asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether he can state the number of persons subject to the means test in Doncaster, Bentley, and Adwick, respectively, at the end of November and the number whose claims were rejected;(2) the number of persons unemployed in Doncaster, Bentley, and Adwick, respectively, on the last available date;(3) the number of the juvenile unemployed in Doncaster, Bentley, and Adwick, respectively, on the last available date?

The total number of unemployed persons, aged 14 and over, on the registers of Doncaster Employment Exchange at 25th November, 1935, was 5,725, of whom 853 were under 18 years of age. The total included 2,338 persons who were applicants for unemployment allowances, and would be subject to a needs test, and among these there were 73 persons whose needs had been held not to justify the payment of allowances. Separate figures are not available for Bentley and Adwick, which are within the area of the Doncaster Employment Exchange.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the present approximate weekly loss or gain on the working of the Unemployment Insurance Fund?

At the present time, a surplus is accumulating on the Insurance Account of the Unemployment Fund at the rate of about £290,000 per week.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state from the statistics he has the number of persons who are insured under the Unemployment Insurance Act whose wages or salaries, including emoluments, are less than £3 per week?

I regret that statistics giving the information desired are not available.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of unemployed in Goole in the years 1930 and 1935, and the total number in each intervening year?

The numbers of unemployed persons on the registers of Goole Employment Exchange at a date in November of each year from 1930 to 1935 were as follows:

25th November, 1935	1,680
26th November, 1934	1,730
20th November, 1933	1,780
21st November, 1932	2,057
16th November, 1931	1,327
17th November, 1930	995

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the unfair discrimination in Derby against men in receipt of transitional benefit engaged in the polling booths on election day in having one-half of their day's pay deducted from their transitional benefit; and whether steps can be taken to refund this deduction?

The Unemployment Assistance Board are making inquiries and I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Health what progress is being made by rural housing authorities in providing the houses still needed at rentals suited to rural conditions?

The progress made in the provision of houses in rural districts since the War is shown in the following statement.

Number of Houses erected in Rural Districts.
Assisted Scheme, 1919	51,894
Housing, etc., Act, 1923	118,261
Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924:
In agricultural parishes	30,114
In other parishes	36,833
Housing Act, 1930:
Completed	3,830
Authorised but not yet completed	5,422
Without State assistance:
By Rural District Councils:
Completed	3,685
Authorised but not yet completed	1,340
By private enterprise	383,251*
Total	634,630
* Of 100,297 houses built by private enterprise in rural districts during the last two years 53,646 were of a rateable value up to £13 (or £20 in Greater London) and 39,658 of a rateable value from £14 to £26 (or £21 to £35 in Greater London). In the Acts of 1924 and 1930 special financial assistance has been made available for houses built in agricultural parishes and in the Act of 1935 for houses built for agricultural workers in order to secure rents suited to the needs of the case.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Government propose to introduce legislation designed to implement the findings of the committee on the composition and description of food?

I have this matter under consideration but regret that I cannot yet make any statement as to the introduction of legislation.

asked the Minister of Health to what influence his medical officials attribute the almost complete freedom from variola major which this country has enjoyed during the past 30 years, particularly in view of the fact that during the same period approximately only half the infants born have been vaccinated?

Complete knowledge of all the influences affecting the prevalence and spread of variola major is still lacking, but I am advised that two important factors are the improvement in the supervision of contacts and a more general appreciation by them of the value of vaccination as a protective measure.

asked the Minister of Health whether the official from Somerset House who registers the births of children born in public institutions has been instructed to hand the parents the notice of the requirements of the Vaccination Acts; whether he is aware that mothers at St. Stephen's Hospital, Fulham Road, who gave this official particulars of their infants born at that hospital were not handed the vaccination paper; and whether he will see that in future mothers confined in lying-in hospitals or public institutions are given this document?

Under the Vaccination Acts, Registrars of Births are in all eases required to deliver to the parent, or to the person having the custody of the child, or to the informant of the birth for delivery to such parent or person, a notice of requirement of vaccination. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative, and the inquiries which I have made do not support the suggestion made in this part of the question. I do not think it necessary for me to take any such special action as is suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health whether his Department will consider the issue of a circular to local authorities suggesting that where they have a rule specifying that contractors must pay trade union or approved wages they should ascertain in air cases that foreign firms tendering either successfully or unsuccessfully observe the same conditions as apply to their British competitors?

