asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed persons who have been sent to training centres from the Walworth Road (Borough) Employment Exchange for the three years ended to the last convenient date; and will he give particulars to which centres they were sent and for what kind of training?

No unemployed persons have been sent to training centres by the Borough Employment Exchange during the last three years. The area for recruitment is restricted to the depressed areas.

Do they have an opportunity of going from the Walworth Exchange?

Recruitment for Government training and instruction centres is limited to people from the Scheduled Depressed Areas, and the Special Areas and other areas of high unemployment.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now able to make a statement with reference to the abolition of the household means test; and whether any reports on this subject have been received from the Public Assistance Board during the last 12 months?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a similar question put by him on 5th December last. As regards the second part of the question, my right hon. Friend has been in almost continuous communication with the board on this and other subjects, for many months past.

When vas the last report received?

My right hon. Friend has been in communication with the Unemployment Assistance Board on the subject almost daily.

Do I understand that the board, which has been considering the matter for 12 months, is unable to make up its mind or to present the Minister with a report? Is it so incompetent?

Have any sample cases been taken by the Unemployment Assistance Board as to the operation of the means test in the country generally, and, if so, can the House have the result of the tests?

Will my hon. and gallant Friend remember some of the suggestions I made to him during a recent Debate on this subject?

I can assure the hon. Member for Chester-le Street (Mr. Lawson) that everything which is relevant to this question has been considered, and every investigation that is likely to bear upon it in order to reach a satisfactory solution has been made. In reply to ray hon. and gallant Friend, I remember everything he says.

Is not the House entitled to get an answer to the second part of this question, whether there has been such a report by the Unemployment Assistance Board?

The House is only entitled to get the answers it does get.

asked the Minister of Labour in what towns and administrative districts are the able-bodied unemployed, who would normally have been receiving the new scales of the Unemployment Assistance Board which the Government withdrew last March, receiving a lower scale from the public assistance committee?

I presume the hon. Member is referring to unemployed persons who will not be transferred to the Unemployment Assistance Board until the Second Appointed Day. I am not in a position to say whether or how far they are receiving allowances lower than those which would have been made by the board if they had been so transferred.

Is the Minister aware that in Yarmouth, for instance, they are paying lower scales than would be paid according to the first Order, and will he see to it that where that is the case the authorities are advised to pay scales on a level with those in the original Order, until the new Order is introduced?

These cases are all dealt with in accordance with the practice in different localities, and I do not see that there is any ground for interfering with it.

Is it not a breach of the Stand-Still Order? That Order states definitely that they must be given the higher rate, so that if they are receiving less than the Unemployment Assistance Board scale rates, which were hung up, it is a breach of the law, and the Minister had better have those responsible summoned at once.

The hon. Member is referring to persons who come before the board for treatment by the board. That question refers to those who do not come before the board, but remain in the care of the public assistance committee.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that hardship is being caused to numbers of ex-service men by reason of the fact that their pensions are taken into consideration when they have to seek assistance from the Unemployment Assistance Board and whether he will consider the introduction of new regulations permitting these war victims to enjoy the full benefit of such pensions as have been awarded to them?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Morpeth (Mr. R. J. Taylor) on 27th February, of which I am sending him a copy.

Is the Minister not aware that many of these discharged soldiers are getting very shabby treatanent, and will he not take steps to see that it is immediately stopped?

I cannot accept the contention of the hon. Member that they are getting shabby treatment.

They are.

Will the Minister refer this question to the board?

I could not give an undertaking on that point.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps are being taken to bring to the notice of the large number of firms who have either failed to reply to, or answered in the negative, the questionnaire sent them by the Commissioner for the Special Areas, the importance attached by the Government to the co-operation of industry in restoring prosperity to these areas, and the regret felt at the poor response to the questionnaire?

This subject was mentioned by several speakers in the Debate on 2nd March, and I think the views of the Government both as to the importance of co-operation with the Commissioner and as to the failure of a number of firms to reply to his letter were sufficiently expressed on that occasion.

asked the Minister of Labour whether steps are being taken to comply with the recom- mendation of the Commissioner for the Special Areas that employment for men aged between 18 and 21 who have completed a course at an instructional centre should be provided by means of national works such as the construction of arterial roads, etc.?

