asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of tonnage ordered by British enterprises from German shipbuilders, not for their own service, but as a means of withdrawing credit balances from that country; and whether His Majesty's Government propose to take any steps to safeguard British shipping and shipbuilding from the effects of the sale of vessels so built?

With regard to the first part of the question, no official statistics are available. I have received representations on, this matter, but I know of no action which it is within my power to take.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is intended to conduct simultaneous negotiations with the foreign countries, commercial agreements with whom terminate during the present year; and whether in all cases there will be consultation during the negotiations with representatives of British home industry and British home agriculture, and with representatives of the Dominions, India, Southern Rhodesia and the Colonies?

There are a number of commercial agreements with foreign countries which can be terminated by either party during the present year at varying periods of notice, and it is not yet known which of them will, in fact, come to an end in 1936, and necessitate negotiations. In the event of negotiations being decided upon, consultations where necessary will take place with the United Kingdom interests concerned, and the United Kingdom Government will follow their usual practice in informing other Governments of the British Commonwealth.

Will the Minister have regard to the great importance of these agreements with foreign countries being brought to an end this year?

I understand that that view is held in some quarters, and we shall bear it in mind.

Did the right hon. Gentleman say that he would inform the governments or that he would consult them, because there is a very big difference?

The right hon. Gentleman said that there are a number of agreements. Can he tell us how many there are?

I cannot say the exact number, but there are 18 or 19.

Might I have an answer to my question?

I said "consultations."

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the British delegation which visited Rumania to conclude a new agreement has yet returned to London; whether any agreement has been concluded; and what, at the present time, is the total indebted ness to British traders in respect of British exports to Rumania?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any and, if so, what arrangements have been made with the Rumanian Government for the payment of debts to British creditors; and whether such a settlement includes the putting into operation of a clearing system?

No agreement has yet been concluded, but I hope to be able to make an announcement shortly. According to returns received from United Kingdom traders, the amount of debt outstanding on the 30th November in respect of exports of goods to Rumania was about £3,000,000.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any shipments of grain from Rumania to this country have been made since 15th December last; and, in that case, whether he can state their number; whether they were actually sold for sterling; and what was their value?

The precise information for which my hon. Friend asks is not available. Forms received in connection with the loading of grain cargoes show that one vessel at least loaded grain in Rumania for this country subsequent to 15th December last.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the statement sent from the Federation of British Industries, showing that the Ottawa Agreements have provided greater benefits for Empire countries than for Great Britain, and requesting that in future agreements more satisfactory results should accrue; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I have received the statement to which the hon. Member refers, and I will give it careful consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now make any statement as to the negotiations with the Peruvian Government respecting the conclusion of a trade agreement; and whether, if any agreement has been concluded, it includes any provision facilitating the import into Peru of British cotton textiles?

Negotiations for a trade agreement with Peru have reached an advanced stage, and will, I hope, be concluded shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, whether consultations are taking place with the Dominion Governments in connection with the negotiations for a revision of the commercial agreement with the Argentine Republic?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether consultations are taking place with the Dominion Governments in connection with the negotiations for a revision of the commercial agreement with Denmark?

In accordance with their usual practice, His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom have informed the Dominion Governments of their intention to conduct trade negotiations with Denmark so as to give those Governments the opportunity of expressing their views, if they think that their interests may be affected. The same procedure will be followed in connection with any negotiations that may take place for a revision of the Anglo-Argentine Convention.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made in the census of production; and whether he intends to institute a census of distribution; and, if so, what steps have been taken in this direction?

The issue of the forms to be filled up in connection with the Census of Production for 1935 was completed last month. It is hoped that some preliminary results of the census may be available for publication at about the end of the current year. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative and the third part does not, therefore, arise.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that, in view of the chaos in distribution, we might have a census of distribution?

There does not appear to be any weighty demand for that census, and we could not embark upon a census of distribution without the necessary powers.

Would it not help our trade efficiency if we could get an analysis of the various items that compose costs of distribution?

