asked the Secretary for Mines the extent to which foreign coke is being imported into this country; and whether he is aware that it is possible to obtain in this country supplies of coke which are required by industry?

As I stated in my reply of 5th November to the hon. Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Batey), special arrangements have been made for importing 100,000 tons of coke to meet the present shortage, and to this figure must be added supplies which have normally been imported during recent years for horticultural purposes in the Lea Valley and which will amount this year to some 50,000 tons. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer to the reply which I have just mentioned.

Will my hon. and gallant Friend shortly consult in detail with the coal industry, and find out what is necessary to prevent this heavy import of fuel when so many are unemployed in the industry?

I understand that this matter is to be raised on the Adjournment Motion one night this week, and perhaps I could deal with the problem then.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of collieries closed in Durham since 1930; the names of the collieries and where situated; and the number of men directly affected?

Since 1st January, 1930, 51 pits in Durham employing 10 or more men each and in the aggregate 8,721 men, have been closed and not re-opened. I am sending the hon. Member a detailed list.

Can the Minister tell us what steps have been taken to find work for these 8,000 men?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is satisfied that the central coal-selling scheme is being carried out by the Midland (Amalgamated) District in accordance both with the spirit and the letter of the undertakings given by him to the distributors and consumers of coal?

I have no information that would lead me to believe that the Midland (Amalgamated) District scheme is being improperly administered. My hon. Friend has been good enough to give me particulars of a case concerning certain coal distributors in Huddersfield. I am looking into it, and will communicate with him in due course.

asked the Secretary for Mines the proportion of Italy's coal consumption which was supplied by Great Britain during the years 1930 to 1935; and the estimated proportion of Italy's coal consumption to be supplied by Great Britain under the commercial agreement recently entered into between Great Britain and Italy?

As the reply contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will consider the question of giving a grant towards the pumping of water from the disused mines in the western part of the Durham coalfields, which is a danger to lives of miners working on the eastern section of the county?

I am afraid that I have no funds from which I could give financial assistance for any such purpose. The safety aspects of the question are the subject of close watch by His Majesty's inspectors, and no ground for apprehension is known to them at present.

Is the Minister aware that there was a survey there some 12 months ago, and that in the report it was stated that there were some collieries pumping 11½ tons of water to one ton of coal; and does he not think that that is a serious danger to the men on the other side?

I should have to refresh my memory as to the details of the survey.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what action the Government propose to take in view of the fact that the Empire Settlement Act, 1922, is due to expire on 31st May next?

Yes, Sir. His Majesty's Government have considered the matter, and have come to the conclusion that the period of the operation of the Empire Settlement Act, 1922, should be extended, and that certain other modifications should be effected in the provisions of the Act. I propose to ask leave to introduce shortly a Bill for this purpose. In considering the terms of the Bill, I am taking into account recommendations on the question made to me by the Oversea Settlement Board. The Report of the Board containing their recommendations will be issued shortly in the form of a Command Paper.

Is it proposed, in this new Bill, to alter the 50–50 arrangement between this country and the Dominions?

It would be impossible for me to give any information on that matter now, but I anticipate that the Bill, if I am given leave, will be introduced fairly shortly.

Is the right hon. Gentleman proposing to continue this Act? Is he not aware that the Act was almost a complete disaster, and would it not be necessary to bring in an entirely new Measure?

Is it not clear that the new Bill is not a continuation of the old Act, but is a new Measure with considerable amendments?

I am proposing certain amendments. In any case some legislation is necessary if we are to be able to continue making contributions towards such excellent schemes as the Fairbridge Farm School scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he proposes to reserve all appointments in the administrative and executive classes of the Dominions Office to men only; and whether he will consider obtaining assistance from qualified women officials in dealing with such problems as those connected with nationality, migration, marriage, and pension in which women throughout the Empire have a special interest and have shown their deep concern?

