asked the Secretary for Mines whether his Department contemplates making a return upon the use of timber as against steel props in British mines?

A good deal of information as to the extent of the use of steel supports is already given in the annual reports of the divisional inspectors. The question of collecting such information on a general basis is under consideration.

Will that give more definite information as to the use of steel as against wood for the safety of the miners?

The question of getting that information is being considered.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman ascertain also the information as to what kind of prop the miner prefers for his own safety?

Will my hon. and gallant Friend do all he can to encourage mineowners to adopt modern methods?

Will the Royal Commission which is now sitting consider this matter?

I cannot answer for the Royal Commission, but as it is investigating all matters of safety, I think this question is bound to be within its purview.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been drawn to the complaints that men working at the coal face have to go long distances to get the timber necessary for their safety; and will he have inquiries made through His Majesty's inspectors of mines to see that this matter receives due attention?

No complaints have been made to me recently and only a few isolated complaints have been received by the divisional inspectors. These were dealt with and I have no reason to think that the matter is not already receiving proper attention.

Is not the change of system causing some difficulty owing to the timber being taken the length of the face, and will the Minister instruct inspectors to pay close attention to this matter and to see that it is carried out?

The inspectors do pay careful attention to it, and I am aware of the consideration that the hon. Member puts forward.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has received any further communications from the Mining Association regarding the use of automatic gas detectors; and, if so, has he any statement to make to the House?

Yes, Sir, and as a result I have arranged to discuss the matter with a deputation from the Mining Association shortly after Easter.

Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman noticed that recently the Mining Association offered a prize for an automatic gas detector, and does he not think that that is merely sidetracking the law passed last year?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has considered the report of a gas detector constructed by Engineer J. B. Pronin, which has passed all tests, the principle of which is that a bell, siren, or horn announces the accumulation of gas to a degree sufficient to endanger life; and will he give this detector a trial?

I have not received any report regarding the gas detector referred to, and I shall be glad if the hon. Member would send me further particulars.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, as a result of the regulation dealing with the compulsory use of gas detectors underground, any new type of automatic detector has been submitted to the Department for investigation and approval?

No new types of automatic detectors have been submitted to my Department for investigation and approval since the Firedamp Detector Regulations came into operation. One such instrument has, however, been undergoing tests and modifications during a considerable period, and further tests of an improved model of that instrument are now being made.

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) the number of lads 14 to 16 years of age employed in and about the Northumberland mines during 1933, 1934 and 1935;

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

asked the Secretary for Mines the names and positions held by the personnel of the Mines Central Welfare, London, and also the names and positions held by district staffs?

I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL, REPORT a statement of the numbers and grades of those employed by the Miners' Welfare Committee and also, in so far as I have the information, by the district committees.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has considered the request from representatives of the Bristol miners to make inquiries into the suggested closing down of two collieries, seeing that if these collieries are stopped it will mean putting out of employment several hundreds of men; and will he state what steps he is taking to prevent this happening?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I understand that the East Bristol Collieries, Limited, hive decided to close down their Speedwell Colliery owing to trading losses, but that their Parkfield Colliery is to be carried on for the time being on a limited scale. The problem is entirely an economic one, and I am afraid that it is not in my power to assist.

Can the Minister arrange a conference with the owners and miners, because the closing down of one pit may lead to the closing down of another owing to water trouble, and his intervention might help?

Seeing that the mineowners made £5,500,000 and the royalty owners £5,000,000, does not the Minister think it would be good if the mines were nationalised?

Will the Minister give an answer to my question?

As I understand the position, it is due to trading loss that this company has to close down. If there is any question of a possible danger elsewhere, I will have special inquiry made.

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman realise that this is a serious matter to this district, for, if this colliery closes, there is a likelihood of the closing of another and there will be no colliery in the district? Will he endeavour to get the owners and men together to see whether something can be done to keep this pit working?

asked the Secretary for Mines what methods were adopted to give direction to the place where boring for oil has been decided upon?

The selection of sites for drilling is a matter for the licensee, who is entitled to use whatever method of determination appears to be appropriate in each case.

