asked the Secretary of State for War what are the reductions in personnel in the Regular Army, Territorial Army, and Reserves, respectively, at the present time as compared with 1913?

The establishments for 1935 show the following net reductions in personnel as compared with 1913: Regular Army, 48,500; Territorial Army, 137,770; Reserves, 85,736.

Is it not a fact that our military strength in the categories mentioned in 1913 was considered to be the very minimum requirements for the defence of the Empire, and are the Government alive to the present state of our defences?

asked the Secretary of State for War the present deficiency of the strength of London Territorial units; and whether any steps are to be taken in the near future to increase the inducements to young men to join the Territorial Army so as to remedy this defect?

The present deficiency is approximately 8,900. As regards the second part of the question I will ask my hon. Friend to await the introduction of the forthcoming Army Estimates.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider extending the opportunity of wearing uniform in public to the Territorials?

Certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the new gun which it was announced would take the place of the Lewis gun has yet been issued to all units; and, if not, how many units are already fully equipped with it?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 17th December last to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Wansbeck (Colonel Cruddas) to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the fact that the firm of Vickers have invented an anti-aircraft gun claimed to be superior to any other; and upon what grounds the Government still retain an old type in use since 1918?

I am aware of the claims made in respect of this gun. My hon. Friend will, however, appreciate that it would not be in the public interest to disclose the reasons why it has not been adopted, but I can assure him that active consideration is being given to the replacement of existing guns by a new antiaircraft equipment for defence against aircraft of the latest design.

Was one of the reasons that of cost?

On a point of Order. Reference is made in this question to "the present strength of the Red Army of Soviet Russia." Is it in order to put unnecessary adjectives in a question?

It all depends on what "red" means.

I am informed that the Deputy Commissar for Defence announced in a speech to the Central Executive Committee of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on 15th January, 1936, that the strength of the Red Army—which includes the Navy and Air Force—had reached a total of 1,300,000. The budget estimates for defence for 1936 amount to 14.8 milliard roubles against 6.5 milliard estimated and 8.2 actually expended in 1935, but I have no information as to what further increases in strength are contemplated.

Seeing that Russia is a member of the League of Nations, is not the presence of this army a stabilising force?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to the proposal to restore the ancient office of Governor of Edinburgh Castle?

It has now been decided that the office of Governor of Edinburgh Castle shall be revived. The appointment is titular and honorary, and will be held by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Scottish Command, for the time being.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House what will be the duties of the Governor in an office which has been so long in abeyance?

I have already informed the House that the appointment is titular and honorary, and the duties therefore may safely be left to the imagination of the hon. Member.

Why not give this post to the Minister for Thought?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the names of the districts where the full curriculum is given as laid out in publication M 228 dealing with rural continuation classes in Scotland?

The districts in question for the session 1934–35 were Cupar, Brechin, Kirriemuir, Kildrummy, St. Andrews Lhanbryd.

Can the Secretary of State say why, in an important subject like education, only this very small number of these classes have been formed since the issue of the circular in 1913?

We are taking steps to try to encourage these classes.

I want to know why nothing has been done in the past—why it is only now that something is being done?

I should require a little notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has had any applications for rural continuation classes; and by what process such classes are established?

For the current session rural continuation classes were approved by the Department at 188 continuation class centres. With regard to the second part of the question, Section 10 of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1908, requires education authorities to make suitable provision of continuation classes for the further instruction of young persons above the age of 14 years with reference to the crafts and industries practised in the district (including agriculture if so practised and the domestic arts), and the Department annually invite the education authorities to submit proposals for the necessary continuation classes. The county staffs of the agricultural colleges co-operate in the work of education in rural subjects. As stated in answer to a previous question by the hon. Member on 4th February, the Department propose to take steps to stimulate the development of rural courses.

May I ask whether it is the duty of the rural schoolmaster or schoolmistress to bring to the notice of the education authorities that such classes are necessary, or whether it is the examining inspectors who report to the Department? By what means is this matter brought to the attention of the authorities?

I am afraid that I cannot answer that question at short notice, but I will communicate with the hon. Member on the point.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has yet received any replies to his circular to local authorities in Scotland relating to maternal morbidity and mortality; whether he can indicate the nature of such replies; and whether he contemplates any further action in the matter?

The circular asks local authorities to undertake surveys of the extent and quality of existing services and to report by 29th February. No replies have yet been received.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction among local authorities in Scotland at the delay in issuing the conditions for rebates of rent referred to in Section 47, Sub-section (5), of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1935; that, if not issued soon, housing authorities claim that it will be impossible to prepare their new scheme of rents to operate from 16th May, 1936; and, if so, when the regulations will be issued and when he proposes to consult representatives of local authorities?

