asked the Secretary of State for War what are the recruiting figures for the Territorial Army for June, 1936, and how do they compare with June, 1935; and whether he will give the figures for the quarter April to June, 1936, and how do these figures compare with the same quarter last year?

I am glad to be able to announce that during last month 4,393 recruits were finally approved for the Territorial Army as compared with 2,856 taken during June, 1935, while the total figure for the April to June quarter of 1936 is 16,145 as against 10,004 for the corresponding period last year.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with these figures?

I am very gratified to think that the country is beginning to realise the situation, and while we can congratulate ourselves upon these figures, they do not give any ground for complacency because at this rate it will take two years to fill up the shortage of recruits which we need at the present time. I hope that everybody, while being encouraged by these figures, will be spurred on to further efforts.

Does this indicate that the right hon. Gentleman's policy of frightening people out of their wits has been successful?

Have any communications been addressed to employers of labour in this country and has any special appeal been made to them to co-operate with the War Office in getting as many recruits as possible for the Territorial Force?

We are doing everything we can in that direction.

Is the right hon. Gentleman using any compulsion, or is this the idea of drawing the attention of employers of labour to the matter, that if men happen to fall foul of their foremen they are to be sent to the Army? Is that the idea?

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps his Department is prepared to take in the case of any employers who can be shown to have deprived men of their livelihood by filling their places during their absence on Territorial training?

While the War Office is, of course, not in a position to bring pressure to bear on employers, I will gladly consider whether it is possible to approach them if my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any cases he has in mind. Judging, however, by such complaints as have reached my Department, I am happy to believe that cases in which employés have been discharged because of their connection with the Territorial Army are exceedingly rare, and that employers as a whole are offering every facility to attend training.

Has any complaint reached the right hon. Gentleman and is there any case of employers acting as suggested in the question?

There are two cases of private employers on a very small scale, and one allegation against the Manchester Corporation.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of casualties inflicted on British and British Colonial troops during this year; and whether he will issue a complete casualty list to the public Press?

The number is 33, all of which have occurred in Palestine. The course suggested in the last part of the question is unnecessary, since the number of casualties is reported in the communiqués issued by the Palestine Government, while the next-of-kin are notified by the Army Record Office concerned immediately on the receipt of information.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these British soldiers as well as Jews and Arabs are being sacrified to maintain British power in Palestine?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that no steps whatsoever, beyond measuring out the ground, have as yet been taken by his Department with regard to the construction of a new rifle range at Warrington, and that rifle firing is still continuing on the existing range at the Peninsula barracks, Orford, in spite of repeated protests during the last two years to the War Office; and whether, in the interests of public safety and more especially of the local inhabitants, he will give instructions for such rifle practice to cease forthwith?

A contract for the construction of the new range at Warrington was placed in May, for completion in July, and work on the site had actually been begun when it was found that an unknown depth of shifting sand existed under the surface. Measures to overcome this difficulty have been agreed on, but in the circumstances some delay is inevitable. In the meantime a certain amount of rifle firing at the existing range is taking place, but this is restricted to essential recruit training and is confined to the hours which are least likely to cause annoyance to local inhabitants.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that these unfortunate people for five years have had rifle fire into their back gardens at a range of 75 yards? Is it not time that something was done by his Department to stop it?

There has been a great deal of delay, but the hon. and learned Member knows as well as I do the delay has not been wholly the fault of the War Department.

Has it not been so since April?

Is this rifle fire on rifle ranges part of the right hon. Gentleman's policy of frightening people out of their wits?

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether it is intended to mechanise any part of the Cavalry Militia Force;

(2) when the last inspection of existing units of the Cavalry Militia Force took place by the Inspector-General of Cavalry; when it is intended to hold the next inspection; and whether any of the officers of such units will be afforded the opportunity of attending a course at the Cavalry School, Weedon;

(3) the duties of the clergyman appearing in the Army List as honorary chaplain to the North Irish Horse, Cavalry Militia; how many church parades have been held during the past two years for officers and other ranks; and whether the attendance has been voluntary or compulsory?

