asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether he will issue a report, for each administrative area, of the work of the Unemployment Assistance Board Advisory Committees, including the advice tendered by the advisory committees to the local area officer;

(2) whether he will issue a report showing the effect of the operation of the Rent Allowance Regulation in each administrative area covered by the Unemployment Assistance Board Advisory Committees?

It would be premature to draw up such reports in advance of experience of the working of the new Regulations, but the board inform me that they intend to make available as much information as possible about the work of the advisory committees as soon as this can appropriately be done. I am informed by the board that information on these points will be included in their annual report for 1936.

Will the Minister reconsider this matter in order that Members of the House can keep themselves acquainted with the administration of each area?

It is with that desire that I have given the answer.

Will the Minister speak a little more slowly in order that we can get hold of his answers?

asked the Minister of Labour the number of days during 1935 and 1936, respectively, when the Unemployment Assistance Board met and the average duration of the sessions?

I am informed that formal meetings of the board were held on 64 days in 1935 and on 35 days up to date in 1936, the duration of the meetings being usually about four hours. I should add that the chairman and vice-chairman give whole time attendance, and that the other members devote a good deal of time to administrative work apart from formal meetings of the board.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of officers transferred from service with public assistance committees to the service of the Unemployment Assistance Board who, having been promised that they would be placed on the established list with pension rights, have so far been placed, giving the figures throughout the country as a whole and in the City of Liverpool, respectively?

1,123 persons transferred from local authority service to serve in a temporary capacity under the Unemployment Assistance Board were declared successful last May in a limited competition for pensionable posts, subject to their satisfying the Civil Service Commissioners as to their eligibility for appointment on grounds of age, health and character. Of this total 905 have so far been certificated to pensionable posts. The corresponding figures for the City of Liverpool are 43 and 35, respectively.

asked the Minister of Labour the names of the additional offices for Ministry of Labour business which are being established or are about to be established in rural areas in Oxfordshire?

Additional offices in Oxfordshire have been established at Bampton, Burford, Charlbury, Checkendon, Eynsham, Hook Norton, Stadhampton, Watlington and Wheatley.

asked the Minister of Labour the number and character of long-term hirings made under the agricultural unemployment insurance scheme in the country generally and in Wiltshire in particular?

Between 4th May and 4th October last, 36,641 declarations of long hiring were made under Section 10 of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1936. Of these 25,372 related to yearly contracts and 11,269 to half-yearly contracts. In Wiltshire there were 405 declarations, 202 relating to yearly contracts and 203 relating to half-yearly contracts.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) the number of men in the engineering trade who have moved from Lancashire to work in other districts in the last six months;

(2) whether he can give the movement of labour from one district to another during the last six months to meet the calls arising out of defence contracts in certain districts?

I regret that no statistics are available on the points my hon. Friend raises.

Is it not possible to get same statistics and have them worked out?

I do not think that that can be done, but I have some non-statistical information which may interest my hon. Friend, and which I will give him if he will call at my Department.

asked the Minister of Labour for an estimate of the number of juveniles between the ages of 14 and 18 who are unemployed, in employment, and still at school but registered for employment, respectively?

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

asked the Minister of Labour whether the National Advisory Council for Juvenile Employment have reviewed the system of authorised courses and the question of providing meals in the various centres; and, if so, will he state the result of their deliberations?

The National Advisory Councils for Juvenile Employment are at present reviewing the system of authorised courses and the question of providing meals in junior instruction centres.

Can the right lion. Gentleman tell us when these inquiries are likely to come to an end, as this matter has been in the hands of his Department for 15 months, and whether the Special Commissioner has specially considered it?

At this moment—either to-day or to-morrow—the sub-committee are in South Wales dealing with this very point.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the report is expedited and see that there should not be so much complaint about the physical condition of the children, but that they should be fed?

I have been doing all I can to expedite the matter, and shall continue to do so.

Has the attention of the Minister been called to the medical surveys already taken of children in these training centres and of the astounding degree of malnutrition disclosed as existing among them?

That is another question and not under my jurisdiction, but I would point out that the National Councils of Juvenile Employment are surveying the field on the point mentioned.