I am aware that local authorities have complained of the delay in issuing the regulations referred to by the hon. Member. The drafting of the regulations has presented considerable difficulty but they are now nearly completed. It is expected that it will be possible to consult representatives of local authorities within the next few weeks.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction of several Scottish housing authorities at the refusal of the Department of Health to approve of the terms these authorities had approved of for acquiring land for housing purposes; that this refusal may cause delay in carrying through their housing programme; and will he, for the power claimed by the Department, have this matter inquired into?

Some local authorities have made representations to the effect stated by the hon. Member. Prices asked for land for housing purposes are frequently in excess of what can be approved. For the convenience of local authorities, however, I have recently made arrangements under which the Valuation Office of the Inland Revenue will undertake negotiations with owners of land, and I understand that considerable advantage will be taken of these arrangements by local authorities who may consider that the prices asked for by owners are too high. I will undertake that no delay will occur if local authorities apply at an early stage.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the reason for the delay in dealing with local authority proposals as to contributions to be paid into the housing pool for houses built under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924?

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a circular on this subject which was issued by the Department of Health to local authorities on 8th instant. The Housing (Scotland) Act, 1935, made a number of important changes in the financial relations between local authorities and the Exchequer and time and careful consideration have been necessary for the proper adjustment of the consequential changes in administration.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the appeal addressed to him on 25th January by the Association for the Preservation of Rural Scotland pressing for an inquiry to be made before a new hydro-electric power scheme involving Glengarry and Glenmoriston is launched; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The proposed scheme is the subject of a Draft Provisional Order, under the Scottish Private Legislation Procedure. Unless the Lord Chairman of Committees and the Chairman of Ways and Means decide that it should proceed as a Private Bill, an inquiry on the draft Order will in due course be held in Scotland by Commissioners consisting of Members of the two Houses. In view of this statutory inquiry by Commissioners I do not consider it appropriate to appoint a separate Committee to make the inquiry suggested by the association, but in replying to the association I have pointed out that if they decide to submit objections on the ground of injury to scenery the question of affording them a hearing by the Commissioners will be sympathetically considered by me.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the issuing of a White Paper giving a summary of the area of the scheme?

I have had no inquiries for such a White Paper, but I will consider the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any action has been taken with regard to the promised inquiry into the alleged irregularities at the counting of votes for the Kelvingrove Division at the last General Election?

I have obtained a report from the returning officer for the Kelvingrove Division which indicates that two mistakes occurred in connection with the first and second counts. The papers contained in one ballot box were omitted from the first count, and the result of counting one lot of 1,000 votes was omitted from the enumeration sheets. This was due to error on the part of a clerk supervising the counting arrangements, and not to any defect in the statutory provisions regulating election procedure. The conduct of elections in Scotland is, under statute, a matter for the sheriffs as returning officers. I have, however, invited the sheriffs collectively to review their experience of the recent General Election and to inform me of any matters to which they think that my attention might usefully be directed.

Is there any truth in the report that there were persons at the counting of the votes in this election who were not entitled to be in the building at all?

I should require notice of that question. No information on the point has been given to me.

If the facts are as stated would it be in the power of the Scottish Office to take action?

These matters are entirely under the jurisdiction of the sheriffs, who are quite capable of looking after these matters.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that many electors in the Ross and Cromarty Division of Scotland are practically deprived of their vote because of the lack of travelling facilities and road difficulties; and will he, therefore, arrange for travelling ballot boxes for the benefit of voters in outlying districts?

In Scotland it is the duty of the Sheriff, as returning officer, to fix polling districts and polling places, and I have no power to intervene in such a matter. I brought the question, however, to the notice of the returning officer for the Ross and Cromarty Division. He states that, in normal weather, not many voters in that constituency are practically deprived of their vote by difficulties of communication; and he doubts if there are many cases where the polling booth is less accessible than the church, doctor, or village shop. As regards travelling ballot boxes, such a system would require legislation and would involve considerable expense, delay, and risk of tampering. As indidated in a previous answer I have asked the sheriffs collectively to furnish me with any observations arising out of their experience of the recent General Election.

Who fixes the candidates?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that all candidates during the recent Election said that it was mostly desirable that these travelling boxes should be instituted? Is he also aware that persons in these divisions have to travel 20 miles, 10 miles or 5 miles to ballot?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of children fined or placed on probation by the juvenile court in the Maryhill Division of Glasgow during 1935?

