asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to announce the name and qualifications of a Special Areas Commissioner for Scotland in the place of Sir Arthur Rose, whose resignation was intimated several weeks ago?

Yes, Sir. At my request Sir David Allan Hay, a distinguished Chartered Accountant in practice in Glasgow, has agreed to undertake the duties of Commissioner for the remainder of the present statutory term of the office. It will, I think, be in accordance with the wishes of the House that I take this opportunity of expressing to Sir David the thanks of the House and the Govern- ment for his public spirit in agreeing to assume the responsibilities of the Commissionership.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications for smallholdings in the Scottish Highlands, excluding the islands, have been received during the last five years; how many applicants have been provided with holdings in that period; and how many holdings are still required to meet unsatisfied applicants?

In the five years to 31st December, 1935, the number of applications for new holdings made by applicants in the Highlands, excluding the islands, was 394. In the same period and in the same area 167 applicants have been provided with holdings. At the end of the period in question there were 1,749 outstanding applications for new holdings, but experience indicates that only a proportion of these would qualify for the tenancy of a holding.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in appointing the additional governors to the British Broadcasting Corporation, he will give the preference to two young directors, one of either sex, with the object of ensuring that the views of youth are adequately represented in the activities of the corporation?

In appointing additional governors to the British Broadcasting Corporation due weight will be given to all relevant considertions, including those to which my hon. Friend refers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the number of persons employed in his Department who are in receipt of salary and pension, apart from war or disability pension?

This information is not readily available and could only be obtained by individual inquiry of retired officers and ex-soldiers serving in the War Office and outstations. I regret that I cannot undertake an investigation which involves so large an amount of time and labour.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the number of persons employed in his Department who are in receipt of salary and pension, apart from war or disability pension?

The available information relates to permanent staff and branch managers, and to temporary staff receiving £250 or more in annual salary. These include 69 persons who are in receipt of extra remuneration of £50 a year or more by way of pension, retired pay, compensation or superannuation allowance from public funds, not being remuneration received from local authorities or disability pensions and similar payments, or pensions in respect of service as non-commissioned officers or men in the Navy, Army, or Air Force. The collection of similar information with regard to the other members of the staff would involve a disproportionate expenditure of time and money, since it would entail individual inquiry from each of them.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the number of registered unemployed workers in the building trade, giving bricklayers, joiners, plasterers, etc., separately, in the Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline districts of Fife, at the latest available date?

The total numbers of insured persons, aged 14 to 64 years, in the building industry recorded at the Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline Employment Exchanges as unemployed at 22nd June, 1936, were 109 and 75, respectively. The numbers of men, aged 21 to 64 years, included in these totals were 91 and 68, respectively, and the following table gives an occupational analysis of these figures:—