asked the Secretary of State for War whether any of the troops on duty at the funeral of His late Majesty King George V were compelled to purchase, at their own expense, new uniforms for the occasion or suffered any deductions of pay for that purpose?

I have no detailed information on the subject, but, if my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any case he has in mind, I will look into it.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that Territorial officers were ordered on this occasion to wear greatcoats and swords, but that no funds are provided out of which Territorial officers can purchase either of these articles?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether soldiers ordered abroad have to purchase tropical kit or whether an allowance is made for the purpose?

Soldiers ordered abroad are provided with two suits of khaki drill as a free issue. A third suit and a helmet are purchased by the soldier out of the monthly allowance which is credited to him for the purpose of maintaining his clothing, and makes provision for these articles.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that helmets and other articles of tropical kit ought to be included in the kit of soldiers ordered to proceed on service overseas?

What is regarded as a sufficient outfit is given, and they also have a dress allowance with which to complete it.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that a soldier sent abroad is definitely mulcted out of his pay for overseas kit, and that he is out of pocket thereby?

I do not think that that is the case. There is a special allowance for clothing.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the amount of the dress allowance?

asked the Secretary of State for War the strength of the county of London Territorial divisions as at 31st December, 1934, and 31st December, 1935; and whether any appreciable increase in recruitment has taken place since the latter date?

The strengths of Territorial Army units in the London district, and anti-aircraft units raised by London Territorial Army Associations forming part of the Eastern Command, on 31st December, 1934, and 1935, respectively, were: 940 officers and 13,799 other ranks; 977 officers and 13,371 other ranks. Since January of this year there has been a slight improvement in the rate of recruiting as compared with the corresponding period last year.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now had an opportunity of considering the suggestion that he should ascertain the opinion of the bishops on the question of compelling soldiers to attend church services; and what conclusions he has reached?

I find that this question was considered last November by the Interdenominational Advisory Committee on Army Chaplaincy Services, on which the various churches are represented, including the Church of England, whose representative is appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The committee were of the unanimous opinion that compulsory church parades should be retained.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland upon how many occasions during the present winter the arable lands in the valley of the River Kelvin have been inundated by flooding; whether he can give any estimate of the annual loss and damage inflicted by these floods; and whether he is now in a position to state when the provisions of the Land Drainage (Scotland) Act, 1930, will be operated in This area?

Comprehensive data are not available to enable me to answer the first part of the question, but no instances of damage by flooding to land which is normally cultivated in the valley of the River Kelvin have been reported to me during the present winter. I regret that I am unable to give any estimate of the nature suggested in the second part. As regards the last part, I am not yet in a position to make a statement, but I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that the matter is receiving active consideration at the present time, and that I shall be happy to let him know the earliest date when I can add to my previous answer on this subject, given on the 18th February.

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why it is that his predecessor in office, the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Pollok (Sir J. Gilmour), was in a position 10 years ago to give comprehensive data on this question, and what is wrong now that we cannot have the figures?

The right hon. Gentleman asked me a specific question as to whether I have any information as to the conditions during the present winter. If he has any information in his possession, I shall be very happy to receive it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many officers in the prisons and institutions are employed as tradesmen or instructors without practical knowledge of the appropriate trades; and whether the Department endeavour in all cases to utilise the knowledge of officers who passed their apprenticeship and qualified themselves before entering the Scottish prison service?

All officers employed as tradesmen or instructors have practical knowledge of the trade concerned, and are selected for this knowledge and for their ability to impart instruction. The knowledge of officers who have been apprenticed to a trade is utilised in all cases where this is of advantage to the Service.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether instead of receiving representations from the Scottish prisons in the form of petitions dealt with by the officials responsible for the conditions about which complaint is made, he will personally see a deputation from the staff representative board?

Under the usual Civil Service practice, any petition by a member or members of the staff is forwarded to me through the head of the Department concerned, and I see no reason for departing from that practice. Any petition so forwarded by the Prison Officers Representative Board will receive my careful consideration.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that on occasion it would be well, in the interests of the Service, to break through this rigid rule and himself to hear direct the views of those concerned?

