asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the number of persons on the registers of the Sheffield and Attercliffe exchanges who have been unemployed for two, five, and 10 or more years?

Among 19,060 persons applying for insurance benefit or unemployment allowances at 26th October, 1936, at Employment Exchanges in Sheffield, 5,254 had been continuously on the registers for two years or more, including 2,125 who had been continuously on the register for five years or more. The number who had been on the register for 10 years or more is not known. Corresponding figures are not available in respect of persons, registered as unemployed, who were not applicants for insurance benefit or unemployment allowances. Of the persons who had been on the registers for extended periods a proportion, which will increase as the period on the register increases, will have had one or more short spells of employment, lasting not more than three days each during such periods. The figures relate to the Sheffield, Attercliffe, Abbeydale Road, and Walkley and Hillsborough Employment Exchanges.

asked the Minister of Labour how many farm workers have been paying contributions to the new unemployment insurance scheme on the average for the last four weeks?

Information is not at present available as to the number of farm workers in respect of whom unemployment insurance contributions were paid for the last four weeks. An estimate of the number of persons insured under the Agricultural Unemployment Insurance Scheme will be given in the November issue of the "Ministry of Labour Gazette" which will be published next week.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the number of married women in Hull who have been refused unemployment benefit under the provisions of the Anomalies Act for the months of August, September, and October to the present date?

These statistics are normally compiled only for areas covered by Courts of Referees, and for periods of calendar months. The numbers of claims by married women disallowed by the Hull Court of Referees under the Anomalies Regulation relating to married women were 14 in August, 25 in September and 12 in October, 1936. The area covered by this Court of Referees includes the Employment Exchanges at Hull, Beverley, Bridlington, Driffield, Hessle, Patrington and Withernsea.

asked the Minister of Labour whether lump sum settlements paid in respect of accidents under the Workmen's Compensation Acts are subjected to assessments for the purpose of computing the family income under the means test, or whether such sums are treated differently from other moneys not so obtained?

I am informed by the Unemployment Assistance Board that one-half of any lump sum paid to an applicant or a member of his household in commutation of weekly payments by way of workmen's compensation will be regarded as set-off against the special needs or personal requirements of the owner. The remaining half is dealt with under the Regulations in the same way as other capital assets.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the total expenditure for the first eight months of 1936 on schemes approved by the Unemployment Grants Committee; what was the average number of men employed throughout this period on these schemes; and what was the cost per man of employment given?

The Unemployment Grants Committee ceased to exist on the expiry in August, 1932, of the Development (Loan Guarantees and Grants) Act, 1929. Ten schemes, approved by the committee, were still in course of execution during the period mentioned in the question and the average number of men directly employed on these works during the period was 1,555. The expenditure of authorities during the first eight months of the year 1936 on the schemes in progress is not known, and it is accordingly not possible to arrive at any estimate of the cost per man-year of the employment afforded. The committee, however, after making a survey of the position, stated in their final report (Cmd. 4354) that they felt that, over the whole field of public works of the character approved by them, it could safely be accepted that capital expenditure of £1,600,000 provided fully 2,500 man-years of direct employment. The committee hesitated to suggest a corresponding figure to represent indirect employment, but stated that such employment was clearly substantial.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, as a result of his action in banning a production of the Ballets Busses de Monte Carlo in a Glasgow theatre, the Scottish people have been deprived of a cultural exhibition made accessible to English cities; and whether, in future, before interfering with Scottish culture in the exercise of his statutory powers, he will consult the Secretary of State for Scotland?

The terms of the question suggest that the right hon. Member is under a misapprehension, which I am anxious to remove. There was no differentiation against Scotland. I felt compelled to refuse permits for a foreign ballet company to appear in any town in the United Kingdom immediately before the appearance in that town of the Vic.-Wells Ballet. It was also necessary earlier this year to secure that this foreign ballet company adjusted the dates of its season in London. I regret that the lateness of the application for permits, for which of course I was not responsible, rendered it impracticable to make arrangements for the proposed visits of the company to English and Scottish towns.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the present position of the negotiations undertaken for the revision of the cost-of-living index; and when a definite announcement as to the result may be expected?

