asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many times the Scottish advisory committee on rivers pollution prevention have met since 1931, giving the number of meetings for each year, respectively; and the names of the rivers on which they have already reported?

The committee have held five meetings in 1931, seven in 1932, nine in 1933, eight in 1935 and three to date in 1936, a total of 32 meetings. No meetings were held in 1934. The committee have reported on the Rivers Tweed, Esk (Midlothian), Leven and Ore (Fife), Tyne (East Lothian), Almond (Midlothian), Avon (West Lothian), and Grange Burn (Stirling).

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Scottish Anglers' Association have protested that, despite the inspection of the Forth, there is still no report on that river?

The committee are presently investigating the River Forth. There is much work to be done before their report can be issued.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the progress the committee are making?

I will ask the committee to see whether they can hurry their proceedings, but I am not dissatisfied with their progress.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has received representations, on behalf of the principal police authorities in Scotland, on the increasing cost of transport control and the inadequacy of the grants made by the Government in respect thereof, and why he has ignored the request of these authorities for him to receive a deputation to hear the case for the local authorities being relieved of this cost and for the whole of the costs involved in enforcing the provisions of the Road Traffic Acts being met either through the Scottish Office or from the Ministry of Transport; and what action does he propose to remove or reduce this growing burden from the ratepayers' shoulders?

The principal police authorities in Scotland have forwarded to me a statement of their views as to the costs of traffic control, and I have invited them to submit particulars of any further points which they may desire to bring to my notice. Meanwhile the whole subject is under active consideration by the Departments concerned.

Am I to understand that after they submit any additional information they may have to give the right hon. Gentleman will then meet a deputation of these authorities, who represent the County Councils' Association, the Convention of Royal Burghs and the four large cities?

The question involves many Departments of State, and before I can give a definite assurance I should require to consult with my colleagues.

Is it not a fact that the deputation have asked to be received not merely by the right hon. Gentleman but by the Minister of Transport?

Yes, but as the question involves others beside myself I should like to consult them.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether he is aware that the Departmental Committee on Scottish Health Services has reported that 6 per cent. of the children medically examined in the schools of Scotland are reported as suffering from insufficient nutrition; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

The report of the committee on Scottish Health Services state that in 1933–34 the nutrition of school children was "below average" in 5.3 per cent. and "very bad" in 0.19 per cent. The report makes it clear, however, that malnutrition is not in all cases due primarily to underfeeding but may arise from other conditions such as disease, injudicious feeding, lack of fresh air, sleep, etc. All these children are kept under close observation by school medical officers, and steps are taken to secure appropriate treatment. In many areas free meals are provided at school, and milk is supplied to school children at reduced rates. The possibility of extending these facilities to other areas is constantly under review.

Will my right hon. Friend consider in this connection extending the right of panel doctors to prescribe milk for all children, irrespective of whether they are at school or not?

That raises a large issue which I could not deal with in reply to a supplementary question.

Are not these results to some extent due to the diminution of the use of milk in the home, resulting from the regulations of the milk boards?

There is no evidence which would lead me to agree with the hon. Member on that point.

Is it not the fact that in the recent report on the health of Scotland none of the medical officers give any indication of any diminution apart from poverty?

I am not aware of all that is in the numerous reports.

I have read them.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the last revision of secondary education schemes was made, and when another revision is to be made as provided in Sections 6 and 27 of the Act of 1918?

The details of the schemes for the adequate provision of education throughout the education areas are constantly under review, but no occasion has yet arisen for a general and simultaneous revision of all schemes. If the Education (Scotland) Bill passes into law, I propose to require each education authority to submit a comprehensive revised scheme with special regard to accommodation required to meet the higher school-leaving age.

Having regard to the Bill now going through the House ought not the Department to be prepared with all these schemes, and s the right hon. Gentleman now trying to intimate that the local education authorities have to prepare all the schemes?

It is not the province of the central Department to issue orders to local authorities, but to invite their opinions and views and, after consultation with them, to come to a final decision.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the last census was called for as provided by Section 31 of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1872; and whether a new census is to be called at an early date?

