asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he pro poses to take any steps to ratify the Lausanne agreement on reparations during the lifetime of this Parliament?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which was given to him on the 7thNovember last, to which at present I cannot add any thing.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether, since that answer was given, he has taken any steps to pro vide the proper conditions precedent to ratifications, that is to say, an arrangement with America on our debt to her?

I have not seen any changes in the conditions which would warrant such steps.

Then are we to assume that those negotiations with America are still being continued?

No, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will call for a report from our commercial representatives in Japan regarding the proposed attitude of the Japanese Government to wards the various subjects to be considered at the 19th International Labour Conference to be held at Geneva next month with regard to the proposals for social services and other measures for the protection of employed persons; and whether he can arrange for this information to be placed at the disposal of the Import Duties Advisory Committee for their guidance when considering applications for increased duties on grounds of Japanesecompetition.

I understand that the conference has already begun, and that a record of its proceedings is published, both daily and, later, in a complete volume, which will be available for the use of the Import Duties Advisory Committee. I see no necessity to call for such a report as my hon. Friend suggests.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that the German Government are now giving a subsidy of 20 per cent. On fabric gloves exported from Germany to this country; and whether, seeing that this has practically neutralised the import duty on fabric gloves and put large numbers of fabric glove workers out of employment, he intends to take any action?

I have no information as to the extent, if any, to which the German Government is assisting the export of fabric gloves, but I would point out that the imports into this country of such gloves from Ger many were lower for the first four months of 1935 than for the corresponding period in 1934 and that the average value of these imports showed an increase. The question of any increase in the present level of the import duties is, of course, in the first instance one for the Import Duties Advisory Committee.

Will the hon. Gentle man see that inquiries are made through the usual diplomatic channels, and, if it is ascertained that such a, subsidy as is mentioned in the question is, in fact, being granted, will he deal with it in any negotiations with the German Government for a, trade agreement?

I entirely agree that the question of the extent to which there is a subsidy, if there be one, applicable to fabric gloves is a matter on which the Department should be kept closely in formed, and, if and when information is obtained, perhaps I might communicate with the hon. Baronet.

Has the hon. Gentle man seen the report in the newspapers that the German Government have inflicted a, levy on all industries for the purpose of subsidising these exports?

I have seen Press reports.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether his attention has been called to the loss to shipping companies and railway services, and labour losses, by the Irish Free State exporters sending lamb carcases to this country at 8s. 6d. per head less than it costs to send live animals; whether he is aware that, for every100 lambs dressed in Ireland and sent here, three men are putout of work in this country; and whether he is prepared to negotiate with the Irish Free State for more amicable and mutualarrangements?

My right hon. Friend is aware that representations have been made on the lines suggested in the first part of the hon. Member's question. These representations are now under careful examination, and he is not at present in a position to make any statement on the subject.

Are we to take it from that answer that it is possible that an amicable arrangement may be made in regard to this question between this country and the Irish Free State?

I cannot add Any thing to what I have said.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the present practice of the Treasury in respect of the scales of payment for male and female civil servants, respectively?

A description of the practice in respect of men's and women's pay in the Civil Service will be found in Chapter XII of the report of the Royal Commission on the Civil Service, 1929-31 (Command Paper No.3909).

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, in view of the fact that women are invited to apply for a vacancy in the Edinburgh branch of the solicitor's department of the Inland Revenue, why there is any differentiation in pay offered to women and men candidates, since both have to have the same legal qualifications?

The differentiation in pay is in accordance with general Civil Service practice.

How can my hon. Friend reconcile his reply with the terms of the Sex Disqualification Act?

Will my hon. Friend give us an answer to that question, particularly as there are so many Members of the Cabinet on the Front Bench to day, and they are all pledged to it?

I understand that there will be an opportunity of discussing this question tomorrow.

Would it not be better to get an answer out of the Front Bench to-day?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when it is proposed to publish the report of the departmental committee on the admission of women to the diplomatic and consular services; and what action is to be taken on its recommendations?

I regret that owing to the pressure of more urgent business it has not yet been possible for His Majesty's Government to reach a definite decision on this question.

Would the right hon. Gentleman give us some idea when he will report on this matter before making a final decision, and whether he will let the House discuss it?

The Noble Lady will appreciate that this is a matter that does not rest with me. I can only as sure her that there will be no avoidable delay.