The methods to be adopted in the inquiry into working-class family expenditure, which will be necessary in order to provide the information required for the purpose of a revision of the basis of the cost-of-living index number, are still under consideration by the committee who were appointed to advise on this subject. It is not yet possible to say when the inquiry will be completed but it will occupy a considerable time, as was made clear when the decision to undertake it was announced.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many dead-weight centres for slaughtering purposes there were in Scotland on 1st October, 1935, and how many on the same date in 1936; and what number of cattle were passed through each of the dead-weight centres in the above periods?

The number of deadweight certification centres for the certification of carcases of cattle for payments under the Cattle Industry (Emergency Provisions) Acts, 1934 to 1936, in Scotland on 1st October, 1935, was seven and on 1st October, 1936, was six. The number of animals presented for certification at each of the dead-weight certification centres in Scotland in the 12 months ended 30th September, 1935, and 30th September, 1936, respectively, were as follow:

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of tuberculin-tested milk producers who are now outside the operations of the Milk Board, and what percentage of the total output of milk for human consumption their sales represent?

It is estimated that about 1,400 producers in England and Wales are selling tuberculin-tested milk outside the Milk Marketing Scheme, and that their sales represent approximately 5 per cent. of the total quantity of milk sold for human consumption.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will make representations to the Milk Marketing Board so that the sale of fresh skimmed milk be permitted in this country, in view of the fact that large sales of foreign skimmed milk in tins are still permissible?

The Milk Marketing Board have not prohibited the sale of fresh skimmed milk. I understand that any person may purchase whole milk at the regional price, separate the cream and sell the resulting skimmed milk in liquid form; but in such cases the board are not prepared to allow to the purchaser a manufacturing rebate.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will indicate the range of prices of fat stock in the last three years; and whether, in order to ensure a fair market for British producers, arrangements will be made to limit imports at a time when home supplies of fat cattle are at their heaviest?

The following table shows prices of fat cattle in the last three years. As regards the second part of the question, my hon. Friend will be aware that imports of foreign beef and veal have for some time been subject to quantitative regulation, and that arrangements with the same object in view have been made with the Dominions concerned. Imports of live cattle from the Irish Free State are also regulated. The general effect of the arrangements is to reduce the proportion of annual imports arriving in the first and last quarters of the year, when home supplies of fat cattle are greatest.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the discouragement to British egg production which is being caused by the increased importations from abroad and the reduction in the number of poultry farmers; and whether, before the hatching season, he will make an announcement of Government policy in order to induce home producers to increase their poultry stocks?

I have no information as to changes in the number of poultry farmers, though I am aware that there has been some reduction in the number of poultry from the record figure in 1934. Although there has been an increase in the imports of eggs, prices of home-produced eggs have been consistently higher throughout 1936 than in either 1935 or 1934. I understand that an application has recently been received by the Import Duties Advisory Committee for increased duties on eggs imported from foreign countries, and I am not at present in a position to snake any announcement on the subject.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what progress has been made with the scheme for the supply of milk to nursing and expectant mothers and to children under school age in the, Rhondda Valley at the reduced price of 2d. a pint?

The figures so far available indicate that satisfactory progress is being made with the scheme which my right hon. Friend who preceded me at the Ministry was able to announce in reply to my hon. Friend's question on the 29th July last. Up to 7th November applications to participate in the scheme had been received in respect of 3,673 persons, including 303 nursing mothers, 339 expectant mothers and 3,031 children under five. Approximately 82,000 pints of milk were supplied under the scheme in October. I understand that the Milk Marketing Board intend to make a special survey of the working of the scheme at the end of this year, when it is hoped that further information will be available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the serious condition at the Crumbles, Langley Point, near Eastbourne, owing to the removal of the beach; and if, in view of the results that may occur from inundation of the hinterland, he will take steps to prevent further operations in this vicinity?

I am aware of the position to which my hon. Friend refers. The removal of material from the Crumbles area is at present subject to control under by-laws of the Catchment Board, whose proposals to impose further restrictions were the subject of a public local inquiry held by Sir William Graham-Harrison in March last. A bylaw to restrict further the removal of material has recently been made, and I expect to be in a. position to confirm this shortly. The Catchment Board will, I hope, consider what further steps it should take to meet local requirements.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will cause the case of Mr. John Crawford, Main Street, Crossgates, Fife, to be re-opened, in view of the fact that the certificate of the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary expresses the belief that his present neurasthenia originated in his war-time experiences and that the medical officer of the Fife Miners' Union declares that it is a. direct outcome of war service?

