asked the Secretary for Mines what complaints he has receiveo from shipping companies or coal exporters at Hull on the question of shortage of coal supplies; whether he is aware that ships are leaving Hull in order to get supplies of bunker coal at continental ports; and whether he has inquired into the circumstances and, if so, with what results?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 12th December to the hon. Member for Normanton (Mr. T. Smith). I would add that I am informed that a public statement with regard to the position at the Humber ports will be made immediately by the chairman of the Midland Executive Board of Colliery Owners.

asked the Secretary for Mines the coal tonnage consumed inland for the year 1934; the tonnage quantity sold through agency sources, other than coal sold direct from collieries to consumers; and the average price per ton received for all coal sold through agencies, other than coal sold direct from the collieries to the consumers?

The total quantity of coal available for consumption in Great Britain in 1934 was 161.48 million tons. The other information asked for is not available.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether in view of the increased price of household coal, which is attributed to the increased pit-head price, he will ascertain under what item of cost this additional price falls?

I am not quite clear what the hon. Member means, but if he suggests that the increased prices arise out of any increase in the costs of production other than wages, the answer is, so far as I am aware, that they do not. I understand that the object of the increase in pit-head prices is solely to provide more money for the payment of wages.

Can the hon. and gallant Member explain the excessive rise in wholesale prices in various parts of the country, which have no relation whatever to the pit-head price?

The hon. Member had better put that question on the Order Paper.

Are we to understand that the extra pit-head price is being reserved for increasing miners' wages?

Perhaps the hon. Member will read the reply, which says as much as I can about it.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether with a view to removing doubts caused by the conflicting figures of the earnings of underground and surface workers in coal mines, he will issue a statement showing in respect of each coalfield typical cases for the various classes of workers of actual earnings and deductions in normal weeks?

The information in the possession of my Department does not distinguish between the various classes of employés. It would take a long time to compile such a statement as my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind, and even when it had been done it would still be incomplete and liable to misinterpretation, because not only do deductions and allowances vary widely, but even the names applied to the various classes of workers sometimes bear different meanings in different districts. In the circumstances, therefore, I am afraid that I should not be justified in undertaking such an inquiry.

Are we to assume from the answer that at least 60 per cent. of the men employed underground and on the surface are in receipt of subsistence wages?

In these matters of statistics I must have notice of the question.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has considered the copy sent to him of a resolution carried by the Leigh Town Council, protesting against the attitude of the colliery owners in refusing to meet the Mine Workers' Federation of Great Britain, to discuss the application for an advance in wages of 2s. a day, and urging the Government to use their powers to get the matter settled; and will he state what the position is?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, as the hon. Member is aware, the Mineworkers' Federation have accepted an invitation to meet representatives of the coalowners to discuss the position, and this meeting is taking place to-day.

Will the hon. and gallant Member make a statement to the House before we adjourn as to what happens?

I think we had better see what does happen.

asked the Secretary for Mines, whether he is aware that certain colliery companies are requiring horsekeepers in their employ to be responsible for more than the number of horses and ponies under their charge according to the limits of the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1911, Sections 86 and 109, and Third Schedule, paragraph 4; and whether it is his intention to have the Act carried out as stated in the above-named Sections?

I have made inquiries and none of the divisional inspectors

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has considered the report of the proceedings of the annual conference of the various districts of the mining industry, held on 20th November, 1934, at the Board of Trade offices, to discuss the administration of the Miners' Welfare Act; and, as there was a general demand for funds to administer existing schemes, will he take steps to provide funds by granting the ½d. per ton that was taken from the welfare levy recently, the said ½d. to be used for those schemes for culture and recreation that exist throughout the coalfields?

I have nothing to add to the answer given on behalf of my predecessor in office to a similar question on 12th December last

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of pneumatic picks in use, and the number of collieries using them, for Great Britain, with separate figures for Durham, for the years 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1933, and 1934?

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

Will the hon. and gallant Member make further inquiries in this matter?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the damage done to the property of local authorities and private individuals by mining subsidence in many parts of the country; and whether he will consider dealing with this matter in the proposed Bill to deal with the unification of mining royalties, so that owners, lessors, and lessees of such royalties will bear their share of the expense incurred in making good the present and the probable future damage from such underground workings?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I will bear the hon. Member's suggestion in mind, but I cannot undertake to deal with the matter in any Bill relating to Coal Mining Royalties.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consult with the Minister of Health in relation to these matters in so far as municipal housing is concerned?