Fifty children were fined and 18 were placed on probation in 1935 by the Court referred to.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a considerable feeling in the Maryhill Division with regard to the question of juvenile crime and the sentences arising therefrom; and will he make inquiries with regard to that division?

I am afraid that matters pertaining to the courts must be settled by the courts themselves.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that two barriers of barbed wire have been constructed all round Malta; and what Department was responsible for this expenditure?

No, Sir; but a certain amount of barbed wire has been erected by the military authorities as part of the precautionary measures for the defence of the island. The expenditure involved is a proper charge against Army funds.

Is it intended to stop aeroplanes getting to Malta.

asked the Secretary for Mines the sums received by the chairman and members of the Coal Reorganisation Commission, respectively, since the inception of the committee, and the number of amalgamations effected in the coal industry through the direct efforts of the committee?

From 15th December, 1930, the date of the commission's inception, to 31st January, 1936, the chairman received £31,356 14s. 1d.; three commissioners each received £3,531 6s. 6d., and the fourth member of the commission has served without remuneration. With regard to the second part of the question, since the formation of the commission amalgamations involving 234 pits have been effected, but I cannot say how many of these are directly due to the activities of the commission.

Is it not clear to the hon. and gallant Gentleman that the results do not justify the expenditure entailed; and is it not time to bring this commission to an end?

Who appointed these gentlemen?

I thought everybody knew that.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consult his right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council in relation to that matter?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the damage caused by mining subsidence; that Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley councils are concerned owing to expense arising owing to the dislocation of the water and gas mains; and will he consider setting up an inquiry to look into this matter?

The Royal Commission on Mining Subsidence, which reported in 1927, considered the statutory position of local authorities in this respect, but did not recommend that they should be relieved of their existing financial responsibilities. The Commission's reasons for coming to this conclusion are set out in their Report, notably in paragraph 71, of which I will send the hon. Member a copy.

As it is proposed to bring in a Bill to deal with mining royalties, would it not be desirable to have information on the question of payments out of these mining royalties to the local authorities; and will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider that point?

Answer.

In view of the reply given, I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that, owing to the failure of the colliery companies concerned to agree on a co operative pumping scheme, the Eatock Pit, Westhoughton, has recently closed down and that other collieries in the district may soon be threatened with water; and, if so, will he take steps to prevent this disaster spreading any further?

I understand that the closing of this pit is due rather to the exhaustion of the mineral than to pumping difficulties. I am further informed that it is unlikely that water from this pit will affect any other colliery. The position will, however, be carefully watched.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the water problem in this area has already made two urban council districts derelict and that it is likely that a subsidence problem will follow?

I do not think the hon. Gentleman can have heard my reply in which I said that the closing of the pit was rather due to the exhaustion of the mineral.

asked the Secretary for Mines what is the position with regard to progress in coal-oil distillation at Tipton and the yield in smokeless fuel, petrol, gas, and fuel-oil obtained?

I regret that as no official test has been made no information is available.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the advisability of holding an official test, in view of the very interesting work which is now being carried out at this installation?

It is not for me to do so. The company are quite well aware that facilities for official tests are offered by the Fuel Research Board and they have only to apply for one.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has any statement to make with reference to the ratification of the Coal Mines Convention; whether he will consider the advisability of Great Britain ratifying conditionally on a similar action by the other parties; and whether negotiations have taken place with the German Government on the subject of ratification?

I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to a question by the hon. Member for Normanton (Mr. T. Smith) on 9th December last.

Will the Minister reply to the second and third parts of the question, which are rather different from the first part and are not covered by his previous reply?

I think the hon. Member will find that they are covered if he studies the reply.

Is it not true to say that the Government have no intention of ratifying this convention?

asked the Secretary for Mines the quantity of coal produced in Great Britain and South Wales during 1935, respectively, and the quantity of coal exported from Great Britain and South Wales during 1935, respectively?

The estimated quantity of saleable coal raised at mines in Great Britain during 1935 was 222,940,000 tons and the quantity of coal exported 38,714,134 tons. The corresponding figures for South Wales and Monmouthshire were 35,117,700 tons and 15,635,713 tons, respectively.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether any tests have been undertaken in connection with the flame safety lamps employed at the Gresford Colliery, North Wales, at the time of the explosion; if so, with what results; and, if no test has already been taken, is it the intention of the Department to arrange for such a test or tests?

