asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the overtime worked by the telephone engineers during the 12 months ended 20th November, 1936, in the towns of Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Bristol amounts to a total of 804,039 hours, and this, on the basis of a 48-hour week, should have given employment for an additional 1,350 men, and, as 1,000 men only were recruited, will he instruct his Department to speed up recruitment and thereby assist in mitigating the problem of unemployment?

On the basis of a 48-hour week the 804,039 hours overtime worked would have given employment for about 350 men. The actual number of men recruited during the year in question was 1,000, as stated by the hon. Member. Further recruitment is proceeding as rapidly as possible and everything practicable is being done to reduce the amount of overtime.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the total number of non ex-service temporary male clerks now serving in his department; and where are they employed?

Of the 136 temporary male clerks now employed by the Ministry, 125 are ex-Servicemen. The remaining 11 are employed at Aberdeen, Birmingham, Cambridge, Fort Augustus, Golspie, London, Oban, and Ullapool.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state for the years 1925, 1930, 1935, and the current year the numbers of the waterguard staff?

The authorised establishment of the Water-guard staff for the financial years commencing on the 1st April, 1925, 1930, 1935 and the current year, numbered 1,595, 1,578, 1,670 and 1,695 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, at the recent breakdown in light at Woolwich Arsenal, the men had any deductions from their wages because of this stoppoge?

Yes, Sir. The men were dealt with in accordance with the standing rules governing suspensions due to breakdowns, lack of material and similar circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses were built in Glasgow last year for slum clearance, the number of intermediate houses and the number of ordinary houses, and the corresponding figures for this year; and the inclusive rents charged for the

Year.	Number of new houses let.*
	Slum clearance.	Intermediate.	Ordinary.	Total.
1935	2,779	519	418	3,716
1936 (to 30th November)	1,112	661	351	2,124

Number of apartments.			Weekly inclusive rent charged for above houses.
			Slum clearance.	Intermediate.	Ordinary.
1 (in hostels)	…	…	5s.	—	—
2	…	…	6s. 11d.	—	—
3	…	…	8s. 1d.- 8s. 3d.	10s.	13s. 2d.- 15s. 9d.
4	…	…	8s. 9d.	11s. 6d.	15s. 9d.-20s. 8d.
5	…	…	No new 5-apartment houses were let in the period.
* The number of houses shown as let in 1936 substantially exceeds the number completed. The reason for this is that many houses completed in December, 1935, were not let until the following January. The houses are not allocated between the slum clearance, intermediate, and ordinary categories until they are let.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can state the total number of householders in the Gorbals district that are living in houses which are over-crowded, insanitary, or otherwise unfit; and the total number of houses which have been provided for persons living in Gorbals under the above conditions in the past two years?

The overcrowding survey showed that at the end of 1935 the number of occupied houses in the Gorbals Parliamentary Division which were either overcrowded or insanitary was 9,335. Of these 1,716 were insanitary and 7,619 were fit houses reported as overcrowded. The Corporation inform me that during the last two years 542 families have been rehoused from overcrowded or insanitary houses in that Division.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that in many tenements in Glasgow as many as 40 persons have to use houses in each of the three schemes mentioned?

Following is the information:the same lavatory, and that frequently the lavatory is out of use and often as a result 60 or 70 persons have to use the same lavatory; and whether his Department proposes to take any steps to remedy this situation?

It is true that there are considerable numbers of cases in which four, five and sometimes more families have to use the same water-closet. The worst cases occur in properties which it is hoped will shortly be demolished under the Housing Acts. In such properties it is obviously inexpedient to require heavy expenditure on alteration or reconstruction for the provision of separate lavatory accommodation; in many cases such works would be entirely impracticable. The remedy lies in rehousing the tenants and I need hardly say that I am doing everything possible to encourage progress in this direction.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses were built in Glasgow last year for which subsidy was paid; the corresponding figures for this year; and the highest and lowest inclusive rents which are being paid for these houses?