All units of the Cavalry Militia have been disbanded except the North Irish Horse, which has been left in what I can, perhaps, best describe as a state of suspended animation. All the other ranks of this unit having completed their engagements, and recruiting for it being suspended, the strength at present consists of one officer only. In these circumstances my hon. and gallant Friend's questions do not arise.

If the whole force consists of one officer, can we be told whether he has any duties to perform or whether he takes a place in the Army List?

He takes a place in the Army List as being the sole member of this force, the battle honours of which are described on one page of the Army List. While it may not fulfil any important purpose it does not do any harm.

Although cavalry units have been almost entirely disbanded, is it the practice of the War Office to permit former cavalry officers in mechanised units to retain their horses and, if so, for what purpose?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this officer has been seconded for special duty?

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether, in view of the shortage of recruits in the Regular Army, and the large numbers of soldiers not available for duty owing to garrison, etc., employ, and in view of the uncertainty of obtaining employment on discharge from the Army, he will consider forming a corps of veterans for garrison, etc., employ duty in times of peace available for Home defence in time of war?

The possibility of utilising civilians, and particularly ex-solders, for garrison employments, in order to free serving soldiers for active military duty, is constantly under review. Acceptance by the personnel concerned of a liability for Home defence would not be desirable, since the very nature of those employments requires their continuance in time of war.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps he is taking to expedite the re-equipment of the Army?

I have decided to appoint an additional member of the Army Council with the title of Director-General of Munitions Production to be responsible to me for co-ordinating and expediting the production of munitions in accordance with the programme approved by His Majesty's Government. With the assent of my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty, whose help I gratefully acknowledge, I have offered the appointment to Engineer Vice-Admiral Sir Harold Brown, Engineer-in-Chief of the Fleet, and I am happy to say that he has accepted my invitation.

Does that mean that the Master-General of Ordnance will be deprived of some of his functions?

It means that this new officer will assist the Master-General of Ordnance in some of his functions, but the Master-General of Ordnance will retain a great many of his functions.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the co-ordination will extend to the supply required by the Navy, or will it deal only with Army supplies?

As the right hon. Gentleman is well aware, the War Office produces to supply to the other two Services, and this co-ordination will extend to that.

If it is a matter dealing with the Army, why should not an Army officer be given the appointment?

Will this officer have any duties where the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence is concerned?

The duties of the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence is to co-ordinate the work of the three Departments as far as possible, and all those Departments work in conjunction with him.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the two new fishery cruisers have proved successful; and whether he is now in a position to state when the third cruiser will be built and so complete the programme of three new fishery cruisers announced by him some time ago?

I am glad to say that the two new fishery cruisers are proving successful in service. Plans and specifications of the third cruiser are in active preparation, and I hope building will begin in October.

Have the difficulties in design which had to be abandoned last year been overcome, and have plans now been made which will make them more successful?

That is correct.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that these new vessels have reduced illegal trawling?

They are more successful for the purpose in view.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the losses of Scottish farmers from grass sickness among horses; that large numbers of animals have died in recent weeks; that effective measures to deal with the disease are handicapped by lack of funds and skilled veterinary services; and whether he will take immediate steps to make available the best veterinary skill in, order to stamp out the disease?

I would refer to the reply given on 30th June to the question on this subject by the hon. Member for Banffshire (Sir E. Findlay) of which I am sending a copy to my hon. Friend. The spread of this disease is a matter of no little concern, and the possibility of undertaking a more extensive investigation into the problem is under consideration.

Has not this trouble developed since the right hon. Gentleman withdrew the grant from the Veterinary College?

No, it has been going on for 10 years.

That is just about the time when the right hon. Gentleman withdrew the grant.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this problem has become serious and acute within the last few weeks?

I am well aware of the gravity of the problem, and that is why I said in my answer that I was not satisfied with the present methods.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this grass sickness among horses has now appeared in Berwickshire, a part of the country where it has hitherto been unknown?

indicated assent.