The information referred to in Section 31 of the Act of 1872 is submitted annually to the Department and is published in their annual report or in their statistical lists.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that he has sufficiently interested his Department in the question of this census, and is he aware of the numbers that cannot be traced in various districts of Scotland to-day?

I must leave that to the Department concerned.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think the Department could find out? Will he not let them get on with the work?

The departments are under my orders, and I could not delegate my authority.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is yet in a position to announce any Government measures for the assistance of oat-growers in the north-east of Scotland?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the difficulties which are being experienced by farmers in the north-east of Scotland; and whether it is the intention of the Government to come to their assistance by the granting of a subsidy or of other assistance to oat-growers?

The Government regret that as a result of prolonged examination of the problem they have reached the conclusion that in the present circumstances a scheme of direct financial assistance to oat-growers cannot be inaugurated. The Government's long-term meat policy which was announced by the Minister of Agriculture yesterday will, however, I am satisfied, prove of material assistance to farmers in oat-growing areas, and should contribute substantially to the improvement of conditions in the North-East of Scotland, particularly if, as the Government desires, provision is made for adjusting the cattle subsidy payments so as to give further encouragement to quality production.

As my right hon. Friend finds himself unable to deal with oats separately, will the Government examine the question of cereal production in this country as a whole? Does he not think that the Government might consider the possibility of setting up something in the nature of a cereal pool to cover wheat, oats and barley, and the country as a whole?

I will certainly explore the whole cereal position in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Will the Minister when dealing with subsidies consider putting these men under the means test, the same as our chaps?

Do the Government realise that if the cereal position in Scotland is allowed to go from bad to worse, as has happened in the past, the result will be that a large number of farmers will not be producing the amount of food for the country that they ought to be?

In view of the extreme importance of oat-growing in that part of Scotland, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that this unfortunate decision of the Government will have a most disastrous effect on agriculture there?

I am afraid that my answer will be a disappointment to oat-growers in the North-East of Scotland, which I regret. In reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Central Aberdeen (Sir R. W. Smith), my answer to his question links up with what I have already said, that we will certainly explore the whole cereal problem in conjunction with the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

In view of the meat situation, does not the right hon. Gentleman realise the position of beef producers? They will have to charge a higher price for their beef in order to make up for their losses on oats.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can arrange to give the inshore fishermen of Orkney better protection against trawlers than they have at present?

The question of additional protection in Orkney waters was carefully considered by the Fishery Board last autumn, and as a result a hired drifter was specially detailed for patrolling those waters during the period from October to March when illegal trawling is most likely to occur. I am informed that the local fishermen have expressed appreciation of this arrangement and its renewal next winter will be considered. During the present summer the regular fishery cruiser has been Instructed to pay full attention to the protection of Orkney waters.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that the number of fishery cruisers is sufficient to provide adequate protection against illegal trawling?

Yes, in conjunction with the steps we are taking.

In view of the questions now being asked on this subject, is the right hon. Gentleman now prepared to proceed with the building of the third fishery cruiser, and so complete the number of new cruisers which was the original programme of the Fishery Board?

I am afraid I am unable to give a specific answer now to that particular question. If the hon. Member will put it on the Paper, I shall be happy to answer it.

asked the Secretary for Mines the amounts of deficiencies now existing under district agreements in the coal-mining industry and in what districts the deficiencies exist, stating the amounts in each district; and what are the profits which have been made in the same districts covering the periods of the accumulated deficiencies?

This information is not in the possession of my Department.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will make representations to the coal owners in all districts in the country to agree to the cancellation of all existing deficiencies so as to enable the miners to share the financial advantages anticipated in the coal industry from the operations of the new coal-selling schemes?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to two questions by the hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths) on 2nd July.

; In view of the fact that the coal trade is now making enormous profits, as a result of the arrangement made last year, and in order that the miners might secure full advantage from the selling schemes, might not the Minister make some representation, as suggested in the question on the Paper

The answer to the hon. Member is, as I said the other day, that now there is a joint consultative committee in existence and full national machinery has been set up, it should be left to do its work.

Is it not a fact, in view of the large deficiencies, that it will take years before the miners secure any benefit from the selling agencies, and does the Minister not think that the Government ought to use their influence with the coalowners to dispose of the outstanding deficiencies?

