asked the Secretary for Mines when it is proposed to introduce legislation dealing with the proposed reorganisation of the coal-mining industry and with the proposed unification of royalties?

asked the Secretary for Mines when the Coal Mines Bill will be introduced?

I regret that I am not in a position to make any announcement at present.

Am I to understand that the Government are abandoning the project of bringing in legislation on this matter?

The hon. Member must understand what I have said in my reply.

asked the Secretary of Mines the total amount paid in royalties, etc., in the coal-mining industry in the year ended 31st December, 1936, and the number of royalty owners who received royalties, etc., during the year; and whether he will give figures for each district separately?

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

asked the Secretary for Mines why alterations had to be made of the Bergius system of hydrogenation at Billingham, and if, after such alterations, the Bergius interests still held the patent rights over the parts altered or improved?

I am advised that the Bergius system, apart from the basic principle of converting coal to oils by the addition of hydrogen, was insufficiently developed by its originators for practical commercial operation, for which purposes new apparatus and methods had to be devised. The Bergius patents involved have practically all either lapsed or been abandoned. The British Bergius Syndicate, which originally held limited options over the British rights, was wound up 12 months before the Billingham plant was initiated. Such rights as it held had been taken over by I.C.I. and were ultimately pooled with all that company's other rights resulting from their independent work, and with the rights in hydrogenation of their Continental and American associates who incidentally had become the controlling holders of the original Bergius rights.

Since the Government have given so much to Imperial Chemical Industries may I ask whether they hold any part of the rights in this new construction hydrogenation plant?

I must ask the hon. Member to put that question on the Order Paper.

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) what number of tons of coal have been hydrogenated at Billingham; also the quantity of coal required to produce the hydrogen necessary for the treatment of one ton of coal; and the quantity of crude oil produced from the one ton treated;

While I am not in a position to give information in the full detail for which the hon. Member asks, I am able, by the courtesy of Imperial Chemical Industries, Limited, to furnish certain particulars concerning the working of the hydrogenation plant at Billingham in respect of 1936, the first complete calendar year of working, which I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

May I ask whether it is not the case that the plant at Billingham has not yet reduced any coal by hydrogenation to an oil state?

That seems to be a very technical question of which I should like to have notice. The hon. Member had better study the information which I have promised to give him.

I think that I can anticipate the information I am going to get.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the approximate cost to the revenue of the Billingham hydrogenation plant since it was set up?

I am afraid that I have no further information than that contained in the answer given to the hon. Member for Abertillery (Mr. Daggar) on 15th December last by my hon. and gallant Friend the Secretary for Mines.

Having regard to the success of this scheme at Billingham, will my right hon. Friend shortly be able to announce the erection of another similar plant in another part of the country?

I do not think that arises on this question.

Would it not be a good thing, before commencing any new plant, to know that this one is working and doing what was claimed for it?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of applications for certificates of disablement received by the medical board under the Various Industries (Silicosis) Schemes from among coal-miners in South Wales in the year ended 31st December, 1936; the number of certificates granted; the number of applications rejected; and the number of applications and certificates granted to anthracite miners in South Wales in the same period?

The number of applications for certificates of disablement from coalminers in South Wales during the year was 552. Certificates were granted in 268 cases and refused in 253 cases. Three hundred and eleven of the applications were from anthracite miners of whom 182 were certified and 115 refused.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these men who have been refused certificates are all disabled, in consequence of having inhaled dust in the course of their occupation; and when do the Government propose to bring forward legislation to do elementary justice in the cases of men who lay down their lives in this industry?

The fact that a man has not been certified under this procedure does not necessarily prove that he is suffering from an occupational form of respiratory disease. He may be suffering from a form of respiratory disease which is not due to his occupation.

When may we expect the report of the committee which was appointed to go into this business some two years ago?

The Industrial Pulmonary Diseases Committee of the Medical Research Council recently held a meeting. They decided, in the first instance, that they must come to a conclusion about the clinical entity of diseases other than silicosis from which miners suffer and they have arranged for clinical and radiological tests in a selected number of cases of miners showing symptoms of those diseases.