I am afraid that legislation would be necessary for that step to be taken.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the latest statistics showing the imports now, as compared with six months ago, of British and Japanese cotton textiles, respectively, into British colonies and mandated territories?

As the answer is in the form of a tabular statement I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Would my right hon. Friend be good enough to indicate whether the figures are favourable or otherwise?

They are favourable in a good many instances, but there are some directions in which, I regret to say, trade has not improved.

Following is the answer:

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is prepared to consider the granting of loans at low rates of interest to those cotton manufacturers who are desirous of converting their machinery to deal with wool?

No, Sir.

May I ask my right hon. Friend why?

When coming to that reply and conclusion, did the right hon. Gentleman take into account the fact that if we are to regain, or even to maintain, our exporting level, we shall require to redirect a great deal of our energy, labour and machinery into new trades and different channels?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the woollen industry of Lancashire is up-to-date in every respect, and that its machinery is quite capable of producing any amount of material for the demand?

I am strongly in favour of publicity being given to Lancashire's efficiency, but I hope that Yorkshire will not be left out.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any application from the cotton manufacturers of Lancashire for loans?

I believe that resolutions have been passed by some organisations in favour of granting a loan, but they have not reached me.

Why the preferential treatment in the case of shipping as against the cotton trade of Lancashire?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what percentage on average prices, taken on the figures for 1935, he would be able to grant as an export bounty to cotton goods exported from this country, by making available the same amount of money for the purpose as is now granted collectively by way of subsidies to agriculture?

As my hon. Friend has been previously informed, no export bounty for cotton, goods is in contemplation. Nothing would therefore be gained by attempting to make this calculation.

I have put this question down for three years. If I put it down next year does the right hon. Gentleman think I may get a more favourable answer?

If my hon. Friend will put it down, he will see the result.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any records to show the number of new works established in Lancashire within the last year; and whether there is in existence a complete list of empty factories in Lancashire with a reliable description of their potentialities for new industries?

Full particulars relating to factories established last year are not yet available. Information as to factories and sites available for new industries in Lancashire can be obtained through the Lancashire Industrial Development Council.

Does my right hon. Friend consider that everything possible is being done to give publicity to the benefit to be derived by manufacturers in starting new industries in Lancashire?

I believe that the Industrial Development Council have shown great activity, and are working in conjunction with the Travel and Development Association.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform industrialists in the other parts of the country that the Cotton Spindles Board will soon be emptying a lot of mills in Lancashire?

Would the right hon. Gentleman tell the House and the rest of the country what new industries are looking for sites for factories?

I could not do that without notice, but if the hon. Gentleman cares to put down a question about any district in which he is interested, I will do my best to get him the information.

Can the right hon. Gentleman do anything to secure that operatives in Lancashire, who are already working a full 48 hours per week and get pitiful wages, have their wages increased?

That question does not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the Danish-published statistics of the trade between this country and Denmark; whether, in the forthcoming negotiations, he will bear in mind that the Danish trade returns do not reveal accurately the countries of origin of imports into Denmark, having regard to the fact, for example, that, in the Danish trade returns, the imports into Denmark during 1934 of seeds and fruits for oil-pressing from the United Kingdom were valued at £695,000, whereas the exports and re-exports of oil seeds and nuts from the United Kingdom, according to our trade returns, amounted to only £402; and whether any part of the difference is accounted for by transhipments under bond through the United Kingdom?

I am aware that the United Kingdom and Danish official trade returns which are compiled on different bases, give different results for the trade between the two countries, and that fact will be kept in mind during the forthcoming negotiations. While precise particulars of the value of seeds and nuts for expressing oil which were transhipped under bond to Denmark in 1934 are not readily available, it is clear from the information I have that such transhipments, if any, could account for only a small part of the difference to which my hon. Friend refers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any explanation to offer for the fall in British exports and imports in the month of January as compared with the previous month; and whether the decline has been accompanied by a similar reduction in other countries?

