asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons who come under the Unemployment Assistance Board in the Whitehaven, Cleator Moor, Parton, Egremont, and Millom areas, respectively, the number receiving assistance under the regulations in each area, and those receiving transitional benefit under the standstill order for each area for the 12 months ended June, 1936?

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

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons sent to adult training centres during the 12 months ended June, 1936, from White-haven, Cleator Moor, Egremont, Parton, and Millom areas, respectively, showing the information for each centre separately?

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

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons and the amounts paid out during the 12 months ended June, 1936 (each month separately), for the areas of Whitehaven, Cleator Moor, Egremont, Parton, and Millom for standard benefit and for transitional benefit, respectively?

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

asked the Minister of Labour in respect of each administrative district of the Unemployment Assistance Board, the approximate number of payments of unemployment allowances under the Unemployment Assistance Regulations as being equal to or more favourable than according to transitional payments practice, and the number of payments made according to that practice, as being more favourable than under the Regulations?

These statistics are not available for the administrative districts of the board, since these are not coincident with the areas of the Ministry's offices at which the payments are made. I am circulating in the form of a White Paper, a return for the week ended 26th June last, giving these figures, and also the numbers in receipt of unemployment benefit at each of the Ministry's offices other than those at which the total number of payments did not exceed 100. Copies of this White Paper will be available to Members to-morrow morning.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) what additional public expenditure would be incurred by the substitution of an individual means test for a household means test, the scales in the proposed new Regulations remaining otherwise unchanged;

I regret that it is not possible to make any reliable estimates of the kind asked for. I would point out in the first place that for the purpose of such estimates it would be necessary to define with some precision what is meant by the vague phrase "an individual means test"; for example, whether or not the resources of dependants who are covered by the allowances are to be taken into account and, if so, according to what rules. Again, as regards any suggestion for the complete abolition of the means test it would be necessary to know for example whether the applicant's own earnings are to be disregarded and whether or not the Board's discretionary power to increase the scale allowances in special cases is also to be abolished seeing that it is essentially dependent on their appraisement of the applicant's needs in relation to the resources available to him. Apart from considerations such as these, such a wide relaxation of the existing system would result in applications being made by unemployed persons who at present, not being in need, do not claim allowances. The number of such persons, though certainly very large, is necessarily unknown; similarly no particulars of their circumstances are available, though it may be assumed that they possess appreciable resources.

Am I to understand that these new Regulations which are to be debated next week have been framed without the Ministry being in a position to estimate the cost that would be involved in making either of these changes?

The hon. Member must make no such assumption. These questions depend entirely upon the estimates made. I am pointing out that if I am to be asked precise questions, I must know according to what rules they are to be framed and the assumptions upon which they are based.

Is it not a fact that when a man is out of employment, he is entitled to receive unemployment pay without regard to other sources of income?

The answer is, Certainly not. It would appear that the hon. Member wishes to abolish the means test without attempting to think of even the meaning of what the cost would be.

Do I understand from that answer that if a man has paid his ordinary contributions and is out of work, he is not entitled to unemployment benefit because he has some other source of income?

Is not the right hon. Gentleman in a position to say what the estimated cost would be if unemployed persons under the supervision of the Unemployment Assistance Board were treated precisely as those who come under the scope of insurance?

I would like to see that question on the Paper, because I would want to know whether, in doing that, the hon. Member would have regard to the large number of persons who would be cut by that procedure.

Is it not a fact that a general pledge was given by hon. Members opposite at the General Election to remove the family means test?

There was no such pledge given. The pledge given is kept in the new Regulations in the letter and in the spirit.

That is not true.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in a case where a person in receipt of unemployment assistance allowance dies and prior to death has, say, three or four days due, it is his intention under the regulations that his relatives shall be paid such days due toward meeting the man's weekly liabilities?

