asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has now consulted the Tramp Shipping Administrative Committee as to the validity of lascar agreements on ships in respect of which subsidy has been claimed; and, if so, with what result?

I am not aware of any reason for consulting the committee on this subject, but I may remind the hon. Member that lascar agreements are Indian Government agreements signed in India under the supervision of the Indian Government's representatives.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman given the House to understand that the Maritime Board's agreements are the agreements which have to be met before the collection of the subsidy; and is he not now saying that he is extending these agreements to lascar agreements made in India for which the Maritime Board have no responsibility at all?

Never at any time have I suggested that the Maritime Board have any responsibility. I have made quite clear on more than one occasion that these are Indian Government agreements.

Why did the right hon. Gentleman say that he accepts them as conforming to the Maritime Board's agreements? The condition of the subsidy is that maritime rates are paid to British subjects.

The hon. Member is mistaken in imagining that the Maritime Board agreements apply in these cases.

The point I want to get is this: Will the right hon. Gentleman see that maritime rates are enforced for all British seamen employed as a condition of receiving the subsidy?

Excepting for lascars, in this case as in all others with which I have dealt in answer to questions, the British Government agreements apply.

Is not that a complete evasion of the whole spirit of the regulations governing the shipping subsidy agreement?

Nothing of the kind. It is a repetition of what has been said many times before.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in arranging charters of vessels for use by other Departments, commission is charged; if so, whether such commission is treated as a revenue of the Board of Trade; and whether commission is paid to others concerned in the charters?

The only vessels chartered by the Board of Trade for other Departments are for the Defence Departments and the India Office. For these charterings no commission is charged or paid, but the cost of the services rendered by the Board of Trade in connection with these services is recovered from the Departments concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is proposed to establish wireless direction-finding facilities for shipping in Shetland; and, if so, when?

I am informed by the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses that they are considering the question of proposing in their estimates for 1937–38 provision for the establishment of a radio beacon in Shetland.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of the timber imported into the United Kingdom from the Soviet Union in the year 1933 was carried in British ships?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of the tonnage of the shipping chartered to bring timber from the Soviet Union to Great Britain during this season is British?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to secure the introduction into the Anglo-Russian Trade Agreement of a clause to ensure that a definite percentage of the timber imported into Great Britain from the Soviet Union should in future be carried in British ships chartered in the United Kingdom?

There are no official statistics on this subject. Particulars collected by the Chamber of Shipping in respect of nearly 75 per cent. of the total imports of Russian timber to the United Kingdom in the first nine months of 1935 showed that 16 per cent. of those imports by weight were brought in British ships. On the available information the present position of British shipping in the timber trade between Russia and this country is not satisfactory, and the matter has recently been discussed with the Soviet trade representative in this country with the object of seeing what steps can be taken to improve the position.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to make a statement shortly as a result of these discussions?

I am not sure how soon it will be possible to do that. The point is now under discussion between ourselves and the Russian representative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the claims against the Hearts of Oak Assurance Company, Limited, which is in liquidation, have now been settled; and, if not, when will the liquidator be in a position to settle?

Practically all the claims against the company have now been dealt with, and I understand that the liquidator hopes to declare a dividend at an early date.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he has taken to invite the observations of the industries affected on the subject of the revisions of the Ottawa Agreements; the names of the organisations with which he has communicated on the subject; and the final date fixed for the receipt of their replies?

Preliminary discussions with a view to the revision of the Ottawa Agreement with Canada will begin shortly. The Association of British Chambers of Commerce, the Federation of British Industries, and the National Union of Manufacturers, as well as a number of bodies representing particular industries, have been invited to furnish their observations to the Board of Trade by 19th June. I shall, of course, be happy to consider observations submitted by any interested parties. The question of consultation in connection with the possible revision of the Ottawa Agreements with other parts of the Empire does not arise at present.

Will the right hon. Gentleman allow the agricultural interests to submit their observations?

Certainly. If they have any observations to make I shall be only too glad to listen to them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also listen to representations from organisations representing the consumers?

If the hon. Member will tell me to which organisations he refers I can give him an answer.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make a special point of consulting the National Farmers' Union?