As this form of machinery now exists it had better tackle this problem for itself.

Does the Minister consider that there is the remotest chance of these large deficiencies ever being met by the miners, and should not they be dealt with as any business house would, namely, write them off as bad debts?

Is the Minister aware that the deficiencies are over £40,000,000?

asked the Secretary for Mines what representations he proposes to make to the owners of coal mines in Great Britain so as to ensure that the new revenues of the industry under the proposed new selling schemes may, for the purposes of wages ascertainment, be calculated upon a national basis and not upon a district basis?

I do not propose to make any such representations.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of men and lads employed in the following classes of workmen employed in Northumberland mines: surface men and lads, stonemen and shifters, fillers, cutters, and pullers up, and, further, the man-hours, respectively, worked per week for the month of May and the first two weeks of June, 1936?

I regret that this information is not available.

how or when is the Department likely to be interested in the question of overtime in the respective districts?

We have followed questions of overtime, but that is not what I am asked here. I am asked for a number of figures which I have not got.

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman not realise that this is a method of obtaining exactly what overtime is worked, and that by having all the trades classified and the shifts put into proper order, a properly tabulated scheme could be made?

Is the Minister aware that I asked a question as to overtime last year, and that he was unable to reply, and is he aware that if we could get the man-hours worked per week, we should be able to calculate the overtime?

Does the Minister mean to convey the impression that he has asked for information from the owners, and has been refused?

I am not going further with regard to impressions, except to say that I regret I have not this information.

Will the Minister get it?

Why not get it?

asked the Secretary for Mines the average monthly tonnage of coal exported from South Wales to Spain for 1935, and similar information for the first six months of 1936?

The average monthly quantity of coal exported to Spain from the Bristol Channel ports during 1935 was 70,265 tons and during the first five months of 1936 61,040 tons. Particulars in respect of June, 1936, are not yet available.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been drawn to the report of the divisional inspector of mines for the northern area, in which it is stated that the number of boys under 16 years of age killed and seriously injured per 1,000 employed was 10.76 compared with the general rate of 5.62 per 1,000 for all persons employed; and what steps he is taking to deal with this part of the report?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Morpeth (Mr. R. J. Taylor) on 28th May last, of which I am sending him a copy.

Were these boys trained in safety principles before they entered the mine, and if they were, and still we have these serious accidents, what further steps can the hon. and gallant Gentleman take to see that boys are educated as to the dangers they have to face when entering mines? Is it possible to appoint safety officers to look after them when they enter mines and until they acquire pit sense?

Most of these points are dealt with in the reply to which I have referred the hon. Gentleman. No one could be more anxious than I am to see a reduction in these accidents in the case of boys, and to do all that is possible to reduce the number by the provision of safety classes.

Will the Minister promise that if he cannot do anything to reduce the number of boys killed he will consider seriously not letting them go down the mines; and does he realise that it shocks the conscience of the country to realise that boys of 16 work in the mines?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will make special inquiry into the abnormal rise in fatal accidents in the Yorkshire division for the year 1935, which is 171, against 107 for 1934, although there are 24,012 fewer men working in the mines than in 1931?

A close study of the regrettable increase in the number of fatal accidents in Yorkshire has already been made and the causes are fully analysed and discussed in the annual report of the Divisional Inspector for 1935 which has just been published. Without belittling in any way a set-back which must cause grave concern to all who have responsibilities for the safety of the mine workers of Yorkshire, it should be borne in mind that the number of persons killed in 1934, namely, 107, was exceptionally low. The average for the past 10 years is 154 and the figure for 1931, the year quoted by the hon. Member, was 163, while the figure of 171 for 1935 includes 29 deaths resulting from two explosions, the causes of which have been fully investigated.

Is the Minister aware that there are fewer miners working in Yorkshire at this moment than at any time in the last 10 years, and does he not think it requires something more than kindly and sympathetic expressions to relieve the situation?

Yes, Sir; so much more does it require that we have set up a Royal Commission to investigate the problem.

Is the Secretary for Mines satisfied that in this division there are sufficient inspectors to inspect the mines adequately?

