Written Answers
Japan (British Sailors' Treatment)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Japanese Government, further to their interim reply, have now rendered full satisfaction to His Majesty's Government in connection with the ill-treatment of the three British sailors at Keelung?
I am still awaiting the final reply of the Japanese Government. His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo has in the last few days drawn the attention of the Japanese Government to the desirability of an early answer.
Palestine (Iraqi Arabs)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will ask our Minister in Iraq to report on the sending of a band of some 500 Iraqi Arabs under Fauzi Bey to Transjordan for operations against our troops in Palestine?
The right hon. Gentleman has been good enough to furnish me with the report on which his question is based, and appropriate inquiries into the matter are being made.
Abyssinia (Extradition)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the existing extradition treaty between Great Britain and Italy provides for the surrender of persons, including Italian nationals, from Abyssinia who may be charged with or have been convicted of certain crimes in Great Britain?
No, Sir.
Spain (Foreign Volunteers)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give an estimate, by nationalities, of the number of foreigners now serving with the contending forces in Spain, with the approximate date of their arrival in that country
I have not sufficient information on which to base any reliable estimate either of the numbers of foreigners now serving in Spain or of the date of their arrival in that country.
Unemployment (Tin Miners)
asked the Minister of Labour the number of tin miners registered as unemployed in October, 1935, and October, 1936?
For statistical purposes persons employed in the tin mining industry are included in the industrial group "Lead, tin and copper mining." The number of insured persons, aged 14-64, in this group recorded as unemployed in Great Britain was 1,106 at 21st October, 1935, and 756 at 23rd October, 1936.
Cancer (Death Rate)
asked the Minister of Health whether he can state the total number of deaths registered from cancer in England and Wales for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date?
The number of deaths from cancer registered in England and Wales during the calendar year 1935 was 64,507.
Royal Navy (Oil Depot, Port Victoria)
asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the amount of money which is spent each year for cleaning and keeping in order the outside of the Admiralty premises at Port Victoria; and how often the grass is cut?
The grass around the Admiralty Oil Fuel Depot at Port Victoria is cut once a year at a cost of approximately £20. The maintenance of the surrounding fences forms part of the general works maintenance of the depot itself and the cost cannot conveniently be isolated.
Prevention Of Corruption Acts
asked the Attorney-General in how many cases leave has, respectively, been granted and refused for a prosecution under the Prevention of Corruption Acts during the past five years?
The figures are as follow:
| — | Fiats granted. | Fiats refused. |
| 1932 | 24 | 2 |
| 1933 | 40 | 2 |
| 1934 | 24 | — |
| 1935 | 42 | 2 |
| To 11th December, 1936 | 26 | 1 |
| 156 | 7 |
Houses Of Parliament
Fire Protection
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health as representing the First Commissioner of Works, when inspection of the Houses of Parliament for fire protection purposes was last made; and whether that inspection covered the electrical equipment, particularly that in Westminster Hall near the entrance to the crypt?
(for the First Commissioner of Works): The annual inspection of the fire protective arrangements at the Houses of Parliament, including those concerning the electrical equipment, was carried out by the London Fire Brigade on 27th October last.
Restoration (Discharge Of Employes)
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health as representing the First Commissioner of Works whether he will state the number of men who have been discharged by the new clerk of works employed by the Office of Works on the Houses of Parliament; and what is the cause for discharging these men?
(for the First Commissioner of Works): The number of men employed in the Palace of Westminster by the Office of Works varies in accordance with the amount of work to be executed. The average number of men employed under the Superintendent of Works during the year following his appointment was greater than the average number employed in the previous twelve months.
The Coronation
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he will arrange for an examination to be made of the stands erected by local authorities on the route of the Coronation procession; whether examination will also be made of balconies, etc., overlooking the route in the interest of public safety?
(for the First Commissioner of Works): The duty of supervising the erection of stands on the route of the Coronation procession, as well as examination of balconies, etc., overlooking the route, rests upon the local authorities concerned, and I am sure that they are fully aware of their responsibilities in the matter and will not fail to take all necessary action.