asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is prepared to receive a deputation from the Federation of British Importers from Italy, in order that the deputation may submit to him their claims for consideration in respect of the losses they have suffered as a consequence of the imposition of sanctions?

After careful consideration, His Majesty's Government have decided that compensation cannot be granted for losses attributable to the sanctions imposed against Italy. I am ready to consider any information or proposals which the Association of British Importers from Italy may care to put forward in writing, but, as at present advised, I do not think that a deputation would serve any useful purpose.

Is there to be any compensation for the enormous loss of British prestige throughout the world on account of the sanctions policy?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the total amount of British capital invested in the Argentine; and what were the total dividends paid on these investments in 1935 or the latest year for which information is obtainable?

According to the latest information available, the nominal value of British capital invested in the Argentine is estimated to amount to approximately £435,000,000, and the annual revenue from such investments, whether remitted to this country or not, to about £8,500,000.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what proportion was remitted to this country last year?

Not without notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what would be the revenue from a levy of ½d. per lb. on imports of chilled and frozen beef and frozen mutton and lamb from the Dominions and 2d. per lb. on similar imports from foreign countries?

On the basis of the quantities imported during 1935, the yield of levies on the commodities and of the amounts stated in the question would have been about £11,250,000.

Has the right hon. Gentleman calculated the amount that would have to be charged to the consumer?

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether, in order to encourage new industries and increase employment, he is prepared to make direct application to the Imports Advisory Committee for an import duty on selected manufactures, as the present method cannot function in cases where no combined industry exists to make application;

(2) whether he is prepared, when the rise in imports indicates and employment is affected, to make application direct to the Imports Advisory Committee without waiting for a combined application from the trade nearest affected, which may not be large and well-organised enough to readily make such application?

Under the Import Duties Act any recommendations regarding import duties that may be made by the Import Duties Advisory Committee, fall to be considered by the Treasury in consultation with the Board of Trade and, in certain cases, with other Government Departments. In these circumstances it would not be appropriate for me to make representations to the Committee with a view to their recommending additional duties. My hon. Friend is, however, mistaken in supposing that the Committee cannot, if necessary, initiate action without waiting for an application. Moreover, it is open to any manufacturer or trader to make representations to the Committee, who are always ready to give all the help they can in the preparation and presentation of cases.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the committee has, in fact, ever acted on its own initiative?

I cannot say without notice.

Has my right hon. Friend ever recommended a reduction of duty to the Advisory Committee?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has by now had an opportunity of checking the figure of 120s. a ton as the price of Majestics in Scotland for the week ending 8th April; and, in view of the fact that there was a discrepancy of over £1 a ton on this point between his figures and those of the Potato Marketing Board, will he make a statement on the subject?

I am grateful to my hon. and gallant Friend for affording me an opportunity of explaining the discrepancy to which he draws attention. The difference is due to the fact that while the figure of 90s. which he quoted in the Debate on 9th April was the growers' price, the price of 120s. quoted by me was the average wholesale price. I regret that the price of 120s. per ton was described as the price of Majesties, whereas it was in fact the average of three kinds of potatoes, including Majesties.

May I ask my hon. Friend whether in future, on such an important point as the price of potatoes, on which the Debate depended, we may have reliable figures from the Board of Trade? Those figures were not only quoted, but figures were given to contradict the figures which I gave, and they bore no relation to the subject.

Is it not a fact that the growers' dispute with the Government is on the difference between the growers' price and the retail price?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the difference in the rates of drawback on the re-export of Empire and foreign tobaccos, respectively, amounting to approximately ld. per lb. in favour of the foreign tobacco; that, after allowing for wastage, the drawback on foreign tobacco exceeds the duty paid; and whether he will take immediate steps to rectify the position by which foreign tobacco re-exported receives a subsidy from the taxpayer thereby injuring re-exports of Empire tobacco?

I have noted the hon. Member's suggestions, but I have no reason to suppose that re-exports of Empire tobacco are being materially injured by difference in the rates of drawback on Empire and non-Empire tobaccos.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the duty and the drawback on Empire tobacco balance, and can such a balance not be obtained with regard to foreign tobacco, and so save a loss to the Exchequer which is estimated at £200,000, especially in view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman has just increased the duty on tea?

According to my information the hon. Member's suggestion is not entirely accurate.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the British Government have yet made replies to the questionnaire issued by the International Labour Office for the purposes of the International Maritime Conference, 1936; whether he will inform the House of the nature of those replies; and whether he took steps to consult the shipowners', officers', and seamen's organisations as to the nature of those replies?

