asked the Minister of Labour the names of the trades to whom invitations have at present been issued for the purpose of discussing the arrangement of a five-day working week; how many meetings have been held; will he give particulars of these conversations which have not been confidential; and what progress has been made?

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the discussions with industrial organisations which I am pursuing on the question of the absorption of the unemployed by the reduction of hours of work and allied measures. As the reply is somewhat long, I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will the Minister reply to the latter part of my question in which I ask him to give particulars of any conversations that have not been confidential?

I have given in the reply all the information that I can.

Will the circulated answer state what progress has been made? If not, will the right hon. Gentleman consider publishing a White Paper?

I think the House had better see the answer, and hon. Members can put further questions if necessary.

Have my right hon. Friend's discussions included employe's in the amusement industries?

Not yet.

Following is the reply:

Invitations have been issued to employers' organisations in the following industries:

Engineering.

Shipbuilding.

Iron and Steel.

Building.

Public Works Contracting.

Brick and Tile.

Pottery.

Chemicals.

Glass and Glass Bottle.

Railway Service.

Tobacco.

Printing.

Woollen and Worsted.

Textile Bleaching, Dyeing and Finishing.

Hosiery.

Boot and Shoe.

Electricity Supply.

Gas Supply.

Sugar Confectionery and Food Preserving.

Tin Box.

Licensed Hotel and Restaurant Service.

Wholesale Clothing (Men's).

Shirt, Collar, etc.

Catering (Light Refreshment Branch).

Twenty-two meetings have been held. Further invitations are about to issue to the distributive and bread baking and flour confectionery trades. All these conversations have been of a confidential nature, and I am not yet in a position to make a statement with regard to the proceedings.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give the figures of employment in 1935 for new industries set up in Lancashire?

At the end of 1935, a total of 10,788 workpeople was employed in factories established in Lancashire during that year. Many of these factories, however, had not then reached their full production, and it is anticipated that employment for more than 16,000 workpeople will eventually be provided in them.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the lack of accommodation at the new Employment Exchanges; and whether he will take steps to see that no men and women who attend to sign on shall be forced to stand in the open outside the buildings?

The amount of accommodation to be provided in new buildings for Employment Exchanges is carefully considered in each case. Under the arrangements for timing the attendance of applicants, there is no need for them, save in quite exceptional cases, to have to wait for any appreciable period, if they attend at the times indicated. Perhaps, if the hon. Member has a particular case in mind, he will communicate with me.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give the House any information relative to the case of James Prince, who was charged at the Enfield police court with stealing as bailee furniture worth £24; whether he is aware that this man was brought from Oldham to Enfield under the Ministry of Labour's scheme for assisting distressed areas, and after three days' employment was discharged; and whether he can state the number of persons transferred from distressed areas to London and the home counties that have been discharged after working a week or less?

As the reply to this question is somewhat long, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

Mr. Prince was transferred to employment with the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield on the 4th October last. He was informed before he left Oldham that, if his employment appeared likely to continue, the Ministry would pay the cost of removing his household. On the 5th October, however, Mr. Prince of his own initiative (having first disposed of his furniture at Oldham) brought his wife and family to Enfield. He began work at the Factory on the 9th October, but was discharged after two days as unsuitable. He afterwards obtained other work which lasted for over a month. The Employment Exchange then placed him with another employer, but Mr. Prince held this work for one day only. The Exchange was unable to find other work locally for which Mr. Prince seemed suitable, but brought his qualifications to the notice of employers in other districts. On the 29th January the Exchange learned that Mr. Prince had been accepted by an employer at Dartford, and that an employer at Croydon wished to interview him, but he had by this time returned to Oldham. The Ministry cannot, of course, give a man any guarantee that employment in which he is placed will be permanent; this must depend on his proving satisfactory to his employer. I do not know why Mr. Prince decided to return to Oldham after he had set up a home at Enfield, but it will foe seen that, if he had waited a little longer, he would probably have obtained further employment. I am not able to give a precise answer to the last part of the question, but the number is undoubtedly very small. On the whole the work of transfer has been a marked and increasing success from the point of view both of men and employers.

asked the Minister of Labour what arrangements are being made for the supervision of boys transferred from the special areas; what staff the Ministry of Labour possesses to keep in touch with the boys after they leave work in the evenings; and whether reports of the boys' behaviour have in all respects been satisfactory?