I have reason to believe that a fair wages clause is almost universal in the contracts of local authorities and would normally be included in a contract with a foreign firm. Enforcement of the clause must, of necessity, be more difficult in the case of a foreign firm and the best course which has been frequently urged upon local authorities is to obtain supplies so far as possible from British sources.

asked the Minister of Health what steps he has taken, or proposes to take, apart from that of an inquiry, to encourage schemes with a view to reducing the high maternal mortality rates now prevailing in certain areas of the country?

The hon. Member will be aware that the Government have announced their intention of introducing this Session a Bill for the provision by local authorities (in co-operation with voluntary associations) of a salaried service of midwives. Further, as the individual inquiries which are being carried out in areas with high maternal mortality rates are completed, the attention of the local authorities is drawn to any improvements in their maternity services which the investigations show to be desirable. I am glad to say that the response has so far been generally satisfactory. When all the special investigations are completed, I propose to make a further comprehensive review of the position. Other steps now being taken include the encouragement of an increased provision of antenatal clinics and hospital beds for maternity cases.

asked the Minister of Health which town-planning authorities, other than the Cardiff Rural District Council and the Rayleigh Urban District Council, have included clauses in their schemes regulating or restricting the use of camping tents and caravans; and whether any such schemes have been approved by him?

Clauses regulating the erection and use of tents and caravans are not included in any schemes in operation other than those mentioned by the hon. Member. The clauses have been included in four schemes made respectively by the Urban District Councils of Bingley and Blaydon, the Hailsham Rural District Council, and the Central North Durham Joint Committee. These schemes have been submitted for my approval.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will supply a list of county boroughs in England and Wales scheduled as distressed areas; a similar list scheduled in September, 1931; and also the information upon what lines of definition does the Department define a distressed county borough authority?

I am not aware that any definition of a distressed area has been framed. Certain areas have been declared by Parliament to be special areas in the Special Areas (Development and Improvement) Act, 1934. These areas included seven county boroughs namely, Gateshead, Merthyr Tydfil, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, South Shields, Sunderland, Tynemouth and West Hartlepool. No such legislation was in force in 1931.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the number of houses built to be let during the first six months of the year with a rent of 10s. a week or under?

I regret that there are no statistics available which would enable me to give a precise reply to the hon. Member's question. The best figures available are given in the Statistical Housing Return recently issued, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company has sold any oil to Italy or to Italian dependencies during the present year through any of its subsidiary companies; and, if so, through which subsidiaries and in what quantities?

As regards shipments of oil to Italy, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made on the 5th December during the Debate on the Address by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and to the reply I gave on the same date to a question by the hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. Thorne). In the case of Italian dependencies, the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company is concerned with the marketing of oil in East Africa through a company, the Consolidated Petroleum Company, in which it has a part interest. While there has been an increase in shipments by this company to Italian dependencies in this area, the proportion of the total trade supplied by the Consolidated Petroleum Company during this year, and this applies also to recent months, was substantially less than during last year.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been drawn to the activities of the Anglo-Egyptian oil refinery at Suez in supplying abnormal quantities of benzole, petrol and lubricating oil for the Italian armies in Abyssinia; whether he is aware that this refinery has been working night and day and employing hundreds of extra workers upon this war trade, and that it is controlled by a company which owns oil properties and stocks jointly with the Anglo-Iranian Company, Limited; and whether, in view of the British Government's interest in Anglo-Iranian stock, any special instructions have been given to the British Government's representatives upon the Anglo-Iranian board of directors?

I have at my request been furnished by the Anglo-Egyptian Oil Company with a statement in regard to the operations of their refinery at Suez, and the position is as follows: An oil refinery normally works night and day and is only shut down occasionally for cleaning purposes. There is no production of benzole or lubricating oil at the Suez refinery. The total output of liquid products from the refinery on the basis of the first 11 months of this year will be rather less in 1935 than in 1934. Normally the greater part of the output is used in Egypt (including supplies for bunkers). A very small proportion only of the products has been supplied to Italian dependencies in East Africa. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has any proposals to put forward regarding the de-watering of the Lanarkshire coal mines area?

The question of de-watering these pits is primarily one for the owners of the collieries affected. If these owners are willing to prepare a joint pumping scheme, my Department will give them every assistance.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give the percentage of steel props as against wood props used in British coal mines?