Will the right hon. Gentleman call the attention of local authorities in Scotland to the large increase of rabbits in some parts? It has been suggested that they may carry this grass disease from one part of the country to another.

I will call their attention to that matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any statement to make on the recent meeting between the Under-Secretary of State and the Scottish National Trust with reference to the preservation of buildings of historic or artistic merit; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with the matters then raised?

I am considering in consultation with my right hon. Friend the First Commissioner of Works the suggestions made by the representative of the Scottish National Trust at the meeting on 6th July, but I am not yet in a position to snake any statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the recent meeting convened by the Department of Health of representatives of the county council and burghs of Fife agreed in general about the proposed regional water supply scheme; that the burghs seem now prepared to take advantage of the scheme provided they are dealt with on a consumer basis; and whether he will, without delay, state whether the Government intend to grant financial assistance for the scheme and so remove the only obstacle to progress?

As the result of the meeting referred to the Department of Health have asked the burghs for an estimate of their probable future water needs. This information is to be communicated to the county council with a view to sectional conferences being held between the county and the other authorities concerned. When these conferences have taken place the whole position will be further reviewed.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that we may still hope for a Government grant to expedite this work?

I can give no under-taking about any Government grant, but, as the hon. Member knows, finance is not the only obstacle to a complete solution of this problem.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why Glasgow has been specially selected for the milk-in-schools scheme during the forthcoming summer holidays; and why Scotland is treated in a different manner as compared with England in the application of the said scheme?

The Scottish Milk Marketing Board were of opinion that their experimental scheme of children's milk centres, as a supplement to the main milk-in-schools scheme, could most suitably and satisfactorily be carried out in selected districts in Glasgow. No discrimination has been made such as is suggested in the second part of the question. Unlike the two schemes in the North and North-East of Scotland the milk-in-schools scheme of the Scottish Milk Marketing Board meantime provides for the supply of milk on school-days only, but it is open to the board, should the situation require, to modify that scheme so as to include holidays. Owing to difficulties of administration, including the difficulty of persuading children to attend schools on non-school days and holidays, the supplementary scheme in Glasgow has been organised by the board with a view partly to exploring an alternative method of distribution.

In view of the fact that the death rates in Scotland are worse than the death rates in England, can the right hon. Gentleman say why the children in Scotland should be prejudiced as compared with the children in England in this matter?

I am not prepared to admit that school children in Scotland are prejudiced as compared with school children in England, and this experimental step of the Milk Marketing Board is an indication of their desire in this matter.

If they do not want it in Scotland, why not try it in England?

Have all responsible authorities in Scotland been written to in connection with this particular matter?

The Scottish Milk Marketing Board has been entrusted by Parliament to deal with this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the average price of main-crop ware potatoes in the month before the import duty on foreign potatoes was taken off in March last and in each of the three following months?

The average wholesale price per ton for main-crop ware potatoes in Scotland in the month ending 25th March, 1936, was 122s. 10d. The corresponding prices in the three succeeding months were 121s. 6d., 121s. and 102s. 8d., respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the quantity of potatoes imported into Scotland in the month prior to the removal of

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is aware that the agreed maximum price of 4s. 9d. per 1,000 cubic feet to which the Edinburgh Corporation gas department is limited in making supplies to the South Queensferry and Kirkliston district is being exceeded by the Caledonian Gas Corporation, Limited, who are demanding 5s. per 1,000 cubic feet in Broxburn for gas delivered in bulk by the Edinburgh Corporation gas department at 1s. 11d. per 1,000 cubic feet; and whether he will take action to prevent this overcharge;

(2) what steps he intends to take to secure relief to the users of gas in Broxburn, West Lothian, who have received intimation of an increase in price to 5s. per 1,000 cubic feet in respect of gas provided in bulk by the Edinburgh Corporation gas department at 1s. 11d. per 1,000 cubic feet?

of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman): The Broxburn Gas Company does not supply gas under statutory powers, and I have no power to control its selling price.