Special arrangements are made for the supervision of boys transferred from the special areas, and I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a memorandum on the subject which describes in detail the model scheme of after-care adopted, with local variations, in most of the areas to which these boys have been transferred. As this after-care work is performed mainly by voluntary bodies and persons interested in the welfare of young people, the staff of the Ministry of Labour is not augmented for this express purpose. Reports on the boys' behaviour are in general satisfactory.

Is the Minister aware that there has been a good deal of criticism of the arrangements for looking after these boys after working hours; and will he be good enough to look further into that matter?

Perhaps the hon. Member will read the memorandum, which gives full information. If he has any further information, I shall be glad to hear it.

Does this Order apply to the girls?

Certainly.

asked the Minister of Labour how many hostels have been opened by the Ministry for young persons transferred to the London area for employment; what is the total accommodation; and will he give the scale of charges?

Two hostels, providing accommodation for 120 transferred boys, have been established by the Ministry in the London area, in co-operation with the Young Men's Christian Association. Two others with a similar total accommodation will be opened shortly. The full cost for board, lodging and laundry is 19s. a week, but the actual charge made is in general reduced according to the boy's rate of wages and his outgoings for fares and other necessary expenses. The actual charge for boys aged 16 or 17 is from 12s. to 14s. in most cases.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can now state the nature of the scheme to establish trading estates in the North-east depressed area and also the amount of the Government grant involved?

asked the Minister of Labour what assistance is to be granted to housing associations from the Commissioner for special areas?

These matters will, I understand, be dealt with in the further report of the Commissioner for the Special Areas (England and Wales), which I hope to be able to lay before the House early next week. Perhaps the hon. Members would be good enough to await the publication of that report.

asked the Minister of Labour in which towns Clause 6, Section 3, of the Unemployment Assistance (Determination of Need and Assessment of Needs) Regulations, 1934, is at present being applied?

The Clause referred to, which gives the board power to provide for needs of an exceptional character, is quite general in its character, and is not limited to any particular area or areas.

Is the Minister aware that the officer in charge of unemployment assistance in Burnley declines to operate the Clause, on the ground that he has received no specific instructions to do so; and will the right hon. Gentleman, therefore, see that the official is informed that specific instructions are not necessary before the Clause can be applied?

Perhaps the hon. Member will communicate with me, and I will communicate with the Department on the subject.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think a system is desirable which leaves the matter to the decision of a paid official of the Department?

The hon. Lady will understand that this Clause is applied under the discretion granted to the board. The investigations are made quite regularly, once a month, and each case must be dealt with on its merits. If there are any particular points, I shall be glad to hear about them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the complaints about this Clause are not confined to Burnley, but are fairly general?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that if a recipient of unemployment assistance benefit dies on the day benefit is due, his dependant is deprived of same; and whether he will take steps to eliminate this hardship?

As the hon. and gallant Member for Hexham (Colonel Clifton Brown) was informed on 11th December last, the board have been advised that they have no power to pay allowances generally in respect of deceased persons.

As then promised, the precise extent of the board's powers have meanwhile been further examined, and as a result the board have informed me that they can make arrangements that will meet the type of case that the hon. Member has in mind.

Do I understand that this will be retrospective, so as to include the case submitted some months ago?

It was with that object in view that the examination was made.

asked the Minister of Labour what have been the weekly incomings and outgoings of the Unemployment Insurance Fund during the past three months; and what has been the average surplus?

During the three months ended 25th January, 1936, the receipts of the Unemployment Fund on insurance account amounted approximately to £16,300,000, and the payments to £13,100,000 after allowing for the accruing charge for debt services under Section 60 of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1935. The average balance was £245,000 per week.

Will the Minister consider using part of the surplus to improve the benefit position?

I am now awaiting the report of the committee which is charged with this duty.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of using some of the surplus to wipe off the debt?

I understand that a good deal of evidence has been put before the committee and various suggestions have been made. I must await the report.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of young persons placed in employment by the juvenile advisory committees in London and adjacent area during November and December, 1935, and January, 1936?

The number of juveniles between 14 and 18 years of age placed in employment in the area covered by the London Regional Advisory Council was:

Are we likely to have a report on the work of the bodies covering the area to which my question refers?

Does the hon. Member mean a special report?

A report on their work— an annual report?

I assume that a report will be made to the Ministry of Labour.

Can the Minister say how many are in blind-alley occupations?