The number of State assisted houses completed in Glasgow in 1935 was 3,855; the corresponding figure for 1936 up to the end of November was 1,470. The highest and lowest inclusive rents being paid for these houses are 20s. 8d. per week and 6s. 11d. per week respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the reasons why a proposed scheme providing a guaranteed wage for workers in the building industry engaged on houses being built by the Glasgow Corporation was disapproved by his Department?

No such scheme has been submitted to the Department of Health for Scotland by the corporation.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider favourably the case of the local authorities who have not yet completed their housing programmes under the 1930 Act and may not be able to do so before the expiry on 31st March of the Exchequer contributions, so that an assurance of further assistance may be given to them in cases where it can be shown that the delay has been legitimate or unavoidable?

Exchequer contributions will continue at the present rate until 31st March, 1938. The contributions in respect of houses which are not completed until after that date will depend on the result of the review to be undertaken after 1st October, 1937, and will be provided for in an Order to be made after that review. As stated in reply to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend, the Member for Coventry (Captain Strickland) on 8th December, my right hon. Friend will approach the question with a full sense of all the issues involved, including the importance to the health services of the country of the completion of the slum clearance campaign.

asked the Home Secretary whether the inquiry in the prevalence of dermatitis among french polishers has been completed, and whether any action is contemplated?

Yes, Sir. The results confirmed the view that french polishing is one of the occupations specially liable to give rise to dermatitis and that the most practical remedy is increased education of the workers in care of the skin. A great deal has been done to this end, but the question of taking further steps, including strengthening the law, to reduce this disease, is under consideration.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now able to make an announcement with regard to the constitution of the committee appointed to ascertain if a workable scheme can be devised for providing compensation for cardroom workers disabled by respiratory illness?

Steps have been taken towards constituting this committee but I regret that it is not yet possible to make an announcement. The hon. Member may rest assured that the matter will be pressed forward.

asked the Home Secretary whether any inspector has been appointed under the Shops Act for the Borough of Heywood; and whether, in view of the recent complaints with regard to the administration of the Shops Act in this borough, he can make any statement as to the present position?

I am informed that it is the practice at Heywood to appoint two police officers to act as shops inspectors. The present inspectors were appointed in March, 1935, and May, 1936, respectively, on the retirement of the previous holders. I understand that the appointment of an additional sanitary inspector in connection, inter alia, with the enforcement of the health provisions of the Shops Act, 1934, is in contemplation.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is proposed to introduce legislation to give effect to the recommendations of the McGowan Committee and, if so, when?

I cannot add anything to the answer which was given by the Prime Minister on 9th November to the hon. Member for South Shields (Mr. Ede), to which my right hon. Friend referred in the Debate on 25th November and of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the present position with regard to the proposal to make a by-pass road in Northumberland through the Roman camp of Corbridge, at present under excavation by the Office of Works?

No proposal has yet been submitted to my right hon. Friend. I understand that discussions have taken place between the county council and the Office of Works who have approved the line, and that proposals for safeguarding the route under the Restriction of Ribbon Development Act are now being prepared for approval.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the supply of home-grown wheat is only sufficient for three months; and whether any provision is being made to increase the means of storage?

I am aware that the normal home wheat crop, after making allowance for seed, is estimated to he sufficient for three months' requirements for human consumption. The question of storage is receiving attention.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that the plea which he made for the removal of quotas in his speech at Geneva on 5th October this year, in the capacity of Financial Secretary to the Treasury, has been interpreted in some quarters as indicative of a change in the Government's agricultural policy, he is prepared to make some statement to remove this misunderstanding?