Is it not for the Government to say where boring for oil should take place?

No, it is not the Government's business. The Government business is to grant licences, and to see that the work is carried on.

Is it not a fact that when these licences are granted certain conditions are laid clown as to where or when, and also to prevent boring until full advantage has been taken of all the knowledge possessed in such work?

Not "where or when," A licence covers the area and it is granted to the licensee for working it.

Is not a licence granted to the holder to do what he likes, and the Minister cannot control him?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will encourage the setting up in New Zealand of a Fairbridge farm-school similar to those established in other Dominions?

I understand that the Fairbridge Society are examining the possibility of establishing a farm-school in New Zealand. If the project is supported by the New Zealand Government, and the Society approaches me for a Government contribution towards the cost, I will give the application my careful consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has considered the statement of Mr. Savage, Prime Minister of New Zealand, that his Government would be more than sympathetic to a scheme of planned immigration to that country; and will he immediately ask the Oversea Settlement Board to take this matter up with the New Zealand authorities and prepare mutually satisfactory plans?

I have seen reports in the Press of the statement of the Prime Minister of New Zealand to which my hon. Friend refers. I am awaiting a fuller report so that I may give it careful consideration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman get the Oversea Settlement Board to consider this matter so that they can lay their plans in advance?

The board are engaged in an examination with a view to laying plans now. It is holding regular meetings. If there is any matter arising out of this statement, I will, when I get a full report of it, submit it to the board.

Is not this an opportunity for the board to take action at once?

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that previous efforts in this direction have met with disastrous results?

Can the board initiate plans or have they simply to consider plans put before them?

They consider proposals on any matters which are put before them by the Secretary of State.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will ascertain the intentions of the Canadian Government regarding the default on the obligations of the province of Alberta and the decision of the city of Montreal to ask for powers to enforce the conversion of the rate of interest on its obligations, in view of the effect upon United Kingdom holders of the loans of Canadian public authorities?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will inquire of the Canadian Government authorities whether the proposals to en- force, against the rights of the holders, a reduction of the contractual interest upon City of Montreal sterling loans, subscribed for in London, will be permitted by the Dominion authorities?

I understand that papers were tabled in the Canadian House of Commons on 1st April, and that a statement was made by the Dominion Minister of Finance on that date regarding the Canadian Government's attitude towards the situation which has arisen in Alberta. I have not yet received the full text, but I will send my hon. Friend a copy as soon as it is available. My hon. Friend will, however, be aware that the Dominion Government, after negotiations with the Provinces of Canada, has proposed an amendment to the British North America Act with a view to obtaining enabling powers to give a Dominion guarantee to provincial obligations and to provide for the pledging of specific provincial revenues for this purpose. As regards Montreal loans, I understand that the Montreal City Council is preparing for submission to the Quebec Legislature a general municipal Bill. According to my information, however, this Bill has not yet been completed, and it would therefore be premature to make any such inquiries as the hon. Members suggest.

Will the right hon. Gentleman recollect in dealing with Alberta that in connection with a similar situation in Newfoundland His Majesty's Government assumed financial responsibility?

His Majesty's Government do not deal with the Government of Alberta in this matter.

Is it the case that the situation in Alberta is similar to the case of Newfoundland?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the steamship "Dalhanna," on arrival at Barry from Glasgow, paid off a crew of British firemen and replaced them with an Arab crew; and can he inform the House whether this is a subsidised ship and the difference in wages being paid to the new crew of firemen as compared to the original crew?

Yes, Sir. One of the present firemen is a British subject, and the remaining firemen are British protected persons. The wages paid to the present crew are the National Maritime Beard rates, and are the same as those paid to the former crew. It will not be known for some time whether subsidy will be claimed for the present voyage.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of vessels in respect of which subsidy payments have been made which carry as part of their crews lascar or Chinese seamen or firemen?

I regret that the information desired is not available. If the hon. Member is concerned with the employment of foreigners on vessels receiving subsidy, this is, of course, now exceptional. Subsidy is not paid in respect of any voyage without a recommendation from the Tramp Shipping Subsidy Committee, and it is the declared policy of the Committee that British crews should be employed wherever practicable.