The Noble Lady had better put that question down.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Corporation, on 19th September, 1935, made application to the Commissioner for the special areas for a grant out of the Special Areas (England and Wales) Fund in respect of certain schemes submitted by the authority, and that they have also applied to the Ministry of Health for leave to borrow the necessary moneys; and that the Ministry is ready to grant this leave but cannot do so until the Commissioner has given his decision on the question of grant and whether he will ask the Commissioner to expedite his decision?

I understand that the Commissioner will issue his decision in the matter at an early date.

In view of the fact that some five and a-half months have elapsed since the application was made, can we be positive that we shall have an early reply?

Yes, quite soon.

Has the Commissioner really the power—he seems to be not quite definite as to whether he has— to give the assistance asked for?

The hon. Lady had better await the decision, and perhaps, if she is not satisfied, she will let me know.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the average number of days worked per week for the year 1935 by datal workers, adults and boys under 21 years of age, respectively, in the Newlandside limestone quarry at Stanhope, in the county of Durham, such quarry being owned by Messrs. Dorman, Long, Limited; and what are the average weekly earnings of adults and boys under 21 years of age, respectively, for 1935 in the same quarry?

I am not in possession of information on the points mentioned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the fact that 1,200 persons were arrested last year in London and charged as suspected persons under the Prevention of Crimes Acts, who were later discharged as innocent by the courts, he will consider setting up a committee to inquire into the powers of arrest under this Act with the object of introducing legislation to limit powers of arrest, and so prevent unnecessary loss of liberty of innocent persons?

In 1935 the number of suspected persons charged with loitering with intent to commit felony in the Metropolitan Police district was 3,672, and 2,439 of these were convicted. The first duty of the police is to prevent crime and their experience is that a large number of crimes have, in fact, been prevented by the use of these provisions. The fact that in a proportion of these cases the Court does not regard the evidence as sufficient to warrant a conviction does not necessarily mean that the police were wrong in bringing the case before the Court; and in many cases the Magistrates, when dismissing a charge, have made it clear that in their view the police were justified in bringing the defendant before the Court. While I do not consider that there is sufficient ground for an inquiry such as is suggested by the hon. Member, at the same time I recognise that constant vigilance must be exercised to guard against any improper use of these provisions, and the Commissioner, with whom I have been in consultation, is fully conscious of the importance of this point. Constant watch is kept by the authorities at Scotland Yard over these cases, and great care is being taken to prevent any misuse of these provisions.

Would the right hon. Gentleman impress upon the commissioner that the fact that a man appears to be poor and destitute is no evidence that he is a potential criminal?

Certainly that is the case. No particular class is exempt.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the accident at Ealing on 27th December when a man was killed by a police car while in pursuit of motor bandits, he will alter the law to give a legal right to dependants of appeal to the courts for compensation; and, in the meantime, will he consider making an ex-gratia grant to the widow and four children of the man who lost his life?

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of recent tragic experience, he will take all possible steps to secure that the police, in the course of pursuing offenders in motor cars, shall not drive in a manner which endangers the lives of the public?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to an accident which recently occurred at Ealing, in which an innocent member of the public named John Patrick Green was knocked down and killed by one of the police motor cars; in view of the fact that under existing legislation no action for damages for any such occurrences can be taken by members of the public against Crown servants, will he consider the introduction of amending legislation which will give to members of the public the rights to have any similar claims legally determined; and will he consider, in the interest of the public, introducing regulations in the Metropolitan Police Force which will ensure that all police motor car or transport drivers are covered by third-party insurance in the same manner as other motor car drivers?

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the recent death of a citizen caused by a police motor car, it is proposed to take any steps to ensure that in such cases in future proper compensation shall be payable?

In the first place I should like to express my deep regret at the fatality which has given rise to these questions. I have already been in communication with the hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. Thorne) regarding the case, and my letter to him was published in the Press yesterday. I am glad to have this further opportunity of removing the misapprehensions which appear to exist. There is no foundation for the view that a member of the public who suffers loss or injury as the result of the negligence or other wrongful act of a police officer is unable under the existing law to enforce his claim to compensation in the courts. In the case in question, while it is not admitted that the officer driving the police car was guilty of any negligence, an adequate offer of compensation will, hon. Members may rest assured, be made to the widow. The point raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Norwood (Mr. Sandys) is now receiving the close attention of the Commissioner of Police.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question?

I did not deal with it because I think the question must be based on some misapprehension. Third party insurance is needed in cases where there is a risk of the person primarily liable going bankrupt or disappearing. That is extremely unlikely in the case of a police officer. In addition, third party insurance is insurance by an insurance company to pay if the principal person is liable. If the principal person is liable, the police fund will pay.