This is a matter which depends on the provisions of the Act and is not directly affected by the terms of the draft Regulations. I am informed that the board have the matter under consideration with a view to making such payments to the fullest extent which their statutory powers permit. Mr. POTTS: May I call the right hon. Gentleman's attention to the fact that I have in my hand a report from the area officer himself declining payment, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the point of this case is that a man in receipt of benefit under the board had four days' benefit due to him; he died on the fifth day, and the board declined to pay four days for his lodgings? I want to know whether the Minister believes that the money ought to be paid to the people who represent this man?

There are some statutory difficulties, but this very case and one or two similar ones, are at the moment under the consideration of the board. I will let the hon. Member know as soon as the board comes to a decision.

Seeing that this is a very important question, would the right hon. Gentleman, through the channels of the OFFICIAL REPORT, make the decision known, as everybody is affected by it?

I would not say everybody, but there have been a few cases, and they are all under the consideration of the board. They vary very greatly in their application. I shall be very glad to do as the hon. Member suggests.

Would the Minister agree that it is the case at the present time that if a man dies on the day on which his benefit is due, his widow receives the week's benefit; and would he further agree that where it is a case of having three or four days' benefit to draw it is just a question of degree?

I could not accept it in that form. If the hon. Member wants a precise answer about the details and puts down a question to that effect, I will try to give him the exact legal position, which is a very difficult and complicated one.

Further arising out of the Minister's answer, may I ask—

I must ask hon. Members to consider the number of questions on the Paper.

On a point of Order. I want to give notice that I will raise the subject of Question 18 at a date convenient to you, Mr. Speaker, if the matter is not settled in the meantime.

asked the Minister o Labour the amount by which a man and wife entitled to 24s. per week under the new Regulations will have their allowance reduced when paying 4s. per week rent, and also where they occupy a free house?

Under the draft Regulations the question of the reduction on account of rent in any class of case in any area is a matter on which the Advisory Committee is asked to make recommendations. It is clearly impossible in advance of these recommendations to say precisely what the result will be in a hypothetical case in any area. I would, however, call the attention of the hon. Member to paragraph 16 of the Board's Explanatory Memorandum (Cmd. 5229) and also to my answer of 14th June to the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Lawson) of which I am sending him a copy and in which it is pointed out that in general the basic figure for a man and wife without available resources is 26s.

Does the Minister suggest that the Regulations are so complicated that it is not possible to give a direct answer to the question on the Paper? Can he not say how much money will be received by a man and wife who are entitled to 24s. a week—because the amount of 26s. mentioned by the Minister is not correct—if they are paying 4s. rent?

I have pointed out that it depends entirely on the advice of the local committee.

The Minister cannot get out of it that way.

The hon. Member has asked me a question, and I am answering it according to the facts. It is easy to frame hypothetical questions and to press for definite answers to them which cannot be given in the form which the hon. Member would desire.

Has the board not power under the Regulations, in the case of a man and wife with no dependent children and entitled to 24s., to make it 26s., no matter what the rent may be?

That is not so. Under the Regulations there is a guarantee in the case of a householder with a dependant or dependants and no resources. In that particular class of case—normally cases of man and wife—there is a guarantee

asked the Minister of Labour the number of local advisory committees set up in South Wales, under Sub-section (3) of Section 35 of the Unemployment Act, 1934; and the name of the chairman and members of each committee?

May I ask—

We have already had a number of supplementary questions on this point.

This is most important. The Minister is misleading the House.

Why not pay the 26s.?

asked the Minister of Labour the districts where the chief reductions have taken place of the persons under the Unemployment Assistance Board when on 28th January, 1935, there were 784,242 and the recent estimate of 620,000?

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

Nine local advisory committees are being set up by the board in South Wales. With the hon. Member's permission I will circulate the names of the chairmen of these committees in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The appointment of members to these committees is still pro- ceeding and at this stage it would not be proper to publish lists which would only be incomplete.

asked the Minister of Labour the reasons for the delay in the acquisition of the proposed trading estate in the north-east of England?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 9th July to the hon. Member for Seaham (Mr. Shinwell), of which I am sending him a copy.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the answer he gave to me was a purely negative one, and when will he be in a position to state what progress is being made with a scheme for which the Government take credit?