In the short time available it has not been possible to examine all the relevant documents in the case, but I will communicate further with the hon. Member as early as possible.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that both ferry boats on the north to south Queensferry crossing were driven by the wind off their course on the night of Monday, 26th October, and that it was impossible for the passengers or vehicles on board to be landed for the greater part of the night; whether he can state for how many hours the boats were drifting; how many passengers and vehicles were on board; and whether he will take steps to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents?

The ferry boats in question are not within my jurisdiction but are leased by the Railway Company to Denny Brothers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the necessity of preserving a proper balance of trade between this country and Argentina, he can give assurances that in the new Argentina agreement adequate provision will be made to conserve our textile trade with that market?

In the negotiations with Argentina, all possible consideration is being given to the position of United Kingdom trade with that country in textiles as well as other commodities.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps have been taken to ensure that the assurances given by the British Iron and Steel Federation as to the equitable distribution of quota steel shall be observed in practice?

The Import Duties Advisory Committee are watching the arrangements for the distribution among consumers of the steel purchased from the cartel. The Committee are satisfied that the imports are being distributed in accordance with the undertakings given by the federation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Lloyds have decided not to insure against war risks for anything on land; and what steps the Government propose to take to protect the thousands of people buying their houses through, or placing their savings in, building societies in the event of war?

I am aware of the recent decision of the non-marine underwriters at Lloyd's no longer to write war risks on land in the United Kingdom and Ireland. This decision brings the practice of Lloyd's into line with that of the insurance companies. I have no information which would lead me to believe that the withdrawal of this class of insurance will in any way prejudice the peace-time position of those who avail themselves of the facilities offered by building societies, or place them in a position different from that of other owners of property.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Royal Commission on Awards to Inventors is still sitting; whether their final report is yet drafted; and when it will be published?

I have been asked to reply. I understand that the Royal Commission on Awards to Inventors has dealt with all the cases before it and that its final report will be submitted in the course of the next month or so, and subsequently published.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consider the issue of season tickets to hon. Members in cases where it would save the revenue?

Proposals for the issue of season tickets instead of the present travelling vouchers have been considered on several occasions. The use of season tickets might be more economical in particular eases, but it would be impracticable to confine the arrangement to periods during which a saving might be expected to result. A general issue of season tickets would undoubtedly entail a heavy increase in the total cost of free travelling facilities, and I do not think that this could be justified.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state the difference in cost between granting pensions at 55 to insured spinsters only and to all spinsters whether insured or not?

The cost of granting contributory old age pensions to unmarried insured women at 55, instead of at the present age of 65, would be an additional £4,500,000 a year. The further cost of granting a pension to all unmarried women at 55 would be an additional £8,000,000 a year, making a total of £12½ millions, as regards the period up to the attainment of the age of 70, plus the further cost (which I am unable to estimate) of old age pensions at 70 to single women who are not at present entitled to them. Each of the figures mentioned would rise steadily in future.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether in view of the broadcasts by foreign statesmen and others on aspects of world policy which affect this country, he can arrange for transcripts of such broadcasts to be compiled and placed in the Library of the House to enable Members to study them?

Speeches broadcast by foreign statesmen on aspects of world policy affecting this country are always adequately reported in the British Press and I do not think, therefore, that any special. arrangement of the nature suggested by my hon. Friend is required.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to the situation in Danzig; whether the people have been deprived of the right of free political and trade union association as provided in the constitution; and what steps he is taking as rapporteur to the League Council to ensure that such rights are restored?

The general situation in Danzig was described in reports from the League High Commissioner, which were annexed to the report of the Committee of Three to the Council and are being published in the November issue of the League of Nations official journal. Since these reports were written the Social Democratic party of Danzig has been dissolved. The reason given for its dissolution was the discovery of arms on premises owned by the party. As for the steps which are being taken in connection with the situation in Danzig, my right hon. Friend made a full statement on 29th October last, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will state the names and nationality of the British consular representatives at the following places; Barcelona, Palma, Ibiza, Port Mahon, Tarragona, Valencia, Alicante, Murcia, Cartagena, Malaga, Cadiz, Seville, Gijon, Santander, and Bilbao?

