asked the Secretary for Mines the total amount of royalties on coal drawn in the counties of Durham and Northumberland, respectively, for the year 1935; and what amount was drawn by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners for the same period?

During the year 1935 the estimated amounts paid by colliery owners in the counties of Durham and Northumberland in royalties and way-leaves, including the rental value of freehold minerals where worked by the proprietors, were £695,000 and £323,000, respectively. The amounts of the royalties received by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners in respect of the coal belonging to them, drawn in the counties of Durham and Northumberland for the year ended 31st March, 1935 (the last year for which figures are available), were £200,200 and £17,200, respectively.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can furnish an estimate of the number of coal miners who have lost their employment as a sequel to the cessation of coal exports to Italy?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary for Mines the quantity of haematite iron ore produced in 1935 in the following counties: Lancaster, Leicester, Lincoln, Northampton, Oxford, Rutland, Stafford, York and Glamorgan?

Only three counties produced haematite iron ore during 1935. These were:

asked the Secretary for Mines the estimated additional employment in the coal-mining industry if a six-hour day came into operation; and the estimated increase in the cost of production?

So many unknown and incalculable factors enter into the question that I am not prepared to give an estimate of either figure.

Is it not possible for the hon. and gallant Gentleman to have an analysis made of the position and to furnish the House with the particulars?

No, Sir. I have just said that there are so many unknown and incalculable factors that I cannot do it.

If I submit to the hon. and gallant Gentleman some suggestions on the point, will he consider them?

The Department will always consider anything that the hon. Gentleman submits.

Does not the hon. and gallant Gentleman think that this subject warrants investigation by the Department in view of the decreasing number of coal miners?

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of mine workers over the age of 60 employed in coal mines; and the estimated cost of a pension scheme if 20s. a week were paid to all mine workers compulsorily retired at that age?

The latest information available is that obtained from the Decennial Census of Population of 1931, when 6 per cent. of the persons in employment at coal mines were 60 years of age and over. I cannot say what the proportion is at the present day, and I regret that I am unable to give an estimate of cost of a pension scheme for such workers.

Will not the hon. and gallant Gentleman, on behalf of the Government, consider the desirability of promoting such a scheme in order to relieve the unemployment situation in the coalfields?

That is not what I was asked. I was asked what would be the cost, and I have said that I cannot make any estimate.

Could not the hon. and gallant Gentleman secure the information asked for in the question without a lot of trouble and expense?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of boys working in coal mines who are under the age of 16 years?

In December, 1935, the estimated number of boys under 16 years of age employed in the coal mining industry was 30,800.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the propriety of introducing legislation to enable these boys to be removed from employment in the coalfields and thus enable adult labour to be employed? May I have an answer? Has not the hon. and gallant Gentleman any information at all, or any opinions?

The hon. Member did not ask for information.

The purpose of supplementary questions is not to secure an expression of opinion.

With great respect, Sir, I submit that on the basis of the information asked for I am entitled to ascertain whether the hon. and gallant Gentleman has any opinions at all?

I am not sure that the hon. Member is entitled to ask for any opinion from a Minister at Question Time.

Are we to understand that the Government are bereft of all opinions?

Is the figure which the hon. and gallant Gentleman gave the total of those actually in the mines, or does it include those working on the surface?

It is the figure of those who are generally spoken of as "employed in the coal mining industry," that is, the whole lot.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of underground wage-earners on the colliery books at the latest date available, and the comparative figures for 1930 and 1924?

It is estimated that at 22nd February, 1936, 608,500 wage-earners were employed below-ground at coal mines in Great Britain. The estimated numbers so employed at the corresponding dates in 1924 and 1930 were 962,500 and 777,100 respectively.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say what the policy of the Government is with regard to this tremendous decrease in mine workers?

Not in reply to a question of fact like this.

How many of these persons were, in fact, not at work on the dates mentioned?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been drawn to an invention for blasting in mines in which compressed air is used instead of explosives; and will his Department have experiments made to find out if it is better for use in mines than the present explosives?

