asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the recent currency changes in Belgium, he will take the initiative in recommending the Tariff Advisory Committee to raise the duty on Belgian bricks in order to protect British employment in the brick industry?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the increasing imports of caŕpets from Belgium competing with the manufactures of this country and the likelihood of more intensive competition from that country in view of the devaluation of the belga, he will himself make a special representation to the Import Duties Committee, pointing out the situation which arises from this circumstance and the necessity for an increased duty on these imports?

I would refer my hon. Friends to the full answer given to the hon. Member for Lincoln (Mr. Liddall) on the 4th April.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that immediate action is required; otherwise, a large number of men will be turned out of employment in the brick industry; and that a really ruthless tariff is required and not merely 10 per cent.?

If my hon. and gallant Friend had retained in his memory the answer given on Thursday last, he would have seen that provision is made for immediate action if necessary.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many industries are very alarmed about the present position and will he consider advising the Import Duties Advisory Committee to recommend adequate duties, and, should the price level in Belgium rise at a later date adjustments could be again made?

It is because industries were alarmed that the answer was given on Thursday last.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what findings were arrived at by the. Canadian Tariff Board on the application of the British boot and shoe trade representatives for a reduction in the import duty on ladies' leather footwear?

I am informed that the Canadian Tariff Board have not recommended any alteration in the existing import duty on boots and shoes from this country. I am expecting to receive a summary of the Tariff Board's findings during the next few days, and I will send a copy to my hon. and gallant Friend.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that under the present arrangements Canadian goods of this class come here free while we suffer a tariff of 55 per cent.; that our trade with Canada is fast failing, and that their trade has increased by 3,000 per cent. in the last four years; and can he not make representations to the Canadian authorities?

When the matter comes up for discussion with the Canadian authorities, I will certainly bear that fact in mind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the present ad valorem tax on hand-made boots and shoes imposed by the Australian Government, plus freight and landing charges, amounts to 98 per cent.; whether such hand-made shoes are manufactured in Australia; and whether he will take steps to draw the attention of the Australian Government to the matter, with a view to a fairer adjustment on the higher value article?

The Australian duty on hand-made boots and shoes was recently investigated by the Tariff Board, and the United Kingdom industry submitted a case for a reduction of the present duty which amounts to 38¾ per cent. ad valorem, including primage duty. The report of the Tariff Board is not yet available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what rate of duty is charged by Canada as a preferential duty on boots and shoes imported from this country; and how that rate compares with that charged by the United States of America on similar goods?

The Canadian duty on United Kingdom boots and shoes is 22½ per cent. ad valorem. The duty on leather boots and shoes in the United States of America is 10 per cent. ad valorem or 30 per cent. ad valorem according to tariff classification.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider taking action from this side to call the attention of the Canadian authorities to the vast injury that is being done to the hand-sewn trade, rather than wait till the matter comes up?

We have provided under the Ottawa Agreements for a periodical survey of this kind, and I will see that this subject is mentioned.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know when the next survey will be made in reference to the boot and shoe position?

I am afraid I cannot say.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of the total exports from this country of steel products was manufactured from foreign imported steel in the years 1932, 1933 and 1934?

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of haematite iron ore imported into this country in each of the last three years, showing separately the amount imported into the port of Workington?

I regret that the information asked for in the first part of the question is not available, as imports of haematite iron ore are not separately recorded. Imports of iron ore into the port of Workington, including Harrington, amounted to 99,943 tons in 1932 and 143,090 tons in 1933. I understand that the bulk of these imports consisted of haematite iron ore. The corresponding figure for 1934 is not yet available.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is possible to prohibit the import of haematite iron ore into this country?

No, Sir, I do not think that would be a practical proposition.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he can give any information about the special committee set up by the French Government to consider the increased duties imposed upon iron and steel products by His Majesty's Government; and whether the French Government has made any representations in the matter;

(2) whether he has received any report concerning the demand made by Belgian steel manufacturers upon their Government requesting that strong protests be entered against the increased British duties, and concerning the proposed list of British products to be excluded from Belgium as a retaliatory measure?

Representations have been made expressing the concern of the French and Belgian Governments at the recent increase in the duties on certain iron and steel products, but I have no information on the other matters referred to.

asked the Secretary for Mines the amount of haematite iron ore used in this country during each of the last three years?

