asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the number of pilots and mechanics that have been recruited and are at present in the employ of the Indian State Air Service, and particulars of the personnel, stating the number that are Europeans or Indians and the type of machines used for this service?

The only civil aeroplanes belonging to the Government of India are those obtained for the use of the Viceroy. There is no Indian State Air Service.

Are they fitted with safety slots?

The hon. Gentleman had better put that question down.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many educational establishments in the United Provinces have been closed down; and for what reasons and for what period?

I have no information, but will inquire.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the publication entitled "India in 1933–34," authorised by the Secretary of State for India, contains attacks on the integrity and honesty of public men of repute; on what evidence these attacks are based; and whether the bias against the Congress contained in the introductory chapter and appearing in various parts of the book has the approval of the Secretary of State?

"India in 1933–34" was published under the authority and the general approval of the Secretary of State, but as stated in the preface this approval does not necessarily extend to every particular expression of opinion in the book, which is of a descriptive character. So far as it includes statements of fact, I am not aware that any inaccuracy is suggested, but it deals with matters of public interest upon which varied opinions may legitimately be held.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the local Governments of India, before submitting their opinion on the Criminal Law Amendment Bill to the Government of India, consulted Indian Ministers in charge of transferred subjects in the Provinces, or whether the opinion submitted by local Governments to Delhi originate from the Governor and Members of the Executive Council?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any Minister in any Indian Province was consulted, directly or indirectly, by the Government of India on the Criminal Law Amendment Act; and, if so, in bow many Provinces, if any, the legislation had the support of Indian Ministers?

The views expressed to the Government of India on the Criminal Law Amendment Act were the considered opinions of the various Provincial Governments. My Noble Friend sees no reason for inquiring into the means by which each Government arrived at its conclusion.

Is it possible that, in accordance with that answer, only the official elements in local Governments will be considered and not the representatives of the Indian people?

This matter falls constitutionally within the sphere of the Governors in Council, and my right hon. Friend could not undertake to make inquiries as to Governors' decisions.

Do local Governments who are responsible for proposals of this description ever take into consideration the opinions of Indian Ministers?

I am afraid we must leave to the Governors in Council—I underline "in Council"—the manner in which they deal with these matters.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the amount of subsidies granted to any journals published in India and the circulation of the journals in each case?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India or the local Governments, directly or indirectly, subsidise any newspaper, or magazines, or news services; and for what reasons any such subsidies are given?

Neither the Government of India nor local governments subsidise any newspapers, magazines or news services. They do, however, subscribe to certain news agencies on a commercial basis for the supply of news telegrams to various Departments and officers. In one instance they pay a news agency for transmitting overseas news of Government importance outside the scope of their ordinary service. They also purchase copies of certain newspapers and magazines, according to the requirements of the public service.

Will the hon. Gentleman explain in fuller detail the technical difference between subscribing and subsidising?

Certain copies of certain newspapers are useful for the public service, and in these cases, for the reasons I have given, the Government of India purchase certain copies.

Do not a great many Members of this House pay for news cuttings without subsidising the newspapers?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many of the men accused in the late Meerut conspiracy case have recently been arrested; and on what charge and upon whose information?

I have no information as to the recent arrest of any of those accused in the Meerut conspiracy case.

Is it not the case that some of the men who were discharged after the Meerut trial have recently been arrested?

It depends upon what the hon. Member regards as recently. If he desires it, I will give him information as to recent arrests.

I meant subsequent to the release of persons who had been serving their sentences.

In that case I will endeavour to get the information desired by the hon. Member.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether copies of the book entitled "Communism," by Professor H. J. Laski, Professor of Political Science, London University, are banned throughout India or only in certain provinces; whether he is aware that copies were seized by the police in a recent raid; and whether the possession of a copy of this book is an offence in any province of India?

I have no information as to any action taken in India regarding this book, but will inquire if the hon. Member desires me to do so.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what steps have been taken to carry out the recommendations made by the Royal Commission on Labour in India with regard to women's labour, and especially the recommendations regarding the appointment of women supervisors?