If the National Farmers' Union have representations to make, I am sure they are vocal enough to make them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, thanks to the provisions of the trade agreement made with Argentina in 1933, the value of the export of Bradford woollens and worsteds to that country increased by nearly 100 per cent. between 1932 and 1935; and whether, in negotiating for new agreement, he will keep in mind the desirability of securing a continuation of the same favourable conditions of sale and sterling payment for British exporters?

Yes, Sir; I will certainly keep this matter in mind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make a statement with regard to the progress of the reorganisation up to the present time of the iron and steel trade and the proposals to be carried out in the near future?

Information as to the progress of reorganisation of the iron and steel industry has been published in the various reports of the Import Duties Advisory Committee which have been laid before Parliament, and further information will be contained in the White Paper shortly to be issued in connection with Clause 6 of the Finance Bill. As announced in the Press from time to time, important schemes of development have taken and are taking place, and further schemes are under active consideration in the industry.

Has not the claim that if adequate protection were given to this industry prices in the home market would rapidly rise proved to be unfounded, and that the price level in the home market is almost static?

The information for which the hon. Member asks is in the White Paper.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is satisfied that the output of the iron and steel industry in this country, together with

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that although, according to the cost-of-living index figures, the average increase in price foodstuffs on 1st May, 1936, compared with July, 1914, was 25 per cent., the price of fish was 107 per cent., milk 73 per cent., and potatoes 65 per cent. above the prices of July, 1914; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

I am aware of these figures. The considerations involved cannot be dealt with satisfactorily within the limits of a Parliamentary answer, but I can assure the hon. Member that the interests of consumers in relation to these foodstuffs are being, and will continue to

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of the imports into the United Kingdom from British Colonies and Protectorates for the year 1935 and the value of the exports from the United Kingdom to British Colonies and Protectorates for the same period?

As the answer is in the form of a tabular statement, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that where there has been such alarming increases in the prices of commodities some inquiry should take place, particularly as many people feel that the increases are largely due to the recent action of the Government?

If the hon. Member will let me know what increases he regards as alarming I will look into the matter.

Is it not time that we had a discussion in the House on the whole question of food supplies in order to find out what the position really is?

Can the full story be told unless allowance is made for the tremendous increase in wages and benefits?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has under consideration any scheme by which officers of the Army can be given the opportunity of life insurance on advantageous terms?

No, Sir. This question has been very carefully considered on more than one occasion, when it was decided that the general life insurance of officers is a matter in which the War Office should not intervene.

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to an arrangement recently entered into by the Admiralty with three principal insurance offices by which advantageous terms are given for the insurance of naval officers? I suggest that that should be done for Army officers.

That may be so.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also see about the insurance of privates as well as the insurance of officers?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any information showing whether there is a better supply of recruits in those regiments, such as the Guards, which provide a smart walking-out kit for soldiers, as opposed to those regiments the ranks of which are only provided with a khaki uniform?

Recruiting is undoubtedly better for the Foot Guards than for the Infantry, but I do not think this can be attributed solely to the possession of full dress uniform. As a stimulant to recruiting generally, permission has recently been given for men of all regiments to "walk out" in blue uniform with coloured forage cap, and I am hoping that this, in conjunction with other measures that are being taken, will lead to the desired improvement in recruiting.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think the kind of speech he made yesterday is calculated to stimulate recruitment?

I hope so.

Is it not time the right hon. Gentleman stopped playing the role of bogy man?

I think it is time the Labour party made up its mind whether it wishes to encourage recruitment or discourage it.

Does the right hon. Gentleman wish the unemployed workers of this country to be coerced into the Army by hunger?

asked the Secretary of State for War what has been the expenditure on Press advertising during the past two years in order to stimulate Army recruiting; and whether he will consider the extended use of this medium to make up present deficiencies?

Approximately £3,500 was expended from Army funds on Press advertising for recruiting purposes, during the two years ended 31st March last. While I appreciate the value of this particular medium, and will not fail to bear in mind my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion, I do not at present propose to extend the use of Press advertising until greater experience has been gained of this and other forms of recruiting publicity now in operation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state, separately, the number of new married quarters that have been built for officers and other ranks during the five years ended to the last convenient date?