That is another matter.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has yet appointed a committee to watch the progress of the new lighting order in mines; and, if so, can he state the personnel?

The administration of the Mine Lighting Regulations of 1934, is proceeding satisfactorily and there is no need to appoint a committee. If, however, the hon. Member has in mind the Regulations relating to firedamp detectors, which came into force on 1st October of this year, and were limited as to their operation to a period of two years from that date, I would remind him that the undertaking given was that towards the end of that period, a committee would be set up to study the working of the Regulations in the light of experience, and to make recommendations. In view of the short time which has elapsed since the Regulations came into force, the appointment of this committee now would be premature.

Does the Secretary for Mines suggest that no committee is to be appointed until two years have elapsed? If so, what information does he expect to get as to the use of oil for automatic gas detectors?

One can get a certain amount of information by setting up a committee, but I do not think it is necessary to set up one much before the time I have mentioned.

In view of the persistence of colliery explosions, ought not the committee to be in existence long before two years have expired in order to influence colliery managers to make use of these automatic gas detectors?

We have had only two and a-half months so far.

asked the Secretary for Mines the numbers of inspections, under the Coal Mines Act, 1911, Section 16, carried out at the New Lount and Collorton collieries, Leicestershire, for the years 1927 to 1934, inclusive, giving each year separately?

No inspections were made at these collieries by workmen's representatives, under Section 16 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, during the years 1927 to 1934.

Can the Secretary for Mines say why?

No.

Will the hon. and gallant Member see that while the present Government are in power they will bring in legislation so that workmen's inspections shall be paid for out of some source other than their own pockets?

That is another question.

Where a long period has elapsed without any workmen's inspection, is it the custom of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's office to inquire why these inspections are not carried out?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question on the Order Paper.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will cause inquiries to be made as to the amount of overtime being worked at the New Lount and Collorton collieries, Leicestershire, between 1930 and 1935, and to report on the same?

I am afraid that it is not possible to carry out an inquiry of this nature over the period suggested, as no records are required to be kept for longer than 12 months. I will, however, have inquiry made as to the overtime worked recently at these collieries, and will let the hon. Member know the result.

Has the Secretary for Mines satisfied himself that overtime in collieries is not so prevalent as it used to be?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will cause inquiries to be made at the New Lount and Collorton collieries, Leicestershire, into the working of the Minimum Wages Act, 1912, and any cases of evasions of it?

I cannot undertake to make general inquiries of this nature at particular collieries. The minimum wage, under the Act of 1912, is an implied term of every contract for employment, and can be enforced as such by the individual workman. If the hon. Member has any reason for believing that the Act is being infringed and will furnish me with his evidence, I will have it examined, and, if necessary, will make inquiries.

Is it not the duty of the Department over which the hon. and gallant Gentleman presides to conduct special inquiries at all times as to possible evasions on this point?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to make an announcement about the proposed Royal Commission to inquire into the provisions for the safety of workers in mines?

I am able to announce that His Majesty has been pleased to approve the appointment of the following to serve on this Commission:

• Lord Rockley (Chairman).
• His Honour Judge George Clarence Allsebrook.
• Sir Malcolm Delevingne.
• Sir Henry Walker.
• The hon. Member for Gower (Mr. D. Grenfell).
• Mr. Edward Otto Forster Brown.
• Mr. Ebby Edwards.
• Mr. William Thomas Miller.
• Mr. William Hamilton Telfer.
• Mr. John Walker.

The terms of reference are:

"To inquire whether the safety and health of mine workers can be better ensured by extending or modifying the principles or general provisions of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, or the arrangements for its administration, having regard to the changes that have taken place in organisation, methods of work, and equipment since it became law, and the experience gained; and to make recommendations."

Can my right hon. Friend say when these gentlemen will start their deliberations?

I hope, forthwith.

Pending the Commission reporting, will the right hon. Gentleman see to it that the existing law is put into operation to protect the miners?