Is it not under the right hon. Gentleman's jurisdiction since the passing of the last Regulations?

Not the health reports.

Is it not definitely stated that one of the things which the Unemployment Assistance Board will look after is the health and well-being of the unemployed men?

There have been no such health reports from that quarter. The hon. Member must be referring to health reports which have nothing to do with that particular Act.

asked the Minister of Labour the present amount of the funded debt of the Unemployment Insurance Fund, the present amount outstanding to the credit of the fund, together with the respective average rates of interest paid and received respectively?

At the present time the amount outstanding of the debt of the Unemployment Fund is about £104,740,000, on which the current rate of interest averages about 3⅓ per cent. As from October, 1938, the rate will be 3⅓ per cent. At the 7th November, 1936, the balance of the fund was about £36,800,000; this balance is invested in short term securities on which the rate of interest averages about 1⅓ per cent.

Having regard to these figures, would it not be an advantage if some of the surplus were used to pay off the debt?

The Committee reported on that and were not of that opinion. The Committee will make another review at the end of the year, when the situation will be again reported on.

Is it not possible to get better rates of interest on this surplus, bearing in mind the amount that is paid on the debt?

No, Sir. The hon. Member must understand that the debt was incurred over varying periods of years, and that in the early period the rates of interest were higher than in the later part.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman put some of the surplus into longer-term securities and get better interest?

I am satisfied that the very best is being done with it. A comparison with past figures will show that it is going down.

asked the Minister of Labour whether anything is being done to provide new industries for the Bishop Auckland, Crook, and Shildon areas in Durham county, where the percentage of unemployed is 46.6, 33.6, and 40.2, respectively?

South-west Durham has the advantage of the general measures taken by the Commissioner to make the Special Areas more attractive and better known. I would also draw the attention of the hon. Member to paras. 143–147 of the Third Report of the Commissioner for Special Areas, England and Wales, which was presented to Parliament on Tuesday last.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that during the past 12 months there has been very little reduction in the percentage of unemployment in that area and no signs of new industries being introduced? What is the policy of the right hon. Gentleman to deal with that situation?

I cannot deal with that now. If the hon. Gentleman will give his attention to these paragraphs, he will see that the special position of southwest Durham is fully recognised by the Commissioner.

It may be recognised by the Commissioner, but is it recognised by the Government?

It is also recognised by the Government.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, according to paragraph 2, the position is hopeless so far as the present policy is concerned, that nothing is being done, and that the Commissioner says nothing can be done along the present lines?

The hon. Member knows very well that this is one of the areas which is very hard hit because of a complete revolution in the coal export trade, and it would be misleading on the part of anybody on either side of the House to pretend that there is any quick and easy way of remedying the results of that tragic change.

asked the Minister of Health whether, arising from the interview he had with representatives of the Durham County Council, he has anything to suggest whereby the difficulties in that Special Area may be minimised?

I can add nothing to what was said on behalf of the Government in last Monday's Debate with reference to the Special Areas.

Are we to understand that as a result of that deputation there is to be absolutely no action taken on the part of the Government to give attention to the very serious matters raised at that time?

No, Sir, that is another matter altogether.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons who have been transferred from the distressed areas to work in the London area for the six months to the last convenient date; and whether, from the records in his Department, these transfers show that they have accentuated the overcrowding condition in any of the London areas?

During the six months ended September, 1936, 4,653 persons (2,263 men, 394 women, 1,534 boys, 462 girls) from the depressed areas were placed in employment in the London area through the employment exchanges. In addition a considerable number found work in London through their own efforts I have no information which indicates that the transfers have had any material effect on the housing position.

Is any contribution made to the unemployed towards their expenses of living in London?

That question is in much too general terms. There are a number of arrangements, but before I could answer a question I should want to know whether it refers to families, to individuals, to adults or to juveniles.

Are any contributions made to the individual?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any decision has yet been arrived at in connection with the recommendation of the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee in favour of raising the salary limit for unemployment insurance to £400 per annum?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Special Areas Commissioners have been invited to give their views on the continuation of the Special Areas Act in its present form; and whether they favour any amendments to the Act?

