asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether a fair wages clause is insisted on in connection with all contracts entered into with his Department?

The fair wages clause is included in all War Department contracts placed with contractors in this country for the supply of stores and the execution of services.

If I submit a case to the right hon. Gentleman, will he look into it?

Certainly.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware of the annoyance caused in the vicinity by the machine gun firing at Wormwood Scrubs on Sundays; and Whether he will endeavour to restrict the practice to week-days?

It is only occasionally that firing takes place on this range on Sundays. It is limited to the hours 11 to 1 o'clock, and this is the first time that a complaint has been made. I am afraid that I cannot promise that the range will never be used on a Sunday, but efforts are made to restrict Sunday practice as far as possible.

Is the Minister aware that nurses on duty at night in the nearby hospital, and numerous patients in the hospital, are frequently very seriously disturbed by this firing; and does he not think that at least on humanitarian, if not on sabbatarian grounds, he might consider not having these practices on Sundays?

As regards the humanitarian side, I should have thought that the objection would be just as great on, say, Monday or Fridays as on Sundays. I can promise, however, that we will use the range as seldom as possible on Sundays.

As regards the question of Sundays as against weekdays, does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that, if these people are disturbed on six weekdays, they might be given a chance of sleeping on Sundays?

This firing has only taken place on Sundays, so far as I know, on six or seven occasions since 1931.

May I ask what is the reason for conducting this firing practice on Sundays?

In the case of troops of the Territorial Army it is very difficult for them to carry out practice on other days.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether Territorial armoured car units undergoing annual training this year are to be issued with petrol of the same grade as that previously issued; and whether, in view of the fact that the engines so fitted cannot function properly with low-grade fuel, he will consider supplying the usual grade?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and the second part does not therefore arise.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the number and value of remounts purchased for the Army during 1934 in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Irish Free State, respectively; and how these figures compare with those for 1933?

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

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the terms of reference of the Milk Reorganisation Commission now in session include power to investigate the administration of the existing milk marketing scheme?

The reference to the commission is very wide, and includes consideration of the working and administration of existing milk marketing schemes in all their aspects.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any information as to the purpose for which Carfin Hall, Mossend, Lanarkshire, has been purchased by Sir Arthur Rose, the special area commissioner; and what use is to be made of the mansion and grounds?

I am informed by the commissioner that he is taking steps to acquire this property with a view to its development as a social service and recreational centre for the inhabitants of the district; and that details as to the facilities to be provided are at present under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether a complaint has been lodged with the fiscal at Hamilton alleging that Alexander Shields had been beaten up by the police in a cell at Hallside Police Station;if he is aware that Shields had to be treated by his medical adviser for over two weeks as a result of the severe mauling received at the hands of the police; and whether he will set up a public inquiry into the running of the police force of Lanarkshire, and also dismiss Chief Constable Keith from office?

The complaint lodged with the Procurator-Fiscal related to a baton assault alleged to have been committed upon Shields in the street and not in a police station. I am informed that Shields was unfit for work for some time because of an injury inflicted by a police baton used in the street in the course of Shield's apprehension on a charge of breach of the peace. As regards the last part of the question, my right hon. Friend has no power to take action of the kind suggested. The Lanarkshire police authority is the statutory disciplinary authority in relation to the chief constable.

But surely there is power in the Scottish Office to inquire into the conduct of any local police force?

The police authority is the authority which has to deal with the chief constable.

Is it not the case that the Scottish Office have the last word in the appointment of any chief constable in Scotland?

No, Sir.

(for Mr. McGOVERN) asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the death by drowning of John Burns, who was alleged to be taking coal from No. 1 Newton Colliery, near Cambuslang, if he is aware that Constable Teller, when in pursuit, took off his helmet and tunic in order to enter the water of the River Clyde, but that John Burns was carried away by the water and drowned; and if he intends to set up a public inquiry into this man's death?

My attention has been drawn to the death of a man named Robert Nicholson Burns by drowning under the circumstances referred to in the first part of the question. Inquiries are being made into the occurrence and consideration will be given to the desirability of holding a fatal accident inquiry when a full report of the facts has been obtained.