In respect of recommendations for Government initiative, the answer will be found in the latest report of the action taken by the Central and Provincial Governments in India on the recommendations of the Whitley Commission. I have caused one copy of this to be placed in the Library and another is being sent to the hon. Member. Action taken on recommendations such as that concerning women supervisors in which the initiative lies with authorities other than the Government is not given in the Progress Report. I will ask the Government of India what information they have on the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will bring to the attention of the Viceroy the schemes which have from time to time been draw up as regards economic development in the North-West Frontier Province of India; and whether he will recommend to him the expenditure of money on schemes such as these and on the development of medical services, with a view to bringing about a diminution in unrest and violence through increased economic prosperity and contentment?

The hon. Member may rest assured that both the Government of India and the Provincial Government are already fully alive to the importance of the economic and medical aspects of the administration in the North-West Frontier Province, to which they are paying special attention.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to whom a British subject should apply for a passport visa for the purpose of visiting Outer Mongolia?

As far as I am aware, permission to enter Outer Mongolia could only be obtained by application to the authorities at Urga.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what sanctions concerning Germany were asked for by the French Government; and did they include the withdrawal of ambassadors from Berlin?

As the right hon. and gallant Gentleman will be aware, the action of the French and Belgian Governments with regard to the recent breach of the Treaty of Locarno by Germany has been to bring the matter to the notice of the Council of the League. I am afraid that I cannot say anything further at the moment.

Are we to understand from that reply that no definite sanctions have been asked for by the French Government from the British Government, prior to approaching the Council of the League?

I am afraid the right hon. and gallant Gentleman must understand only what is in the answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further statement to make as to the negotiations with those countries which were parties to the Locarno Treaty?

Discussions are still in progress, and I am not yet in a position to make any statement?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British Government has ascertained, or will ascertain, whether the German Government is prepared to include Russia among the States with which it is ready to conclude a pact of non-aggression?

I would refer the hon. Member to the terms of the German Government's memorandum of 7th March, a translation of which was published in Command Paper No. 5118.

In view of the fact that last summer the then Foreign Secretary stated that the British Government assumed that Germany was prepared to conclude such a pact with Russia, and seeing that doubt has recently been cast on that, will the British Government really try to find out whether Germany is prepared to do that?

This appears to be primarily a question for the Soviet and German Governments.

Will the British Government find out from the German Government whether they are prepared to include Soviet Russia in a pact of nonaggression, seeing that the late Foreign Secretary stated that the British Government assumed that they were? Will the Noble Lord give me a reply? This is very important.

Is there any reason why the National Government should take the Soviet Government under its protection?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has obtained from the German Government any elucidation as to the meaning of the phrase, colonial equality of rights, contained in the last paragraph of the German memorandum of 7th March (Cmd. 5118)?

No, Sir.

Does my Noble Friend recognise the importance of finding out as quickly as possible how far the German request for equality of colonial rights is compatible with the policy recently announced by the Colonial Secretary to the effect that Great Britain had no intention of transferring mandated territories to any other Power?

This will naturally be a matter for suitable inquiry when and if the appropriate moment arrives.

Will the Under-Secretary see that no minorities come under German rule until the Germans have treated their own minority properly?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has noticed Herr Hitler's allegation, in excuse of his breach of the Locarno Agreement, that it was already broken by the pact entered into between the Soviet and France; and whether, as Herr Hitler's breach included the entry into a demilitarised zone alongside Belgian territory and the Belgian Government had not completed any pact with the Soviet, he will protest against this encroachment at any rate; and what action he intends to take?

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the aspects of the present situation raised in his question have not escaped the notice of His Majesty's Government. The breach by Germany of the clauses of the Treaty of Versailles relating to the Demilitarised Zone and of Article 4 of the Treaty of Locarno is, as my hon. and gallant Friend knows, at present under consideration by the Council of the League of Nations. I cannot at present make any further statement on this matter.

Is it not possible for any signatory of the Locarno Treaty to leave the obligations under that Treaty by merely giving notice?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether in any negotiations for a pact of peace with Germany to ensure stability in Europe, the Government will have regard to the necessity of obtaining from Germany assurances regarding her pacific intentions towards both Russia and Austria?

I cannot add anything with regard to such negotiations to what my right hon. Friend said in the course of his statement in the House last Monday.