It is estimated that the quantity of iron ore used in this country in the manufacture of haematite pigiron in 1932 was 1,377,000 tons, in 1933, 1,901,000 tons and in 1934, 2,600,000 tons.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will ask the Tariff Advisory Board to con sider whether more efficient protection could be given to British millers, without damage to other British interests, by the substitution of a specific duty per sack of imported flour for the ad valorem duty which is at present imposed?

It is open to British millers to make an application to the Import Duties Advisory Committee for the substitution of a specific for an ad valorem duty if they so desire.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Canadian Government have reduced the duty upon Scotch whisky to £1 per proof gallon, and has, in addition, cancelled the import tax of 1½ per cent. on the duty-paid price; and whether he will inquire into the effect upon the revenue of Canada of the previous higher duty?

I have been asked to reply. It is the case that reductions on approximately the scale indicated have recently been made in the British preferential Customs Duty upon various spirits, including whisky, imported into Canada. As regards the second part of the question, I will ascertain what information is available, and communicate further with my hon. and learned Friend.

Would not a larger revenue be obtained if the price were reduced? Is it not the case that, whereas the British whisky trade used to pay 20 per cent. of the taxation of this country, it now only pays 4 per cent., because the tax is so high that the trade is killed?

Would the hon. Gentleman inquire what effect an increased consumption of whisky has on the social, moral and spiritual well-being of the people?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the particulars of tariff items that have been considered by the Canadian Tariff Board on the application of manufacturers in this country in pursuance of the Ottawa Agreements, and the results of all such applications?

As the answer is necessarily of a detailed nature and

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any recommendation has been received from the Import Duties Advisory Committee as to the rate of duty upon imported wooden furniture; and, if so, when the recommendation will be published?

:I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on the 22nd May, 1933, to my hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire South (Mr. Emrys-Evans), of which. I am sending him a copy.

asked The Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will take steps to associate the veterans of the South African War in the forthcoming Jubilee celebrations; and whether any special financial assistance will be accorded to this class of ex-service men?

Special arrangements can be made only for those ex-service men who are members of one of the associations. A number of veterans of the South African War will, of course, be included among the representatives of ex-service men's associations and the in-pensioners of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, for whom places will be found along the route of the Royal Procession on 6th May. As regards the last part of the question, no special financial assistance is being accorded to any ex-service men.

:Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the position of the nurses, including the overseas nurses?

That does not arise Out of this question. I would rather that another question be put down.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether facilties will be offered to Members of Parliament for participating in any Silver Jubilee functions other than witnessing the procession from the stand in the Mall; and, if so, whether he will state their nature?

There is no function in which the House of Commons will participate as a body except the ceremony in Westminster Hall on 9th May, but a number of hon. Members as indivduals will no doubt receive invitations with their wives to other functions mentioned in the published programme. Special facilities will be offered to Members in connection with the Naval, Military and Air Force Reviews.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he has yet received the recommendations of the committee appointed to examine the promotion situation in the Army Educational Corps?

No, Sir. The report of this committee has not yet been submitted to the Army Council.

Has my hon. Friend any idea when this report is likely to be available?

If my hon. Friend will put down a question after Easter, I may be able to give him a reply.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that a territorial soldier has no security against the loss of civil pension rights on mobilisation, whether he be in the service of a civil department of the Crown or of a local authority; and if steps will be taken to remedy this matter on the lines of the Local Government (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1916?

I am aware of the position. As regards civil servants no legislation would be necessary, and in point of fact in the late War military service was allowed to count towards civil pension. As regards the pensionable employés of local authorities legislation would be required.

Will my right hon. Friend have regard to the fact that potential recruits in these classes are not joining the Territorials for fear of what their position might be on mobilisation, and will he give further consideration to the matter?

I cannot disguise the fact that I have every sympathy with my Noble Friend in his desire, but this question does not rest with the War Office alone. I am led to believe that any legislation with regard to local authorities would probably have to be introduced by the Ministry of Health and not by my Department. With regard to legislation, perhaps my Noble Friend would address a question to the Leader of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can now intimate the decision of the investigating committee in regard to the complaint made by the Association of Certified and Grade A (T.T.) Milk Producers in regard to the Scottish Milk Marketing Scheme?