I understand that blasting by sudden release of highly compressed air from a steel shell placed in the shot-hole has been tried in the United States but not so far in this country. A somewhat similar principle has, however, been adopted in the "Cardox" and, "Hydrox" cartridges which have been approved and are in use as alternatives to blasting. I will inquire whether the compressed air shell is likely to have any advantage over these devices, and I will then consider the question of making experiments.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that Bristol is one of the lowest-paid districts in wages; that in the recent dispute for higher wages this district was unable to get an advance; and will he say what steps his Department are taking to improve their condition?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I understand that an agreement has been arrived at between the two sides under which the whole of the proceeds of the recent voluntary increases in contract prices will go to augment wages, with the result that increases varying from 2d. to 4d. per shift, according to the various grades of labour, will be in operation for a period of six months.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the increase in prices range from 2s. 6d. to 3s. 6d. per ton, and does he think that those increases should bring an increase of only 4d. per day to the men? Will he cause further inquiry to be made to ascertain whether these men are getting justice?

This question deals only with the Bristol area, and that area, as the hon. Member knows, has its own peculiar difficulties.

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman think 4d. a day increase is sufficient when the public expected that these workers would get much higher rates of pay?

In speaking of these wages advances of 4d. and 2d., the hon. and gallant Gentleman said there were peculiar circumstances in the Bristol area. Is he aware that in Northumberland we got only 6d. and 3d., and does he think that there must be some peculiar conditions there also?

asked the Lord President of the Council the number of persons employed in the coalfields of Great Britain in connection with the analysis and correlation of coal seams conducted by the Government or under its auspices, giving the areas in which such work is being carried out?

The Fuel Research Staff of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research employed in the coalfields of Great Britain in connection with the analysis and correlation of coal seams numbers 61. In addition, the equivalent of five men on the staff of the Lancashire and Cheshire Coal Research Association are similarly employed in accordance with a contract with the Department. The Geological Survey of Great Britain, which is a sub-department of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research deals with the geological aspects of correlation; and at the present time, the mapping of coalfields and correlation of coals form the major part of the work of some 20 members of its staff. The two organisations maintain a very close contact and work is now in progress in the coalfields of Scotland; Northumberland and Durham; Cumberland, Lancashire and Cheshire; Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire; South Derbyshire; North Staffordshire; Warwickshire; North Wales; South Wales; and the Forest of Dean. Some work has also been done in the Kent and Bristol coalfields.

Have they enough employés to do this work?

Yes, I think so.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of investigators appointed under the safety in mines committee to investigate and recommend upon the control of roof, giving the areas in which they operate; and whether it is the intention of the department to issue a report upon the work carried out to date?

Twelve investigators into the problems of the control of roof are employed under the direction of eight district committees which cover all the principal coalfields. The researches are co-ordinated by the Chief Mining Engineer to the Safety in Mines Research Board who has a further staff of four investigators under his direct control at Sheffield. In addition, laboratory work on the strength of supports is being carried out for the board at the Imperial College of Science and Technology, South Kensington. The progress and results of the work are dealt with in the board's annual reports; in a series of simply worded pamphlets issued in the different districts; and, more fully in various technical papers.

asked the Secretary for Mines the date upon which flame safety lamps fitted with double gauzes containing 20 apertures per square inch was first approved by the Mines Department, indicating the nature of the tests to which such lamps were submitted before receiving approval?

The decision to authorise the use of gauzes with 20 meshes to the linear inch in double gauze safety lamps was made public on 9th February, 1925. It was based on the results of research and tests, reports of which had been published previously. I will send the hon. Member copies of the reports.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what amounts were contributed, either from the Dominions or Colonial governments or other sources, during the three years ended 31st December, 1933, towards the cost of schemes in which the Empire Marketing Board had an interest; and what was the total cost to the Empire Marketing Fund over the same period?

I have been asked to reply. The conditions under which grants were made from the former Empire Marketing Fund towards the cost of various schemes, and the forms in which other Governments and bodies interested contributed towards those schemes, varied so much that it would not be practicable to give information of the nature desired in a brief compass. I would, however, refer the hon. Member to the annual reports published under the auspices of the late Empire Marketing Board and in particular to the report of the Imperial Committee on Economic Consultation and Co-operation, 1933 (Cmd. 4335), pages 101–117 of which contain a summary of the grants made on the recommendation of the board for research and other schemes.

Can the hon. Gentleman say to what extent research schemes were financed by the Empire Marketing Board and the Overseas Trade Department?

I am afraid I cannot.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that owners of vessels already condemned for demolition have taken advantage of the financial assistance provisions of the British Shipping (Assistance) Act; and whether he will demand closer scrutiny of claims for assistance in demolition of vessels?

