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the general allegation that they all pled guilty is not borne out by the facts; that some of these men disputed it, and that evidence was given contradictory to the case put against them?

The information at my disposal which I have received from the responsible authorities is that these men pled guilty, but, in view of what the hon. Member says, I will make further inquiries on that point.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the sentence of 20s. fine or 10 days' imprisonment passed at Ayr Police Court by Baillie Wills on Agnes Little, on 27th September, for failure to pay an account of 2s. 9d. to Afflecks, furniture dealers, Ayr, to whom she had been entrusted to pay an account; and if he intends to inquire into the case with a view to quashing the conviction in addition to remitting the fine of 20s.?

My attention was recently called to this case in a letter addressed by the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Lord Advocate. I have already informed the hon. Member that after careful consideration of all the circumstances of the case I felt justified in advising remission of the fine. The woman pled guilty to a charge of theft and I regret I cannot recommend the grant of a free pardon.

As Baillie Wills, who was sitting on the bench, is the Managing Director of Afflecks, furniture dealers, and tried a case in which he was involved, does it not suggest, in view of the fact that this was a first offence, that the right hon. Gentleman should set aside the conviction because of the illegal trying of the case by this gentleman.

I was aware of the facts when the matter was brought to my attention by the hon. Gentleman, but, as the woman pled guilty, and in view of the facts, I thought it was well within my power to remit the fine.

If the right hon. Gentleman agreed, by setting aside the fine, that the case was illegally dealt with, what difficulty is there in quashing the conviction?

I am not prepared to say whether the matter was legal or illegal. The woman pled guilty, and, in view of all the facts of the case, and of the fact that it was a first offence, I felt justified in remitting the fine.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that at the King's Park (Glasgow) housing scheme, which was built by the aid of a Government subsidy, the owners refused recently to give a tenancy to a person who applied for it on the ground that he belonged to the Jewish race, although the person was of good character; and whether he will take steps to see that houses built by Government aid are let to people on the basis of citizenship and not of religious opinions?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, but I am informed that the owners referred to have reconsidered their policy in this matter and do not now refuse applications for tenancy of their houses at the King's Park (Glasgow) scheme on the ground of the race or religion of applicants. With regard to the second part of the question, I have no power to take steps of the nature suggested.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the offer now made by the owners is even more offensive than the first, and that the offer they now make is to set so many houses aside for Jews? As the Jews do not want houses set aside for them as Jews but as citizens, will the hon. Gentleman take steps to see that houses built with the assistance of Government money are let on the basis of citizenship? If the hon. Gentleman has not the power, will he take power in future Measures to see that religion is not a bar to the receiving of a house?

The actual form of the new offer is new to me, and I will have it inquired into. As to the legal position, the statutes which give subsidies for private builders of houses leave with the Department no control over the form of tenancy under which the houses are let. With regard to the question whether such statutory power should be taken, subsidies to private builders have now been given up. The question whether it will be possible to legislate retrospectively with regard to the subsidies already given would require careful consideration.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think it most undesirable that there should be religious or racial tests for houses, and will he make it clear that it is against the policy of the Department?

The question whether I regard it as undesirable is not relevant. The question is whether I in the Department of Health have any power to intervene.

Before the hon. Gentleman finally decides this matter, will he take the facts brought to his notice into consideration, and, in view of the very serious position created by the attitude described here, will he ascertain whether there is any possibility of avoiding this kind of thing in the future?

Yes, Sir, I am prepared to consider all the relevant facts.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of houses reconditioned in Scotland under the Housing (Rural Workers) Acts for each county and the total cost?

As the answer involves a tabular statement I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the petition from Detective-lieutenant Anderson of the Lanarkshire constabulary; and what steps he proposes to take to investigate the serious charges therein contained against the Chief Constable and the Lanarkshire constabulary in general?

I have forwarded ex-Detective Anderson's complaints against the Chief Constable's conduct and administration of the Lanarkshire police force to be investigated and dealt with by the Lanarkshire Police Authority, which is the statutory disciplinary authority in relation to the Chief Constable. I am informed that the Police Authority have continued consideration of the complaints until certain Court of Session proceedings, which have a bearing upon some of the charges made by Anderson, have been concluded.

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to speed up this inquiry, in justice to the Chief Constable and to the general public, in view of the serious character of the complaints and the widespread knowledge throughout the area of these allegations of theft and misappropriation of money and of constables who had already been sacked for drunkenness and theft being restored to their positions?