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware of the hardships falling upon the dependants of citizens killed or injured as a result of the actions of servants of the Crown; and whether His Majesty's Government will grant to such dependants the rights of legal process in these cases?

I am not aware of any such hardship as is suggested by my hon. Friend. Where a person is injured or killed by the wrongful act of an officer of the Crown in the course of his official duty, he or his dependants have a right of action in the courts against that officer and it is the invariable practice of the Crown in such cases to pay any damages and costs awarded by the court.

asked the Home Secretary what was the nationality of the late Emil Allard or Max Kassel; and in what circumstances was he granted a permit to live in this country?

It is believed that the dead man entered the country with papers representing him to be a British subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman quite satisfied with the conditions under which apparently undesirable aliens are allowed to enter the country and, in view of the considerable public uneasiness that is being caused, will he conduct an overhaul of the whole circumstances?

While judicial proceedings are, or may be, pending in reference to this matter I would ask hon. Members to defer further questions about the case. At a later date I shall be ready to answer all questions I can. I can assure the hon. Member that that aspect of the matter is very much in the mind of everyone. I do not think the regulations are defective, but that is no reason for not looking to see.

asked the Home Secretary whether the police inquiries in connection with a recent murder case have disclosed the presence in this country of any considerable number of undesirable aliens; and whether he intends to institute an inquiry into the effectiveness of the arrangements at the ports for checking the entrance into this country of undesirable aliens?

The hon. Member will appreciate that the first object of police inquiries has been to endeavour to trace any persons who may have been concerned in the murder and that there has been no opportunity for considering any consequential information derived from those inquiries. Such information will be reviewed in due course, but it would be undesirable that I should at present make any statement regarding the character of persons who may be concerned in judicial proceedings.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any reason to suppose that the system of week-end tickets, which I understand require no passport, has enabled a certain number of aliens to secure illegal admittance into the country and, in pursuing his further inquiries, will he look into this aspect of the matter?

I am sure that will be included in any consideration. The hon. Member must remember that there would be inconvenience if everyone who went from Boulogne or Dover across the Channel had to go through the performance merely for the purpose of being in England or France for a day.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Departmental Committee has been set up to investigate the need for regulation of the hours of employment of young persons in unregulated trades; and, if so, when the report may be expected?

The Departmental Committee to which the Noble Lady refers was appointed on 16th January, and I am sending her a copy of the Warrant of Appointment. I cannot at present give any indication as to the date when the Committee's report may be expected.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think it was rather unnecessary to set up a Departmental Committee as five Governments have pledged themselves to bring in a Bill to regulate the employment of these children in unregulated trades? Is it not a sheer waste of time, and would it not be better to bring in a Bill based on the findings of five Governments?

This Committee has been invited to consider not merely how far but also by what method this proposal can be carried out.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received a report from the Chief Commissioner of Police in connection with the proceedings recently terminated in the King's Bench Division relative to the gambling party at Sunderland House; whether his attention has been drawn to the strictures made by the judge who tried the case; whether he can state the number of similar houses between Lancaster Gate and Oxford Circus which are known to the police; and what action he intends taking in the matter?

I am glad to have the opportunity of associating myself with the views expressed by the learned Judge who tried this case to the effect that it is much to be hoped that no reputable charity will in the future resort to so questionable a method of raising money as the organisation of gambling parties. The Commissioner of Police will not hesitate to prosecute in any case where the necessary evidence is forthcoming to prove an offence against the law.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any definite views and, if so, is he prepared to put them into operation?

The first part of my answer was intended to express a very definite view, and the second part was intended to convey an intention as to action.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. Thorne) took sixteenth place in a gamble in the House this morning?

Then, as a matter of fact, we are all gamblers.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received a report from his factory inspector relative to the death of a crane-driver, William Thumwood, who was killed at the Delta Metal Works, Greenwich, when his crane fell from a jetty at East Greenwich on Friday last; whether his attention has been drawn to the disclosures at the inquest relative to the testing of the crane by an inspector of the General Accident and Fire Insurance Company; and what action he intends taking in the matter?

I have received a preliminary report on this accident. Further investigation is necessary, and I am not at present in a position to make any statement as to what action may prove desirable.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has had brought to his notice a letter, dated 11th November, 1934, from the clerk to the Croydon county petty sessional division of Surrey, calling attention to the inadequacy of legal representation of the Metropolitan police in motor cases; the reply of his department thereto dated 26th March, 1935; and the resolution of the same bench which was read in open court on 11th December, 1935; and what steps are being taken to remedy the situation disclosed?

