asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consider the issue of a circular to courts with a view to ensuring that when a Borstal sentence is imposed the boy or girl is informed of the length of time he or she will be subject to licence?

I presume that my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind the suggestion made by the Departmental Committee on the Employment of Prisoners in paragraph 195 of their first report that in passing a sentence of Borstal detention the court should at the same time give the offender clearly to understand that the sentence carries with it supervision for 12 months beyond the actual period of the Borstal sentence. The question of including a reference to this and certain other points to which the committee drew attention has been noted for special consideration in connection with any circular which there may be occasion to issue dealing with Borstal detention or with prison treatment generally.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the paragraph in the report of Colonel Allan, inspector of constabulary in the western division, to the effect that the finger-prints of juvenile offenders should be taken; and whether he will take steps to prevent this being done?

I have seen the paragraph to which the hon. Member refers. It is important from the police point of view that they should be able to maintain proper and sufficient records of persons who have been found guilty of serious offences, but I recognise the objections which are felt in many quarters to the finger-printing of juveniles, and these would have to be taken into account if any action were contemplated to give effect to the inspector's suggestion.

Is it any part of the duty of an inspector of constabulary to express his opinion about the treatment of juvenile offenders in his report?

I think that it is quite within the province of an inspector to express a view on anything which comes within his work and duty.

Is this the same inspector who, according to a previous question, recommended that children should be flogged?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the scheme for the co-ordination of fire brigades which existed during the War is now obsolete; and whether he will appoint a committee to advise what measures should be taken for the future co-ordination of fire brigades in case of national emergency?

asked the Home Secretary whether, in connection with the preparations foreshadowed for national defence and the danger of incendiary attack from the air, any scheme is being worked out for bringing all fire brigades under local authorities up to any approved standard and interlinking them for joint action without regard for local boundaries; and whether, in localities where no adequate fire extinguishing appliances of an approved standard have been provided, steps will be taken in conjunction with the local authorities responsible to meet the probable needs of the area?

This question has been engaging my close attention, and I have decided to appoint a committee to inquire into the matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. John Dicks, of Kensington, who was arrested, marched through the streets, and charged with being a suspected person, on the sole evidence of looking in shop windows; whether he is aware that the magistrate immediately dismissed the case; and whether, in view of the man's unblemished character, some apology may now be tendered to him by the police?

I have given careful consideration to the facts of this case and both the Commissioner of Police, and I regret the inconvenience caused to Mr. Dicks. This is not a case, however, where a man has been detained add subsequently released without any charge being made against him and without being given an opportunity of clearing his name. Mr. Dicks was duly charged and the case was fully heard by a magistrate, with the result that the charge was dismissed and Mr. Dicks' character was vindicated. After the charge had been disposed of, it was no part of the duty of the police to express any opinion on the case, and all that matters to Mr. Dicks is the view of the case that was taken by the magistrate. At the same time, I fully appreciate the spirit in which the hon. Member has raised this question, and no doubt the publicity which has been given to the case will serve the object which he has in view. I must add in fairness to the police officers concerned that in dismissing the charge the magistrate expressed the view that Mr. Dicks' actions had certain been suspicious.

Is the Minister aware that this man's employers vouched for his absolute integrity; and does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that before an innocent person is arrested, is marched to the police station, has his finger prints taken and is generally humiliated, the police should have some more substantial evidence than that he was merely looking into a shop window? Does he not also think that when a case has been dismissed and the man has been proved innocent, the police should express some apology for the treatment accorded to the man?

I should have thought I had made that very clear. It is certain that the magistrate took the view that there was reason for suspicion. The police have a very difficult task. I am certain they would not desire to be unfair to anyone, and I have no reason to believe that they were unfair to this man.

Is not that leaving rather a blemish on this man's character?

No, I am putting no blemish on his character beyond the view of the magistrate who tried the case.

Is the Minister aware that when the man's employer applied to Scotland Yard about this case they gave a very curt reply and in no sense expressed any contrition for what had occurred?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received a report from his factory inspector in connection with a crane accident at Otters-pool Bridge, near Stockport, Cheshire, when two men were killed and one seriously injured; whether the crane was carrying more than its registered load; whether the jib-arm of the crane was faulty; and on what date was the machinery last examined?

I understand this accident occurred in connection with a civil engineering work, which is not subject to the Factory Acts. It appears, however, from inquiries I have made that only one man, the crane driver, was killed and no others injured, that the load was well within the registered safe load, that there was no evidence of the jib being faulty, that the machine was examined by the insurance company's inspector last December and subsequently overhauled.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received a report from his factory inspector in connection with the death of Frederick Ost, aged 72, and Wallace Holmes, aged 55 years, of Queenborough, Kent, who lost their lives through being overcome by fumes at the Sheppey Glue and Chemical Works, Queenborough; whether there was a breach of the factory regulations committed; what provision was made for the men to have masks when cleaning out tanks that gave off dangerous fumes; whether in future the tanks will have to stand for a number of days so that any obnoxious gases may escape; and whether the dependants of the two men will be adequately compensated?