As the reply involves a tabular statement of figures I will, with the Noble Lady's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. Particulars for June are not yet available.

Is it not even possible for the right hon. Gentleman to indicate from his office the dissatisfaction that is felt at the high price charged there in comparison with the price with which he has associated himself in the neighbourhood?

As I have no power to intervene, I cannot think that any useful purpose would come from my protesting.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will consider including some improvements in the miners' conditions when he introduces the next coal mines legislation, such as a pension scheme, shorter hours, and safety regulations?

As regards pensions, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to a question by the hon. Member for Barnsley (Mr. Potts) on 27th May, of which I am sending him a copy. As to the hours of work, I would remind him that His Majesty's Government have declared their readiness to ratify the Geneva Convention of 1931 as soon as the other six countries named in the text of the Convention are prepared to do so simultaneously. With regard to health and safety, the hon. Member is no doubt aware that a Royal Commission is at present considering these questions, and it would not be proper for me to attempt to anticipate their conclusions.

As the Government have announced that legislation will be introduced in the autumn dealing with the mining industry, will the Secretary for Mines before determining his policy take into consideration the report of the Samuel Commission?

Are we to understand that it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation in the autumn dealing with the mining industry? Can I have an answer?

asked the Secretary for Mines what was the output per man employed at the coal face in the North Staffs area in 1925, 1930, and 1935, respectively; and what were the wages received by the miners during the same dates?

The average output of coal per shift worked at the coal face in North Staffordshire was 51.83 cwts. in 1930 and 66.76 cwts. in 1935. I regret that no separate particulars in respect of North Staffordshire for 1925 are available. I am afraid it is not possible to give the cash earnings of workers at the coal face, but the average

I am sure that the hon. Member knows the answer before I give it. There is already a Bill before the House dealing with the industry and the Government have announced further legislation in due course.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of coal-cutting and other machines introduced in the North Staffs area during the years 1925 and 1930 to 1935?

I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing the number of coal-cutting and other machines in use during each of the years 1925 and 1930 to 1935.

In view of the increased output is it not time that the Government saw that it reflected itself in improved conditions for the miners?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will now give the result of his inquiry into the causes of the high rate of accidents at the Bedwas Colliery for the years 1934 and 1935?

Thorough investigation has been made and the divisional inspector reports that, in general, the high accident rate at Bedwas Colliery during 1934 and 1935 is mainly attributable to very adverse natural conditions, particularly heavy gradients and bad roof. Efforts have been made by the management to combat these difficulties, and the colliery has been visited by inspectors of mines more than 100 times during the past two and a half years. I am glad to say that a considerable improvement has been effected probably due in part to the greater regularity of working. Further improvement is hoped for in view of alterations in the haulage arrangements which will shortly become effective.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can now give information as to whether examination of the mine at the Bedwas Colliery is being done by workmen's inspectors; and how many examinations were made in the years 1934 and 1935?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to a question by the hon. Member for Abertillery (Mr. Daggar) on 18th June.

asked the Secretary for Mines what increase in the selling price of coal there has been in the first six months of this year over the corresponding six months of last year in Northumberland; and what proportion of the increase has gone to wages?

Particulars for June, 1936, are not yet available, but. during the first five months of 1936 the proceeds per ton of coal disposable commercially in Northumberland were 12s. 7¾d. compared with 11s. 5½d. in the corresponding period of 1935. The wages costs per ton were 7s. 5¾d. and 7s. respectively during those periods.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the hydrogenation plant which has been in operation for some time at Billingham-on-Tees is a commercial success; and, if so, will he take steps to arrange for the construction of similar works in the Special Area of South Wales and Monmouthshire?

It is not yet possible to say definitely whether the results which were anticipated when the plant was decided upon will be achieved in practice. The second part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

Can the Minister say when that information will be available?