My right hon. Friend fully agrees with the Commissioner as to the desirability of taking any steps that may be practicable to find employment for these young men, and special consideration is being given to the matter.

When are we likely to hear what steps the Minister will take?

I cannot give my hon. and gallant Friend any particular date.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the recommendation of the Commissioner for the Special Areas that simple medical treatment should be given to boys and young men who are prevented from benefiting by training schemes on medical grounds is being complied with; and, if not, will he assure the House that a decision in regard to this matter will be announced shortly?

Education authorities in England and Wales have power to provide medical treatment for juveniles attending the junior instruction centres conducted by them, and it is my right hon. Friend's policy to encourage authorities to make this provision. As regards young men my right hon. Friend is considering with the Departments concerned the medical services already available and the extent, if any, to which it may be necessary to supplement them in the Special Areas to fit young men for training. I hope that it will be possible to reach a decision shortly.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that the consideration of this matter has been going on a very long time, and does he not think it is urgent that we should have a reply as soon as possible?

I realise that it has been going on for a considerable time, but no avoidable delay is being incurred.

asked the Minister of Labour the average number of unemployed in each of the years 1926 to 1935?

As the reply includes a number of figures, I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour in what age group the highest and lowest percentages, respectively, of insured unemployed persons are to be found, calculating the percentages in terms of the estimated number of persons in each age group?

In November, 1932, the highest and lowest percentages of unemployment, as shown by the results of a sample inquiry, were among insured persons over 50 years of age, and under 21 years of age, respectively. The figures were given in detail on page 314 of the Ministry of Labour Gazette for September, 1933. Statistics of the age distribution of the insured population have not been obtained for any later date, but particulars of the ages of persons registered as unemployed at 13th May and 4th November, 1935, will be found on pages 42 and 43 of the Ministry of Labour Gazette for February, 1936.

Is there any indication of any abnormal unemployment among people who are just above the age for what are known as the blind-alley occupations?

I would prefer my hon. Friend to put that question down.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the decision of a court of referees to deprive Mr. J. Callaghan, a Barry seaman, of unemployment benefit because of his refusal to pay a debt or part of a debt will be applied in all cases where a man is prevented from taking a job because of an arrangement come to between an employer or a group of employers and the parties to whom a debt may be owing?

The decision in the case to which the hon. Member refers was given on the facts of that case and in accordance with the provisions of the law as interpreted by the umpire. Other cases must be similarly decided, and it would be useless for me to attempt to say in advance w hat the decision ought to be.

Am I to understand that this case was put before the umpire, and, if so, when?

No, this particular case did not come before the umpire because the gentleman in question did not exercise his right of asking leave to appeal, and no appeal was made. The point is that there was a previous umpire's decision on an analogous case, and the court of referees was guided by that.

Arising out of the peculiarity of this decision, will the Minister advise his representative who was responsible for the decision in the first place to put the case before the umpire?

No, that would be outside my right hon. Friend's powers in this and similar cases.

Has the time for an appeal elapsed?

An appeal may be allowed before the umpire six months after the decision of the court of referees.

Is it not customary for the Ministry officials to take appeals to the umpire?

That is a matter for the insurance officer's discretion.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that the anomalies regulations under the Unemployment Insurance Act have not been reviewed since 1933, that a case has arisen in which a married woman was disallowed benefit, not on the ground that she was married but on the ground of childbirth, whereas a single woman in the same circumstances would be allowed benefit, and that other grievances have arisen such as that of the dockers employed on the butter boats at Grimsby who have been classed as seasonal workers, he will request the Statutory Committee to review these regulations and make recommendations for their modification to meet these cases of hardship?

I cannot add to the reply to the hon. Member for the English Universities (Miss Rath-bone) on 19th December last, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Minister of Labour what number of workers have been placed on the Employment Exchange as unemployed through the closing of the Phoenix tube works at Rutherglen; and whether any of the workers so displaced have been offered work at Corby?