That question should be addressed to the Mines Department.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (1) whether he is aware that the Australian manufacturers of elastics have applied to their tariff board for a heavy duty against British elastics over one inch in width; and whether in view of the terms of the Ottawa agreements, he will make representations to the Australian Government;

(2) whether he is aware that before the signing of the Ottawa Agreements, British elastics under one inch in width were admitted free of duty into Australia, and that a duty of approximately 27½ per cent. against British elastics under one inch in width has been imposed by the Australian Government since the signing of the Ottawa Agreements, and that the Australian manufacturers are now applying for a heavy increase of these duties; and whether he has made or will make any representations to the Australian Government?

My right hon. Friend is aware that a duty has been imposed by His Majesty's Government in the Commonwealth of Australia on United Kingdom apparel elastic under one inch in width since the signature of the Ottawa Agreements, and that the duty is now 26¼ per cent. ad valorem, excluding primage duty. He is also aware of the fact that the Commonwealth Tariff Board have been requested to review the existing duties upon all widths of apparel elastic. The board's inquiry took place, he understands, in October, and, in accordance with the provisions of Article 13 of the United Kingdom-Australia Agreement concluded at Ottawa, full rights of audience were given to United Kingdom producers at the inquiry. The procedure contemplated by the Agreement has, therefore, been followed, and, subject to any points which may arise when the report of the board is issued, my right hon. Friend is not aware of any ground upon which he could make representations to the Commonwealth Government on the subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it was agreed at Ottawa that British manufacturers should have equal opportunities to compete with Australian manufacturers in their own market; and that if this new application for a big increased tariff is granted, it will be impossible for British manufacturers to compete in the Australian market?

I do not think we are aware of that yet, but Article 10 of the Agreement covers this matter. It provides that tariffs may not be prohibitive, but may be competitive. Until we have the details of this increase, we are not in a position to make any representations.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is not an isolated instance, but that there are five or six other instances in other industries; and does he not consider that the time has come when the Government ought to retaliate in some of these cases?

What is the Navy for?

We cannot take any steps, providing the Agreement is being maintained.

Is it desirable that the hon. Member for Stroud (Mr. Perkins) should thus sow dissension in the ranks of the party opposite?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has information as to the percentage of employers and employés, respectively, in the cotton-spinning industry which is in favour of, or in opposition to, the provisions of the Cotton Spinning Industry Bill?

The scheme upon which the Bill is based was approved in October, 1934, by owners representing nearly two-thirds of the cotton-spinning industry. It is understood that the owners of about one-quarter of the industry are opposed to the Bill. I am unable to give any corresponding information regarding employés.

Has the right hon. Gentleman yet had any representations made to him, from the Unions covering the textile operatives, as to this Bill?

Yes, Sir, some communications have passed.

Is it not vitally important that before the House debates the Second Reading of the Bill we should have complete information from both employers and employés and their views on the merits of the Bill as affecting Lancashire and Cheshire?

Yes, Sir. We are doing all we can in that matter and communications and conferences are proceeding with the various interests.

Has the right hon. Gentleman had any representations from Scottish employers?

I could not say without notice.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any reason to believe that a lesser percentage of employers is now in favour of the Bill than was in favour of it previously?

No, Sir, I have not any reason to believe that.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to set up an inquiry into the advisability of providing a gas grid for the North-East Coast as suggested by a joint committee of the north-east sections of the Institute of Chemistry, the Chemical Society, and the Society of Chemical Industry?

The question of the possible disposal of coke oven gas for towns' purposes is primarily a matter for the interests concerned, and I am informed that, since the preparation of the report of the committee to which my hon. Friend refers, further contracts for the sale of coke oven gas to gas undertakings have been announced.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a large quantity of coke oven gas produced in the county of Durham is not used, and does he not think it worth while to make it available to industry?

Does not my right hon. Friend think it a good thing to ask the Commissioner whether he would encourage the production of this material?

I am quite ready to communicate with the Commissioner on the subject. For the information for which my hon. Friend asks, I think he had better give me notice.

Will not the proposed gas grid for the North-East Coast be a contributory factor in dealing with the unemployment problem of that area?

I do not know what they are going to do. When I know, I shall be better able to answer the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what increase has taken place during the last six months in the imports of Belgian carpets; and to what extent such increase is due to currency devaluation?