In view of the fact that, whatever may be the precise nature or name of the disease from which the men suffer, it is universally agreed that it is due to their occupation, will the hon. Gentleman consider whether the Order cannot be widened so as to include them?

I am sorry, but I am afraid the hon. Gentleman is pre-judging the results of the scientific and medical investigation to which I have referred.

Is the hon. Gentleman himself satisfied as to the justice of such an enormous number of refusals?

asked the Secretary for Mines, when he is to present the report of the commission appointed by him to inquire into the circumstances of the Gresford Colliery disaster?

I have now received the report of the Commissioner and a report from each of the two assessors. These three reports are now being printed and they will be published together early in February.

Is it proposed that this House shall have an opportunity of discussing these reports upon this terrible calamity?

That does not rest with me. The hon. Member must address that question to the proper quarter.

In publishing the reports is it intended to include a verbatim report of the evidence given at these inquiries?

No, Sir. I was referring to the report of the Commissioner and each of the two assessors.

Is it intended at any time to put before the House a precise copy of the evidence that was tendered at those inquiries? May I have an answer to that question?

It has already been answered.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any information to give the House as to the position of affairs in Newfoundland?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can make a statement as to the present position of Newfoundland?

A report by the Commission of Government on Newfoundland affairs during 1936 is in preparation and will be presented to Parliament as soon as possible. It is proposed that similar reports should in future be presented to Parliament annually, as early as possible in each year. In the meantime the main feature of conditions in the Island is that owing to an exceptionally poor fishery season and to the continuance of export difficulties, especially in the important markets of Italy and Spain, a large number of the fishing population continue to require relief at the present time. The commercial agreement concluded between the United Kingdom and Italy in November provides a substantial Italian quota for Newfoundland codfish, and it is hoped that this will result in some improvement in the local situation. The revenue returns are still favourable and show a slight improvement upon those for the corresponding months of last year.

Is it a fact that 50 per cent. more persons are on relief in Newfoundland than a year ago, and why have not some of the main recommendations of the Amulree Commission been put into operation?

Has there been any improvement in the general economic position during 1936?

The answer to the first supplementary is that it is not true that there has been an increase of 50 per cent. in the number of those on relief over the corresponding figure of last year. There has been an increase for the reasons I have given, but it does not amount to anything like 50 per cent. With regard to the other question, the general economic condition of the country was not quite so good in 1936 as in 1935 largely because of the obstacles in the Italian and Spanish markets for fish on which the island is largely dependent. The financial position, on the other hand, is slightly better.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the percentage increase in the number of those on relief? The Press of Newfoundland is definite in saying that it is 50 per cent.

The number of those on relief is 65,000, and that does not represent anything like a 50 per cent. increase.

May I ask whether the scale of relief to the distressed fishermen of Newfoundland is still on the same miserable basis that it has been for the last two years?

The scale of relief to fishermen in Newfoundland has been increased by something like 25 per cent. since the commission came into operation. With regard to the other question, I do not wish to misstate anything, but the figure last year was just under 50,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any further statement to make as to the relations between this country and the Irish Free State?

Yes, Sir. It has been agreed to continue for another year the trade arrangement concluded at the beginning of last year, subject to possible modifications of detail within the general framework of the arrangement. Discussions on some points of detail are now proceeding. As the House is aware, I had conversations with Mr. de Valera when he was in London last Thursday on a number of matters affecting relations between the Irish Free State and this country. I would emphasise that those talks were informal, and that no formal negotiations are in progress. Arising out of the conversations certain matters are now under examination, and until that examination is complete I cannot say whether any further discussions are imminent. I would add that the United Kingdom Government are ready to take any opportunity which presents itself of reaching a satisfactory settlement on outstanding questions between the two countries.

Has my right hon. Friend impressed on the Government of the Irish Free State that membership of the British Commonwealth of Nations implies not only readiness to share in the benefits but willingness to share in the obligations?

That is a matter which, of course, the Government have very much in mind.

Now that the right hon. Gentleman has established contact with the Government of the Irish Free State, is he taking steps to maintain it and to make arrangements for further meetings?