During the five years ended 31st March, 1936, the number of married quarters built for officers and other ranks was 121 and 801 respectively.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the progress which has been made?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the judgment of Lord Robertson on 3rd June last, in the petition of certain members of the Coat-bridge burgh police force, to the effect that an inquiry should be instituted as the only satisfactory way out of the difficulties that have arisen; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have drawn the attention of the town council who, in their statutory capacity as disciplinary authority, are responsible for considering complaints about the chief constable to certain features of the case, and have asked the town council to reconsider the whole position.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Scottish Office has made any progress regarding the proposal of the Glasgow Corporation for the removal of Duke Street prison and the conversion of the site into an open space for the recreation of adults and children; how many people are accommodated in Duke Street prison and what is the total accommodation

Two suitable sites have now been provisionally selected and active negotiations are in progress with a view to acquiring one of them. The number of prisoners in custody at Duke Street prison on the 11th instant was 75 females and 17 males. The prison has accommodation for 404 females and 159 males.

When is the demolition of the prison likely to take place, seeing that they have taken all these years to acquire the land on which to build further accommodation?

It is true that a long time has been occupied in finding a site, but two suitable sites are now being considered, and when a decision has been taken as to one of them, I hope very shortly afterwards the new prison may be erected.

Is the Minister aware that this building, situated as it is opposite the Cathedral, is a blot on the landscape and should be removed without further delay?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will state for each of the five rates of dietaries in use in Scottish prisons the approximate cost of the food supplied to the prisoners per day; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take to ensure that the law-abiding working classes shall be at least as well fed as the inmates of prisons, whose diet is prescribed by the regulations approved in June, 1931, and amended in August, 1932, and March, 1933?

The approximate wholesale cost of the ingredients of the items in the dietary rates per person per day in 1935 is as follows:

	d.
Rate I	4¾
Rate II	5
Rate III	5½
Rate IV	6¾
Rate V	8½

The cost would, of course, be higher if the ingredients had to be purchased at retail prices. In view of these figures, I am unable to accept the suggestion made in the last part of the question.

Has the right hon. Gentleman not been assured by his medical advisers in charge of these prisons that the prison population is better fed after a period in prison than it was before entering the prisons?

Not only the diet in the prison, but the regular life they lead and the work they do have some bearing on their physique.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that under the rates of dietaries supplied for use by governors of prisons in Scotland, the only class of inmates which is given a supply of fish on any one day of the week is the class of criminal lunatics and defectives, and that other classes of inmates have had the fish course discontinued since 1930; and whether he is prepared to arrange for the inclusion of fish in the rates of dietaries and the provision of proper facilities for cooking?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Prison dietary rates are at present under consideration and I shall bear in mind, in connection with this review, the suggestion made by the right hon. Member.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain why the only class which gets a guaranteed fish ration is the class of criminal lunatics and defectives?

Prisoners used to receive a fish ration, but in 1930, for reasons best known to the authorities in charge at that time, it was discontinued. I am looking into the matter.

Was not the reason for its discontinuance the fact that the prisoners would not eat boiled fish and demanded it fried?

I understand at that time most of the prisoners came from England.

Are herrings included with the other fish?

I will also look into that matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that in His Majesty's prison of Barlinnie, Glasgow, persons sent there for Borstal training are permitted to mix with criminals undergoing long terms of imprisonment; and what steps, if any, he is prepared to take to remedy this?

The persons referred to are mainly lads whose Borstal licences have been revoked because of convictions 0or serious misconduct while out on licence, and they are allowed to associate only with juvenile adult prisoners. When the new Male Borstal Institution, for which an initial instalment of £20,000 is provided in this year's Estimate of the Prisons Department for Scotland, is completed, all Borstal lads will be accommodated there.

What is the highest age of what the right hon. Gentleman describes as the juvenile adult prisoner?

Under 21.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of cases of scarlet fever notified from the districts and burghs of the county of Aberdeen each year from 1925 to 1935, inclusive; the number of these cases, each year, that were treated in county fever hospitals; and what, for each year, was the average time patients were retained in hospitals?

As the reply involves a table of figures I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many infectious diseases hospitals there were in the county of Aberdeen, excluding the city of Aberdeen, in the year 1930 and how many in the year 1935; and the number of beds available for infectious fever cases in 1930 and 1935 in the above hospitals?