The quantity of carpets, carpeting, etc., of wool imported into this country and registered as consigned from Belgium during the six months ended November, 1935, was less than 2 per cent. greater than in the corresponding period of 1934. Imports of jute carpets, carpeting, etc., from Belgium during the same period increased from 3,600 square yards to 18,000 square yards, but the latter represented only 2 per cent. of the total imports of carpets from Belgium. The average value per square yard of the imports of both woollen and jute carpets was, however, higher in the six months ended November, 1935, than a year earlier. It would not, therefore, appear that such increase as has taken place in these imports can be ascribed necessarily to the devaluation of the belga.

Does not my right hon. Friend think the total importation is much too great?

Does not my right hon. Friend think the increased importation is detrimental to the textile industry of this country?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity and value of all kinds of coal exported from Great Britain to Italy for the month of November in 1933, 1934, and 1935, respectively?

The desired information is given on page 129 of the issue of the Trade and Navigation Accounts for November.

Are the Government considering or taking any steps to prevent the exportation of coal to Italy until she has ceased to invade Abyssinia?

The hon. Member had better put that question on the Paper.

Is the quadrupled export of coal to Egypt really destined for Italy?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total value of imports and exports between Great Britain and Italy for the month of November in 1933, 1934, and 1935, respectively?

The particulars for November, 1935, will not be available until next week, and as soon as they are ready I will send the hon. Member the information for which he asks.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give any details as to the effect of the recent international agreement between the European timber-growing countries for the better regulation of timber exports to this country; and whether any such agreement is likely to conflict with the timber import trade from Canada?

At the moment I am unable to add to the information given in the Press about an agreement between timber export organisations in eight European countries to limit total exports of softwoods from those countries in 1936. It does not appear that the agreement provides for limitation of supplies to individual countries or that the Canadian timber trade can be adversely affected by the agreement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amounts received in import duties on foodstuffs during the years 1930–31, 1931–32, 1932–33, 1933–34, 1934–35, and the estimated amount for 1935–36; and also for the same years the amounts received by home producers in subsidies, levies, or other financial assistance?

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving the information asked for as to the total amounts received in import duties on foodstuffs, including tea, coffee and cocoa, and certain foodstuffs used in part as feeding stuffs for animals, which cannot be separately distinguished. The statement gives also the amounts received by home producers in subsidies and levies, and such information as is available regarding other forms of assistance.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether those figures do not warrant a reduction in the food taxes?

Perhaps the hon. Member will wait until he has seen the figures.

Will the figures indicate the classes of duties according to the purposes for which they were imposed?

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that an American company, with a Canadian branch, has increased its imports of pectin from Canada by practically 50 per cent. during the present year, and that this firm is selling pectin in England at, approximately, half the Canadian price; and, therefore, will he consider taking special steps to impose a dumping duty on similar lines to that applied by Canada on pectin exported from this country?

I am aware of the position stated in the question. The imposition of an import duty on Canadian pectin would be contrary to the agreement concluded at Ottawa with His Majesty's Government in Canada.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that if this pectin were manufactured in this country, it would mean a consumption of something like 25,000 tons of apples, and will he not, in view of the fact that this pectin comes from America through Canada, open some negotiations with Canada in order to save this important British industry?

I shall be glad to consider any representations that my hon. Friend cares to make.

Will my right hon. Friend tell us what pectin is?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will arrange to obtain fortnightly returns of imports of agricultural products in respect of which quantitative limits have been fixed; and whether he will ensure that, when such imports from any country appear to him to be excessive in view of the limit, immediate steps are taken to neutralise the excess?

I see no reason for arranging for such returns where imports are regulated on a quarterly or longer-term basis or by the issue of ad hoc licences. In the case of bacon and certain other commodities weekly returns are, however, published by the Imperial Economic Committee. In general, my hon. and gallant Friend may, I think, be assured that everything practicable is done to secure that any quantitative limitation of imports is observed. If there is any particular commodity about which he is in doubt, perhaps he will communicate with me.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the approximate proportion of Palestine orange exports to this country during the ensuing season to be carried in British vessels; and whether he is satisfied that all possible steps have been taken by the British shipping industry to secure such trade?