The findings of the committee were announced in reply to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Berwick and Haddington (Captain McEwen) on 20th February, of which a copy is being sent to the Noble Lady. An order will now be made to give effect to the proposal that the contribution payable in respect of certified milk sold as such, should be at the rate of one half-penny a gallon, with retrospective effect as from 1st May, 1934.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the memorial of the Retired Teachers' Association of Scotland with regard to the superannuation allowances for pre-1919 retired teachers; and whether he proposes to take action with a view to fixing these superannuation allowances on the basis of salary and years of service, in order to bring them into conformity with present-day practice?

The memorial referred to restates certain claims which have been very carefully considered both by my right hon. Friend and by his predecessor in office in 1930. On 25th January last a deputation from the association placed their views on the subject before the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, who informed them that, after the fullest consideration, no hope of any addition to the concessions granted to the teachers in question in 1919 and 1925 could be held out. My right hon. Friend regrets that he can find no ground for reopening this matter.

In view of the fact that the numbers are so small and that the teachers in question are so very old and infirm, could the hon. and learned Gentleman not see his way to make some concession?

The matter is really too complicated for discussion by way of question and answer. If my hon. Friend wishes, my right hon. Friend will send him an explanatory statement.

Does the hon. and learned Gentleman realise that the only complication in the matter is the expenditure by the Scottish Office of£1,000 or so?

In view of the small salaries that these people enjoyed during their teaching life, of their small number, and of their advanced age— they must be at least 81—will not my hon. and learned Friend be willing to reconsider this question?

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman impress on the Government that if they can give £20,000 a day to the beet-sugar industry they might give an extra £1,000 a year to these teachers?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, when colliery amalgamations take place and persons are put out of employment through it, there is any scheme in operation among colliery companies to pay compensation to such displaced workers according to length of service?

I am not aware of any such scheme.

Will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries through his Department as there are many people being put out of work through amalgamations? I understand that some sections are compensated, and the information would be of interest.

I know of one or two cases where there are arrangements made by firms. The question is about schemes, and I do not know about them. On the other hand if the hon. Member asks about compulsory amalgamations under the Act, that is not my responsibility, and the case of the persons affected should be put before the tribunal when the schemes are being considered.

When the Socialist party brought in the second part of the Act of 1930, did they have this in view?

The hon. Member cannot expect me to answer that question.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give figures of the export of coal from this country to the Argentine in 1931, 1932, 1933 and 1934?

The quantity of coal exported from this country to the Argentine in 1931 was 2,091,218 tons; in 1932, 1,846,464 tons; in 1933, 1,852,122 tons and in 1934, 1,937,066 tons.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of colliery companies operating in Great Britain; the number of directors appointed by such companies; and the total salaries paid to colliery directors in 1931 and in 1931, giving separate figures for Lancashire and Cheshire?

The number of separate owners of coal mines in Great Britain was 1,156 in 1931 and 1,142 in 1934. The corresponding figures for Lancashire and Cheshire were 97 and 87 respectively. I regret that the only information available as to the other part, of the question is that contained in the report of the Royal Commission on the Coal Industry (1925) where it is stated, with reference to fees, that "their amount is negligible—less than ½per ton."

asked the Secretary for Mines the total quantity and percentage of coal cut by machinery in South Wales and Monmouthshire in 1913, and for each year from 1920 to 1934, inclusive?

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

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of coal-cutting machines and conveyors in use in the coal mines of Great Britain for the year 1934?

During the year 1934, 7,406 coal-cutting machines and 5,369 conveyors were in use at mines under the Coal Mines Act in Great Britain.

asked the Secretary for Mines the quantity of coal consumed in Great Britain during the years 1930, 1931, 1932, 1933 and 1934?

The quantity of coal available for consumption in Great Britain in the year 1930 was 166,580,000 tons, in 1931 155,680,000 tons, in 1932 149,500,000 tons, in 1933 148,370,000 tons, and in 1934 161,470,000 tons.

Has the hon. Gentleman any separate figures of the amount of coal consumed by gas companies and electric generating stations?