The works referred to by the hon. Member have not yet closed, but about 145 men discharged from them have registered at Employment Exchanges during the past fortnight. I do not know whether any of these workers have been offered employment at Corby, but I understand from statements in the Press that it is the intention of the firm to transfer there as many of their employés as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour, for the last available date, the numbers at varying ages of the Sheffield employed and unemployed men, women, boys, and girls?

An analysis by ages of persons registered as unemployed was obtained in November last, and I will, if I may, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT giving particulars for Sheffield. I regret that corresponding figures for persons in employment are not available.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of cases determined by courts of referees in the country for the latest available year; the number allowed; and the number disallowed?

During the period 1st February, 1935, to 31st January, 1936, 410,000 claims for insurance benefit or unemployment allowances were considered by courts of referees in Great Britain, of which 112,428 were allowed and 297,572 were disallowed. The figures are exclusive of claims, by persons already entitled to benefit, for an increase in the rate of benefit in respect of dependants, and also of cases considered under the trade dispute disqualification. They relate to claims, and the number of separate individuals concerned is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that men and women entitled to receive benefits from the Unemployment Insurance Fund on pay days and signing-on days have little shelter provided for them at the Barnsley Employment Exchange, and stand in queues for lengthy periods exposed to inclement weather; what action will he take to secure reasonable shelter for them; and is he further aware that the exchange frontage is so constructed that this could be done at a small cost?

Except in the case of sudden additions to the register of which the exchange has no warning, applicants are allotted times of attendance, and if they attend at those times there is no need for them to wait in the open. My right hon. Friend is in touch with the First Commissioner with a view to experimenting with some kind of shelter in a few selected cases, but I am not sure that this would be possible at the Barnsley premises.

Is the Minister aware that when this exchange was built considerably more than £1,000 went back into the accounts, and in view of that economy will he not reconsider this request? It would not cost very much to cover the place. The points which have been put in his reply have been considered time after time, and it is no good putting them to us again.

I took the trouble to have a telephone inquiry as to the situation made to-day and I find that the system is working as I have stated in my answer. If people turn up at the proper time, the time allotted to them, there is no necessity for them to stand in the open.

If you come down with me and watch you will see for yourself.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider the advisability of appointing a committee to inquire into the present operation of the Fair Wages Clause of the House of Commons, having regard to the existence of certain imperfections and the importance of the questions likely to be raised as s result of the Government's rearmament scheme?

As at present advised, my right hon. Friend does not think that it is necessary to consider the appointment of a committee as suggested by the hon. Member. As a result of representations made by the Trade Union Congress General Council, the operation of the Fair Wages Clause is under consideration, but I do not anticipate any difficulties in connection with the contracts under the defence programme.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any investigation of the earnings and wages of persons engaged in different occupations and industries has been made since the earnings and hours inquiry of 1906; and whether it is his intention to institute a comprehensive inquiry into these important matters?

Inquiries into average weekly earnings in manufacturing industries generally, and some of the principal other industries, were made in 1924, 1928 and 1931, and similar inquiries, relating to 1935, are now in progress. In these inquiries information has not been obtained as to earnings in particular occupations, but particulars of the time rates of wages fixed by collective agreements, or by statutory orders, for workpeople in the principal industries and occupations are regularly collected by my Department and published in the Ministry of Labour Gazette and the Abstract of Labour Statistics.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the cost-of-living index is still based on the information on family budgets collected by the Board of Trade in 1904 and the Sumner Committee in 1918; and whether he is collecting information with a view to establishing an index more in accord with present day conditions?

The weighting system used in combining the percentage changes in the prices of the individual items included in the cost-of-living index into a general average is based partly on particulars derived from the family budgets collected in 1904, supplemented by such other data as were available in 1914, when the index numbers were first instituted. The information collected by the Sumner Committee in 1918 does not form part of the basis of the calculations. No similar information is at present being collected by my Department, but the question whether a new inquiry should be made is at present under consideration.

Will my hon. and gallant Friend give the most serious consideration to a change in the basis, having regard to the fact that at least 10 years ago one of his predecessors said they would do it as soon as possible?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date he received the latest report on the condition of Ronald True, the ex-airman who was convicted for murder in 1922 and sentenced to be detained during His Majesty's pleasure at the Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum; what was the last occasion and date this prisoner's sentence was reviewed; and will he give particulars?