Are we to understand definitely that no subsidy is payable where Chinese or lascar seamen are employed?

That depends upon the nationality of the Chinese or lascar seamen.

Are we to understand that in spite of the fact that the wages paid are inconsistent with the decision of the National Maritime Board, the subsidy is paid?

No, each case must be examined on its merits.

If I can bring evidence that the crews are, in fact, foreign, and not British lascars or Chinese, will the right hon. Gentleman then take action?

If the hon. Member gives me that information, I shall, of course, hand it over to the Tramp Shipping Subsidy Committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of white British, lascars, and Chinese signed on as members of the crew of the steamship "Kelvinbank," and whether subsidy has been paid in respect of voyages made by this vessel?

Twelve white British officers and one Chinese carpenter have been engaged for service on the "Kelvinbank" on an agreement opened at Cardiff on 25th March, 4936. Thirty-five lascars are serving on a lascar agreement opened at Calcutta on 5th August, 1935. Subsidy for this vessel has been paid in respect of voyages carried out in 1935.

Is it the case that the agreement they are under contravenes the rates of the National Maritime Board?

I cannot say that until the agreement has been examined by the committee.

I understood the right hon. Gentleman to say they were being paid on an agreement the lascars made in India, and therefore they cannot be the Maritime Board rates.

Mr. Smith.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that in the articles of the steamship "Kelvinbank" there is a clause to the effect that overtime payments shall not be made in any circumstances to the members of the crew; and, as such a clause is contrary to the agreements or recommendations of the National Maritime Board, will he take action in the matter?

In the European articles of the steamship "Kelvinbank" opened at Cardinff on the 25th March, 1936, there is a clause to the effect stated in the hon. Member's question. The agreement relates to the officers, in respect of whom there is no National Maritime Board agreement as to overtime, and to a carpenter. The remaining members of the crew are employed on a lascar agreement and, as is customary, there are no stipulations regarding overtime in this agreement. I have drawn the attention of the Tramp Shipping Subsidy Committee to this matter.

As the carpenter is British he would naturally come under the Maritime Board rates, and if that is so the agreement is not being observed by this company. Will the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter?

I have already said that I have drawn the attention of the Committee to these facts.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether Ids attention has been drawn to the dishonest practice of steam-trawler owners, reported as general on page 88 of the Report of the Sea Fish Commission, under which the owners charged as costs in the settling sheets of the crews sums for fish-selling commission which exceed by a substantial amount the actual expenses to the owners; and whether he will take immediate steps to deal with this fraud on the employés in this industry;

I have received the report of the Sea Fish Commission, and can assure the hon. Member that I appreciate the desirability of early action regarding the matters to which he refers. The recommendations of the Commission are receiving immediate consideration with this object in view.

Having regard to the elaborate nature of the recommendations for the reorganisation of this industry contained in the report, can the right hon. Gentleman give me, as representing a constituency of fishermen, an assurance that the measures he contemplates will not be delayed until effect has been given to those elaborate recommendations?

I have already said that the recommendations of the Commission are receiving immediate consideration with that object in view.

Will the recommendations of the previous Sea Fish Commission also be taken into consideration, since they are almost parallel with the more recent recommendations, and emphasise the necessity for action?

So far as action is concerned, that rests primarily with the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Scottish Office.

While I appreciate the reply which the right hon. Gentleman has given to me, can he state that he recognises his separate responsibility from that of the Minister of Agriculture in so far as these are matters coming within his purview although the general recommendations come within the purview of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries?

In so far as they come within my purview, of course I take responsibility.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927, was one that was passed for 10 years' duration and before the introduction of talking pictures, which has changed the whole cinema industry since the passing of that Act, he will state whether the Cinematograph Films Advisory Committee have made any representations or recommendations to him for the purpose of introducing legislation to meet the modern requirements in the cinema industry; and whether these recommendations will be placed before the committee recently appointed by him for their consideration?

I have received a report from the Cinematograph Films Advisory Committee recommending certain amendments in the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927, and this report will be available to the Departmental Committee which I appointed recently.