May I take it that His Majesty's Government are alive to the necessity of seeing that peace in Europe is ensured both in the east as well as in the west?

His Majesty's Government are alive to all considerations arising out of the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what has now been done concerning the bombing of the British ambulance by Italian airmen?

Since the statement which I made on this subject on Monday last, the Italian Government have communicated a written reply to the representations made by His Majesty's Ambassador in Rome, a telegraphic summary of which has been communicated by Sir Eric Drummond to my right hon. Friend. So far as can be judged from this summary, the Italian Government admit the bombing on 4th March of an encampment furnished with at least one Red Cross sign, but claim that this bombing was in retaliation for the opening of fire upon the aircraft both on 3rd March and on 4th March. It is claimed that the Italian aircraft were fired on yet again on 5th March from the same locality, but the summary does not show that the Italians admit having bombed the encampment again on that day. The Italian note apparently states that the coincidence of the locality and of the facts permits the identification of this alleged incident with that of which His Majesty's Government had complained. As to this I can only say that my right hon. Friend has noticed considerable discrepancies between the account given in the Italian communication and the report previously communicated by the leader of the British Red Cross unit concerned, particularly as regards the number of lorries and of Red Cross insignia as well as the location of the encampment. The Italian official statement does not apparently specify who is supposed to have fired on the aircraft, but the Italian Press of 12th March explain that it was done by at least a thousand armed men in khaki uniform who emerged from the tents on the approach of the aircraft. Dr. Melly has already denied that there was any firing upon Italian aircraft from the neighbourhood of his camp, but further detailed information is being sought from him. The right hon. and gallant Gentleman may he assured that His Majesty's Government will pursue this matter with the utmost energy with the Italian Government as soon as my right hon. Friend has obtained Dr. Melly's further comments.

Apart altogether from what His Majesty's Government propose to do in the future, may we understand that a claim for damages will be made, and that, if it is not met, His Majesty's Ambassador in Rome will be withdrawn?

I should like to have notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further statement to make on the dispute between Italy and Abyssinia?

My hon. Friend will recall that as a result of the discussions held at Geneva early this month, a message was addressed by the Committee of Thirteen to the Italian and Ethiopian Governments appealing for the immediate opening of negotiations in the framework of the League of Nations and the spirit of the Covenant with a view to the prompt cessation of hostilities and the definite restoration of peace. The message added that the Committee of Thirteen would neet on 10th March to take cognisance of the replies of the two Governments, both of whom have since expressed their readiness, in principle, to take part in negotiations. Owing, however, to the discussions arising out of the recent action of the German Government, it has proved necessary to postpone temporarily the meeting of the Committee of Thirteen, which will however take place at the earliest practicable moment.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he proposes to make a general statement, such as was made by his predecessor, on British foreign policy; and, if so, will he devote special attention in it to the Far East, and the effect of Japanese foreign policy upon our interests in China and elsewhere, in view of the public anxiety felt on that score?

The hon. and gallant Member's suggestion will certainly be borne in mind, but I am not in a position at present to say when an opportune moment will occur for a discussion of Far Eastern affairs.

Will the Noble Lord, in making the statement, deal with the question of extra-territoriality?

I think that is covered by my answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why Lady Hastings, Lady Keith Cameron, and Mr. R. G. Freeman have been deported from Brazil?

My right hon. Friend has been in communication with His Majesty's Ambassador in Rio de Janeiro, who is forwarding a full report.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the practice in the Foreign Office to number each copy of secret or confidential documents printed for circulation?

I do not think that it would be in the public interest to give details of the kind asked for, but I can assure the hon. awl gallant Member that my right hon. Friend's Department take the fullest precautions with regard to such documents.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give a list of all treaties and undertakings with foreign Powers under which Great Britain is bound to supply armed assistance in certain eventualities?

The list of international agreements which might in certain circumstances and subject to certain conditions being fulfilled, involve the use by this country of its armed forces, is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make regarding the progress of the negotiations with the Egyptian Government?

The preliminary conversations with a view to negotiations for an Anglo-Egyptian settlement were formally opened in Cairo on 2nd March They were resumed on 9th March, when the British Delegation put forward proposals which are now being studied by the Egyptian Delegation. The next meeting is due to take place to-day.

asked the Minister of Pensions the total number of blind and insane persons on pension in Great Britain from the result of the War of 1914–18?