No, Sir, it is impossible to give a date. This is a full-scale experiment and until those who are working it are satisfied, it is impossible for me to say anything definite about it.

It is not the case that only oil, and not coal, has been hydrogenated?

I would like to see questions of that kind on the Paper, because I am not operating this plant.

That is a good job.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is in a position to make a statement with regard to his consultations with the coalowners concerning the use of automatic gas detectors in certain mining districts?

This question affords a suitable opportunity for me to make a short statement on the general position with regard to the provision of firedamp detectors for use by workmen. The regulations made last year for an experimental period of two years have been in force for nine months. Until recently only two types of detector have been approved for this purpose, namely, the flame safety lamp and the "Ring-rose" automatic detector, but a new non-automatic type was approved on 9th June; tests of a second automatic type have been completed and its approval is under consideration; and experiments with other types are proceeding. Further, the Mining Association has offered a prize of £500 for the best combined automatic detector and safety lamp and, at their invitation, the Committee which is to deal with the matter includes representatives nominated by the Mines Department and the Mineworkers' Federation respectively. Progress is therefore being made towards widening the choice of detector, but in the meantime I am still not satisfied with the measures taken by mine owners in certain of the coalfields towards getting practical experience of the working of the regulations, using the automatic detector already available. I am pressing the Mining Association to deal more effectively with this side of the matter without further delay as the time is approaching for me to set up the committee which is to review the working of the regulations.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman indicate the kind of difficulty in the way of a more general use of automatic gas detectors?

No, Sir, not generally.

Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman consulted the owners to ascertain whether or not an automatic gas detector is too efficient for it to be applied generally?

No, Sir, I did not ask any question of that kind, because everybody wishes to do all he can for the safety of the men.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the coal-owners have been pleaded with for nine months to utilise an automatic gas detector to save human lives and that so far they have failed to respond?

No one is more aware of that than I am, because I have done the pleading.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the serious falling off of the coal export trade from South Wales, caused largely by subsidised German and Polish competition; and what action, if any, the Government propose taking to deal with this matter?

Yes, Sir. Though, fortunately, the inland trade in South Wales coal shows some improvement, the serious decline in South Wales coal exports is causing grave concern. This is due to a variety of causes, not the least of which is the delay in obtain- ing payment from some of our important foreign customers. I can assure the hon. Member that no opportunity of assisting the South Wales coal export trade will be overlooked.

Does that mean that the Government have no policy for dealing with the very serious situation now prevailing in South Wales?

No, Sir, I do not think that can be deduced from my reply.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is in a position to state how many of the employés in the mining industry are given holidays with pay; and can he give the approximate cost if all workers in the mining industry were given two weeks' holiday with pay each year?

Particulars of the employés in the mining industry who are given holidays with pay will be found on page 125 of the Ministry of Labour Gazette for April, 1936. On the basis of the average earnings per worker during the March quarter, 1936, and the number of wage earners at present employed, it is estimated that the cost of granting two weeks' holiday with pay to all workers in the industry would be nearly £4,000,000 per annum. This estimated amount would, of course, be reduced to the extent that some persons would not have served the qualifying period, whatever it might be, and possibly by some adjustment of the organisation of the work.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman urge the employers to extend this privilege to all mine workers? Their occupation is a dangerous one, and the cost woud be more than repaid in the better health of the workpeople.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that not a single coal hewer gets holidays with pay, and that all the people in the offices enjoy this privilege?

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman call attention to the fact that the cost of holidays with pay to all miners in this country would be less than what the royalty owners get out of the industry now?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that, under the trade agreement with the Irish Free State, the central council of coal-owners has given an undertaking to the Irish Free State coal importers that Northern Ireland shall not receive more favourable treatment than is accorded to buyers in the Irish Free State; will he state by what authority they were able to give such a guarantee; and why the business of coal exporting and coal importing between Northern Ireland and Great Britain should be affected by an agreement between this country and the Irish Free State?