The hon. Member is in error in saying that my answer was a negative one. I pointed out some of the difficulties, and I also pointed out, in answer to other questions, that some of the keenest persons in favour of this idea are to be found among those on the directorates. Questions of this kind cannot help them in the work they are trying to bring to a successful conclusion.

What is the use of their keenness if nothing is to be done, and will the right hon. Gentleman say how questions in this House are going to prevent these keen persons from proceeding with a scheme for which the Government take all the credit?

The answer is that to suggest that nothing will be done does not help them. Something will be done.

When?

Shall I be able to get any definite answer if I put this question down again before the Recess?

I am not sure about that. The hon. Member may be assured that as soon as I am in a position to give a definite answer, I shall be very glad to let the House know.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the maternal mortality rate in the industrial districts of South Wales is substantially in excess of the average maternal mortality rate for the country as a whole, and that this high rate is attributed by the medical officers of health in those districts to the impoverishment imposed by the existing low rates of unemployment benefit and assistance; and whether he will take steps to increase the rates of benefit and assistance and so prevent this loss of life due to poverty?

I am not aware of any statement made by medical officers of health in South Wales attributing the higher maternal mortality rate in industrial districts in South Wales to impoverishment due to the rates of unemployment benefit and assistance. The last part of the question does not therefore arise.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the high maternal mortality rate in those districts is due to the poverty caused by the low unemployment benefits, and will he reconsider the matter if I supply him with evidence?

If the hon. Member will read his question, he will see that it says:

"attributed by the medical officers of health in those districts to the impoverishment imposed by the existing low rates of unemployment benefit and assistance."

Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the matter if I supply him with evidence?

I shall always be glad, as the hon. Member knows, to receive any information.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether the Government's decision to embark upon the construction of works at Bridgend was taken into consideration by the Special Areas Commissioner prior to making his decision on the Mid-Glamorganshire sewage scheme; and whether he is aware that this scheme is the unanimous demand of the local authorities;

I am informed that, although the maintenance cost of a combined Mid-Glamorgan sewerage scheme would be slightly less than the corresponding cost for separate schemes for the four local authorities concerned, the extra capital cost of such a scheme would far outweigh any saving on maintenance cost. When the commissioner for the Special Areas decided in principle to reject a combined scheme in favour of separate schemes, no announcement had been made regarding a War Department establishment at Bridgend. The effect of such an establishment has not been overlooked, but in view of the wide margin of cost between the two alternatives and the location of the new factory it is most unlikely that the higher cost of a combined scheme can be justified.

In reply to previous questions, we were told that the difference was £90,000, and as the four local authorities believe that the maintenance charges will involve a substantially increased cost, may I ask the Minister to reconsider the matter, particularly in view of the unanimous decision by the authorities?

I will look into what the hon. Member has said.

asked the Minister of Labour how many manual workers are given holidays with pay; and will he ascertain what the cost would be if all workers were given two weeks' holiday with pay in each year?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies which I gave on 18th June and 9th July to the hon. Members for East Islington (Miss Cazalet), Eccles (Mr. Cary) and Dewsbury (Mr. Riley). I am sending him copies of those replies. As regards the second part of the question, I regret that the available information is insufficient to enable me to calculate the cost of granting holidays with pay to all manual workers.

Seeing that this is important to manual workers, who are expecting that something will be done in this direction, would it not be as well if the right hon. Gentleman tried to get all the information he can, so that subsequent discussion can take place?

We have got information. I do not know exactly how I am to get further information, but I will consider the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider issuing a recommendation to employers that, in the opinion of the Cabinet, the time has arrived when this should be done?