Having regard to this question and the previous one, will the hon. and learned Gentleman advise his right hon. Friend to make full inquiry into the whole treatment of the civil population by the Lanarkshire police, in view of the two very grave allegations that are made in these two questions and many other happenings throughout Lanark?

That matter does not seem to arise on this question, but I will convey to my right hon. Friend what the hon. Member has said.

asked the Secretary for Mines the position with regard to the objections lodged against the suggested regulation for the compulsory use of gas detectors underground?

Negotiations are still proceeding, and no decision has yet been reached. I will let the hon. Member know as soon as I am in a position to make a statement.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether a panel of referees has been appointed at any time under the Coal Mines Act, 1911; and, in case the negotiations on this matter break down, will he submit the case to a referee?

That depends upon the discussions which are now proceeding on certain draft regulations.

Does the hon. Gentleman appreciate that the Coal Mines Act, 1911, lays it down that, in the event of an objection being lodged against any regulation issued by the Secretary for Mines, it shall be submitted to a panel of referees, or to a referee? I am asking him whether, since the Act was passed in 1911, a panel of referees has ever been set up for this purpose?

If objections are taken and negotiations follow, of course the referee must be called in if arbitration is necessary.

asked the Secretary for Mines the quantity of coal exported from this country and the price per ton f.o.b. during the years 1933 and 1934; and the quantity of coal produced and exported and the price per ton f.o.b. from South Wales and Monmouthshire for the same years?

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

asked the Secretary for Mines the average output per person employed in the mines in South Wales and Monmouthshire for the year 1934, and the average wages paid per person for the same year?

During the year ended 31st January, 1935, the average output of coal per person employed in mines in South Wales and Monmouthshire was 261 tons, and the average cash earnings per person employed during the same period was £119.

asked the Secretary for Mines the sums paid by British coal mines in rents, royalties, and wayleaves for the year 1934?

During the year 1934, the estimated amount paid by colliery owners in Great Britain in royalties and wayleaves, including the rental value of freehold minerals where worked by the proprietors, was £5,028,000.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the complaints of miners about the noise caused by iron conveyors on the coal face; and whether it is the intention of the coal owners to gradually substitute rubber belting which is more suitable?

I have from time to time received representations as to the prejudicial effect of excessive noise on the safety and well-being of underground workmen, and it is certainly desirable that everything possible should be done to mitigate it. I am glad to be able to say, therefore, that the use of belt-conveyors, which is already extensive, is rapidly expanding, owing to the constructional improvements effected in recent years, and that this tendency may be confidently expected to continue.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that, owing to the introduction of coal-cutting machinery, the length of coal face between gateways has increased and where there is a. weighting of the roof there is added danger to the workmen owing to the greater distance they have to travel to a place of safety, i.e., the gateways; and whether he will consider fixing a maximum distance between openings or gateways?

The use of coal-cutting machinery does not involve any extension of the distance between gateways, and I assume that what the hon. Member has in mind is the use of face-conveyors. I am advised that the reduction in the number of gateways made possible by the introduction of such conveyors tends, on the whole, to ensure greater safety from falls of ground. Reference to the statistics in the Divisional Inspectors' Reports for the past few years will show that a large proportion of the accidents front falls of roof at the face occur at and about gate-ends. The possibility of such a fall of roof between the gateways as would cut off the escape of men working in a longwall face is, on the other hand, remote. In the circumstances, the answer to the last part of the question is "No."

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in some cases now the distance between gateways is 100 yards; and that, should anything happen, such a distance makes it almost impossible for men to get to safety?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the distance is sometimes more than 100 yards, and is he quite sure that the distances are being shortened? I should be very much surprised to hear it.

If the hon. Member will read the statement I have made, he will find that everything there is precisely as the inspectors' reports show. With regard to the other point, I assure the hon. Member that these points, and all points arising out of the change-over to machinery, are being closely watched from day to day.

Is the Secretary for Mines aware that a good deal of the controversy with regard to overtime is due to the fact that in some pits the distances are too long?

In some cases mistakes were made in the early days of the new system, but improvements have been and are taking place.

Is it not a fact that the reason why there is such a long distance between these gateways is that it makes it cheaper for the coal-owner?