As my hon. Friend knows, this is a disciplined Service, and I think that, unless very exceptional circumstances arise, the course I have indicated in my answer is the right one in the interests of all concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the new working hours of the staff at the criminal lunatic asylum at Perth were introduced when there was no permanent secretary in charge of the Prison Department; whether he is satisfied that the protest made by the staff against the extended daily working hours on alternate weeks and irregular meal times is adequately met by cancelling the day off duty per week and arranging an eight-hour day; and whether he will consider the welfare of the staff as well as the needs of the inmates?

The present working hours were initiated by the late Secretary of the Prisons Department, but came into operation after his death. Since the present arrangements became operative in January last no representation has been made by the staff, and no change in the arrangements has been made. As stated on the 27th February, in my reply to a question by the hon. Member for Govan (Mr. N. Maclean), if any representations are made by the staff they will be carefully considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will invite the Herring Board and the Commissioners for the Special Areas to take counsel together, with a view to devising special machinery for the purchase and distribution of herrings in the special areas?

I understand that the Herring Industry Board are willing to confer with the Commissioners for the Special Areas in regard to the practicability of the suggestion.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will give instructions to the Education Department that the cooking of porridge, oat cakes and herrings shall be compulsory subjects of the cookery syllabus in all elementary schools?

No syllabus for cookery instruction is approved unless it contains provision for instruction in the cooking of the foodstuffs referred to.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiry as to the nutritive value of these various items of diet before he insists on the children of Scotland being instructed in methods of cooking them?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the nutritive value of herrings is higher than that of any other food product?

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in dealing with this matter, see that, where these articles are cooked in oil stoves, these are supplied with oil from the Scottish shale oilfields?

These matters must be left to the discretion of the education authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of condemned houses in Greenock still inhabited for which rent is being claimed?

The number of "condemned" houses in the burgh for which rent is being claimed is 71. There are, however, many unfit houses included in clearance areas which are the subject of compulsory purchase orders either not yet confirmed by the Department, or, if confirmed, not yet operative. The number of such houses is not known.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this area there is a very strong feeling with regard to the demanding of rent for houses which have been condemned as unfit for habitation; and will he put the full letter of the Housing Act, 1925, into operation?

The hon. Member is no doubt aware that the Corporation of Greenock are bending all their energies to coping with this problem in their own area.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to see that there is the strongest co-operation from his Department with the corporation in their efforts?

Any assistance that we can give will be very willingly given.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total cost of able-bodied relief in Scotland for the years 1931 and 1935, respectively?

The amount of relief paid by local authorities in Scotland in the year ended 15th May, 1931, to destitute able-bodied unemployed persons, was £653,107, The amount for the year ended 15th May, 1935, was £2,599,275, of which £380,000 has been met out of the grant paid to local authorities under the Unemployment Assistance (Temporary Provisions) (No. 2) Act, 1935.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, as a result of recent surveys under the Scottish Housing Act, 1935, or otherwise, he is in

When are the Government going to make up their minds to take over all the obligations with regard to the able-bodied unemployed?

That is not a matter for me.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many reports on the state of overcrowding in Scotland he has now received; what percentage of the total number is still to come; and whether he will publish the facts in his hands?

Reports have been received from 16 county councils and 181 town councils. The percentage of the total number of reports still outstanding is 13.6. I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a summary of the information furnished in the reports so far received.

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect to get all the reports in?

We are receiving them daily and the Department is in constant touch with all local authorities from whom we have not yet received reports. I am unable to give any specific date at the moment.

The reports which I have already received show that the operations of local authorities in dealing with overcrowding will release a considerable number of smaller houses suitable for occupation by the persons referred to. On the information at present available, special action on my part would not appear to be necessary to deal with the matter.

Has the right hon. Gentleman not received from any number of local authorities very strong protests that they are unable, with their present powers, to meet the very urgent circumstances that are indicated in the question?

I have undoubtedly received complaints from many local authorities but, when they saw me recently in Edinburgh, I thought they had not appreciated sufficiently that, in building houses to cope with overcrowding, they would release smaller houses for the persons referred to in the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that unemployed people are being deprived of their pension rights through the action of approved societies in terminating their membership without giving adequate notice; and whether he will consider making it obligatory upon societies to send such notices by registered post and in such terms as will make plain to members the means by which their membership can be retained during their periods of unemployment?