No such undertaking has been or could be given under the terms of the commercial arrangement with the Irish Free State; lout I understand that by voluntary agreement between representatives of the colliery owners in the United Kingdom and of coal buyers in the Irish Free State, the latter will not as a general rule receive less favourable treatment than is accorded to buyers in Northern Ireland. The second and third parts of the question do not, therefore, arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether an agreement has now been reached with the Dominions for the migration of people from Great Britain?

No such agreement has been reached, but the question is under constant review.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether there has been submitted to him the Native Pass Consolidation Bill from Southern Rhodesia; whether he is aware that, inter alia, this Bill provides for a system of licensed concubinage; and whether he proposes to recommend the withholding of the Royal Assent to this provision in the Bill?

The Natives' Registration Act makes no express provision of the nature to which the right hon. Member refers. But I presume he is referring to Section 14 (3) of the Act which exempts natives in native locations situated within the boundaries of a township from the requirement to be in possession of certificates or passes if they are in possession of a current written permit signed by the superintendent or assistant superintendent of the native location permitting them to stay there. I understand from a statement made by the Minister of Native Affairs during the debate on the Bill that while it is intended under the legislation to get rid of prostitutes in the locations, this provision was inserted to deal with an existing situation in which certain women who do not belong to that class have been accustomed to live with natives although there has been no actual form of marriage contracted. I am in communication with the Government of Southern Rhodesia concerning the administration of this section. As stated in my reply to the hon. Member for Shipley (Mr. Creech Jones) on 30th June, I am not prepared to advise His Majesty to disallow this Act.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether this practice which is now being legalised in Rhodesia is not a direct outcome of the compound system, and whether it is not the case that in the Belgian copper mines the compound system has been abolished altogether and a settlement system instituted in its place, and will he not therefore see that steps are taken to abolish this infamous compound system, with its inevitable celibacy and the consequences which follow from it?

That is another question altogether, into which I could not go in detail, at any rate without notice. With regard to this particular point, I am in communication with the Southern Rhodesian Government.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs how many proclaimed areas exist in Southern Rhodesia; and what is the normal extent of such areas?

I assume that the hon. Member refers to proclaimed townships as this term is defined in the Natives Registrati Act. The Act is, however, not yet in operation, and accordingly no townships have been proclaimed.

Do I understand that the Minister agrees with this policy of virtual segregation of the natives which is indicated by these proclaimed areas?

That has nothing to do with the question, if I may say so. The proclaimed townships are townships where these hostels are going to be built, and that does not raise the whole question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the native cannot go into the proclaimed townships unless he has a series of passes, and that the Prime Minister himself said that the position of the native was that he should stay outside?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the regulation in the Southern Rhodesia Natives Registration Bill, requiring natives to have visiting passes, has been in any previous Act and, if so, what Act; and whether, as the registering of contracts of service with Europeans by the native with a penalty of 210 or a month's imprisonment for case of failure was previously the duty of the employer, he will say what is the reason of the change?

Under the Southern Rhodesia Natives' Registration Ordinance, 1901, natives visiting townships were required to have visiting passes. As regards registration of contracts for service no material change has been made and the penalties referred to fall, as before, on the employer who fails to procure the registration of the contract, not on the native.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of white children of school age in Southern Rhodesia, the number attending school, and the total amount voted for the education of such children; and will he give similar information in the case of native children?

I understand that the number of white children of school age in Southern Rhodesia is 10,374, all of whom attend school or receive tuition through correspondence classes. The amount voted in 1936C–37 for the education of white children is £311,309 exclusive of capital expenditure on buildings. The number of native children of school age is, I am informed, unknown; the number attending school is 101,492, a figure which includes a large unknown number above school age. The amount voted for native education in the current year is £79,673 exclusive of capital expenditure on buildings. Considerable expenditure on native education is also being provided by missionary societies.

Are we to understand then that the right hon. Gentleman agrees with this policy which in the matter of education alone imposes such disabilities upon native children?

Answer!