I could not make any general observation on that matter, because the circumstances vary from day to day.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the coalowners have refused to negotiate with the Miners' Federation for the basis of a national wages agreement; and what action does his Department intend to take to bring both parties together to discuss it.

The answer to the first part of the question is "Yes." With regard to the second part, I do not know of any action I can take, short of introducing a system of compulsory arbitration, which will bring the parties together in the absence of mutual agreement.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that the coalowners have persistently refused to meet the mine workers, and that the position is getting very acute; and will the Government do all that they can to bring them together, or, in default, introduce legislation?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that a number of mine workers awarded compensation against the Coppice Colliery, Heath Hayes, in the Cannock Chase coalfield, the ownership of which is at present under dispute, have received no payments for some considerable time; and if he can state why such payments have not been made?

I have no information in regard to the circumstances described in the question, but I will cause inquiry to be made and communicate with my hon. Friend later.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is in a position to make a statement on the negotiations with the Dominion of Australia regarding meat imports into this country

The discussions with the Commonwealth Ministers now in London are in a preliminary stage, and I am not at present in a position to make a statement.

If I put a question down this day week, will my right hon. Friend then be able to give me a reply?

I would prefer that my hon. Friend should ask me later.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to make any compensatory restrictions, in view of the increase in the number of cattle coming from the Irish Free State as a result of the coal-cattle pact?

I do not agree. The restriction in the case of the Irish Free State is a restriction due to political reasons, and if happily, as I hope may be the case some day, a settlement were arrived at, there would be an entirely different figure. I do not accept at all the statement about the increase in the number of cattle coming from the Irish Free State under the agreement. I think it was a satisfactory agreement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the International Wheat Committee has held any meetings recently and if any decisions as to future policy have been reached?

There has been no meeting of the Wheat Advisory Committee since that held at Budapest in November last.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the representations made by the Canadian High Commissioner and interested parties in Glasgow, asking for a re-examination of 44 Holstein breeding cows, 23 of which were condemned to slaughter a few hours after importation following a very severe voyage, solely on their conformation; that these cows were favourably reported on after examination by an experienced veterinary surgeon and the Glasgow Veterinary College as to health, had passed the tuberculin test of the Canadian Government, and been accepted as suitable breeding stock by four representative dairy farmers; and whether he can state why the request for a re-examination was not granted?

I am aware of the circumstances referred to in the question, but I would point out that the animals were not rejected for veterinary reasons. I did not order a re-examination, because I was satisfied that the original examination was carefully carried out and that the decision that these animals were unsuitable for breeding purposes was well-founded.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a number of these cows have calved, and that the calves have been deemed to be healthy and of good quality? In view of the fact that they represent a large percentage of the shipment, does he not consider that in the circumstances it is only fair that there should be a re-examination, in support of which there is very weighty evidence?

No, Sir. I cannot undertake to have any re-examination of these cattle.

Is it not a fact that there has been no test to confirm this opinion and that it lies at the discretion of one man?

I am afraid that that is why it is so difficult to have a re-examination. One must rely upon one's authorised officer. As the hon. Member has said, it is a matter of opinion, and we have to take the opinion of the expert.

Is it not the case that the type of the calves is sufficient to justify reconsideration of the matter?

No, Sir, I am afraid not.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the continued importation of quantities of Chinese eggs is causing growing indignation in both Scotland and England, not only on account of the serious effect these eggs exert upon prices but also because the public is becoming increasingly aware of the fact that Chinese poultry are housed and fed in a filthy manner; and will he take some action in the matter

Imports of eggs in shell from China during January and February of this year were 246,000 great hundreds, as compared with 436,000 great hundreds for the corresponding period of last year, a. reduction of nearly 44 per cent. My hon. and gallant Friend will be aware that the Government made proposals designed to secure an overall reduction, by voluntary arrangement, of 10 per cent. in foreign imports during the first quarter of the year. Imports of liquid eggs from China have also been considerably lower than during the corresponding period of 1934. With regard to the quality of Chinese eggs, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the replies given by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Health, on 14th March to questions on this subject.