Is the Minister also aware that the Yorkshire mineowners are doing their utmost to see that the mines are kept perfectly safe by the application of modern scientific appliances?

Answer.

An answer is not required to all those expressions of opinion. As regards the inquiry of the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams), a question of that kind should be put upon the Paper.

asked the Secretary for Mines when the Government intend to bring in the Bill to deal with mining royalties?

The Bill is in course of preparation, but I am not at the moment in a position to say when it will be ready for introduction.

Will it be brought forward this Session? This question was put down to the Prime Minister. I do not object to the hon. and gallant Gentleman answering it, if he can give us something definite. We ought to have a definite reply to questions of this character.

I cannot go any further than I have gone in saying that I am not in a position to say when it will be ready. It is a highly complex matter of major Government policy which has not been lost sight of.

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman remember the promise which he made in the early part of the Session, and is it the intention of the Government not to carry out any of their promises?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, before accepting the offer of £35,000 from the Union Government for the promotion of development schemes in the South African Protectorates, the High Commissioner consulted the resident commissioners of the respective, territories as to the probable effect of this policy on native opinion; and whether they were instructed to take any steps in the matter?

Yes, Sir. The resident commissioners were consulted beforehand by the High Commissioner, and it was arranged that they should communicate a statement explaining and commending the proposals to the native authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can make any statement as to the communications between the acting High Commissioner for South Africa and the Prime Minister of the Union with regard to the Prime Minister's pronouncement on the South African Protectorates; and, if not, when he hopes to be in a position to do so?

The acting High Commissioner is still in communication with General Hertzog on this matter. If the hon. Member will repeat his question next week I expect to be in a position to make a statement then.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the continued excess of British home-comers as compared with British emigrants in 1935, he can state the reasons for this return of emigrants; and whether the majority of these home-comers have been unsuccessful in business or agriculture, or what other reasons exist?

The reasons for the migration movement into the United Kingdom are various, and I am afraid that it is not possible within the limits of an answer to a question to describe them in detail. They vary from people returning to this country to retire after a successful life overseas to people returning owing to a failure to settle overseas during the economic depression. I should point out that the annual inward movement on the whole has not varied a great deal in volume since 1921, but that in the last few years it has shown a slight but progressive decrease. The excess to which my hon. Friend refers is explained by the fall in the figures of outward migration roughly from 107,000 in 1929 to 24,000 in 1935, due mainly to the unfavourable economic conditions which have prevailed overseas in recent years.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the nature of the new provision in the Southern Rhodesia Natives Registration Act which applies to the control and regulation of natives seeking employment in, or visiting, certain townships?

I assume that the hon. Member refers to the new provision relating to the establishment of hostels. The effect of this is that if and when the Government erects, equips and maintains a hostel in any township for the accommodation of natives seeking employment in or visiting the township, thereafter any native so visiting the township and wishing to stay a night shall (subject to certain exceptions) reside in the hostel.

Do any of these disabilities and regulations which are imposed on the natives apply to white people also?

So far as this Act is concerned, they apply to the natives.

How many of these proclaimed areas are there in the territory?

I should require notice of that question.

Is this the same Measure that provides for licensed concubinage?

I should require notice of that question also.

Will these hostels be free to natives?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will arrange that the Anglo-Argentine trade agreement shall not be renewed to cover a long term and that it shall contain a break clause, for review at short intervals, to enable His Majesty's Government to prevent harsh treatment of Anglo-Argentine public utility concerns?

I will keep my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind.

In view of the importance of the Argentine agreement to British industries, may I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has received any indication that the Argentine Government are prepared to carry on the agreement with provisions which would meet certain of the points which have been raised?

I cannot make any announcement at the present moment, but conversations are proceeding day by day with the Argentine representatives, and that is one of the points which we have before us.

Is there any reason to suppose that it will not be possible to renew the agreement?

I would not care to say that at the present moment.

Before the agreement is renewed or revised, will the House have some indication of its provisions, so that we may not be called upon to ratify it without knowing anything at all about the bargain that has been made?

That question has been put to me and to the Prime Minister several times, and there is nothing further which I can add to the answers which have been given.