The decrease in the value of British exports during January as compared with the previous month was due to a seasonal decline in the exports by parcel post; increases were recorded for food, drink and tobacco and for articles wholly or mainly manufactured, while there was a slight decline in exports of raw materials. The decrease in imports was largely in food, drink and tobacco; raw materials also declined owing to a fall in the imports of raw cotton from the abnormally high value recorded in December. Similar particulars for foreign countries are not yet available, but in any case the suggested comparison would have little value, as no great importance can be attached to movements of trade from one month to another.

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that the decline in the imports of raw cotton is a seasonal decline?

I cannot say.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman say that the fall was partly accounted for by a seasonal decline in directions which he proceeded to specify? Does he say that the reduction in the imports of raw cotton was due to a seasonal decline?

What I said was that the decrease in the value of British exports during January as compared with the previous month was due to a seasonal decline in the exports by parcel post.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) the figures of the export and import trade balances between this country and Sweden for 1934 and 1935;

(2) the figures of the export and import trade balances between this country and Finland for 1934 and 1935;

My hon. Friend will find particulars of the total value of the imports and exports of this country in the trade with Finland, Sweden and Norway during 1934 and 1935 on page 188 of the Trade and Navigation Accounts for last month.

Are the Government satisfied with the figures, and do they consider that they are fully up to the obligations entered into by the different countries under the trade agreements?

I cannot say how far they have come up to the standard required by the agreements, but certainly the result has been a growth in trade.

Has not the Department sufficient resources to answer an hon. Member's question here, instead of referring him to some obscure place in some obscure document?

If the information can be obtained by all hon. Members by referring to the particulars which I have indicated, it is unnecessary to publish it in answer to a question.

Should not the Clerk at the Table tell a Member who is proposing to put down a question that he need not put that question because he can get the information in other ways?

That point does not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity of coal exported from this country to countries within the British Empire and to foreign countries, respectively, during 1935?

During the year 1935, 5,268,000 tons of coal were exported from this country to British countries, and 33,446,000 tons to foreign countries.

asked the Prime Minister whether the recent speech of the President of the Board of Trade, at the opening of the new Rubber Exchange, regarding the reasons for supporting trade with Russia, represents the policy of His Majesty's Government?

Yes, Sir. It is the Government's policy to encourage trade with Russia.

Would the Prime Minister take steps to convey the very excellent reasons for trading with Russia to those of his supporters who seem to be unaware of them?

Is it the policy of the Russian Government to encourage trade with us, seeing that they sell us seven times as much as they buy from us?

That is the policy that was laid down in the framing of the existing temporary agreement.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many consignments of goods and produce of Italian origin have been seized by the Customs authorities at British ports, and of what nature and to what value?

Four consignments of goods of Italian origin have been seized by the Customs at British ports since 18th November last, when the prohibition on Italian imports came into operation. With my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, I will circulate particulars in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can my hon. Friend say whether these goods of Italian origin come from neutral or sanctionist countries, or direct from Italy?

I should require notice of that question.

Following are the particulars:

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the price of molasses for cattle feeding is 6s. per cwt., but that molasses when used as a corebinder by ironfounders has to bear a tariff which drives up the price to 12s. per cwt.; whether he is aware that, as a result, an inferior substitute is being used by ironfounders; and whether he will take steps to reduce the excessive tariff on this commodity?

I have no information as to the first two parts of the question, but I see no reason to doubt the right hon. Member's figures. I would remind the right hon. Member that under special statutory provision of long standing molasses used solely for the purpose of food for stock is exempted from duty. No such exemption exists in respect of molasses used by ironfounders.

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman receive a deputation from Scottish ironfounders on this subject?

If the right hon. Gentleman has any representations to make on that matter I will gladly consider them, but I should like to reserve for consideration the question whether a deputation is the best means of making these representations.

Is it not a fact that exemption is given for reasons of increasing trade, and why should it be withheld in this trade?

No, Sir.

You do not know the trade.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any Government orders have been placed for cast-iron in the foundries of Birken-head; and, if so, what is the tonnage for which orders have been placed in the course of the last 12 months?

