asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed workpeople registered at the exchanges in Monmouthshire on statutory benefit and the number in receipt of assistance from the Unemployment Assistance Board for the most recent date?

As the reply includes a table of figures, I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of juveniles registered as unemployed in the county of Carmarthen; and the comparative figures for England and Wales and the counties of Glamorgan, Monmouth and Brecknockshire?

At 27th April, 1936, there were 980 unemployed juveniles, aged 14 and under 18 years, on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Carmarthenshire. The corresponding figures for England and Wales, and for Glamorganshire, Monmouthshire and Brecknockshire were 97,660, 11,804, 2,820 and 173 respectively.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed juveniles on the registers at each of the following exchanges: Llanelly, Ammanford, Garnant, and Tumble; what percentage of juveniles are unemployed in those areas; and the comparative percentage for England and Wales?

The numbers of unemployed juveniles, aged 14 and under 18 years, on the registers of these exchanges at 27th April were 412 at Llanelly, 223 at Ammanford, 77 at Garnant and 92 at Tumble. As there are no statistics show- ing the numbers of juveniles in employment in these localities at 27th April, I am unable to express these figures as percentages of unemployment.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of juveniles registered as unemployed in the Rochdale, Heywood, Oldham, and Stockport areas in December, 1935, and March, 1936?

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

asked the Minister of Labour the number of children, and their ages, who have been sent from the distressed areas to obtain work in the borough of West Ham, and what work they have obtained?

During the past 12 months, two girls aged 16 years, and one girl aged 17 years have been transferred from the distressed areas to residential domestic employment in the Queen Mary Hospital. No boys have been transferred to West Ham during the period.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the site of the old steelworks and the adjoining shipyard at Jarrow arc suitable for the revival of the steel industry there, and that the starting of such works would find employment for some thousands of men, many of whom had been trained to this kind of heavy industry in this distressed area; and whether he has taken any action to encourage the starting of the proposed works?

I have, of course, the fullest sympathy with any scheme which would afford increased employment, and particularly with one which would stimulate a revival of industry in the Special Areas. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies on this subject to be given to-day by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the project of a steelworks in Jarrow is in great jeopardy owing to the unreasonable attitude adopted in certain quarters, and will he do all he can to see that these men, who have been trained to steelwork, are given an opportunity of resuming their normal employment?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will await the answers to later questions on the subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the erection of such a plant would be uneconomical and have the effect of throwing men on Tees-side out of work?

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he has taken any steps to remove the hindrances which have prevented the rebuilding of the steelworks at Jarrow-on-Tyne during the past 18 months; and, if not, whether, in view of the admitted inability of the present steelworks to produce the growing requirements of the country, he will see that such hindrances are removed;

(2) whether, seeing that the proposals for the steelworks at Jarrow are proceeding in the normal course, he will see what help can be given to the financing of this scheme; and that no financial hindrance be placed in the way of those desirous of raising capital for the revival of this industry?

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is aware that this country could, it is computed. when on full production, annually absorb 3,000,000 tons of basic bessemer steel, but that only 10 per cent. of s such steel is at present produced in this country; and whether he will take steps to further the erection of steelworks on the Tyne to increase the production of such material;

(2) whether he will consider preparing a scheme for the manufacture of steel with a variety of finishing processes which, whilst likely to be profitable in peace time, could be so equipped as to be available for the rapid production of armaments and munitions; and whether he will consider the claims of Jarrow-on-Tyne, one of the worst distressed areas, for the erection of such a plant forthwith.

The proposal for a new steelworks at Jarrow is a matter primarily for the interests concerned, who are, I understand, still considering the possibilities of a scheme. There has been no proposal that the Government should undertake the manufacture of steel as suggested by my hon. Friend the Member for Gateshead (Mr. Magnay), and I am not aware that difficulty has been 'caused by the failure of responsible promoters of a scheme to obtain capital.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that on the Special Areas Reconstruction Bill the Chancellor of the Exchequer stated, as one of the achievements of the Government, that these steel works have already been started?

Would it not be possible to take some further steps to elucidate the mystery as to why the scheme has been hindered for so long, and will my hon. and gallant Friend institute an inquiry at which the evidence of all parties concerned may be heard as to the reason for the delay, which is not only preventing unemployed workmen in Jarrow resuming employment, but keeping them definitely out of employment for 12 months longer than is necessary?