The six flame safety lamps recovered from the mine after the explosion were examined and tested at the Mines Department Testing Station at Sheffield. The report of the results was put in evidence at the public inquiry, and I will send the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of safety lamps in use at the Gresford Colliery prior to the explosion in 1934, giving the number and names of the flame safety lamps, together with the number of apertures per square inch in the gauzes and the number of electric safety lamps?

Evidence given at the public inquiry showed that there were 1,848 flame safety lamps and 30 electric cap lamps in use. The flame lamps were of the Marsaut type, with two gauzes and burning spirit. Except for five surveyors' lamps fitted with 28 mesh

Notes. —(1) The sums paid during the financial years 1922–3, 1923–4 and 1924–5 represent payments to the Industrial Welfare Society which carried out certain technical advisory work in those years.

(2)The salaries of the administrative staff provided by the Mines Department have been charged to the Miners' Welfare Fund since October, 1931.

(3)Salaries are paid out of the Fund in respect of staff employed by District Miners' Welfare Committees as well as staff employed by the Central Committee, The former are paid by the District Committees and our records do not show the payments made each year, but the total administration expenses of the District Committees to 31st December, 1935, amounted to about £127,000 of which about £85,000 is estimated to be attributable to salaries. The total sum paid out of the Fund up to the same date in respect of the salaries of staff employed by the Central Committee amounted to about £187,500.

gauzes, all the flame lamps were fitted with 20 mesh gauzes—having 400 apertures to the square inch.

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) what was the total amount of salaries paid by the Miners' Welfare Committee for the years 1924, 1929, and 1934;

(2)what was the amount of salaries charged to the Miners' Welfare Fund for each year separately since its inception;

(3)what are the total sums in expenditure on salaries charged to the Miners' Welfare Fund since its inception?

As the reply involves a number of figures I will circulate a tabular statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of colliery explosions that occurred in 1935, giving the number of deaths and injuries in each case, together with the causes of ignition and the explosive mixture ignited?

Following is the statement:

The number of explosions in collieries during 1935 including all reported ignitions of firedamp was 50. With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a tabular statement covering the 32 cases in which death or injury resulted. In the remaining 18 cases no persons were killed or injured.

asked the Secretary for Mines the amount of inert matter necessary to prevent the propagation of a coal dust explosion in mines where the volatile content of the coals worked is 35 per cent., 37 per cent. and 40 per cent., respectively?

It would not be possible to answer this question categorically. The different amounts of incombustible matter requisite can only be deduced approximately from the data provided by tests in an experimental gallery; and the amount for a coal of given volatile content varies between wide limits according to the conditions of the test, the nature of the incombustible matter, the fineness of the dusts and other factors.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that as a result of tests in the past the existing regulation of 50 per cent. inert matter to 50 per cent. coal dust is quite incapable of preventing the propagation of coal dust explosion, and in view of that fact will he review the existing regulations?

As the hon. Gentleman knows, these matters are rather difficult to discuss by way of question and answer, but the Safety in Mines Research Board is at present preparing a report collecting and co-ordinating all available information on this subject.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman give the House an assurance that these stone dust regulations will be reviewed by the Royal Commission now sitting, in the light of the experience gained?

I cannot say what the Royal Commission will review, but this is obviously one of the matters which is very closely concerned with their terms of reference.

Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman personally any technical knowledge of coal mining whatsoever?

asked the Secretary for Mines the total amount paid in wages in the mining industry during 1935; the average weekly wage paid; and the separate figures for Yorkshire?

This information is not yet available for the last quarter of 1935; but during the 12 months ended September, 1935, it is estimated that the total wages bill in the coalmining industry in Great Britain was £88 million, and that the average weekly cash earnings per person employed were £2 5s. The corresponding figures for Yorkshire were £15,724,000 and £2 4s. 7d.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has seen the report of a meeting held in Barnsley on 25th January, at which the local inspector of mines stated that deputies would be worsened in their occupation and conditions if they were brought under the control of the State; and whether, in view of the undesirability that members of his staff should publicly express opinions on controversial matters, he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Inquiries as to the accuracy of the Press report referred to were instituted promptly on its appearance; the inspector stated that he was not correctly reported, and that he was not responsible for the observations referred to in the question.

Does the Minister not think it would be desirable that these inspectors had better be very careful when they are making statements like this on a Saturday night—

Does not the same apply to everybody?

I have not finished my question. Does the Secretary for Mines know—

Mr. Holland.