The Court of Session will deal with these matters as quickly as possible, and I can assure my hon. Friend that there will be no delay in dealing with any questions which fall to be dealt with by my Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the petition from the Edinburgh Natural History Society drawing attention, on behalf of a number of other societies, to the position at Tentsmuir, Fife, where a valuable bird sanctuary appears to be threatened by the operations of the Forestry Commission; and if he can make any statement on the subject?

I have been asked to reply. The Forestry Commissioners have received a petition from the Edinburgh Natural History Society, and have asked for a map showing specifically the area referred to generally in the petition. When it is received the petition will be considered. Meanwhile I am not in a position to make any statement on the subject.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman give aft assurance that the Forestry Commission normally take great care not to interfere with bird sanctuaries of this kind?

Oh, yes, we are most sympathetic in these matters.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of smallholdings and enlargements of holdings, respectively, which have been created and settled by the Department of Agriculture during 1934, distinct from the new type of smallholding in the neighbourhood of large towns?

Five smallholdings and 33 enlargements of holdings were formed and settled by the Department of Agriculture for Scotland during 1934, apart from the new type of smallholdings in the neighbourhood of towns.

asked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether, with regard to public footpaths across Cannock Chase and the danger arising from discarded matches and cigarette ends, he will consider the advisability of leaving a broader space on either side of these paths before planting trees?

The Forestry Commissioners consider that a sufficiently broad space is left unplanted and screefed on either side of the public footpaths across that part of Cannock Chase which is in their possession. In certain cases the unplanted space is as wide as 70 feet.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman send out some understanding persons, because I assure him that the trees are being planted within an inch or two of the narrow path, and, seeing that this work will go on for a long time, will not the Government take notice of this matter now rather than later?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Employment Exchange, situate in the Market Place, Leicestershire, comprises only one room about 20 feet square, and that there is no accommodation under cover for people waiting to attend; and, in view of the fact that the number of persons on that register is approximately 500, can he provide adequate accommodation at this Exchange with a waiting room under cover?

I agree that the accommodation at the Shepshed Branch Employment Office does not meet present requirements, and arrangements are in hand for the re-housing of the office.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the administration of the Unemployment Assistance Act depends largely upon the nature of the regulations, he will, before any amendments to the regulations are submitted to this House for approval en bloc, consider the desirability of enabling Members to see the draft and of providing time for a preliminary Debate in which an opportunity for proposing Amendments might be afforded?

No, Sir. I am afraid this would not be possible. But I would point out that the Unemployment Assistance (Temporary Provisions) Bill now before the House provides in Clause 1 (5) that it shall continue in force until determined in accordance with an Order confirmed by a Resolution passed by each House of Parliament. It is the intention of the Government to make their further proposals known to Parliament before asking it to pass such a Resolution. The Debate on this Resolution will therefore give an opportunity for a preliminary discussion of the Government's proposals before any further action is, taken.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that that is the normal procedure and makes no difference whatever to our discussion of the regulations; is he aware also that I have suggested the only possible way out of the difficulty which has given rise to the present position, and that the only alternative to that suggestion is the alteration of the Act itself?

I have described the position as it is at present, and further representations will no doubt be developed in the discussion to-day. That is the position now, and, if the House will think it over, hon. Members will find that any substantial departure from that will not assist the House to produce a well-thought-out and balanced series of proposals.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to give this matter his further attention, because his answer does not touch the essence of the question which I have put, and does not represent the real position; and is he aware that every hon. Member in every section of the House is up against the same difficulty, and that it is possible to get out of the difficulty by accepting this suggestion, apart from altering the Act?

I shall continue to give it consideration; the matter is in a state of evolution at the moment, and any suggestion like this will be considered. At the same time, the House will have to have information from stage to stage as to how things are going on, and I hope that the procedure will enable that to be done.

In view of the mess that was made last time owing to the rigidity of the regulations, and in the situation which the Government find themselves, is it asking too much that the Prime Minister will assure the House that the same thing will not happen again, and that the House will have an opportunity of amending the regulations when they come forward?

Certainly, it is our intention that the same thing shall not happen again. I say that without accepting the reasons given by the hon. Member.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that many of us think that the Act is fundamentally wrong, and that it is necessary to have fresh legislation?

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the present lack of accommodation in the Rhondda area for maternity cases and the large number requiring and awaiting treatment and care, he can hold out any hope of a money grant being made available from the depressed areas fund by way of enabling the responsible authority to made provision for adequate accommodation?

This is a matter which the Commissioner is prepared to consider, though I cannot, of course, undertake that a grant will be made.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many cases in connection with the juvenile courts established under the Children's Act women justices have been placed on the panel; in how many cases no women were appointed; and in how many areas there are no women magistrates?