I should require notice of that question, and I am not sure that I could give the information in that form.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of collieries where man-riding haulages are in operation; and whether he will also consider having this question investigated so that man-riding haulages shall be put in use at all collieries when the distance from the shaft bottom to the coal face reaches a certain point?

I regret that the information asked for in the first part of the question is not available. The answer to the second part is that distance is by no means the only consideration, and that it depends on the circumstances of the particular case whether it is reasonably practicable to make safe provision for riding men.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that when there are long distances to travel underground man-riding haulage is a great help to the workmen?

I will bear that point in mind.

Does the hon. Gentleman also know that, while these men are walking three miles underground to get to the coal face, they are not earning a penny piece?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has yet considered the report of the Committee on Over-winding Prevention; and what action he proposes to take?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has considered the report of the Overwinding Prevention Committee; and can he say what action he proposes to take with regard to it?

It is not quite a fortnight since the report was published, and a reasonable opportunity must be allowed for it to be studied by the parties concerned before I discuss with them what action shall be taken.

Will the hon. Gentleman be able to make a statement when he presents his Estimates to the House?

I am not sure about that. If the hon. Member is very much interested, I will let him know when I am in a position to make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that rich iron ore deposits, reported to aggregate 98 million tons of 68 per cent. of iron ore above water level, are in a group of three small Australian islands in the Yampi Sound, north-west of Australia, and have been leased by the Australian Government to a Japanese syndicate, the ore to be worked by Australian labour and shipped to Japan; and whether the imperial aspects of this development were discussed by the Dominions Office before the concession was granted?

My information is that no lease of the islands referred to, or of any iron ore deposits which exist there, has been granted to Japanese interests. The latter part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Postmaster-General whether it is the practice of the Post Office, as a model employer in industries where a joint industrial council exists, to recognise the rates of wages fixed in connection with the fair wages clause of the House of Commons, and the reasons why this is not done in the case of the National Joint Industrial Council of the cooperage industry: and whether he is aware that Wolverhampton employers who pay the Joint Industrial Council rate of Is. 5d. per hour are losing business with the Post Office because of the competition of employers at Burslem, in the same county, who only pay Is. per hour?

All contracts for the Post Office service include a clause embodying the Fair Wages Resolution of the House of Commons. In accordance with this clause where a rate of wages fixed by a National Joint Industrial Council is commonly recognised by employers and trade societies in the trade in the district where the work is carried out the contractor is bound by the terms of his contract to pay such a rate. In the absence of such recognised wages in the district concerned the contractor is bound to pay not less than those which in practice prevail amongst good employers in that district. In regard to the cooperage industry, I have no reason to suppose on the evidence before me that there has been a breach of the Fair Wages Clause so far as contracts entered into by the Post Office are concerned. I am aware that a cooperage contract has been secured by an employer at Burslem, who pays lower rates than his competitors at Wolvèrhampton, but I have no infórmation as regards the extent to which the difference between the tendered prices was due to wage or other factors.

Is my hon. Friend aware that there are a number of firms near Burslem in the Potteries who are paying the proper rate of 1s. 5d., and is it the view of the Post Office that a good employer is one who pays 5d. per hour less than the Joint Industrial Council rate?

In adhering to the terms of the Fair Wages Resolution we have been following the precedents set by every Government since 1910, including the last Labour Government.

If the hon. Gentleman finds on inquiry that any previous Government has made a mistake in this connection, will he, belonging to this Government, correct it?

If I am able to prove to my lion. Friend that the facts are as stated, will he be good enough to reconsider the matter?

asked the Postmaster-General by whom the general advisory council of the British Broadcasting Corporation was appointed, and what its functions will be?

I understand that this advisory council has been appointed by the British Broadcasting Corporation, in accordance with the provisions of Clause 9 of their Charter, to advise them on matters of policy.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that in this distinguished collection of bishops, schoolmasters and Socialists there is not a single person to cater for the wants of the ordinary man, who, after a hard day's work, wants some amusement and not instruction?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether Air Force stations will be open to the public on Empire Air Day, Saturday, 25th May; and whether the Air Force will assist by demonstration flights

I am glad to be able to say that the general interest shown in the Air Day held last year amply justifies my Noble Friend in making similar arrangements to throw open Royal Air Force stations to the public on 25th May this year. The details have not yet been finally settled, particularly as regards the flying to be carried out, but my hon. Friend may be assured that our intention is to enable as many visitors as possible to see the Royal Air Force at its daily work and to witness whatever flying can be included within the normal programme of training.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the recommendation of the Gorell Committee on the subject of the medical requirements on the renewal of B-licences by captains of large air-liners has been put into effect?