I am not aware that the position is as suggested by the hon. Member, but if he will send to me any cases of hardship, I will have them investigated and communicate the result to him. In most cases all that an unemployed person requires to do in order to maintain his pension rights is to have his health insurance cards franked at the Employment Exchange and to surrender them regularly to his approved society. The contribution cards themselves contain instructions regarding their franking and surrender, and these instructions are generally observed. As a further step towards ensuring that the approved societies' notification is adequate, arrangements are being made to supply societies with a standard form of letter for the purpose. It is not considered necessary to recommend that the letters should be sent by registered post.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that, with regard to the pension cases sent to him, the trouble arose from the fact that they had not got intimations from their approved societies, and that would be covered by registration?

I have heard of such complaints. How numerous they are I do not know. If the hon. Member will draw my attention to specific cases, I will gladly make inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of cases dealt with in the respective juvenile courts in Glasgow, and the number of convictions for the year 1935?

As the answer involves a table of figures, I will, with the lion. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the inquiry by the Glasgow Corporation into the question of the right of sick pensioners undergoing treatment in the city hospitals to retain their pension for the additional comforts necessitated by their illness, has now been completed; and whether, as a result, pensioners in future will be assured that their pensions will not be taken from them by the corporation for the period they are in hospital?

The question of the custody of pension books of persons admitted to the Glasgow Poor Law institutions for treatment has been considered by the corporation and a leaflet has been prepared explaining to the pensioner his rights respecting the receipt of pension and the custody of his pension book. I am sending to the hon. Member for his information a copy of the leaflet. With regard to the last part of the question, I am not aware that in the past pensions have been taken from pensioners by the corporation without the pensioners' consent.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the corporation refused public assistance to persons afterwards because they refused to hand in their books?

I am not aware of that.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that there is a different standard of malnutrition in the welfare clinics in the East End of Glasgow from that in the West End, so that necessitous parents are being refused milk allowance for their children in the former area which would be granted were they resident in the latter area; and what steps he intends to take to make the more generous standard applicable throughout the city?

No, Sir. I am informed that in the granting of milk to necessitous parents the corporation apply a common standard throughout the whole city of Glasgow and I see no ground for any action on my part.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the decision of the police and law committee of the county council of Ayr, on 3rd February, to pay a higher price for land for a junior instruction centre at Dairy than the district valuer had reported to be justified; and under what statutory authority was an agent of the vendor present as a public representative and taking part in the meeting which came to the decision?

I am aware of the circumstances referred to in the first part of the question. With regard to the second part of the question, I am informed that the agent of the proprietor of one part of the ground (in respect of which the difference in feu was only 19s. 6d.) is a member of the county council and of the police and law committee. He was present at the meeting of the police and law committee which made the recommendation but took no part in the proceedings and refrained from voting. He was not present at the county council meeting at which the matter was decided.

Did the Department acquiesce in the payment of a larger sum for this land than is approved of by the district valuer?

In this case I do not think the Department for which I am responsible is called upon to express any opinion on the subject.

Has the right hon. Gentleman satisfied himself on the point?

It is not a matter for my Department.

Is it not under the right hon. Gentleman's control?

I will make further inquiries, but the information that I have is as I have stated.

asked the Lord Advocate what is the cost in fees, stamp duties, and other charges, of becoming an advocate in Scotland and also of becoming a solicitor in Scotland; whether he is aware that these expenses make it impossible for large numbers of educated Scotsmen to become advocates or solicitors; and whether he will take steps by introducing legislation, or otherwise, to secure that persons desirous of becoming advocates or solicitors shall be able so to do without such expenses?

The sums payable in respect of admission to the Faculty of Advocates amount in all to some £400, exclusive of payments due in respect of the Widows' Fund. These sums are required partly for payment of stamp duties but mainly for the maintenance of the libraries and premises utilised by members of the Faculty. The cost of becoming a solicitor in Scotland is rather less than £100. This sum is required partly for payment of stamp duties and partly for examination and tuition fees. I am not aware that prospective candidates are deterred from becoming advocates or solicitors in Scotland by the amount of those charges, and, having regard to the purpose to which the money is put, I have no reason to think that it would be practicable to effect any substantial modification in them.

Is the Lord Advocate not aware of the fact that many working-class families at very great sacrifice put their children through universities, but find it impossible to meet these charges, and will not something be done to put an end to them?