I am informed that approximately 37 per cent. of the exports of Palestine oranges to this country will be carried this season in British ships. I know that the British shipping companies concerned have made, and continue to make, great efforts to secure this trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the total loss accruing to a seaman whose ship is wrecked and whose personal belongings are thereby destroyed; and whether he proposes to take any steps to make such a loss a liability on the shipowner?

My attention has been called to one case of this kind recently. I understand that the risk is covered to a limited extent by union arrangements in the case of members of the National Union of Seamen and by direct insurance in some cases.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in any proposed Amendment of the Merchant Shipping Act, he will deal with this matter?

It is primarily a matter for conference between the seamen and the authorities.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the abandonment of regular British shipping services in the North Atlantic between this country and the United States of America; whether such abandonment is due to the impossibility of unsubsidised British services competing with American subsidised services; and, if so, whether he proposes to take action to prevent British services being relinquished for such reasons?

I presume that my hon. and gallant Friend refers to the disappearance of the services under the British flag maintained by the Atlantic Transport Company and the Leyland Line. These lines were under the control of an American corporation, and I do not think that the change supports any inference as to the ability of British shipowners to maintain their services in the North Atlantic.

Are we to understand that the Board of Trade does not intend to take any effective action to keep British shipping services on the sea and to prevent their being chased off the sea by unfair foreign competition?

No; my hon. and gallant Friend is not justified in that assumption.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the decision announced at the annual meeting of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company to withdraw the service of Empire ships between Australia, New Zealand, San Francisco, and Vancouver, on account of highly subsidised foreign competition; and whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to initiate action with the Dominion Governments concerned so as to secure that passengers and mail between Australasia and North America may be carried on Empire ships?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that there is a probability that both the mail services from Vancouver and San Francisco to New Zealand and Australia will be withdrawn, though they have been established over 30 years; and whether, seeing that this will be a serious loss to the trade and commercial interests of Great Britain, he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I am aware of the statement that the British service between Australia, New Zealand and San Francisco is to be withdrawn and of the further statement in the Press as to the possible withdrawal of the British service between Vancouver and those two Dominions. The position of the British lines concerned has been under discussion between His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and His Majesty's Governments in New Zealand and the Commonwealth of Australia. The understanding is that in view of their special interest in the subject, the Governments of those Dominions should consider what action they could take to deal with the position. The matter is receiving their consideration.

Will my right hon. Friend give the House an assurance that every effort will be made to maintain these Empire shipping services?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the All-Red route from Vancouver has been carrying mails to New Zealand for over 30 years, and does he not realise the grave inconvenience that will be caused to commercial interests if it is stopped?

That is one of the facts that we are taking into consideration, but I can make no statement at present.

Will my right hon. Friend consider denouncing the most-favoured-nation under taking with the United States so that we can discriminate against their goods as long as they discriminate against our shipping?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is keeping under close supervision the profit-and-loss accounts of those owners of tramp shipping who are receiving the State subsidy; how frequently such accounts are submitted to his Department; and what action, if any, he takes when he finds that excessive profits, over and above the average return on industrial capital, are being made as a result of these subsidies?

I am keeping under close observation the general condition of the tramp shipping industry, and it is in view of that condition that Government assistance is being given, as will be seen from the reply given by my hon. Friend to the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Wight (Captain P. Macdonald) on 10th December.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to withdraw the subsidy in any case where he finds that excessive profits are being made?

I am afraid there are no signs of excessive profits at present.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give that undertaking?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, for the information of new Members of the House, he will state where full information can be obtained regarding the tramp-shipping subsidy and its method of operation; and whether he proposes to make known to the House any of the information obtained by the detailed examination of the operation of the subsidy which has recently been completed?

Full information, regarding the tramp-shipping subsidy and its method of operation is to be found in the British Shipping (Assistance) Act, 1935, and in the Memorandum on the Financial Resolution which preceded it (Cmd. 4754). As regards the second part of the question, a statement will, of course, be made on behalf of the Government when the legislation to provide subsidy for a further year is before the House. Meantime, I would refer the hon. Members to the interim report of the Tramp-Shipping Administrative Committee which was laid before Parliament in October last (Cmd. 5004).