While thanking my right hon. Friend, may I ask whether, in view of the fact that the importation is still having an effect on prices, he is taking any further steps in the matter?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the main reason for the big reduction of 44 per cent. in the importation?

I am afraid that I cannot say that without notice.

May I have an answer?

The question of the effect of imports as a whole upon the situation is being carefully watched by the Government. I am afraid that it would not be possible to take discriminatory action against one consignment.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that wheat offals produced in this country only contain 4 per cent. of flour, whereas Continental offals include 7 per cent. of flour; that in order to procure food of sufficient nourishment poultry producers are obliged to depend largely on foreign offals; and whether he will take steps to ensure that a larger proportion of flour is left in British offals?

I have no information to the effect that the quantities of flour contained in British and Continental wheat offals respectively are so low as stated in the question. Furthermore, my present information does not show that the standard quantities of wheatings and super wheatings now produced by Britain are inferior to wheat offals imported from abroad. I understand, in fact, that in their administration of the Wheat Act it is the practice of the Wheat Commission to tolerate at least 15 per cent. of flour in parcels described as "wheat offals," and that full use is made by British millers of this tolerance. The third part of the question would not seem therefore to arise.

As the information in the question was given to me by men engaged in the scientific breeding of poultry in this country, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to ascertain whether the percentages mentioned are correct?

I have given the information that is in my possession. If the Noble Lady has any information to the contrary, I shall be glad to examine it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a growing feeling among farmers that they would rather have more British offals and keep out imported flour?

asked the Prime Minister whether the working of quotas has been under investigation by the Government; and whether it is anticipated that there will be any change of policy in this connection in the near future?

asked the Prime Minister whether the possibility is under consideration of abandoning all existing quota schemes for controlling the import of agricultural produce into this country and substituting other methods, in view of the abuse of these quotas; and, if so, by whom such examination is being carried out and by what date it is anticipated that the change will be made?

As the Lord President of the Council informed the hon. Member for South Shields (Mr. H. Johnstone) on the 28th February, the Government have often stated that in their view quantitative regulation of imports is not necessarily in all cases, and, I may add, for all time, the most appropriate method of assisting the home agricultural industry. The circumstances of each case are different, and it would not be possible to lay down a general rule. A wide variety of methods have, in fact, been adopted to meet the differing requirements of the industry under widely variable conditions. The Government have the situation under constant review and if, at any time, it appears to them, in any particular case, that the desired object can be better achieved by some other method, they are always prepared to make such changes as may be necessary as soon as it is practicable to do so.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he proposes to take with reference to the increased import of exceptionally low-priced Japanese shirts and the increase of unemployment arising from it?

The question of an increase in the import duty on these goods is, in the first instance, one for the Import Duties Advisory Committee. It is open to the interests concerned to apply to that committee.

In view of the difficulty, of which my right hon. Friend will be 'aware, that small industries like this have in getting together to formulate an application, will he try to help in some way, because of the unemployment which arises from this competition?

No matter how small an industry may be, I am sure the committee will give them a hearing.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give the figures for the imports of Japanese cotton goods into this country for January and February; if there is any fall over similar periods last year; and if any fresh action is proposed to modify the rate of import duty now in force?

The total value of the imports of cotton yarns and of manufactures of cotton, other than apparel, in January and February, 1935, was £361,390, of which the amount consigned from Japan was £ 32,732. The corresponding figures for 1934 were £ 371,287 and £ 21,031. It will be seen that the imports from Japan represent a small proportion of the total imports from all sources, and that these total imports have declined. The question of any modification of the rate of import duty, if the cotton industry should consider modification necessary, is, as my hon. Friend is aware, for consideration in the first instance by the Import Duties Advisory Committee.

In view of the particular reference to the smaller firms dealing with made-up goods like shirts, is it not significant that the import of Japanese goods is eight times more this year than it was last year, taking it on the January basis? Will the right hon. Gentleman not take some steps to assist these small industries to put their case before the Advisory Committee?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the import of wheat flour, in contradistinction to wheat in grain, is detrimental to important interests of this country, in that British mills are thereby sidetracked and also the valuable wheat offals are lost to this country; and whether he will take steps to discourage the importation of wheat flour in favour of wheat in grain?