The point was whether the House of Commons will have some say as to whether women are fitted for the diplomatic and consular services. Do not leave it to the Foreign Office, that is all I ask.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the special claims of ex-service men are being, in some cases, lost sight of by Government officials; and whether there has been any change in the Government policy with regard to the employment of ex-service men in the Civil Service?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that certain milk retailers are being prohibited from selling to any one customer in one week such quantities as 150 gallons; what is the maximum amount a milk retailer may sell to one customer in one week or in any specific period; and under what order or regulation of the Milk Marketing Board are such restrictions imposed?

No provision of the milk marketing scheme attaches any such condition to the sale of milk.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is the intention that the Milk Marketing Board shall have the power to organise retail sales of milk to schools, hospitals or other institutions.

The Milk Marketing Board have the power under Part VI of the milk marketing scheme to organise, if they so desire, retail sales of milk. Any question as to the policy of the board in this matter would best, I think, be addressed to the board the mselves.

asked the Minis ter of Agriculture the average price paid to producers and retailers for all milk sold to school children?

Milk supplied under the milk in schools arrangements brings to the producer who sells by wholesale. The pool prices for his region, less carriage and handling charges. The average pool price for the period from the inception of the arrangements up to the end of April was 13.59 pence per gallon. The producer-retailer supplying milk for schools receives the actual wholesale price plus a distribution allowance of 6d. per gallon, and is charged the licensed re tailers' contribution under the milk marketing scheme. The average whole-. Sale price for the seven months up to the end of April was 1s. 4.43d. per gallon, and the average producer-retailers' gross contribution was 2.51 pence per gallon. The ordinary retailer's margin for dis tribution of school milk is also 6d. per gallon.

asked the Min ister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the fact that Flemish draught horses are being sold in this country in substantial quantities; what proportion of the 3, 163 horses imported during the first four months of this year as accounted for by draught horses; what is the present amount of grant accorded by his Department to the breed ing of heavy horses in this country; and whether he is satisfied that it is sufficient to deal with the increasing menace to the horse-breeding industry in this country from the importation of foreign horses?

I am aware that total imports of horses, particularly from Belgium, have increased in recent months compared with the corresponding per:iod of last year, but the information at my disposal does not enable me to say what proportion of these imports consists of draught horses. The grants that will be made during the current financial year in connection with heavy horse breeding will amount to £11, 250. I have no reason to think that this is insufficient to achieve the objects for which the grants are made, namely, to assist farmers by providing good class stallions at moderate service fees with a view to the improvement of heavy horse:breeding in this country.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that some horses eat less and work twice as fast as the Flemish draught horses, and will he not do some thing to prevent this unnecessary com petition 7.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether any subsidy or grant is given by the Belgian Government to the breeders of these horses?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has yet received any marketing scheme from the poultry industry founded on the Poultry Commission report?

No, Sir. I understand that the question of submission of a scheme, which must of course be made by or on behalf of producers in the industry, is under consideration byajoint committee of the National Farmers' Union and the National Poultry Council.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the latest annual report of the inspector of mines in the North Midland division, in which he expresses grave concern about the fatal and non fatal accident rate in the Nottingham shire coalfield; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take to as certain why the accident rate in this coalfield is the highest of any coalfield in Great Britain?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the accident rate from falls in the coalfield is the highest in the United Kingdom and that the inspector of mines for the North Midland division attributes this either wholly or in part to the rapid development of machine mining; whether the number of accidents is increasing inspite of the decline in the number of men employed; whether he is satisfied that the mines regulations are properly carried out in Nottinghamshire; and whether he will cause an inquiry to be held into the working conditions in this coalfield?

The report of the divisional inspector deals with accidents from falls of ground in the North Mid land division as a whole. In this division a high accident rate from falls of ground has persisted for several years. The as sociated problems, which are numerous and difficult, have been studied by His Majesty's Inspectors and by a research committee in as sociation with the Safety in Mines Research Board, and reports on these studies have been published. As one means of attempting to effect a reduction, the matter of improved sup port has been taken up by the inspectors at collieries where the accident rate is above the average, and this work will be strengthened by the appointment shortly of an additional inspector to the division. In these circumstances, I do not consider it necessarytoinstitute a further special inquiry. I am satisfied that the high accident rate from falls is not the result of failure to observe the statutory re quirements on the subject.

Is the Minister aware that there are complaints that the men do not get sufficient supports to hold the roof with the advance of the face?

The re are a number of problems, and, as the hon. Gentleman will see from the answer, I have taken action in the matter.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell me the proportion that the amount spent on research into falls of ground bears to the total amount spent on safety research?