As regards the first part of the question, appointments on the administration establishments of the Dominions Office, which is a joint one with that of the Colonial Office, are reserved to men only. There are no executive class appointments in the Dominions Office. As regards the second part of the question, migration is the only one of the matters mentioned with which the Dominions Office is directly concerned. In this regard the Society for the Oversea Settlement of British Women has since the War been recognised as to all intents and purposes the Women's Branch of the Oversea Settlement Department of the Dominions Office, and the chairman of the Executive Committee of the society holds an appointment in the Department. I would also mention that there is a woman member, on the Oversea Settlement Board, and that there have always been at least two women members on the Oversea Settlement Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any further statement to make as to the relations between His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and the Irish Free State; and whether any recent action has been taken to improve the relations between the two countries?

As I indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for Roth-well (Mr. Lunn) on 29th October, I am not in a position to add anything to previous statements on the subject.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what steps are being taken to bring the two countries closer together?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominions Affairs whether he is aware that the Lord Mayor of Manchester is to head a municipal and commercial friendship delegation to the Lord Mayor of Dublin, with a view to the improvement of relations between the two countries; and, in view of the good that may accrue were the Lord Mayor of Manchester to convey from His Majesty's Government to the Lord Mayor of Dublin a message of good will in relation to the question of the Irish Land Annuities, will the Government take advantage of this opportunity for reciprocal effort to bridge the difficulties of the present situation?

I have seen reports in the Press of the proposed visit of the Lord Mayor of Manchester to Dublin. While in general I am entirely in favour of any step which can be taken to promote better relations between this country and the Irish Free State, I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by adopting the particular suggestion contained in the second part of the hon. Member's question.

In view of the widespread desire for a rapprochement between the Irish Free State and ourselves, and the obvious advantages if such an arrangement ensued, will not the right hon. Gentleman take upon himself the responsibility of making suggestions in order that friendly relations may be resumed?

I assure the hon. Member that this important matter continues to engage the very active consideration of the Government, and, if we feel that we can usefully take the initiative, we shall not hesitate to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can give particulars of the increase, if any, in the revenues of Newfoundland; and of the increase or decrease in expenditure?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will the figures state the number of people who are unemployed, the number on relief, and the amount paid in relief at the present time?

That is not the question which the hon. Gentleman asked. The answer I am circulating simply deals with the figures of revenue and expenditure, but I shall be quite willing to answer the other question if the hon. Gentleman will put it down.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that the Newfoundland Government gave orders for a number of motor trucks without any tenders being asked for, and that some of these orders went to the United States; and whether he will have inquiries made into this transaction?

I have no information as to the particular transaction referred to, but am asking the Governor for a report.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the reasons why Mr. T. Lodge, one of the Newfoundland Commissioners, has been recalled?

Mr. Lodge was appointed in February, 1934, as a Commissioner in Newfoundland for a term of three years, and he is about to come on leave pending the completion in February next of his term of service. It is not correct to say that he is being recalled. On the contrary, I have a very high opinion of the services which he has rendered in Newfoundland.

Is it the understanding of His Majesty's Government that in no case will men who have served three years on this Commission have their term renewed?

No, Sir, that is not the understanding.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen reports in the Newfoundland newspapers that Mr. Lodge has been recalled?

If such reports have appeared, I hope that the answer which I have given to-day will remove any suggestion of that kind.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what period of holiday per annum is allowed?

I could not answer that question without notice, but it is a perfectly normal period. It is customary, if an official of this nature has accumulated some leave, that he should be able to take that leave before resigning from his office.

Does not my right hon. Friend consider that it would be desirable to appoint a thoroughly experienced business man on this Commission, to deal with economic matters?

We have had one.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is in a position to indicate when it will be possible to restore representative government to Newfoundland?

No, Sir. As I reminded the hon. Member in answer to a question on 10th November, the Address from the Newfoundland Legislature to His late Majesty asked for the suspension of the then existing Letters Patent and the issue of new Letters Patent providing for the administration of the island on the lines now in force until such time as it might become self-supporting again.