I regret that the particulars desired are not available, but a good deal of information as to the use of steel for various forms of roof support is published in the Annual Reports of the Divisional Inspectors of Mines for 1934 and previous years.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the complaint made recently with regard to shortage of coal for export from the Humber ports; and whether he can make a statement on the matter?

The difficulties to which the hon. Member refers have been brought to my notice from several sources, and in particular I have been in touch with the Lord Mayor of Hull. As I am satisfied that the Central Council of Colliery Owners will issue freely such additional allocations of tonnage as may be necessary to meet the requirements of consumers, I have advised the Lord Mayor of Hull to get into touch immediately with the Chairman of the Midland Executive Board of Colliery Owners.

asked the Secretary for Mines what action has been taken with regard to the complaint made by the Danish Coal Committee about the inability to procure requisite supplies of coal during this month and January, 1936?

In response to a complaint, made by the Danish Coal Committee, of difficulties experienced in securing supplies of United Kingdom coal for shipment during December, I have asked the Committee to furnish me with specific details of their difficulties, for investigation in accordance with the terms of the Protocol to the Agreement. Pending the receipt of these details, and having regard to the excess purchases of United Kingdom coal by Denmark in the last agreement year, amounting to 74,033 metric tons, the Danish Coal Committee have been advised that if Danish buyers can purchase 20,000 tons from other sources during December we shall be willing to make an allowance up to that total, should Danish purchases of United Kingdom coal during the current agreement year fall short of the prescribed percentage.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will state the number of workers engaged in the china-clay industry of Devon and Cornwall?

In December, 1934, the latest date for which information is available, the number of wage-earners employed at mines and quarries in the china-clay industry was 3,600.

asked the Prime Minister whether, when the Cotton Spinning Industry Bill is re-introduced, in order that an opportunity may be provided for a further examination of the issues involved, the Bill will be remitted to a Select Committee, to ensure that such examination will be made before the Bill is finally placed on the Statute Book?

The scheme upon which the Bill is based was framed by a committee of the industry after full examination of the issues involved, and I do not think that there is any need for a further detailed examination by means of the procedure suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the reintroduction by the Government of the Cotton Spinning Industry Bill at an early date is dependent on whether or not there is substantial opposition to this Bill from employers and employees in Lancashire; and whether this aspect has been fully considered?

As my hon. and gallant Friend will be aware, the Bill has now been introduced. I may add that my right hon. Friend has arranged to receive a deputation from interests in Lancashire who are opposed to the scheme of the Bill.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the volume and value of imported food products during each of the last five years?

The total declared value of articles of food and drink, including living animals for food and feeding-stuffs for animals, imported into this country during each of the years 1930 to 1934 was £459 million, £405 million, £363 million, £328 million and £330 million. Estimating the imports in subsequent years at the prices recorded for similar descriptions of goods in 1930, the figures for 1931 to 1934 become £499 million, £477 million, £463 million and £464 million.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to re-introduce the Bill which was before the last Parliament dealing with the measuring, sale and conveyance of sand and ballast and with the marking of bottles for use as measures?

A Bill making provision with respect to the measuring, sale and conveyance of sand, ballast and similar materials, will be introduced at an early date. In consequence of representations my right hon. Friend has received since the former Bill was before Parliament, he is not proposing to proceed for the time being with the part of that Bill which dealt with the marking of bottles for use as measures. Arrangements have been made for this matter to be further considered in consultation with the interests concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the value of the exports to Rumania from the United Kingdom and the imports to the United Kingdom from Rumania for the past six months, and also give the figures for the corresponding period in 1934?

The aggregate value of the trade of the United Kingdom with individual countries is normally compiled in respect of calendar years and quarterly periods only. During the six months ended September, 1935, the total declared value of the imports of merchandise into the United Kingdom consigned from Rumania was £1,419,000, and of exports to Rumania £533,000, including re-exports valued at £30,000. The figures for the corresponding period of 1934 were £1,596,000 for imports and £1,416,000 for exports, including re-exports valued at £41,000.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he is taking, or proposes to take, to secure payment of the amounts owing to British traders for goods exported to Rumania, and in furtherance of the agreement entered into between the British and Rumanian Governments in January, 1935?

The payment of amounts owing to United Kingdom traders for goods exported to Rumania is regulated by the Anglo-Rumanian Payments Agreement of the 3rd August, 1935, which terminates on the 31st January next. I anticipate that negotiations for a new agreement will take place early in the new year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the number of tons of black and galvanised sheets exported from our re-rolling mills in 1925 and also for 1934; the number of tons of metal suitable for re-rolling produced in Great Britain in these years; and the price per ton to re-rollers in these two periods?