Can we expect reasonable treatment from the Argentine Government, in view of the policy of the Government of this country in taxing beef?

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the breaking principle is applied, so that the agreement may not be carried on indefinitely?

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many blast furnaces are out of blast in each of the Special Areas, showing each area separately, and the total output possible of pig-iron per year if the furnaces were restarted in the Special Areas?

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

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to make representations to the Special Commissioners with regard to the blast furnaces which are not in blast in the Special Areas, in view of the fact that there are heavy importations of pig iron?

That is a different question. I was asked for the figures with regard to the number of blast furnaces, and I have given them in a full table.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of tinplate mills operating in South Wales and the number of persons employed; and also the quantity of tinplate manufactured and exported in each year from 1928 to 1935, respectively?

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

Following is the answer:

The number of tinplate mills in operation in Wales and Monmouthshire at those works in respect of which returns were made to the Ministry of Labour for the week ended 23rd May, 1036, was 298; the estimated number of insured workers (aged 16–64) in the industry in that area at July, 1935 (the latest date for which the information is available) was 25,720; the number recorded as unemployed at May, 1936, was 8,119.

The following statement shows the production of tinned plates and sheets in the United Kingdom in 1930, 1933 and 1934 and the exports in each year from 1928 to 1935.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what steps the Government propose to take to see that British commercial creditors are paid for goods shipped to Italy; will priority of payment be given to such creditors; and will the Government see that the debts contracted in sterling are liquidated in sterling;

(2) whether all payments to Italy by British importers are made through the Bank of England, or whether any payments have been made direct since the Anglo-Italian Payments Agreement was signed; and, if so, how much;

(3) what is the total amount owing to British exporters by Italian importers; and what was the total amount owing by British importers to Italian exporters?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that there is at present outstanding the sum of approximately £1,300,000 due from Italian sources to British commercial creditors in this country; and what steps are to be taken, following the removal of sanctions, to provide for the payment of this sum?

His Majesty's Government fully recognise the importance of taking all possible steps to see that United Kingdom exporters are paid for goods shipped to Italy and that debts contracted in sterling are liquidated. I have no complete statement of the total amount due to British exporters by Italian importers, but, as the hon. Members will have observed from the published accounts, the sums deposited by Italian importers under the Payments Agreement and not yet transferred to creditors in the United Kingdom amount approximately to £1,300,000. Under the Anglo-Italian Payments Agreement of April, 1935, the sterling received from Italian imports into the United Kingdom has been utilised to pay such debts prior to 18th November, 1935. It was not obligatory for payments by United Kingdom importers to be made to the sterling account of the Bank of England. I am not in a position to state the amounts remitted direct to Italian exporters. Since the 18th November, 1935, it has been obligatory to make such payments to the Controller of Anglo-Italian Debts, and the total amount so paid has been approximately £600,000. The question, of future arrangements is under consideration, and I hope to be in a position to make a further statement very shortly.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that all debts owing to this country have, under an Italian decree, to be paid to a certain bank, that they are paid in non-interest-bearing deposits, and that the risk of loss on the rate of exchange has to be borne by the British exporters? Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to put pressure on the Italian Government either to pay interest from the date of deposits or to see that British exporters really get a fair deal?

If the hon. Gentleman will send me particulars of any specific case, I shall be happy to go into it.

; Will the right lion. Gentleman tell the House, also, why he cannot give the figures of the amounts owing to British exporters? If the Italian Government insist on every penny being paid into a block account, what is the reason why pressure cannot be brought to bear on the Italian Government to state the amount?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the latest information he has as to how, and on what conditions, the Italian, French, and German Governments assist their nationals in financing the construction and insurance of liners and other ships?

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate a statement on this subject in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these Powers are very much more generous in their treatment of their shipping companies as regards insurance cover than we are?

Following is the statement:

The following paragraphs briefly sumcarise such information as is available regarding measures now in operation for granting direct financial assistance for the construction and insurance of merchant ships in Italy, France and Germany. It will be appreciated that complete information on such subjects cannot be obtained in all cases.

Italy.