I am not aware of that fact. I would remind the hon. Member that those charges are only a small part of the expense and financial risk inseparable from entering any learned profession.

Has the Lord Advocate further considered that, in view of the fact that under a Communist system nobody owns anything, we shall not want any lawyers?

You will be suppressed anyhow.

Arising out of the original answer, is the Lord Advocate aware that there are additional inhibitions to those mentioned in the question, for example, that solicitors who desire to practise as advocates in the Court of Session must walk about for a period without taking any jobs at all, and must be financially able to do so?

If the Lord Advocate gets a. list of hundreds of people with university degrees who have been debarred from going to the Bar because of those expenses, will he alter his decision and take steps to free them from this burden?

I would like to see the hon. Member's question.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has yet received any reply from the Mining Association on the question of automatic gas detectors; and, if so, whether the reply was satisfactory or otherwise?

I have received an interim reply, but it does not satisfy me that sufficient progress is being made with trials of the working of the Firedamp Detector Regulations when the automatic detector is used, and I have taken the matter up again with the Mining Association.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that both colliery officials and certain prominent officials of the Mine Workers' Federation of Great. Britain agree that it is undesirable for boys under 16 years of age to be employed below ground in mines, and that the employment of such boys underground should be discontinued; and whether he will institute an inquiry into this question, both from a social as well as an economic standpoint, with a view to action being taken in the case of such boys?

I am aware that certain individuals hold views of the nature indicated, but I have received no official representations, from either side in the industry on the subject, which is obviously one of great importance to the industry as a whole. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary for Mines to what extent there has been an increase in the price of coal by the colliery companies during the previous six months; and whether the whole of the increase so charged is passed on to the mine workers?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether all increases in the price of coal charged at the pit-head, other than seasonal increases, since January are credited to the special fund created for the voluntary increases agreed to by industrial undertakings?

No complete figures for increases in the price of coal are available, but the average proceeds per ton in the December quarter, 1935, were 9½d. higher than in the preceding quarter, and 5½. higher than in the corresponding quarter of 1934. The figures for the first months of this year are not yet ready. The colliery owners are implementing their assurance that the whole of the voluntary increases paid by consumers on coal supplied subsequent to 1st January, 1936, under existing contracts will be passed on to the mine workers. Any increases obtained before or after 1st January other than the voluntary increases referred to will be brought into the ascertainments in accordance with the normal machinery of the district wages agreements.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that many retailers are now charging 4s. a ton in addition for their coal, of which only 25 per cent. is passed on for the mine workers?

Is it not a fact that this increase has not gone entirely to the miners, and that up to the end of December the proportion is 85 to 15 and 87 to 13 in the districts?

If the hon. Member studies my reply, it will be quite clear.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman answer the specific point as to whether the increases are being credited to a special fund? That would be a very important point.

There is not any special fund that covers all the money as far as I know. The position is quite clearly stated in my answer. Perhaps the hon. Lady will study it.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that, in homes where there is any member on the means test, whatever advance comes in is deducted?

That has nothing to do with me or with the question.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the publication of a White Paper in the near future showing the effect of this increase on miners' wages?

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman satisfied with the assurances that have been given that the whole of the increase has been passed on?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will consider taking steps to place all managing officials associated with coal mining, such as examiners, shot-firers, underground managers, and general managers, under the Mines Department, who shall take full responsibility for their employment with a view to assisting materially in reducing the accident rate and promoting a greater measure of safety for all persons engaged in the industry?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the report submitted by His Majesty's Inspector of Mines after his last visit to the Clay Cross Company's pit known as No. 7, Park House, expressed satisfaction with the condition of the airways; and, if no submissions were made respecting this matter, will he cause an immediate examination of these airways to be made?

In November, 1934, an inspection of the airways at this pit revealed that parts of them were not in a satisfactory condition. Follow-up inspections have been made at suitable intervals since then to see that the necessary improvements were being effected. The most recent of these inspections was on 5th February last when the main return airway in the Tupton seam was under examination. The inspector reported that this airway was a fairly good travelling road throughout, and that improvements were still in progress. The position now is generally satisfactory.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that exceptional overtime is being worked in the pits owned by the Stanton Colliery Company at Pleasley, Derbyshire, especially in the district known as 51, and that in this district there is a large number of unemployed miners who cannot obtain work; and whether he will arrange that, in fairness to these unemployed men, overtime should only be worked in cases of extreme necessity?