As regards the first part of the question I would refer to the answer given on the 25th March to the hon. and gallant Member for Louth (Lieut.-Colonel Heneage) by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture. With regard to the second part, my hon. and gallant Friend will no doubt be aware that the Import Duties Advisory Committee both last year and in 1933 considered an application for an additional duty on foreign flour and decided to make no recommendation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will arrange for separate statistics to be kept of the imports into this country during the present month and the following two months of all badges, medals, emblems, and souvenirs for sale in con- nection with the celebration of His Majesty's Silver Jubilee; and whether he will also have prepared for circulation a list of those importing such articles, so that retailers may be able to avoid distributing them if they wish?

I regret that my hon. Friend's suggestions are impracticable.

Is it not possible for the Government to tell the country who are the super-patriots who are buying this stuff from abroad?

Will my right lion. Friend issue a statement to the Press of the country discouraging the sale of this foreign rubbish?

Does not the Co-operative Society buy stuff from abroad?

The Co-operative Society does not buy rubbish like this, but good material.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received any further protest from the Canadian Government with regard to the revised contract for the importation of timber into this country for 1935 by Timber Distributors, Limited; and whether he proposes to take any further steps to secure fair treatment for Dominion importers of timber in this connection?

I received yesterday a further communication from the High Commissioner for Canada. It is now under consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the net result of the elimination of the fall clause in the new contract is that all Russian timber is coming in 10 per cent. cheaper than timber can be economically be produced either in this country or in the Dominions?

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into account the position of English manufacturers of doors and the adverse effect which they are experiencing owing to the unfair and unreasonable competition from Canada?

The contract which has been made between Timber Distributors, Limited, and the Soviet Union is not for manufactured articles.

Canada.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the recent decline in British trade with China and of its value to this country through the balance being in our favour, he will consider the possibility of improving the present position by means of effecting some new trade agreement with China that will lead to better mutual co-operation?

Recent statistics show an improvement in our trade with China. I do not think it would be useful to enter into trade negotiations at the present time, but I am watching the situation closely.

Will the hon. Gentleman assure the House that he will not undertake any further negotiations with China to the prejudice of the British poultry industry with regard to the importation of Chinese eggs?

asked the Lord President of the Council the present position with regard to the possible introduction of an enabling Bill for a levy on all firms in an industry for co-operative research; and whether the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research has now received replies from the existing research associations?

The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research has now received replies from practically all existing research associations on the subject of whether, in their opinion, the industries they serve are likely to favour the introduction of an Enabling Bill for a levy on all firms in an industry for cooperative research. The replies indicate that there has been some change of a, favourable nature towards the principle involved, but the trend of opinion expressed does not lead to the hope that the powers of such a statute would be widely exercised.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there appears to be a majority in favour of legislation?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the inquiry, under Lord Merrivale, into the recent loss of certain British ships will be solely confined to the causes of those particular losses, or whether it will be empowered to examine the general provisions in existence at the present time to prevent ships proceeding td sea in an unseaworthy condition?

While the Formal Investigation into the recent loss of four British ships will be confined to those particular losses, the Court will have before it the existing general provisions applying to the class of ship to which the ships in question belonged.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the approximate numbers, respectively, of British-born seamen, seamen who are British subjects but not British-born, and alien seamen in the British mercantile marine?

The number of sea men employed in British ships is ascertained only at a date when a census of seamen is taken and the latest census at which any subdivision of British subjects was made is that relating to seamen employed on 26th April, 1931. I am circulating the particulars in the OFFICIAL REPORT, together with certain less detailed information obtained at the census taken on 15th June, 1933.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the next census is due?

I think that it is due about the middle of this year, but I am not quite sure.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many alien seamen and coloured seamen, respectively, have been signed on at British ports during the last 12 months?

The information available is as follows:

Engagements at ports in Great Britain and Northern Ireland for the year ended 31st December last show:

Foreigners, other than Asiatics and Africans	6,724
Chinese	1,584
Arabs	3,101
Other Asiatics and Africans	4,722

The total number of engagements was 407, 472.

The figures relate to the number of engagements and not to individual seamen.