I remember the Act very well, but what I am asking is whether the three years of Commission government have not now established a situation in which it would be possible to return to Parliamentary government?

The three years have, I think, shown a considerable improvement in the prospects of the island, but they certainly have not yet established a situation in which the island is self-supporting again, and I think that anyone who has been following this matter closely, as I know the hon. Member has, must realise that, if this work is to be done effectively, it will be a fairly slow process.

Is it not a fact that the reason for His Majesty's Government taking action was that the funds of Newfoundland were in a bad state; is it not the case now that the funds of Newfoundland have improved; and is not that a satisfactory reason for a return to representative government?

The situation is that, whereas before Commission government was started the deficit on the Budget was something in the region of 3,000,000 dollars per year, that deficit has now been reduced to round about 2,000,000 dollars, and, therefore there is still a substantial deficit.

Considering that the improvement has been so great under the commissioners, is it not obviously desirable to keep the present administration?

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether his attention has been drawn to the distressing conditions among the coloured seamen population in the ports of this country; whether there are any means available to him for increasing the employment of these men upon ships going to sea; and if not, whether he is prepared to confer with the Colonial Office as to what steps can be taken to limit the residence in this country of men from the tropical countries now resident here without any prospect of obtaining employment;

(2) whether he is aware that shipping companies are in the habit of engaging coloured men overseas, bringing them to this country and paying them off in British ports; and whether, seeing that this leads to an increasing settlement in this country, adding to the difficulty and distress of the coloured community, he is prepared to make representations to the shipping companies that any such men engaged in future should receive their full pay on return to their country of origin?

I am aware of the representations which have been made in regard to the position of coloured seamen and of the coloured population at some of our ports. As the hon. Member for Birkenhead, East (Mr. White) was informed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Home Affairs on 12th November, the matter is under the consideration of the Departments concerned.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter has been under consideration for the last three years? When will the report of the committee be issued?

I am afraid I cannot say.

Are there no means of preventing shipping companies engaging coloured seamen abroad and leaving them stranded in this country?

If they are of British nationality I should hope they would engage them wherever possible.

Is it not the duty and responsibility of the right hon. Gentleman's Department to give these men repatriation if there is no employment to be found?

If the hon. Gentleman wants to know the legal position, he had better put a question on the Paper.

Is it not right that they should only be discharged on returning to their home port?

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that he will direct most of his attention to getting employment for English seamen?

Yes. Many of these coloured seamen are British subjects.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the report from the Imperial Shipping Committee upon the technical aspects of the problem of British shipping services in the Pacific will be published; and whether His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom intend to take any action to assist His Majesty's Governments in New Zealand and the Commonwealth of Australia in the maintenance of such services?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in regard to the proposed assistance to British shipping in the Pacific, it is intended to invite the Dominion Governments of Australia and New Zealand to undertake a part of the financial liability; and whether it is intended to extend the assistance to tramp shipping, cargo liners, and passenger liners, or any one of these groups?

The chairman of the Imperial Shipping Committee has recently presented the Committee's report to His Majesty's Governments in the United Kingdom, Canada, the Commonwealth of Australia and New Zealand. The report has been sent to the Dominion Governments concerned by air mail, and a decision as to publication will be taken as soon as they have had an opportunity of considering the matter. The question of action on the matters dealt with in the report is one for joint consideration and decision by the British Governments concerned. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom will do all in their power to bring the necessary discussions to a speedy conclusion. As regards the last part of Question No. 25, I would point out that the report of the Imperial Shipping Committee is concerned with the question of assistance to the British company maintaining a liner service for passengers and cargo between Canada and New Zealand and Australia.

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that not only will they take steps to bring the discussions to an early conclusion but will take action to help the Dominions in the matter?

That is what my answer meant.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the practice of his Department to inspect the supplies of food taken on board ship for the use of the crew, for the purpose of ensuring good quality and adequacy; and what action, if any, is taken by his Department against the owners of vessels which are inadequately provided for in this respect?