His Majesty's Government have not yet replied to the questionnaire, the points in which are still under consideration by the National Maritime Board. Officers of my Department are in touch with that body on these matters.

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that the whole of the elements that make up the Maritime Board are being consulted?

I said the points were still under consideration by the National Maritime Board, and, of course, all the organisations represented on that board will be aware of what is taking place.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House if and when he does receive the questionnaire?

If the hon. Gentleman will put a question on the Paper perhaps I can arrange to say when the announcement will be made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now state when the final report of the Committee of Inquiry into the question of steering gear is likely to be issued?

The technical matters referred to in paragraph 35 of the report of the Steering Gear Committee are still under consideration, and it is accordingly not yet possible for me to say when the final report of the committee will be issued.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give figures of the tonnage of merchandise carried around the British coast by foreign-owned vessels during each of the last six years?

I regret that the information desired is not available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the practice of permitting vessels in the overseas trade to sail with only one officer in addition to the master imposes undue strain upon the two officers, who must take watches for more than 84 hours a week, apart from other supervisory duties; and whether he will take steps to ensure that at least subsidised ships of 2,750 tons shall carry a more adequate complement of officers?

There is a National Maritime Board agreement that foreign-going vessels of 2,750 tons gross and upwards trading outside Western European limits shall carry three certificated navigating officers in addition to the master. Owners seeking a subsidy must conform with this agreement in respect of the voyage concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that it is the practice of some shipowners to pay off the major portion of a vessel's crew immediately upon arriving in port, leaving only a skeleton crew to perform the necessary work and even to transfer the ship from port to port; whether, in the case of tramp vessels, subsidy is payable during such days as the crew of the vessel is so depleted; and whether he will decline to allow payment of subsidy for days other than those upon which a full complement is carried?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative so far as the port of loading or discharge of cargo is concerned. The duration of an eligible voyage is laid down in Cmd. Papers 4754 and 5082. I would refer the hon. Member in particular to Cmd. Paper 4754, paragraph 2 (c) on page 5. If the work done falls within the voyage as so defined, subsidy is payable. I am not aware of any grounds for modifying this basis of payment. The Tramp Shipping Subsidy Committee will see that the conditions are not abused.

But when the articles are completed, which means that the bulk of the crew is discharged, is it not irregular to continue payment of the subsidy?

It all depends on the circumstances of the voyage. The definition of the voyage has been a matter of very great care.

Was not the subsidy intended to provide additional remuneration in connection with the voyages of the vessels concerned, and when the voyage is completed and the crew is discharged, surely the subsidy ought not to be paid?

The whole question is when the voyage is begun and completed, and that is provided for in the conditions laid down in the Command Paper I have quoted.

Surely it is also provided that where a vessel is on a voyage it must carry a full complement of crew, and in the event of the crew being discharged the articles are ended? Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to define what a voyage is?

I could only read the extracts from the Command Paper which most people are capable of following.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when it is proposed to issue regulations regarding the manning the sea-going vessels in accordance with the recommendations of the merchant shipping Advisory committee?

I would refer to the answer which was given to the hon. Member for South Shields (Mr. Ede) on 6th May.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the tendency that exists among sonic renters and exhibitors to ignore the requirements of Part I of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927; and what action he has taken to see that these provisions are carried out?

I am aware that it is alleged that the requirements of Part I of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927, are not always observed, and I will certainly consider a prosecution in any case where satisfactory evidence is forthcoming.

Has the right hon. Gentleman made any investigations into these allegations?

The subject has been examined.

Will the right hon. Gentleman draw the special attention of the committee which is sitting on the subject to these allegations?

I think the most useful course is the announcement I have made that I will consider a prosecution in any case where satisfactory evidence is forthcoming.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to announce the result of his inquiries into fixed trusts?

I am not yet in a position to say when the Departmental Committee which I appointed on 2nd March will be ready to present their report.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether in view of the widespread unemployment in the country and the shortage of satisfactory recruits for the Regular Army, he will consider raising boys' battalions or starting a boys' company at each depot?

A scheme for absorbing more boys into the Army is at present under consideration, and I will bear my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion in mind.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make it clear to these boys that, in accordance with the Government's policy, they will not expected to fight?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will in future arrange to issue free to soldiers articles such as canes and padlocks, which they are at present virtually compelled to purchase themselves on joining?