I have been asked to reply. I am informed that the number of pensions in payment in respect of eye affections assessed at 100 per cent, is approximately, 1,990. The number of pensioners certified as of unsound mind in mental institutions is about 5,990.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of persons who have applied for reconsideration of their pension claims for each year since January, 1920; and how many have been granted pensions for each year?

I understand that the records of the Ministry do not enable these particulars to be given.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is great dissatisfaction among a large number of ex-service men who have been turned down for pension awards; and that outside medical authorities have certified many of them as suffering from disability while Departmental medical men have certified that they are not suffering from any disability; and is it proposed to set up any further local medical authority that would give greater consideration to these ex-service men?

I will pass on that question to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in view of the recent increase in the value of trade with Palestine, he will consider the desirability of giving official support to the despatch of a small trade mission to Palestine during the currency of the Levant Fair this spring in order to examine and promote the openings for further British trade with the Near East?

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his attention has been called to the fact that several trade delegations from foreign countries officially participating in the forthcoming Levant Fair will be visiting Palestine during the period that the fair is open; and whether it is proposed to send any similar delegation from Great Britain, in view of the value to this country of the increasing markets in Palestine and the Near East generally?

I have no information regarding trade delegations from foreign countries visiting Palestine during the Levant Fair, nor has any industry in this country intimated to the Department of Overseas Trade their intention to send a trade mission. Should, however, representatives of United Kingdom industries decide to do so, I will certainly arrange for the Commercial Agent at Haifa of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to afford them all possible assistance.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has any information regarding an alteration in the application by the French Government of the quota on imported salmon; and whether this quota is now to include, not only fresh salmon, but also frozen salmon?

According to my information, the quota restrictions on the importation of fresh salmon, including frozen salmon and salmon imported on ice, lapsed on 31st December, 1935.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware that the French Government charges duty on the gross weight of a box of imported fresh salmon; and whether he will make representations to the French Government, in view of the fact that salmon sent from Aberdeen require much more ice and packing than salmon sent from London, and pay accordingly a higher duty per pound of salmon?

The French customs duty on salmon, as on imports generally, is based on the gross weight unless the rate of duty under the minimum tariff exceeds 150 francs per 100 kilos. I understand, however, that, in the case of fish imported in bulk on ice, the ice is not included in the dutiable weight. Where the weight of ice cannot be satisfactorily determined, a deduction of 5 per cent. of the gross weight is allowed. I fear that no useful purpose would be served by making representations against a long-established practice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the import into Greece of British Diesel oil engines is prohibited; and whether he will take the necessary steps to have this matter adjusted?

The import of Diesel oil engines into Greece is not actually prohibited, but is allowed only under a system of special permits, the operation of which has resulted in severe restrictions on the import of such engines from the United Kingdom. Repeated representations have been made to the Greek Government on the subject and these representations will be continued.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that in the case of goods duly licensed for import into Latvia the necessary permit for sterling exchange to pay for these goods is frequently withheld, thus nullifying the effect of the licence and evading the terms of the trade agreement; and whether he will take steps to have this matter rectified?

In the case of goods duly licensed before their arrival in Latvia, I understand that the authorities release exchange for imports from this country with reasonable promptitude on application being made by the importer. I shall, however, be glad to make inquiries into any difficulties of which my hon. Friend can give me information.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in concluding any trade agreements with foreign countries in future, he will insert a clause providing that the sterling exchange made available by the exports of goods to this country will be applied in the first instance to liquidating debts in respect of imports from the United Kingdom?

In negotiating trade agreements with foreign countries His Majesty's Government will continue to bear in mind the difficulties caused by exchange restrictions, with a view to securing the best arrangements possible for United Kingdom trade.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what pubic bodies, if any, have made representations to him in respect of the refusal of the Bacon Development Board to permit a bacon factory to be established in the Bridgwater district; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I have received representations on this subject from the Bridgwater Town Council, and I have invited their attention to the provisions of the Bacon Development Scheme, relating to the settlement of such disputes by arbitration.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state, in respect of factories licensed by the Bacon Development Board, the number which are controlled by private companies and the number which are controlled on a cooperative basis?