My speech at Geneva was directed to the measures to be taken as a result of the readjustment of currencies which had just taken place, and the quotas to which I referred were the quotas on every description of goods that had been imposed by certain countries to defend their currencies prior to such readjustment. The quotas adopted in this country had nothing whatever to do with currency questions but were designed for the better regulation of supplies coming on to this market. The speech referred to, if the full text is consulted, does not imply that any change was then or is now contemplated in the Government's agricultural policy.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will devise efficient means, either by insisting on a compulsory mark of origin or other effective method, to prevent the livelihood of Parkgate fishermen being impaired by the continued sale of Dutch and other foreign shrimps in this country as Park-gate shrimps?

It is an offence under the Merchandise Marks Acts to sell, or expose for sale, goods to which there is applied a false trade description as to the place or country of production. If my hon. and gallant Friend will send me full particulars of any case where an infringement of the Acts is believed to have occurred, I shall be glad to consider what action, if any, could be taken.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that under the present scale of Income Tax relief an unmarried person, male or female, with an income of £400 a year and three persons in the household is required to pay £24 18s. 9d. in Income Tax, whereas a widower or widow in similar circumstances pays only £8 14s. 2d.; and, in view of the injustice that no allowance is made to an unmarried person in respect of a housekeeper, though such an allowance is made to widows or widowers, whether he will take steps to remove this inequality?

The question of the extension of the housekeeper allowance to unmarried persons has been repeatedly raised in Finance Bill debates and was fully discussed in Committee on this year's Finance Bill. For the reasons then given, I cannot agree that a case has been made out for the proposed extension. I would add that in the cases quoted the difference in tax attributable to the housekeeper allowance does not appear to be correctly stated in my hon. Friend's question; it cannot exceed £11 17s. 6d., namely tax at 4s. 9d. in the pound on £50.

The approximate amount of Entertainments Duty received during the Financial Year ended 31st March, 1936, under the following heads.
Theatres and Music Halls.		Cinemas.	Football.	Cricket.	Horse Racing.	Other Racing.	Other Entertainments.		Unclassified Receipts.	Total.
Ordinary Rates.	*Reduced Rates.						Ordinary Rates.	*Reduced Rates.
£000	£000	£000	£000	£000	£000	£000	£000	£000	£000	£000
276	762	5,338	417	28	220	215	207	93	246	7,802
* Finance Act, 1935, Section 1 (3).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, on reconsideration, he has been able to arrange for an indication of the subject-matter of an Import Duties Order to be stated in future upon the Order Paper?

Yes, Sir. I now understand that hon. Members regard the inconvenience of finding no indication of the subject matter of an Order in the notice of the relevant Resolution as more substantial than the risk of being misled by an incomplete indication. To meet their views I have arranged that there should be added in brackets and in italics at the end of each notice a brief indication of the subject-matter of the Order. I must, however, point out that hon. Members who desire full information should still consult the Order, for I am advised that the indication given in a

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider issuing the Entertainments Duty returns in a form showing, with detailed information, the amount of such tax collected from performances in which living persons appear, the cinemas, cricket, football, and, finally, other sports and entertainments of a miscellaneous character all grouped together?

Following is a table showing, for the financial year 1935–36, the approximate proportions of the revenue which are derived from different kinds of entertainments. I would emphasise that the figures in the table are only approximate, since the compilation of exact figures would involve unjustifiable trouble and expense.notice will form no part of the Resolution and will not be treated as in any way limiting the scope of the Resolution to be moved. Moreover, there may be cases in which it will be possible to give only an indication, by the use of some such word as miscellaneous, that the subject-matter is not susceptible of brief description.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the cost to the Exchequer in issuing transfer deeds free to the public from 1st April to 30th September, 1936, and of the concession to stock exchange firms under Section 42 of the Finance Act, 1920, and the amendment of 1931 for the same period; the extent to which each stock exchange has taken advantage of that privilege; the aggregate totals involved; whether he will consider reviewing the concession with a view to ultimate withdrawal, having regard to the fact that, as stated by him on 18th May, 1936, the difference between the duty, if exigible at £1 per cent. and that exigible and paid under Section 42 from 1st September, 1920, to 31st March, 1936, amounted to £7,403,833; and whether any concession was granted to stock exchange dealers prior to the raising of the ad valorem stamp duty on transfer deeds from 10s. to £1 per cent.?