The number of infectious diseases hospitals in the county of Aberdeen (excluding the city of Aberdeen) in the year 1930 was 12, and the number of beds available for infectious fever cases (exclusive of tuberculosis) was 155. In the year 1935, the corresponding numbers were five and 80. I may point out, however, that under arrangements now in force between the county and the city of Aberdeen the hospitals of the latter are available for county patients.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many beds were available for infectious diseases cases which come under the Infectious Diseases Act, 1889, in the counties of Scotland, including small burghs, in the years 1930 and 1935?

In 1930, there were available in infectious diseases hospitals in the counties of Scotland, including small burghs, approximately 2,850 beds for the treatment of patients suffering from infectious diseases; in 1935, there were approximately 3,000 beds.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any further statement to make regarding the provision of more adequate water supplies for the rural districts of Scotland?

I propose to await the report of the Committee on Scottish Health Services, which is expected shortly, before considering what action, if any, is necessary. Meanwhile, improvements are being carried out in a number of areas with the aid of grants under the Rural Water Supplies Act, 1934, or by the Commissioner for the Special Areas.

Has the committee concerned a special duty to examine the question of water supply in connection with housing?

Yes, that is directly included in its terms of reference.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any statement to make regarding the recent disputes in the herring trade as regards the questions of a minimum wage, curers' discount, and related matters?

I am glad to say that the different sections of the industry at Fraserburgh and Peterhead have settled the dispute by an arrangement whereby voluntary levies will be made available towards a minimum wage scheme; the Herring Industry Board have no funds which could be applied to such a scheme. As regards the question of curers' discount, a meeting will take place at Aberdeen to-morrow between the Herring Industry Board and the Curers' Association to discuss this dispute. The chairman and other members of the board have arranged to visit early next month the main herring ports in Scotland where fishing is in active progress, for the purpose of meeting the fishermen and other sections of the industry.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is 'aware that the president of the Scottish Kipperers' Association has advised the Herring Board of the sympathy with striking Scottish fishermen expressed at a meeting of canners, kipperers and freshers at Peterhead, and of their willingness to sustain a levy on all purchases to permit the claims of the fishermen to be met; and whether he will take steps to operate machinery which can take advantage of this proposal?

I am glad to say that the offer referred to in the first part of the question has been made and has contributed to the settlement mentioned in my answer to the previous question. Without an amendment of the existing herring industry scheme the board have no power to administer funds contributed by the industry to supplement fishermen's earnings, and therefore in present circumstances any such machinery can only be operated by the industry itself.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Herring Board has intimated to the Fraserburgh herring trade that they are approaching the Government with a view to having the scheme extended so as to permit of a wages scheme being countenanced by the Government; and if these approaches are made, will he take steps to see that the powers are given?

No such representations have yet reached me from the Herring Industry Board, but naturally any representations coming from that board will receive my most careful consideration.

Does the right hon. Gentleman understand that the voluntary agreement which was come to at Peterhead is likely to be extended and adopted on other parts of the coast?

A voluntary agreement would undoubtedly be more successful, and I hope that the practice followed at Fraserburgh and Peterhead may be developed in other ports.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the basis of county representation decided upon by the Pigs Marketing Board for their regional committees permits of the representation of every county in England and Wales on their appropriate regional committee while Scotland will have 15 counties unrepresented on any regional committee; and will he ascertain if special provision can be made for some representation covering these counties with a combined pig population of over 32,000?

I am aware of the arrangements made by the Pigs Marketing Board for setting up regional committees which, in Scotland as in England, will be composed of representatives for each county having a pig population of not less than 5,000. While on that basis certain counties in Scotland will not have direct representation on the committees, I understand that the total membership of the committees in Scotland will, in proportion to the total pig population for the country, be stronger numerically than that of the committees in England. The constitution of these committees is entirely a matter for the board. I have, however, brought the hon. Member's question to their notice.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that every county in England is represented upon those regional committees, and will he endeavour to ascertain whether a modification of the basis of representation cannot be arrived at in order to ensure that there shall be greater representation for Scotland?

That is a matter for the Board itself, but I have no doubt it will give consideration to the hon. Member's point of view.

As the right hon. Gentleman clearly explained that the pig population of Scotland is over-represented, will he take some of the representation away so as to be fair?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he proposes to take on the report of the Committee on the Training of Nurses?