The Air Ministry is prepared to put this recommendation into effect in appropriate cases.

May I ask whether this is actually in effect now in any case which has cropped up?

No, Sir, no case has arisen.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the relative strength of the British and German Air Forces in first-line aircraft has altered since the last official figures were given?

If all relevant factors are taken into account, we believe that the Royal Air Force has still a margin of superiority over the German Air Force. Nevertheless, the rate of Germany's air development is such as to cause His Majesty's Government grave concern, and the situation will need close and continuous watchfulness in order that any necessary alterations may be made in our own programme, should circumstances so demand.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether, in view of the serious anxiety which is felt by many of us over the complete discrepancy between the official figures given recently and those given by Herr Hitler to the Foreign Secretary, he will be able to produce figures in time for the Debate which my right hon. Friend the Member for Epping (Mr. Churchill) and I have asked for, and which we have reason to believe will take place soon after Easter, so that we may know what the position is?

My Noble Friend knows that it is very difficult to get accurate and precise figures. Herr Hitler has claimed parity with the Royal Air Force in numbers, but, as I said in my Estimates' speech, first-line strength is only one of the factors that have to be taken into account in assessing the real military value of an Air Force.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the source of the inaccurate information which His Majesty's Government have? Have we not an Air Attaché in Berlin who is charged with the duty of providing this sort of information?

He gives us all the information he can.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what is the present monthly production of new first-line aeroplanes for the air forces of this country and of Germany, respectively?

The German Government have not, so far as I am aware, made public any figures of their current production of aircraft, nor, to date, has it been the practice of any Continental nation to do so. Unless and until such figures are disclosed by other countries, my noble Friend is of the opinion that it would be contrary to the public interest to disclose our own figures. I am, therefore, unable to add to the broad statement which I made in introducing Air. Estimates, namely, that we shall be ordering over 1,000 machines of all types in the course of the current financial year.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any decision has yet been reached on the question of unemployment insurance for agricultural workers?

:No, Sir.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the Bill will be brought in this Session, and does he appreciate the position of the agricultural workers who are out of employment and now have to go to the Public Assistance Authority?

I quite realise the position.

asked the Minister of Labour the average weekly wage, in terms of British currency, now paid to male hosiery and artificial silk workers in Japan; the amount of maintenance and other deductions there from; and the comparable wages paid in this country?

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

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether his attention has been called to the very great difference between the standards of the workers, male and female, in Japan and their standards in this country, and to the relation which that must bear to the increasing unemployment in the hosiery trade in this country, and will he take that situation into account?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give a list of questions which must be answered by an unemployed person applying for payment under the Unemployment Assistance Board?

I have obtained from the Unemployment Assistance Board and am forwarding to The hon. Member a copy of the form on which applications for unemployment allowances are made.

Could not the right hon. Gentleman hand a copy to every Member? We are all interested in this subject, and what is useful to my hon. Friend will be useful to others.

I will certainly consider what I can do in order to make copies available.

Might I suggest that a copy of it might be printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

I think it might be more convenient for lion. Members to have copies.

May I suggest that it should be published in the "Labour Gazette"? Then it would be convenient for everybody.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has given consideration to the suggestion of imposing a quota on the number of foreign artistes permitted to take stage engagements in this country proportionate to the number of British artistes engaged for performances abroad?

I do no think the method of fixing a quota is a practicable one. Permits are not issued unless the Department is satisfied in each case that they ought not to be refused.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the amount of unemployment which exists in the British entertainment profession among artistes of at least equal merits?

That is one of the factors taken into consideration. I am afraid that the suggestion of the hon. and gallant Member is not practicable.

Would they not do better if they adopted Italian names?

May I ask whether any other country imposes a quota on permits granted to visiting artistes?

I could not answer that without notice.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the vulnerability of our existing oil supplies, he will make it a matter of urgency that the oilfield in the Dead Sea region shall be developed without delay, under reliable British direction, to provide a reliable supply of fuel for the Navy?