The views of the Commissioners are contained in their published reports.

Have the actual district commissioners been asked to give their views with regard to amendments of the Act?

I understand my hon. Friend's question to refer to the Commissioners, and not to the district commissioners. I understand that there is the closest working between the Commissioners for England and Wales and for Scotland and the district commissioners.

Will my right hon. Friend make this information available before this Act is discussed in the House?

I will see what I can do.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the Schedule to the Special Areas Act? Is he aware that some parts of Lancashire are in a very much worse position than some of the areas that are scheduled? Is it not possible for the Act to include those areas?

That is not the present intention.

Is it not true to say that on several matters the opinions of the Commissioners have been constantly ignored by the Government?

The recommendations of the Commissioners have been given instant and most careful consideration by the Government, and those the Government have thought wise have been put into operation.

Does the right hon. Gentleman suggest that no opportunity will be given to extend the areas now in the Schedule when the Act comes up for discussion in the House?

That, obviously, is the case from the proposal to extend the Act under the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill.

What is the use of pretending that the Special Areas Act is for the benefit of the distressed areas when many of them are outside the scheduled areas and are in a serious position?

The House must understand that there are other modes of helping these areas, and that some of the principal operations under the Act are only just beginning to show themselves. We must have time.

Has not the position as regards these Special Areas altered altogether since the report of the Chief Commissioner? In view of the extraordinary nature of that report do the Government still intend to push this Act through under the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill?

I do not think I can debate that question now.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the increasing number of half-caste children in Cardiff, Liverpool, Glasgow, and other ports; and what steps are being taken to meet the difficulty which occurs in finding employment for boys and girls who are the result of miscegenation in these ports?

I am making inquiries and will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend.

Will my right hon. Friend see that in such employment the standard of living of the community is not lowered owing to the unfortunate position of these people?

I think I had better complete my inquiries.

Are the words "half-caste" a misprint? Should it not be "half-fed"?

Will the Minister correct me if I am wrong in stating that the number of children referred to in this question is very much smaller in Glasgow than in other parts?

I will complete my inquiries first.

asked the Minister of Labour whether there is to be any reduction of the allowance of the 60,000 young men who were specifically mentioned in the memorandum of the Unemployment Assistance Board when the Regulations were issued?

The estimate of 60,000 to which my hon. Friend refers did not relate only to young single applicants but included also all cases of grossly excessive allowances. I am informed by the board that they do not intend to make reductions of allowances in such cases in any area until the advisory committee for that area has had an opportunity of considering the matter. When all cases have been reassessed under the new Regulations, particulars will be submitted to each committee, but in the meantime the board have asked the committees to consider dealing with certain limited types of case at an early date. This request is set out in a Memorandum A.C.G. /4, copies of which are available in the Library of the House. The total number of applicants of all classes affected in this initial period would probably be about 8,000, and these would be in large part applicants with substantial personal earnings in addition to their allowances.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there was a Press report stating that there would be no reduction before Christmas?

The hon. Member surely would not wish me to take responsibility for a Press report. That would be a little too hard.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the terms of Sir George Gillett's appointment and his powers differ in any and, if so, in what way from those of his predecessor, Mr. Malcolm Stewart?

No, Sir.

Do I understand that in spite of the statement in the report that the Special Commissioners have not adequate powers, and need more, that the Government are not considering the point?

I could not accept the hon. Lady's interpretation of the report of Mr. Malcolm Stewart, and I have nothing to add to my answers.

Is it not true that Mr. Malcolm Stewart has complained of the lack of powers, and in view of that is it not desirable to grant additional powers to his successor?

There are paragraphs in the first report which have been much misrepresented, and I hold to my previous supplementary answers.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he cannot read plain English, and in just plain English has not Mr. Malcolm Stewart said that he has not the powers to do the job the Government asked him to do? In that case, what is the use of asking Sir George Gillett to waste his time doing a job if the Government do not give him the necessary powers?