The following tabular statement gives the names of the consular officers at present in charge of the posts referred to.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet had any answer from the Burgos Government to his appeal on behalf of an exchange of prisoners?

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the statement which my right hon. Friend made yesterday in reply to a question on this subject by my hon. Friend the Member for Moseley (Sir P. Hannon), to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Minister of Health how many resolutions he has received from local authorities calling his attention to the intolerable burden imposed upon their ratepayers by the cost of public assistance and requesting that public assistance be made a national charge; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

I have recently received copies of resolutions passed by 11 local authorities urging that the cost of public assistance should be made a national charge. With regard to the second part of the question I would refer to the reply given on behalf of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the hon. Member for Ogmore (Mr. E. J. Williams) on 13th May last to the effect that the cost of public assistance to the able-bodied is already borne almost entirely by the Exchequer and that in his view no public interest would be served by transferring the care of the sick and infirm from local to national bodies.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state the number of beds available in the Sheffield hospitals which are under the control of the local authority and the number of those which are provided in the voluntary hospitals?

According to the last annual report of the Medical Officer of Health, there were on the 31st December, 1935, 2,425 beds in hospitals under the control of the local authority, and 1,103 beds in voluntary hospitals in Sheffield.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the widespread dissatisfaction that exists in boroughs and urban districts by reason of the inequitable operation of Section 9 (2) (c) of the Rating and Valuation Act, 1925, he proposes to take any steps by legislation or otherwise to provide a remedy?

I would refer my right hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Colne Valley (Mr. Marklew) on 26th June, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Health in how many cases he has refused applications from non-county boroughs for orders authorising the borough council to become the local supervising authority under the Midwives Acts, 1902–26, and how many such applications were supported by the county council; how many applications have been granted; what are the considerations that weigh with him in dealing with such applications; and whether he proposes to adhere to his promise that he would give sympathetic consideration to applications from the smaller local authorities to supervise midwifery in their areas?

Since the passing of the Local Government Act, 1929, applications of this kind have been submitted to my Department by the councils of 69 non-county boroughs. Forty-one have been refused, of which six were supported by the county council concerned, and 28 have been granted. In dealing with these applications, the most important factor to which I have given consideration since the Midwives Act, 1936, came into operation is the number of whole-time midwives required for domiciliary midwifery in the non-county borough concerned. I can assure my right hon. and gallant Friend that the promise I made during the passage of the Midwives Bill will be adhered to, and that these applications will be granted wherever the circumstances justify the setting up of a new local supervising authority.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he will consider the desirability of extending the Press Gallery with the object of allowing weekly periodicals of international repute to send representatives daily instead of weekly as at present?

No, Sir. In view of the recent rearrangement and extension of the accommodation in the Press Gallery, my Noble Friend does not think any further encroachment on the side galleries would be generally acceptable to Members.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can make any statement on the proposal of the Canadian Government to import anthracite coal from Russia in place of Welsh anthracite coal; and what steps he has taken to protect the interests of the anthracite industry in this country?

On the 27th February, 1931, the Canadian Government imposed an embargo on the importation into Canada of certain Russian products, including coal, which was followed by a retaliatory Russian embargo on all imports from Canada.In October, 1935, when the present Government took office in Canada, it was intimated to His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom that the removal of this embargo was in contemplation. The Canadian Government, however, deferred further action in the matter until they had an opportunity of discussing with His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom the general question of the United Kingdom's trade with Canada. These discussions took place during the recent visit of Canadian Ministers to this country, and United Kingdom Ministers then impressed upon the Canadian Ministers the great importance which they attached to the maintenance of the United Kingdom trade in anthracite to Canada. The Canadian Ministers explained that whilst they appreciated the difficulties of our position and were anxious to encourage our trade, considerations of general policy made it impossible for them to retain as an instrument of commercial policy a discriminatory embargo against imports from a single country with whom all other countries had re-established normal commercial relations.As a result of discussions between the Canadian Government and the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, both embargoes were removed and the Soviet authorities announced that any exports of anthracite from Russia to Canada would be subject to the following conditions:

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give any indication as to when the report of the inquiry into the disaster at Gresford Colliery will be issued?