I do not altogether share the views of my hon. and gallant Friend regarding the vulnerability of our existing oil supplies, nor as to the urgency of developing this particular oilfield, if oil in quantity is found to exist. The Admiralty would, of course, welcome its development, but they consider that, from the Naval point of view, there is no need to take any special steps in this direction.

Is the First Lord of the Admiralty aware that the oil which has been discovered is considerably closer to the port than the existing supplies?

I am aware of that fact, but I also think that any further question on this point should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what proportion of the nursery schools in the country are regarded as full-time schools and so eligible to receive milk at reduced rates?

All the 61 nursery schools recognised for grant by the Board of Education are regarded as full-time schools and are eligible to participate in the scheme for the supply of milk at reduced rates. I have no information as to the number of unrecognised nursery schools, and am therefore unable to state the proportion of the grant-earning schools to the total number of schools which might be regarded as nursery schools.

Is it the policy of the Government to recognise well-conducted and well-established nursery schools?

If a nursery school makes out its case, it can be recognised.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the number of pupils attending the rate-aided secondary schools in Lancashire, including the county boroughs as well as the administrative county, and also the number of free places granted in such schools in 1931, 1934, and 1935?

In the area in question the number of pupils in secondary schools which were in receipt of aid from the rates on the 1st October, 1930, 1933 and 1934 was 32,537, 36,070 and 37,030 respectively. The number of free places or special places carrying total remission of fees awarded at the beginning of the school years 1930–31, 1933–34 and 1934–35 was 3,886, 3,585 and 3,663. At the beginning of the last two years there were in addition 442 and 434 awards of special places carrying partial remission of fees.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make with reference to the newly formed British Council for Relations with other Countries; what the scope of its activities will be and what grant from public funds it is proposed to make; whether the work already carried out on similar lines by the Institute of Intellectual Co-operation of the League of Nations will be borne in mind; and whether the new council will keep in contact with the National Committee of the League body now existing in this country?

The British Council for Relations with Other Countries is being established to promote abroad a wider knowledge of the English language, of English literature, art, music, science, education, institutions and other aspects of our national life. It will endeavour to undertake this work on a wider scale than has been possible hitherto and will seek to encourage and co-ordinate the activities of existing societies. It is proposed to ask for a grant of £6,000 from public funds for the financial year 1935–6. I understand that the council is already in contact with the National Committee of the Institute of Intellectual Co-operation of the League of Nations, and that in so far as the activities of these two bodies coincide, friendly collaboration will be maintained.

asked the Prime Minister whether the fact that the Dominion of New Zealand has now enacted legislation securing to New Zealand women the right to retain their nationality on marriage to an alien will affect the previous decision of His Majesty's Government, based on the desirability of preserving the uniformity of the law of nationality throughout the British Commonwealth, not to proceed with legislation in the United Kingdom to accord to a married woman the same rights in respect of nationality as are possessed by a man or a single woman; and whether this question will be the subject of discussion during the forthcoming meetings with representatives of the Dominions?

The. effect of the New Zealand legislation referred to in the first part of the right hon. Member's question is to provide that, within New Zealand, a woman British subject married to an alien shall, upon making a prescribed declaration, be entitled to all political and other rights, powers and privileges and be subject to all obligations, duties and liabilities to which a natural-born British subject is entitled or subject. The legislation was, I understand, framed in this form in order not to conflict with the general policy of maintaining uniformity of nationality legislation within the Empire and does not therefore affect the decision of the Government here to which the right hon. Member refers. As regards the second part of the question, as explained in the reply given by the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the hon. Member for Chippenham (Captain Cazalet) on 1st March last, the Government, as at present advised, do not feel that any useful purpose would be served by their raising with the Dominion repre- sentatives the question of further legislation on the subject of the nationality of married women, on the lines suggested in the right hon. Member's question.

Are the Government prepared to consider the introduction of legislation going at least as far as that which has been passed in New Zealand?

The right hon. Gentleman knows perfectly well that it is one thing to be the Government in New Zealand and another thing to be this Government in this place.