Construction.—In addition to direct construction bounties the Italian Government facilitate the provision of funds from which loans can be obtained for the construction of vessels in Italy, and make substantial contributions towards the interest charged on such loans.

Insurance.—No complete information is available, but assistance was given by the Italian Government in respect of the insurance of the vessels "Rex" and "Conte di Savoia" while under construction.

France.

Construction.—In addition to special measures of assistance to individual French Shipping Companies (notably the Compagnie Generale Transatlantique and the Compagnie de Navagation Sud-Atlantique) to enable them to construct certain large and fast vessels, the French Government facilitate the provision of funds from which loans can be obtained for the construction of vessels in France, and make substantial contributions towards the interest charged on such loans.

Insurance.—No complete information is available, but it is understood that the building risk of the "Normandie" was insured partly in the open market and partly by the Government, and that the Government took over the insurance of the marine risk so far as it was not covered by the market.

Germany.

Construction.—No information is available as to any general scheme being now in operation for assisting the building of ships in Germany, but the German Government are stated to be financing new building by certain of the Germany shipping lines. No details of these transactions are, however, available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the conflict of evidence with regard to the proposed steelworks at Jarrow, the favourable nature of the original expert opinion, and the important issues involved, he will arrange for the institution of an impartial inquiry into all the facts?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the widespread uncertainty regarding the reasons for the failure of the Jarrow steelworks plan, he will have an independent investigation made to ascertain the facts, especially having regard to the exceptional need for employment in this distressed area?

The Government have repeatedly made it clear that they would welcome the establishment of an iron and steel works at Jarrow, if the interests concerned could agree upon a scheme which was commercially sound. The Government have also stated that they could not see their way to provide public money in order to influence the setting-up of an iron and steel works either at Jarrow or elsewhere. Such a course would be contrary to their declared policy of leaving the decisions as to the proper technical organisation of an industry to those engaged in it. The facts relating to the Jarrow scheme have been fully set out in the statement issued by the British Iron and Steel Federation. In the light of this statement I do not think that there can be any doubt as to the reasons which unfortunately led to the conclusion by the interests, which it was proposed should establish an iron and steel works at Jarrow, that such a works could not be established by them on a commercially sound basis. I do not, therefore, think that any purpose would be served by the further inquiry suggested by the hon. Members.

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's statement and of the very serious situation in Jarrow, would he be prepared to receive an influential deputation from Jarrow at a near convenient date?

I shall be very glad to see a deputation from Jarrow if they can bring fresh information on the subject. I will try to arrange for an early date.

Has the right hon. Gentleman read the report made to the Iron and Steel Federation by their consultant last August which made reference to the proposed steel works at Jarrow and, if so, can that report be reconciled with the statements made by the federation?

I have read all the published documents on the subject. I shall be very glad to consider any new material that is forthcoming, but I cannot go back into the reconciling of what appears to me to be ancient history.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the assistance given by the State to shipping and the improved conditions generally in the shipping world, he will consider the desirability of taking action to restrict the facilities under which shipyards have hitherto been allowed to import their material free of duty?

No, Sir. The facilities to which my hon. Friend refers are granted under Section 11 of the Import Duties Act, 1932, and I see no reason to propose the repeal of that Section.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that circumstances have materially altered since these facilities were granted?

Yes, and I hope they have changed for the better in the iron and steel industry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to give information as to the countries of origin of these goods?

There is another question on that subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) the number of works closed down in Lancashire in the cotton, coal, iron and steel industries, during the years 1931, 1932, 1933, 1934 and 1935; stating the number of persons who have lost their employment as a consequence in each case, separately;

(2) the number of new industries that have been established in Lancashire during the years 1931, 1932, 1933, 1934, and 1935, stating the nature of such industries and the number of persons employed?

I am having statements prepared, which I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT as soon as possible.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that everything is being done to help Lancashire?

We are doing everything we can.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the increase in the imports of Japanese grey cloth for dyeing and finishing in this country; whether he is aware that large quantities of this cloth in the finished state finds it way into British markets, such as Egypt; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with this menace to Lancashire's cotton trade?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In reply to the second and third parts, I would refer the hon. Member to the answers on this subject which I gave on 28th April and 5th May last to the hon. Member for Central Bradford (Mr. Leach). At the same time, to avoid possible misapprehensions, I would point out that Egypt is not a British country.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the exports of cotton piece goods have dropped 50 per cent., and does he not think it is time the Government announced a policy, as other Departments have done, with regard to cotton?

rose—

"Answer."