Does my right hon. Friend realise the great uneasiness and resentment that exists in the minds of British seamen when they see their jobs being taken by foreigners and coloured seamen, and will he direct attention to the matter?

Yes, Sir, some steps have been taken, and I have no doubt that more will be taken to increase the amount of employment of British seamen to the exclusion of others.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many in the figures given were subjects of the British Empire

No, Sir, I am afraid that I cannot; I am not sure that we have that sub-division.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is stated in the Press this morning that 1,000 naturalisation forms were handed out to foreign seamen yesterday in Cardiff, and, if I give him particulars, will he let me have an answer by Thursday, as I intend to take up the Matter?

I do not know that I could let the hon. Gentleman have an answer, but I shall be glad to have any particulars which he can send to me.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the decrease in the employment of foreign sailors is not so large as the decrease in the employment of British sailors in the last few years?

That is quite likely, because the number of British sailors is very much larger.

The percentage, I mean.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether it is anticipated that any loss will fall upon the Treasury as a result of the liquidation of the White Star Line; and, if so, to what extent?

No, Sir. The White Star Line, Limited, have not borrowed any money under Treasury guarantee. The loans of that character raised by the subsidiary company, namely, the Oceanic Steam Navigation Company, are not affected by the liquidation to which the question refers.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the sufferings of certain incapacitated war orphans as a result of the regulation which precludes allowance being paid after the age of 21; whether he will seek authority to enable allowances to be continued in the case of totally incapacitated war orphans for so long as the infirmity exists; whether he will consider specially the case of Ada Marion Edwards, daughter of the late Private William Edwards, No. 5,765, Middlesex Regiment, who died on 30th November, 1934, in view of the fact that this war orphan is suffering from curvature of the spine and paralysis of the legs and is unable to contribute to her self-support?

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the position of certain incapacitated war orphans as a result of the regulation which precludes allowance being paid after the age of 21; whether he will seek authority which will enable allowances to be continued in the case of totally incapacitated war orphans for so long as the infirmity exists; and whether, when looking into this matter, he will specially consider the case of Lily Maud Roberts, daughter of the late Driver Thomas Roberts, No. 109,779, Army Service Corps, who died on 15th September, 1924, as she is suffering from cardiac debility and is unable to contribute in any way to her self-support?

I understand that both the young persons referred to are living with their mothers, who are in receipt of a widow's pension under the Royal Pensions Warrants. For the reasons given by me in my reply to similar proposals made by the hon. and gallant Members for Northampton and Coventry on the 27th ultimo, of which I am sending copies to the hon. Members, I am unable to adopt the course suggested.

Seeing that the Government made it a national responsibility to maintain these children when they were young, does not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman believe that it is essential on the part of the Government to extend their obligations to those who are incapacitated, because they are not being maintained and would have been maintained if their fathers had not made the supreme sacrifice?

No, Sir, as the hon. Member has referred to the Government, I would remind him that all Governments, including the last Government, have been in agreement with the decision which I have just announced. With regard to this particular point, I could not accept the proposal to give these children war pensions for life for infirmities which were not attributable to the war, when ex-service men themselves have no right to pensions in similar circumstances.

Does not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman realise that their predicament is on account of the War and their fathers having been killed in the War?

The infirmities of these men and women who have now grown up are in no way due to the War.

If the War had not occurred, would not some of the infirmities have been—

Mr. Mander.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that Messrs. Corbett Goodwin, Limited, cask manufacturers, Burslem, are paying for Post Office contracts a rate of wages of Is. an hour, whereas the rate as agreed by the National Joint Industrial Council of the cooperage industry is 1s. 5d. per hour; and whether he will take steps to remove this firm from the list of Post Office contractors in view of their failure to observe the terms of the fair wages clause?

I have already had full inquiry made into this matter. It appears that no agreement governing wages is recognised by cooperage firms in the Potteries and that Messrs. Corbett Goodwin, Limited, pay their coopers rates of wages not less favourable than those prevailing amongst good employers in the industry in the district. As, therefore, the conditions of the fair wages clause in their contract with the Post Office are being duly observed, there is no case for removing this firm from the list of Post Office contractors.