Yes, Sir; under the Merchant Shipping Acts there is a comprehensive system of inspection of ships' provisions and appropriate action is taken by the Board's inspectors if provisions are deficient in quality or quantity.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the present position of British shipping, the Government have any remedial proposals; and whether he would Appoint a committee to inquire into the problem?

The hon. Member is doubtless aware of the steps which the Government have taken to assist the industry, and they will continue to take appropriate steps where action is necessary and practicable. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the growing concern in all quarters about the state of British shipping; and is it not possible to appoint an impartial committee to go into this matter?

The anxiety that was felt upon this subject was just as strong last year as it is now, and I do not remember having received any assistance from the hon. Gentleman.

There will be a suitable opportunity to debate that matter, I hope, shortly, but will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to say whether the sole contribution that the Government are prepared to make to the restoration of British shipping is the grant of a subsidy for a limited period?

No, Sir, I have not stated that.

Then will the right hon. Gentleman indicate what other steps he proposes to take?

Can my right hon. Friend mention one thing which the party above the Gangway ever did to help British shipping?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the steamships "Afghanistan" and "Alma Dawson" have had trouble with their steering gears in recent gales, and that such steering gears are of the rod and chain type; and when he proposes to put into operation the recommendations of the committee set up to advise him as to the continued use of rod and chain steering gears?

I have seen reports that the two vessels mentioned have experienced trouble with their rod and chain steering gears in the recent gales, but I have not yet received detailed reports. With regard to the last part of the question, as the hon. Member for South Shields (Mr. Ede) was informed on 29th October, discussions are in progress with the classification societies and the shipping industry in regard to the steps to be taken to implement the recommendations of the Steering Gear Committee. These discussions will be completed very shortly but as an interim measure a letter, drawing the attention of owners of cargo ships to the special measures which the Board of Trade consider ought to be taken in regard to steering gear, has been sent to the shipowners' organisations and has been circulated by them to shipowners concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make any statement on the discussions at the Maritime Conference at Geneva on the draft convention on seamen's hours of work and manning; what other important countries voted with Great Britain against the convention; and what was the attitude of the British Dominions?

His Majesty's Government were prepared to accept an international convention broadly on the lines of the draft circulated by the International Labour Office for discussion at the Maritime Session of the Conference. During the course of the Conference the draft was so amended as to make it unacceptable in important respects and the Government representatives voted against its adoption. The Japanese Government representatives also voted against it. The Australian Government representative voted in favour. The Canadian representatives did not vote.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say in what respect the Gov- ernment opposed an amendment, and why they are in conflict with a most important British Dominion?

Our position was clearly set out by our representative there, in which he pointed out that a new set of agreements had been voluntarily entered into by the National Maritime Board, which came into force on 1st October last, and that we are not prepared to vary those agreements without any experience up to the present of their working.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now give the reasons for the lifeboats of the steamers from West Loch Tarbert and the islands, being obstructed with motor-cars?

In response to representations from the Board of Trade the owners of these steamers are arranging to limit the number of motor-cars carried, and to make sure that they are not stowed in such a way as to interfere with the handling of the lifeboats.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this has been a practice for years and that appeals have been made to the owners, but no notice has been taken? Will he see that something is done so that the public will know that the owners have no right to prevent passengers having the space they pay for and that it is not taken up with motorcars?

I hope that the attention of the shipping companies concerned will, after the question and answer this afternoon, lead in the direction which the hon. Member suggests.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when it is proposed to provide radio directional facilities for shipping in Shetland?

The Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses have included in their estimates for 1937–38 provision for the establishment of a radio beacon in Shetland. The proposal will be considered by the Board of Trade, along with the other proposals included in the estimates of the three general lighthouse authorities.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that coke is mostly sold by weight only, he will consider the introduction of legislation giving him powers to prescribe a maximum moisture content for coke offered for sale?