Have any further recommendations been made by the Advisory Committee, and will the right hon. Gentleman forward them to the Departmental Committee?

There is the fullest communication between the two committees.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the decision of the Indian Legislative Assembly which has been accepted by the Government of India that the trade agreement between India and the United Kingdom should be denounced, he will give consideration to the question of the removal of the duty of 10 per cent. ad valorem on foreign linseed as soon as the trade agreement with India is terminated; and whether at the same time he will request the Import Duties Advisory Committee to consider what modifications in consequence will be necessary in the duties on linseed oil and of her goods into the manufacture of which linseed oil enters?

His Majesty's Government have not received any notification of the intention of the Government of India to terminate the Ottawa Trade Agreement, but, if they do, the question of continuing the duty on foreign linseed and any consequential questions will fall to be considered in any negotiations that ensue.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the decision of the Indian Government to terminate the Ottawa Trade Agreement, he will review the clause in the Import Duties Act giving free entry into this country to all goods from Empire sources which are not covered by any other enactment?

His Majesty's Government have not received any official notification of the intention of the Government of India to terminate the Ottawa Trade Agreement, but, if they do, the question of continuing free entry for Indian goods will fall to be considered in any consequent negotiations.

Did the President of the Board of Trade hear the reply given to me yesterday by the Under-Secretary of State for India that the Government of India would consider the cancellation of the Ottawa Agreement?

That emphasises what I said in my answer, that the question of continuing free entry for Indian goods will fall to be considered in any consequent negotiations.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has inquired into the shortage of supply and increased cost of corned beef; and can he now say to what extent it is due to quota restrictions?

I understand that the increase in the wholesale prices of corned beef is largely attributable to the increased cost of cattle of the type used for canning. The voluntary limitation of imports at present in force does not involve any reduction of quantity below the level of the last four years. The position is being watched.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that while the imports are as high as before there is considerable re-export from this country, and is he also aware that those re-exports are said to be going to Italy?

I certainly could not answer that question without notice.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries and inform the House whether he is sure that they are not going to Italy?

I am ready to make inquiries, but I have not got the information now.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the price of corned beef has gone up almost phenomenally in the last three months, and in the circumstances would it not be a good thing to refer the question to the Food Council?

It certainly is matter which can be inquired into. I think it merits inquiry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the rise in price is also due to the increase in the cost of bacon, because people are now buying corned beef instead of bacon?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether in view of the determination of the Anglo-Argentine trade agreement on 6th May, he will take all necessary measures to safeguard the interests of the livestock industry in this country in any future agreement, and in the revision of the agreement will consult representatives of the various organisations concerned with agriculture and allied industries?

The Anglo-Argentine Agreement will not terminate on 6th May, but it will then become subject to six months' notice of denunciation by either party. Informal discussions with a view to the revision of the agreement are now taking place, and the most careful consideration will be given to the effect upon the industries and trade of this country of any proposals brought forward during the discussions. I need hardly add that so far as the livestock industry is concerned I am in close touch with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Have the Board of Trade got into touch with the various organisations, through the Ministry of Agriculture or otherwise, and will my right hon. Friend take their views before coming to an agreement?

Yes, Sir, we are collecting their views and are kept well informed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to make a statement when the House re-assembles?

I am afraid that I cannot say at present. The negotiations will be opened very shortly.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to determine this agreement on 6th May, so that his hands are free in dealing with the Argentine Government?

I will certainly put myself in the position of being able to bargain with them on an equal basis.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of imports of soft-wood box boards imported in each of the following years: 1924, 1930, 1934 and 1935?

The total declared value of the imports into the United Kingdom of soft-wood box boards, sawn or planed, but not dovetailed, mortised or tenoned at the ends, was £1,020,000 in 1934 and £1,134,000 in 1935. Similar particulars for 1924 and 1930 are not available, as imports of box boards were not recorded separately prior to 1934.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that imports of foreign box boards pay 10 per cent. duty and that the raw material of the English box board manufacturers also pays 10 per cent., and that, owing to the waste upon manufacture, there is an actual preference of about one-quarter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the question of utilising surplus Canadian grain to stock British granaries for defence purposes is now before His Majesty's Government in Canada; and whether, in view of this fact, he will proceed to immediate discussion of this matter with the Canadian Government, with a view to speedy action, without waiting for discussion of the matter in this House?