The last annual report in this case was received in June, 1935. It disclosed no significant change since the case had been reviewed in the previous year.

May we take it that the reports we see in the Press regularly about this man are incorrect?

I do not know what is stated in the Press, but what I have stated is correct.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that reports are appearing occasionally saying that this man has special treatment and gets various privileges?

I think the hon. Member may assume that he is treated, properly, but treated without any special privileges.

asked the Minister of Labour in what section of industry there is a scarcity of skilled craftsmen; and why his Department rejected the offer of the National Council of Aircraft Workers to supply skilled craftsmen for any vacancies in the industry?

In reply to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 5th December last to the hon. Member for Huddersfield (Mr. Mabane). As regards the second part, the secretary of the council was informed of the arrangements by which, in cases where vacancies cannot be filled from among the applicants on the register of an Employment Exchange, the branch secretary of the appropriate trade union is notified in order that he may advise any of his members who are unemployed, and may be suitable for the work, to call at the Exchange in connection with the vacancies.

Is the Minister aware of the repeated statements made regarding a scarcity of skilled labour, and seeing that three months have elapsed since his last statement will he not re-consider his answer?

Can the Minister tell us whether there is any trade or calling in which the demand for labour is bigger than the supply?

In the previous answer my right hon. Friend stated that circumstances varied from place to place, but that a number of difficulties had arisen regarding vacancies for bricklayers and plasterers in many areas, and in the more highly skilled branches of the engineering trade, and that statement still largely stands.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider new legislation to give the victims of silicosis compensation based on full standard wages and, in view of the incurable nature of the disease, that no deductions from the amount shall be permissible under any circumstances?

There seems no justification for higher scales of compensation for silicosis than for permanent incapacity due to accidents and other diseases.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that the men who, it was intended, should receive compensation, get that compensation?

That matter is under the most urgent consideration and, indeed, was under review as recently as yesterday.

Do I understand that the Home Secretary is contemplating fresh legislation on this subject?

No, Sir, the question put to me was whether silicosis should be treated, as regards compensation for permanent incapacity, differently from other diseases or accidents, and my answer was that I do not think there can be any good ground for selecting one disease as against another within the scheme.

The Home Secretary speaks of consultations going on over this matter. Would it be right to assume that action will be taken when those consultations end?

Oh, yes, there will be appropriate action at the proper time.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is in a position to state when the Departmental Committee he has set up to inquire into the Workmen's Compensation Act (Industrial Diseases) will make a report?

The committee which is inquiring, among other things, into the question of compensation for nystagmus and the medical procedure under the Act, has still, I understand, to take a good deal of evidence, and I am afraid I cannot forecast when they will be in a position to report.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the paper, Cmd. 5077, giving returns of statistics of compensation and proceedings under the Workmen's Compensation Acts, covers only about 70 per cent. of the cases; and whether he will consider making it compulsory for all employers to make returns so that a more comprehensive examination can be made of the working of the Compensation Acts?

I am aware that many of the statistics relate only to the large industrial groups in which employers are required to make returns, but it will be appreciated that the Act covers practically all employment, including domestic service, and I do not think that the results of asking for returns from every employer affected by the Act would justify the great labour and expense which would be involved.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make an attempt to collect this information, because workmen's compensation is becoming more important every day and the House of Commons ought to be in possession of all the facts?

I sympathise entirely with the general object of the hon. Gentleman, but we have to consider whether we can reasonably exact such details from every person, and afford the labour and expense involved.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that the sections of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1885, dealing with procuration of women for immoral purposes by third parties, specially excludes common prossitutes and women of known immoral character from protection against procuration, and even excludes them from protection against being procured by false pretences on false representations; and, having regard to the fact that all traffic in women is mainly a traffic in women of immoral character and that exclusion of such women from the operation of the English law against procuration tacitly permits traffic in them, will be undertake to amend the law so that all third-party procuration of women for immoral purposes shall be a punishable offence?