The wilful damping of coke is already an offence under some local Acts, but my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion will be borne in mind when any convenient opportunity arises for amending the general law.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, before any further agreements with foreign countries are negotiated or renewed, he will acquaint himself with the system adopted by Austria, whereby the encouragement of the tourist industry is made an integral part of such agreements by the introduction of a compensative object to the benefit of those countries providing tourists (in the case of Austria an undertaking to import two extra pigs for every tourist that may come from the country in question); and whether, in view of the importance to this country of the tourist industry, he will consider the introduction of a similar principle in British trade agreements?

I am aware of the system employed by Austria. While it is the desire of His Majesty's Government to encourage visits of foreign tourists by such means as are practicable, they are not prepared to adopt the method suggested in the question, which would, I fear, give rise to numerous difficulties.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the countries with which, with the object of liquidating frozen British credits, we have concluded agreements undertaking that we shall temporarily buy more from them than they buy from us; and how long, in each case, these agreements are to continue in operation?

No such agreements have been made. The effect of the agreements with Hungary, Italy, Rumania, Spain and Turkey is, however, to provide that only a portion of the sterling derived from imports from these countries into the United Kingdom is to be used for payments for exports from the United Kingdom. The remainder is to be allocated to other objects, which include in certain cases payment of frozen trade debts and of financial debts. The dates on which the agreements in question may be terminated are set out in a statement which I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the percentage of new shipping under construction in Great Britain represented by oil tankers; and whether he can give any estimate as to the amount of direct and indirect employment involved?

According to the returns published by Lloyd's Register of Shipping, oil tankers represented about 22 per cent. of the gross tonnage of mercantile vessels under construction in Great Britain and Ireland at the end of September, 1936. I regret that no accurate information is available as to the amount of labour involved.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the willingness of the United States Government to enter into negotiations for a bilateral treaty for the mutual reduction of tariffs with this country, he will state the attitude of the British Government?

As I have previously informed the House, informal exchanges have taken place from time to time with a view to ascertaining whether a basis exists for trade negotiations between the United Kingdom and the United States of America. These exchanges have been of a purely informal and exploratory nature and no proposal to open negotiations has been made or received.

In view of the known willingness of the United States Government to enter into such bilateral treaties, are the British Government prepared to act in a similar spirit on their side?

Did the right hon. Gentleman draw the attention of the United States Government to the fact that we buy from them four times as much as they buy from us?

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question? Are the Government willing to enter into negotiations with the United States Government for a mutual reduction of tariffs?

I am not prepared to add to the answer which I have already given.

You are not willing to do so.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take the initiative in the interests of our trade and of world trade in general, if we are to understand that it is the policy of the Government to encourage world trade?

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government contemplate any immediate action to effect a modification of international tariffs, quotas, and other restrictions on international trade?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 12th November by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to similar questions asked by the hon. Member for Birkenhead East (Mr. White) and the hon. Member for Pontypool (Mr. Jenkins).

How does the right hon. Gentleman expect that he is going to effect a substantial modification in international tariff policy by the methods at present being employed by the Government?

They are the only methods which are likely to be successful.

Is it not the fact that the Government of the United States have given every indication that they would be glad to negotiate for a financial and commercial agreement with this country; and is there any reason why this country should not take advantage of such an offer, if it were made?

I have already answered a question upon that very subject this afternoon.

Does not that answer say that you are prepared to do nothing with the United States?

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many licences have been granted to foreign firms during the last five years for the establishment of factories and workshops in this country?

During the four years 1932 to 1935, 219 factories, each employing 25 or more workpeople, were reported as established in this country by or with the assistance of foreign concerns. Corresponding particulars for the year 1931, or in respect of factories employing fewer than 25 workpeople, are not available. The establishment of factories is not subject to licence.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the advisability of laying before the firms the excellent facilities that can be offered by distressed areas like Durham—excellent transport facilities by rail, road and sea?