I have no official information to the effect suggested in the first part of the question.

How does my right hon. Friend reconcile that answer with the statement made yesterday by the Canadian Minister for Trade and the Chairman of their Wheat Committee, suggesting that a representation on this subject should come from this country?

I have not received that suggestion officially.

It is in the "Times" to-day.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in dealing with questions relating to the supply of foodstuffs as a national defence service, the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries will be able to answer for Scotland as well as England and Wales?

So far as questions on the supply of foodstuffs in connexion with national defence relate to Great Britain's production as a whole, it would be a matter of convenience if they were addressed, in the first instance, to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, who would, of course, confer with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland. Subject to this, all questions relating to production in Scotland should be addressed to the Secretary of State for Scotland.

In view of the repeated questions which are now being put to the Prime Minister on this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman take care that there is no panic buying of reserves for war in this direction such as would injure the consumer; or, at any rate, will he first have proper consultation on this matter with the Food Council?

I do not think that that question arises, but the right hon. Gentleman may rest quite assured that there is no prospect of what he deprecates.

asked the Prime Minister, if the official at present holding the offices of Secretary of the Committee of Imperial Defence and Secretary to the Cabinet will be allowed to delegate any of his secret and confidential work to any additional staff appointed to assist him?

The answer is in the affirmative. There has always been a systematic devolution of the work of these offices as in every branch of the public service. The recent increases in the staff of the Committee of Imperial Defence, and more particularly the appointment of a Deputy-Secretary to the Committee of Imperial Defence, have enabled further relief to be given to the Secretary.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the discontent prevailing amongst foremen and assistants, storeholders and assistants, worktakers, ratefixers, and estimators, employed in the Royal Ordnance factories at Woolwich and Enfield, on account of the excessive overtime being worked for ex-gratia payments instead of proper overtime rates; whether he is aware that these grades are suffering under an agreement which was never intended to apply in the emergency period which now exists; and whether he will have inquiries made into the matter?

The scales of pay in issue to these employés, which in all cases derive from awards of the Industrial Court or agreements with the staff side of the appropriate Whitley body, were designed to cover all time worked. There is therefore no entitlement to overtime pay. In view, however, of heavy pressure during recent months on work of an emergency character, involving exceptional hours of duty, a special arrangement for some ex-gratia payments was made. The staff side have lately made representations on certain aspects of this arrangement, and discussion with them at an early date is contemplated.

Do I understand from the Minister that he is receiving a deputation from the representatives in order to discuss the matter?

What is contemplated is a discussion under the ordinary Whitley conditions.

Is the Secretary of State aware that overtime now is not desired either by the workpeople or the staff, but is being made compulsory, and, in the circumstances, does he not think that the request is a reasonable one?

I am not sure to what request the hon. Member refers. The whole matter is now to be discussed. I have had no request to receive a deputation, and the matter is to be discussed in the ordinary course.

Would the right hon. Gentleman receive a deputation?

I will make inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for War what type of training, if any, is carried out by the War Office in the use of poison gas as a legitimate weapon of warfare; and whether chemical experts are employed to work to this end in consultation with Army authorities?

No training in the use of poison gas as a weapon of war is carried out in the Army, but possible methods of the use of gas have naturally to be studied in connection with training in defence against gas. Chemical experts have, of course, been closely associated with the Army authorities in connection with such training.

In view of the atrocious effectiveness of gas in modern warfare would my right hon. Friend reassure the House that the British Army will not descend to the use of poison gas as a retaliation?

Is the War Office military attaché with the Italian Army in Ethiopia watching their use of poison gas?