I am aware of the criticism which has been directed to the provisions of the Criminal Law Amend- ment Act, 1885, that it does not extend to common prostitutes and women of known immoral character the same measure of protection that is afforded to women and girls generally; but if the Noble Lady will examine Sections 2 and 3 of that Act, she will find that it is not accurate to say that women who are common prostitutes, or who are of known immoral character, are excluded from any protection against procuration. The question whether any amendment of the law is required is under consideration, and the points raised by the Noble Lady will be borne in mind.

I thank the right lion. Gentleman very much for his answer. Would he bear in mind the change of opinion since this Act was passed, and that now the State demands the same protection for immoral women as it gives to immoral men?

Yes, that will certainly be borne in mind.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the numerous cases of refusal or delay on the part of magistrates and police in granting bail to persons bailable at common law; and whether, as such refusal or delay is an offence against the liberty of the subject, he will make such representations as will secure that bail is promptly granted wherever possible?

The powers of the police to grant bail are confined to cases where a person has been arrested without a warrant pending his appearance before a court, and I have no reason to think that they do not make use of their powers in proper cases. When a person has been brought before a court, the question of bail is one for the magistrates, and I know of no occasion for making any representations to them as to the exercise of their discretion in the matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether the new scale of pay has now been introduced for prison sub- ordinate officers, under which the officers will lose on their increments sums varying from 4d. to 1s. per week; and whether be is satisfied that full inquiry has been made into the details of the pay of the lower ranks?

No such losses as those suggested in the question will be suffered by officers. I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the more detailed and technical explanation which bears this out.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the setting up of an appeals tribunal for the prison staff on similar lines to that obtaining in the police, as the prison staff is a disciplinary body without trade union rights; and, if so, will he make the provision retrospective to cover 30th September, 1933, the date of the Oxford escape?

Prison officers have a right of appeal to the Secretary of State, who considers the case afresh and makes all useful inquiries. As in the case of the police, the final decision rests with the Secretary of State.

asked the Home Secretary how many prosecutions took place during 1935 for leaving a car on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic, after dark or during foggy weather?

The Annual Return of Offences relating to motor vehicles contains statistics of proceedings under the general head of leaving a motor vehicle in a dangerous position, but does not further distinguish the precise circumstances of the alleged offence. The number of cases under this head which were dealt with by prosecution in 1934 was 2,069. The corresponding figure for 1935 is not yet available.

Does my right hon. Friend not think that this is really a dangerous practice, warranting police prosecution?

Of course that is a matter for the discretion of the police. My hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that there is no specific offence in the act of leaving a car on the off-side of a road facing traffic whether before or after dark, so that that is the reason why these statistics are of a general kind.

Under the Act is it not laid down that persons can be prosecuted for causing danger to the public?

Is not this an offence against the road traffic regulations?

I am only explaining the reason why the statistics of the Home Office deal with the matter in a more general description.

asked the Home Secretary how many prosecutions took place during 1935 for leaving a car at the side of the road with the head-lamps full on?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I have just given to his previous question.

asked the Minister of Transport which of the highway authorities have had painted on the highways the words "Look before you cross," with a view to warning pedestrians of the dangers of crossing the roads; and what further action he proposes to take in order to have this warning to pedestrians generally adopted?

Certain highway authorities have had the words "Look Right" and "Look Left" painted on the carriageway in appropriate cases, but I am unable to state at how many places this has been done. In view of the diversity of conditions my right hon. Friend does not propose to take any further steps, but has decided to leave the matter to local judgment.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider having a circular issued to the various local authorities?

No, Sir; generally speaking we do not encourage painting on the road because it takes the eyes of the driver off the correct place, and I think that other methods are more efficacious.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the possibility of simplifying matters by prohibiting pedestrians from going on to the roads at all?

asked the Minister of Transport whether a detailed inquiry was made by his Department into the possibility of carrying the new arterial road through Fulham over the District Railway; and, if so, by how much did the cost of this scheme differ from the approved scheme when allowance for the compensation to be paid to property owners had been taken into account?

As the matter is now before a Committee of the House, I do not think it would be proper for me to make any statement at this stage, beyond what my right hon. Friend said in answer to a question by the hon. Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison) on 19th February.