I am informed by the Bacon Development Board that 736 producers' licences are at present in force under the Bacon Development Scheme. Of these, 130 are held by co-operative concerns, one by a local authority and 605 by private concerns.

asked the Postmaster-General the total cost of installing the automatic system in the telephone exchanges in the London telephone area to the latest convenient date, including exchange equipment and external plant costs; and whether the officials of his Department report the satisfactory working of this system?

The total capital expenditure, exclusive of line plant costs, up to 31st March, 1935, was about £15,250,000. I am sorry that it is not practicable to separate the cost of line plant provided for automatic and manual exchanges. The answer to the latter part of the question is in the affirmative.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when all the manual exchanges in London will be converted to the automatic system?

I could not give that information without notice; it does not arise out of the question on the Paper.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can now make any statement on the Ullswater Broadcasting Report and the policy of the Government in relation to its recommendations?

Copies of the report of the Broadcasting Committee will be available this evening. The recommendations of the Committee are still under consideration, and I am not yet in a position to make any statement as to the policy of the Government in regard to them. I should like, however, to take the opportunity of expressing the gratitude of the Government to Lord Ullswater and the members of the Committee for the comprehensive review of the broadcasting service which they have undertaken.

Will an opportunity be given to debate the whole question before the new charter is put into force?

It is not part of my duty to arrange these matters, but I am sure there will be ample opportunity for discussion long before the charter expires at the end of the year.

asked the Postmaster-General whether in view of the large increase in the number of persons holding wireless licences and of the consequent increase in revenue, he will give favourable consideration to a reduction in the charge for such licences?

This is a matter which must depend upon the decisions to be taken on the recommendations of the Broadcasting Committee.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that many foreign countries charge more than we do, in one case as much as £2, for licence fees, and will he oppose any motion to reduce this fee, which would cripple the British broadcasting service and jeopardise the prestige of the British broadcasting service in Europe?

The suggestion did not come from me. If my hon. and gallant Friend waits for the report, he will see what is in it.

In view of the fact that recent improvements have been in the main to the advantage of the business community, will not the right hon. Gentleman consider some suggestion to spread over the ordinary people some of the advantages of the increased receipts of the Post Office?

The question was about the British Broadcasting Corporation.

Will the Minister reconsider his answer as there are a number of people who have no money for any other entertainment and they would like it to be a 5s. licence instead of 10s.?

The position of the country on the whole is very much better than it was two or three years ago.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that the Department of Industrial and Scientific Research and the leading municipalities of the United Kingdom agree that coal-burning fires are the prime cause of atmospheric pollution causing injury to the public health and public buildings, added risks to aviation and other disabilities; why almost all the offices and departments under his control in London are heated with raw coal; and whether he will introduce and gradually extend the use of smokeless fuel as in the Lobbies of this House?

Yes, Sir. I am aware of the causes and effects of atmospheric pollution, but I understand that there is a ready market for all the present production of smokeless fuel suitable for open fireplaces; the total sale would not be increased by any order I might give and the question of atmospheric pollution would not be affected. About two-thirds of the accommodation under my control in London is heated by plants consuming smokeless fuel of various kinds: for open fireplaces suitable smokeless fuel is used wherever local circumstances make it possible without unreasonable increase of cost. Apart from the fact that there was some dissatisfaction when smokeless fuel was used in the Lobby fires some time ago, I should not be justified at present prices in using smokeless fuel in the fireplaces of this House.

The smokeless fuel consumed in the Lobbies of the House is coke. If there is no complaint of its use, could it not be extended to all Departments?

During a great part of the last Parliament coalite was used, and I received a very large number of representations from Members of the House asking me to go back to coal.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that a great many civil servants are continually complaining of sore eyes?

The House is using smokeless fuel, coke. I am suggesting that the principle should be extended to other Government Departments.

I have explained that in two-thirds of them smokeless fuel is used.

Why not in the balance?

Because I have had so many objections and requests for coal.

asked the Attorney-General whether he proposes to take steps by legislation or otherwise to effect the removal of the assize from the city of Exeter?