Is gas ever a legitimate weapon of warfare, as suggested in the question?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any protective clothing other than oilskins are in issue for the protection of the troops from corrosive and incendiary chemicals; and whether he is aware that the German and other Governments are now experimenting with rubber clothing?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and to the second in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for War the nature and extent of the decisions of the Imperial General Staff in regard to Army manoeuvres this year; whether the co-operation of the other fighting Services is to be sought; whether official invitations to attend are to be issued to foreign observers; and, if so, which nations are to be so favoured?

It is proposed to put the Military Manoeuvres Acts into operation in parts of Surrey and Sussex during the period 15th July to 14th October, when certain brigade training and divisional exercises will take place. Normal training will also be carried out by units in the neighbourhood of their peace stations. As in previous years, Air Force units will co-operate with Army units in the larger exercises, and a combined exercise is being arranged with the Royal Navy near Milford-on-Sea in September. The usual invitations to attend the collective training will be sent to all foreign military attaches and assistant military attaches in London.

As we are inviting foreigners to see these manoeuvres can a cinema film be taken so that our own people may also see them?

That is another question.

asked the Secretary of State for War the names and basis of the gases with which the anti-gas protectors for the troops have been recently tested; and whether the results have been proved effective?

As I informed the hon. Member in reply to a question on 31st March last, the present pattern of mobilisation container is considered to provide adequate protection against the gases likely to be encountered. The hon. Member will doubtless realise that it is not in the public interest that I should answer the first part of his question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that, in the opinion of experts, the present containers and respirators are not considered effective against the newer European and Japanese gases?

No, Sir, I am not aware of that, but if the hon. Member will give me information to confirm that statement I shall be happy to look into it.

I will do that, but meanwhile will the Minister be good enough to say whether the anti-gas protectors intended to be used by the troops have been tested in relation to these newer gases, and, if so, with what results?

Certainly, they have been tested, and with satisfactory results.

Will the hon. Member submit to a test for this House?

Certainly, in company with the hon. and gallant Gentleman, at any time.

asked the Secretary of State for War the countries or persons to whom the following surplus armaments of war material has been sold during the previous three years: 71 Lewis guns, 150 Lewis gun magazines, 2.000,000 rounds of small arms ammunition, 300 respirators, 30 depth charges, and one three-pounder gun?

I do not think it would be in the public interest to disclose the names of the foreign Powers to whom, or for export to whom, the British Government dispose of surplus war material.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether they have been sold by tender for the highest price?

Why are we selling this war material while this House is being asked to vote untold sums for the supply of new material?

Certain war materials become obsolete.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in previous questions of this kind Presidents of the Board of Trade have given the names of companies to whom licences have been given? Does the right hon. Gentleman have to get a licence from the Board of Trade, and, if not, as the Board of Trade can give this information, why cannot the War Office?

What is the loss on this war material?

I do not see how there is to be a loss on the selling of war materials if they are not of any use.

Are not the respirators that are being sold of any use?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the value of the cadet movement as a recruiting ground for the Regular and Territorial Armies, and the fact that the success of cadet corps depends largely upon annual camps, he proposes to accord them any financial assistance towards the holding of such camps?

Yes, Sir. I propose to waive in certain circumstances the charges hitherto made, to cover depreciation and the cost of handling, etc., at ordnance depots, in respect of camping equipment loaned to cadet corps. The concession will apply to cadet corps enrolled in the British National Cadet Association and affiliated to units of the Regular or Territorial Army. It will be subject to the total cost not exceeding £1,500 in any year.

While thanking my right hon. Friend, may I ask him whether he will ask the Territorial Associations to take full advantage of the new facilities?

I shall be very glad to consider doing so.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also respect the desire of local authorities who do not wish their young people to have this training?

Is that concession to take effect this year, and is it not the parents, and not the local authorities, who should be considered?

That is another question.

May I have an answer as to whether the concession is to take effect this year?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in the forth- coming staff talks in so far as the War Office is concerned, the negotiations will be conducted solely through the director of military operations and intelligence; and whether all agenda relating to a system of defensive contact with foreign armies will be confined to matters of strategic necessity?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The agenda will be as stated in Section III of Command Paper No. 5134.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that the agenda for the staff conversations will be prepared by the Cabinet and not by the General Staff?