Will the figures be put before the Committee by the Minister of Transport?

The Committee will certainly go into all aspects of the matter.

asked the Home Secretary what was the strength of the Metropolitan Police, both reserves and permanent, immediately before the reserve was disbanded; and what is its present strength?

I assume that the hon. Member refers to the release in 1919 of the re-engaged pensioners who served during the War. Seven hundred and sixteen such men were serving then, together with 18,637 of the regular Force. The strength of the regular Force is now 19,030.

Has there been any increase in the strength of the force?

I am afraid that should have to have notice of that question.

asked the Home Secretary what saving in man-power has been effected in the Metropolitan Police through the introduction of traffic lights and police boxes; and what, if any, has been the consequent reduction in the strength of the Force?

The installation of traffic light signals in the Metropolitan Police District has released 425 constables for other duties, and the authorised strength of the Force has been reduced by that number. It is not possible to give a similar figure in regard to police boxes, the introduction of which was only one feature in a general scheme of reorganisation.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a recent case in London in which a man charged with loitering with felonious intent was acquitted by the magistrate and costs were allowed against the police; and whether, in view of this case and of the large number of other similar cases in which there is failure to obtain conviction, he will advise the Chief Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police that only officers of considerable experience should be sent out on duty in plain clothes or, in cases where officers are working in couples, that at least one officer in each case should have had considerable experience of such duty?

I do not know to what particular case the hon. Member refers. As regards the second part of his question, I would refer to the reply which I gave to a question of this subject by the hon. Member for the Central Division of Southwark (Mr. Day) on 6th February.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not feel that cases of arrest of innocent persons should be kept down to the bearest minimum, and will he consult the Chief Commissioner on the point which I put in my question, as to whether inexperienced men are sometimes put on this work?

I have already given my attention to this matter, and very full directions have recently been issued by the Commission of Police under which every reasonable precaution is taken to avoid making arrests on insufficient evidence. The Regulations include the selection of men who appear to be suitable men for this work.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not agree that the men must be inexperienced, considering that over 1,000 people were arrested last year as suspected persons?

No, Sir, I do not agree.

asked the Home Secretary the population of the Channel Islands, and how this is divided among different nationalities?

The population of the Channel Islands is about 90,000, including some 4,000 aliens, most of whom are French.

asked the Home Secretary whether, arising out of the agreement with Northern Ireland on the subject of unemployment insurance, he will make representations as to the desirability of making a condition that all additional labour required in connection with Government contracts shall be impartially engaged through Employment Exchanges?

I am advised that no question as to the method by which employers engage workmen can arise out of the agreement to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will extend the terms of reference of the committee investigating the conditions of young people in unregulated occupations to cover such employment in flats, service flats, boarding houses, and clubs?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers given by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher) on 10th February, and to the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 4th March, of which I am sending him copies.

May I ask whether, even at this late date, the Home Secretary will consider this point, so that these young people, many of whom are employed in these occupations, may be included in the terms of reference?

I should be very glad to take the opportunity of discussing the matter with my hon. Friend, and if he has any specific information I should be very glad to have it.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will take steps to amend the Pharmacy and Poisons Act, 1933, so as to make it clear that it is not obligatory for garages and wireless dealers who engage in the charging of accumulators to be registered as sellers of poisons, in so far as such charging involves the use of sulphuric acid?

No, Sir. The sale of sulphuric acid in accumulators is clearly exempted from the provisions of the Act Rule 11, and the Third Schedule of the Poisons Rules, 1935.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can state approximately what is the number of bogus or undesirable clubs on the register; what is the estimated number of persons who will be compelled by the suppression of these clubs to seek their refreshment elsewhere; and whether, to avoid overcrowding and discomfort on licensed premises, he will advise the licensing authorities that through the declared policy of His Majesty's Government more extensive accommodation will be required next year, and that the process of reducing licences should therefore be retarded?

I have no information which would enable me to answer the first two parts of the question. As regards the third part, I have no doubt that licensing authorities are aware of the intentions of the Government, as announced last week, in relation to bogus clubs, and will be able to form their own judgment on the aspect of this matter to which the hon. Member refers. I have no authority to issue any such advice as suggested.