Although I cannot promise this definitely, I hope that the report may be published before the House rises for the Christmas Recess.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the frequent appeals received by local authorities to make donations to special funds for mitigating distress due to mining disasters; and, in view of the difficulties likely to arise from an extension of this practice, will he take steps to establish a national fund for this purpose?

I am aware of the fact stated in the first part of the question and am glad to have the opportunity of testifying to the generosity with which local authorities and the public throughout the country contribute towards mining disaster relief funds. With regard to the second part of the question, I am by no means certain that a large national fund for this purpose would be in the real interests of the beneficiaries. The hon. Member will realise that his proposal could not be confined to colliery disaster funds.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that public opinion in India is opposed to the coercive measures adopted against the Arabs in Palestine; that a Palestine day has been observed in many parts of India; that leading Indian Moslems have appealed to His Majesty's Government to terminate the mandate and establish responsible government; that the All-India Moslem conference criticise His Majesty's Government for crushing the aspirations of the Arabs and enforcing Jewish immigration; and whether due regard to Indian opinion will be paid in deciding future policy in Palestine?

My Noble Friend is kept constantly informed of the attitude of Indian Moslem opinion to the situation in Palestine. He is aware that as a result of an appeal by the Council of the All-India Moslem League, 19th June was celebrated as Palestine Day by Moslems in a number of large towns, and that on 26th September a meeting of Moslem leaders at Simla passed a resolution criticising the action taken by His Majesty's Government. Two days later a deputation was received by His Excellency the Viceroy, who took this opportunity of explaining fully to the Moslem leaders the actual policy of His Majesty's Government in regard to Palestine. Due account has been, and will continue to be, taken by His Majesty's Government of Moslem opinion in India on the subject of British policy in Palestine.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Sub-inspector V. G. Agnihotu, of Dharwar, was sentenced by the sessions judge at Dharwar to nine months' imprisonment, and had his sentence confirmed by the chief justice at Bombay, on 19th August, 1936, the crime being that of beating a sick mother and her daughter with a view to extorting a confession; whether the subsequent death of the mother was due to the injuries received from the beating; and whether any further action is to be taken?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The sub-inspector was sentenced to a term of imprisonment for this offence and to a fine; I am not clear what further action is suggested in the matter.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any representations have been received from associations representing civil servants or military officers, either active or retired, asking to be allowed at a later date to have a second option to transfer their share in the Family Pension Funds from India to England?

The answer is in the affirmative, but my Noble Friend is advised that provision for a second option would be ultra vires the Government of India Act, 1935.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that an Order has been issued by the Government of Bihar directing that two workers, Messrs. K. C. Mitra and Santiram Mandal, who had been deputed by the Indian railwaymen's federations to organise railwaymen at Jamalpur, should be forbidden to enter the province of Bihar for a year from 1st September, 1936; and, as the issue of this Order under the Bihar and Orissa Public Safety Act contravenes the assurances given by the Government that legitimate trade union activities would be protected, what effect will be given to the protest of the railway union concerned against the present policy of the Government of Bihar in order to protect the peasant and labour movements?

Yes, Sir. These men have been closely connected with Communist unions in Bengal which have been declared unlawful, and the Government of Bihar were satisfied that their operations in the province would be of a communistic nature and not in the nature of legitimate trade union activities.

asked the President of the Board of Education what is the present number of elementary school teachers who are properly qualified to supervise physical exercises for the children under their control; what is the total number of physical instruction organisers employed by education authorities; and whether, in view of the decision to extend the physical training movement in schools, any steps are to be taken to engage persons who have graduated in private physical training colleges in this country and who are at present not employed in any physical training capacity?

Most elementary school teachers, both men and women, receive some personal and professional training in physical exercises in the normal teachers' training colleges, and an increasing number of colleges are providing special facilities for this purpose. In addition large numbers of "refresher" courses are held every year for existing teachers and are widely attended.The total number of organiser's employed by local education authorities is 205 (men 97, women 108). Physical exercises in public elementary schools are taken by members of the ordinary teaching staffs of the schools, and it is not the practice to employ in such schools teachers who do not also possess general teaching qualifications. But with the increasing demand for facilities for physical training, a demand which is in no way confined to elementary schools, I should anticipate that suitably qualified teachers should experience no difficulty in finding employment.

asked the Postmaster-General the estimated capital cost of television to date on research and on provision of existing plant, respectively; the estimated annual expenditure on the upkeep of the plant, salaries and artists' fees; and the estimated number of television receiver-holders and the basis on which the estimate was compiled?