I do not accept the hon. Lady's reading of the first report—

I—

If the hon. Lady will only listen to me as patiently as I listened to her then, perhaps, she will understand plain English. I do not accept her interpretation of the first report. The Commissioner pointed out that he had not power to give grants to certain undertakings where other Departments had the power to do it. There was a small section, also, where there was overlapping, and that point has been met and there is no more complaint. With regard to other powers, the Commissioner agreed that he did not desire to have them.

I think the right hon. Gentleman and I are rather at cross purposes. Those points are certainly met, but that was not the point of my question, which was directed to the specific statement by Mr. Malcolm Stewart, both in his report and in the Press, that his general powers were not sufficient for the job?

asked the Minister of Labour on what grounds the unemployment assistance benefit has been refused to the Jarrow marchers, in view of the fact that they were kept continually in touch with the Jarrow Exchanges, ready to return to work if any were available, and were constantly in touch during the march with prospective employers?

I am informed that the Unemployment Assistance Board has no power to pay allowances to unemployed persons who are not available for work and that so long as the men in question were participating in the march they could not be accepted by the Board as so available. The question whether applicants for allowances are available for work is one which the Board's officers and the appeal tribunals have to decide in the light of the circumstances. I am informed that a number of cases were heard by the local appeals tribunal yesterday, and that their decision will be given immediately.

Pending that decision can the right hon. Gentleman suggest in what other ways men can be made available for work, if they are, as in this case, kept in constant touch with their Exchange and ready to be sent home whenever required; and are they not in touch with more prospective employers on the road than they would be in Jarrow?

Since the matter is under appeal I certainly could not express any opinion about it.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the conditions which obtain in several of our ports among the coloured population and that the distress among this section of the community is increasing; and whether he proposes to confer with the Colonial Office as to the possibility of bringing about a reduction in the number of coloured and half-caste population in the ports of Cardiff, Liverpool, Glasgow and Hull?

I have nothing to add to the reply which was given yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for South Cardiff (Captain A. Evans).

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether consideration has been given by the Home Office over a number of years to the increasing difficulty which arises from the growing numbers of coloured and half-caste people in the ports of this country; whether his attention has been drawn to reports by social organisations upon the distressing social conditions among these people; and whether he is prepared to confer with the Colonial Office and the Board of Trade as to what steps can be taken to mitigate these evils?

A deputation from voluntary organisations was recently received by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State on various matters relating to coloured seamen. These matters are under consideration at the present time in consultation with the Departments mentioned.

Does that investigation also apply to our own seamen on merchant ships in our own ports?

asked the Minister of Labour how many, unofficial strikes have taken place in this country during the last 12 months; whether he has any evidence as to the subversive influences which are causing such strikes; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action?

Statistics are not available showing the total number of strikes which have not been officially recognised by the trade unions concerned, since specific inquiries on this point are not made by the Department. From an examination of such information as is in its possession, however, it would appear that of a total of 1,101 stoppages of work, owing to trade disputes, reported in the period from the beginning of January, 1935, to the end of September, 1936, at least 530 were within this category. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

How many of these disputes were lock-outs by the owners and not strikes by the men?

The answer deals with strikes.

I thought you would not have them.

If the hon. Member puts down a question about lock-outs, I will try to give the answer.

asked the Home Secretary the number of prosecutions that have been instituted against persons for breach of the regulations in Hyde Park for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date; and will he give particulars?

During the 12 months ended 31st October, 2,718 persons were prosecuted for breaches of the Hyde Park regulations. The particulars involve a number of figures and, with the hon. Member's permission I will circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Have all these prosecutions been disposed of, or have several been adjourned sine die?

I could not say without notice.

asked the Borne Secretary whether in view of the unsatisfactory inspection under the Shops Acts by some local authorities, he will consider setting up a special department for this purpose on similar lines to those of factory and workshop inspection?

No, Sir. I have no evidence before me which would justify such a radical departure from the principle of local administration of these Acts, which has been deliberately re-affirmed by Parliament in two recent Statutes.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of calling for an annual report from all local authorities in order to find out how these Acts of Parliament are working?