The total quantity of black sheets and galvanised sheets of United Kingdom manufacture exported during the years 1925 and 1934 was as follows:

—	1925.	1934.
	Tons.	Tons.
Black sheets under ⅛ inch thick.	197,542	140,520
Galvanised sheets—
Flat	120,325	59,445
Corrugated	592,726	189,391

According to the statistics of the British Iron and Steel Federation the following quantities of metal suitable for re-rolling were despatched from mills in the United Kingdom in the same years:

—	1925.	1934.
	Tons.	Tons.
Billets, blooms and slabs	771,100	1,532,120
Sheet and tinplate bars	883,400	1,168,409

The following are some representative prices of British products as published in the Trade Press. Prices are per ton, delivered, and represent averages for the years stated:

—	1925.			1934.
	£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.
Billets, hard	8	18	6	7	0	0
Billets, soft	6	12	9	5	10	0
Sheet bars	7	0	4	5	3	9
Tinplate bars	7	1	10	5	2	1

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, and, if so, when legislation will be introduced to give effect to the Report of the Departmental Committee on the law and practice relating to trade marks (Cmd. 4568, 1934)?

The necessary preparations are proceeding, but I cannot say when it will be possible to introduce the Bill.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to make any suggestion with regard to the revision of the Merchant Shipping Acts, in order to diminish the serious mercantile losses which have occurred in the last two or three years?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Aberdeen North (Mr. Garro_Jones) on the 10th December.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has now received the report of the cinematograph films advisory committee on the question of the quality of British films produced under the operation of the Cinematograph Films Act; and what action does he propose to take?

My right hon. Friend has received this report and it is having careful consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the fee for sitting at Civil Service examinations, he can state whether the amounts received more than cover the expenses; and, if this is the case, whether he can arrange for a reduction of the fee?

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

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury for what reason the Government has not yet adopted the recommendation of the Royal Commission on the Civil Service to the effect that there should be an inquiry into the possibility of arranging a contributory pension scheme for industrial civil servants in His Majesty's dockyards and elsewhere; and whether it is intended to take any action in this respect in the near future?

The Royal Commission on the Civil Service were in favour of the general replacement of the existing system of Civil Service superannuation by three contributory pensions schemes, A, B and C, carrying different rates of contributions and benefits, of which Scheme C was applicable to industrial and analogous classes. The Commission recognised that it might be necessary on financial grounds to postpone the introduction of Scheme C, even if the other two schemes were adopted. They further suggested that even so the question of bringing industrial staffs within the scope of Scheme C would require special investigation.It has been agreed between the official and staff sides of a joint committee of the National Whitley Council for the administrative and legal departments of the Civil Service that Schemes A and B should not be adopted. The question whether in these circumstances any purpose would be served by a special inquiry on the lines suggested by the Commission has been discussed on the appropriate Whitley body and is still on its agenda.

The Government are not prepared to initiate legislation to modify the arrangement to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. It is not possible to deal fully with this question within the limits of a Parliamentary reply, but I would remind him that the rate of interest is only one of the considerations to be taken into account.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will state the proportion of elementary schools in Great Britain provided with playing fields; and what steps are taken by his Department for encouraging the provision of playing fields for elementary schools not now in possession of them?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for Dudley (Mr. Joel), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that many recent accidents are due to the faulty condition of road surfaces in provincial areas; and whether he will endeavour to get the surveyors in all counties to co-operate with the Ministry to obtain uniformity of surface for main roads?

I am not aware of any increase in accidents due to this cause. Improvements in road surfaces are constantly being effected. The attention of highway authorities has been drawn to the fact that accidents from skidding are sometimes attributed to a sudden and unexpected change in the character of adjacent surfacing materials and where roads traverse the areas of several authorities, they are urged to make every effort towards uniformity of practice. If my hon. and gallant Friend knows of cases where he thinks that improvement could be effected in this respect, I should be obliged to him if he would bring them to my notice.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in the proposed expenditure of £100,000,000 over the next five years for the improvement of British roads, he will insist upon the use of British stone wherever possible; and whether he is aware that there is still considerable unemployment in British quarrying?