Provided that a proposal to demolish and to build fulfils the specific requirements of the Act, it has to be decided whether the acceptance of the proposal will be in the general interest of British shipping. In this connection the question whether a particular ship proposed for demolition is a potential competitor is one of the factors to be taken into account, and like all other factors is given close consideration. No ship has been accepted under the scheme once it has been sold to breakers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many ships over 35 years of age have been scrapped under the provisions of the British Shipping (Assistance) Act; and how many of these were in foreign ownership before they were acquired by applicant shipowners for nomination under the scheme?

Of the 74 vessels of approximately 282,500 tons gross which have been nominated for demolition, 18 of approximately 36,500 tons gross are over 35 years of age; 17 of these 18 vessels were purchased from foreign owners by the applicants concerned.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that it is somewhat of a scandal that the money of British taxpayers should be used for demolition of these very ancient foreign ships?

I am afraid that my hon. Friend has not got hold of the story correctly. No British money is used for the demolition of these foreign ships.

Is not a subsidy paid to the owners who bought the vessels originally from foreign sources?

No, Sir; there is no subsidy paid for the purpose of demolition.

Do they not displace British ships which might in their place have been scrapped?

No.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet been able to take any action in regard to the steamship "Noemijulia"; and, if so, what steps have been taken to remedy the defects in her wireless and other equipment?

This vessel arrived at Antwerp in January and was inspected by the Belgian authorities at the request of the Board of Trade. The vessel is being detained until the defects in her wireless and other equipment are remedied.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the coastal stations, including radio beacons fixed or rotating, that are equipped with wireless directional signalling, and the names of the same and where they are situated?

I am circulating a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT giving the desired information.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the delay in introducing the necessary legislation to give effect to the Convention on the limitation of shipowners' liability, signed by His Majesty's Ambassador in 1924, is damaging the

Can the right hon. Gentleman do anything to increase the number?

There are still outstanding substantial differences of opinion as to the exact meaning of certain provisions of the Convention. The question whether these differences can be settled is under re-examination at this moment, but I am not yet in a position to make any statement on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the introduction of a measure to provide for Government co-operation in a system of war-risk insurance of ships and cargoes has been periodically under discussion since 1926; and whether he will now take steps to settle this matter by terminating the already long period of delay?

Schemes for the insurance of British ships and cargoes against King's enemy risks have been prepared, and can be put into force immediately, should necessity arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that certain British firms which are owed sums from German importers and cannot receive payment have placed orders with German shipbuilding firms for the supply of cargo ships, tankers, and trawlers in settlement of their claims; and whether he will take any action to prevent this injury to British shipbuilding industry and the facilitating of naval rearmament in Germany by lowering overhead costs in German yards?

I am aware that orders for ships have been placed in Germany as a means of withdrawing credit balances from that country. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Sunderland (Mr. Storey) on 18th February.

Has the right hon. Gentleman made any representations to those who have caused these ships to be built?

Communications have passed.

What has been the consequence of them?

We have been better informed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the four defaults followed by the scaling down of the services of Brazilian loans imposed upon British investors, any and, if so, what arrangement has been made to prevent default upon the 4 per cent. registered Brazilian stock to be offered to creditors under the recent Anglo-Brazilian Payments Agreement so as to safeguard those who may purchase the stock of the original allottees?

Under the provisions of the Anglo-Brazilian Payments Agreement the Brazilian Government have undertaken to set aside an annuity for the service of the stock out of the foreign exchange reserved for Brazilian Government requirements. It is expected that the stock will be fully redeemed within five years.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that on four separate occasions in the last 30 years the Brazilian Government have made similar arrangements and defaulted on four occasions?

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what is the amount of the annuity?

I could not say without notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity of haematite iron-ore imported into the United Kingdom in tie year 1935 from Sweden, Norway, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Algeria, Tunis, Spain, Spanish ports in North Africa, and other foreign countries; and the quantities landed through each port in the United Kingdom?

I regret that the desired information is not available, as imports of haematite iron-ore are not separately recorded in the United Kingdom trade returns.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is proposed to compensate in any way British traders in Italy who have suffered heavy losses as a result of sanctions?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to a similar question by the hon. Member for Islington, East (Miss Cazalet) on 10th December last, to which I have nothing to add.

Would my right hon. Friend show as much sympathy for British traders in Italy as has already been shown to the inhabitants of Jugoslavia?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what applications have been made by the textile trade for limitation of imports by quota or higher duty on Japanese manufactured goods coming into this country?