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he has considered the report of the inquiry into the loss of the "La Crescenta"; and what action he proposes to take thereon;

(2) whether, in view of the recent reports on the losses of vessels at sea, he proposes to introduce legislation to strengthen the requirements of the law as to the seaworthiness of ships and manning regulations?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the findings announced by the Wreck Commissioner in connection with the loss of the steamship "La Crescenta," he proposes to introduce amending legislation to the Merchant Shipping Acts, altering the regulations regarding the manning of merchant ships and generally strengthening the provisions of the Act for safeguarding the lives of men at sea?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to Lord Merrivale's recommendation in the "La Crescenta" case; and whether he will consider a review and revision of the Merchant Shipping Act?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make public the findings of the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee in regard to the question of manning?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the committee appointed to inquire into the steering-gear of cargo vessels has yet completed its task, and whether he intends to make public the findings of that committee?

Notice of appeal has been given in respect of the findings of Lord Merrivale's Court in the case of the "La Crescenta" and this appeal will in due course be heard in the High Court. These findings are therefore at present sub judice. Apart from the question of overloading, the findings deal with questions of the manning and the seaworthiness of the ship. Respecting manning, the questions raised are in the main similar to those raised in the reports of the earlier inquiries. The Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee already have this matter under consideration at my request. As regards seaworthiness, the points raised by the report relating to ship surveys are similar to those brought out at the previous inquiries, and the matter is under discussion between the Board of Trade and the Classification Societies. The question of the type of steering gear used on some of the ships which have been the subject of these inquiries is under examination by an expert committee, set up by me in July and their report will reach me I hope early in the New Year. The action to be taken as a result of the formal investigations depends largely upon the outcome of the inquiries and discussions referred to above. The reports of the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee on Manning and the Steering Gear Committee will be published as soon as they are received, and the results of the discussions between the Board and the Classification Societies will also be made public. I should add that the Board of Trade, after consultation with the Classification Societies, issued through the shipowners' organisations in August last recommendations to the shipowners as to certain precautions which should be taken forthwith in view of the questions raised by these inquiries.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance, in view of the grave anxiety existing among the members of the Mercantile Marine, that as soon as he receives these reports he will consider promoting legislation to give effect to them?

Yes, if fresh legislation is necessary I will certainly do so. I need hardly assure the hon. Gentleman and the House that I look upon this matter just as gravely as they do themselves.

Is it within the province of the right hon. Gentleman's Department to advise the Public Prosecutor to watch the proceedings to which he has referred with a view to taking criminal action if the results demand it?

The particular case which, I think, the hon. Gentleman has in mind is sub judice at present. I would, therefore, prefer not to say anything on the subject at present.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Advisory Committee on Manning decided their policy as far back as October, 1934, and will he publish their report forthwith?

I must have notice of that question.

I have given notice of it in my question.

I have given all the information that I can make available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is his intention to cause an inquiry to be held into the loss of the "Joseph Medill," in the North Atlantic?

I have just received a reply from His Majesty's Government in Canada consenting to the holding of a formal investigation in the United Kingdom if thought desirable, and a formal investigation is, accordingly, being ordered.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also inquire into the loss to the "John Public" during the last four years?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department sanctioned the sailing of the "Joseph Medill" from England to Canada without wireless equipment; and if he will review the conditions under which such exemptions are granted?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, it is the duty of the Board of Trade to carry out the provisions of the law incorporated in the Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Act, 1919, as qualified by the Merchant, Shipping (Safety and Load Line Conventions) Act, 1932. The latter Act was passed in pursuance of International Conventions including the Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1929. As I informed the hon. Member on 5th December the exemption in question was granted in accordance with a definite provision of that Convention. Applications for exemption will continue to be most carefully scrutinised on their merits but, as at present advised, I see no reason for a review of the conclusions reached by the International Conference of 1929.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider it advisable, in view of the fact that this ship went down with all hands, that a more careful investigation should be made before ships are allowed to undertake voyages without having wireless apparatus on board, as it is almost certain that if this vessel had been equipped with wireless the crew might have been saved?

I am afraid that is a matter of conjecture, but certainly every case is very carefully scrutinised on its merits.