I hope there is no mystery to elucidate. If my hon. Friend has any representations to make, we should be very glad to hear them.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman interest himself in the matter, having regard to the declaration of the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

The Government do not intend to set up the steel works on their own.

asked the Minister of Labour under what section of the Unemployment Insurance Act the means test is applied to a man in receipt of statutory unemployment benefit; and under what section of the Act the Employment Exchanges are requiring men to explain how they spend the money they receive as insurance benefit?

As my hon. Friend explained, in reply to the hon. Member's question on 21st May, no form of means test is applied to claimants for unemployment benefit. If, as I presume, the inquiries to which the hon. Member refers are made in connection with claims for dependant's benefit they arise out of the provision in Section 37, Sub-section (2), of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1935, which requires the claimant, in respect of certain classes of dependants, to show that the dependant is wholly or mainly maintained by him.

Is the idea of the committee which the right hon. Gentleman announced in answer to the Question No. 10 to direct people how to spend their money when they are in receipt of statutory benefit?

That committee was much sought by Members on the other side of the House.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to state the names of the members of the committee which is to advise on the methods to be adopted in the collection by means of family budgets of information as to working-class expenditure?

The following have been appointed to be a committee to advise the Minister of Labour as to the methods to be adopted in the collection of information, by means of family budgets, showing the approximate average weekly expenditure of working-class families on the items which should be taken into account in the construction of index numbers, designed to measure the percentage changes, from month to month, in the cost of maintaining a present-day standard of living:

• Mr. F. W. Leggett, C.B., Principal Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Labour (Chairman).
• Mr. J. N. Beckett, Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Health;
• Mr. F. J. Blakemore, O.B.E., J.P., Past President of the National Chamber of Trade;
• Professor A. L. Bowley, Sc.D., F.B.A., Professor of Statistics, University of London;
• Mr. H. Crow, O.B.E., Principal, Scottish Office;
• Mrs. W. Y. Darling, wife of Councillor W. Y. Darling, Edinburgh;
• Mrs. C. S. Ganley, J.P., L.C.C., a member of the Management Committee of the London Co-operative Society;
• Mr. J. Hallsworth, representing the Trades Union Congress General Council;
• Dr. J. M. Hamill, O.B.E., M.D., D.Sc., Senior Medical Officer, Ministry of Health;
• Mr. C. T. Houghton, Assistant Secretary, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries;
• Mr. W. A. B. Iliff, M.B.E., Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Northern Ireland;
• Mr. D. Caradog Jones, M.A., Lecturer in Social Statistics, University of Liverpool, and Director of the Social Survey of Merseyside;
• Mr. Kenelm Kerr, O.B.E., representing the National Confederation of Employers' Organisations;
• Mr. E. C. Ramsbottom, O.B.E., Director of Statistics, Ministry of Labour.

The secretary to the committee will be Mr. J. G. Cannell, Ministry of Labour, Queen Anne's Chambers, Broadway, Westminster, S.W.I.

In view of the fact that this committee is to consider the question of family budgets, is it not a little hard to have on it so few women and so many men? It is scandalous.

I should have thought that the Noble Lady would be very pleased with two ladies.

Certainly not.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say where this mass demonstration is to be held?

Are there any representatives of producers on the committee or do the members represent only distributors and consumers

If the hon. Gentleman will study the list he will see that the committee is representative of all points of view.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he proposes to introduce at an early date legislation to amend the Police Pensions Acts?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which the Parliamentary Under-Secretary gave on Thursday last to the hon. and gallant Member for Birkenhead, West (Lieut.-Colonel Sande-man Allen).

Is it not a fact that the proposals of the Statutory Police Council were accepted by the right hon. Gentleman's Department in 1931, and when does he propose to introduce legislation?

I can assure the hon. Member that if he will look at the answer already given to another question, he will fit d that his question is answered.

asked the Home Secretary the number of police in the Metropolitan police area engaged upon traffic duty as at the last convenient date, as compared with the corresponding date in 1931; and whether he has any proposals under consideration for an alteration in the present strength of traffic police?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on Thursday last to the hon. and gallant Member for Birkenhead, West (Lieut.-Colonel Sandeman Allen).