This accident, which occurred on the 5th instant, is still under investigation and the inquest has been adjourned until the 26th. At present therefore I am not in a position to make any statement.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the discontent among senior officers in the prison service relating to the latest scheme for promoting six prison officers, under 40 years of age, to superior ranks; and, in view of the fact that these comparatively young officers may eventually be put in authority over principal and chief officers, whose years of experience range, approximately, from 15 to 30 years, will he reconsider this scheme?

As I explained in reply to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend on the 13th December, the scheme to which he refers is intended to afford officers who show exceptional ability in the early part of their service an opportunity of being trained for accelerated promotion or for special posts outside the ordinary avenues of promotion. No guarantee of accelerated promotion is given to those who undergo such training, and those who do not undergo it will still be considered for promotion. The guiding principle in making appointments to the superior grades must always be to select the candidates who are best fitted for the duties, and officers who show special ability may properly be promoted in preference to those who are senior to them in age or length of service.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why principal officers and chief officers are debarred from the scope of the scheme?

asked the Home Secretary the percentage of established women officers in the prison service, including Borstal institutions, who were promoted to the rank of principal officer, from principal officer to matron, and matron to chief officer, respectively; and the number of women appointed from outside sources to the respective ranks?

The 11 principal officers, eight matrons and two chief officers who are employed in women's establishments all entered the prison service as established women officers and have been promoted. Of the 23 house matrons employed in the boys' borstal institutions, 10 entered the prison service-as established women officers and 13 were appointed from outside the service.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the apprehension of disabled persons while they are subject to decisions made by medical referees of whom it is known that they frequently act in a private capacity for employers and indemnity companies; and whether he is contemplating an amendment to the Workmen's Compensation Acts and the establishment of a board of medical referees who are not in private practice?

It is a condition of the appointment of a medical referee that he shall hold no regular employment either on the employers' or on the workers' side, but it has not been found practicable to prohibit their engaging in private practice and proposals of the kind suggested in the question have been considered and rejected by Parliament. Great care is taken to secure the services of medical men of independent judgment and the highest possible standing, but if the hon. Member has any individual case in mind and will send me particulars, I shall be glad to make any necessary inquiry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the last time Parliament had an opportunity of expressing itself on this question was in 1923, and is it not the case that further instances have been brought to the notice of the Home Office from time to time? Is he not also aware that, although medical practitioners are not permanently employed by employers, there are cases in which they frequently act for both employers and indemnity companies and at the same time act as referees in cases in which the same employer or indemnity company is involved, and does he think it possible for them to maintain an impartial attitude in such circumstances?

Is it not equally true that these doctors frequently act on behalf of the men through the trade unions?

I think all I should say is that it is very difficult to make absolutely certain that these medical officers act, as one would desire, without any connection either with employers or workpeople, and that, if the hon. Member has a particular case which he desires to bring to my notice, I shall be prepared to consider it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to reconsider the question of establishing a panel of independent medical practitioners who will neither serve employers nor employés?

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is a common practice for employers to call for medical reports to be made upon cases, and, a week or two afterwards, for the same doctor to act as a medical referee in the case of the very applicant he has examined for the employer?

I cannot give any undertaking as to what I may do, but I am prepared to consider the problem. It is by no means an easy one to solve.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any information as to how many new offices have been opened, and in how many towns, by Tote Investors, Limited, since the passing of the Betting and Lotteries Act, 1934?

I can only refer the hon. Member to the statements published in the Press, which he has no doubt seen.

Are the Home Office taking note of any developments in this matter, so that in future they may be fully informed of them?

We certainly observe what is taking place.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any information as to how many firms or individuals were running football pools at the commencement of the 1934–35 football season; and how many such pools are being run at the present time?

I regret that this information is not available.

If the Home Office do observe things, how is it that they have failed to secure this information? In view of the circumstances, which have been frequently debated in this House, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that he ought to keep on the track of the development of any phase of gambling, particularly as the Football Association have expressed their apprehension from time to time?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that persons who have suffered from industrial disease and recovered from it are in many cases not allowed to restart work again in the same employment, and when they are engaged by another employer and state that they have had industrial disease are dismissed; and whether he will consider amending the Workmen's Compensation Act so as to remove that part which says a person must disclose that he has suffered from industrial disease?