Requests for protection against Japanese competition have been received in respect of several classes of textile goods, including silk goods, hosiery and shirts; and I intend to receive a deputation from the Silk Association of Great Britain and Ireland and from certain other organisations on this matter in the near future.

Is it a fact that last year there were 29,000,000 square yards of textile imports—cotton piece goods—which came in, an increase of 45 per cent. in two years?

I would require to have notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether all negotiations with the other nations concerned having as their object the termination of the Congo Basin Treaties have now ceased; and what further steps will be or are being taken to assist the restoration of our textile trade with the Central and East African countries concerned?

There have been no negotiations of the description indicated in the first part of the question. With regard to the second part, I am unable to add anything to the answer which was given to my hon. Friend on 9th December last.

What is the exact position of affairs in regard to this Treaty?

I think my hon. Friend had better put a question of such importance on the Paper.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can furnish an estimate of the imports in 1935 from Empire countries of manufactured goods of kinds that are competitive with goods of United Kingdom origin?

I fear it is not practicable to make the estimate desired by my hon. Friend.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the extent of the growing competition?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that Cuba, which is by far the largest supplier of sugar to this country, takes a negligible quantity of British goods in exchange; and whether he will endeavour to conclude a trade agreement with the Cuban Government?

I am aware that the value of our imports from Cuba greatly exceeds that of our exports to Cuba. The position is being closely watched, but I am not at present satisfied that the prospect of securing adequate advantages for the British interests concerned is sufficient to justify negotiations for a trade agreement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the orders placed in Great Britain by Russia during January, 1936, amounted to £255,214, whereas in January, 1935, the amount was 2706,468; and whether he can explain the cause of the decrease?

My attention has been drawn to the statistics referred to, but I doubt whether comparisons between periods so short as a month have much practical value.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the policy of His Majesty's Government in relation to the continuity of the most-favoured-nation clause in trade agreements with foreign countries; and whether he contemplates the elimination of the clause from future agreements?

In the view of His Majesty's Government, the general maintenance of the principle of most-favoured-nation treatment is essential for the stability of commercial relations. They would not, however, propose that such treatment should be accorded indefinitely to any country which is not prepared to meet the reasonable requirements of this country in regard to the treatment of United Kingdom goods.

Are we to understand from the answer of my right hon. Friend that in the arrangement of overseas trade agreements in future, we can get modifications of this treatment if we are not getting corresponding results?

Yes, we shall certainly consider that case.

Are not many of these agreements being rendered nugatory by the operation of this Clause?

Will the right hon. Gentleman also bear in mind that Birmingham forms a very small part of this country and that other parts of the country have to be considered?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the United States, which sells to us four times as much as it buys from us, subsidises heavily, to our detriment?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the report of the tariff committee of the Birmingham Jewellers' Association which embodies a resolution that the livelihood of the workpeople in the jewellery and associated industries is menaced by the severity of foreign competition; and whether he is prepared to adopt measures to deal with the injury which is being inflicted upon this trade?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I do not consider that the measures proposed in the resolution would be of benefit to United Kingdom trade generally.

Would the right hon. Gentleman indicate what measures he has in contemplation that will have this effect?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the operation of the German law passed on 29th June, 1935, which enables the German chamber of economics to order a compulsory levy among their members by groups and to employ the funds thus raised for purposes of an export subsidy; and, as the effect of this law is a violation of the spirit of the Anglo-German Trade Agreement, whether he will state when he proposes to denounce the Agreement, in order to prevent the continuance of the dumping of subsidised goods?

I am aware of the German law to which my hon. Friend refers. As regards the second part of the question, I assume that he has in mind the Agreement constituted by the Anglo-German Exchange of Notes of April—May, 1933. I do not think that in present circumstances His Majesty's Government would be justified in giving notice of denunciation.

Is not this question of the future arrangement of oversea agreements of profound importance to the manufacturing industries of this country, and will subsidisation of the export trade by foreign countries, in competition with our own manufacturers in this market, be taken into consideration by the Government?

Yes, Sir. That is the reason why we are devoting so much time and attention to this matter day by day.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the extent to which reduction of the Argentine exchange tax on Anglo-Argentine railways has been nullified by the compulsory lowering of maize freights; and whether he will stipulate, when renewing the Roea agreement, that the import duty on Argentine beef shall not be less than 2½d. per lb. until Anglo-Argentine railways are permitted to earn a reasonable dividend in return for their services to Argentina?