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the activities of the German secret service in this country, directed against individuals lawfully resident here, as partially disclosed in the Wesemann trial in Switzerland; what steps he is taking, or will take, to put a stop to such activities; and whether he will hold an investigation and report thereupon to the House?

Such activities are, of course, closely watched by the responsible authoritites. Appropriate action would be taken in any case where it was considered expedient. It would not, however, be in the public interests to detail the measures which are taken by the authorities to deal with activities of this kind.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the results of the policy that the Germans have pursued in Austria, Danzig, and the Saar, and will he inform Lord Londonderry that we are suspicious of his week-end party?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to say anything regarding the case of Warder J. Jelly, of Wandsworth Prison?

On the morning of a day on which this officer was due to perform duty as a trade instructor, he stated that he had undertaken to attend at St. James's Hospital to give a, blood transfusion, and applied for leave to be absent from duty from 11 to 12 for this purpose. His application was made without previous warning, and, as the absence without notice of an officer detailed for essential duties seriously dis-organises the arrangements for the custody and employment of prisoners, he was told that he was not entitled to commit himself to an engagement during his hours of duty. The Governor explained the position to the hospital authorities by telephone, and on learning that it would be difficult to obtain a substitute at short notice, the Governor agreed, as an exceptional case, to allow Officer Jelly to absent himself from duty in order to attend at the hour named. The officer on being so informed then refused to go, but I understand he subsequently attended the hospital during his dinner hour. On the following day he addressed to the Prison Commissioners a letter of protest couched in such terms that they could only regard it as insubordinate and as indicating that the officer did not appreciate his special responsibilities as trade instructor. In view of the terms of this letter, the Commissioners decided that he should no longer be employed as a trade instructor but should revert to discipline duty. The officer has since been interviewed, at his own request, by a Commissioner and an Assistant Commissioner of Prisons; but after reviewing the matter in the light of his representations, the Commissioners have found no reason to modify their original decision.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the recent raid by a body of Fascists upon the rooms of the Social Credit Party at Liverpool, and the attack upon three young lads, two of whom had to be removed to hospital by the police, and in view of other recent acts of violence by Fascists, he will give consideration to the suppression of the Fascists organisation and prevent their attempt to usurp the powers of civil authority and to introduce methods of terrorism?

As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the Liverpool police have taken energetic measures to trace those responsible for this alleged assault, and four persons have been committed for trial at Liverpool Assizes to be held on 9th June.

Is the Minister aware that the leader of this group, this would-be dictator, perambulates the country with a gang of bruisers, and at public meetings persons who put perfectly orderly questions are subjected to maltreatment, which often results in the effusion of blood?

As regards the subject matter of the hon. Member's question on the Paper, I think the fact that four persons have been committed for trial and will be tried at the Assizes probably justifies us in waiting to see what is the result.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a man, while attending the Stratford Employment Exchange on 22nd May, was arrested by an officer in plain clothes on the ground that the numbers of his bicycle were not decipherable; that the man told the police officer he had owned the cycle for over four years; that he was requested to accompany the police officer to West Ham police station, where he was detained for two hours, and asked to sign a statement that he would appear at the station on Wednesday next or find a security of £5; why this man's bicycle was detained, although the police had evidence that he had lived in the neighbourhood for 40 years and was well known as a dock labourer; and whether he will ensure that this man's cycle is restored to him and compensation paid for any loss sustained?

I have obtained reports on this case from the Commissioner of Police, and am satisfied that the police had prima facie ground for the action they took; they have had many complaints of stolen cycles in Stratford, but I am glad to say that the police inquiry showed that this was not one of them. The man concerned was at the police station for just over an hour; his cycle was restored to him on 26th instant, an apology has been tendered to him for the inconvenience to which he was put, and he will be refunded such fares as he had to pay in seeking work while he was without his cycle.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the suggestion to build large underground car-parking garages in the congested areas of London and other cities; and whether he will consider the desirability of taking immediate steps to ensure that these buildings are erected in such a manner as to make them quickly and easily convertible into large scale gas- and bomb-proof shelters for the use of the civil population in the event of war?

