asked the Minister of Labour, whether he can state the amount of money paid out in unemployment payments, stating benefit and assistance separately, in the counties of Midlothian, West Lothian, and Fife, for the years 1931 to 1935 inclusive?

The following table shows the amounts paid in unemployment benefit, transitional payments and unemployment allowances, at Employment Exchanges in the counties of Midlothian, West Lothian and Fife in each of the years 1931 to 1935. Payments made through Associations are not included, but the number is relatively small.by how much the Unemployment Fund would be increased by these additional contributions?

There are no statistics available on which to make precise estimates of the number of persons normally employed in England and Wales whose earnings do not exceed £400 per annum; the majority of these persons are, of course, at present insured under the Unemployment Insurance scheme. From such data as are available, however, it is estimated that the extension of the remuneration limit for unemployment insurance purposes to £400 would add (for Great Britain) about £2 millions to the annual contribution income of the Unemployment Fund. From this would have to be deducted the additional cost of benefit and of administration in respect of the new class of contributors.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can make any statement as to the explosion on the destroyer "Westcott," the loss of life, and the causes?

The accident occurred as the result of the explosion of a small practice depth charge resulting in the death of one Able Seaman and injury to one Warrant Officer and nine other ratings. The injured were conveyed to Gibraltar Military Hospital. Four were retained there for treatment and the other six returned to their ship. Three of those retained in hospital are reported to be only slightly injured. The cause of the explosion will be fully investigated.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state the number of P-class clerks and S-class clerks, respectively, who have been promoted to the post of clerical officer or departmental clerical officer in each of the Government Departments far each year since the inception of the P-class in 1926?

As the answer contains a large number of figures in tabular form, the reproduction of which in the OFFICIAL REPORT would involve disproportionate expense, I have communicated them to the hon. Member in writing.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, how many farms and cottages belong to the Crown in Bishop's Cannings and Horton, Wiltshire; whether he is aware that the drainage and lavatory accommodation of the cottages are unsatisfactory; and what steps he is taking to remedy the evil?

The Crown owns eight farms and 103 cottages at Bishop's Cannings and Horton. The attention of the Commissioners of Crown Lands has recently been called to the need for repairs to the drainage and sanitary accommodation at 14 of the cottages. In four cases the necessary work has already been ordered and in the remaining 10 cases specifications have been prepared and builders have been requested to submit estimates. The Crown Surveyors are making an inspection of the remaining cottages.