Hon. Members must understand that it is facts and not what Ministers think that we want to get at Question Time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, when revising the Companies Act, he will, to protect the public, make it obligatory for stock exchanges to abolish the not officially quoted list, so that securities dealt with on stock exchanges after payment of all calls due shall appear only in an officially quoted list, and that the committee of the relative stock exchange shall then be officially responsible for the published quotations?

I understand that in the case of both the London and the Glasgow stock exchanges both the official list and the supplementary list, which presumably my hon. Friend has in mind, are issued under the authority of the committees of the stock exchanges. No other provincial stock exchange, so far as I am aware, issues a supplementary list.

Has the right hon. Gentleman brought the matter to the notice of the committee of the London Stock Exchange; and, if not, will he do so?

I was asked for the information which I have given in the answer.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he will state the new industries established in the Special Areas, with each area shown separately, during the 12 months ended June, 1936; the nature of such industries; and the total number of people employed;

(2) whether he will state the new industries established in Great Britain, the nature of these industries, and the total number of persons employed, respectively, luring the 12 months ended June, 1936; where the industries have been established; and what action, if any, was taken to secure these industries being established in the Special Areas?

The Survey of Industrial Development is compiled in respect of calendar years only, and I regret that no information is available for the year ended June, 1936. The survey for the year 1935 will be published shortly. The commissioners for the Special Areas and the Government Departments concerned have made every endeavour to influence the establishment of new enterprises in the Special Areas, but it would be impossible to give full particulars within the limits of an answer to a Parliamentary question.

Has the commissioner succeeded in establishing any new industries in the distressed areas in the county of Durham?

I could not reply to that question without notice.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give this information during the discussion on the Board of Trade Vote to-morrow?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total tonnage of sugar used in the confectionery trade in Great Britain, with the amounts of beet and cane sugar used, respectively, during the last available year?

The only information available relates to the year 1924, and for that year the information is not complete. From the partial information furnished at the Third Census of Production by firms in the cocoa and sugar confectionery trades it is estimated that in 1924 the consumption of sugar by these firms was about 162,500 tons. This figure includes sugar used in making other cocoa products as well as in confectionery. Separate details regarding cane and beet sugar were not recorded.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the figures since 1924 are not available?

Because there has been no Census of Production which would include them.

Are there not figures available to the President of the Board of Trade in connection with the Greene Report?

I do not know whether they cover this ground or not.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any negotiations are pending with the Government of the United States of America with reference to a trade treaty between this country and the United States?

I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Gower (Mr. Grenfell) on 17th December last, to which I have nothing to add.

In view of the important commercial and other interests involved, will the right hon. Gentleman consider taking steps towards effecting some commercial agreement between the two countries?

Such information as I have on the matter I gave to the hon. Member for Gower (Mr. Grenfell) last December.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he thinks there is any possible chance of coming to a trade agreement with America until you pay your debt to America?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the danger of loss of trade in India to fishing tackle manufacturers in this country owing to the dropping of the Ottawa pact agreement; and what action the Government are taking to secure the advantages previously existing?

The question of opening negotiations for a new agreement is at present under discussion between the two Governments. The interests of fishing tackle and other manufacturers in this country will be borne in mind.

Is the right hon. Gentleman fully seized of the importance of continuity in this matter, and therefore the urgency of having these negotiations brought to a successful termination without delay, as orders are now being placed for a period beyond that of the Ottawa pact agreement?

My hon. Friend asked me for particulars with regard to fishing tackle. I can only say that that is being included with the other commodities which we are discussing.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether notice has been given to terminate the trade convention with the Argentine on 7th November next;

(2) whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Argentine cattle-raisers are calling upon their Government to make no new agreement with Great Britain rather than accept taxes which impede Argentine producers; and, in view of the intensive efforts of Japan to capture our markets in Argentina, what steps he proposes to take to prevent the breakdown of our textile and other export trades with Argentina in the event of the projected treaty not being concluded?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will point out to the Argentine Government the benefit to Argentina of the British savings which created the railways to develop the country in respect of which no return is paid on £200,000,000 capital, and that £10,000,000 a year related to this unproductive railway capital represents a cash subsidy by Britain to the Argentine meat and grain producers, which must be taken into account in connection with the renewal of the Trade Agreement?