I will, of course, consider the hon. Gentleman's suggestion, but, as he knows, the Home Office has always been ready to take up cases brought to its attention, and there have been instances undoubtedly in which good results have followed.

asked the Home Secretary when the report of the Departmental Committee on miner's nystagmus will be available?

I understand that the committee have almost finished taking evidence and have commenced consideration of their report. I am afraid, however, that it is not possible to say at present when the report will be completed. The hon. Member will appreciate that the inquiry is not limited to miner's nystagmus but covers also the important questions of the general medical procedure and arrangements under the Acts, and the working of existing provisions and practice in regard to lump sum settlements.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received the report of the committee of experts that has been investigating the problem of silicosis and anthracosis in the South Wales coalfield; and, if so, what is the nature of the report; and when is it proposed to take steps to widen the provisions of the various industries (silicosis) schemes so as to enable those now denied compensation under those schemes, and who have to depend on public assistance, to claim compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Act?

The committee of experts to which the hon. Member refers was appointed by the Medical Research Council, and I understand that they have made some suggestions to the council for further research and that these are at present under consideration by the council. As regards the general position, I am afraid I cannot add anything to the statement which I made in reply to a question by the hon. Member on 16th July, when I explained that, in the present state of medical knowledge, it is impossible to say whether mineworkers with pulmonary disease other than silicosis are suffering from any form of illness which can be distinguished as occupational and made the subject of a right to compensation.

Is the Under-Secretary not aware that there is an increasing and continuing number of men who fail to continue their work because of lung trouble which their own medical adviser has said is due to their occupation, but that they cannot get compensation, and in view of the urgency of the matter to men who are condemned to a living death, will he not expedite this inquiry so that they may obtain justice?

I appreciate the anxiety of the hon. Gentleman, but the remarks which he has made prejudge the results of this inquiry, which is to ascertain whether this condition is caused by the occupation.

May I ask whether, pending the report of the inquiry, he can tell us exactly who appoints the medical boards in various parts of the country, and what qualifications they have to fulfil their position?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put a question down on that point.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can make any statement with regard to the position of the Home Office in respect of card-room dust, as a result of the recent deputation representing the card-room workers' amalgamation?

Yes, Sir. I have decided to set up a committee to explore the question whether a workable scheme can be devised for providing some compensation for card-room and certain other workers disabled by respiratory illness as indicated in the report of the Committee en Dust in Cardrooms.

When will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give us the names of the committee?

I am not in a position at the moment to make an announcement in regard to the constitution of the committee, but no time will be lost.

asked the Horne Secretary whether his Department keep any check upon sums of money which are sent from abroad to the British Union of Fascists and National Socialists; and, if so, whether he can give any indication of the amount and origin of foreign subsidies to Fascist propaganda and organisation in Great Britain?

I cannot make a detailed statement, but information has reached me which goes to show that, both in the case of Fascist and Communist organisations, their funds have been supplemented from abroad.

I did not ask about the Communists. We have heard that so often. I gather from the Home Secretary that his Department has definite knowledge that money is being received in this country by the Fascists; may I ask what steps are being taken to try to stop that practice?

I have nothing to add to my answer, but the hon. Gentleman may take it that what I have stated applied to Communists as well as Fascists.

Would the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to supply us with the details in both cases?

Would the right hon. Gentleman say whether such moneys would be returned to the contributors under the Bill which he is introducing?

The hon. Gentleman must wait for the Bill.

asked the Home Secretary whether he proposes to take special measures to deal with the abnormal increase in London traffic during the Coronation period?

The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that the question of the measures to be taken to deal with traffic during the Coronation period is at present receiving very close consideration. Full schemes are being worked out, but these are not at present in final form.

asked the Lord President of the Council what control, if any, the Government propose to have over seats to view the Coronation procession; and whether, if the prices charged are excessive, they will consider changing the route of the procession and controlling the prices charged?

As I stated in the House last Thursday in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Salford, South (Major Stourton), the question of seats to view the Coronation procession is, at the present time, under the consideration of the Coronation Committee. The Government has, however, no power of control over seats on private property. As regards the latter part of the question, the suggestion made by the hon. Member seems to me to be quite impracticable.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the general information is that any private person is unlikely to be able to get seat to see the procession, except at a very high fee, and does he realise that that will cause grave discontent among many of His Majesty's subjects?