The agreement between the British railway companies in the Argentine and the Argentine Government is a private one, and I am not in a position to make a statement as to its effect. As regards the second part of the question, would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which was given to him yesterday.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, following the wreck of the trawler "Shore Breeze," near Milford Haven, recently, the body of one of the crew was found later on the cliffs, where he had died from exposure; and whether he will consider increasing the number of coastguards or shoreguards on this and similar coasts to assist in preventing such fatalities?

On 12th January the body of a man, subsequently identified as one of the crew of the "Shore Breeze," was seen on the cliffs near St. Ann's Head. The body was in a position visible from the sea but not visible Irons the cliffs. The "Shore Breeze" was seen in a dangerous position by the coastguardsman on watch at St. Ann's Head at 7.27 p.m. on the 5th January, and a warning rocket was at once fired. The life saving company were called out and the lifeboat informed. An exhaustive search of the coast commenced within 15 minutes by the personnel from St. Ann's Head, aided by a searchlight, the life saving company at Wooltack Point, five miles distant, being also called out to assist. The weather conditions were wholly exceptional, with a wind velocity approaching 100 miles an hour, so that at times the searchers could only make progress on hands and knees. The weather and sea conditions and the nature of the coast prevented the lifeboat from rendering any assistance. Careful inquiry has shown that the loss of life which accompanied this casualty could not have been prevented by additional coastguard stations or watchers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is the intention of the War Office to pay family allowances to serving soldiers and non-commissioned officers in respect of children remaining at school until the age of 15 in the event of the provisions in the Education Bill raising the school-leaving age to 15 being passed into law?

. Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War what would be the cost involved, on the basis of the numbers attending annual camp in 1935, of abolishing the age limit for marriage allowance for men of the Territorial Army?

The cost would be approximately £11,000 a year.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the maximum annual sum which a sergeant in the Territorial Army may receive after attending 30 drills and annual training at camp?

The maximum annual sum drawn by a sergeant in the Territorial Army depends upon a considerable number of factors, e.g., his qualifications, and whether he is married or not. The average emoluments drawn, excluding rations in camp, may be taken as roughly £8 a year.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the highest annual remuneration payable to members of the Supplementary Reserve (Category C); and what annual training or duties they have to perform to qualify for such payment?

The annual gratuity of ass officer in Category C of the Supplementary Reserve is at present £20, and the maximum bounty for a man £15. The corresponding rates for those who enrolled before 1st October, 1931, are £25 and £20 respectively. Members of this category do no training in peace, the duties of the majority on mobilization being of a technical nature corresponding to their occupations in civil life.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that men are moving from the Territorial Army into the Supplementary Reserve, because of the greater facilities that there are for them, with less work?

Yes, Sir; I am aware of that fact.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of chaplains in His Majesty's Army; their respective denominations; and the total cost of their employment?

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

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that the chaplains in His Majesty's Army are adding to the efficiency of the Army; and, if so, will he consider the possibility, in the provisions now being made by the Government for the expansion of the Defence Services, of increasing, not only the number of battleships, but also the number of chaplains?

That question will certainly be considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, which of the local authorities in the Highland counties have reported on their survey of overcrowding under the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1935, and which local authorities have not?

Of the local authorities in the Highland counties, two county councils out of seven and 19 town councils cut of 21 have reported the results of their surveys. With the hon. Member's permission, I propose to publish the names of the authorities in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

When all the returns have been received from the local authorities in Scotland, will the returns be published in one volume for circulation to Members of the House?

Yes, Sir; they will be published for the information of hon. Members.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that parents of children in Lionel, Habost, Cross, Skikersta, Adabrook, Foradale and Port of Ness, in the Island of Lewis, are protesting against the site chosen for their new school and are unwilling to send their children to the proposed school, in view of the fact that the unfinished building has already collapsed; and whether he will take steps to make the authorities concerned take thought for the safety of the children and teachers and select a more suitable site?

A protest was received in January, 1934. On inquiry the Department were informed by the education authority that the site was centrally situated near the present school, and was the only readily drained site with a suitable supply of water. A recent gale partially demolished the unfinished structure. The education authority are investigating all the circumstances, and the Department's architect is in consultation with them as to the site and rebuilding.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that it is far more important to have good school houses even than better roads?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the proposal to base the new patrol vessel "Fidra" at Methil rather than at Leith, so as to secure more effective prevention of illegal trawling on the Fife coast of the Firth of Forth; and whether it is his intention to appoint a Fife fisherman as a member of the crew for the same reason?

