Written Answers
Contributory Pensions (Birkenhead)
asked the Minister of Health the total number of widows and orphans in Birkenhead in receipt of pensions under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Acts; and the total number of pensioners, excluding widows and orphans, of 65 years of age and upwards in receipt of pensions under the same Acts?
I regret that the information asked for by the hon. Member is not available as the records of pensioners are not arranged on a territorial basis.
Scotland (Agricultural Statistics)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the arable acreage, the total cultivated area, the number of workers em-
| (1) Area of Arable Land in Scotland, as returned at 4th June in each of the undernoted years. | |||
| Year. | Land under Tillage. | Land under Rotation Grasses and Clover. | Total Arable Land. |
| Acres. | Acres. | Acres. | |
| 1913 | 1,827,902 | 1,474,052 | 3,301,954 |
| 1924 | 1,758,041 | 1,515,075 | 3,273,116 |
| 1930 | 1,572,547 | 1,499,268 | 3,071,815 |
| 1931 | 1,517,552 | 1,534,378 | 3,051,930 |
| 1932 | 1,534,700 | 1,511,463 | 3,046,163 |
| 1933 | 1,552,573 | 1,477,507 | 3,030,080 |
| 1934 | 1,574,850 | 1,416,728 | 2,991,578 |
| 1935 | 1,562,457 | 1,420,454 | 2,982,911 |
| (2) Area of Cultivated Land in Scotland, as returned at 4th June in each of the undernoted years. | |||
| Year. | Arable Land. | Land under Permanent Grass. | Total. |
| Acres. | Acres. | Acres. | |
| 1913 | 3,301,954 | 1,495,965 | 4,797,919 |
| 1924 | 3,273,116 | 1,442,174 | 4,715,290 |
| 1930 | 3,071,815 | 1,568,903 | 4,640,718 |
| 1931 | 3,051,930 | 1,580,270 | 4,632,200 |
| 1932 | 3,046,163 | 1,570,054 | 4,622,217 |
| 1933 | 3,030,080 | 1,583,628 | 4,613,708 |
| 1934 | 2,991,578 | 1,608,862 | 4,600,440 |
| 1935 | 2,982,911 | 1,615,636 | 4,598,547 |
ployed, the average wages paid to such workers, and the estimated gross output in cash on Scottish farms in each of the years 1913, 1931, 1933, 1934 and 1935; and what were the average prices received by farmers for oats and barley in each of those years?
Particulars cannot be supplied precisely in the form desired, for the following reasons:
| (3) Numbers of Workers employed on Agricultural Holdings in Scotland over one acre in extent; as returned on 4th June in each of the undernoted years. | ||||||||||
| Year. | Regular Workers. | Casual Workers. | Total Workers. | |||||||
| Males 21 years old and over. | Males under 21 years old. | Women and Girls. | Total. | Males 21 years old and over. | Males under 21 years old. | Women and Girls. | Total. | |||
| No. | No. | No. | No. | No. | No. | No. | No. | No. | ||
| 1924 | … | 58,014 | 22,073 | 20,098 | 100,185 | 5,801 | 2,958 | 8,398 | 17,157 | 117,342 |
| 1930 | … | 60,037 | 20,678 | 18,582 | 99,297 | 6,023 | 2,972 | 7,216 | 16,211 | 115,508 |
| 1931 | … | 59,226 | 20,144 | 18,060 | 97,430 | 5,355 | 2,848 | 6,833 | 15,036 | 112,466 |
| 1932 | … | 58,877 | 19,901 | 18,051 | 96,829 | 5,393 | 2,737 | 6,298 | 14,428 | 111,257 |
| 1933 | … | 59,028 | 19,228 | 17,807 | 96,063 | 6,998 | 3,789 | 5,615 | 16,402 | 112,465 |
| 1934 | … | 59,166 | 19,567 | 18,537 | 97,270 | 6,829 | 2,995 | 6,180 | 16,004 | 113,274 |
| 1935 | … | 60,118 | 19,633 | 17,816 | 97,567 | 6,825 | 2,978 | 6,093 | 15,896 | 113,463 |
| (4) Average weekly wages (cash and allowances) earned by ploughmen, cattlemen and shepherds in Scotland in the undernoted years (Martinmas to Martinmas). | ||||||||||
| Year. | Average Wage. | |||||||||
| Ploughmen. | Cattlemen. | Shepherds. | ||||||||
| s. | d. | s. | d. | s. | d. | |||||
| 1924–25 | … | … | … | … | 38 | 10 | 39 | 7 | 39 | 8 |
| 1930–31 | … | … | … | … | 36 | 6 | 38 | 3 | 38 | 7 |
| 1931–32 | … | … | … | … | 37 | 0 | 38 | 3 | 39 | 0 |
| 1932–33 | … | … | … | … | 35 | 3 | 36 | 9 | 37 | 3 |
| 1933–34 | … | … | … | … | 34 | 1 | 35 | 6 | 36 | 1 |
| 1934–35 | … | … | … | … | 34 | 1 | 35 | 9 | 36 | 1 |
| (5) Estimated Gross Value of Agricultural Produce sold off Farms or consumed in Farm Households in Scotland in the undernoted years (June to May). | ||||||||
| Estimated Gross Value. | ||||||||
| Year. | £ | |||||||
| 1924–25 | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 48,660,000 |
| 1930–31 | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 37,743,000 |
| 1931–32 | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 35,810,000 |
| 1932–33 | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 31,290,000 |
| 1933–34 | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 32,520,000 |
| 1934–35 | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | 35,960,000* |
* Subject to revision. | ||||||||
| (6) Price per cwt. of oats and barley in Scotland in the undernoted cereal years (September to August). | |||||||
| Cereal Year. | Price of oats per cwt. | Price of barley per cwt. | |||||
| s. | d. | s. | d. | ||||
| 1924–25 | … | … | … | 9 | 10 | 11 | 1 |
| 1930–31 | … | … | … | 6 | 2 | 5 | 2 |
| 1931–32 | … | … | … | 7 | 7 | 6 | 0 |
| 1932–33 | … | … | … | 5 | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| 1933–34 | … | … | … | 5 | 4 | 7 | 1 |