The cost of making underground garages proof against direct hits by high explosive bombs would be prohibitive, except in very special circumstances. The whole question of air raid shelters affording protection against gas and splinters from high explosive bombs is, however, under examination at the moment, and the possibility of making use of underground garages and of rendering them, and other places of shelter gas-proof and splinter-proof will be considered. The results will be embodied in an Air Raid Precautions Handbook on "Structural Precautions against Bombs and Gas." In the meantime, my Department would be glad to advise the architects of any proposed underground garages and to recommend the extent to which such garages should be used as shelters, having regard to the various considerations of safety involved.

Does the hon. Gentleman know what proportion of the population could be sheltered in this fashion?

I could not say, but I should not suppose that it is a very great proportion.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air when a report may be expected from the committee set up to consider methods of defence against air attacks?

The committee and the scientists and others who are associated with it are continuously at work, but it would not be in the public interest to disclose the lines on which work is proceeding.

Are they presenting interim reports from time to time?

The report is to be presented to the Committee of Imperial Defence.

Is the report to be published or not?

I could not answer that.

asked the Home Secretary the number of offenders convicted for exceeding a speed limit in the year 1935 whose licence was not endorsed for some special reason, and the total number of convictions for exceeding the speed limit during the same period?

During the year ended 31st December, 1935, the total number of convictions resulting from all charges of exceeding a speed limit was 108,571. As a result of these convictions 246 driving licences were suspended, and 57,103 licences were endorsed but not suspended. These figures are given in the Return for 1935 of Offences Relating to Motor Vehicles, which was presented to Parliament on 25th May. That will be published this week.

Does not my right hon. Friend think that there is a danger in this case of the provisions of the Act of 1934 being administered so that the rule becomes the exception and the exception the rule?

I am obliged to my hon. Friend for calling attention to that point, and I will look at the figures from that point of view.

asked the Home Secretary the number of persons convicted of the offence of careless driving during the year 1935 whose licence was not endorsed for some special reason, and the total number of convictions for careless driving during the same period?

During the year ended 31st December, 1935, charges of careless driving resulted in 19,482 convictions. As a result of these convictions 1,025 driving licences were suspended, and 8,081 licences were endorsed but not suspended. These figures are given in the Return I referred to in reply to the last question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of them were alcoholically sober —

The Noble Lady must give notice of that question.

It is only one supplementary, Mr. Speaker.

asked the Minister of Transport when the road widening at the northern end of Ladbroke Grove, where it joins Harrow Road, will be completed?

It is anticipated that this work will be completed in about 12 months' time.

asked the Minister of Transport what stage the negotiations have reached in connection with the eastward extension of Western Avenue through North Kensington; and when it is contemplated that they will be completed?

I am informed that the London County Council expect shortly to invite tenders for constructing a road bridge over the railway between Wood Lane and Latimer Road. I am conferring with the county council about the extension of Western Avenue further eastwards, but until agreement has been reached with the authorities concerned, I cannot say when this further extension will be commenced.

Will the right hon. Gentleman hasten the matter as much as possible because, if there is any considerable delay, it will hold up a very desirable housing improvement scheme in Kensington?

That is my hope and my desire.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the scheme submitted to the Ministry some years ago for a road right through to Wanstead?

Certainly, I am in consultation with the London County Council.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is now in a position to make a statement about the proposal to erect a bridge across the River Humber; and, if not, when he will be able to do so?

At the moment I am unable to say more than that the proposal is under examination by my Department.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the facts disclosed recently at the Clerkenwell Police Court respecting the issue of cover notes and the irregular taking of premiums for the insurance of motor vehicles; whether he operates the Assurance Companies Act, 1935, so as to prevent the practices complained of; and, if the Act does not provide him with the necessary power, will he introduce appropriate amending legislation?

This was a case where premiums were misappropriated by an agent. The insurance company concerned accepted liability, and I do not think that the case affords any ground for amending legislation.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of fulltime students at the Royal College of Art during the last completed year, and the number who, having completed their course of training, are known to have since obtained industrial employment as designers or art workers.

The number of full-time students at the Royal College of Art in the session 1934–35 was 376. Of the 101 students who left the college at the end of the session having obtained their diploma, 21 are known to have taken up work as designers or art workers for industry or commerce, either in full-time appointments or as free lances. In addition, a number of students who took up part-time posts as teachers are believed also to be practising as designers.

Will the Minister say whether — [Interruption]

I am afraid that I could not hear the hon. Member's supplementary question. Perhaps he will give me notice of it.