The question of the provision at the public expense of these articles, and others which at present must be purchased by the soldier, is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the fact that the public assistance committee of the Durham County Council are being compelled to grant out relief to wives of soldiers under the age of 26 years serving with the colours, by reason of the fact that the Government do not grant any marriage allowance to these women; and whether he will take steps to have this state of affairs rectified?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given yesterday to a similar question by the hon. Member for Blaydon (Mr. Whiteley).

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that answer was unsatisfactory, and does he endorse the policy of sending the wives of soldiers to the public assistance committees for relief?

The policy has not changed since yesterday.

Does the right hon. Gentleman endorse the policy, and, if not, will he take steps to change it?

That is no part of the policy.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that it adds to the popularity of the Army that the wives of soldiers under 26 should have to go to the public assistance committees when their husbands are oversea.

The policy of the Army is at present to discourage young soldiers from marrying under the age of 26. [HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"] It is quite possible to change that policy, but that has been the policy which has been followed for many years. It would not be correct to explain now the reasons for it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the training grants to Territorial battalions have been increased this year or not?

The total grant allotted to the Territorial Army for training and instruction outside the camp period is the same in 1936 as in 1935, and I am satisfied that, unless there is an appreciable improvement in recruiting, this amount is adequate. The allotment of the grant between the various units in each command is a matter for the discretion of the general officers commanding-in-chief, and I am unable to say, without reference to commands, whether there are any variations in the sums allotted to individual Territorial battalions.

As all the new benefits of the Territorial Army are for conditions of service only, would it not be wise to increase the training grant in order to show the country that the Government take a Territorial Army seriously?

The steps that have been taken this year will show that the Territorial Army is taken seriously, and if recruiting goes up to what we hope, it may be necessary to increase the training grant.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the nominal established strength of the Territorial anti-aircraft force; and what are the present numbers recruited for the same?

The establishment of Air Defence troops of the Territorial Army is 630 officers, 16,309 other ranks. The strength on 1st May was 453 officers, 5,656 other ranks.

What steps are being taken to make good this serious deficiency, and are the local authorities giving every assistance, both in raising men and in providing facilities for training?

We are taking every step that we can think of in order to increase recruiting for the Territorials, and the majority of the local authorities, though not all, are helping.

asked the Secretary of State for War the present number of recruits required by the Army; whether he is aware that many unemployed persons hesitate to volunteer for service in view of the fact that the lowest term of service for which they must contract is seven years; and whether he will consider the desirability of cutting such period down to two or three years in order to attract those who are uncertain about the advantages offered by an Army career?

Approximately 35,300 recruits are required during the whole of the current financial year to complete the Regular Army to establishment. As my hon. Friend will see from page 14 of the General Annual Report on the British Army for 1935, this number is about 10,000 more than has been taken in each of the past two years. I fully appreciate that the present terms of enlistment for the Infantry may not appear attractive to men who wish to serve for two or three years, but the difficulties which enlistment for the short period would present in regard to overseas drafting are very considerable.

Having regard to the difficulties which the right hon. Gentleman is experiencing in recruiting, has he any measures in mind for improving the conditions of service, and will he rely not only on cinema and other appeals for men to join the Army?

I have many such measures in mind, as the hon. Member will know if he has listened to my answers to previous questions to-day and on other occasions.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to say what steps he proposes to take to stop the periodical flooding of the Kelvin Valley and the consequent wastage of large tracts of first-class arable and building land?

No, Sir. I am giving this my close attention, but I regret I am not yet in a position to intimate a decision.

Inasmuch as the right hon. Gentleman has personally inspected this scandalous state of affairs, can he do nothing to expedite a remedy for it?

The right hon. Gentleman knows that I am giving the matter serious consideration, and the difficulty of reconciling the interests of the taxpayers with the interests of those who would be the beneficiaries if action were taken is having attention.

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect to be in a position to do something in this matter?

When I am in a position to make a statement I shall gladly do so, and will communicate with the right hon. Gentleman.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to make his promised statement regarding legislation for the purpose of reducing maternal mortality in Scotland?

I regret that I am unable to-day to add anything to the reply given to the hon. Member's question on Wednesday last.

If I put a question down next week, will the right hon. Gentleman then be in a position to reply?

I hope to be able to make a statement on the subject, at any rate before Whitsuntide.