Yes, Sir, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that every effort is made to furnish legal aid to assist the Court in those cases in which it is deemed necessary for the proper presentation of the case. The views of the Croydon justices on this matter have been before the Commissioner and he is at present in communication with the Court on the subject.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the position with regard to the proposed new bridge over the Manchester Ship Canal between Eccles and Salford; and is he aware of the need for this bridge to relieve Barton and Trafford bridges and link up the new Lancashire road with Trafford Park and the South?

A proposal to construct a new north to south by-pass to the west of Manchester and Salford includes a new bridge over the Manchester Ship Canal between Eccles and Salford. No definite scheme has been submitted for my consideration, but I am aware of its general desirability and am prepared to give favourable consideration to any application for a grant from the Road Fund to a proposal which is favoured by the authorities concerned.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the new motor-car lighting regulations recently introduced by the French ministry of public works, by which it will be compulsory for all motorists in that country to use cadmium yellow headlights instead of white ones; and whether he is giving consideration to the advantages claimed for cadmium yellow light, with a view to introducing similar legislation in this country?

I am informed that no such regulations have actually been approved in France, but I have obtained from the French authorities a report on the subject.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he regards the present returns of road fatalities as satisfactory; and, if not, what further measures he proposes?

While the figures for fatal accidents for 1935 show a reduction of about 11 per cent. as compared with the previous year, no one can rest content with the position. I cannot detail all the measures already taken or contemplated in the interests of greater safety in answer to a Parliamentary Question, but I regard a higher standard of road usage to be essential, for the solution of this problem is to be achieved not so much by the measures taken as by an increased sense of individual responsibility and a higher standard of road conduct.

asked the Home Secretary what action is generally being taken by magistrates to carry out under the Money Payments Act the investigations necessary, whether by the appointment of a special clerk, adding it to the duties of a probation officer or otherwise; and what course is recommended by the Home Office?

The Money Payments Act provides for the supervision of defaulters in certain cases, and in a circular sent to justices I have expressed the view that the probation officer is a suitable person to carry out duties of supervision. No provision was made in this Act for the appointment of any special officer to carry out investigations as to means, and before making any recommendation to justices on this subject I am awaiting the Report of the committee which is inquiring into the general organisation of social services connected with courts of summary jurisdiction, including the making of social investigations on behalf of the court and other work falling or likely to fall upon probation officers.

Is the right hon. Gentleman's advice being generally taken by benches?

I think the view that a probation officer is a suitable person is not opposed. The report of this Committee will throw a good deal of light as to the best way to do it. It may be expected next month.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will arrange that in future annual statistics on workmen's compensation legal and medical expenses shall be shown as separate items?

The Returns under the Workmen's Compensation Act on which the Annual Home Office Statistics are based cover only the compensation paid, and I am afraid there would be great difficulties in the way of obtaining the amount of the legal and medical expenses incurred by the various parties concerned. So far as regards Insurance Companies, I understand that for the group belonging to the Accident Offices Association, which includes most of the larger companies, legal expenses are estimated at 2½ per cent. and medical expenses as 1¾ per cent. of the premium income.

asked the President of the Board of Education over what period have exemptions for school children over 14 been granted in Plymouth and Carnarvon; how many have been granted; what the total cost of maintenance grants has been; and what is the average cost per child?

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

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the position in Plymouth and Carnarvon, and think well before he allows exemptions in his new Bill?

I have no doubt that if I do not bear it in mind, the Noble Lady will remind me.

In view of the Bill that is before the House will the right hon. Gentleman have a complete analysis of the exemptions in all areas so that he may come to some conclusion as to how the exemptions work?

All the information I have will be available.

Following is the answer:

The by-laws raising the school leaving age in Carnarvonshire and Plymouth from 14 to 15 came into operation on 1st January, 1925, and 2nd September, 1927, respectively. The board have no information as to the number of exemptions from attendance granted in those areas prior to 1st April, 1928, but from that date the numbers of children exempted at some time after attaining the age of 14 have been as follow:

In the case of Plymouth no maintenance allowances were granted to children over 14 in attendance at public elementary schools during the above period.

The average cost per child assisted for the last year for which particulars are available was approximately £3 3s. The cost is shared equally between the Exchequer and the local education authority.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of children who have entered unregulated trades in those areas where exemptions have been permitted, together with the total number of children granted exemptions?

