asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the number of days His Majesty's Ambassador to Spain, now in France, has been absent from Madrid; whether he is at present in receipt of full-time salary; and whether he has been invited to return to Madrid by the Spanish Government?

Sir Henry Chilton has not been in Madrid since 12th July, when the Embassy moved to San Sebastian. He has been at Hendaye since 1st August. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative and to the third part in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the cost up to the present to His Majesty's Government of the Committee for Non-Intervention in Spain?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 10th December to a similar question addressed to me by the hon. Member for Batley and Morley (Mr. Brooke), to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how much of those areas of Abyssinia which adjoin British territory remain unoccupied by Italian forces; whether he has any information as to the conditions obtaining there, with particular reference to security and to slavery; and whether there is reason to fear that a state of disorder may give rise to incursions into British territory?

My information is that Italian forces are now in occupation of most of the north and east of Abyssinia, including the territory through which the railway to Addis Ababa passes. In the south they are in control of the greater part of the provinces of Boran and Sidamo, while in the west Italian columns or native forces under Italian command have occupied the chief places of importance, such as Nekempti, Gore and Sayo. Few details are available as to the conditions obtaining in those parts of Abyssinia hitherto unoccupied by Italian forces, but I understand that no Government of any sort exists there. Over a large part of these areas lawlessness and violence prevail, owing to the depredations of ex-Abyssinian soldiery who have turned bandits, or to the inter-tribal warfare, such as that 'between Amhara and Galla, which has broken out.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider employing ex-service men to carry out the sanitary and cleaning work of barrack rooms so as to release serving soldiers?

The question whether and, if so, to what extent it may be possible to make use of ex-soldiers for duties at present performed by serving soldiers is under examination.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to bring to the notice of suitable persons in the distressed areas the advantages offered by service in the Army?

No special steps in the matter of recruiting propaganda are being taken in the depressed areas as compared with the rest of the country, but an intensive campaign by means of posters and leaflets is now being conducted in a number of towns among which certain towns in the depressed areas are included.

asked the Minister of Labour whether information regarding the conditions of entry into the Army is posted in hostels used by transferees from the depressed areas?

Accommodation in hostels is provided by my Department only for persons under the age of 18 who have been transferred to employment. Information regarding entry into the Army is not posted in these hostels.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state the number of farmers on the Potato Marketing Board, how many are wholesalers, and how many are appointed by him?

The Potato Marketing Board consists of 31 members, of whom 24 are elected by registered producers voting by districts; five special members are elected by registered producers in general meeting and two members are co-opted by the elected members after consultation with the Market Supply Committee. None of the members are appointed by the Minister. I understand that of the 29 elected members of the present board, 25 are farmers and four are merchants.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state the estimated crop of potatoes in 1936, the number of acres planted, and the approximate tons per acre?

The area planted with potatoes on holdings exceeding one acre in size in England and Wales in 1936 was 457,000 acres, the crop is estimated at 2,814,000 tons, and the average yield per acre at 6·2 tons.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state the number of farmers prosecuted for underpayment of workers; the total arrears awarded and fines inflicted; and the number of workers affected, respectively, for the four months ended 30th November?

The number of employers against whom the Minister instituted proceedings under Section 7 (1) of the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, 1924, during the four months ended the 30th November last, was 39; the total amount of arrears of wages awarded by the Courts in these cases was £1,146 15s. 7d., the fines imposed amounted to £170 18s., and the number of workers concerned was 66.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the inconvenience caused to poultry breeders by the delay in reaching decision with regard to a reduction of charges for poultry blood-testing at the Weybridge laboratories; and whether he can state when a decision on this question will be reached?

The charges for poultry blood-testing at the Weybridge Laboratory have remained unchanged for several years. I am aware that other laboratories make lower charges, and I am considering representations to reduce the scale at Weybridge. While any alteration in the present scale is improbable before the end of the current season any changes that may be decided upon would, I hope, become operative before the next seasonal tests begin.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, whether the pig contracts for 1937 have fallen below the required minimum; and, if so, what immediate steps he proposes taking to maintain bacon supplies?

The number of pigs contracted to be sold to curers in 1937 under the Pigs Marketing Scheme is 1,886,194. The contract provides that if the number is less than 2,200,000 the Bacon Marketing Board may, within four days of being notified by the Pigs Marketing Board of the number contracted for, declare the contract void. The Bacon Board were so notified by the Pigs Board on 15th December, and I understand that they exercised that right and declared the contract void. With regard to the last part of the question, I am considering what action can be taken, pending consideration of future policy.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is prepared to give local authorities in the distressed areas of Glamorgan power to proceed with essential public health schemes by making a direct grant through the commissioner of special areas where the rates are above 125. 6d. in the £?