Is it not usual for the Post Office to recognise the decisions of joint industrial councils for the purposes of the fair wages clause, and is not this a direct infraction of the national agreement?

Not at all. Where there is a. national wage rate and it is recognised in a district, it is binding on Post Office contractors, but where a national rate is not recognised in a district the Post Office is guided by the action of good employers in the district.

In consequence of the differences of interpretation of the fair wages clause, will the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of bringing the heads of Departments together to agree that the wages recognised by the joint industrial council should be regarded as the fair wage?

I will consider that.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I shall raise this matter at an early date.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of George Trinder, of Shepherd's Bush, who, together with two friends, was charged at Acton Petty Sessions with loitering; whether he is aware that two plain-clothes officers testified that the accused entered a Chiswick shop at noon and came out with a parcel and one of them looked into a motor car; whether, as the magistrate dismissed the case after only hearing police evidence and as no evidence was given against Trinder, who had to pay a solicitor five guineas for his defence, some recompense will now be made to this young man of good character who has suffered injury; and whether, in view of this further evidence of unwarranted police activity against decent citizens, he will take steps to have these practices reviewed?

I have carefully investigated the circumstances of this case. In discharging these men the chairman of the magistrates added that in the opinion of the bench the police were quite right in making the arrest and bringing the matter before the court to be investigated. In these circumstances, I am satisfied that the case is not one in which the payment of compensation would be justified.

Is the Home Secretary aware that I was present in court and that the chief grounds of police suspicion were that two of the young men had gone into a shop and come out with a parcel, but, on being searched, they discovered a paid bill; that one of the young men was carrying an overcoat which on investigation proved to be his own, and that it was also alleged that they looked into a motor car. When the evidence was heard the magistrates immediately dismissed the case. In view of the humiliation caused and the financial interests involved, does the right hon. Gentleman not think that these men should be recompensed?

All I can say is that I have looked very carefully into this case and have considered it, but, in view of what the magistrates said, I had no alternative but to take the course that I have taken.

Will the right hon. Gentleman go a little deeper into this matter, especially in view of the fact that several cases of this kind have arisen within the same area in London, and that there seems to be something wrong somewhere?

May I press the Home Secretary? Is he not aware that these arrests for loitering in London are becoming very frequent? Will he make some inquiry into the number of arrests for loitering that have been made?

It is part of my duty to go carefully into all these matters. When this particular case came before the court the magistrates deliberately stated that in their view the arrest was correct and that they should be brought before the court.

Does the question not arise—

The hon. Member cannot argue the matter.

May I not ask the Home Secretary a further question? It is a matter of great importance.

The hon. Member has already asked his questions and received answers.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of his letters to magistrates exhorting them to enforce the speed limit by penalties, he can state whether he has sent any letter in the last four years to magistrates in general calling their attention to the need for enforcing the ordinary laws as regards motorists; and when such communication was issued?

Yes, Sir. A circular was issued on 22nd January, 1934, inviting the views of magistrates as to the desirability of extending the power to suspend driving licences; and another circular was issued on 28th September drawing attention to some of the new provisions contained in the Road Traffic Act, 1934. I am sending my hon. Friend copies of these circulars.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that the use of the Royal Albert Hall has been repeatedly refused to certain political organisations while it has been granted to others, he will introduce legislation to amend the Royal Albert Hall Acts so as to prevent any political considerations affecting the choice of persons to whom the use of the hall is granted?

No, Sir.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is discrimination against organisations holding certain views, and will he inform the trustees that that must cease?

No, Sir. The Albert Hall Acts are Private Acts for which no Government has any responsibility.

asked the Minister of Labour how many British-born seamen are at present unemployed?

The number of unemployed seamen, aged 18 and over, on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Great Britain at 28th January, 1935, the latest date for which figures are available, was 37,58.5. Separate statistics in respect of British-born seamen are not available.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are nearly 50,000 foreign and coloured seamen employed on British ships, and has his Department any plans for putting British sailors into those foreign seamen's jobs?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the figures quoted include British coloured seamen who are domiciled in Great Britain?

I have said that separate statistics on the point are not available.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons receiving benefit from the unemployment insurance fund, and the number receiving payments from the Unemployment Assistance Board, in the County of Durham, including the boroughs?