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) the number of men suspended from employment with the Sheepbridge Coal and Iron Company, Limited, at the Langwith colliery, Derbyshire, on 6th and 7th January of the current year;

(2) how many men suspended from employment with the Sheepbridge Coal and Iron Company, Limited, at the Langwith colliery, Derbyshire, on the 6th and 7th January of this year have since been reinstated; what is the total number of additional men employed since 7th January of this year; and how many of the suspended men referred to have since that date received notice to terminate their employment and the reason?

I have made inquiry, and I understand that the number of men suspended on the days in question was six, all of whom have received notice to terminate their contracts of employment, and that no additional men have been employed Since then. I am not aware of the reason for the termination of these men's employment.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of days during the month of December, 1935, on which overtime was worked by the underground employés of the Sheepbridge Coal and Iron Company, Limited, at the Glapwell collieries, Derbyshire; how many manshifts were involved; and is he satisfied that the reasons given for the abnormal overtime worked at this colliery in November of last year are sound reasons for its continuation covering the month of December?

I am informed that during December the pits worked 23½ days, and on all of these days a certain amount of overtime was worked. The total man-shifts worked was 31,540, and there were 840 man-shifts overtime, equal to 2.66 per cent. as against 3.28 per cent. in November. I understand that the main reason for overtime in December was the same as in November, that is, shortage of railway wagons. As regards the last part of the question, the hon. Member will realise that it is impossible for me to judge how quickly such a difficulty as shortage of wagons can be got over in a particular case; but I am informed that for the month of January the overtime ratio was 1.45 per cent., so that a further substantial reduction has been secured.

Is it not time the hon. and gallant Gentleman dealt with the overtime question, as the law at present does not meet it and something will have to be done?

What means has the hon. and gallant Gentleman of testing such statements as this in relation to overtime?

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman not think it worth while making a thorough review of the whole of this question, as very grave dissatisfaction exists in the country at the known working of overtime?

I have already said several times in the House that any specific cases brought to my notice will be specifically investigated, and, as the hon. Gentleman knows, various large investigations have already taken place recently, both in Scotland and elsewhere.

Was it not indicated to the coalowners some time ago by the hon. and gallant Gentleman's Department that overtime was not desirable, and can he say whether there has been a reduction in the amount of overtime worked since then and whether they have taken any notice of it?

I could not say, arising out of this question. That is a general question, which I should like to see on the Paper.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of altering the regulations under which the Forestry Commission work in order that they may be permitted to take into consideration the effect any planning undertaken by them may have on the amenities of the district concerned; and whether he is aware that this matter has arisen in an acute form in connection with the Lake. District?

There is nothing in the Forestry Act, 1919, from which the Forestry Commissioners derive their authority, to preclude their giving attention to considerations of amenity. I am assured that the Commissioners are anxious that afforestation shall be conducted with regard to the desirability of preserving and improving the beauty of landscape and the general amenity of the countryside. With this object in view, they have set up an Advisory Committee which includes representatives of the Council for the Preservation of Rural England and similar bodies. I am aware of the discussion which has arisen in connection with planting in the Lake District. The Commissioners have given most careful consideration to the representations which they have received in regard to the planting of their estate in Eskdale and Duddondale. With the agreement of the committee to which I have referred, the Commissioners have now decided on a scheme for planting only 1,660 acres out of the total area of 7,240 acres. Access of the public to the remainder will be maintained, and will be secured by the fact of public ownership. The lay-out of the plantings, which will include hard-wood trees, will be settled in consultation with the committee. I may add that the Commissioners have already arranged for this committee to examine the whole question of future planting in the Lake District so as to ensure that no land is acquired in parts where afforestation may be undesirable.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that another very important body, namely, the Friends of the Lake District, are still very far from being satisfied with the arrangements contemplated?

I doubt if they ever will be satisfied, but I think that the working together and co-ordination, have done a great deal of good, and will do more.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Committee of Honours has been nominated; and, if so, who are the members of the committee?

Yes, Sir. The Members of the Political Honours Scrutiny Committee are:

Can the Prime Minister tell me when the committee meets?

Whenever necessary, of course.

Would it not be a good plan to put a woman on that committee, seeing that there are many women in the country who have given honourable service to the country and are never recognised when it comes to this question of honours?

I think the Noble Lady is mistaken in what is the object of this committee. No woman would be of any use as it is not honourable service so much as dishonourable service that is looked for.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the high ground rents charged in the cases of unemployed men and widows in some of the special areas in South Wales, from whom the local councils find it almost impossible at present to collect any rates because the first charge against these persons is excessive ground rents; whether he is aware of the numerous cases in which leases expire under which the annual ground rent is considerably in creased before renewal is granted; and whether it is proposed to introduce legislation to deal with these matters?