While we may fully sympathise with the desire for something of this kind, we must have regard to practical possibilities.

Is it not a fact that the example is being set by other countries, and will the right hon. Gentleman not follow it?

It is true that we lead in many cases in which other countries are 50 years behind the time.

Now that they are in front of us, ought we not to try to catch up with them?

Some of them are in front of us only on paper.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the display of a poster outside Nine Elms, London, police station concerning an escaped convict, which poster offers a reward for his recapture and gives the name and address of the man's mother and of certain of his associates; and whether, in view of the humiliation this practice inflicts on innocent people, he will cause it to be discontinued?

I am obliged to the hon. Member for drawing attention to this matter which had not previously come to my notice. Instructions have been given that the names and addresses of relatives or associates are not to be included in any future notices of this kind which it may be necessary to issue.

In view of the fact that the man did not live with his mother, and that the mother has suffered very considerably as a result of the publication, would the right hon. Gentleman arrange for a message of some kind to be sent to her by the responsible people?

I will look into that. I understand entirely the good feeling behind that suggestion and would like to do it, but I ought to explain that while the police assist in displaying these notices, the police do not draw them up. They are drawn up by the prison authorities, but, whoever it is, the matter must be dealt with.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Dr. Alan Tuke, Dunfermline, a certifying surgeon appointed under the Factory and Workshop Act, 1901, for the district of Dunfermline, is also a medical adviser to the Scottish Mineowners' Defence and Mutual Insurance Association, Limited, Dunfermline; and what steps he intends to take in connection with the matter?

I understand on inquiry that while Dr. Tuke reports on particular cases for the association from time to time, he does not hold any appointment as their adviser. He has been certifying factory surgeon for 25 years without, apparently, any complaint as to his not being impartial in the performance of his duties, and it is most desirable that certifying surgeons should be men of wide experience.

Does the right hon. Gentleman suggest having regard to the circumstances related by him, that Dr. Tuke is sufficiently unbiased to hold the responsible office of certifying surgeon?

My own feeling, and I think the hon. Member will share it, is that it is very important that a certifying surgeon should be both an honest and an experienced medical man. Of course, it would be wrong for him to act as it were on both sides in the same matter, and I am sure he does not do so, but I would add that the general question of the position and functions of certifying surgeons under the Workmen's Compensation Act is now being reviewed by the Departmental Committee on Workmen's Compensation. I feel sure that this matter is one which they would consider.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that if this doctor has certified anybody in his district to be suffering from an industrial disease, steps are taken to prevent him examining on behalf of the employers any man suffering from any of these diseases?

That proposition is perfectly right. I have already made inquiries, and I am assured that this doctor does not do so, but I certainly will make further inquiries, and I quite agree with what the hon. Gentleman says.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that under Circular No. 2644, dated 25th May, 1932, police officers on precognition are not allowed to divulge statements made to them by the drivers of vehicles involved in collision; and whether, where such evidence is relevant and material in civil or criminal proceedings, he will order that in future such officers on precognition may divulge the extent and character of such statements?

Statements or precognitions of drivers of vehicles taken by the police for the information of their superior officers or the Crown Authorities would not normally be competent evidence in a Scottish Court. The Circular in question contains a recommendation that copies of such statements should not in general be supplied. My right hon. Friend does not propose to recommend any change in this practice. There is nothing in the Circular to suggest that police officers, when precognosced for the purposes of subsequent proceedings, should withhold information of anything which they have personally observed or heard, and of which evidence could competently be given by them in a court of law; but particulars obtained through the exercise by the police of specific statutory powers cannot as a rule be divulged—and in cases where criminal proceedings are pending or contemplated information in the possession of the police must be treated as confidential.

Is it not a fact that such evidence is permitted in a court of law, and that being so, does not the Lord Advocate agree that if this evidence were rendered available in the first instance much litigation would be avoided?