832 juvenile court panels include, and 153 do not include, women justices. I am informed that during last year over 400 women justices have been added to the Commissions of the Peace, leaving only about 10 borough and 50 county divisions without women justices.

asked the Home Secretary what is the current percentage figure of reforms of ex-Borstal boys; whether the approximate figure of 67 percentage of reforms still holds good; how many ex-Borstal male inmates, approximately, are there in custody in His Majesty's prisons and institutions at the present time or to the nearest convenient date, including licence-revoked cases in the various establishments; if a record is kept of ex-Borstal boys returned to custody on reconviction or licence revoked after two years; and, if so, are these numbers taken into consideration when the percentage figure of reforms is calculated?

The figure which I gave to my hon. Friend last year as the proportion of ex-Borstal inmates whose records are satisfactory is approximately 60 per cent. This figure still holds good. The period for which records are kept by the Borstal Association is in most cases about two years from the date of release; in some cases longer. Beyond that period it is not possible to keep complete records, but such information as is available indicates that as a general rule those who behave satisfactorily for two years continue to lead honest lives. On the other hand, of the 40 per cent. who are reconvicted or have their licences revoked for unsatisfactory conduct during this period, some subsequently make good, but others are reconvicted repeatedly. Accordingly, as the number of persons who have passed through the Borstal Institutions is now over 12,000, there is at any selected date a number of ex-Borstal inmates to be found in prison. A return prepared in February, 1934, showed the number at that date to be 614. A similar return for a date in February, 1935, will be available shortly.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can now state when the Dog Racecourse Totalisator Regulations will be published; and whether these regulations will become operative from the 1st July, 1935, in accordance with Section 33 (2) of the Betting and Lotteries Act, 1934?

As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, I thought it desirable, before making regulations under the First Schedule to the Betting and Lotteries Act, 1934, to afford an opportunity to manufacturers of totalisators and to the dog racing interests of submitting observations on a draft code of regulations. Certain representations have been submitted to me and I am at present engaged in considering them. I hope in the near future to be in a position to make these regulations, and I propose that they shall come into force on the 1st July.

asked the Minister of Transport the present position with regard to the plans for the establishment of water omnibuses on the River Thames?

The London Passenger Transport Board inform me that they do not themselves propose at present to establish passenger services on the River Thames. I am unable to state the intentions of other parties as to the provision of such a service.

Have any applications been received from other parties who wish to run a service?

I do not think that there are any other parties who require to make an application to me. I have seen certain other parties and have assisted them to the best of my ability.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his Department are considering the use of an automatic timing apparatus to assist in the enforcement of the speed limit in built-up areas?

Although several types of automatic timing apparatus have from time to time been submitted to my Department, none of them is, in the opinion of my technical officers, sufficiently satisfactory to warrant my recommending their adoption by the Police authorities who, as my hon. Friend is aware, will be responsible for the enforcement of the speed limit in built-up areas. If, however, my hon. Friend has any particular apparatus in mind, I should be glad to consider it.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the number of British candidates appointed to the Indian Civil Service has fallen from 38 in 1928 to 14 in 1934; that of the candidates who qualified in the examination of September last only four of the first 18 accepted an appointment in India and what steps the Government proposes to take to put an end to this state of affairs?

I have been asked to reply. The exact figures are 36 in 1928 and 13 in 1934. Eight of the first 18 candidates in 1934 accepted the Indian Civil Service, of whom two were Europeans and six were Indians. The fall in numbers is due not so much to lack of suitable European candidates as to an increase in the number and quality of Indian candidates. Under the present Government of India Act candidates who take the London Examination must be appointed strictly according to their order on the examination list. If the recruitment provisions in the Government of India Bill are approved, this will no longer be necessary.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many years have elapsed since the last case of canine rabies in dogs introduced into this country from Europe and from other parts of the world, respectively; and whether he will consider the possibility of a reduction in the present duration of quarantine, either for all dogs or graduated in accordance with the prevalence of rabies in the country of origin?

Five years have elapsed since the last case of rabies in dogs im- ported from Europe, and 4¾ years since the last case in dogs from other parts of the world. In reply to the last part of the question, I am not prepared to reduce the period of six month's quarantine, which experience has shown to be necessary. Since the year 1919, 12 dogs imported from abroad have developed rabies while in quarantine, four of which developed the disease between the fourth and sixth month of detention.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the League of Nations has received any notification from either Greece or Italy of an intention to bring the question of the recent disturbance in the Dodecanese before the League, under Article 11 of the Covenant?

No, Sir; not so far as I am aware.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the considerable number of large houses originally built for occupation by one family which are now being let in single rooms without adequate reconstruction; and what steps are proposed to prevent such houses becoming the slum problem of the future?