As I indicated in reply to a similar question by the hon. Member on 28th June last, the issue is by no means a simple one. It may not even be in the workman's own interest if he has shown a special susceptibility to some disease that he should return to his old work, and full inquiry would be necessary before amending legislation could be considered.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is a very great problem in the view of the workmen, and, while he is considering the point about doctors which was raised on Question 23, will he also consider this matter, because I think the law requires some alteration?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very great hardships in connection with this matter which arise in all mining districts, especially in cases of nystagmus?

Is the right hon. Gentleman further aware that there is a certain amount of hardship in connection with silicosis?

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the desirability of calling a conference of local authorities in the Greater London area to decide, if possible, upon a satisfactory and uniform method of decorating this area for the forthcoming Jubilee celebrations?

The decoration of its own district is entirely a matter for each individual local authority, and I do not think that I could properly call a conference to discuss a uniform method of decoration unless I were asked to do so by the local authorities concerned. My right hon. Friend the First Commissioner of Works has, however, already presided over an informal conference, attended by representatives of the Cities of London and Westminster, and of the Royal Fine Art Commission, to discuss the decoration of the Royal route.

Arising out of that answer, for which I am much obliged, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it would not be possible to circularise all the local councils, with a view to getting a uniform scheme, making the celebration much more universal and avoiding such a concentration in the centre of London?

I am sure that if there is need for co-operation, that co-operation will be secured.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider asking the Minister of Transport to help us in the matter?

asked the Minister of Health whether and, if so, when he proposes to exercise the powers conferred on him by Section 56 (1) of the Land Drainage Act, 1930, to appoint for a catchment area or combination of catchment areas joint committees or other bodies having any of the powers of a sanitary authority under the Rivers Pollution Prevention Act, 1876?

Although I have the power referred to by my right hon. and gallant Friend, I do not think that I could usefully exercise it without, at all events, a large measure of consent on the part of the local authorities concerned. I am, of course, always prepared to consider any representation on the subject.

Has the right hon. Gentleman found any difficulty in getting the co-operation of drainage local authorities?

I do not know that any trouble has arisen.

Will the Minister pay special attention to the application from South Wales at the present time?

I am not aware of any such application.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the entertainments duty has reduced the county cricket clubs to such financial straits that not only is their existence threatened but also their sup port and encouragement of village cricket clubs; and further, as no dividends can be paid and as the committees do not even draw expenses, whether he will, as in the case of the Old Vic and Sadlers Wells, consider some substantial relief in the incidence of the entertainment duty?

With regard to the first part of the question, I am not aware that the entertainments duty has inflicted special hardship on county cricket clubs; with regard to the second part I would point out that since the activities of county cricket clubs cannot be described as either partly educational or partly scientific, they are not eligible for the relief allowed in the cases mentioned by my hon. Friend.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask if he does not appreciate that county cricket is the chief sport of the English countryside?

Will the right hon. Gentleman issue orders to stop body-line bowling?

asked the Prime Minister who are the present members of the Committee of Imperial Defence; and how often do it and its sub-committees meet?

Constitutionally the Committee of Imperial Defence consists of the Prime Minister and such persons as he chooses to ask to assist in the committee's deliberations. At the present time, in accordance with the Prime Minister's instructions, the following are associated with the work of the main committee:

The Lord President of the Council,

The Chancellor of the Exchequer,

The Secretaries of State for Foreign Affairs, Dominion Affairs, Colonies, India, War and Air,

The First Lord of the Admiralty,

The Chiefs of Staff of the three Defence Services, and the

Permanent Secretary to the Treasury, as head of the Civil Service.

A considerable number of Ministers, officials and experts outside the Government are also associated with sub-committees. Meetings of the committee and sub-committees are held as and when required. Between March last year and March this year, 237 meetings of the Committee of Imperial Defence and its sub-committees were held.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for the detailed reply, may I ask if he will tell the House whether there are representatives of the Dominion Governments on the Committee?

They are not infrequently asked to attend. If there is anything which affects the Empire as a whole, they are always asked to attend.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether representatives of the Dominion Governments were taken into consultation before the White Paper on Imperial Defence was issued?

:: I should like notice of that question.

Can my right hon. Friend say if the Leaders of the Opposition are now ever invited to attend meetings of the Committee of Imperial Defence, as I understand was done in the days before the War?

I should like notice of that question. Speaking from memory, I would say that it has been done; I am certain that I have attended when I have been in opposition. The hon. Member had better put a definite question on the Paper in regard to it.

Would not such a practice produce a greater sense of realism about armaments in the speeches of members of the Opposition?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the garbled accounts of Parliamentary proceedings which appear in the Press, he will consider the adoption of a practice followed abroad of from time to time posting on prominent sites the speeches made by Government spokesmen on important issues; and whether he will initiate this by giving publicity, with the consent of the House, to the speeches made by the Lord President of the Council, and by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in the Debate last Monday on the ministerial defence>statement?