Perhaps the hon. Baronet will Await the report of the Coronation Committee, which is dealing with all these questions.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that during the past few days an official report has been issued stating that none of the seats erected by His Majesty's Office of Works will be available to the public?

I am not aware of that. If it has been published it is inaccurate.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say who is the chairman of the Coronation Committee? Are they satisfied that a really strong man is in that position?

Yes.

asked the Home Secretary what action has been taken with university authorities in general, and Edinburgh in particular, in relation to anti-poison-gas instruction; whether this has been included in the curriculum as a compulsory subject by his order; what authority he has for such action; and whether it is intended to impose any penalty upon students who object to take such a subject as part of their studies in the public health course?

My right hon. Friend has appointed a number of medical instructors in anti-gas precautions who, amongst their duties, will give instruction to medical students in accordance with arrangements which have been made with the authorities of universities and medical schools. The question whether this subject should be taught on a compulsory or voluntary basis is a matter entirely for the authorities responsible for medical education.

Are the hon. Gentleman and the Home Secretary himself aware that, apart from those students who think that to have this instruction is to give way to the idea that war is inevitable, there is a strong body of opinion that they are being, in this way, included in what may be described as the Government's military machine, and that it is on that ground that the objection is raised to the compulsory nature of the instruction?

Is it not in the public interest that such instruction should take place generally throughout the country?

asked the Home Secretary whether satisfactory arrangements have been made for the large-scale manufacture of gas-masks?

Yes, Sir. Substantial stocks of components of the civilian respirator have already been produced, and we expect to be in large scale assembly by next month.

Can the hon. Gentleman give me any idea what the weekly output is now, and when there will be sufficient to equip all people who are likely to be in danger of air attack, in the South of England?

We expect the production of this factory to be running roughly at the rate of 2,000,000 per month very shortly.

Can the hon. Gentleman give information as to when they will be required?

What company has a monopoly of the particular process of production which is considered safe by the Government?

It is a Government factory.

Will there be any control over the price at which these are to be sold?

They will be issued free to the general population in the event of emergency.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is the intention of the Air Raids Precautions Department to issue a handbook free to the public on air raid precautions; if so, when such handbooks will be issued; and if and to what extent such handbooks have yet been printed?

As I have previously stated, this matter is under active consideration. A large number of important details are involved, and I will inform the House as soon as I am in a position to do so.

Is it not a fact that over 1,500,000 of these handbooks have been printed and are lying unused in the cellars of the Home Office? Who gave authority for them to be printed?

That information is not accurate.

Will the hon. Member explain when the people who are to use these gas masks will be fitted with them?

Will it not be the night before?

asked the Home Secretary whether he will take steps to prevent any cinematograph film company from depicting the Almighty as a screen character in view of the anxiety which many sections of the British public feel regarding this?

The decision as to whether a particular film shall or shall not be allowed to be exhibited is one for the local licensing authorities, and I have no power to issue any instructions to them.

asked the Home Secretary (1) the number of proceedings and convictions for drunkenness, respectively, in 1935 for England, and for Wales, for counties, and county boroughs, respectively, distinguishing male and female convictions, and the number of convictions reported due to methylated spirits; and whether the figures represent any increase on those of 1933 and 1934;

(2) the number of on- and off-licences and registered clubs on 1st January, 1935, in England and Wales, respectively, and the decrease in on-licences during 1935, distinguishing renewals refused, with and without compensation, and licences lapsed?

I would refer the hon. Member to the volume of Licensing Statistics for 1935, which is being published to-day. It contains the figures for which he asks.

asked the Home Secretary the number of female prisoners who were certified insane after their reception into prison as convicted persons for the three years to the last convenient date; and whether mental examinations are made of all convicted prisoners?

All prisoners are medically examined on reception, and this includes a special examination of a prisoner's mental condition if it appears desirable. The number of female prisoners certified insane during the last three years was 13 in 1933; 22 in 1934; and 11 in 1935.