Will the Minister say whether the college is being carried on upon the lines for which it was originally founded?

asked the President of the Board of Education the average cost per child in average attendance in the elementary schools in Chislehurst, Kent, and similar information for Monmouthshire?

The Board have no information as to the average cost per child in average attendance in the elementary schools in Chislehurst, which is not a separate administrative unit. For the county of Kent it was £14 16s. 10d. in 1935–36 and for Monmouthshire £13 13s. 6d.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the importance to the welfare of school-children of school premises having good ventilation, heating, water supply, sanitation, and playgrounds, he will cause a survey to be made of all school premises in county areas, in order to furnish information as to the number of school premises, provided and non-provided, respectively, in which unsatisfactory conditions obtain in any or all of the following respects: supply of water for drinking or for lavatory purposes; sanitary arrangements and cloakrooms; lighting, natural and artificial; ventilation; playgrounds; and damp walls and other structural disrepair?

The development of reorganisation, to which the board have called attention in Circular 1444, will during the next two years necessitate a survey of school penises from the point of view of the part which they are to play in the schemes for their districts. A survey of this nature will, I hope, achieve all the results the Noble Lady has in mind.

asked the Minister of Health the total of the loan debt of local authorities in South Wales and Monmouthshire?

At 31st March, 1934—the latest date for which complete figures are available—the net outstanding debt of the local authorities referred to was £51,934,381, of which £36,476,898 related to housing, small dwellings acquisition and trading services.

Have any of these loans been incurred without the consent of the Ministry of Health?

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the large increase in loan debt in South Wales and Monmouthshire, he will refuse his permission for further borrowing for a period of five years, unless it is a matter of urgency; and, before giving his sanction for further borrowing by local authorities, will lie have regard to the probable life of the area concerned as an industrial centre?

It is my policy, in considering applications for sanction to loans, to have regard to the financial position of the authority and to the industrial prospects of the area. In the case of local authorities with high rates whose financial position is difficult, loans are sanctioned only for urgent purposes.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that those loans are in part due to the effect of the Government's policy upon South Wales?

asked the Minister of Health whether he will introduce legislation to amend Section 239 of the Local Government Act, 1933, in order to ensure that whether county boroughs elect a system of district audit or of audit by professional accountants the ratepayers of county boroughs shall have the same right of inspection and objection to accounts as is at present enjoyed by ratepayers in other areas under Sections 224 and 266?

Auditors other than district auditors do not possess powers of disallowance and surcharge, and the amending legislation suggested would not, in my view, be apposite. My hon. Friend is, no doubt, aware that rights of inspection are conferred on local government electors and other persons in county boroughs as well as elsewhere by Section 283 of the Local Government Act, 1933.

Is it not a fact that certain local authorities have a preference for one of these methods because it avoids publicity more than does the other?

I would not like to give an answer to a general question of that kind.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the desirability of encouraging the consumption of fish and of the frequent practice of throwing this commodity back into the sea when there is no market, he can state whether fish is included in the diet of persons in publicly-maintained institutions; and, if so, to what extent?

The dietaries in institutions maintained by local authorities do not require my approval; but as a result of recent inquiries I understand that it is the practice of the majority of authorities to provide the inmates of public assistance institutions with a fish dinner once a week. In addition, fish is frequently provided for breakfast in children's homes.

Will my right hon. Friend persuade his colleagues at the Admiralty, the War Office and the Air Ministry to follow his example?

asked the Minister of Health whether he can now make a statement on the question of the instructions issued by the public assistance committee of the Staffordshire County Council to the masters of all the Poor Law institutions within their area to search all inmates on their return from leave of absence?

I understand that this instruction has now been withdrawn, and a revised instruction issued, directing masters to guard against inmates introducing to the institution Articles which are prohibited by the Statutory Orders and Regulations affecting Poor Law institutions in the county.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the protests submitted to him respecting the proposed demolition of picturesque houses in the village of Finchingfield, Essex; and whether he will take steps to see that, while adequate and suitable provision of working-class accommodation is encouraged, no unnecessary destruction of rural beauty and amenities takes place in that district?