No, Sir. Evidence of the type to which I refer in my original answer would not, apart from highly exceptional circumstances, be admitted.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, having regard to the alleged deliberate breach of Section 27 (1) (c) of the Police (Scotland) Regulations by the chief constable for the county of Argyll in appointing James Alexander Thomson to be inspector in the said county, and in view of the serious effect that such contravention of regulations by superior police officers has on the discipline of the police force generally, what disciplinary or other measures he proposes to take or to advise in this case?

My right hon. Friend has asked the county council of Argyll who are the disciplinary authority in relation to the chief constable to investigate this allegation, and meantime I am not in a position to make any statement on the subject.

I beg to thank the right hon. and gallant Gentleman for that reply.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the recent case before the sheriff court at Cupar, where evidence was given of a sharp conflict which took place on 14th July, off Kincraig Point, in the Firth of Forth, between Cockenzie and Pittenweem fishing boats; whether he is aware that this is one of many similar incidents which have taken place in the last year; and whether he will introduce more effective measures to prevent illegal fishing off the Fife coast and the possibility of further incidents?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. So far as I am aware, there have not been many similar incidents in the last year, and no complaints of illegal fishing in the Firth of Forth have reached the Fishery Board since January last. The new fishery cruiser "Fidra" which was put into commission in February last, has, according to my information, been successful in checking illegal fishing and conflicts between fishermen in this area and the present measures appear to be adequate.

Is it not the fact that the state of affairs described in the question is certainly not exceptional?

As I have said, since the cruiser "Fidra" came on duty, the trouble seems to be virtually at an end.

Will not the most effectual measure of protection be the use of the by-law which is at present awaiting confirmation?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether in considering any possible extension of the seine-net fishing area in the Firth of Forth, he will bear in mind the many conflicts which are now occurring between poaching craft domiciled on the South side of the Firth of Forth and fishing boats operating legally off the North coast; and whether he is aware that, in the opinion of the great majority of fishermen operating in the Firth of Forth, any extension of the area in question will lead to further illegal fishing and consequent serious conflicts between the fishermen?

In considering the by-law which the Fishery Board for Scotland have made and submitted for confirmation, my right hon. Friend will take into account all relevant considerations which may be put before him for and against confirmation.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman remember in that connection that the line fishermen on both sides of the Firth of Forth are unanimously opposed to this proposed extension of the area?

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman also remember the proportion of line fishermen on the one side and on the other?

As there is a conflict between the two methods of fishing, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman take into account that the most up-to-date method must in the end prevail?

My right hon. Friend will bear those points in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the position and condition of two slaughter-houses in the burgh of Inverkeithing; whether he is aware that the buildings are old and defective; that householders nearby complain of the noises coming from the slaughter-houses; that the door of one must be left open as that is the only means of lighting the place, while children witness the slaughtering of the animals through the open door; and will he cause a special inspection to be made with a view to remedying this state of affairs?

I am informed that the slaughter-houses in question are private slaughter-houses carried on under licences issued by the local authority. If these slaughter-houses constitute a nuisance a complaint may be lodged with the town council under the Public Health Acts. Objection may also be raised by any person interested against the renewal of the licences by the local authority. My right hon. Friend has instructed a special inspection to be made of these premises and of the conditions under which animals are slaughtered.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider introducing legislation abolishing private slaughter-houses altogether?

That is another matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can make any statement with regard to the delay of the Department of Agriculture for Scotland in providing more houses to replace the defective houses on the estate of the department at Terregles, Kirkcudbrightshire?

Arrangements for the erection of three additional houses at Terregles are in progress. The examination of tenders and the completion of other arrangements must precede the commencement of building operations, but no avoidable delay will occur.

In view of the inordinate length of time taken, will my right hon. and gallant Friend, through the Scottish Office, impress on the Department of Agriculture for Scotland the urgency of this matter?

I will do all in my power to see that the matter is expedited.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can make a statement on the present state of the arrangements for the protection of the population from air raids; and whether all local authorities have been advised to take such precautions as his Department deems necessary?