I am informed that no Government Department has placed direct orders for cast-iron with any firm in Birkenhead during the last 12 months.

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman try to identify the firm?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what steps the Canadian Government have taken to remove restrictions on the freedom of trade in Canadian wheat?

I am not aware to what restrictions on the freedom of trade in Canadian wheat my hon. Friend refers. If he will give me further details I will endeavour to obtain the information which he desires.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the fact that the time limit for the lodging of an appeal has expired, he now proposes to take action against the owners of the steamship "La Crescenta"?

As I stated in Debate on 11th February, the matter has been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Since that was done, a request under Section 475 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, for a re-hearing of the formal investigation has been received from the owners of the "La Crescenta." This is under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the figures of sickness and ailments among British-born seamen engaged in tramp shipping?

I regret that this information is not available.

Is it not the fact that in the case of every ship a return has to be made of any cases of illness among the crew, and especially of cases of tuberculosis, which seem to be common? We are anxious to get some idea as to what the Department mean to do. If they have no method at present for giving these returns, are they going to adopt a method?

Under the Merchant Shipping Act it is necessary to log certain ailments, and returns are made for each voyage.

Are they not compiled in some way, so that the Government can say what has happened? If not, will the right hon. Gentleman see that they are compiled in such a way that people can be given the information?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the coastal erosion caused by recent gales at Freshfield, Lancashire, and Overstrand, Norfolk; and whether the Government contemplate taking any action which will prevent erosion and provide healthy and useful employment?

The Royal Commission on Coast Erosion reported in 1911 that, in their opinion, there was no ground, from a national point of view, for assistance being given from public funds towards the cost of sea defence as such. Since that date the circumstances on which the recommendation was based do not appear to have changed, and no action by the Government is contemplated. Defence against coast erosion is a matter primarily for the local interests concerned.

Has the right hon. Gentleman been approached by any of the county councils or municipalities concerned, for financial assistance from the Government?

I could not answer that question without notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of cinematograph exhibitors or renters who have failed during the previous three years to comply with the quota provisions of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927; whether any of these have been prosecuted; and with what results?

The number of exhibitors in Great Britain who failed to meet their obligations under the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927, in the three years ended 30th September, 1934, was 448. In a large proportion of these cases, however, the default was in respect of part of a year only, while in many of them the deficiency was small or was due to special circumstances. After consulting the Advisory Committee set up under the Act, proceedings were considered necessary in 14 cases, in all of which fines were imposed. Information as regards the year ended 30th September, 1935, is not yet available. The number of renters who failed to meet their obligations under the Act in the three renters' years ended 30th March, 1935, was 17. After consultation with the Advisory Committee, proceedings were considered necessary in one case, and these were successful.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether applications were made to him for exemption certificates under the Act in the case of the 14 exhibitors and in the case of the one renter?

I think the hon. Gentleman had better put that question on the Paper; I could not answer it without notice.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the quality of the films produced under the Act, and will he bear in mind that aspect of the case when it comes up for review, as it will in the near future?

That matter does not arise out of this question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether butter or margarine, or both, is part of the regular daily rations of men in the Army?

The daily ration scale for officers and other ranks includes 1 oz. of margarine. This item is, however, one of those which are commuted into cash, and the cash may be expended on varying quantities of the same or other items.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that the rationing in the United States of America, Norway, Sweden, all the Dominions, and even in Russia—

Information on those matters cannot be given in answer to a supplementary question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the township road at Bornasketaig, Skye, initiated in the year 1922, is not yet completed, and that hardship and inconvenience to the 43 tenants is occasioned thereby; and whether he will take any steps to expedite the completion of the road in question?

As an exceptional measure of assistance, a grant in aid of the construction of this township road was made available in 1922, the Township Committee giving a guarantee of maintenance. I regret that I am unable to consider any further offer of assistance unless the county road authority will undertake to place the road on the list of highways.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Government propose to take any steps to help the oat grower; and, if so, when he will be in a position to announce their proposals?