I am not yet in a position to make any statement pending consideration of representations which have been received from various interested bodies and consultation with the General Nursing Council which is now taking place.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many officers from Barlinnie Prison have attended the Glasgow Technical College at State expense during the last 15 years to receive instruction in trades; and whether any of them had served apprenticeship in the trade in which they were receiving technical instruction?

No officers from Barlinnie Prison have attended Glasgow Technical College at the expense of the Prisons Department: during the last 15 years to receive instruction in trades. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the terms governing the granting of instructing allowances in the Scottish prisons; the details of the officers who receive an allowance for instructing prisoners, and the amounts paid; and whether these officers served an apprenticeship to the trades they are instructing prisoners?

In terms of their engagement on appointment, prisons officers may be required to give instruction or assistance in any trade with which they may be acquainted without extra remuneration; but exceptionally, where special circumstances so warrant, temporary allowances may be paid at the discretion of the Prisons Department. At the present time 63 officers draw allowances varying from 1s. 6d. to 6s. per week. With eight exceptions, these officers served a full apprenticeship to their trades.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that over 2,000 crans of herring were thrown back into the sea at Lerwick on 6th June and 300 crans thrown back into the sea at Peterhead on the same day; whether he has read the complaints made by school teachers in Highland schools at the Educational Institute Conference in Edinburgh on the same day, that they had to beg supplies of food and provide meals out of their own pockets to feed the school children in some of the Highland areas; and what steps he proposes to take to stop the destruction of food while children are in need of it and arrange for better organisation of the distribution of the food supplies?

I learned with regret of the two cases of dumping referred to in the first part of the question. As regards the second part of the question, there appears to be some misunderstanding because the provision of food for necessitous school children where not provided by voluntary agency is a duty on the education authority and the cost is not met by the teachers themselves, As regards the third part of the question, I would refer to the answers given to similar questions by the hon Member for Central Bradford (Mr. Leach) of 25th May, and the right hon. Member for West Stirling (Mr. Johnston) on 26th May.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman read the statement made at this conference of school teachers, and what steps is he taking to see that the education authorities in the Highland counties mentioned at that conference are doing their duty?

I have seen the statements that certain teachers in Highland schools had to provide meals for the children out of their own pockets, and also that they had to raise the money for the purpose by means of dances and in other ways. If there is any complaint of bad administration in any of these cases, I will look into it.

Has the right hon. Gentleman not read the phrase which was in one of the speeches delivered at the conference to the effect that the teachers had to put their hands in their pockets to provide these meals; and does not that show it was the teachers themselves who were providing money for that purpose?

I read that phrase in the newspaper account, but it is quite unnecessary for the teachers to do this unless they so desire.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the county councils do it?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that certain farms bought by the Department of Agriculture under the crofters' settlement scheme have, as in the case of the farm now known as the Cape Wrath Hotel, near Durness, Suther-landshire, became licensed premises for the sale of intoxicants; and whether in future he will take steps to make it a condition of transfer of property to be used as crofter club farms that they shall not be used as licensed premises?

The property referred to by the hon. Member was acquired in 1921. The farmhouse was not required for land settlement purposes. Since 1928 it has been occupied as a hotel, and a licence was granted by the local authority. On one other property acquired by the Department there is a licensed hotel which was used as such prior to the acquisition of the property. In neither case are the premises occupied by a landholder. By Statute, a landholder may not open a house on his holding for the sale of intoxicating liquor without the consent of his landlord, and no such consents have been given by the Department.

Will no such consent be given by the Department in future?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that a recent strike in Lithgow's yard, Greenock, arose out of a demand of the management that the riveters erect their own scaffolding; that several fatal and other accidents had already taken place arising out of faulty scaffolding; and will he take steps to see that the regulations, which lay it down that specially qualified men should be employed for the erection of scaffolding, are carried out?

According to my information, the question of riveters erecting certain parts of the staging was raised in the course of the negotiations between the men and the management, but was not the primary cause of the strike. I am advised that none of the recent staging accidents at the yard in question appears to have been due to faulty scaffolding, but the question of compliance with the regulation as to erection of stages by staging gangs will be gone into by the Factory Department.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that what is now taking place in the yard is bringing about a situation in which fatal accidents may occur at any time? Will he take steps to see that everything possible is done to carry out the regulations.