I have already told the House that the Cabinet will keep careful watch on this matter.

May we rest assured that no British military secrets will be disclosed during these conversations?

I think that that is extremely unlikely, from what I know of our officers who will be in control.

Are, then, secrets to be disclosed on one side and not on the other?

I do not really know what "secrets" means in this connection.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he intends to take any action with regard to the repeated demands of the herring fishing industry for a minimum wage of £2 per week; what that action is likely to be; and when he will take it?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 18th February to the hon. Member for East Aberdeen (Mr. Boothby) in which I explained that the financial assistance provided by the Herring Industry Act cannot competently be used to guarantee a minimum wage and that I can hold out no prospects of legislation for that purpose.

Is the Minister in touch with the Herring Board and the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence regarding special emergency measures relating to this industry, so far as affects general defence measures?

I am in touch with my right hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many herring-fishing drifters were chartered last year to assist the Fishery Board cruisers in policing Scottish fishing grounds; the months they were so employed; whether similar use will be made of fishing drifters this year; and to what extent?

Four drifters were hired for fishery protection duty during the periods January to March and October to December, 1935, and two drifters during the remaining six months of the year. During the current year four drifters were employed from January to March, since when two have been employed. The question of increasing the drifter patrol during the winter months will be considered in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he intends to visit the Islands and Highlands of Scotland for the purpose of investigating the distress prevailing in these areas or, if not, whether he will send deputies for this purpose; and, failing this, whether he will have a commission set up for the purpose and publish a report?

The condition of the Highlands and Islands is kept constantly under the most careful observation, and I can assure the hon. Member that I shall continue to take every opportunity of acquainting myself with it at first hand.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to set up such a commission as is asked for in the last part of my question?

Not at the moment, at any rate.

May I ask from what source the right hon. Gentleman receives reports regarding the Highlands and Islands?

We have many channels of information. We have the very best information.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the saving to the Treasury by the present cheapness of money and by recent conversion and other expedients, he will take steps to pass these advantages on to the overburdened crofters by reducing the rates of interest from 3⅛ per cent. on assisted houses to the level of those paying by 1¼ per cent. annuities?

Specially favourable arrangements are made by the Department of Agriculture under which crofters can purchase materials for the erection and improvement of their houses at cost price and obtain a substantial contribution to the cost of freight. I am not satisfied that there is any case for a reduction in the interest rate of 3⅛ per cent. on loans made to them for the purposes.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can make a statement with regard to the formation of a Scottish economic advisory council; and will say what are the functions and constitution of the council?

I would refer the right hon. Member to my reply to questions on the subject on the 1st instant, in which I indicated that the Committee had been set up and gave information as to its functions and constitution. The first meeting of the Committee, at which I was present, was held in Edinburgh yesterday.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has just informed an hon. Member, in reply to another question, that he has many channels of information? If he has the Special Area Commissioners, the Highland Development Council, and the Scottish National Development Council, all giving him information, does he intend to take the advice of any of them after he has got it?

That depends upon what exactly is the advice tendered to me.

Are there any of the members of this Economic Advisory Council who are not members of the National Development Council?

This body was appointed by the National Development Council in consultation with myself, and the right hon Gentleman knows that a member of his organisation in Scotland is now an honoured member of it.

Does that make it all right?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of Scottish local government deputations received by the Secretary of State for Scotland for the years 1934 and 1935, respectively?

No separate register is kept of the many local government deputations which are received by me or on my behalf, the normal practice being to record the interview in the appropriate file of the Scottish Office or other Scottish Department dealing with the matter discussed. I do not think the expenditure of time and labour involved in a detailed scrutiny of these files in order to provide the information requested would be justified.

Are any steps being taken to avoid this unnecessary travelling of local government officials to London from Scotland?

Yes, Sir. We opened an office in Edinburgh, in connection with my office in London, to enable these deputations to be met in Edinburgh, and many have since been met in Edinburgh.

How often can these deputations see the right hon. Gentleman personally in those offices?

I endeavour to lay myself open to receive them as many times as is humanly possible.