The cost of television research has been borne by the commercial firms engaged in the manufacture of equipment. The plant acquired by the British Broadcasting Corporation up to the end of October, 1936, cost approximately £110,000. The public service, which is at present of a restricted character, has only been in operation since 2nd November; and it is not yet possible to form a reliable estimate of annual expenditure. No information is available concerning the number of television receiving sets at present in use; but the Television Advisory Committee have recently approached the Radio Manufacturers' Association with the object of securing, from time to time, confidential information concerning the total number of sets sold by members of the association.

asked the Postmaster-General whether any and what decision has now been reached with reference to the issue of a special Coronation stamp?

The matter is under active consideration, but I am not yet in a position to announce a decision.

asked the Secretary of State for War, with regard to the new barracks to be constructed at Kowloon, on the mainland of China, near Hong Kong; what number of troops the new barracks will accommodate; how soon will their construction be completed; what is the estimated cost of the new barracks; why are additional barracks required; and whether the Chinese Government has been consulted on the matter?

The new barracks will accommodate about 2,700 British and 000 Indian troops; and will probably be completed by the end of 1940, at a cost estimated at £1,350,000. They are required for the accommodation of additional troops and of units of the garrison at present occupying temporary huts which are below standard and have a limited life. No question of consultation with the Chinese Government arises, as the site is in every sense British territory. The Colony of Hong Kong, with Kowloon and the leased Territories adjoining it, must not be confused with the Concessions in China, which are Chinese territory.

asked the Secretary of State for War when it is proposed to issue gas masks to the Territorial Army?

Anti-gas respirators are now in process of being issued to Territorial Army units and supplies-on a full scale will be made as stocks become available.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the name and previous record of the director of aeronautical production?

The director of aeronautical production is Lieut.-Colonel H. A. P. Disney. He served during the Great War with distinction, first as a pilot and then on the staff in various appointments, including supply and equipment. Since then he has held managerial and directing posts in a number of important manufacturing and commercial companies. He has acquired a wide business experience both at home and abroad.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what steps, if any, are being taken to recruit for the Royal Air Force in British colonies; and, if none, will he consider the matter in conjunction with the Secretary of State for the Colonies?

Arrangements are in being whereby boys between the ages of 15 and 17 who desire to enlist as aircraft apprentices may undergo the requisite educational and medical examinations in any colony in which there is a Royal Air Force command.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any and, if so, what steps have been or will be taken to make good the shortage of jigs, fixtures, gauges, tools, and other plant required for the manufacture of aero-engines disclosed in the White Paper recently published?

The reference in the recent White Paper to a possible shortage of jigs, fixtures, gauges, tools and other plant alluded to a state of affairs which it was anticipated would arise if the scheme were to involve a considerable amount of duplication or multiplication. There is no reason to suppose that the progress of the shadow scheme as now planned is likely to be seriously impeded by shortages arising from such causes.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is prepared to consider the recognition of the Legion of Frontiersmen in connection with the country's defence; if he is aware that many of its members, whose ages range from 35 to 65, are too old to join the Territorial Army, and those up to 45 years of age are not old enough to join the new Defence Reserve; and whether he is aware that these men would train themselves voluntarily in exchange for recognition?

My right hon. Friend appreciates the wishes of the Legion of Frontiersmen to assist in the country's defences but there are difficulties, which the Legion fully realise, in fitting their members as a body into the Army organisation. Certain suggestions regarding other possible activities have been made to the Legion and my right hon. Friend presumes that these are being considered.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is in a position to state what steps have been taken to protect the civil population of London and other centres in the event of war by the provision of air-raid shelters or other places of refuge?

The construction of shelters for the public which would be proof against direct hits by high explosive bombs is impracticable. It is proposed that as far as possible members of the public should remain indoors in a part of their homes or places of work which has been adapted as a shelter and is gas proof and splinter proof.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence if he is aware that a number of highly skilled engineers have left the trade and gone to such jobs as tramcar drivers or conductors, omnibus drivers or conductors, and insurance agents; and seeing that this has happened because of the low wages paid to highly skilled engineers, will he take steps to utilise the services of these skilled men in engineering work for which they are trained and pay them adequate rates of wages?