The hon. Member will appreciate that it is difficult to give an adequate description of the present position in a reply to a Parliamentary Question, but I may say that all local authorities have been asked to co-operate in matters of air raid precautions, and the great majority are doing so. Local schemes of air raid precautions are in course of preparation, and the Government are making the necessary arrangements for the publication of further information giving guidance to local authorities and others, and for the production of the stocks of protective equipment which it has undertaken to supply.

asked the Home Secretary the number of police officers employed at Epsom during the race meeting held there in May last; what part of the expenses for the use of this force fell upon the Metropolitan Police Fund; and will he give particulars?

The number of police employed varied from day to day, the maximum on any day being 318. Their cost was borne wholly by the racecourse authorities, no part of it falling on the Metropolitan Police Fund. The figure I have given does not include police engaged in regulating traffic to and from the race meeting.

Has any special allowance been made to these men for the time during which they were on this duty?

Another day?

I can assure the hon. Member that my previous answer was intended to be complete. Whatever cost there is, is borne solely by the racecourse authorities.

On a point of Order. Do you take notice, Mr. Speaker, that every day when my hon. Friend the Member for Central Southwark (Mr. Day) rises to put supplementary questions, some Members start growling like monkeys?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now prepared to so amend the provisions of the Various Industries (Silicosis) Scheme, 1934, as to bring within its scope the large number of coal miners, both underground and surface workers, who are disabled by fibrosis of the lungs, due to inhalation of dust in the course of their employment, and who are prevented from becoming certified by the medical board and from claiming compensation by the restrictive character of the existing silicosis schemes?

I am afraid that is not possible in the present state of medical knowledge to take action on the lines suggested. Fibrosis of the lungs is a not uncommon condition which arises from a variety of causes, not necessarily occupational at all, and I am advised that the position at present reached is that while fibrosis due to inhalation of silica or asbestos dust can be distinguished by expert examination, it is not possible in other cases to say whether the fibrosis is due to the effects of dust inhaled in the course of employment. The problem is an extremely complicated one but it is being actively investigated by the Industrial Pulmonary Diseases Committee of the Medical Research Council, who are fully alive to its importance and urgency and who, I understand, visited South Wales last month and obtained information from the hon. Member himself, a number of local doctors and others. All I can say now is that if, and when, that committee is able to report that there are other forms of occupational fibrosis which can be distinguished as such, my right hon. Friend will be prepared to consider at once the steps necessary, whether by legislation or otherwise, to bring them within the scope of the Act.

While thanking my hon. Friend for his reply, will he in view of the urgency of the matter, press upon the committee to make their report as soon as possible?

Yes, Sir. As the hon. Member knows, I did that once before, with good results. As a matter of fact the committee are meeting this afternoon.

asked the Home Secretary what measures are in contemplation to prevent further anti-Jewish manifestations on the part of members of the British Union of Fascists?

In the Debate last which are being taken, and I am in com-Friday, I described various measures munication with the Commissioner of Police on the subject.

As this aspect of the matter could not be raised last Friday, does not my right hon. Friend think that banning all political uniforms might quickly bring to an end this sadistic nuisance?

That, of course, is a proposal which would involve legislation, but it is a proposal which has by no means been overlooked.

If the right hon. Gentleman will look up the evidence in the case of the 12 Communists who were prosecuted in 1925, he will see that on the basis of that case he has an ironclad case against the Fascists.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that in the case of Rex v. Bryant evidence was given by a Home Office expert to the effect that the presence of 149 parts in 1,000,000 of arsenic in coal ash was inexplicable except upon the hypothesis that arsenic had been burned in the fire in question; that the learned judge directed the jury that that evidence constituted corroboration of the principal witness for the prosecution, who alone deposed to arsenic being to the knowledge of the prisoner present in the house; that the said expert evidence was admittedly incorrect and mistaken and that the Court of Criminal Appeal apparently felt itself bound by precedent to refuse to investigate whether the said evidence was mistaken; and whether he will consider the introduction of amending legislation to secure that verdicts founded on mistaken evidence shall be subject to inquiry on appeal?