Certainly, if my hon. Friend will put a question down.

asked the Secretary Notts for Mines whether his attention has been called to the unsatisfactory relations existing between the management and the men in the Nottinghamshire coalfield owing to the refusal of many mineowners to recognise the men's union; and whether, in view of the numerous com- plaints that miners have been prevented from carrying out the men's inspections under the Coal Mines Act by being threatened with dismissal, and of the heavy and increasing accident rate in this coalfield, he will take action in the matter.

The answer to the first part of the question is "No." with re gard to the second part, I have not received any complaints of the nature suggested. If the hon. Member has any specific cases in mind, I shall be glad if he will communicate with me.

Is it not significant that the whole of the increase in accidents comes from Nottinghamshire, where the men's union is not recognised, whereas in Derbyshire, where it is recognised, there is a substantial decrease in accidents 7.

The hon. Member will be unwise to draw that conclusion.Heknows that in this country there has been a minor revolution in the methods of working during the last five years.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in some of these collieries complaints are made that they are not given an opportunity of carrying out Section 16 of the Act?

If that be so, I should like to have information.

But the hon. Member knows that this matter has been brought to his attention from time to time.

The answer to the hon. Member is that every point discovered by the inspector is at once investigated.

Is it not a fact that the relations between owners and men in Nottinghamshire are more amicable than in many other counties?

Is not the amount of tyranny exercised in those pits such that men are afraid to make any complaints 7.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of accidents, in volving the life of, or injury to, mine workers in the Cannock Chase coalfield during the past five years; and how many such accidents have been due to falls of roof I.

As the answer con tains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORTFollowing is the answer: During the five years 1930 to 1934, 76 fatal accidents and 12, 820 non-fatal acci dents involving disablement for more than three days occurred at mines in the Cannock Chase District. Of these 35 and 4, 238, respectively, were due to falls of ground. Following are the details for each year:.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been directed to the latest monthly as certainment for Northumberland; and what are the reasons for the unsatisfactory finan cial result, bearing in mind the regu larity of the month's working?

The answer to the first part of the question is, Yes. With regard to the second part, I am aware that there was a debit balance in April as compared with a credit balance in March, the average costs of production having increased while the average pro ceeds per to n decreased. Both the out put and the average number of days on which coal was wound were lower in April than in March; but it must be remem bered that the Easter holidays fell in April. The Northumberland as certainment results for March and April, re spectively, have been in a somewhat similar relationship to each other for some years past, and I do not think that myhon. Friend need draw specially unfavour able conclusions from the April figures.

Will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries into the extra ordinarily low and increasingly low level of wages in Northumberland?

The problem seems to be mainly a problem of selling:.

Does the hon. Gentleman think that it has anything to do with the low price at which Northumberland coal is selling, and can we have an as surance, if this statement is substantiated, that the Government will take steps to see that in the interests both of the trade and of miners' wages prices commensurate with the quality of the coal is obtained?

My hon. Friend will understand that my previous answer covers that point. It is mainly a problem of selling.

MayIask whether an as surance can be given.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that in Cornwall, South Wales, and in the North of England there are a large number of disused shafts of which at least 487 are unfenced, partly fenced, or dangerous; that there are 65 recorded accidents to animals consequent upon the lack of adequate or proper fencing; and whether, in order that further accidents may be avoided, he will take the neces sary steps to see that owners of mines or other persons responsible carry out their statutory duty to provide adequate and proper fencing?

I have no means of checking the figures quoted by the hon. Member as the responsibility for seeing that abandoned mine shafts are kept properly fenced rests with the local authorities concerned. The position is that any shaft or outlet which is not kept fenced in accordance with the provisions of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, constitutes a nuisance with in the meaning of the Public Health Acts and consequently the responsibility for dealing with such cases rests with the local authorities. This applies equally to metalliferous mines.

If I supply the figures required, will appropriate steps be taken to see that shafts are properly fenced?

It is really a matter for the Ministry of Health.

Will my hon. Friend tell us the age of the oldest shaft in Cornwall?

Iwill try to find out if the hon. Member will put a question down.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has given consideration to the letter addressed to him by the as sociations of county councils, municipal corporations, urban and rural district councils, together with the General Council of the Trades Union Congress and the National as sociation of Local Government Officers, as king that facili ties should be afforded for a Bill embodying agreed proposals in the super annuation of local government employes; and whether he will be able to accede to their request?

Yes, Sir; I have already replied that the proposals raise issues of importance and that in the present pressure of public business no under taking can be given that facilities will be afforded for the passage of a Bill during the present Session. I will send the right hon. Member a copy of my reply.

asked the Prime Minister whether there is any Cabinet rule against Ministers holding shares in armament firms which are contractors to the Government; and, if not, does he propose to make such a rule?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a similar question which he addressed to me on the 19th December last, to which I can add nothing.