I regret that I am unable at present to add anything to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on 19th December, of which I am sending him a copy.

As the right hon. Gentleman has been considering this question for three years, can he state when he is likely to be in a position to announce the proposals of the Government?

As I have informed my hon. Friend, the question bristles with difficulties. We are not satisfied with the present position, and are still looking into the matter, but I am unable to give any definite undertaking on the subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the prices which farmers are receiving for oats are still dropping almost week by week?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered a communication submitted on behalf of the Scottish herring fishermen on the subject of a minimum wage; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Act passed last year, which provided financial assistance for the herring industry, has, I am glad to say, been followed by improved results, and I am hopeful that there will be further progress so as to yield a reasonable return to the fishermen. Such financial assistance cannot competently be used to guarantee a minimum wage, and I can hold out no prospects of legislation for that purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Government propose to give any financial assistance for the replacement of obsolete craft in the herring fishing industry; and whether he is in consultation with the Herring Board on this matter?

The Government have included in the Herring Industry Vote provision for loans to the Herring Industry Board to assist them in carrying out any approved schemes for the purchase of redundant boats, or for making loans for the reconditioning of boats, or the construction of new boats. Any proposals which the board may make for any of these purposes will be sympathetically considered. I understand that the board are at present considering proposals, including a reconditioning scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has received the report of the committee on the training of nurses; and, if so, when this will be published?

Yes, Sir. I hope to arrange for the publication of the report before the end of the month.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the new scales of pay announced for the English prison staffs will eventually be extended to the Scottish staff?

Yes, Sir. New scales of pay for the Scottish prisons service will take effect on the same basis and from the same date as the new English scales.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider giving Scottish prisoners the same scale of dietary as English?

I have had no complaints about the dietary of prisoners in Scotland.

They are not allowed to make complaints; I am making the complaint for them.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to state when it is proposed to begin operations for the prevention of flooding in the Kelvin valley?

I regret that consideration of this matter has not reached a stage at which I can add usefully to the reply given to the right hon. Member on 10th December.

When is the right hon. Gentleman likely to be in a postion to give us a straightforward answer on this very important question?

I intend to go into the matter and, when I am in a position to give an answer, I will do so immediately.

Has one of the commissioners appointed to go into matters of great urgency put this question forward in regard to Kelvin Valley?

Will there be any use in putting down a question on the subject in the next fortnight?

I shall be happy to let the hon. Gentleman know the earliest date when I can add to the answer that I have given.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many local authorities have completed the survey of overcrowding under the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1935?

I am not aware how many local authorities have completed their surveys, but up to the present date 181 local authorities have submitted reports on the result of the surveys made by them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman doing anything to secure the return of these surveys to his Department at the earliest date?

I think the local authorities, speaking generally, have acted very promptly.

Is it the intention of the Government to summarise and publish these surveys?

Certainly we shall inform the House directly we are in a position to state the facts.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Dumbartonshire County Council have yet taken steps to reinstate Mr. George Murray as rector of Lenzie Academy, since the Scottish Courts decided that their action in removing him from his position was illegal.

I understand that Dumbarton Education Authority are at present actively reviewing the circumstances of this dispute and that they hope shortly to receive the report of a special committee which they have appointed to consider the matter. I shall be glad to communicate with the hon. Member when the authority's decision has been made known to me.

It is five months since the court decided that it was illegal. Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take no steps to stop the Dumbarton authority proceeding with this illegal action?

The hon. Member must be well aware that this matter rests with the Dumbarton Education Authority. Until they have taken a final decision on the matter, my hands are not free.

Does the right hon. Gentleman tell me that the local authorities can continue acting illegally and that he has no power and no duty to take steps to rectify it?

This has been a complicated matter. It rests with the Dumbarton Education Authority. Until that public authority, elected by the ratepayers, makes a final decision, I have no power to intervene.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he and his auditors are now permitting the local authority to pay two headmasters' salaries for one job.

That is another matter.

I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of pupils in the elementary schools in Glasgow; and the number of pupils over 14 years of age?