It is a condition of all grants from the Road Fund that all materials shall, so far as practicable, be of United Kingdom origin and all manufactured articles shall be of United Kingdom manufacture, subject to such exceptions as I may find to be necessary or desirable in any particular case. The five year programme of road improvements will provide considerable additional employment for workers in British quarries.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is still intended to take steps to limit the use of horse traffic in the chief provincial towns of the country; if so, by what means such limitation will be imposed; and whether, before action is taken, steps will be taken to consult the various interests concerned?

No responsible local authority has so far submitted to me an order restricting the use of horse-drawn vehicles on any streets in their area. If I receive such an application, before confirming the order, I will, as is my practice, consider it on its merits and in the light of any objections which may be received.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the increasing vehicular traffic in the Maryhill Division of Glasgow; and will he institute inquiries with a view to minimising the danger to all concerned?

I am not aware of any disproportionate increase of traffic in this division of Glasgow; but if the responsible local authority invoke my assistance, I shall be glad to take what action may seem practicable.

asked the Minister of Transport whether inspectors applying the regulations covering heavy freight and passenger vehicles are required to examine the drivers' cabins with regard to ventilation and adequacy of space?

As regards public service vehicles the answer is in the affirmative, since those vehicles must comply with regulations containing provisions on the points referred to. There is no such provision in regard to goods vehicles and hitherto no representations have been received to the effect that they are necessary.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he proposes to bring to the notice of the local authorities concerned the gaps in much of the tree planting along arterial and by-pass roads, owing to the death or destruction of the trees, with the object of ensuring that all deficiences are made good?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can state to what extent silent speed-traps are being operated throughout the country with a view to obtaining prosecutions of motorcar drivers exceeding the speed limit?

It is for the Chief Officers of Police to decide what measures to adopt for enforcing the law. They have, however, been informed of my view that in most cases the best means of enforcing the speed limit will no doubt be through the mobile patrols and of the assurance given to this House that this would for the most part be used in preference to enforcement by means of fixed controls. This course has been adopted and is still followed in general practice by Chief Officers of Police.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the Committee on Electricity Distribution has decided to hear in camera the evidence of those selected by the various interests affected to appear before it; that requests have been made to the Committee that the evidence given by one body shall be circulated or made available to other bodies, and that the Committee has decided in the negative, and whether he will take steps to have this decision reversed?

I am aware that this Committee, like similar Committees which previously investigated the problem of electricity supply, have decided to take evidence in private and that the evidence given by one body shall not be circulated to others. The matter is one within the discretion of the Committee, and I see no reason for suggesting to them that they should alter a procedure which I understand they consider will facilitate their inquiry.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the registration of a new Indian company, the Agarwal Steam Navigation Company (Burma), in the Articles of Association of which it is laid down that no European can hold shares; and whether, as such a proviso is an apparent contravention of the Government of India Act, he will take any steps in the matter?

My Noble Friend has seen references in the Press to the formation of this company and to the provision to which the question refers. I have not seen the Articles of Association of the company but I know of no provision in the Government of India Act or in the Government of India Act, 1935, which would prevent the formation by any body of persons of a company with Articles of Association which limited in such a manner the right to hold shares.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether an agreement has yet been reached with the borough council of Warrington with regard to the removal to a new site of the rifle range situated at the Peninsula barracks; and, if so, when it is anticipated that work thereon will commence?

The completion of the agreement for the new site is held up at the moment by a difficulty in settling the orientation of the range to the satisfaction of both parties. It is hoped to complete it very shortly, and work will be begun on the new range so soon as the site has been acquired.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, since it is the policy of the Government to encourage home production, he will take steps to see that the Army is provided with home-produced meat?

Apart from administrative difficulties, the extra cost of supplying home-killed meat as against frozen meat of Empire origin would, I regret, be prohibitive as far as Army funds are concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any decision has now been reached in regard to the possible removal of Woolwich Arsenal or any part of the establishment?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this question, which, as the hon. Member is aware, presents large problems, financial and otherwise.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the number of civilian employés engaged by the War Department at Singapore in October, 1933, 1934, and 1935?

I regret that I cannot give complete figures. The numbers of regularly employed civilians were approximately 196 in 1933, 260 in 1934 and 339 in 1935. These figures exclude casual employés engaged on works and other services which fluctuate in amount from time to time.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many battle cruisers are being built by Great Britain, France, and Italy; and how many flotilla leaders and destroyers and submarines are being built by the three countries referred to?

I would call the attention of the hon. Member to the "Command Paper—Fleets" which is now available to the House and in which he will find the information he requires.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the removal of the naval base in the Persian Gulf from Henjam to Bahrein will involve any considerable expenditure at the latter place?