Will the Prime Minister remember that the previous question did not deal with firms that were contractors to the Government, and that this question is an extension of that question?

I am sorry that I disagree with the hon. Member that this question is an extension. The answer which I gave last time referred to armament firms in general. The hon. Member now specifies a certain group of armament firms, and my general answer must therefore refer to the more con fined question.

Is the right hon. Gentle man aware that at the Arms Inquiry a statement was made that 3, 000 shares in Vickers were held by the Home Secretary, and is it in the public interest that at a time like this private profit should be made by a Cabinet Minister out of the manufacture of arms?

Is it not true that it is very difficult to give a definition of an armament firm, and that it is possible the Co-operative Society might come under it?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state when the Report of the Select Committee on Witnesses will be taken into consideration by the House?

The report has only just become available. The recommendations of the Select Committee are under consideration, and I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

Has my right hon. Friend observed the recommendation of the Committee that the report should be considered by this House?

I cannot make a statement at the moment. The report was published only two days ago.

asked the Prime Minister whether the new committee for the purpose of considering scientific means of defence against attack from the air, announced by him on 19th March, has in fact been appointed; and how many sittings has it held?

The Committee has been appointed and has held two meetings. At these meetings it has reviewed in detail the research and experiments which have been undertaken, and are being undertaken, by the Committee of Scientists which has been continuously at work, and the investigations undertaken by the three Services. The committee has approved a number of plans of research and experiment, and has made recommendations which are being carried out and which will ensure the complete co-ordination and active prosecution of this research.

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that the works committee of the Durham County Council have prepared for issue to every workman upon their permanent staff a questionnaire which instructs him, or her, to declare willingness to join a trade union and to allow the trade union contribution to be deducted from his, or her, weekly pay packet; and what action he will take against the Durham County Council to ensure the effective working of the Trade Disputes Act, 1926?

I am informed that the Durham County Council have approved a resolution of the Works Committee that every workman on the permanent staff be given an opportunity of declaring his willingness to join an appropriate trade union, and to allow the appropriate trade union contribution to be deducted from his wages and that a questionnaire has been issued accordingly. I have no in formation disclosing any offence under Section 6 of the Trade Disputes and Trade Unions Act, 1927.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman bear in mind the great possibilities that arise from this questionnaire in the matter of intimidation, in order to protect those persons who do not wish to declare their intention of subscribing or otherwise to trade union funds? Will he keep a watchful eye on the Durham County Council?

May I ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman whether he thinks there is anything improper in the action of the county council when the works committee actually make a report to them?

It is not my duty to express an opinion on the propriety of conduct apart from the commission of a criminal offence.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the inadequacy of the existing statutory provisions for the prevention of irregular and fraudulent practices in the retail sale of coal in Scotland; and whether he will consider the introduction of amending legislation to enable local authorities to deal more adequately with these?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The matter has been noted for consideration, but I can hold out no hope of legislation to deal with it this Session.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the complaints made in Lanarkshire against the coal binge which are burning there and because of the fumes which are a menace to the health of the people; and what action he pro poses to take against the parties responsible?

The matter referred to is primarily one for the local authority under the Public Health (Scotland) Act, 1897. Only one complaint has been made to the Department of Health for Scotland in regard to burning binge in Lanarkshire. As a result of inspection the owners of this bing have undertaken to consider what action can be taken to extinguish the fire.

Is it not the case that in Lanarkshire and other counties these bings are burning and causing a great deal of annoyance to the public, as well as being a menace to health, and will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to what action the local authorities are taking to stop the nuisance I.

As my hon. Friend knows, the matter is primarily one for the local authorities under the Act referred to, but, if my attention is called to any specific case which is not being dealt with, I will make inquiries.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is a growing evil not only in Scotland but in our country? Do not let Scotland get as bad as Lancashire. Try to stop it.

I am sure that Scot land will not fall behind in this matter.

Will the right hon. Gentle man ask the Government to give facilities for the Bill introduced by my hon. Friend the Member for Leigh (Mr. Tinker) to deal with the matter?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that during the structural alterations to H quarters at Perth prison at one time doors and windows were re moved and the furniture and food were soiled by dust; and what circumstances warranted the view that the quarters were fit for human habitation, especially where there were young children, one a child in arms?

During the structural alterations referred to doors and windows were removed as necessity required, but due regard was had to the convenience of occupants. As explained in reply to a question flay the hon. Member on the 10th April last, it was because the officer concerned chose to remove his wife and family shortly after operations commenced that the opportunity was taken to expedite the work. The medical officer would have had no objection to the conditions if the wife and family had remained in occupation and the work had proceeded in the normal way.