| 1934–35 | … | … | … | 6 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| The figures shown in Table (6) represent an unweighted average of market prices throughout the year as reported to the Department. They must not be taken as representing an exact average of receipts from all sales. | |||||||
Local Authorities (Members' Travelling Expenses)
asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that reasonable travelling expenses properly incurred by representatives of local authorities on assessment committees or on public or quasi-public bodies are not admissible for payment out of the public funds when incurred in attending meetings of such committees or bodies outside the area of the local authority represented by them; and whether he will consider the introduction of legislation to alter the law in this respect?
I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Blaydon (Mr. Whiteley) on 12th November.
asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the resolutions passed and submitted by the urban districts of Heanor and Ripley respecting the promotion of legislation to enable local authorities to bear reasonable travelling expenses of representatives appointed to attend committees held outside the area of the local authority represented by them; and whether, in view of the wide measure of approval this request has received, he will take an early opportunity to give legislative effect to the proposal?
The resolutions to which the hon. Member refers have not yet reached me. I assume, however, that reference is intended to meetings of assessment committees and guardians' committees; and I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Blaydon (Mr. Whiteley) on 12th November.
asked the Minister of Health whether he will give any available information as to the county councils in England and Wales which are exercising their powers to pay county councillors travelling expenses under Section 294 of the Local Government Act, 1933?
The information desired by the hon. Member is not in the possession of my Department.
Sewage Disposal Works, Nazeing
asked the Minister of Health whether he has approved the rural council of Epping scheme for a sewage and disposal works at Nazeing?
I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to-day to his Oral Question No. 36.
Widow's Pension Claim (Mrs Clay)
asked the Minister of Health whether he will cause fresh consideration to be given to the claim for widow's pension of Mrs. Clay, of 2, South Street, Exmouth, as had her husband lived another four days she would have been fully qualified for the pension by the number of contributions he had paid; and whether in view of the deceased having paid 103 contributions and the fact that his widow does not qualify for the old age pension for another six years, he will authorise an ex gratia payment being made?
On the information before me, it appears that there is some misapprehension as to the facts, as Mrs. Clay has been in receipt of an old age pension since 12th March last.
Spain
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government will secure the co-operation or approval of the French and American Governments before introducing legislation to prohibit British ships from carrying war material from foreign ports to Spain?
I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the answer given yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for South-West Bethnal Green (Sir P. Harris), to which I have nothing to add.
Great Britain And Italy (Mediterranean)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any negotiations concerning the Mediterranean have been entered into with the Italian Government or are contemplated under present circumstances?
Official statements have recently been made, both in this country and in Italy, with a view to removing misunderstandings as to the policy of the British and Italian Governments in the Mediterranean. It is hoped that the assurance thus exchanged may form the subject of further communications through the normal diplomatic channel.
Unemployment
Assistance Regulations (Rent)
asked the Minister of Labour whether the Barnsley Advisory Committee have yet made their recommendations regarding the rent formula to the Unemployment Assistance Board; if so, what are they; and has the Board accepted the same without variation?
The Advisory Committee for Barnsley and District have made recommendations for the adjustment of allowances on account of rent, and these recommendations have been accepted by the Board as a basis for applying the new Regulations in the area of the Committee.For the purposes of sub-paragraph (2) (a) of paragraph 1 of the First Schedule to the Unemployment Assistance (Determination of Need and Assessment of Needs) Regulations, 1936, the Barnsley Advisory Committee recommends that the amounts ascertained under sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 1 of the Schedule should be increased or reduced as follows:(1) Where the net rent is greater than one-quarter of the total of the scale rates of all members of the household, the amount ascertained as aforesaid should be increased by the lesser of the two following sums:
Provided that where under the foregoing rule the full amount of the rent is not met each case shall be dealt with on its merits, having regard to al the circumstances of the case.