Would it not be better if these prisoners, certified as insane after sentence, had been thoroughly examined before sentence?

In view of the fact that in many mental hospitals at present there are 300 patients to one doctor, would it not be better if these persons received adequate physical treatment for the mentally insane before we put additional work on the doctors?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the extent of the dislocation of traffic both within and without the boundaries of the City on the occasion of the Lord Mayor's Show; and whether he has any proposals for diminishing the public inconvenience on such occasions in future?

This procession inevitably gives rise to a certain amount of inconvenience; the whole question was carefully reviewed in consultation with the City authorities in 1933, and since then every effort has been made to minimise the inconvenience caused to the public. This year the distance traversed was approximately one mile less than in 1932, and the length of the procession was about 170 yards shorter. I am informed by the Commissioners both of the City and of the Metropolitan Police that the delay and dislocation of traffic this year were considerably less than in previous years.

Could not far more people see the show, and much less inconvenience and dislocation of traffic be caused, if the show were held on a Saturday afternoon; and will the right hon. Gentleman consider that suggestion?

I will convey the hon. Gentleman's suggestion to the appropriate authorities.

Is it not a well-known fact that it would not be possible to hold the show on a Saturday afternoon, as it must be held on a particular day, and is there any man or woman in this country who would like the Lord Mayor's Show done away with?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that it is possible for the driver of a police car following another car to be able to determine with sufficient accuracy that the police car is travelling at the same speed as the other car; and is it realised that if a private car is travelling at 30 miles an hour and the police car gains 10 yards on it while travelling 100 yards, there is an error of three miles an hour in the estimated speed of the pursued car?

The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that he is satisfied that it is possible for the police, in the manner explained in answer to a question by my hon. Friend on the 9th instant, to determine with a reasonable degree of accuracy whether a car is or is not exceeding the speed limit. It is realised that a slight variation in the intervening distance between the police car and the car which is being followed is a factor which will affect the accuracy of the estimate of speed, and this consideration is taken into account by the police in deciding on their course of action.

In other words, if the police are aware that they are travelling faster than the other car, they make allowances for that?

Yes, Sir.

Is it not very undesirable that they should travel faster than the people who are supposed to be exceeding the speed limit?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the advice given by Mr. Justice Goddard to the York city magistrate at York Assizes, on 9th November, on the interpretation of special circumstances with regard to the suspension or endorsement of driving licences for offences under the Road Traffic Acts; whether he is aware that, notwithstanding his circular issued on 22nd September, considerable uncertainty still exists as to the meaning to be attached to these words; and whether he will cause a copy of Mr. Justice Goddard's observations to be circularised to all benches of magistrates in the country?

I have seen a newspaper report of the Judge's remarks, which will no doubt be helpful to magistrates. I recognise the importance of this matter and the question whether there is anything further which my Department can do to assist magistrates is under consideration.

Could the right hon. Gentleman consult the Attorney-General on this matter as he himself has been a victim, having been convicted of exceeding the speed limit and having had his licence endorsed He may therefore have some special interest.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can make any statement as to the investigations which his Department has been carrying out, jointly with the Board of Trade, into the advisability of suggesting to local authorities that they should insist upon the increased use by their contractors of coasting shipping for the transport of heavy materials wherever possible, in order to reduce traffic congestion?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

asked the Home Secretary whether prison officers are officially classified as civil servants; whether prison officers or their representative board are allowed to appeal to the Civil Service Industrial Court; and, if not, will he state the authority for this prohibition?

Arbitration under the scheme agreed for the Civil Service is open only to recognised associations of civil servants within the scope of the National Whitley Council. Prison officers are not within the scope of the National Whitley Council and the alternative system of representative boards was specially designed to afford them full opportunities of making representations on matters affecting their interests.

asked the Home Secretary what are the voluntary and compulsory retiring age limits of prison officers who had not adopted the provisions of the Superannuation Act, 1909?