I have been asked to reply. Ground rent is not a factor which would ordinarily affect the classes of person mentioned. The great majority of such persons rent, and do not own, their houses, and the Rent Restrictions Acts operate to protect them, but even in the case of the relatively few who are owner-occupiers, the incidence of ground rent can hardly be regarded as a primary cause of inability to pay rates. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of cases dealt with by the umpire during November, December, and January, and the average time taken between the forwarding of a case by a local exchange and the receipt of the result of the appeal by the appellant?

The answer to the first part of the question is 2,081. I regret that the special statistics which would enable me to answer the second part of the question are not available.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how long a time elapses between a case leaving the officer and reaching the umpire?

The average time is about six weeks.

asked the Minister of Labour the cost of administration of the Unemployment Assistance Board for last year?

I am having a statement prepared which I will circulate as soon as possible in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour the total amount expended under Part II of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1935, for the last year in allowances for the unemployed?

The expenditure in the year ended 31st January, 1936, on unemployment allowances (including supplementary allowances under the Unemployment Assistance (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1935) was about £42,700,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the licence and excise duties imposed upon the sale of mead of home manufacture constitute a heavy burden upon this branch of the bee-keeping industry; and whether he will consider the reduction of these duties in his forth coming Budget in order to encourage a home industry and to make this drink available to the public at a reasonable price?

I have noted my hon. Friend's suggestion, but he will not expect me to anticipate my Budget statement.

Will my right hon. Friend also bear in mind that this drink is a cure for both rheumatism and gout?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the persistent low percentage of bank advances to deposits n the face of expanding production, employment, and trade; and whether he intends to take any steps to ensure that his low level does not defeat the cheap money policy of the Government?

I am aware of the figures to which my hon. Friend draws attention, but it would not be possible within the limits of a reply to a Parliamentary Question to deal with all the considerations affecting this matter. Bank advances have been expanding in the last two years roughly in proportion to the expansion in deposits, and I have no evidence that they have at any time been inadequate to the current needs of industry and trade.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the necessity of a sound international exchange policy, he can say what length of time it is proposed to retain the British Equalisation Fund secret, seeing that concealment on matters which are of common concern may do more harm than good?

I am afraid that the only assurance I can give to my hon. Friend is that the Government will not maintain the present policy longer than is judged to be necessary in the public interest.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think there is any possible chance, during the lifetime of this Parliament, of getting a detailed statement about the Equalisation Fund?

I should not think so.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the recent importation into this country of Italian lemons purporting to have been sent from Syria and Palestine; and whether he is satisfied that His Majesty's Customs and Excise have taken adequate steps to prevent such infringement of the law?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what action has been taken with regard to 400 cases of Italian lemons consigned from Trieste and recently seized in London by Customs officers?

I am aware of the importation referred to. The lemons were seized and sold in accordance with the legal powers vested in the Commissioners of Customs, the proceeds going to the Crown. My hon. Friend may rest assured that the Customs are fully alive to the need for enforcing the prohibition strictly, and I am satisfied that all possible steps are being taken to prevent infringements.

Can my hon. and learned Friend say from where people are going to get their lemonade in future?

The answer to that is not unconnected with the subject matter of the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total imports of goods from Russia into Great Britain during the past year and the total exports of United Kingdom goods into Russia during the same period?

During the year 1935 the total declared value of merchandise imported into the United Kingdom and consigned from the Soviet Union was £21,733,500. Exports of United Kingdom produce and manufactures to the Soviet Union during the same period amounted to £3,505,000. Complete particulars are not yet available for 1935 of other items entering into the balance of payments prescribed in the temporary Commercial Agreement with the Soviet Union.

Is it not a fact that the large amount of re-exporting of raw materials which has to be included in order to make up the quota from the Soviet Union was not contemplated, and is it not desirable that the trade agremeent should be looked into in that regard?

Yes, Sir, we shall certainly look into it with respect to that aspect of the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that the Stock Ex change Committee has not constructed rules to protect the public against abuses under the system known as Stock Exchange introductions and offers for sale, and has not yet made regulations respecting fixed trust transactions, he will set up a Departmental Committee empowered to suggest safeguards for the public?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the report of the Stock Exchange Committee on fixed trusts; and whether, with a view to protecting investors in such trusts, he proposes to introduce legislation on the subject?