The hon. Member will observe from Part VII of the Third Report of the Commissioner for Special Areas (England and Wales) that assistance is already being given to local authorities in Glamorgan and elsewhere towards the cost of certain public works required for health services. If the hon. Member is suggesting an extension of the Commissioner's powers I must ask him to await the amending Bill which has been promised.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the amounts of money to be paid in each year under the several Acts in unemployment benefit, transitional payment, and unemployment assistance since 1924 up to the latest available date in the counties of Glamorgan and Monmouth and the borough of Merthyr Tydvil.

It has not been possible before the Adjournment to complete the extraction of this information, but I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour, whether his attention has been drawn to a dispute lasting 10 weeks, involving 220 people, at the Mugiemoss mill factory in Aberdeen; whether he is aware that the owner of the mill has made no response to efforts of conciliation; that complaints are being made of improper pressure being brought to bear on workers at their homes; and whether he will forthwith call for a full Report about this dispute?

I am aware of this dispute and every effort has been made by my Department and by local influences to bring about a settlement by conciliation. I regret that so far these efforts have met with no response from, the Management of the firm. I am considering what further action can usefully be taken in the matter and shall do everything that lies in my power to bring about a settlement of this unfortunate dispute. As regards the circumstances referred to in the third part of the question I have now received a letter from my hon. Friend and will give it my consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether, in view of the fact that the question of withdrawing or altering the present duty on oranges imported into this Country is held to be one for the Import Duties Advisory Committee, he proposes to take any steps to represent to that committee the grievances of the Palestine orange industry with regard to the obligation to pay duty on oranges sent from that mandated territory to this Country?

The general question of any reduction of the present duty on imported oranges was dealt with yesterday in answer to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Accrington (Major Procter), of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy. The position of the Palestine orange growers, however, is not a matter which the Import Duties Advisory Committee could take into consideration. As has been previously explained, it is not possible, for juridical reasons, to accord to Palestinian products a preference over similar foreign products.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the total declared value of the export of arms, ammunition, and military and naval stores from the United Kingdom during 1935; and the total value of the exports from January to the latest available date in 1936, distinguishing the principal countries to which these were consigned?

The total declared value of the exports from the United Kingdom of arms, ammunition and military and naval stores during the year 1935 amounted to £3,687,872, and during the 11 months ended November, 1936, to £3,305,074; these exports include sporting arms and ammunition and explosives for industrial use. To compile specially figures of the total exports to the principal countries of consignment for the later period would involve an unjustifiable expenditure of time and labour. Such particulars for the calendar year 1936 will, however, become available in the ordinary course towards the end of January next, when I will send them to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health (1) what has been the approximate cost of each covered swimming-bath erected by local authorities in England and Wales during the past five years; what relation such cost bears to the rate-able value of the towns concerned; and whether his approval has been given in each case;(2) what has been the approximate cost of each town hall erected by local authorities in England and Wales during the past five years; what relation such cost bears to the rateable value of the towns concerned; and whether his approval has been given in each case?

I am not in a position to give these details in relation to covered swimming-baths, or town halls actually erected, but I will send my hon. Friend the details in relation to these buildings which have been authorised during the last five years.

asked the Minister of Health, whether he can state approximately the present numbers of houses classified under each of the headings A, B, and C, for the purposes of the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions (Amendment) Act, 1933?

I can only refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him in reply to a somewhat similar question on 18th November last.

asked the Minister of Health, how many county councils insure their roadmen against accidents when travelling to and from work; how many county councils carry their own insurance; and how many take no steps at all?

I regret that I have no information on the subject.

asked the Minister of Health, whether his attention has been called to the death of a woman who was sold acetic acid for a mineral-water drink; and whether any steps are to be taken to prevent the sale of acetic acid in its raw or diluted form as vinegar of various kinds?

My attention has been called to this case and I am making further inquiries, after which I will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether the Royal warrant of September, 1934, permits of commercial firms displaying over their premises the Royal banner of Scotland?

The position with regard to the display of the Lion Rampant flag as a mark of loyalty to His Majesty has already been explained in answers to previous Parliamentary Questions. I would particularly direct my hon. Friend's attention to the answers given on 24th November, to which I have nothing further to add.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that all the bricklayers engaged on the municipal housing scheme at Cowdenbeath are leaving for other work and that the housing scheme will be at a standstill; and whether, in view of the delay already caused by the shortage of bricklayers, he will expedite whatever arrangements can be made to assist the local authority?