Will my right hon. Friend, in giving that reply, state exactly what was done in this matter by the Socialist Government between 1929 and 1931?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the conditions under which prison officer tradesmen work with dangerous machinery in the workshops; whether a second officer is provided in each shop; and what are the rates of the Allowances of the trades officers of various classes?

Prison officer tradesmen act as supervisors, and, when required, as demonstrators under ordinary working conditions. The machinery is adequately guarded and is inspected by His Majesty's inspectors of factories. Two or more officers are Always employed in each workshop in which machinery is used. The allowances payable to trades officers range from 1s. 6d. to 6s. a week.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is because of their skill that some of these men are kept on at very low Allowances, and, again because of their skill, are prevented from getting promotion which would bring an increase in their emoluments?

If my hon. Friend will communicate to me any particular cases he has in mind, I will gladly look into them.

I will give the right hon. Gentleman particulars.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the reasons for the delay in announcing the successor to Sir Arthur Rose as Commissioner for Special Areas in Scotland; whether he is aware that delays in this matter may prejudice the people of Scotland as compared with the people in other Special Areas; And whether he is now in a position to give the name and qualifications of the new Commissioner?

Active steps are being taken with a. view to the early appointment of a successor to Sir Arthur Rose, whose enforced resignation on grounds of health the House will regret, and for whose valuable work As Commissioner I should like to take the opportunity of expressing in the House the gratitude of His Majesty's Government. In the meantime arrangements are in force for carrying on the administrative work of the Commissioner's office. I am glad to add that Sir Arthur Rose will be Available for consultation pending the appointment of a successor.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any indication as to when we may usefully put a question which will extract from him the name of the successor to Sir Arthur Rose?

When I am in a position to give it, which I hope will be at an early date, I will communicate with my right hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary for Mines the total amount paid in royalties on coal raised in Great Britain for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Abertillery (Mr. Daggar) on 31st March.

Do the figures to which the right hon. Gentleman has referred me include the working of freehold minerals by owners and proprietors?

I think the hon. Member had better look at the figures.

asked the Secretary for Mines the numbers of fatal and non-fatal accidents per 1,000 men employed in the chief coal-producing countries outside Great Britain during 1935, and the corresponding figures for British coalfields as a whole and for North and South Wales separately?

I regret that the information desired is not available except in respect of fatal accidents in the British coalfields referred to, the figures for which per 1,000 persons employed are: Great Britain 1.10, South Wales 1.22 and North Wales O.68. A statement giving the fatal and non-fatal accident rates in the principal coal-producing countries over a representative period and so far as possible on a comparable basis, is, however, being pre pared at the request of the Royal Commission on Safety in Coal Mines, and I will send a copy of it to my hon. Friend so soon as it is ready.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many collieries wind coal on Sundays; and what steps he is taking to stop this and make Sunday a non-winding coal shift?

As the hon. Member is aware, there is no provision in the Coal Mines Act to make Sunday working illegal, and for that reason my Department does not collect statistics of such working. I have, however, no reason to believe that coal winding is carried on on Sundays to any appreciable extent, except in Scotland.

Will the hon. and gallant Member try to get information as to the amount of coal won on Sundays, so that we may have some idea of the extent of this practice?

Will my hon. and gallant Friend get the statistics for Scotland?

I will try to find out whether it is practicable to get such statistics, but, as I say, there is no provision in the Act to make this Sunday working illegal.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many workmen's pit inspections have been made since March, 1935, and up to March, 1936; in which part of the country have these inspections been regularly carried out; and what steps, if any, he is prepared to take to encourage regular workmen's inspections in all pits?

The total number of inspections made by workmen's representatives during the 12 months ending 29th February, 1936, was 3,925. The districts reporting the number of such inspections were the largest Northern and the Cardiff and Forest of Dean Inspection Divisions, with 2,291 and 808 respectively. As regards the last part of the question, I would remind the hon. Member that the attention of the Royal Commission on Safety in Coal await their report.

asked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether deer and blackgame have increased in the plantations under their charge; and, if so, what steps are taken to protect the trees?

Deer tend to invade many of the larger plantations and to increase rapidly as the young trees grow into the dense thicket stage. If the numbers are not controlled much damage is done not only to the plantations but to the farms, orchards and gardens in the neighbourhood. Roe deer, generally, and fallow deer, occasionally, are most troublesome in plantations. In order to keep the head of deer down to a point where they do no real damage it is necessary to shoot, departmentally and by arrangement with shooting tenants, and in some cases to snare. Blackgame also invade new plantations and sometimes do much damage to pine, larches and occasionally spruces. The numbers are controlled by shooting during the game season.