As a result of the recommendation of the Royal Commission on the Despatch of Business at Common Law, the Lord Chancellor has appointed a Committee, under the chairmanship of Mr. Justice Finlay,

"to review the present distribution of assize facilities and report whether, due regard being paid to t he recommendation of the Peel Commission that the county should be retained as the judicial unit, any further town should lie added to those which are already visited, or any town at present visited should be omitted."

Can changes take place without legislation?

It depends on the extent of the changes. There are powers given to the Lord Chancellor, but I should like notice if my right hon. Friend has any particular changes in mind.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have obtained the views of the Royal Commission on the Private Manufacture of Arms with regard to proposals set out in paragraphs 53 and 54 of the statement relating to Defence (Cmd. 5107)?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the present international situation, His Majesty's Government will recall the Fleet from the Mediterranean?

I am not prepared to give any information about the disposition of His Majesty's forces.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the names of the capital ships of His Majesty's Navy which have undergone large repairs and reconstruction during

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number of days spent at sea and in carrying out exercises, respectively, by each of the capital ships of His Majesty's Navy during each of the last five years?

I regret that the information asked for could not be obtained without an inordinate amount of work, which would not be justified. The figures for 1934, however, will be found in an answer given to the hon. Member for East Willesden (Mr. D. G. Somerville)

As the information asked for by the hon. Member is somewhat lengthy, I will, with his permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number of recruits accepted for service in the Royal Navy in each of the years 1924 to 1935, inclusive; and will he state in each case the percentage of recruits finally approved to the number served with notice papers?

As the information asked for by the hon. Member is some- what lengthy, I will with his permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the report prepared by Sir John Boyd Orr, and take steps to set up a ministry for food supply and organise a national distribution of food?

The report is being referred by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health to the Advisory Committee on Nutrition for examination. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will take steps to ascertain what is the present approximate amount paid out per annum in unemployment insurance payments and unemployment assistance to persons whose previous employment was that of actor, actress, stage hand, variety artist, or musician?

The approximate amount paid out per annum in unemployment benefit and unemployment allowances to the classes of persons referred to could not be ascertained without an expensive inquiry which my right hon. Friend would not feel justified in authorising.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman accept the figures of the Association connected with these people, which are 23,000 out of work at a cost of over £1,000,000 to the State? In view of the small amount coming from the Entertainments Duty, will he favourably consider representations with a view to its abolition?

I could not accept the hon. Member's figures off-hand.

asked the Minister of Labour the percentage costs of administration in respect of unemployment insurance and unemployment assistance?

Owing to the various differences between the two schemes the percentage costs of administration in respect of unemployment insurance and unemployment assistance cannot be given on a strictly comparable basis. I am, however, circulating a table which gives these costs for the current financial year together with other particulars.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the discharge of 50 local labourers from work on the construction of the Manby, Lincs., aerodrome and their immediate substitution by 50 Irish immigrants; and whether he will consider what steps he may advise his conciliation officers to take, with a view to abating the discontent among local workmen arising out of the incident?

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the fact that local labour is being discharged at the construction works at Manby aerodrome, Lincolnshire, and Irish labourers taken on; and whether he will take the necessary action?

My information is that the contractors engaged on the construction of this aerodrome discharged 50 local labourers on 7th March because of shortage of work, but that they were not replaced by other men. I am, however, having further inquiry made.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps are being taken to induce firms to commence new industries in the Special Areas, since the Board of Trade survey of industrial development for 1934 points out that only seven new factories were opened, and two existing ones extended, in the Special Areas during that year out of a total of 478 new factories and 144 extensions for the whole of the country?

I would refer to the second report of the Commissioner for Special Areas (England and Wales) which has been presented to Parliament and the statements made during the Debate on 2nd March, and to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave on 10th March to the hon, Member for Aberdare (Mr. G. Hall), of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will recommend the creation of a special fund for providing finance for the establishment of industries in the Special Areas as suggested by Mr. Malcolm Stewart?

I cannot add at present to the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Penrith (Captain Dower) on 20th February.

In view of the fact that the matter is considered urgent and that the proposal was put before the Government as long ago as last July, may I ask whether it will be very long before the Government come to a decision on the matter?

The reply to which I have referred my hon. Friend says that the matter is under consideration, and the state of affairs has not changed since that reply was given on 20th February.