While I appreciate the point of my hon. Friend's question, I am not prepared at present to pursue the matter further.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider giving publicity to the statement by the hon. and learned Member for East Bristol (Sir S. Cripps) on behalf of the Opposition, that the party opposite desire war in the Far East?

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to give a great deal of serious attention to this question, because, there is a very great desire in this country to know what the Government think about anything?

Will the right hon. Gentleman—

Mr. Kenneth Lindsay.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the subject of a departmental committee to inquire into the present position of old age pensions?

I have nothing further to add to the answer which I gave to a supplementary question by my hon. Friend on this subject on 14th February last.

May I put a similar question down, say in 10 days' time, in the hope of getting a more definite answer?

I gave the hon. Member a definite answer on the date to which I have referred him.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in order to stimulate home production, he will consider relieving home-grown tobacco of all Excise Duty?

Tobacco grown in this country already enjoys a preferential reduction of duty of 2s. 2½d. per pound. as compared with foreign tobacco. The entire repeal of the Excise Duty would have an adverse effect on the very important tobacco revenue owing to the resulting tendency for imported tobacco to be displaced by home-grown tobacco. I am afraid that in the circumstances I cannot see my way to adopting my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion.

Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the matter, in view of the fact that the crop can be grown with great success in this country, and that this gives a great deal of employment?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say to what purpose home-grown tobacco is put?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that from the beginning of this year all British passenger ships over 5,000 tons have been obliged to be provided with direction-finding wireless apparatus, he can state what steps are to be taken during the present year to improve and increase wireless facilities on British coasts, so as to enable ships to make full use of their facilities in this respect?

There are at present in operation 24 radio beacons and similar apparatus, 20 of these stations being owned by the three general lighthouse authorities and four by local lighthouse authorities. Sanction has recently been given for the erection by the Trinity House of a radio-beacon at the Nab Tower, and by the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses of a similar beacon at Barra Head on the west coast of Scotland. It is anticipated that the erection of both beacons will be completed before 31st March, 1936. A proposal for the erection by the Irish Lights Commissioners of a beacon at Eagle Island off the west coast of Ireland is under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that at the extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders of the White Star Line on 7th March it was disclosed that there was nothing to show for a sum of over £6,000,000 except further liabilities of over £3,000,000; and whether, in order that in the near future some protection may be afforded to the capital of the legitimate investor, he is prepared to take any action to afford the public the protection suggested?

I am not clear what suggestion for the amendment of the Companies Act the right hon. Gentleman has in mind, but if he will let me have some specific proposal I will consider it.

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been drawn to the shareholders' meeting where they specifically asked for this protection on the part of the Government?

Is it not a fact that houses for the working-classes which cost £1,000 when erected under the Addison scheme can be erected to-day for £450?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the shareholders of this company demanded that the company should be wound up compulsorily, and can he give any reason why the Chairman refused to allow that to be done?

I am afraid that I am not answerable for the doings of the Chairman, but, if the hon. Gentleman has any suggestion to make, I shall be very glad to consider it.

Is it not a fact that ships were taken over from the Australian Commonwealth in order to show how much better private enterprise could deal with them?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to appoint a committee to consider the question of the legislation, if any, to deal with the situation that may arise when the Cinematograph Films Act comes to an end?

I have noted my hon. Friend's suggestion. I would, however, point out that no provision of the Cinematograph Films Act expires until 1938.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is contemplated to float a fresh Palestinian loan for some £2,000,000; and for what purposes will the loan be used?

No loan is contemplated, apart from the loan of £2,000,000 for which a guarantee was approved last year. This loan has not yet been issued.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is intended to issue this loan, whether it is necessary to obtain Treasury sanction first, and whether in view of the £4,500,000 surplus in the new Palestinian Budget, it is worth while borrowing money at all?

The House gave unanimous approval to the issue of this loan. As regard Treasury consent, one always agrees with the Treasury as regards the time and the circumstances.

Has the time yet come for the issue of that loan?

When the correct time arrives the loan will no doubt be issued.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the recent order concerning citizenship in Palestine affects, respectively, the right of British citizens to demand an English judge to try cases in which they are concerned and the right of a British subject to take up Palestinian nationality without surrendering his British nationality?

The effect of the Order-in-Council and of certain Ordinances which will come into force at the same time is not to take away from British subjects the rights they now enjoy but to confer upon all persons in Palestine similar rights in relation to the trial of their cases. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the Trade Union Bill which is now before the legislative assembly at Colombo will make it almost impossible to build up any new unions owing to the cost of compulsory registration; that several workers' unions will have to be disbanded for the same reason; and, in view of the small wages received by Cingalese workmen and the difficulties of complying with the terms of the new Bill, will he state what action, if any, he intends to take?