I regret that the information at my disposal does not enable me to give a complete or exact answer to the hon. Member's question. It would appear however that in the areas in which a by-law requiring attendance at school till 15 was in operation, out of the 10,500 children exempted during 1934–35, about 10 per cent., were employed as messengers or van boys, or in warehouses.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the increase of the transport to school grant announced in the recent circular applies to the conveyance of children to all types of schools, including special schools?

The increase of the grant for conveyance to 40 per cent., announced in Circular 1444, applies to elementary schools. Where conveyance is provided to other types of schools, including special schools, the cost already ranks for grant at 50 per cent.

The numbers of such allowances granted in Carnarvonshire, and the expenditure thereon, have been as follow:

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of boys and girls who, at the age of 14, left the elementary schools in December, 1934, and December, 1935?

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

Following is the answer:

I regret that the particulars which the Board receive regarding the pupils who leave the elementary schools relate only to the year ending 31st March. The numbers who left on attaining the age of exemption from compulsory school attendance for reasons other than further education in the years ended 31st March, 1934, and 31st March, 1935, were as follow:

asked the President of the Board of Education, in view of his Departmental circular on free meals and free milk for underfed school children, whether any education authorities are acting on his advice to hold periodically nutrition surveys at which all children not receiving free meals would be passed under review; and whether he can give the names of such authorities?

I understand that certain local education authorities have acted, or propose to act, on the Board's suggestions that periodical nutrition surveys should be held at which children not receiving meals would be passed under review. I am afraid, however, that I have no information about the number of these authorities, but I understand that the areas in which complete or partial surveys have been or will be held include Swansea, Gateshead, Norwich, Liverpool and Workington.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is his intention to introduce legislation dealing with the difficulties in connection with the Widows' and Old Age Pensions Acts which hae arisen; and, if so, when he hopes to do so?

I am not aware of difficulties in connection with the widows', orphans' and old age contributory pensions scheme which make amending legislation desirable, but if my hon. Friend will let me know the particular difficulties he has in mind, I will be glad to consider them.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman know of the serious anomaly of the widow who gets a pension whose husband never contributed at all and of the thousands of widows who have not received a pension whose husbands did contribute; and is he also aware of the case of the men reaching 65 years of age and getting the contributory pension whose wives are 63 or 64 years of age and are not in receipt of it?

If the hon. Member for Westhoughton (Mr. Rhys Davies) will read the question, he will see that the hon. Gentleman is not asking me about whether any extensions of the Act are necessary, but it relates, as I understand it, to administrative difficulties.

asked the Minister of Health (1) what arrangements are being made to establish housing associations under the 1935 Housing Act; and how such associations when formed, are to be financed;

(2) what figure per house is to be granted to housing associations, and for what period?

The Exchequer assistance provided under the Housing Acts, 1930 and 1935, is made available to housing associations through the medium of local authorities by Section 27 of the Act of 1935. I hope that full use will be made of this Section, and that it will lead to a substantial extension in the operations of these associations. The amount of the grant payable by the local authority to the association is a matter for arrangement between the two bodies, subject to my approval.

Are we to understand that in future every local authority will he compelled to become members of a housing association before they can get any assistance from the Government?

I do not think that my answer would bear that out, but if the hon. Gentleman will put his question on the Paper, I will answer it.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider introducing legislation that will place deaf and dumb persons in a similar position under the social services as the blind?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on this subject on 16th December to the hon. Member for West Toxteth (Mr. Gibbins) of which I am sending him a copy. For the reasons there stated, I am not at present satisfied that there is need for such legislation as is suggested in the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in view of the industrial depression, deaf and dumb persons on reaching 14 years of age are having very great difficulty in finding any employment at all, and that charitable organisations have done very little for the deaf and dumb compared with what they have done for the blind?

Yes, but I would like the hon. Gentleman to study this report, if he will, and I will gladly consider it with him later.

asked the Minister of Health (1), the number of applications received in respect of water supplies and the total amount of grants up to the end of January last, and also the number of grants that have been given for areas where the rates, previous to a proposed scheme, have been under 10s. in the £;

(2) the total number of cases in which applications for grants in respect of water supplies have been refused?

Up to the end of January last, applications had been received in respect of 876 schemes relating to 2,227 parishes. Grants totalling £831,000 had been provisionally allocated in respect of 550 schemes for 1,707 parishes, including 182 schemes where, previous to the proposed scheme, the rates were less than 10s. in the £. Grants had been refused in respect of 190 schemes on the ground that they were not needed to enable the schemes to be carried out.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether the New Forest Rural District Council is included in this list?