In view of the fact that drunkenness has increased by 24 per cent. since 1932, will the Minister take steps to see that magistrates' certificates are not accepted without very careful inquiries?

Is there any reason to suppose that the survivors of bogus prohibition have anything to teach this country in this matter?

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to appoint a separate Minister to be responsible for the supply of necessary war material?

I can add nothing to what the Prime Minister said on this subject in the course of the Debate on Monday last.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that the arguments in favour of this course are receiving active and careful consideration?

If my hon. Friend will refer to the statement of the Prime Minister, he will see that the matter is already under consideration.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is prepared to introduce legislation whereby vermin-infested old bricks taken from demolished dwelling-houses shall be prohibited from use in the construction of new dwelling-houses of any kind?

In view of the power conferred on local authorities by Section 82 of the Housing Act, 1935, to cleanse from vermin any house to which a demolition order or clearance order applies, before it is demolished, I do not consider further legislation necessary.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, while local authorities are spending huge sums on the building of new property, there are many thousands of new houses which, unless special measures are taken, will be incapable of occupation by human beings by reason of their occupation by other creatures?

That question will certainly be borne in mind.

asked Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that in the city of Birmingham there is evidence that incoming tenants of controlled houses are being called upon to sign agreements undertaking to carry out interior repairs; and whether he will consider the advisability of taking steps to put an end to this practice?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, I would draw my hon. Friend's attention to Section 1 of the Housing Act, 1925, which provides that in any contract for letting a house at a rent not exceeding £26, or £40 in London, there shall, not- withstanding any stipulation to the contrary, be implied a condition that the house will be kept by the landlord during the tenancy in all respects reasonably fit for human habitation.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that where houses have been decontrolled rents more than twice the normal are being charged, he will take steps to arrange for a method whereby those suffering can have some form of appeal?

My information does not support the suggestion that in general the rents of controlled and decontrolled houses vary to the extent indicated in the question, and I do not think that it would be desirable to introduce legislation for the purpose of re-imposing control on decontrolled houses.

Since the right hon. Gentleman has no information on the subject, would he meet people, including myself, who have been treated in the way stated in the question; and would he take that as evidence of the state of affairs that exists to-day?

I should naturally take any statement of the hon. Gentleman, but my reply says that my information does not support the suggestion that there is ally such general variation in rents. I am dealing with the general question, but in any event I do not think it is advisable to introduce legislation for the purpose of re-imposing control in the case of decontrolled houses.

Would the Minister be good enough to indicate the source of his information, because it is obviously contrary to that of all who have had experience of public administration?

I do not want to be misunderstood. I am not disputing that there may be a number of cases, but I have to weigh the disadvantages and the advantages, and I think that those interested in the matter will agree that there would be considerable disadvantages in now re-imposing control on decontrolled houses.

asked the Minister of Health the number of open spaces which have been acquired by local authorities in pursuance of the campaign to establish a green belt around London; and whether there are any local authorities concerned which have not taken any action on the subject?

I regret that the information sought is not in my possession. During the last four years, local authorities in the Greater London Area have been authorized by my Department to acquire 6,556 acres of land for public open spaces or playing fields.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider what steps can be taken to preserve Ranelagh as an open space?

Ranclagh is in private ownership, and can only be kept. as an open space if the Owners choose to dedicate it as such, or if building is prohibited under the planning scheme now in course of preparation and compensation paid, or if it is acquired as a public open space. As far as I am aware, it is not suggested either that compensation should be paid from public funds to preserve the grounds for the use of the club, or that the whole of the grounds should be acquired for the use of the public. My hon. Friend will be aware that the owners at present intend to keep open the central 30 acres, and they have entered into an agreement with the Barnes Borough Council giving the latter an option to purchase these acres if at any time building is threatened.

Is it not the intention of the Minister to ensure that existing open spaces in London shall not be built over?

I could not go as far as that.

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons in Great Britain insured under the National Health Insurance Act, excluding, however, all persons who, though still counted as insured, are no longer in employment or seeking employment; and whether he will state how this total compares to that of ten years ago?