A final decision has not yet been reached as to the port on which the "Fidra" will be based when patrolling in the Firth of Forth, and in considering the matter my hon. Friend's suggestion will be kept in view. The first crew of the "Fidra" is composed almost entirely of men already in the Fishery Board's service, but applications from Fife fishermen will be considered as vacancies occur.

Am I right in understanding the right hon. Gentleman to say that there are no vacancies at present?

There are no vacancies at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further steps he proposes to take for the more effective prevention of illegal trawling on the Fife coast of the Firth of Forth, and for meeting the complaints of Fife fishermen regarding the inadequacy of the fines imposed on persons convicted of such illegal trawling?

The new cruiser "Fidra" has recently been commissioned, and it is anticipated that she will prove effective in dealing with illegal trawling and illegal seining. The decision as to the amount of the fines to be imposed is vested in the court, and I have no doubt that the courts will keep in view the desirability of effective penalties.

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's own Bill of last year dealing with illegal trawling, will he not consider exercising some pressure to see that at any rate fines are imposed upon persons who are convicted?

I think these matters must be left to the Courts.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the protection on the Aberdeenshire coast is much less adequate than on the Fifeshire coast; and will he see that a cruiser is posted to the Aberdeenshire stretch at the earliest possible moment?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the figures of maternal mortality for 1935 in Glasgow and Greenock, respectively?

The number of maternal deaths in Glasgow in 1935 was 155, and in Greenock 11, representing rates of 7.0 and 6.5 per thousand births respectively.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman's Department is extending any financial assistance to the Labour majorities in both these areas, in the excellent work which they are doing in connection with this problem?

All local authorities are treated exactly alike, irrespective of whether they are Labour or otherwise.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that the assistance they are receiving is adequate, in view of the figures he has just given?

I have had no complaints from either of them.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the high rates of maternal mortality in these places are due to the composition of the councils?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why His Majesty's Government takes the view that it is equitable to grant a subsidy to the grower of wheat and to refuse one to the grower of oats?

I am not aware that the Government have indicated that they take the view attributed to them by my hon. Friend. The question of affording some assistance to the growers of oats is under active consideration, but as my hon. Friend has been informed on previous occasions there are serious difficulties to be overcome.

Is it not a fact that the Government have hitherto taken that view

They have hitherto been unable to find a suitable solution for a very difficult problem.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the recommendations of the Herring Board regarding the replacement of obsolete craft will be published?

I am informed by the Herring Industry Board that they are preparing a scheme of loans for the reconditioning of herring drifters and a scheme for the purchase by the board of a certain number of old drifters. Particulars of these schemes will, they hope, be published at the end of this week. The board propose to defer the question of loans for new vessels until they have ascertained the result of the re-conditioning scheme.

Will this be a voluntary scheme?

I would ask the hon. Member to await publication of the scheme by the Herring Fishery Board this week.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what stage has now been reached in the negotiations for the reconstruction of the Broadford pier; and whether, in view of the long delay and loss of facilities suffered by the public, he can at an early date bring these negotiations to a satisfactory conclusion?

I understand that a substantial offer for the pier has been made by Messrs. Macbrayne, and is at present before the trustees of the pier and the bond-holder. As the parties are now in negotiation, an early settlement is to be anticipated.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of adults unemployed in Greenock for 1933 and 1935, respectively?

I has e been asked to reply. The average numbers of unemployed men and women aged 18 years and over, on the registers of the Greenock Employment Exchange, were 9,995 during 1933 and 8,463 during 1935.

Are any steps being taken to place Greenock in the category of a depressed area, and to give it Government assistance.

That point does not arise out of this question.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the number of boys and girls between the ages of 14 and 16 unemployed in Greenock?

At 20th January, 1936, the latest date for which statistics are available, there were 122 unemployed boys and 279 unemployed girls, under 16 years of age, on the registers of the Greenock Employment Exchange.

What percentage do the figures constitute of the total number of boys and girls employed?

I will inform the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a number of men in the Government training camp at Keilder have left the camp and returned to their homes; whether he can state their reasons for leaving; and whether he will consider any complaints lodged by the men and, if he finds the complaints well founded, will he have the causes removed and the men who are willing to return informed they can do so?