I will inquire into that matter and communicate with my hon. Friend.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that we want a better distribution of the water just as we do of the wealth?

The water has been plentifully distributed lately.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that an outbreak of typhoid fever is affecting a number of persons residing in the village of Langwith, Derbyshire, in the area controlled by the Blackwell Rural District Council; and what steps have been taken to deal with the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, on the recommendation of my Department the previous source of the water supply to this village has now been abandoned in favour of one which, it is believed, is free from pollution, and I hope that there will be no recurrence of the outbreak.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether there is running water in most of the houses in that village?

No. I am afraid that I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the frequent floodings from a canal on one side and a polluted river on the other of houses situate in Meadow Rams, Pinxton, Derbyshire, endangering the health of the inhabitants and giving rise to great inconvenience; and is he satisfied that proper progress is being made by the Blackwell Rural District Council in dealing with the matter?

My attention has not previously been drawn to this matter. I will make inquiries and let the hon. Member know the result.

asked the Minister of Health what was the increase, if any, in proportion to the population, in the number of persons receiving mental treatment in private homes and State and voluntary hospitals, in the years 1900, 1920, 1930, and 1935, respectively; and whether there was in every case sufficient accommodation for those requiring treatment?

The number of persons per 10,000 of population receiving mental treatment in the places indicated was:

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government intend to give the House of Commons an opportunity to discuss fully the Report of the Committee on Minister's Powers during the lifetime of the present Parliament; and, if so, can he give any indication when?

I fear I can hold out no hope of time being given for a discussion of the report referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend. I may add, however, that the views expressed are being borne in mind in relation to current legislation as occasion arises.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many hon. Members in this House do not consider that these recommendations are being carried out, and that being so, could not my right hon. Friend really seriously consider whether an opportunity can be given to discuss this very important report?

There are many things that are important, and I have given an answer as far as I can see ahead. I can give no undertaking with regard to the present Parliament— that would be absurd—but I am quite clear that in the present Session of Parliament there can be no possibility at all of giving a day for this purpose.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very strong feeling on the matter outside this House?

No, I think not.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the desirability of arranging that spa treatment shall be an additional benefit under National Health Insurance?

The present list of additional benefits affords to approved societies a wide variety of forms of remedial treatment, and in fact the surplus funds of societies available as a result of the last valuation have already been allocated on this basis. The addition of spa treatment was considered but was not selected. If before the date of the next valuation I have evidence that there is a fairly widespread desire on the part of societies for the suggested addition, I will give the matter further consideration.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman recently had a good many representations from societies on this subject?

Yes, Sir, that is so.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the local public assistance committee is closing the offices of Relief District No. 23, covering Putney, Roehampton and Southfields, and transferring them to the Swaffield institution this month, which is out of the area; and, in view of the hardships which this will cause to the applicants for relief owing to the long distance they will have to travel in future, costing applicants from Roehamptan 8d. return and from Putney Common 6d. return, will he remedy this?

My attention had not previously been drawn to these arrangements, which do not require my sanction. I understand that the change is necessitated by the bad condition of the existing relief offices, and that the new premises will be conveniently situated for the great majority of applicants in the area which they will serve. I am assured that if the new arrangements prove unsatisfactory in any respect they will be further considered.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a growing number of important municipalities are needing to float public loan issues; and will he use his good offices to facilitate all possible preference being given to them?

While the Treasury are not directly concerned with the arrangements to which the hon. Member refers, it is in accordance with the general policy of the Government that local authorities should receive every facility for enabling them to take advantage of the present cheapness of money to borrow for approved purposes. But the hon. Member will realise that these facilities cannot be allowed to deprive other borrowers such as the Crown Colonies, the Dominions and public utility undertakings of access to the markets.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the declared value of the retained imports of gold bullion and coin in 1932 to 1935, inclusive, totalled £414,000,000, and that during the same period the gold reserve of the Bank of England had in creased by only £75,000,000; how much of the difference between these two figures arises from the fact that gold bullion is valued at the market price for gold; and what steps he is taking to ensure that that part of the imported gold which has not gone into the Bank of England is being used for the promotion of trade through the ordinary processes of banking?