I would call my hon. Friend's attention to the provisions of Section 6 of the Housing Act, 1925, which empowers local authorities to make bylaws in relation to houses let in lodgings or occupied by members of more than one family. These powers are adequate to prevent the consequences feared by my hon. Friend.

Does my hon. Friend realise that the evil complained of in my question arises in single-room flatlets? Some of the large houses in my constituency are being let out in single-room flatlets, and I do not think the local authority has any power to make by-laws dealing with them?

Yes, there are one or two difficulties, but they are being removed by the Bill now before the House.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will take the necessary steps to secure that all properties dealt with under the new Housing Bill shall be placed on the Land Registry in order to simplify future investigations of title?

As at present advised, my right hon. Friend sees no reason for requiring compulsory registration by local authorities of land acquired by them under the powers proposed to be conferred by the Bill, which he understands is what my hon. Friend has in mind.

asked the Minister of Health the figures for the latest available month showing the progress of slum clearance, distinguishing the numbers of houses in resolutions of local authorities declaring clearance areas, clearance orders or compulsory purchase orders submitted, clearance orders or compulsory purchase orders confirmed, and approvals for re-housing respectively?

The net progress made during January in the slum clearance campaign was as follows: Clearance areas were declared comprising 4,995 houses; clearance or compulsory purchase orders were made covering 3,692 houses; clearance or compulsory purchase orders were confirmed covering 4,963 houses; re-housing was approved to the extent of 5,946 houses.

How far does this compare with the average rate necessary to complete the whole programme?

We require an average monthly output of about 3,500 houses under each of these four items. My hon. Friend will see that progress has been well maintained, and indeed, in regard to re-housing, the rate is to the extent of twice what is required.

Is it the intention of the Minister to postpone confirmation of compulsory purchase orders until the passage of the Bill which is now under consideration in Standing Committee?

asked the Minister of Health what instructions have been issued to panel doctors relative to the extravagant use of medicines prescribed for their panel patients; whether he can state the number of doctors that have been warned for not giving satisfactory explanations and the counties in which they reside; and what action he proposes to take in the matter if the warnings are ignored?

My right hon. Friend has no power to issue instructions, but from time to time insurance practitioners generally are reminded that they should avoid extravagance in prescribing. They are of course required by their terms of service to order any drugs reasonably necessary for the adequate treatment of their patients. During 1934 a special warning was issued in five cases. These cases arose in the administratve areas of London, Middlesex, Lancashire, Kent and Salford.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make with reference to the proposed formation of a women's legion new movement to assist in the organisation of help to the public in case of enemy gas attacks?

I have no official information in respect of the organisation mentioned by the hon. Member, though I understand that this organisation is officially recognised by the Red Cross and St. John's Ambulance Societies.

Is it not a fact that many women's organisations are anxious to find out exactly what the scheme is; and would the Prime Minister be good enough to make further inquiries in order to find out what is going on in various Departments of Government?

It is not a Department of Government at all, but a purely voluntary organisation. If women's organisations desire to find out the facts, I have given them the places where they can find them out.

Is not the organisation encouraged and supported in some way by the War Office?

If the hon. Member will put the question down, I will give him an answer, but my information at the present moment is that it is not.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the conference of Western Canadian mayors in relation to the proposed default upon the City of Vancouver's obligations, some of which were issued in London; and will he state what steps the Treasury will take about this proposed abuse of confidence of those United Kingdom investors who have entrusted their savings to Canadian municipal authorities, in view of the fact that Exchequer receipts from Income Tax and Death Duties revenue are also concerned?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs on the 6th February to the hon. Member for North Newcastle-on-Tyne (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle), to which I have: nothing further to add.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the continual shaking of confidence of British investors by the repudiation of debt by foreign borrowers, now including the city of Vancouver, will bring to an end lending by British investors to overseas borrowers, with the further result that there can be no increase in employment in British export trades with reduction of United Kingdom taxation; and will he appoint a Treasury representative to consider for future guidance the general principles upon which overseas loans have been granted in the past?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will inform the delegates from Chile and Brazil coming to London to discuss trade and exchange restrictions that the British export trade to Chile and Brazil has caused loss to Britain owing to the defaults by Chile and Brazil on their pre-War loans raised in Britain by means of which the British exports were to be paid for; and will he indicate to the delegates that their countries should look to New York and other lending centres, rather than to London, for loans when the British embargo on foreign loans has ceased to operate?

I would refer my hon. Friend and my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given on the 4th February to my hon. Friend the Member for North Newcastle-on-Tyne (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle).