Owing to the importance and wide ramifications of the issues involved it has not yet proved possible to complete the discussions with the Argentine Government on the questions arising in connection with the renewal of the Trade Agreement but the facts mentioned by my hon. Friends are being borne in mind. In the hope that agreement in principle may be reached between the two Governments very shortly, steps have been taken to reduce to three months the period of notice for terminating the existing Agreement. The effect of this arrangement is to enable the Agreement to be terminated on 7th November next, even though the notice of termination may be withheld until 7th August.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that not a single bullock or tort of grain could be moved in that country without the facilities that are being afforded and have been afforded by the British taxpayer; and in view of the fact that this question has continued so long in this unsatisfactory condition, cannot the Government do something to wake up the Argentine Government?

We take every suitable opportunity of reminding our friends in Argentina that without the help of the British investor—not the British taxpayer—it would not be possible to develop their country 50 rapidly.

What does the right hon. Gentleman intend to do about it?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total amounts of British investments in Argentina?

; I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Wycombe (Sir A. Knox) on 12th May.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the steady increase in imports into this country during recent years of cotton yarns and manufactures from Japan; and whether he proposes to take any special action in the matter?

I am aware that imports of cotton. yarns and manufactures from Japan have increased during recent years, but I would point out that they amount to only a fraction of 1 per cent. of United Kingdom production. If the trade interests affected consider that they need further protection, it is open to them to apply to the Import Duties Advisory Committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that direct remittances to Turkey in payment of imports from that country into Great Britain, as well as indirect shipments from Turkey to this country via France, have deprived British exporters of large sums which would otherwise have been available for payment

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total volume of British trade in 1929–30 and in 1934–35, respectively?

I understand that the hon. Member wants particulars of the total value of United Kingdom imports and exports during the years 1929, 1930, 1934 and 1935. These will be found in the December issues of the monthly Trade and Navigation Accounts for 1931 and 1935.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on 9th July to the hon. Member for Wallsend (Miss Ward).

asked the President of the Board of Trade the aggregate trade in 1935 of the British overseas Empire, including mandated territories, distinguishing imports, exports, and re-exports from and to the United Kingdom and foreign countries, respectively?

As the answer is in the form of a tabular statement, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFF-fern REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the countries or country of origin of all the negative cinema film imported into Great Britain and Northern Ireland and registered for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date?

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of the countries of origin of imported films registered under the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927, during the twelve months ended 30th June, 1936.

Is it not a fact that there has been a progressive decrease in the importation of negative cinema film?

The hon. Member had better await the figures that I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the attention of the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses has been drawn to the need of a minor light at Uyeasound, Shetland; and, if so, what action they propose to take?

I have communicated with the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses, who state that they will be unable to take any action in the near future in regard to the establishment of a light in this vicinity.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the captain of the mail and passenger steamship has made repeated requests for years of a light to help him to navigate these very dangerous waters?

If my hon. and gallant Friend wishes the subject to be dealt with, he could achieve his purpose more rapidly by direct. communication with the Northern Lighthouse authorities.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is aware that on a recent occasion the steamship "Earl Sigurd," outward bound from Kirkwall to pick up an urgent hospital case, had to anchor for the night at the Galtness gas buoy, being unable to proceed further until daylight because of the lack of a gas buoy on Eda Groina shoal; and whether he will bring this incident to the notice of the Northern Lighthouse Commissioners;

(2) whether he is aware that the lack of a lighted buoy on Eda Groina shoal reduces the usefulness of the three lighted buoys and the fixed minor lights on the passage from Kirkwall to Westray to such an extent on dark nights that the passage can in fact only be made with safety by daylight; and whether he will bring this aspect of the question to the notice of the Northern Lighthouse Commissioners?