We have taken many steps for dealing with the problems of the cotton industry, but we cannot pretend that they are coming to fruition at once.

In view of the widespread distress, is it not high time that something was done for the cotton industry?

May I put my question now.

There have already been several supplementary questions and we must get on with the questions on the Paper.

It is very important.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the report made by the Commercial Counsellor to the British Embassy at Buenos Aires on the future prospects of Lancashire textile exports to the Argentine due to Japanese competition in cotton piece-goods; and what steps he proposes to take in order to remove the anxiety felt in Lancashire because of the uncertainty of future trade relations between the United Kingdom and the Argentine?

Yes, Sir. As regards the second part of the question, the hon. Member no doubt knows that trade negotiations with Argentina are in progress. The interests of the cotton industry are certainly being kept in mind in this connection.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Argentine there are particularly favourable conditions for Lancashire trade and, having in mind the fact that in other markets we are prejudiced by Japanese competition, will he handle this question with particular sympathy, not only in the interests of the Lancashire cotton trade, but of the Yorkshire woollen trade and of the consumers of the country generally.

We have had that in mind in the discussions we have had with the Argentine representatives.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these goods are being exported labelled and stamped as of British manufacture, and they are not manufactured in this country at all?

That is not the subject of the question. Perhaps the hon. Member will put it on the Paper.

It ought to have been a supplementary to No. 38.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider a levy on textile goods coming into the country, as was proposed in connection with beef imports from the Argentine?

No, Sir. Textile goods are already subject to import duties.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that on numerous occasions public bodies representing commerce and finance have asked for a review of the Companies Act, 1929, in order that the public may be protected against misuse of the limited liability system, as disclosed in recent scandals; and whether he will reconsider his decision and arrange for an early re-examination of the 1929 Act?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Board already possesses a great quantity of material showing the inefficiency of some of the provisions of the Companies Act, 1929; and, as it will take at least two years to examine and report upon the material, will he at an early date appoint a departmental committee to begin the examination and call witnesses?

I am aware of the representations that have been made from time to time in favour of a fresh inquiry into company law. As I have previously stated, I am not convinced that the time is ripe for such an inquiry, but it is my intention again to examine the question in all its bearings before the end of the year. In the meantime material is accumulating, and is being examined as and when opportunity offers.

Is the President of the Board of Trade aware that the public bodies to which he has referred have already expressed their opinion that there is no justification for the delay in setting up a departmental committee to deal with this matter?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider, in view of the evidence accumulated in his Department, the publication of the material which is coming forward, in order that the public may be advised of the importance of this question?

If the hon. Gentleman will put a question on the Paper in those terms, I will do my best to give him an answer.

May I ask how big a scandal will be necessary before the time is ripe?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the answer he has just given practically amounts to an invitation to certain large-scale swindlers to continue swindling the public?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of recent revelations about outside stock and share dealers, he will introduce legislation for the compulsory registration of all outside dealers, thus insuring some control over their activities?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 29th June to the hon. Members for Reigate (Mr. Touche) and North Tottenham (Mr. R. C. Morrison), and in reply to Questions Nos. 24 and 25 to-day.

Is it the intention of the right hon. Gentleman not to deal with this specific question until the general revision of the Companies Act?

Is not this interference with private enterprise becoming somewhat alarming?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the attention of the Northern Lighthouse Commissioners has been drawn to the urgent need for a lighted buoy at Eda Groina Shoal, Veeness, Eday, Orkney; and, if so, what action they propose to take?

I am informed by the Northern Lighthouse Commissioners that they have already had the matter under consideration, and that, on the information before them, they are not prepared to mark the Eda Groina Shoal by a lighted buoy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of British nationals employed on the steamship "Helena Margareta," owned by the Euxine Shipping Company; whether the officers and crew are being paid wages in accordance with the National Maritime Board rates; how much subsidy has been paid to this company in respect of this, or any other, of their vessels; and what was the date of the last Board of Trade survey of the steamship "Helena, Margareta"?