Exchange.			Duty, if exigible, at £1 per cent.	Exigible and paid under Section 42.	Difference.
			£	£	£
London Stock Exchange	…	…	495,626	83,173	412,453
Birmingham Stock Exchange	…	…	1,045	298	747
Bristol Stock Exchange	…	…	1,576	743	833
Halifax Stock Exchange	…	…	89	19	70
Huddersfield Stock Exchange	…	…	180	25	155
Leeds Stock Exchange	…	…	174	86	88
Liverpool Stock Exchange	…	…	236	122	114
Manchester Stock Exchange	…	…	637	236	401
Mincing Lane Exchange	…	…	96	96	—
Nottingham Stock Exchange	…	…	248	48	200
Sheffield Stock Exchange	…	…	6,229	1,074	5,155
Provincial Brokers Stock Exchange	…	…	2,091	456	1,635
(a) Total for period lst April, 1936, to 30th September, 1936.			508,227	86,376	421,851
(b) Total from 1st September, 1920, to 30th September, 1936.			9,605,092	1,779,408	7,825,684

As I pointed out in reply to a similar question on the 18th May last, the arrangement embodied in Section 42 of the Act of 1920 was part of a scheme to obtain greater revenue from Stamp Duties, and it is misleading to speak of the cost of the concession in the sense in which my hon. Friend uses the term. I do not propose to review the present arrangement. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British and French Governments have made any proposals to other Governments with a view to terminating the Spanish rebellion; what is the nature of those proposals; and the response, if any, thereto?

The cost of the transfer forms issued free to the public in the period from 1st April, 1936, to 30th September, 1936, was approximately £475.The following table shows (

As has already been made public, His Majesty's Government and the French Government have recently exchanged views on the situation created by the prolongation of the civil war in Spain and the dangers to European peace involved thereby. Having established the identity of their views in this respect the two Governments asked the Governments of Germany, Italy, Portugal, and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on 4th December to join with them in declaring their absolute determination to renounce forthwith all direct or indirect action which might be calculated to lead to foreign intervention in relation to the conflict in Spain, and, as a consequence, to address to their Representatives on the London Committee appropriate instructions with a view to the organisation of a fully effective control. The four Governments were also invited to join His Majesty's Government and the French Government in a spirit of humanity in an endeavour to end the conflict in Spain by means of an offer of mediation with the object of enabling that country to give united expression to its national will.The replies of the four Governments have now been received. The Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics have given their support to the proposals and the German and Italian Governments, whilst doubtful of the successful outcome of the proposals for mediation, have expressed their readiness to examine any proposals which the other Governments may formulate and to participate in their eventual realisation. The reply of the Portuguese Government, whilst indicating the difficulties foreseen by that Government, states that if both parties in Spain desire mediation, they will be glad to study the form it should take.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give the quantities of malt, unmalted corn, rice, maize, etc., sugar, glucose, and hops used in brewing in Great Britain and Northern Ireland during the year ended 30th September, 1936, and also the quantities of malt, unmalted corn, rice, sugar, and molasses used for distilling during the distilling year ended 30th September, 1936, together with the number of bulk barrels of beer brewed and the number of gallons of spirits distilled during the same period?

The quantities of certain materials used in brewing, and the number of bulk barrels of beer brewed in Great Britain and Northern Ireland during the year ended 30th September, 1936, are as follow:

Materials used.	Cwts.
Malt	8,646,322
Unmalted Corn	10,734
Rice, Rice Grits, Flaked Rice, Maize Grits, Flaked Maize, and other similar preparations	592,734
Sugar, including its equivalent of Syrups, Glucose and Saccharum	1,705,418
Hops	258,300
Preparations of Hops	108
Hops substitutes	203
	Bulk Barrels.
Beer brewed	22,207,859

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of recruits obtained within the last six months by line regiments with depots in Yorkshire; and what is the shortage of men in such regiments?