Oh, yes, such information as is necessary to enable them to arrive at a decision in this matter is already available to them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any special steps have been taken to ensure that the prohibition of the export of munitions to Spain is being observed?

Yes, Sir. Care has been, and continues to be, taken to ensure that the prohibition of the export of munitions to Spain is being observed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that large quantities of munitions have been dispatched to Spain from this country labelled "Saxa Salt"; and what steps is he going to take to prevent this illicit trade in arms?

If the hon. Gentleman has any evidence to that effect and will let me have it, I will examine it carefully.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the growing interest in the distributive problem both in the House and in the country; whether he is aware that the almost complete absence of statistical information about distribution prevents any approach to the problem; and whether he will, therefore, now accede to the request that a census of distribution should be instituted?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for King's Norton (Mr. Cartland) on 9th November.

Has the attention of my right hon. Friend been drawn to the Canadian and American censuses of distribution; and does he not think that with the information of such a census, great value could be attached to a census of distribution in this country?

As I informed the House a few days ago, if we had a census of distribution it would cost £500,000, and I am not prepared to recommend that expenditure to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Apart from the question of the cost, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the knowledge which we possess about costs of production is entirely sterilized unless we have knowledge to enable us to eliminate unjustifiable costs in distribution?

If the expenditure of £500,000 resulted in some beneficial action being taken, would it not be better than the policy of drift?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps it is possible for furniture exporters from this country to take to procure the reduction of the Canadian import duty of 18 per cent. ad valorem and the South African duty of 25 per cent. ad valorem on their products?

The duty on furniture imported into Canada from the United Kingdom is under consideration in the present trade discussions with the Canadian Government. The duty on furniture imported into the Union of South Africa will be considered when trade negotiations with the Union Government take place.

Will the right hon. Gentleman use all his efforts in order to get this highly unsatisfactory arrangement changed?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total imports of positive and negative cinematograph films imported into Great Britain and Northern Ireland registered as consigned from the United States of America and Germany during the 12 months ended to the last convenient date; and the declared value of these films?

As the answer is in the form of a tabular statement, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is it the fact that the imports of foreign films have shown a big increase in the last 12 months?

The hon. Gentleman had better wait until he has seen the table, and then he will see the facts that he wants to know.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there is any special scrutiny of books and printed literature imported from other countries; and whether he can state the quantities and value, respectively, of scientific, historical, and artistic books, in addition to novels, which were imported from the United States of America during the last full year available?

It is not clear what exactly the hon. Member has in mind. If he will give particulars either to me or to my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury inquiries will be made and he will be informed of the result. As regards the second part of the question, I regret that the information asked for is not available, as books of the kinds mentioned are not separately distinguished in the official records.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a considerable quantity of such literature is coming into this country and that it is outlined in the statistical returns of his own Department; and can he give any information as to the types of literature that does come in?

I am afraid that I cannot go further than the answer which I have already given to the House.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why, in the case of two American magazines of high repute imported into this country during the last few weeks, at least two and sometimes three pages have been torn out; and what is this thing the British public are not allowed to see?

My Department has nothing to do with that.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether the magazines referred to can seriously be considered as being of high repute?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the rise in the price of block tin; and whether, having regard to the considerable additional cost involved to the tiplate industry he will authorise an inquiry into the operations of the Tin Control Board with a view to the maintenance of supplies of metal at reasonable and steady prices for the manufacture of tinplates?

After consulting my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies I see no necessity for an inquiry of the kind suggested. The International Tin Committee announced a further increase in the export quotas of the producing countries last week, and since then the price of tin has declined.

Does the right hon. Gentleman expect that the price of tin will fall to its previous level in consequence of the action taken, and does he realise that the price of tinplate to the manufacturer has gone up 8d. a cwt. in consequence of the increase of £35 a ton in the price of raw tin?

I quite realise the importance of the hon. Gentleman's point, but I can make no prophecy as to the future price of tin.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that any further fall in the price of tin will mean ruination to Cornish tin mines?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will set up at an early date a Departmental Committee to consider amendments to deal with the defects and flaws in the Companies Act, 1929?