I am aware that a large number of men left the engineering industry during the depression owing to lack of employment. Recently, owing to the improvement of trade, the number of men employed in the industry has greatly increased and is still rising. During the two years from July, 1934, to July, 1936, the number of insured persons aged 16 to 64 employed in the engineering industry increased by 150,000, or over 18 per cent., and the total at the latter date was the highest since comparable records began to be kept in 1923. As the hon. Member knows, the rates of wages are settled by negotiation between the employers and the trade unions.

asked the Home Secretary whether in view of the impecunious time now being experienced by many hospitals, convalescent homes, and local cricket and football clubs, he will consider an amendment of the law to enable voluntary organisations of this character to promote prize draws of moderate dimensions?

The law relating to lotteries was reviewed by Parliament as recently as 1934 and Sections 23 and 24 of the Betting and Lotteries Act of that year exempt certain types of lotteries from the general prohibition of lotteries provided that the conditions specified in those sections are complied with. I cannot undertake to introduce fresh legislation dealing with this subject.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state the number of cadets entered for the executive engineering branches of the Navy through Dartmouth College and the public schools; the number of Royal Marine officers entered; the total of these officers during the years 1931 to 1936; the number of promotions to commissioned rank from the lower deck in these branches during the same period; and what percentage of the total new officers were from the lower deck in each year?

Following is the information required:

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state the number of ships existing and in course of construction which are or will be, approximately, as strong as, or stronger than, His Majesty's Ship "Queen Elizabeth"; to which countries these ships belong; and, in the case of those in course of construction, the approximate date at which they will be completed?

It is difficult to make a comparison between the relative strength of capital ships with different combinations of tonnage, speed, armour and gun power, and especially so now that extensive modernisation programmes aye being carried out by certain foreign powers, of which details are not published. Such details as can be made public are contained in Command Paper 5038, entitled "Fleets". The current edition was published in December, 1935.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make inquiries as to the arrest of Fritz Zimvok, an alleged Nazi spy, at Tel Aviv, on 22nd October; as to the documents found on him; as to how he managed to get into Palestine; and as to whether there are many more engaged in the like work?

I have no information regarding this case, but I will make inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is in communication with the Iraq Government relative to their sending an official to Palestine to discuss matters with the Arab higher committee; and will he make it clear that this visit to the authors of the disorders is unwelcome and will be prevented.

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I have no information as to any such proposed visit. The second part of the question does not therefore arise at present.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will endeavour to find out from whence the Arabs derived the money and arms used in the disorders and, in particular, what assistance they received from Iraq and from Italy?

I would refer the right hon. Member to the reply which I gave to his Question on the 3rd November, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for War, with reference to the list of decorations published last week in connection with the Palestine operations, what were the total British casualties during that period; and whether any despatches will be published?

I have been asked to reply as my hon. and gallant Friend's question appears to relate to the period before Lieut.-General Dill took over command. The number of British casualties, excluding the police, during the period from 15th April to 14th September, 1936, was 121, including 21 killed in action or died of wounds. As regards the last part of the question it is not proposed to depart in this instance from the customary practice of not publishing despatches relating to local operations.

asked the hon. and gallant Member for Barkston Ash, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether it is intended to erect a pulp factory at Kielder, Northumberland; and, if so, whether it is proposed that such a factory should be erected within the next 20 years?

The commissioners have given no consideration to the question of erecting a pulp factory at Kielder, Northumberland.

asked the hon. and gallant Member for Barkston Ash, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether the Forestry Commissioners have places for erecting pulp factories in any district of Great Britain other than that of North Tyne, Northumberland?

The commissioners have a number of sites in Great Britain where the erection of pulp factories may in due course become worthy of consideration.

asked the hon. and gallant Member for Barkston Ash, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, at what age and size is it proposed to cut timber for pulp in this country and with how many acres per day will each factory deal?

The time is not ripe for the commissioners to consider proposals for manufacturing pulp. When that time comes methods will be considered in the light of prevailing practice.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the amount of compensation paid during 1935 in respect of on-licences refused, distinguishing alehouses from beer-houses, and giving the total amount paid to licensees in each class?

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 whether he will state the number of new licences, publican and beer-house, and off licences respectively, and the number of new premises so licensed?

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.