The suggestion in the first part of the supplementary question is not in accord with my information; but I do not think I can at this stage add anything to what I said, namely, that the factory inspectors are going to conduct an investigation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of persons remitted by sheriff substitutes to Borstal institutions in Scotland in the years 1933, 1934 and 1935?

The numbers of persons sentenced by sheriff courts to borstal detention during the years 1933, 1934 and 1935 were respectively 134, 118 and 119.

Is that not a crime against the youth of Scotland, and should not the sheriffs get a term of imprisonment?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been directed to a statement made by Mr. Charlton, the divisional inspector of mines, during the inquiry held into the cause of the Gresford colliery explosion, to the effect that the ignition of firedamp was caused by the emission of a spark from a telephone in use at the colliery; and will he take immediate steps to inform colliery managers of the danger caused by the continuance of the use of such telephones as those in use at Gresford?

Yes, Sir. I am aware that. among the suggestions made to the Court of Inquiry as to possible causes of the explosion at Gresford was one by Mr. Charlton that the explosion might have been started by the operation of an underground telephone. As regards the second part, the use of telephones in which there is a risk of open sparking is prohibited in any part of a mine in which gas

"though not normally present is likely to occur in quantity sufficient to be indicative of danger"

and the precautions necessary to comply with this regulation have been repeatedly emphasised in the annual reports of my Department, in a special safety pamphlet, and in circulars issued in 1933 and 1935 to colliery owners and managers. I will send the hon. Member copies of these circulars and pamphlet.

If this circular has been sent round to the managers, ought not this gentleman who advances this ridiculous theory to have known about it and ought he not to have examined this telephone for which he was responsible and which he now claims caused the ignition?

As the inquiry is going on, I do not feel at liberty to make any comments on any statements made before it.

In view of the fact that this is the third colliery explosion that the hon. Gentleman's Department has atrributed to defective telephones or signalling apparatus, and particularly in view of the fact that Mr. Charlton had one of these in his division, ought he not to have seen to it that this telephone was in proper order?

It is not the case that my Department has made any statement at all. Mr. Charlton mentioned this as one of many suggestions of a possible cause of the disaster, but he did not pin himself down to it as the exact cause.

When is the House likely to hear the report of this investigation; or is it to continue for all time?

The inquiry is not yet closed.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of hours overtime worked in the Northumberland coalfields in the years 1935, 1934 and 1931?

I regret that the information asked for is not available.

Can we have the reason why the overtime statistics for Northumberland are not available?

They are not available for any district. These statistics have not been collected in that form.

Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman not got the number of cases of overtime worked at each pit? Are these statistics not available to his Department?

No, Sir. They are not available now any more than they were when the hon. Gentleman was in charge of the Department.

Do His Majesty's Inspectors insist on the law being carried out if the appropriate details are not prepared?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether reports of accidents and fatalities to boys in the Northumberland coalfield are made to the Mines Department; and whether he can extract from these reports the accidents and fatalities which occurred in the respective shifts?

The answer to the first part of the question is "Yes," but the wide variations in the hours at which the shifts begin at the different collieries render it impossible to classify these accidents satisfactorily as between the morning, afternoon and night shifts. I shall, however, be glad to have a statement prepared dividing the accidents into four groups each covering six hours of the 24, if that would serve the hon. Member's purposes.

Is the Minister aware that, as far as Northumberland and Durham are concerned, the shifts are practically in watertight compartments, and, therefore, there should be no difficulty in getting all the accidents in the completed shifts? Can I have his assurance that he will endeavour to let us have them either in the completed shifts or in the six-hours as he suggested?

I suggested what seems to be the most practical way of doing it. If that does not meet the hon. Member's view, perhaps he will have a word with me about it. I am prepared to do what I have suggested.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give an estimate of the total potential capacity of all the coal mines now available for production in this country?

During the period of exceptional demand last winter, collieries were producing at the rate, after allowing for holidays, of about 260,000,000 tons per annum. With the re-opening of pits temporarily closed, and the introduction of more labour and more machines, this figure could be materially increased, but the extent of such increase must obviously be a matter of conjecture.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is now in a position to state the result of his negotiations with the Coalowners' Association on the question of automatic gas detectors?