I have received representations with regard to the orders to which the hon. Member refers. I have directed an inquiry into these orders, and pending consideration of the report of my inspector it would not be proper for me to make any statement on the particular orders. The hon. Member may, however, rest assured that I am fully alive to the importance of the considerations mentioned in the second part of the question.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has any further statement to make relative to the London County Council (Housing Site) Bill and the decision of the London County Council as regards the alternative offer made by the Hon. Arthur Villiers to enable the council to add to Hackney Marshes suitable adjoining land and so free an equivalent area of the marshes for use as a housing site?

Yes, Sir. I am informed that the London County Council at a meeting held on Tuesday last accepted the offer made by Mr. Villiers, and expressed their cordial appreciation of the public spirit which he has displayed. I should like to congratulate the council upon their successful efforts to assist the solution of the difficult problem of housing in East London without reducing the area of public open space in that district, and to express again my appreciation of the generous attitude adopted by Mr. Villiers. I wish also to acknowledge the valuable contribution made by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for South Hackney (Mr. H. Morrison) towards the settlement of this complex question.

May I be permitted, if the House will forgive me, to say that all parties to the dispute are much indebted to the Minister of Health for the successful result?

Can the Minister assure the House that the legal protection granted to open spaces and playing fields has been strengthened, and not weakened by this settlement?

indicated assent.

asked the Minister of Health how many local authorities in England and Wales have made application for Exchequer grants in aid of accommodation to be provided, otherwise than in blocks of flats on expensive sites, for the abatement of overcrowding under the terms of Section 32 of the Housing Act, 1935: and also the number and amount of the grants approved by him under that Section up to the end of April, 1936?

Applications for subsidy under the Section cited by the hon. Member have been received from 23 local authorities, in respect of 1921 houses. Without in any way delaying the erection of the houses, it has been necessary in most cases to defer the decision on the subsidy question until further information is available, but subsidy amounting to £1,014 per annum for 20 years has been definitely granted in respect of 270 houses.

asked the Minister of Health whether he proposes to issue a publication, with typical plans of large houses containing four and five bedrooms, for the assistance of local authorities in connection with their statutory duty to provide suitable alternative accommodation under the terms of the Housing Act, 1935, for large families at present living under overcrowded conditions?

The question raised by the hon. Member is at present under consideration. In the meantime, my Department have type plans of large houses which are available for the guidance of local authorities.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that the period of quarantine enforced on a midwife after attending a case of puerperal fever is long enough to ensure safety in attending succeeding cases?

The period of suspension in these cases is that laid down in the rules made by the Central Midwives Board, and I have no reason to suppose that it is insufficient.

Have representations been made to the right hon. Gentleman by the medical profession asking that he should look into that question?

That question had better be put down.

asked the Minister of Health, whether he is satisfied that inoculation against diphtheria is such a proved success as to warrant advising compulsory use?

I am satisfied that artificial immunisation against diphtheria is based on sound scientific principles and has proved of value, but I should not be prepared to advise that its use should be made compulsory.

asked the Minister of Health the mortality rate from bronchitis in the year 1935 in the following administrative counties: Carmarthen, Glamorgan, Monmouth, and Brecknock; and the comparative rate for England and Wales?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Health whether attendance at a juvenile instruction centre is accepted by him as satisfying the condition of full-time instruction at a day school for the payment of additional allowances or orphans' pensions under the Contributory Pensions Acts, 1925 to 1935?

Attendance at a juvenile instruction centre is normally accepted as qualifying a child for an additional allowance or orphan's pension, but the special circumstances of a particular case may make it an exception to the general rule. If the hon. Member has a specific case in mind and will let me have particulars, I will be glad to look into it.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the desirability of publishing a list of those local authorities whose employés receive special facilities for attending camp if they are members of the Territorial Army; and a list of those local authorities who have decided not to give such facilities?

I regret that this information is not in my possession.

asked the Minister of Health the statutory authority under which the Barnsley magistrates have recently made an order requiring a man to contribute towards the support of his married daughter who happens to be an inmate of a mental institution, and who is also supported by her husband?

I presume that the magistrates' order was made under the authority of Section 19 (2) of the Poor Law Act, 1930. That Sub-section enables public assistance authorities to obtain, on complaint to a petty sessional court, orders of maintenance upon the relations liable to maintain a poor person, and the father is included, by Section 14 of the Act, among the relations so liable.

Can the Minister state whether the magistrates are in order, or otherwise?

I should not like to state that.

If the Minister cannot tell us the answer to that question, how are we to know the position of magistrates?