In accordance with the promise which I made in July last to the hon. Members for Cardigan (Mr. O. Evans) and North Tottenham (Mr. R. C. Morrison), I have given careful consideration to the question of instituting a fresh inquiry into company law amendment. I have, however, decided to defer such an inquiry for the time being. With my hon. Friend's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement of the reasons which have led me to this decision.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when we asked for and obtained the inquiry in 1924 it took five years before we got the 1929 Act? If it is to take another five years before we get a new Act, is he prepared to leave the public unprotected all that length of time, and not even begin the Departmental inquiry now?

A number of proposals which have been made in various quarters have been considered and are about to be adopted.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that many innocent people have been suffering serious financial loss because of delay in dealing with this matter?

I do not think delay has anything to do with it. It is the dishonesty of those who swindle them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in giving effect to recommendations of the Committee on Unit Trusts, prospectuses issued under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts will be dealt with in relation to unit trust legislation; or whether he will arrange, when amending the Companies Act, 1929, that such prospectuses shall, in future, be subject to the provisions applicable to prospectuses and directorates already contained in the 1929 Act?

The recommendations of the Committee on Unit Trusts in regard to industrial and provident societies will be dealt with in relation to unit trust legislation.

What does "dealt with" mean? Are we to understand that there will be special legislation to deal with this matter? If not, what other method can there be except inclusion in the unit trust legislation?

I cannot make any definite statement as to the future, but the whole matter is at present being pushed forward actively.

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been drawn to the fact that the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts are now being very freely used for purposes for which they were never contemplated when they passed through this House?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the constitution and terms of reference of the Departmental Committee which is to consider the question of fraudulent share-pushing?

I am taking the necessary steps with a view to setting up this Committee, and I will make a further statement as soon as possible.

When it comes to drafting the terms of reference to the committee, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of making them wide enough to include the question whether a charter should or should not be granted to one or more leading stock exchanges?

The terms of reference ought certainly to be wide, but whether it would be prudent to make them as wide as all that I am not prepared to say at present.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the expeditionary force which was sent to Palestine because of the situation created by the general strike of the Arabs will be now withdrawn, seeing that the strike has now been terminated by the Higher Arab Committee in accordance with advice given by the four Arab kings?

Orders have been issued for the withdrawal of the 5th Division. Further withdrawals will depend on the situation in Palestine.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether at the present time Palestine is governed by the Higher Arab Committee, or the four Arab kings, or the High Commissioner or General Dill, or by whom?

Is it a fact that a lot of the soldiers wanted to get away as quickly as they could last night because they had had too much margarine?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in order to equip the force recently sent to Palestine, it was necessary to withdraw any arms and equipment from the units left at home?

With the exception of some readily replaceable wireless equipment, which was temporarily withdrawn in order to meet the special circumstances in Palestine, no difficulty was experienced.

asked the Secretary of State for War the total cost to date of the British military expedition to Palestine; whether the additional cost of the maintenance of the British naval, military, and air forces despatched to Palestine in consequence of the recent disturbances will be charged to Palestine or borne by the Imperial Exchequer; and whether he is aware that the cash surplus of Palestine on 1st July stood at the figure of £P6,411,684?

I have been asked to reply on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies who states: As regards the first two parts of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Isle of Wight (Captain Macdonald) on 11th November. As regards the last part of the Question, the surplus balances of Palestine stood on 31st July last at the figure mentioned by the hon. Member, but very considerable adjustments would now be required in order to arrive at the cash surplus.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the numbers of recruits required to bring the Regular and Territorial Armies up to strength in officers and men; and the numbers obtained to date for the new short-service reserve?

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of recruits which have been obtained for the new infantry section of the Supplementary Reserve with an initial establishment of 17,000 men.