As I informed the house, in answer to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Ripon (Major Hills) on 4th May, I discussed this matter with representatives of the Mining Association and asked for an interim report on the position, including a statement of the further action the mine owners are prepared to take in each district. I understand that the terms of this report will be settled at a meeting to be held to-morrow, and I hope to have it in my hands at an early date thereafter.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the Government are represented at Geneva on the committee dealing with the question of hours in mines; and, if so, what is the attitude of the Government on the subject?

The membership of the committee referred to did not include a representative of His Majesty's Government, but one has been present at the meetings of the committee. As regards the second part of the question, the view of His Majesty's Government with regard to the application to various industries (including Coal Mining) of the principle of the 1935 Forty-hour Draft Convention was expressed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour in a speech he delivered to the International Labour Conference last week. This speech will be published in due course in the Record of the Conference, but I will send the hon. Member a copy.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman explain why no representative of the Government was present at the meeting of this committee, and does the absence of a representative of the Government or an official of the Department indicate that the Government have abandoned the idea of ratifying this convention?

The views of the Government on the latter point have been expressed several times in the House. I have said that a representative of the Government was present at the meeting of the committee, but he was not a member of the committee. He was not a member because he was not asked to be.

Is it not possible for an official of the Mines Department to become a member of the committee if His Majesty's Government so desire?

I should like to have notice of that question, but I understand that, generally speaking, membership is chosen by a selection committee.

Can we have the speech of the Minister of Labour edged in black as a sign of mourning?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that coal-mining statistics show a collective figure for the December quarter of 1935, for management, salaries, insurances, repairs, office and general expenses, depreciation, etc., £6,248,868, without giving separate information as to the cost of directors' fees and expenses; and will he provide information as to the number of directors and directors' fees?

The answer to the first part of the question is "Yes." As regards the second part, the only information available is that contained in the report of the Royal Commission on the Coal Industry (1925) where it is stated, with reference to fees, that "their amount is negligible—less than ½d. per ton." I have no reason to think that there is any material change in the position.

Is not this information obtainable? Surely, the information as to the number of directors and the money obtained by them ought to be obtainable?

It is not available because the statistical figures which my Department collects are those which are derived from the ascertainment figures furnished by the industry, and the returns do not provide for these details to be included.

Is the Minister aware that the figures of directors' fees given in balance sheets are no indication of the total amount of remuneration received by directors, in that salaries paid to directors need not be separately shown, and that therefore the conclusion the hon. Gentleman draws that these amounts are negligible is entirely fallacious?

It was not my conclusion but that of the Royal Commission, who were, no doubt, aware of the points which the hon. Gentleman makes.

I happened to give evidence to the Royal Commission—

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of known abandoned mines in the South Wales coalfield for which no reliable plans of the workings are available; and the number of such mines situate in the inspectorate divisions of Swansea and Cardiff, respectively?

The Catalogue of Plans of Abandoned Mines which is published by my Department shows about 500 old pits or workings in the Cardiff division, and about 900 in the Swansea division for which no plans of workings are available; but there are, no doubt, many others unknown. Most of these mines were abandoned before 1872, when the deposit of plans became compulsory, and many were extremely small.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will take steps to ensure that, where a coal mine is working in proximity to abandoned workings for which no reliable plans are available, it shall be an obligation upon the manager of such a coal mine to provide for advance bore-holes so as to give some measure of protection to the men employed at the mine?

Protection of this kind against inrushes of water from old workings is already compulsory under Section 68 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911; and as I informed the hon. Member on Thursday last, I am considering what further measures can be taken to relieve the anxiety of the workmen in Pembrokeshire as a result of the flooding accident at Loveston Colliery.

If this provision, is compulsory, how does the Secretary for Mines account for the fact that twice in the last two years collieries in Pembrokeshire have broken unexpectedly into old abandoned workings, with serious loss of life in one case and a miraculous escape in another?

I would like to have notice of that question, but I dare say there were no reliable plans. The important thing is to see whether we can do something now, and I am glad to say that a meeting has been arranged for next week between His Majesty's inspectors and representatives of the management and workmen in Pembrokeshire to discuss these very points.

Will the hon. and gallant Member say why the inspectors did not enforce the compulsory measures to those collieries where it was known there were old abandoned workings?