During the five weeks ended the 7th March overtime in these pits, which has been worked mainly in the district to which the hon. Member refers, amounted to the equivalent of 262 shifts, or 4.37 per cent. of the total time worked. I understand that this district was started in September last with conveyors, to which the men were not accustomed, and that conditions have been unusually disturbed on account of the working of another seam passing under the main road; further that there have been exceptionally bad roof conditions and a number of mechanical breakdowns. The management have promised to do everything possible to reduce the overtime, and I will continue to watch the situation.

Is the Minister aware that in this district of Derbyshire men are frequently working eight, nine and 10 shifts a week, and yet there are men unemployed who are quite capable of doing the work; and will he make definite representations to these coal-owners to adjust the position?

I have said, in regard to the specific cases brought to my notice, that it will be done, and that the management have promised to do everything possible to reduce overtime. I cannot answer a general question of that kind, but if the hon. Member has any particular cases in mind and will let me know, I will look into them.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will recommend a survey of the coal producing areas being undertaken with a view to the establishment of oil-producing plants in the most suitable areas?

The following surveys are already in progress A physical and chemical survey of the principal coalfields by the Fuel Research Board, a special survey in Scotland by the Scottish National Development Council, and a similar survey in South Wales by the South Wales Joint Industrial Development Council. In view of the number of local considerations which arise and the different processes for producing oil from coal which may have to be taken into account, I am of opinion that it is preferable to continue to work on these lines.

Can my hon. and gallant Friend arrange for the survey to be made in Northumberland and Durham very soon?

I do not know how far that particular coalfield is covered by the first survey to which I referred.

To whom is the Scottish National Development Council responsible?

I suppose to the people who are developing Scotland nationally.

Can he say who they are?

Not without notice.

Will this survey only take place in the Special Areas, or will it be extended beyond the Special Areas?

I think that the first of these schemes in progress is a physical and chemical survey of the principal coalfields.

Do I understand from the hon. and gallant Gentleman that the Scottish National Development Council are spending public money and are not responsible to anybody but themselves?

No, Sir. I do not know that they are responsible to me, but if the hon. Gentleman will put down a question he will receive a proper answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs which Depart- ments or committees are performing the functions which were carried out by the Empire Marketing Board previous to 31st December, 1933; and what is the annual cost of same?

Many of the research services previously financed from the Empire Marketing Fund are being carried on by individual Governments in the Empire. A few agricultural research activities are being financed on a co-operative basis by the several Governments of the Empire through the Executive Council of the Imperial Agricultural Bureaux. Certain of the economic and statistical services which used to be provided from the Empire Marketing Fund are now being carried on by the Imperial Economic Committee on the same financial principle. The board's film library was taken over by the General Post Office. The United Kingdom contribution in respect of services co-operatively financed appears on the Vote for Dominion Services. It amounts to £15,675 for the current financial year and £15,423 for the coming financial year.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether that includes hospitality and entertaining expenses?

I do not think that it does. If the hon. Member will put down a specific question I will answer it.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether they are all defrayed by the British Government?

A good deal of the expense is defrayed by the Dominion and Empire Governments oversea as well as by the Government of this country.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that it was a good thing, in fact, to abolish the Empire Marketing Board?

In the circumstances, and taking into account that, at any rate, some of the Dominion Governments did not want to carry it on, the only thing that could be done was to bring it to an end.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will recommend His Majesty to disallow the Southern Rhodesia Native Registration Bill, 1936, on the ground, inter alia, that it unduly restricts the freedom of movement of the native population and, in consequence, the possibility of improving their economic position?

I understand that this Bill has not yet been introduced into the Southern Rhodesia Parliament. It was, however, referred in draft form last year by the Government of Southern Rhodesia to my predecessor, who replied that, since the Bill was to a great extent a consolidation of existing enactments and since the main new principle which it is desired to introduce, namely the establishment of hostels for natives, appeared to be likely to be of advantage both to natives and to Europeans, he had no special observations to offer on the Bill as a whole.