Is it less painful to the deer to be shot departmentally?

asked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, what progress, if any, has been made in acquiring land under the scheme to assist the Special Areas by planting 200,000 acres in and near these areas; and will he give the area of land acquired, its cost per acre, and its location, for South Wales separately?

Investigations of plantable land and negotiations for acquisition are proceeding, but no contract has yet been completed.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will make a statement respecting the rate of postage on letters or postcards addressed by applicants for employment vacancies advertised in the Press?

An application for employment sent through the post is subject to the same conditions as other correspondence; but, like certain other documents, if it is made on an appropriate printed form and placed in an unsealed envelope, it may be sent at the printed paper rate of ½d. for two ounces. The condition of an appropriate printed form is regarded as fulfilled if "Application for Employment" or some equivalent wording is printed or handstamped (in characters not resembling those of a typewriter) at the head of a plain sheet of paper. A postcard similarly headed would be passed. In addition, a sheet of paper or a card which has a cut-out printed heading completely adherent to it bearing the words "Application for Employment" would also be passed at the halfpenny rate.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will amend the Unemployment Insurance Act so that disabled workmen who are in receipt of light rate compensation may have the same privileges as disabled ex-service men who are in receipt of a disability pension, namely, that they need only prove the payment of 10 contributions instead of 30 in respect of the two years immediately preceding the date of the claiming for benefit?

No, Sir; I could not undertake to introduce legislation for this purpose.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many workmen who, through injury, are prevented from following their employment are penalised in regard to the number of stamps required, namely 30, for the two years immediately preceding their claim for benefit?

I could not accept that statement of the position.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can now state when the new draft regulations of the Unemployment Assistance Board will be made available to the House?

I cannot add at the moment to the replies already given on this subject.

Could the Minister give an undertaking that the regulations will be issued to the House at least a week before they are discussed?

I have already said that they will be advertised.

Has not the Minister the capacity to think out these regulations? What is the reason for the delay?

I do not think I am called upon to answer that question.

Ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the precise terms of the agreement signed by the Emperor of Abyssinia before leaving French territory limiting his freedom of political action in Palestine?

I need hardly say that His Majesty's Government at no time contemplated asking the Emperor to sign any such agreement in return for the offer of passage in His Majesty's Ship "Enterprise" from Jibuti to Palestine. I have already explained that the offer of this passage was a mark of courtesy to the Emperor, and that it was made in accordance with the message which was conveyed to His Majesty's Minister in Addis Ababa that His Majesty desired to proceed with his family to Palestine. His Majesty's Government were anxious to be of assistance to the Emperor, but the hon. Member must remember that His Majesty has renounced the direction of affairs, and it was in consequence not unreasonable to suggest that in these circumstances he should be expected not to participate in any way in the furtherance of hostilities.

Was it the French or the British Government which imposed those conditions?

I should not use the word "imposed." The British Government put themselves to considerable inconvenience to render that courtesy.

Does that mean that the Emperor is precluded from taking any political or diplomatic action on behalf of his country?

I do not wish to define things any more closely than I have done.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the treatment is better or worse than was accorded by the Government of the Netherlands to the British soldiers who were forced into the Netherlands during the War?

Does the Prime Minister recognise that renunciation of the direction of affairs does not involve renunciation of the throne, and that the Emperor was compelled by force of arms to renounce the direction of affairs; and whether, in those circumstances, the Emperor will be precluded from resuming the direction of affairs when he is able to do so?

That is an entirely different question, and perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put it down.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now able to state whether the Emperor of Abyssinia will be permitted freedom of transit and action in Member States of the League of Nations other than Italy; and whether he may proceed, in particular, to Geneva and London?

The hon. Member may rest assured that any wishes the Emperor may express concerning his future movements will be accorded most careful consideration.

Does that mean that, in accordance with the usual tradition of this country, a request from the Emperor to come here would not be refused?

I would rather wait until the desire of the Emperor is ascertained.

Does the Prime Minister not think that if the Emperor ever does come here he will get a better reception than Mussolini?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Ethiopian Emperor has made any application to the British Government regarding his future place of domicile; and what reply has been given?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part does not therefore arise.

Has not the Emperor already bought a residence in London?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.