I am informed that temporary arrangements have been made by the local authority to retain on the Cowdenbeath Housing Scheme the seven bricklayers and three apprentices at present employed there, and that the local authority propose to discuss the matter with the Deparment of Health next week.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many families on the Highland estates of the Department of Agriculture have no access roads for use by wheeled traffic from the main road and how many have no inside water-supply or modern sanitary conveniences such as similar houses have in the South?

The collection of the information desired would require an extensive house to house enquiry which I regret I cannot undertake.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether he can now make any statement as to the discovery of oil in Kenya, and as to the policy of the Government with regard to oil research generally in the Colonies?

As regards the first part of the question, so far as I am aware no commercial supplies of oil have actually been discovered in Kenya. A report has appeared in the Press to the effect that certain persons had discovered indications of oil and three applications for licences to prospect for oil in Kenya have recently been received. These are now under consideration.As to the second part of the question, it is the policy of Colonial Governments to facilitate exploration for oil by reputable applicants arid all applications for licences for that purpose in the Colonial Empire are considered in the light of the local legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the levying of Income Tax has been abandoned in Tanganyika; and what are the reasons for the action taken?

The Tanganyika Budget for 1937 was prepared on the assumption that the existing taxes would be maintained and has been passed by the Legislative Council. There is no intention of proposing any change in the basis of taxation in so far as the revenues for 1937 are concerned. If Income Tax is introduced in Kenya, the Tanganyika Government will consider, in consultation with the public, the practicability and desirability of introducing in due course a measure on similar lines in Tanganyika, subject to the proviso that it will be free to adopt such rates of tax or relief as local circumstances require and to adjust other taxes in such a way as might appear to be desirable.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the determination expressed by His Majesty's representative at the League of Nations Assembly to relax progressively the system of quota restrictions on trade referred to quota restrictions on imports into the territories concerned; and whether any steps are envisaged by His Majesty's Government to relax such restrictions in the Colonies?

I would invite reference to the statement made on the 15th December by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Agriculture in reply to a question asked by the hon. and gallant Member for Barkston Ash (Colonel Ropner). In the course of a speech delivered in the second committee of the League on the 5th October last, my right hon. Friend said:

"We see no reason why quotas should be maintained as against countries with free exchanges if the reasons for adopting the quota system have disappeared."

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, what is the official complement of engine-room ratings for ships of the "Malaya" class; and what numbers of each rating, respectively, are now borne on that ship?

Details of the complements of His Majesty's Ships are confidential and it is undesirable to disclose them. It may, however, be stated that both as regards numbers and grades His Majesty's Ship Malaya is bearing the engine-room complement authorised, together with supernumeraries.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state the sums spent by Foreign countries from the national Budget in support of music, drama, and the arts, apart from ordinary expenditure on education in general?

I regret that this information is not available in any comprehensive form.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence, whether consultation takes place between the Air Ministry and the Admiralty as to the design of flying-boats and other shore-based reconnaissance aircraft; and, if so, at what stage?

No consultation takes place between the Air Ministry and the Admiralty with regard to the design of these aircraft. The Air Ministry are solely responsible for their design, although, as I pointed out in my reply to my hon. and gallant Friend on 2nd December, full consideration is, of course, given to the fact that it is a function of these aircraft to co-operate with naval forces.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that the Departmental Committee investigating the warmth factor in comfort at work, only carried out its investigations during the winter months, facilities will be given for an extension of these investi- gations to cover the spring and autumn months, with particular reference to the effects not only of warmth in comfort, but also of humidity?

I have been asked to reply. The investigation was made on behalf of the Medical Research Council, under the direction of a committee jointly appointed by that body and by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. The committee have already recommended that the work should be extended along lines such as the hon. Member suggests, and I am informed that action will be taken accordingly.

asked the Home Secretary whether he contemplates introducing legislation providing for the physical and mental examination of young offenders before sentence and the prohibition of imprisonment of persons under the age of 21?

I fully recognise the objections to sentencing young offenders to imprisonment if any possible alternative is available, but the question whether such an alternative is appropriate in an individual case must be for the Court to decide, and legislation removing all discretion from the Courts would not, I fear, be practicable. It is, of course, desirable, if there is any doubt as to an offender's mental condition, that the Court should obtain a medical report before deciding how to deal with him, and that in all cases account should be taken of the offender's history and circumstances, but this is a different matter from requiring a medical report to be obtained in every case regardless of the circumstances.