I am glad of this opportunity of informing the House of what is contemplated at Bahrein, as the decision to evacuate Henjam was not reached in time to enable the usual provision to be made in the Navy Estimates. No expenditure is expected to be incurred at Bahrein except for the provision of storage and recreational facilities on a moderate scale and certain navigational aids. Part of the material is being sent from England and local work is being undertaken by the Bahrein Government on our behalf. In these circumstances, my hon. Friend will appreciate that I cannot at present give a final estimate of the cost, but I do not expect that the total amount will exceed £23,000, a considerable part of which will be spent in this country. This does not include the cost of the land already purchased at Bahrein for £4,476.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the investigation with regard to the recent damage to the electrical equipment of His Majesty's Ship "Royal Oak" has yet been completed; and whether he is satisfied that adequate precautionary measures have been taken to prevent any further recurrence of such troubles?

I have at present nothing further to add to the answer I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Lincoln (Mr. Liddall).

asked the Home Secretary whether he proposes to introduce a Bill dealing with street trading?

No, Sir.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can state in what way arrangements will be made to ensure that the £5,000 to be distributed by the Racecourse Betting Control Board for the assistance of horse-breeding during 1936 will be distributed in such a way as to benefit all types of horse-breeding; and whether he is aware that all sections of the industry have not benefited by this distribution up to date?

The grant of £5,000 is a grant to the Hunters' Improvement and National Light Horse Breeding Society to be awarded as premiums for thoroughbred stallions in 1936. As regards grants to other sections of horse-breeding, I can only refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to him on the 5th instant.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, under the new bell scale to regulate the duties of the prison staff about to be put into operation, an officer may have to attend twice at the prison for duty in the course of a normal period of eight hours per day; and whether what is known as the split-shift will be avoided?

As the result of an extension of the period for which prisoners work in association new timetables for the prison staffs have been introduced at five prisons and will shortly be introduced at seven more. Under those already in force there is no break in an officer's tour of duty apart from the usual intervals for meals and the others will be similarly adjusted. I may add that in all cases the new timetables have been fully discussed with the staffs before being settled.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is satisfied that the arrival of additional Japanese troops in Tientsin is in accord with treaty provisions concerning the integrity of China; and whether the British Government proposes to take any action in this matter?

As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs explained to the House on 5th December, recent troop movements in the Peking-Tientsin area have apparently been those of forces which Japan is entitled under the International Boxer Protocol of 1901 to maintain south of the Great Wall; the answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement to the House regarding the situation in North China; what is the policy of His Majesty's Government towards the establishment of an autonomous council in North China covering the five provinces; is it the intention of His Majesty's Government to invoke the Treaty of Washington guaranteeing the territorial integrity of China; have any other of the signatories of the treaty been consulted as to the necessity for action to safeguard the integrity of China; and, if so, whether any international action is in contemplation for the purpose of guarding the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of China?

As regards the first two parts of the question, I can only refer the hon. Member to the statement made to the House by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on 5th December, and to the answer given yesterday to the hon. Member for Govan (Mr. Maclean), to which I have nothing at the moment to add. As regards the last three parts of the question the facts of the situation are at present too obscure to make it possible to say whether or how far the Nine Power Treaty of Washington is relevant to them.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's representatives in Northern China are keeping His Majesty's Government informed as regards the development of the alleged autonomy movement in that area of China; and whether he can make any statement on the matter?

Yes, Sir; the situation is still, however, obscure, and I have nothing at present to add to the statement made to the House by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on 5th December.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Soviet Government has compelled, or persuaded, certain of their nationals in Russia to give the Soviet their powers of attorney to act for them in England respecting the allocation of money in England; and whether steps will be taken, by negotiation or otherwise, to protect Russians in this country against having their property in England taken from them under any such instruments executed in a foreign country and without their consent?

Russians living in this country cannot be deprived of their property in England except by lawful process in the English courts: no such general measure of protection as my hon. and gallant Friend suggests appears, therefore, to be required. In any case where there was reason to suspect that pressure had been brought to bear on Soviet citizens in the Soviet Union in order to induce them to transfer property from this country, the Government would take such steps as were possible to ensure that persons having the custody of such property in this country were made aware of the position.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will name the countries adhering to the League of Nations, also those that do not adhere, together with the countries that have expressed adhesion to the policy of sanctions in the Italo-Abyssinian conflict, and those nations belonging to the League that do not approve of such sanctions?