Is it not a fact that if proper bore-holes to the right and left of the workings were provided according to the Mines Act, there would be no incursion of the water?

asked the Prime Minister which Government Departments are responsible for schemes or suggestions that have been communicated by the Government to local authorities, advising them of the best methods to be adopted for the protection of the civil population against poison gas attacks in the event of same being made by a hostile Power in any future air raid; and can he give particulars?

In England and Wales the Home Secretary, and in Scotland the Secretary of State for Scotland, are primarily responsible. I am sending the hon. Member a list of the circular letters and memoranda issued to local authorities on the subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will draw the attention of the Committee on Foreign Issues to the action of the authorities of Alberta and Vancouver in relation to their obligations towards United Kingdom investors in Alberta and Vancouver securities; and will he request the committee to consider the advisability of extending the scope of its operations so as to cover future issues of Canadian securities, if offered to United Kingdom investors without the guarantee of the Canadian Dominion Government?

My hon. Friend may feel assured that the matters to which he refers are within the knowledge of the Foreign Transactions (Advisory) Committee. Issues on behalf of Canadian borrowers would come within the purview of the committee in so far as they involve an indirect remittance of funds outside the British Empire through the mechanism of the New York market. I must add, however, that the terms of reference and instructions to the committee expressly state that the soundness of an investment is left exclusively to the judgment of the market.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the wireless equipment of the "Queen Mary" was provided by the Standard Company of the United States of America; whether any opportunity was given to British manufacturers to quote for this equipment; and whether he will stipulate as a condition of any State assistance by the British Treasury to further steamship building that British products shall at least be considered as to price and quality with foreign products in the construction and equipment of the subsidised ships?

I am informed that the wireless equipment of the "Queen Mary" was supplied and is operated by the International Marine Radio Company, Limited, which in its turn obtained over 90 per cent. of the equipment from the British factories of the Standard Telegraphs and Cables Company. Both companies are subsidiaries of the International Telegraph and Telephone Corporation of New York; but they are registered and carry on their operations in this country. Practically the whole of the wireless equipment of the "Queen Mary," therefore, was actually designed and manufactured in Great Britain.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the whole of the oak in the "Queen Mary" came from estates in Sussex?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will authorise the introduction of legislation to tax titles, the proceeds therefrom to be credited to the national Exchequer?

No, Sir.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any knowledge of any case of payment being made to a party in this House for a title? Has he any knowledge whatever? I have.

Arising out of the very definite negative, will the right hon. Gentleman introduce legislation to abolish titles?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of debt owing by this country to the United States of America for the year ended 1930–31 and each respective year to the latest available date, giving the annual interest due and the annual interest actually paid, stated in sterling?

For the sums due I would refer the hon. Member to the War Debt Agreements (Command Papers 1912 and 4202), and for the sums paid to the Annual Finance Accounts of the United Kingdom.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury with what countries agreements have now been reached to provide for the mutual elimination of the taxation of nonresidents trading through agents; and whether an agreement in this connection has yet been reached with France?

Arrangements for relief from double Income Tax as regards certain profits arising through agencies have been made with Sweden, Switzerland, Finland and the Netherlands. Arrangements have also been made with Canada and Newfoundland. Negotiations with France are still in progress.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that most motor cyclists and drivers of motor cars are workers engaged in industry and have consequent difficulty in attending police courts held during normal working hours without series results and loss of wages, and bearing in mind the expression of opinion from some of the benches that non-attendance aggravates the alleged offence, he will consider the institution of courts held in the evening?

It is for the justices of the peace in each division to decide at what time their sittings shall be held, and if in any area, after consideration of local circumstances and the convenience of the various classes of persons concerned, it appears that there would be advantage in evening sessions, it is open to the justices to make arrangements accordingly.

Can the Home Office indicate to benches of magistrates that in the cases I have mentioned this suggestion should be considered in a favourable light, in view of the fact that where a motor cyclist is summoned to attend a court some distance away he has to pay the cost of getting there and lose a day's pay, whether he is guilty or not, as well as being liable to a fine if he is convicted?

I have indicated in my answer that this is a matter which the local justices have the power to decide for themselves, and is not one on which my right hon. Friend has any authority to issue instructions.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the information he has just given is not generally known to benches of magistrates, and will he take steps to see that they are made acquainted with that information?

I think this question and answer will give them the information.