The deficits on the recruiting establishments on 1st November were:—Regular Army—Officers 506, Other ranks 10,218; Territorial Army—Officers 1,854, Other ranks 41,984. The number of recruits finally approved up to that date for the new Infantry section of the Supplementary Reserve was 850.

Will the right hon. Gentleman comment on these figures and say whether recruiting is going on satisfactorily for the Territorial Army?

I have a later question to answer on that point.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of the 17,000 men have been raised?

Eight hundred and fifty.

Eight hundred and fifty out of 17,000?

Yes.

Would it be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to say from what districts the men come?

I could, with notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War what opportunity exists for service in any branch of the Army for a man who, because he is over 38 years of age, is unable to join the Regular Army, the Territorial Army, or the Special Reserve, and because he is under 45 years of age is unable to join the National Defence Force?

Opportunities exist for the enlistment up to the age of 50 of a limited number of men for home service in the coast defence and anti-aircraft units of the Territorial Army, and for the enlistment up to varying ages of certain tradesmen in the Territorial Army and the Supplementary Reserve.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that many men between the ages of 38 and 45 on account of their service during the War are particularly qualified to assist in training recruits in various branches of His Majesty's Service, and will he endeavour to see that more use is made of their services?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these vacancies are open to Members of Parliament?

Will the right hon. Gentleman specially consider raising the age limit to 45 in the case of those who served in the late War in order that they may be able to rejoin the Special Reserve of the Territorial Force?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that an appeal for funds for an organisation terming itself the British Empire Union is being widely circulated; that this appeal is based upon a letter sent to the union by him thanking them for their services to recruiting and is accompanied by a copy of the letter on War Office paper; and whether this use of official stationery by a non-official organisation is authorised by him?

Yes, Sir. I am happy to have this opportunity of expressing my warm appreciation of the efforts that are being made by the British Empire Union to encourage recruiting for the Regular Army and the Territorial Army. As regards the letter, the hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension. Official paper was not used, but a facsimile of my letter was prepared by the union at its own expense.

Is the Minister aware that I got a letter from the union and that it is a copy of the Minister's letter, on official paper?

If the hon. Member got a copy of the letter I hope he responded to it. The copy of the letter was a reproduction of my letter reproducing official paper, and produced by the union at their own expense.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that as he represents the most violent Department of the Government I am prepared to reply in the most violent manner to the letter sent to me?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the union has a right to use the crest?

Only as long as it is perfectly plain that it is a reproduction of a copy of the letter.

Does not the history of this House tell us of a similar thing being done by unscrupulous men for business purposes?

asked the Secretary of State for War the value of the orders placed by his Department in the County Borough of Sunderland during the past 12 months; and what proportion of such orders was due to the preference given to the Special Areas?

I regret that the records of contracts placed do not enable the required information to be given without undue labour.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is pointed out to recruits on joining that the majority of units in India require them to pay 1½ annas a day or more out of their own pockets to supplement their rations?

No, Sir.

Could not the War Office get in touch with the India Office and put a stop to these pinpricks, so that a soldier in India shall not suffer because the Government are afraid to tackle the Indian taxpayer?

I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that every effort will be made in that direction.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Territorial units intended for anti-aircraft coast defence have their full searchlight equipment?

My hon. and gallant Friend will realise that it is not in the public interest to answer this question. Every endeavour is being made to provide searchlight equipment for all of these units and issues are being made as stocks become available.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication as to whether half, or three-quarters or seven-eighths of the units are adequately equipped, in order to give reassurance to the House?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, seeing that there is no apparent reason for supposing that service in the non-commissioned ranks of the Army is less arduous or requires less skill and intelligence than service in the non-commissioned ranks of the Air Force, he will state why the pay of soldiers is lower than the pay of airmen?

The rates of pay were fixed by a Cabinet Committee after very careful examination, and I do not think there is any real discrepancy.

Does not the Secretary of State think that the deficiencies to which he has previously referred would have been met if the pay and opportunities in the Army were improved; and does he not think that he would have the full support of this House in making any such proposals to it?