Would the Government be prepared to put before the House of Commons the question of the nationality of British women and will they bear in mind that there are literally hundreds of thousands of alien women getting citizenship here whereas some of the very best Englishwomen get no rights at all because they are married to foreigners?

That is surely a subject for a Debate, in which all sides and all interests will have to be considered.

Is it not true that only one Dominion has passed such legislation?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the increasing air armaments on the Continent, he will appoint a commission, apart from the Committee of Imperial Defence, to investigate the vulnerability of the naval and military establishments in the south-eastern, and southern areas, and advise as to the necessity of their removal to situations less exposed to possible aerial attack?

As I informed my right hon. Friend in answer to a question on 25th March, the whole question of the vulnerability of important establishments is under active consideration, and I do not, therefore, think that the suggested Commission would serve any useful purpose.

May I press this matter upon the Government? Are the Government aware of the vital importance to the defence of this country of the naval and military establishments being efficient, when Europe is swarming with aircraft?

The whole question of the vulnerability of these places is under the active consideration of the Government.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not give us any idea when a decision will be arrived at?

No, but, if my right hon. Friend will put that specific question to me, I will try to answer it. He must be aware that the matter is not one which can be lightly decided. For one thing, these settlements have established around themselves a very important and beneficial social life, built up from all sorts of organisations, and it is not merely an arsenal or a dockyard which has to be moved but a whole social community.

Is the welfare of these establishments to come before the defence of the country?

No.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the enforced closing down of a large number of theatres and of the numerous changes over to cinematograph entertainment from the living theatre and the consequent increase in unemployment in the musical and other professions, he will consider the abolition of, or a reduction in, the Entertainments Duty in so far as those entertainments are concerned in which the human element predominates?

I cannot anticipate my Budget statement.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give very favourable consideration to this deserving case as there are definite cases of unemployment which can be relieved?

Further to that, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the very sympathetic references which he made to these men last year have raised their expectations and their hopes?

Would the right hon. Gentleman tell the House how many suggestions have been made to him in regard to the Budget?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount provided in each Budget up to 1934 for repayment of, and interest on, the American debt?

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement containing the information asked for.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the total cost of collecting all inland revenues, also showing the percentage of cost to the gross amount collected, for the latest year for which figures are available?

I would refer the hon. Member to Table 5 on page 9 of the recently published 77th Annual Report of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue (Command Paper No. 4739), where he will find the latest information as to the cost of Inland Revenue services and its relation to the gross revenue.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in order to remove misapprehensions which at present exist in official quarters in Germany and which, if allowed to continue, must adversely affect Anglo-German relations, His Majesty's Government will consider the advisability of intimating to the German Government that the transfer to Germany of any colonial mandate held by His Majesty's Government is a matter which they are not under any circumstances prepared to consider?

I have no reason to suppose that the German Government is under any such misapprehension. The policy of His Majesty's Government has been repeatedly and clearly stated by this and previous Governments.

Will His Majesty's Government make it very clear that it is neither impressed by, nor will it give in to, bluff?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what, as compared to sterling, are the depreciations in the currencies of Denmark, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand; and whether he proposes to take action, monetary or otherwise, to enable home agricultural producers to compete fairly with products from countries with depreciated currencies?

Over the last five years the depreciation of the Australian, New Zealand and Danish currencies relative to sterling has been from 19 to 20 per cent., and the depreciation of the Argentine currency rather less than 40 per cent. The Australian, New Zealand and Danish currencies have all been stable in terms of sterling for more than two years. The difficulties of agricultural producers in this country have arisen from many varying circumstances, and no stereotyped method of dealing with them could be adopted with advantage. Appropriate measures have been taken by His Majesty's Government for the relief of the different branches of agriculture as their individual circumstances required.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the competition from countries with these depreciated currencies is affecting prejudicially our agricultural producers here?

I would remind my right hon. Friend that our own currency has depreciated since we went off gold.

But are not these currencies depreciated in relation to sterling?

I said so.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of civil servants drawing salaries between £1,000 and £1,500 a year, £1,500 and £2,000 a year, £2,000 and £2,500 a year, and £2,500 and £3,000 a, year; and the corresponding figures for 1913?

I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table giving the figures as at the 1st April, 1934, the latest date for which information is available. I regret that comparable figures for the year 1913 are not available.