Is it the fact that in addition, this Bill restricts the powers of natives almost to move about or to seek work, unless they have a special permit?

The whole of that part of the Bill, except for some alteration in detail is a mere re-enactment of legislation which has been in effect for some years.

Is it not a fact that it proposes new things for instance, to adopt compulsory vaccination and also provides that natives must have their finger prints taken?

I said that there is nothing new, except a few matters of detail, but I shall have to look into these matters before giving an answer.

May I take it that the right hon. Gentleman's predecessor and the right hon. Gentleman himself are in favour of these things being done?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any record of the number of orders that have been placed for ships, tankers, or trawlers built in Germany and/or supplied to British firms during the last three years; and can he give particulars of tonnage and the approximate cost of same?

Before the President of the Board of Trade answers the question, may we have some explanation of what the question actually means, as it is entirely unintelligible.

Is it not a reflection upon the Chair to say that a question which is unintelligible has been accepted?

An unintelligible question is a reflection on everybody.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of mercantile ships and their total tonnage which were sold to foreign countries for use during the past four years; how many were sold to be broken up as scrapping; and how many of those for use and scrapping, respectively, were over 10,000 tons?

The number of mercantile ships of 100 tons gross and upwards registered at ports in the United Kingdom, the registers of which were reported to the Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen as having been closed on account of sale to foreigners during the four years ended 31st December, 1935, was 709 of 2,732,000 tons gross. According to information obtained by the

I have no record of the number of orders for vessels placed in Germany by British firms during the last three years, but I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate a table in the OFFICIAL REPORT showing the steam and motor ships of 100 tons gross and over given in the returns of the Registrar-General of Shipping as having been built in Germany since the beginning of 1933 and subsequently registered in the United Kingdom. The returns of the Registrar-General contain no information regarding the cost of these vessels.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why these ships are not broken up in this country?

A certain number are broken up here, but the reason why they have been sold abroad is because of the higher prices obtainable.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the entries into Australian and New Zealand ports of ships trading between the North American ports and Australia and New Zealand which fly the British and American flags, respectively, for the latest year for which the figures are available and, for comparison, 10 years ago?

I am unable to supply the precise information for which my hon. Friend asks, but I will, with his permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL RE-

asked the President of the Board of Trade under what country of consignment exports of British goods to Outer Mongolia are included?

China.

Will my right hon. Friend and his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs convey a copy of this answer to the Soviet Government, as apparently they regard Outer Mongolia as one of their colonies?

asked the President of the Board of Trade, respecting Cmd, 5115, why the duty on soya-bean cake and other feeding stuffs is to be increased, in view of the Government's declared intention to

Can my right hon. Friend say whether it indicates a displacement of British shipping by subsidising American ships?

The hon. Member had better put that question upon the Paper if he wants an answer.

A Motion for the confirmation of the Additional Import Duties (No. 5) Order is on the Order Paper and will provide an opportunity for discussing the matter.

Does the President of the Board of Trade agree that the incautious and casual admission of this small committee completely blows the whole gaff on the Tariff policy?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the numbers of new and rebuilt typewriters and parts, respectively, included in the 88 tons shown as imported into this country for the month of January, 1936; and what is the approximate employment that would have been provided in this country by the manufacture here of the new foreign machines then imported?

The statistics relating to the imports of typewriters into this country are not subdivided so as to distinguish between new and rebuilt typewriters. I fear, therefore, that I cannot answer the second part of the question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider reverting to the former practice of indicating the number of machines imported, so that the industry will realise the position and how far the trade of this country is being adversely affected?

I will look into the matter again.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the balance of trade between this country and Denmark for the year ended at the latest convenient date; and whether he can now state the position of any negotiations with regard to a new trade treaty?

During the year 1935 the declared value of merchandise imported into the United Kingdom and consigned from Denmark exceeded the value of the. exports from the United Kingdom to that country by £17,496,000. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for the City of Chester (Sir C. Cayzer) on 11th March.

In view of the great adverse balance of trade, will the right hon. Gentleman see that there is no further restriction of import licences which has been hampering so many British industries for so long in the past, and that in any further negotiations will he see that the proper amount of import licence is made a condition of the agreement?