Is the Prime Minister aware that there are large sections of public opinion in this country who would warmly welcome the opportunity of showing honour to the head of, a State Member of the League of Nations who has actually fulfilled his obligations and kept his pledges?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Imperial Ethiopian Minister in London is still recognised as the accredited representative of his country; and whether His Majesty's Government recognise the authority of the Ethiopian Ministers outside Addis Ababa from whom the London Minister derives his credentials?

The answer to the first part of the question is Yes, Sir. As regards the second part of the question, I would point out that the Minister derives his authority from the Emperor.

How does it come about that the Prime Minister has rejected the authority of the Emperor to interfere in his country's affairs, and permits that authority to his Minister?

Is it not a fact that the Prime Minister has not rejected the authority of the Emperor, but that the Emperor has surrendered it?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any instructions have been despatched to Sir Sydney Barton to guide him in his attitude to the Italian army of occupation; and, if so, whether these instructions involve tacit or implied recognition of Italian authority?

The instructions of Sir Sydney Barton are to proceed on the basis that there should be accorded to the Italian military authorities that recognition to which an army in military occupation of enemy territory is entitled under the principles of international law.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of typewriters and calculating machines that have been purchased by the Stationery Office for the two years ended at the last convenient date?

I have been asked to reply. The Stationery Office purchased 2,129 typewriters and 250 adding and calculating machines in the year ended 31st March, 1935, and 2,556 typewriters and 369 adding and calculating machines in the year ended 31st March, 1936.

Is it not a fact that most of them are of foreign manufacture?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.

Are we to understand that it is impossible to obtain typewriters of British make that are useful for his office?

No, Sir, the hon. Gentleman is not to understand anything of the sort.

Is it not a fact that every typewriter bought during that period has been British made?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the total number of persons admitted to the National Gallery during the past 12 months, before and after the normal closing hour, respectively, on those three days in the week on which the gallery has been kept open until 8 p.m.?

I have been asked to reply. The information desired by my hon. Friend is as follows: Number admitted before normal closing hour,274,064; number admitted after normal closing hour, 59,950.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the fact that the East Sussex County Council have asked Ardingly College to pay menservants' tax for boys sent to join its domestic staff through the Ministry of Labour from the distressed areas; and whether, in view of the fact that hotel servants are admittedly exempt, he will take what steps are necessary to exempt school menservants also?

I have been asked to reply. The Male Servant Licence Duty is not, so far as England and Wales are concerned, an Imperial tax, but forms part of the receipts of the county councils and county borough councils. Proposals to vary the incidence of the duty can thus only be considered after consultation with these councils. As the Chancellor of the Exchequer stated in the House of Commons on 11th June,1934, an opportunity of discussing the matter with them will occur in 1937, when certain financial arrangements between the councils and the Exchequer are due for revision.

asked the Minister of Health whether any complaints have been received from local authorities that the standard of overcrowding under the Housing Act, 1935, is too low; and, if so, whether he will state the towns from which these complaints come?

My right hon. Friend is aware that in some quarters the standard is regarded as low but, as my hon. Friend knows, the standard is a penal standard and is therefore of necessity lower than, for example, the standard of accommodation adopted by local authorities for rehousing purposes. My right hon. Friend is unable to trace any official representations from local authorities on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the petition from the North Kavirondo Central Association, of Kenya Colony, requesting the appointment of a paramount chief over their tribe has been given favourable consideration; and, if not, what are the grounds for rejection of the request?

No, Sir. There was no reason to accept the petition. Paramount chiefs are not part of native institutions in Kenya as they are in some places. With the development of communications and local native councils the need for such an appointment has disappeared and a further appointment would not serve any useful purpose, nor would it carry any duties.

Do I understand that no paramount chiefs are appointed by the tribes in Kenya?

No; paramount chiefs usually take the position of representing their particular tribes. When the stage of development is reached in which there is a native council, there is no need for paramount chiefs, and no purpose would be served by their continuing.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how much money has been contributed by each of the West African Colonies to the funds

The total contributions from the West African Governments, up to the year ending 31st August last, are as follow:

			£
Nigeria	…	…	10,800
Gold Coast	…	…	5,000
Sierra Leone	…	…	2,500

There have been three African students from the Gold Coast who have attended post-graduate courses at the college during this period. The training of such students represents only a small part of the services for the maintenance of which the contributions are made.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an adequate reason why the figure is so small?

It is very difficult to give an adequate reason why, when opportunities are given, people do not take advantage of them. So far as I am concerned, at the office our policy is to encourage them as much as possible. The hon. Gentleman's question will give the necessary publicity to this matter.