The value at to-day's market price of the gold added to the reserve of the Bank of England in the last four years would be about £131,000,000. But it would be highly misleading to seek to relate the credit structure of this country to the figures of the net imports of gold as shown in the Customs returns which do not necessarily represent the transfer of gold to or from British ownership.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what has happened to the missing £300,000,000?

I cannot.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he has considered the resolution adopted by the council of the city of Newcastle-on-Tyne recommending that in the case of an old age pensioner who has to be admitted to and maintained in an institution provided out of public funds and thereby becomes disqualified from the receipt of the old age pension, the local authority responsible for the maintenance of the pensioner should be reimbursed to the extent of the amount of such pension and that the Old Age Pensions Acts should be so amended as to provide for the adoption of this course; and what action does he propose to take?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the reason why local authorities maintaining in their institutions recipients of old age pensions are not reimbursed for their out lay, at all events to the extent of the old age pension which the said recipients normally receive when outside the institution?

The payment of old age pensions in the case of inmates of Poor Law institutions was considered by the Departmental Committee on Old Age Pensions in 1919 who were not in favour of payment of the pension in such cases to the local authority on the ground that the pension would become

"an additional and irregular grant in aid of local expenditure based on no fixed principle."

I cannot give any undertaking that the Government will introduce legislation on the subject.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the capital for the proposed capitalisation of British beet sugar factories is to be British capital?

A scheme for the voluntary amalgamation of the existing beet sugar manufacturing companies has been prepared by the Beet Sugar Factories Committee, and is at present being examined by the Interim Tribunal which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer and I have appointed to advise us on this matter. Pending a report from the Tribunal, who are still engaged in conversations with representa- tives of the industry, I am not in a position to give any details as to the terms of the proposed amalgamation.

Will the right hon. Gentleman pay more attention to the tribunal than he did to the committee that he set up to deal with this question?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the recent increase in the purchases of milch cows on the hire-purchase system; and whether he will consider whether this system should be allowed to develop without any limitation, in view of the difficulty of obtaining a remunerative price for milk at the present time in consequence of the excess of supply over demand?

I am aware that it has been stated that the practice of purchasing milch cows on the hire-purchase system is extending. The matter is not one, however, in which I have power to intervene in any way.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now make any statement upon the announced long-term policy for the assistance of the livestock industry?

My hon. and gallant Friend will realise that I have not at present anything to add to the reply I gave on Tuesday last to questions by my hon. Friend the Member for South Croydon (Mr. H. G. Williams) and my right hon. Friend the Member for South Molton (Mr. Lambert), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any progress has yet been made in the establishment in this country of factories to produce farina and dextrine from potatoes?

So far as I am aware, no new proposals have been made for the establishment in this country of factories for the production of farina and dextrine from potatoes. My hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware that there is a production in this country of dextrine from imported farina.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action His Majesty's Governments in the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth of Australia, and New Zealand propose to take to aid the maintenance of Empire shipping services between Australia, New Zealand, San Francisco, and Vancouver?

As I informed my hon. Friend on 17th December, the understanding is that in view of their special interest in the subject, His Majesty's Governments in New Zealand and the Commonwealth of Australia are considering what action they can take to deal with the position. I have no information at present regarding their intentions.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he expects to make some statement on this matter, and can he give an assurance that His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom will take the lead in this vital matter?

I do not know when action is likely to be taken by the Australian and New Zealand Governments, and therefore I can give no undertaking.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that it is of vital interest to this country to keep open communications through the Empire with Australia and Canada, and will he see that this country is represented at any conference that takes place in Australia or New Zealand?

I cannot make any promise in regard to any conference in Australia or New Zealand, but we are always prepared to discuss the matter here.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amounts of the duties on British bicycles entering the Argentine Republic?

Bicycles with wheels exceeding 61 centimetres in diameter are liable to a total duty of 20.16 gold pesos each on importation into Argentina. The duty on other sizes is 8.40 gold pesos.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these duties are in the neighbourhood of about 150 per cent. on the value of the bicycle, and will he make representations to the Argentine Government?

I cannot verify the hon. Member's calculations, as I do not know the value of the bicycles.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is proposed to give notice of the termination of the trade agreement with the Argentine Republic on or before 7th May of this year?

The question of the future of this Agreement is receiving the consideration of His Majesty's Government.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is of vital importance to the agricultural industry of this country that this Agreement should be terminated at the earliest possible moment?

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the House will have an early opportunity of discussing this very important question?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the report of the Stock Exchange committee on the subject of fixed trusts; and whether he proposes to introduce legislation dealing with this matter?