The question of licensing is a matter which is now the subject of conversations between the various Governments and ourselves, and with regard to the adverse balance of trade it was as high as £43,000,000 in 1930, but has been going down gradually until last year it was the lowest adverse balance of trade during the last seven years.

Is it the policy of the Government to strike an even balance between imports and exports?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the nature and the result of any negotiations between Bulgaria and ourselves for the improvement of our mutual trade relations on a reciprocal basis during the last two years?

No such negotiations have taken place.

When the time is opportune, will the right hon. Gentleman start negotiations in order to see that the figures of trade between the two countries are improved?

As soon as we see an opportunity for profitable negotiations we shall embark upon them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give an assurance that in negotiating a trade agreement with Peru the duties on United Kingdom cotton goods shall not be increased?

My hon. Friend may rest assured that, in negotiating a trade agreement with Peru, His Majesty's Government are giving the fullest attention to the Peruvian customs duties on cotton manufactures.

If these duties are increased, can we have an assurance that the right hon. Gentleman will bring economic pressure to bear in order that they are reduced to the present level?

We are trying to get an agreement which will be satisfactory to both sides.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any consideration has recently been given to the increase in reciprocal trade between this country and Palestine which would result if the existing duties imposed on Palestine goods imported into this country were removed; and, if not, whether he will arrange for an early examination of this matter with a view to making an announcement of future policy during the forthcoming trade fair in Tel Aviv, when special attention will be focussed on the question of increasing trade with Palestine?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 10th February to the hon. and gallant Member for Coventry (Captain Strickland).

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department (1) whether, in view of the fact that arrangements have now been made for the official representation at the forthcoming Levant Fair at Tel Aviv of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Finland, France, Holland, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Rumania, Switzerland, and Turkey, he will consider taking additional steps to improve the scope of official representation by Great Britain and to add to the restricted arrangements for British participation made up to date;

(2) in view of the large number of foreign countries officially participating in the Levant Fair, to be held at Tel Aviv in Palestine during May, and of the desirability of increasing the trade between this country and the mandated territory of Palestine, what steps are being taken by his Department to ensure that British participation in this Fair will be as effective as possible?

I have been asked to reply. It is not proposed to take any further steps than those mentioned in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Stourbridge (Mr. Morgan) on 17th February last.

Has the Department considered the advisability of sending a trade delegation representing this country to the Levant Fair?

I could not say.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what licences have been granted in each of the years 1933, 1934, 1935 and 1936, to the end of February, for the export of munitions to Germany, stating the total quanties and varieties involved in each year?

None, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that an order by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics for 700 tons of tinplate from South Wales has been refused owing to the restrictive policy of an Anglo-American cartel; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter to obtain this order for this country?

I understand that negotiations in regard to an order from Russia for tinplate from South Wales are now in progress.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this order was prevented from reaching its destination owing to the operations of this international cartel, which consists of Germany, Great Britain, America and France; and will he take steps to break down this cartel which is preventing our workers receiving employment?

I am not aware that that is a correct description of the situation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in order to prevent further losses by British subjects investing in Argentine undertakings, he will, whether the restrictions upon foreign lending be eventually lifted or not, discourage the flotation here of additional capital for the Argentine railways until the Argentine public has ceased its hostility to non-Argentine capital?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to him on 17th December last, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the annual inroads in the national capital made by Death Duties, often involving the breaking up of estates and businesses, and of the repeated refusal of the Treasury to allow taxpayers to provide for these payments during their lifetime by insurance, he will create a special Death Duty stock bearing a low rate of interest which could be purchased by taxpayers to meet the Death Duties on their estate, any such Death Duty stock not to be included in the testator's estate for assessment for Death Duty, save any balance of such stock not required for this purpose which would be aggregated with the rest of the estate?

My hon. Friend is mistaken in supposing that the Treasury place any impediment in the way of taxpayers providing for Estate Duty liabilities by life insurance. The particular proposal which he makes is open to objections in principle and would involve cost to the Exchequer which I could not contemplate.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that during the past year four large estates were valued for death duties at approximately £14,000,000, of which the Treasury took £7,000,000, and that this involves a loss of revenue of £170,000 a year which will have to be made good by taxation? Is it not desirable that some such proposal as that indicated in the question should be adopted by the Treasury in order to save these heavy revenue losses?