The total number of pupils in primary schools (including advanced divisions) in Glasgow is 173,300, of whom 5,300 are over 14 years of age.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in the opinion of a considerable section in Glasgow, the lack of an adequate Government maintenance grant is the reason for the smallness of the number of pupils over 14?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of school children in Glasgow receiving free meals as necessitous cases?

The number asked for is 8,194. In addition, 51,700 necessitous children received free milk under a scheme approved under the provisions of the Milk Act, 1934.

Have all these cases definitely been cases of proved malnutrition?

That is a matter for the local authority.

Is it not on these grounds that these children have been granted necessitous milk?

Broadly, that is the case.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of primary schools in which children of between the ages of 13 and 14 are being taught; the number of such children; in how many of these schools there is a separate class for these children; and how many children are being taught in these classes?

The answer to the first part of the question is 2,560; to the second 60,000. In addition 2,900 children of 13 to 14 years of age are taught in the primary departments of 204 secondary schools, and 1,308 in 60 special schools. The information asked for in the third and fourth parts of the question is not available in the Department, classes being organised according to the pupils' attainments and not according to their ages.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the number of primary schools in which wood-work, metal-work, or gardening instruction is being given to boys of 13 to 14 and domestic science to girls of the same age?

As the answer involves a number of figures I propose, with the Noble Lady's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The figures are as follow:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, with regard to the carbide factory which it is pro posed to establish at Fort William, whether any preliminary inquiry is to be held; and, if so, will he state the time and place, in order that people in the neighbourhood who object to the proposal may have an opportunity of putting their case?

The Lord Chairman of Committees and the Chairman of Ways and Means decided last week that the legislation for this hydroelectric scheme should proceed as a private Bill. If it obtains a Second Reading it will be examined by a Committee of this House and objectors who have lodged petitions praying to be heard will be entitled to be heard by the Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the various ages for compulsory school attendance would have been fixed from 1872 onwards and the years in which those ages were fixed; and on which of these occasions, if any, the school-leaving age was raised without provision being made for exemptions?

By the Education (Scotland) Act, 1872, education was made compulsory between the ages of five and 13. The Act of 1883 raised the upper limit to 14; and the Act of 1918 contains a section, which is not yet in operation, raising it to 15. On each of these occasions the Statute made provision for exemptions.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of widows who claimed pensions under the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Acts last year; the number granted and the number refused owing to stamp disqualifications; and whether he will consider the introduction of legislation to obviate the hardship of such refusals?

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement of claims for widows' pensions dealt with by the Department of Health in the year 1935 which I hope will give the hon. Member the information he desires. Special concessions to mitigate hardship arising from unemployment of insured persons were made in the Amending Act of last year. Further legislation is not contemplated at the present time.

Do not the figures show to the Minister the need for further amending legislation?

I am unable to add to the last part of my answer, but perhaps the hon. Member will study the table which I am giving him before he draws a conclusion.

Following is the statement:

The number of claims for widows' pensions under the Contributory Pensions Acts received by the Department of Health in 1935 was 9,808. From the previous year there was outstanding a total of 843 undecided claims. The total number of claims dealt with in the year 1935 was therefore 10,651. Of these 8,438 were allowed and 1,402 were disallowed, 77 were withdrawn or cancelled and 734 were not finally disposed of at the close of the year. Of the 1,402 claims disallowed 858 were disallowed on account of non-fulfilment of the statutory conditions as to insurance and 544 were disallowed on other grounds.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of claims for old age pensions last year under the Acts of 1925 and 1929; and the number refused owing to stamp disqualification?

The number of claims for old age pensions under the Contributory Pensions Acts received by the Department of Health in 1935 was 22,564. The number disallowed on account of non-fulfilment of the statutory conditions as to insurance was 609.

As this shows that 25 per cent, or more have been refused, does not the Minister see the necessity for amending legislation? Is there not as good a case here as the case for the Colonial Governments?

The causes of disqualification are numerous, and the hon. Member will be aware that it is not possible to meet a great number of these difficulties.