The number of insured persons under the age of 65 was, on the 31st December, 1934, 17,181,000, and on the 31st December, 1928, 16,659,000. Prior to 1928 the liability to pay contributions under the National Health Insurance Acts did not cease until the attainment of age 70, so that figures for any earlier date do not afford a useful basis of comparison. No statistics are available as to the number of insured persons who are no longer in employment or seeking employment.

asked the Minister of Health the number of mental defectives in England and Wales during the last week in 1935; how many of these were in institutions; and how many had been recommended for beds but for whom there was no accommodation?

The figures showing the position at the end of 1935 are not yet complete, but on the 1st January, 1935, the number of mental defectives in England and Wales ascertained by local authorities under the Mental Deficiency Acts was 110,530, of whom 37,987 were in institutions. With regard to the last part of the question, on the date mentioned there were 2,802 patients awaiting removal to institutions, but, in the meantime, receiving statutory supervision at the hands of the local authorities.

May I ask what steps the right hon. Gentleman is taking in order to induce the responsible authorities to make provision for these unfortunate people?

I think that for the most part the local authorities are endeavouring to carry out their duties. The hon. Gentleman will see that I have said in my answer that, where patients have to wait for treatment, other steps are taken.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these local authorities desire to build further accommodation, but cannot do so because of financial difficulties; and will he further assist them in that direction?

That is a very broad question. If the hon. Gentleman has any particular case in mind, I should be glad to look into it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman referring to individual cases, or to institutions?

Whatever information the hon. Gentleman has, I shall be glad to receive it.

asked the Minister of Health, in view of the increasing number of burning pit heaps in mining areas which prove to be a nuisance and a danger to public health, what further steps he intends to take, in conjunction with local authorities, to punish offenders and put an end to this evil?

I am not aware of the increase to which the hon. Member refers, or that any further steps in addition to the action now taken by local authorities are practicable. The hon. Member will appreciate that the technical difficulties of the abatement of a nuisance arising from burning pit heaps are frequently considerable.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are general complaints about these heaps, and will he not expedite as far as possible the Bill that has been brought in by my hon. Friend the Member for Leigh (Mr. Tinker)?

I think the real difficulty is, as I have endeavoured to explain in my answer, the adoption of a practical remedy. It is not so much a question of legislation as of finding some practical means for dealing with these heaps.

Are any steps being taken to find a solution of these technical difficulties?

Yes; I think the local authorities are constantly trying to overcome them.

Does not the practical remedy lie in keeping the rubbish underground rather than bringing it to the surface?

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the doubt still existing regarding the use of aluminium cooking utensils and the conflicting opinions given by various authorities, he will have a statement made by the men so qualified in his Department and have such made public?

A report on this subject by an officer of my Department was published in October last. I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

May I point out that, while that was done at that period, the public have not been reached by it? It is true that a great deal of discussion has taken place between eminent medical men, but would it not be better that the public should hear from the Ministry of Health direct which is right and which is wrong?

asked the Minister of Health whether he has now received the report of the engineer on the Haltwhistle water scheme; whether the latter considers the scheme to be sound and feasible; and whether any alternative system of supply has been examined at the Ministry and, if so, what is the result of this examination?

The reply to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part, I am not satisfied that the yield of the alternative supply from springs which has been examined would be sufficient to provide an adequate supply at all times.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a centre exists at New Brighton for the training of guide dogs for the blind; and whether he is willing to assist in the provision of these dogs for blind persons?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The question of assisting in the provision of these dogs for blind persons is one for the consideration of the appropriate voluntary agencies and local authorities, and I should be prepared to give any approval that might be necessary to enable a local authority to grant such assistance in suitable cases.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any financial assistance as well?

I have answered the question on the Paper.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is, or will be, in consultation with the Minister of Labour on the question of subsidising the low wages paid to the under-employed weavers and spinners of Lancashire; and what is the position in regard to it?

I have been in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour on this matter and I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a letter which I recently caused to be addressed to the Lancashire County Council.

Are steps being taken to improve their position

The hon. Member had better read my reply.