The number of recruits obtained during the six months preceding 1st December for regiments whose depots are located in Yorkshire was 398, and the shortage on that date was 589.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now reconsider the decision previously reached and arrange that home-bred and killed fresh meat be issued to the troops, and that the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes be instructed to purchase home-produced butter at 1s. 3d. a lb. through the agency of the Milk Marketing Board?

The extra cost of supplying home-killed meat in lieu of frozen meat of Dominion origin, and the administrative difficulties which such a, change would involve, remain unaltered, and I see no reason, so far as Army Funds are concerned, to reconsider the decision taken. As regards the second part of the question, the cost of purchasing home-produced butter prohibits the adoption of the course which my hon. and gallant Friend suggests.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that lads at the depôts in letters to their homes express the view that they are not getting enough food; and whether he will consider issuing an extra quarter ration to recruits during their period of training at the depôts?

I appreciate the special needs of recruits during their early training. Proposals are now under consideration which will, I hope, meet the situation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of linseed imported from India and Argentina, respectively, during the year 1936 to the latest convenient date?

The hon. Member will find the desired information on page 54 of the Trade and Navigation Accounts for last month.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will allow a hearing under a marking order with regard to foreign sporting cartridge cases imported into this country bearing no indication of origin?

The Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, provides that no reference shall be made to the Standing Committee appointed under the Act unless there has been made to the Board of Trade an application which substantially represents the interests concerned. Up to the present no application which complies with this condition has been received by the Board of Trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the total value of manufactured imports into the United Kingdom from the United States of America and vice versa for which figures are available for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date, and the amount admitted free of custom duty to either country in each case?

The latest figures available regarding the imports of duty-free goods into the United States of America from the United Kingdom relate to the year 1934. During that year the imports from the United Kingdom of goods for home consumption classified as semi-manufactures and finished manufactures were valued at 69 million dollars, of which duty-free imports amounted to 23 million dollars (consisting largely of tin in blocks, ingots, etc., and of works of art over 100 years old).The total declared value of the imports into the United Kingdom consigned from the United States of goods classified in the trade returns as wholly or mainly manufactured amounted to £25 million in 1934 and to £27 million in 1935. Precise information as to the amount of these imports entered free of duty is not compiled, but is estimated at about £3 million in 1934 and £4 million in 1935 (nearly half of which consisted of unwrought copper), excluding duty-free goods imported direct into registered shipbuilding yards or imported for use in the construction or repair of boilers or propelling machinery of ships.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can state for the years 1925, 1930, and 1935, and the current year the number of mines inspectors?

The Mines Inspectorate for the current year numbers 108. The figures for 1925, 1930 and 1935 were 103, 105 and 108, respectively.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of tin mines in operation in this country in October, 1935, and October, 1936?

At the end of September, 1935, six mines were producing tin ore and development work was being carried on at four other mines. Comparable figures at the end of September, 1936, were six and three respectively.

asked the Minister of Labour whether applicants for unemployment benefit whose claims have been disallowed under the Unemployment Insurance (No. 3) Act, 1931 (Anomalies), will be allowed to make application to the unemployment assistance board for allowances after the 1st April, 1937?

Yes, Sir; after the 1st April, 1937, disallowance of unemployment benefit under the Unemployment Insurance (Anomalies) Order will not be a bar to the receipt of Unemployment allowances.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Alexander B. Campbell, 61, Salisbury Street, Gorbals, Glasgow, on the 2nd December, 1936, registered at the Glasgow South Side Exchange as a bricklayer unemployed, and wanting a job; that he had just been paid off owing to scarcity of work as a bricklayer; that the exchange sent him to a job at Busby, outside Glasgow; that the only jobs available were in Busby, Mearns and Barrhead, outwith the city; and, as the Glasgow Corporation have stated that they need over 200 bricklayers for work in the city, will he inquire why this man was not asked to go to one of the jobs within the Glasgow area?