Does the right hon. Gentleman wish us to believe that a house from which the doors and windows have been taker} is la suitable house in which a warder should live with a wife and children, in the kind of weather which we have; and, if this prison is being reconstructed, will he take steps to see that the warders are either given alternative accommodation or that the repairs are done in such a manner that they do not inconvenience to any harsh degree those who live in the warder's quarters?

I are sure that the attention which the hon. Member has drawn to this principle will bear fruit in future if similar cases occur, but I have no reason to think that the medical officer was not most humane in his outlook.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to a case at the Aberdeen sheriff court, on 23rd May, in which a farmer was convicted of ill-treatment of a boy of 18 under his charge on licence from Rossie Farm School, Angus; whether he is aware that the boy was beaten on the body and legs with fists and with a stick, kicked on the body and legs, and submerged in a trough of water, and that the boy was stated to be on the border line of a mental defective; and what steps are being taken to ensure that boys sent out from a reformatory on licence are protected from such brutality?

My attention has been drawn to this deplorable case and to the particulars stated. The employer has been convicted on the charge of assault and sentenced to two months' imprisonment. With regard to the last part of the question, the managers of approved schools maintain close touch with the young persons who are released on licence. In this case I am informed that the headmaster of the school wrote to the boy six times during the seven months period of the boy's employment at the farm. Only one reply was received and it contained no complaint. Various reports were received from the employer none of which contained any indication of serious difficulty. The headmaster of this school, who is a man of outstanding reputation in reformatory school work, has placed 1, 500 boys in satisfactory employment in the past 35 years and he has never before had a case such as this. I am having the records of employment of young persons released on licence from approved schools during the last 10 years specially examined, in order to as certain whether there is any general ground for instituting a more thorough and systematic supervision over such employments.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for the reply, if I submit certain complaints to him will he consider the m?

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether there is a system of visitation in these cases, and when the last visitation took place?

The re is a system of personal visitation, and the managers of the schools correspond with the boys. It is impossible to make the categorical statement that all the boys in different parts of Scotland are followed up very closely, though, as the hon. Member will have gathered from the last part of my original answer, I am having the whole matter reviewed over the last 10 years. In reply to the hon. Member for North Aberdeen (Mr. Burnett), if he has any point in mind in connection with this matter and will bring it to my attention, I will readily look into it.

Does the right hon. Gentle man consider that two months' imprisonment is an adequate punishment for an offence such as this? Does he not think that in offences such as this the "cat" should be the punishment?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can now give in formation as to whether the amenities committee under the Grampian Power Scheme was consulted with regard to the girder bridge besides the bridge of Tummel; and whether the design was approved?

I have been asked to reply. I am making inquiries as to whether the Committee were consulted, and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the Darnall, Sheffield, sub-Post Office and its surrounding properties are to be de molished during the next few weeks; that the tenants have received final notice to quit; and, in view of the thickly populated nature of this area, will he consider the establishment of a Crown office?

I am aware of the circumstances to which the hon. Gentleman refers, but I do not anticipate any difficulty in transferring the existing sub-post office to other suit able premises. The re is not at present enough postal business to justify the establishment of a Crown office.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this area is rapidly growing by virtue of clearance orders being executed in other parts of the city of Sheffield, and that at the moment there is a population of over 16, 000 adults? Does he not consider that justifies a Crown office, and that it is advisable to attract the whole of postal business to the one centre rather than to leave it distributed as it is?

If the postal business increases, we shall in due course give the place a Crown office.

Why not give it one at the start?

Because there is not enough business.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that in certain districts there are people who wish to become telephone subscribers, but can not do so as they have been informed that there are no instruments available; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take in this matter in view of the extensive advertising campaign which is being carried on by his department?

The re is no shortage of telephone instruments, but there is un fortunately some delay in providing ser vice at a few small automatic exchanges, owing to the fact that unexpected delay occurred in designing an improved type of equipment which is now in course of manufacture. I have already taken all possible steps to speed up the supply. Apart from these exceptional cases which are very few in number, applications are being met promptly.

While thanking the hon. Gentleman for his reply, if I can furnish him with a case in which people have been waiting for six months for a telephone installation, will he take the necessary steps to see that it is provided?

Certainly

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what steps, if any, have been taken by the Edinburgh corporation to establish a municipal aerodrome for civil aviation?

I under stand that at a recent meeting the Edinburgh town Council resolved to purchase land at Gilmerton for a municipal aero drome.