The following countries are at present members of the League of Nations:

Afghanistan.	Iraq.
Union of South Africa.	Iran.
	Irish Free State.
Albania.	Italy.
Argentina.	Latvia.
Australia.	Liberia.
Austria.	Lithuania.
Belgium.	Luxemberg.
Bolivia.	Mexico.
United Kingdom.	Nicaragua.
Bulgaria.	Norway.
Canada.	New Zealand.
Chile.	Panama.
China.	Paraguay.
Colombia.	Netherlands.
Cuba.	Peru.
Denmark.	Poland.
Dominican Republic.	Portugal.
	Rumania.
Ecuador.	Salvador.
Ethiopia.	Siam.
Spain.	Sweden.
Estonia.	Switzerland.
Finland.	Czechoslovakia.
France.	Turkey.
Greece.	Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
Guatemala.
Haita.
Honduras.	Uruguay.
Hungary.	Venezuela.
India.	Yugoslavia.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the peace conference between Bolivia and Paraguay, convened by the Argentine Government at Buenos Aires, has come

Year of Production.				Title of Film.				Subject.
1931	…	…		Cider—England's own Vintage (Silent version).				National Mark Cider.
				Here's How (Sound version)	…	…	…
1931	…	…		John the Bull (Silent and Sound version)			…	Cartoon film on National Mark Beef.
1932	…	…		An Apple Packing Station (Silent version)				National Mark Apples.
				The Modern Apple (Sound version)		…	…
1932	…	…	…	Plums that Please (Silent and Sound versions)				National Mark Plums.
1932	…	…	…	Honey Bees (Sound film)	…	…	…	National Mark Honey.
1933	…	…		National Egg Marketing (Technical version)				National Mark Eggs.
				This Egg Business (Popular version)			…
1934–35		…		Spring comes to England (Popular version)				National Mark Vegetables.
				Spring Vegetables (Technical version)			…
In preparation—
National Mark Creamery Butter.
General National Mark commentary on film of agricultural section of Lord Mayor's Show, 1935.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any decision has yet been reached as to

According to a declaration adopted by the Peace Conference at Buenos Aires on the 25th October, the demobilisation of the belligerent armies and the reduction of the military effectives of Bolivia and Paraguay have now been fully carried out. So far as I am aware, no agreement has been reached in regard to transit, commerce and navigation facilities, nor has a treaty of peace been concluded.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state the number of cinematograph films that have been made by the Ministry during the last five years and the subject of these films; and whether there are any in the course of production at present?

The following statement gives the information desired by the hon. Member:whether, under international law, Japan is entitled to continue to enjoy her trading rights in mandated territories as when a member of the League of Nations?

Japan, having ceased to be a member of the League of Nations, has no legal right to claim equality of treatment in commercial matters in mandated territories under the provisions of the mandates. On the other hand at the present time the Anglo-Japanese Commercial Treaty of 1911 extends to certain of the mandated territories administered by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and by virtue of that Treaty, Japan possesses most-favoured-nation rights on a reciprocity basis as long as these extensions remain in force.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state the measures taken by the Ouse Catchment Board to limit the risk of floods in the Bentley area, Doncaster; what further action is contemplated; and what financial contribution will be made by the various local authorities and the Exchequer, respectively?

The River Ouse (Yorks) Catchment Board have constructed a bank, called the Thorpe Marsh Barrier Bank, which is designed to limit the risk of floods in the Bentley area, and the efficacy of this bank was demonstrated during the recent period of abnormal rainfall. The Catchment Board have also since 1934 been carrying out a comprehensive scheme of improvements on the Dutch River and the River Don, between Goole and Doncaster. The Dutch River between Rawcliffe Bridge and New Bridge has been partially widened, and a start has recently been made with the partial widening of the River Don between New Bridge and Jubilee Bridge, on which work four dragline excavators are now engaged. The scheme is estimated to take about seven years to complete. These works form part of a comprehensive scheme embracing the Upper Don and other rivers in the Catchment Area, and are estimated to cost at least £1,200,000, towards which a Government grant of 33⅓ per cent. of the cost has been promised.Following is a statement showing the percentage contributed by each County

and County Borough Council of the total of the precepts at present levied by the Catchment Board:

Counties.	Percent.	Percent.
Chester	Nil.
Derby	3.4359
Lancaster	.0340
Lincoln — parts of Lindsey	Nil.
Nottingham	.0028
Westmorland	Nil.
York, East Riding	.6608
York, North Riding	2.5521
York, West Riding	32.7045
		39.3901
County Boroughs.
Bradford	10.7594
Huddersfield	4.0350
Leeds	16.9723
Sheffield	15.1352
York	2.7537
Halifax	2.8382
Wakefield	1.7519
Dewsbury	1.4925
Doncaster	1.4278
Barnsley	1.6698
Rotherham	1.7741
		60.6099
		100.0000

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps, if any, have been taken to ensure that unemployed persons and their families in Scotland shall be in receipt of additional Christmas and winter relief?

I am advised that under the Scottish Poor Laws there are no provisions which would enable the granting of extra relief on the occasion of Christmas. As to the provision of additional relief for the winter months, local authorities are aware that the relief granted must, on all occasions, be sufficient to meet the needs of the applicants. If any applicant is dissatisfied with the amount of relief he is receiving he has a statutory right to complain to the Department of Health.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has had under consideration any scheme for a more effective use of the fishery cruisers on the coasts of Scotland; and, if so, when he intends to make it operative?

The question of the most effective use of the fishery cruisers has been fully reviewed by the Marine Superintendent since his appointment, and his recommendations are being carried into effect. The whole position is under close and continuous observation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can state the reason for the "Explorer" and the fishery cruisers "Freya" and "Brenda" being in Leith harbour together on Saturday, 7th December; and whether any other cruisers were taking the place of the "Brenda" and the "Freya" on their patrol ground, the East Coast of Scotland?

The fishery cruiser "Brenda" left Leith at 11 a.m. on the date mentioned after coaling and provisioning. The "Freya" arrived at the port at 10 a.m. on the same date for similar purposes. During the "Brenda's" two days in port her place was taken by the "Norna" or the "Freya." During the "Freya's" stay in port her area was patrolled by the "Norna." The "Explorer" is not engaged in fishery patrol duties. The reason for her presence at Leith was for contractors' inspection prior to refit.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether the committee of investigation for Scotland have yet reported on the question of the continuance of the adjustments made in the terms of the Scottish Milk Marketing Scheme (Amendment and Directions) Orders, dated 28th December, 1934; if so, what are the committee's findings; and what is his decision on the questions raised?

The committee's report has now been received. They find that the provisions in the Orders in question restricting the application of the temporary amendments to the year 1935 are contrary to the interests of the complainants, the East of Scotland Milk Producers' Federation, and are not in the public interest. I propose to take the necessary steps for continuing the adjustments in the scheme for a further period pending the receipt of the report of the Milk Reorganisation Commission for Great Britain, and the consequential action thereon.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that there are many acres of good farming soil in the North of Scotland now owned by foreigners for sporting purposes; and will he take action to have that land utilised for productive purposes?

I have no information as to the extent to which land in the North of Scotland is owned by foreigners and used for sporting purposes. I have no power to regulate the nature of the legitimate use to which agricultural land may be put.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether defaulters under the Vaccination Acts automatically receive notices of default from the registrars, or whether the local authorities consider the lists of defaulters and thereafter instruct registrars to send notices of default?

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

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether registrars registering births in Scotland are required to hand persons registering such births a form of the requirements of the Vaccination Acts containing certificates of successful vaccination, postponement, susceptibility, and exemption on account of conscientious objection; and, if not, whether he can state the procedure by which the requirements of the Scottish Vaccination Acts are brought to the notice of parents?

The informant of every birth in Scotland is furnished by the Registrar with a notice setting out the requirements of the Vaccination Acts and the provisions regarding Conscientious Objection. The notice includes forms of Certificates of successful vaccination, postponement, and insusceptibility, and the Registrar is instructed to tender to all informants at the same time a form of Statutory Declaration of Conscientious Objection to Vaccination.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether and, if so, when he proposes to introduce legislation to give effect to the recommendations of the Report of the Police Consolidation (Scotland) Committee (Cmd. 4463)?

It is not proposed to introduce legislation to provide for the compulsory consolidation of Scottish police forces.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that difficulties have arisen as to the payment of expenses of members and officers of local authorities in attending conferences as representatives of the authority; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Yes, Sir. In view of legal questions which have arisen in this connection consideration will be given in consultation with the Local Authority Associations to the preparation of a Bill for the removal of doubts on such questions.