In the course of investigating this matter, I ascertained from the Lord Chief Justice that he and the other Judges sitting in the Court of Criminal Appeal, for the purpose of deciding the appeal, proceeded on the assumption that this item of evidence was mistaken. There was ample evidence of corroboration quite apart from this challenged detail. Neither the trial Judge (whom I also personally inter- viewed) nor the Court of Criminal Appeal were able to regard the matter referred to as affecting the conclusion reached, and after the most careful examination of all the circumstances, I reached the same view. As regards the last part of the question, no such legislation is required as, of course, an allegation of mistaken evidence can be considered on appeal and, as I have said, it was in fact considered and fully allowed for in the present case.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider recommending as part of the Coronation programme the remission of sentences imposed upon persons in prisons who have earned good-conduct marks?

There is a regular system by which prisoners earn remission by good conduct and industry, and proposals involving special clemency to persons who happen to be serving sentences of imprisonment on a particular date are open to obvious objection.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to invite the Dominion and Colonial Governments to send representative military units to participate in the various ceremonies connected with the Coronation;

I am not in a position to make any announcement regarding the details of the Coronation arrangements, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the suggestions made by him will be borne in mind. As has been stated in the Press, arrangements are under discussion for the participation of the Dominions in the Coronation preparations.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that on 25th May last the Honourable Frank Pakenham, fellow and tutor of Christ Church, Oxford, was violently assaulted and injured by a number of Fascist stewards at a public meeting and received no assistance, either at the time of the assault or afterwards, from the police; and whether he will introduce legislation to give greater control to the Home Office over the provincial police in these and similar cases?

I received from Mr. Pakenham an account of his experiences at the meeting in question, but he particularly asked that his statement should be treated as confidential. I am communicating with Mr. Pakenham, and if he no longer desires that the statements he sent me should be so treated, I shall at once submit them to the Chief Constable of the Oxford City Police and ask for his observations. As regards the second part of the question, the essential feature of the police service of this country is that it is and always has been organised on a local basis, and any proposal tending to centralise that control in the executive government would be greatly resented by the responsible local authorities and could be justified only on the strongest grounds of public policy. Allegations against the conduct of the provincial police fall to be dealt with by the local disciplinary authority, which in a city or borough is the watch committee. I should not feel justified in proposing so far reaching an amendment of the existing law as is suggested.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware—I am sure he is—that the victim of this cowardly assault has published an account of his experiences in the "Times," and does that not furnish sufficient prima facie evidence for an inquiry into the conduct of the Chief Constable of Oxford?

I saw the letter from Mr. Pakenham, which was a most proper letter, but he gave me a much more detailed account, and naturally I paid great attention to it, and I should like to ascertain whether in the circumstances he would like me to communicate with the Oxford police. If so, of course, I will do so and ask for their observations, but I must point out that the Home Secretary has not got the function of making inquiries about police incidents all over the country. I am not shirking any responsibility, but I must have regard to my position, my well understood position, in reference to the Metropolitan Police. My powers in relation to the county and borough police are different from my powers in relation to the Metropolitan Police.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is proposed to introduce a Coroners Amendment Bill following the publication of the report of the Departmental Committee which inquired into the law and practice regarding coroners?

I cannot at present add anything to the reply which I gave on 5th March to a similar question by the hon. Member for the Sutton Division of Plymouth (Viscountess Astor).

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has yet been able to confer with the Minister of Agriculture with regard to the possibility of continuing the provision of milk to schoolchildren in holiday time; and, if so, what arrangements have been made?