The hon. Member is mistaken in supposing that the Act of 1909 deals with this subject: the relevant Act is the Superannuation (Prison Officers) Act, 1919. Before that Act was passed, prison officers could retire voluntarily at 60 and were obliged to retire at 65. Under that Act the age of voluntary retirement was fixed at 55 and of compulsory retirement at 60 as respects certain prescribed classes of officers. Others not so prescribed remained unaffected.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will reconsider the question of reducing the working hours of the night patrols in His Majesty's prisons from a 50-hour week to a basis of eight hours a shift, putting the patrols on the same hourly basis as the permanent staff in prisons, having regard to the general recognition of the eight-hour day in the Civil Service and outside employment generally, and the unpleasant and dangerous nature of their duties; and will he-consider creating a scheme to place suitable applicants on the established staff?

The nature of the duties performed by night patrols is so different from the nature of the duties performed by prison officers during the working day that I do not think there is a case for assimilating their hours of duty and conditions of service.

Is it not a fact that the duties of the night men are very much more severe and more difficult than those of the day men and will he consider applications for promotion to permanent staff in suitable cases.

I do not think that view is generally held. It would certainly not be accepted by the established staff. There may be occasions when there are special difficulties, but normally the work at night consists of patrolling and keeping awake.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the evidence given in the recent case of Lambert v. Levita, before Mr. Justice Swift and a special jury, that an attempt had been made by high personages connected with the British Broadcasting Corporation to compel Mr. Lambert to desist from his action under threat of dismissal, he will take the necessary action, with, a view to setting up an inquiry under the Tribunals of Inquiry Act, 1921, into, the truth of the allegations made against individuals holding influential positions in the British Broadcasting Corporation?

I do not think that action under the Tribunals of Inquiry Act is appropriate in this instance. I have already appointed a special board, consisting of Sir Josiah Stamp, Sir Maurice Gwyer, and Sir Findlater Stewart, to inquire into the matter. I take this opportunity to mention that, as soon as the case referred to ended, the Chairman of the 'British Broadcasting Corporation wrote to me saying that he and his colleagues would welcome an inquiry.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether that report will be made public, and whether there will be an opportunity for debate in the House before the new appointments to the Broadcasting Committee are made and before the new Charter is finally settled?

I have a note which, I think, will explain the position to the Leader of the Opposition. The board reports its findings on fact, with any observations, to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister then makes a decision and this decision, together with the report itself, is published. I think it is obvious that the matter would be a proper one for debate, but I should like to consider the point put to me my the right hon. Gentleman.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will arrange for this House to have an opportunity of discussing the report on the Gresford colliery disaster?

Until the report referred to by the hon. Member has been received I am not in a position to make any statement.

Can the Prime Minister take steps to ensure that the report on an occurrence which happened more than two years ago should be made available to the House as soon as possible?

There is a question later on the Order Paper.

In view of the succession of these very terrible disasters —in this case aver 300 lives were lost—cannot the Prime Minister arrange on some suitable occasion for a discussion to take place once the reports are available to the general public?

I will consider that. We are very much alive to the importance of the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is satisfied that in the course of his recent visit to North Wales he was given an opportunity of seeing a fair sample of the elementary schools in that part of the country?

Although I have a very limited time available for visiting educational institutions in North Wales, I was able to visit a technical institute, three secondary schools, the Adult Residential College at Harlech and four elementary schools. While it was not possible in the time at my disposal to study all types of elementary school, I feel that, in the circumstances, the time at my disposal was usefully occupied, and I hope at a future date to have further opportunities of visiting schools in Wales.

Will the right hon. Gentleman seize the next opportunity to see some of the worst schools in the rural areas?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the board has finally decided to withhold the payment of its proportion of the salary of Mr. D. J. Williams, of Fishguard, one of the men implicated in the recent burning of the bombing school near Pwllheli; and by what authority was such action taken, especially in view of the fact that a prosecution was pending, and that no decision has as yet been given by the courts?

Mr. Williams has been suspended by the local education authority pending the result of the trial and the board have informed the authority that they cannot undertake to pay grant on his salary during this suspension. In accordance with the board's usual practice, I will await the outcome of the trial before coming to a final decision in the matter.

Was the suspension of this man's salary decided on prior to his conviction?