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree with the statement in question 47 that there can be no increase in the export trade except by means of foreign loans?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give an estimate of the cost to the Treasury of granting pensions to the wives of insured men reaching the age of 65, irrespective of the age of the wife?

My hon. Friend will realise that the working out of estimates such as that for which she asks involves considerable labour. It will perhaps be sufficient for her purpose if I inform her that the cost of a proposal similar to hers but with the limitations that the wife should not be more than 30 years younger than her husband and that husband and wife should have been married for at least five years has been worked out recently and is £6,000,000 in the first year, rising to £7,500,000 a year in 10 years' time. This estimate does not include the further cost which would appear to be inevitable in the case of insured women if the proposal were adopted, and which would probably more than double the expenditure.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, as the perpetuation by the Government of an inconvertible paper-money policy, accentuating the present cheapness of money, has in large measure been responsible for the speculation and financial scandals which have recently taken place, the Government will take steps to expedite the return to a sounder monetary policy?

I do not accept the hon. Member's premises, and I would refer him to the answer which I gave on the 7th February to the hon. Member for the Gower Division (Mr. D. Grenfell).

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that, if a stabilised currency were in being, and the Bank rate were operating, it would tend to guard against excessive speculation?

I understood the hon. Member's argument to be that cheap money led to speculation.

May I again ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is not of opinion that accentuated cheap money tends to stimulate excessive speculation, and that, if the Bank rate were in operation, it would be a deterrent against such scandals as have recently occurred?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the contribution made by the Spirit Duties to the Revenue has fallen from 12.1 per cent. in 1913–14 to 4.6 per cent. in 1933–34; and whether, as the reasons for securing an increased revenue which induced him to lower the Beer Duty last year apply with greater force to securing increased revenue from the Spirit Duties, which has steadily declined since 1920 when the duty was raised from 50s. to 72s. 6d. per proof gallon, this matter will receive his careful consideration in connection with his forthcoming Budget?

I am aware that, when compared with the greatly increased total revenue of recent years, the proportionate, but not of course the actual, contribution of the Spirit Duties has fallen approximately as stated. As regards the second part of the question, my hon. Friend may be assured that all relevant considerations will be taken into account when existing duties are reviewed in connection with the Budget.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the revenue derived from these duties has fallen from about £70,000,000 in 1921 to some £30,000,000 last year; and will he assure the House that, in considering this matter, only revenue considerations will be taken into account? Can we have an assurance to that effect?

I think the figures given by my hon. Friend are approximately correct. With regard to the question of consideration, my consideration of this question is and will be financial.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the fact that no Entertainments Duty is payable by the hotels showing cinematograph films to residents and visitors, provided no direct charge for admission is made; whether this interpretation of the liability to Entertainments Duty is sanctioned by the officers of his Department; and whether he is satisfied that it is equitable?

Under the law, Entertainments Duty is only chargeable on payments for admission to an entertainment. Whether the duty is payable in any individual case of the kind mentioned depends upon the facts, and if my hon. Friend cares to let me have particulars in regard to any actual case which he has in mind I will have inquiry made.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what amount was collected in 1934, or for the last year for which statistics are available, from 15s. licences for gardeners?

The total proceeds of the Male Servant Licence Duty for the financial year 1933–34 were £172,900. No statistics are available to show what proportion of this total was paid in respect of gardeners and other taxable servants respectively.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to make a detailed statement with regard to the financial and commercial reasons which induced him informally to request responsible financial authorities to withhold their co-operation in measures devised to ensure the retention under the British flag of the Red Star Liners "Pennland"and" Westernland?"

I cannot usefully add to the full statements I have already made to the House, both in Debate and in reply to questions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how he considers it to be advantageous either to the country or to the Cunard and White Star Company that these vessels should be run under the German flag rather than under the British flag?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statement which I made on the subject in the House a short time ago.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has at his disposal any information as to the probable intensity of competition in the North Atlantic trade between the Cunard White Star Company and the Red Star vessels "Pennland" and "Westernland" under the German flag, as compared with that likely to be caused by these ships sailing under British ownership and subject to identical regulations, taxation, and wage scales to the Cunard White Star Company's vessels?

I have no information which would enable me to offer an authoritative opinion on this subject, but I have seen a report that the vessels in question will be used for a different type of traffic and, so far as they carry passengers, will conform to conference rates.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the Government policy towards the proposals made by a British group for a suggested North Atlantic service at cheap rates with new ships to be built specially for the purpose in this country?

The proposals in question would not involve the question of the transfer of capital abroad; and, as the promoters have been informed, there would appear to be no present occasion for me to express any opinion upon the scheme.