As stated in the reply which I gave on 6th July to my hon. Friend, the Member for Bradford East (Mr. Hepworth), it is expressly provided in the milk-in-schools scheme that it may operate throughout the holidays. The main difficulty is that the experiments which have been conducted in certain areas show that the great majority of children, who take milk on payment during term time, are unwilling to attend schools or centres for the purpose during the holidays. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and I are considering this difficulty but up to the present it has not been found possible to devise any method of overcoming it.

Will my right hon. Friend ask the many local authorities responsible to make experiments in this matter during the coming summer holidays?

Will the right hon. Gentleman mind importing the Secretary of State for Scotland into the negotiations?

I should not like to assume any responsibility for Scotland.

Why should these provisions be operated, or be attempted to be operated, in England and Wales alone?

asked the Minister of Health what steps he proposes to take in order to prevent the pollution of rivers and streams by the effluent from factories which are not in a sewerage system?

Under the River Pollution Prevention Act, 1876, the pollution of rivers and streams by effluents from factories is already an offence in respect of which proceedings may be taken by the sanitary authority or the county council.

If I send my right hon. Friend information showing that the existing legislation is not effective, will he consider it?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will let me have particulars, I will look into the matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that nurses still work as many as 70 hours a week in some of the voluntary hospitals (including some of the great London hospitals), he will consider introducing legislation to limit these hours?

I am advised that in recent years there has been a considerable improvement in this matter and that it is quite exceptional for nurses to be required to work so many hours as stated by my hon. Friend, and in these circumstances I do not think legislation is necessary.

Will the right hon. Gentleman do what he can to encourage the reduction of the hours of work of these nurses?

If the hon. Gentleman will send me particulars of any cases, I will look into them.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider recommending to local authorities that they should alter the name of "asylums" and "mental hospitals" to "hospitals for nervous diseases" or some similar name, in view of the hardship caused to persons treated for short periods for nervous ailments who, nevertheless, are branded as lunatics for the rest of their lives?

The Mental Treatment Act, 1930, prescribed that in England and Wales the term "mental hospital" should be substituted for "asylum." I do not think that it is necessary to modify the term "mental hospital." The large and increasing proportion of persons now applying voluntarily for treatment at these institutions suggests that the idea is rapidly disappearing that any stigma may be supposed to attach to treatment in them.

Is the Minister aware that there are young men and women who have unfortunately had to go into these institutions, and, when they apply for employment and it is known they have been in asylums, it completely handicaps them in getting work; and will he take steps to get the term "asylum" removed?

I do not think the hon. Gentleman heard my answer, which was to the effect that the term "mental hospital" is now being used instead of "asylum."

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the advisability of taking steps to require that an inquest be held on every death of a mother in childbirth with a view to having exhaustive inquiries made into each case in an effort to lower the maternal mortality figures?

This suggestion was considered by the Departmental Committee on Maternal Mortality and Morbidity, who did not advocate its adoption. The committee advised that local authorities should be urged to continue the arrangements by which medical officers of health make inquiries into maternal deaths and furnish confidential reports to the Chief Medical Officer of my Department. Arrangements have been made accordingly and these reports are received periodically from most of the medical officers of health.

asked the Minister of Health the reason no houses have been commenced for the County Borough of South Shields by the Housing Association; and whether he will press the association to commence building forthwith?

I am informed that a tender for the erection of 468 houses in South Shields was accepted, but that on further consideration the contractors asked to be released from the contract and that this has occasioned some delay.

Is the right hon. Gentleman confident that no undue delay will occur, in view of the urgent need of houses?

I am sure that the association will do all they can in the matter.

Have the Socialist party now withdrawn their opposition to using the advantages offered by the North-East Coast Housing Association?

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are more children living under unsatisfactory conditions at the present time than there were 20 years ago; will he consider whether some form of rent allowance can be conceded to the parents in order to allow them to remove the children into more healthy conditions with better accommodation and houses; and will he make a statement of the Government's suggestions for the solution of this problem?