At 25th February, 1935, the numbers of persons on the registers of employment exchanges in the County of Durham, including the associated county boroughs, with claims admitted for insurance benefit and unemployment allowances were 41,229 and 80,532, respectively.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when the Government propose to take steps to find work for these people?

The matter is receiving constant attention.

When will you make a beginning? You have done nothing yet.

asked the Minister of Labour how many countries have signed the draft convention in connection with fee-charging agencies; whether His Majesty's Government are signatories; and, if not, whether he will state the reason why they did not sign the draft convention

So far as I am aware the international labour convention concerning fee-charging employment agencies has not yet been ratified by any country. The reasons why it has not been ratified by His Majesty's Government are set out in a recent White Paper (Cmd. 4846) of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman sufficient evidence in his office to prove the very unfair way in which these fee agencies are dealing with people who apply for work?

If the hon. Member will look at the White Paper, he will see our reasons set out in full.

asked the Prime Minister whether an opportunity will be given to the House before the Easter adjournment to discuss the adequacy of the defences of this country and the coordination of the services, in view of the altered conditions in Europe since the last Debate?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of recent developments in the field of foreign affairs, he will give the House an opportunity of discussing the joint responsibilities of the three defence services with regard to national and imperial security and with regard also to our obligations under the Covenant and the Treaty of Locarno?

I am afraid that in the present state of public business the Government canont give a special opportunity for a Debate on Imperial Defence.

Is the Prime Minister aware that the increases in certain Continental forces raise serious doubts in the minds of many of his supporters as to whether the relative strength of British forces as laid down by the Lord President of the Council in his speech last November is being maintained? When will the House have an opportunity of considering this question, which is of fundamental importance?

There are various occasions on which the question can be raised, and perhaps the right hon. Member will have a word with me on the matter.

Has the attention of the Prime Minister been drawn to a recent statement by the Secretary of State for War, who pointed out the serious depletion of the forces of the Government in arms, personnel and reserves? Is it not essential that this vital matter of national defence should be discussed by the House of Commons at an early date?

Are we to take it that the visits of the Foreign Secretary and the Lord Privy Seal to the Continent have not substantially altered the situation?

asked the Prime Minister whether, during the visit of Dominion representatives to this country for the Jubilee, opportunity will be taken to discuss the question of closer co-operation between the defence services of the United Kingdom and those of the Dominions, with a view to obtaining united action in all matters relating to Imperial defence?

As was stated in this House by the Lord President of the Council on the 30th July last, advantage will be taken of the presence of Dominion representatives in this country to discuss personally and informally any questions of particular importance outstanding. No precise agenda has been laid down but I think that my hon. and gallant Friend may be assured that questions connected with defence will not be overlooked.

Will His Majesty's Government in this country take the opportunity of suggesting to the Dominions that a contribution from their country towards the cost of Imperial defence would be very opportune at this moment?

Can the Prime Minister assure the House that a representative of the Territorial Army will attend these deliberations?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the present hardship to lay tithe-owners because the valuation for rating purposes of the tithes is based on the full tithe payable and the lay tithe-owners are being compelled to pay rates on the full amount, which in many instances they cannot collect, less a small percentage for costs of collection which is less than the actual costs incurred, and that the Inland Revenue realise these difficulties and grant refunds of income tax; and will he, pending the report, of the Tithe Commission and possible legislation, take some steps to remedy the position?

I am aware of the grievance, and I understand that in some parts of the country tithe rent-charge is being reassessed annually so as to take account of difficulties in collection among the factors which influence its valuation for rating. I cannot however hold out hope of any Government action in anticipation of the report of the Royal Commission which is now sitting.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will state the grounds upon which the British Government has been exercising pressure on Abyssinia not to take her dispute with Italy to the League of Nations?

His Majesty's Government have not been exercising any such pressure.

When the Foreign Secretary meets Mussolini will he be good enough to ask him what his object is in regard to Abyssinia?

I will bear the hon. Member's suggestion in mind.

And give him my compliments.

Do I understand from the answer that the right hon. Gentleman has no objection whatever to Abyssinia bringing her case before the Council of the League of Nations?