The crew of the steamship "Helena Margareta" when engaged at Rotterdam on 27th August, 1935, consisted of aliens of various nationalities, with the exception of a British wireless operator. The agreement did not provide for the payment of National Maritime Board scales of pay. No subsidy has been paid to the Euxine Shipping Company in respect of this or any other of their vessels. The ship was measured for tonnage purposes by Board of Trade surveyors in August and December last. A load line certificate was issued on behalf of the Board by Lloyd's Register after survey in August last.

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep an eye on ships registered in this country which use every possible means of avoiding paying trade union rates and employ foreign seamen?

If they sign on in the ports of this country we have much more control over them than if they sign on elsewhere. We try to encourage that as much as we can.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in any literature issued appealing for recruits to the Army, the precise objects for which the prospective soldiers would be asked to fight are clearly outlined; and whether the basis of the Government's foreign policy is in this connection indicated in a way that can be clearly understood by recruits?

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

Do not the Government realise that it will be very difficult for them to get recruits on the basis of their foreign policy, or lack of policy?

Could the Government ask the League of Nations Union if they explain to those who join them whom they are going to fight and what they are going to fight with?

Is it not a fact that recruits are asked for to defend their country?

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the Oath of Allegiance taken by recruits is adequate in the same way as the Oath of Allegiance taken by Members of this House in regard to their duties?

asked the Secretary of State for War the present strength of His Majesty's Forces at present in Northern Ireland?

The strength of the Regular Army in Northern Ireland on 1st June was 3,223.

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been drawn to a pastoral letter issued by the Protestant Bishop of Down and Connor and also the Catholic Bishop of Down and Connor as to the possibility of disturbances on 12th July, and does he think that, on account of these recurring disturbances, His Majesty's Government will be able on that date to maintain law and order?

I have not seen the letter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a state of panic now in Northern Ireland and that all parties are anxious to keep the peace, and as only His Majesty's troops are able to maintain law and order in Northern Ireland, will he see that necessary steps are taken.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman a close observer of ecclesiastical statements?

May I have a reply, because all parties in Northern Ireland are anxious to know what His Majesty's Government intend to do to keep the peace on that occasion?

I understand from the hon. Member that he is afraid of a breach of the peace, and he desires the strengthening of the garrison in order to maintain order. I can assure him that the British Army is busy all over the world at the present time in maintaining order and peace. If the hon. Gentleman and his friends would encourage recruiting, we should be in a better position to do it.

As my three sons were in the Army, I think that that remark is rather uncalled for, and as I am anxious for peace and order to be kept by His Majesty's subjects, I am asking what action, if any, the Minister is going to take to see that peace is maintained in Northern Ireland.

"Answer!"

The Secretary for War cannot keep peace while the troops are fed on margarine.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the large number of male unemployed in the theatrical profession and among civilian musicians, he will consider further restricting the employment of serving soldiers, military bandsmen and military bands for other than military and official functions?

No, Sir. I am satisfied that existing instructions already restrict so far as is necessary the acceptance of private engagements by soldiers in their spare time. As regards the employment of Army bands I see no reason, in view of the public demand, to alter the present policy which permits the acceptance of private engagements at, or above, rates which have been fixed with due regard to local civilian rates.

Is the Minister aware that many soldiers have been accepting engagements in the West End lately and thus keeping civilians out of employment?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give a day for the discussion on the food supply of this country and an examination into the repeated destruction of supplies of food that could be made of use under a better system of organisation?

As, no doubt, the hon. Member is aware, this subject will be debated tomorrow on the Motion which has been tabled by the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability, in view of the wide divergence of policy expressed by different members of the British Commonwealth of Nations at the recent Assembly of the League of Nations, of consultations to secure greater unity and co-ordination?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies on this subject which I gave on 6th May, and to the statement which I made in the course of the Debate on 23rd June.

Would it not have been much more in the interests of Empire unity if the Government had followed the courageous lead given by the New Zealand and South African Governments at Geneva recently?