I find that Mr. Campbell registered as, unemployed at the Glasgow South Side Exchange on the 2nd December, and was at once offered employment on housing scheme work at Busby, in that exchange area, wit: an employer for whom he had previously worked. He appears to have raised no objection at the time to accepting the work, nor did he make it clear that he desired work on Glasgow Corporation schemes. It seems, however, that he did not report to the prospective employer, nor did he return to the exchange. If he will attend at the exchange, steps will be taken to find him employment.

asked the hon. and gallant Member for Barkston Ash, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether he is aware that there are considerable iron-ore deposits in the Forest of Dean; that certain iron-ore workings in this area, abandoned some years ago, could be pumped out by modern methods at a reasonable cost; and whether he is prepared to inquire into the matter, with a view to affording some form of Government assistance to enable these mines to re-start?

I have been asked to reply. The Forestry Commissioners are aware that there are considerable iron-ore deposits in the Forest of Dean. Whether the mines could be de-watered at a reasonable cost would depend on the output of iron-ore, the cost of production and the selling price. The Commissioners are prepared to consider any scheme submitted by responsible persons.

asked the hon. and gallant Member for Barkston Ash, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether there are any other items, in addition to £497 for cottage, etc., £1,600 for 200 acres of plantable land and 200 acres of unplantable land, total £2,097, that go to make up the capital cost of a forest holding; and, if so, what they are and how much they cost?

I have been asked to reply. As the hon. and gallant Member was informed on the 24th ultimo by the hon. and gallant Member for Barkston Ash, the average capital cost of a forest worker's holding, including the land attached to it, is £497. Plant-able land is acquired for timber production, but at an average price of less than half the amount mentioned in the question.

asked the hon. and gallant Member for Barkston Ash, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, what arrangements are being made to train prospective forest holders from the distressed areas in the North of England in stock management, so that they may be able to get some return for the land in their occupation?

I have been asked to reply. Advice on stock management would be obtained from the County Agricultural Organiser as and when required.

asked the hon. and gallant Member for Barkston Ash, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, what proportion of their planting in Northumberland will be composed of Scotch firs; and to what purpose will this timber be put when grown?

I have been asked to reply. The proportion of Scots pine which will be planted by the Forestry Commission in their Northumberland areas will be small, possibly 5 per cent. The timber will be used as pitprops and pitwood and for construction, joinery and many other purposes.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he is aware of the dangerous and slippery surface of the worn floor-tiles in the precincts of the House; and whether he will remedy this danger?

(for the First Commissioner of Works): A number of worn floor-tiles is replaced every year, and, while not agreeing that present conditions are dangerous, my Noble Friend will consider whether the rate of replacement ought to be increased.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what law reports of cases have been published in Palestine during the last 10 years; and whether it is the intention of the new chief justice to publish them with greater regularity in future, in view of difficulties experienced by the Palestine Bar at the present time?

The Chief Justice of Palestine was good enough to compile a volume of Palestine law reports for the period 1920 to 1933 inclusive, which was published in 1934, and I understand that he has now prepared for publication a further volume of law reports for the years 1934 and 1935. The importance of the publication of adequate law reports is fully appreciated by the Palestine Government, who will no doubt make arrangements for the issue of future volumes in consultation with the new Chief Justice. I should not, however, wish the hon. Member to be under the impression that the compilation of law reports is part of the duties of a chief justice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is proposed to take steps to provide a harbour for Tel-Aviv, in Palestine?

The question of harbour facilities for Jaffa and Tel-Aviv is under the consideration of His Majesty's Government in consultation with the High Commissioner for Palestine, but I am not at present in a position to make any detailed statement.