Will the hon. Member be kind enough to refer to the answer given by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour to Question 53?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that bordering on many Scottish burghs scheduled for preference in the allocation of Government contract, there are other burghs in which depressed conditions are just as acute as in the scheduled burghs, and that the comparative position of Aberdeen and Dundee is a case in point; and whether he can give an assurance that the principle of preference shall not be applied in such cases to the detriment of the unscheduled area?

All areas, in which the rate of unemployment is as stated in the reply which I gave to the question put by the hon. Member for Don Valley on 9th March (Mr. T. Williams), are included in the list of areas to which the preference applies. The rate of unemployment among men of 18 years and over (averaged over 12 months) is 19.9 per cent. in Aberdeen, as compared with 28.8 per cent, in Dundee.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that my question takes full account of that reply? What I want to ascertain is whether, in collateral circumstances which may bring an area not scheduled into the category of districts which are as equally depressed as those which are scheduled, he will not apply his principle to the detriment of the unscheduled area?

The particular conditions on which areas are scheduled have already been made known in this House. The list of scheduled depressed areas is capable of adjustment from time to time, but for the moment no other conditions apply.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware—to give one specific example—that the weekly distribution of Poor Law benefit in Aberdeen is greater than in Dundee and that that is a criterion equally valuable as an indication of the degree of distress existent there; and is he further aware that his answer takes no account whatever of the terms of my question, but deals with something that we already know?

I have already said that the conditions under which areas are scheduled as depressed have already been made known, and those are the conditions which exist at the present time. No doubt the particular conditions to which the hon. Member refers are what he says, but they do not happen to be the conditions under which a scheduled area is depressed.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there are areas now, particularly in Scotland, where the rate of unemployment is very much higher than that in the scheduled areas, and that under the non-scheduled areas they are actually forbidden to give preference?

If the right hon. Gentleman will bring any cases to my notice where certain areas are not included in the list and are qualified under the conditions that have been laid down, I shall be pleased to consider them.

In view of the fact that the answer of the Minister completely ignores the matter in my question, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Labour how many reports have been received by him from the Unemployment Assistance Board regarding the modification of the means test; and whether he proposes to submit such reports to this House for the information of Members and, if so, when he will be in a position to do so?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a similar question put by the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, East (Mr. Mander) on 12th March. 1936, and as regards the second part to the reply to the question put by the hon. Member for Birkenhead, East (Mr. White) on 5th December, 1935.

Can we have a reply which does not refer to previous answers?

It is the normal procedure to refer an hon. Member to answers which have been given to previous questions, and to furnish copies of those replies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in order to reduce the magnitude of essential imports in time of war, His Majesty's Government are taking steps to provide facilities for storing large supplies of grain and oil in this country?

My hon. Friend may rest assured that questions of this character receive due consideration.

Can my hon. Friend say whether any actual construction work has been begun in this connection?

The matter with regard to oil was dealt with fully in an answer given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Paisley (Mr. Maclay) on 26th February, and with regard to grain, which is a Board of Trade responsibility, the storage facilities are adequate.

Can my hon. Friend assure us that, in view of the present shortage of naval ships, his Department will do all they can in this way to limit as far as possible all calls upon the Navy in time of war for convoy purposes?

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give the British Hospitals Association an opportunity of expressing their opinion upon the new regulations drafted by the General Nursing Council for England and Wales, regarding a proposed educational standard for nurses before he gives his formal approval of such regulations?

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend has already done so and he is in communication with the association on the matter.

asked the Minister of Health the number of deaths in childbirth for 1935; and the number of deaths arising out of childbirth for 1935?

This information is not yet available, but I will send the hon. Member the figures as soon as they are ready.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the high incidence of infectious disease in the Stanley, county Durham, area, and that this is declared by members of the local authority to be due to the low nutritional standards of the area; and whether he will investigate this situation?

My right hon. Friend is aware of this outbreak; the situation has been under close investigation for some time past, and he is now awaiting a report by the county medical officer of health.

asked the Minister of Health how many reports on the state of overcrowding in England and Wales he has now received; what percentage of the total number is still to come; and whether he will publish the facts now in his hands?