(2) Where the net rent is less than one-quarter of the total of the scale rates of all members of the household the amount ascertained as aforesaid should only be reduced if and to the extent that the difference between the net rent and one-quarter of the scale rates exceeds 2s.
Christmas Assistance
asked the Minister of Labour whether, with a view to increasing the allowances and granting extra assistance to all applicants for benefit this Christmas, he will consult with the Minister of Health and the officials of the Unemployment Assistance Board for the purpose of seeing whether joint recommendations can be made so as to prevent any differentiation in treatment to applicants?
I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 19th November to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent (Mr. E. Smith), from which it will be seen that no useful purpose would be served by consultation of the kind suggested.
Walworth
asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed persons who have been continuously on the registers of the Walworth Road (Borough) Employment Exchange for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date?
BROWN: Statistics with regard to the duration of unemployment are available only in respect of persons applying for insurance benefit or unemployment allowances. At 26th October, 1936, the number of applicants who had been on the registers of the Borough (Walworth Road) Employment Exchange. for 12 months or more was 588. A proportion of these will have had one or more short spells of employment, lasting not more than three days each, during this period.
Electricity Supply
asked the Minister of Transport whether he can state the cost per unit for electricity to householders in the districts supplied in the area of the South Wales Power Company, Limited?
The company supply electricity in many districts, both urban and rural, and householders have the option of being charged on a two-part tariff or on various flat rates or block rates. The two-part tariff consists of a fixed quarterly charge based on floor area or number of rooms (the minimum charge varying between 9s. and 12s. per quarter) and a unit charge varying from ¾d, to ⅝d per unit, with a reduced charge varying from ¾d. to ⅝d. after certain minimum quantities have been consumed.The block, rate for lighting varies from 6d to 7d. per unit, with a reduced charge after certain quantities have been con-sinned, while the prepayment meter rate for lighting varies between 6½d. and 7½d. per unit. The flat rate for heating and cooking varies between lid. and lid. per unit. The average revenue per unit sold for lighting, heating and cooking appears last year to have been 3.28 pence.
asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the prevailing need of the farming industry for electricity for lighting and power, he will take the necessary steps with the power companies to accelerate the, supply to the farmers?
HORE-BELISHA: Electricity supply undertakers are constantly extending their mains into the rural areas. If my hon. Friend has in view any particular cases, I should be pleased to look into the possibility of expediting development.
Road Accidents (Medical Research Council)
asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received from the Medical Research Council any response to his invitation to express their views on the relation between the use of alcohol and road accidents; and what is the nature of their report?
A report was made by the British Medical Association in July, 1935, and I am sending the hon. Member a copy.
Poultry Diseases
asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that there has been a serious reduction in the poultry flocks in the country; to what extent is this due to lowered vitality, facilitating spread of disease; and whether he is taking steps to deal with the situation?
I am aware that the poultry population has declined during the past two years, but I cannot say to what extent this is due to the causes mentioned by the hon. Member. The whole question of poultry mortality is being reviewed by a committee set up by the Secretary of State for Scotland and myself. In addition, the Agricultural Research Council is paying special attention to research into poultry diseases, particularly fowl paralysis and coccidiosis, and, in collaboration with the Ministry, is taking such steps as are practicable to expedite investigation.
Independent Order Of Foresters, Canada
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, arising out of the default of the Independent Order of Foresters, Toronto, Canada, to meet its obligations on insurance policies in this country, he can now say whether the order is registered for business in Britain; whether he has communicated with the Government of Canada or taken any other steps to protect the insured members of the order paying premiums in this country; and whether he proposes to take any steps by legislation to place all overseas offices doing business here under the same regulations as offices domiciled in Great Britain?
RUNCIMAN: So far as I am aware this society has met its obligations in respect of all policies issued since 1917. The steps which were taken by the society in 1913 and 1917 to meet deficiencies in its assets were taken in pursuance of special Canadian legislation. No communications on the subject were addressed to the Canadian Government at the time. The society is incorporated in Canada and is registered in the United Kingdom under Part XI of the Companies Act, 1929, as having a place of and carrying on business in this country. All assurance companies carrying on business within the United Kingdom, whether incorporated in this country or abroad, are already subject to the same statutory requirements.
African Research Survey
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the names of the advisers to the African survey; and whether, in the case of each of them, the remuneration received is the same?
The African Research Survey, to which I presume my hon. Friend refers, is being conducted by Lord Hailey under the auspices of a Committee set up by the Royal Institute of International Affairs; and no expenditure from public funds is involved. Nor is the survey being conducted for or under my Department. I have therefore no information as to the remuneration of the persons who may have been consulted by Lord Hailey or the Committee, and I am not in a position to give their names.
Easter Act
asked the Home Secretary what steps the present Government have already taken or have now under consideration for bringing into operation the provisions of the Act of 1928 for fixing the date of Easter?
His Majesty's Government would be glad to reopen this matter at any time if it appeared that any useful purpose would be served by doing so, but, so far as I am aware, there has been no change in the circumstances since it was last under active consideration two years ago.