If the hon. Gentleman will kindly put a question down, I will try to give him an answer.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Import Duties Advisory Committee have only explored the possibility of voluntary undertakings regarding purchases of home-grown barley being given by the industrial consuming interests; and whether he will now consider requiring the industrial consuming interests to give something more than voluntary undertakings with regard to their purchases of home-grown barley?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture on 21st May to a question by the hon. Member for South-West Norfolk (Mr. De Chair) of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, seeing that it is possible for the largest pot-distilling company in this country to use only home-grown barley, he will take steps to compel other pot-distilling companies to use home-grown barley so long as it is obtainable?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture on 21st May to a question by the hon. Member for Norfolk, South-West (Mr. De Chair).

I have already referred to the question of 21st May, but it does not seem to deal with my question at all.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the importance of the latest methods of grass drying to dairy farmers; and whether, in view of the high cost of the implements required, he will consider giving facilities to farmers for borrowing money to buy dryers, loaders, mowers, and tractors for this new process?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In reply to the second part, I do not think it is necessary to propose to the House that the existing credit facilities available to agriculturists should be increased for the purpose suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is now in a position to say when he proposes to bring before Parliament an amending Bill to the Land Drainage Act, 1930, in order to deal with the unfair incidence of agricultural drainage rating?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Mr. Liddall) on 18th May, of which I am sending him a- copy.

Is the Minister aware of the gross injustice to large numbers of occupiers of small cottage property in various drainage areas where the rates are as high as 4s. 9d. in the pound on one-third of the annual value; and does not he think that the urgency of the matter is sufficient to justify something being done about it?

Yes, Sir; but it is not necessary to assume that it must be done by further legislation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the rates of wages now being paid to the various classes of employés in the Ely beet-sugar factory; and whether these are in accordance with the rates required by the Sugar Industry (Reorganisation) Act?

I am having inquiries made into these matters, and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

Is the Minister aware that there is discrimination in the rates paid to men doing the same work; and will he see that such discrimination is abolished now that the Act is in force?

I will inquire into all the relevant circumstances.

Will this information be printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

Not unless another question is put down.

asked the Prime Minister when he proposes to issue the White Paper in connection with the Mines Bill; and whether it is proposed to proceed with the Bill?

I should be glad if the hon. Member would be good enough to await the

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer with what object an embargo has, so far as is practicable, been placed upon forward

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the National Debt of the United Kingdom for the year 1930–31 and each respective year up to the latest available date?

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table which includes the figures asked for.

Is not all this information contained in the Financial Statement, and in the Statistical Abstract for the United Kingdom?

There has been no alteration recently in the state of affairs which has prevailed for a considerable time past. The market is well aware that the authorities do not regard with favour non-commercial transactions of a type which increase the risk of currency manipulation and of speculative excesses. So far as I am aware, the market as a whole is in agreement with this attitude.

Is it not very desirable that, in the interests of the position of the City of London, all markets should be kept as free as possible?

It is desirable that markets should be kept free, but this particular form of transaction is one which the market, I think on the whole, agrees ought to be to some extent restricted.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what grounds bullion brokers have been requested to refrain in future from buying gold coins at a premium compared with their metallic value and from selling gold coins for hoarding purposes?

The request was made to reduce opportunities for hoarding. There is no hoarding of gold coins by people in this country, and it is not in the general interest that our market should offer facilities to enable foreigners to indulge in the practice.

Surely this request must have been made at the instance of the Bank of France. It does not affect us, but is it not another instance of restriction upon a free market and, before any further restrictions are imposed, will the Treasury give some information to this House, because it is getting rather serious?

I will only deny the hon. Member's assumption that this request was made at the instance of any foreign authority. It was not.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Exchange Equalisation Fund is being used to maintain the external value of the French franc at its present artificial rate; and, if so, why?

The answer is in the negative. The Exchange Equalisation Account has never been used for any other purpose than its proper business of minimising fluctuations in sterling.

If the French Government found it necessary in the future to devalue the franc, would we give them any necessary co-operation and assistance in our power?

The question seems to be somewhat hypothetical, but I feel that my right hon. Friend would not think it proper to make any statement regarding the currency affairs of another Power.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any statement to make with regard to the recent reduction in bank deposits with the Bank of England; and whether he can give an assurance that his policy of cheap money will be main-tained?

I assume that the hon. Member has in his mind the changes in the figures in some very recent weekly returns of the Bank of England. These changes are seasonal and temporary, and have no bearing on the question of our cheap money policy which has undergone no alteration. The hon. Member will see from the returns that if bankers' deposits happen to be somewhat lower than usual, public deposits are abnormally high. That is, of course, in preparation for 2nd June, when the Treasury have to pay out a sum of considerably more than £30,000,000 in the form of a half-yearly dividend on the War Loan.

Can I take it that his right hon. Friend will bear in mind this whole question of cash at the Bank of England and these deposits, so that the opinion, which is widely held, as to the danger of the cheap money policy being reversed, will be definitely disposed of?

Certainly; all relevant considerations will be borne in mind by my right hon. Friend in this matter. I should like to get it clear that there is no alteration in our policy of cheap money.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to prevent the granting of new British credits to Germany outside the Standstill Agreement;

(2) whether he has satisfied himself, as the result of appropriate inquiries, that no new credits to Germany, outside the Standstill Agreement, have been made within the past 12 months by any British insurance company, acceptance house, or other financial institution?

My right hon. Friend has no legal powers to prevent the granting of new British credits to Germany outside the Standstill Agreement, or to demand information whether such credits have been granted in any particular instance. Moreover, he desires to see ordinary trade maintained and, if possible, increased under the existing Trade Agreement with Germany. As he has previously stated, he has no statutory powers of compelling information to be given to him, but from inquiries he has made he is satisfied that there is no foundation for the suggestion that German rearmament is being financed by credits given in the City of London. I may repeat what he has said before, that he would strongly deprecate the granting of British credit in any form for such a purpose.

In view of the conflict between the answer which the hon. Gentleman has given and what is commonly said in City circles, if evidence should be given to the Treasury that particular financiers or insurance companies are in fact lending money to Germany under this provision, will the Treasury take steps to deal with the matter, and seek powers?

I am not in any way responsible for what may be commonly said in the City of London, but I would certainly answer the hon. Gentleman that, if he has any instances in mind on which this sort of rumour is based, and if he will furnish them to my right hon. Friend, the matter will be investigated.

Will not the policy of His Majesty's Government in this matter depend on circumstances as they arise from time to time?

Every policy depends on that to some extent.

Is it not the case that the Bank of England and the City can only use this credit because they have the backing of the British Government; and, if that is the case, surely the Chancellor of the Exchequer has the power, and can exercise that power against giving credits?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, among the employés of the tax offices of the country, there are any in receipt of less than £2 per week; and whether, in that case, he can give details?

The full-time staff of the Chief Inspector of Taxes in the Inland Revenue Department includes 426 persons who are in receipt of less than £2 per week. Of these, 32 are established male officers, who are all below the age of 18; 337 are established female officers, who are all below the age of 20. The remaining officers are employed on a temporary basis.

Is any consideration being given to enhancing these rates?

I have indicated in my reply that the great bulk of the cases which I have mentioned are those of very junior appointments, and I think that that should satisfy the hon. Member.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that there are civil servants with 16 years' service who are without pension rights coming in the category of age-barred officers; and whether he will review the regulations so as to remove this disability from civil servants with long records of service?

My hon. Friend has presumably in mind the case of those clerks originally engaged in a temporary capacity who on the occasion of recent reviews were not admitted to the pensionable establishment on the ground that they could not complete by the age of 60 the 10 years' reckonable service required by Statute for the grant of a pension. In those cases where the service approaches 16 years, opportunities have been afforded at an earlier age of obtaining establishment through special competition, and I am unable to modify the rule in their favour.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, how many men and women, respectively, have been promoted to the administrative class from other classes of the Civil Service during the last five years and to which Departments they have been appointed?

Particulars of promotions to the rank of assistant principal, that is, the junior rank of the administrative class, during the five years ended the 31st March, 1936, are contained in a table which I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT. No central record is kept of the promotions to the higher ranks of the administrative class, and I am not, therefore, in a position to supply my hon. Friend with information under this head.

Can the Financial Secretary assure the House that, although the Government will not give equal pay for equal work in the Civil Service, at least there will be equal opportunities of advancement for men and women?

Yes, Sir; equal opportunities are given for promotion.