I think that if the hon. Member will read the answer carefully, he will see that I have that in mind.

Will my right hon. Friend give me an assurance that the political future of myself and my constituents is not one of the matters which he has under consideration?

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for the negotiations that have been going on, may I ask him whether he is aware of the lamentable state of trade on the Merseyside, and whether it is possible in these negotiations for the embargo on cattle to be taken off with a view to making the position in England better?

With regard to that question, the arrangement which we have agreed to renew has already brought considerable benefit to the trade of both countries, and I think the Merseyside has a share of that benefit. With regard to my hon. Friend's question, the position of the Government in this country is, of course, that any change in the relations between the two Governments in Ireland would require the consent of both Governments.

In the discussions that have taken place, has there been any discussion with regard to the default on the land annuities?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any Enabling Bill giving statutory powers for any section of the cotton industry will be brought in in the current Session?

The Government programme of prospective legislation for the current Session does not include any such measure.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now prepared favourably to consider an export bounty on cotton goods as the real remedy for the distress in the cotton districts of Lancashire and also in those getting coal, due to the greatly reduced demand with so many factories stopped?

His Majesty's Government have constantly in mind the need to promote the cotton export trade by all appropriate means, and particularly by trade agreements. As regards the method of export bounty, I can add nothing to the replies given to my hon. Friend on previous occasions in answer to similar questions.

Can my hon. Friend give any more details of schemes proposed to aid cotton exports, in view of the large amount of unemployment?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that certain industries, such as rivet-manufacture, are depressed; and, having regard to the gradual increased prosperity of the shipbuilding industry since 1932, when certain shipyard material was exempted from the import duties then otherwise imposed, will he now consider the withdrawal of such exemption?

I am not aware that the industry of rivet-manufacture is depressed. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

May I ask my hon. Friend whether he proposes to allow these exemptions to operate for an indefinite period or whether he proposes to investigate the conditions of the shipbuilding industry at an early date with a view to amendment?

I think that the free entry of materials consigned to a registered shipyard is governed by Section II of the Import Duties Act, 1932, and I know of no proposal for altering that Section.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give particulars, from the information his Department has, of the methods in which the German Government assist and subsidise their export trade; and in what manner German exporters are enabled to purchase blocked marks at a discount and obtain in exchange free marks at their full value?

Detailed information regarding the methods employed by the German Government to assist their export trade is not available, but it is understood that assistance is given mainly by means of subsidies derived from a levy on industry in Germany. The method whereby exporters could obtain blocked marks at a discount is believed to have been replaced to a large extent by this levy scheme. For further information I would refer the hon. Member to the report issued by the Department of Overseas Trade entitled "Economic Conditions in Germany."

Can the hon. Gentleman say what is the levy that is imposed on trade in Germany for the purpose of the subsidy?

Not without notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the volume of the retained imports of manufactured goods in 1936 as compared with that in 1930 and 1932?

Particulars of the volume of retained imports of manufactured goods in 1936 are not yet available. I will let my hon. Friend have the desired information as soon as the necessary calculations are completed.

Is it not a fact that the volume is continually increasing, and are the Government going to take any steps to alter the existing rate of duties in view of the large volume of unemployed?

The present position is not unsatisfactory.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now make a statement as to the request from the national deputation of bacon distributors which waited upon him on 17th November that the import bacon quota shall be increased by 10 per cent.?

The request of the deputation to which my hon. Friend refers was for an increase in total supplies. Since then the cancellation of the 1937 contracts has materially altered the conditions under which imports have hitherto been regulated. The whole position is being reviewed by the Board of Trade and the Agricultural Departments, and I am not at present in a position to make any statement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the visible adverse balance of trade for 1936 and the increase over 1935; and when the annual estimate of the Board of Trade of the balance of payments will be published?

The excess of imports over exports of merchandise in 1936 was £348,000,000, or £73,000,000 more than in 1935. An estimate of the balance of payments will be published in the Board of Trade Journal, as usual, about the end of next month.

Can my hon. Friend say whether the invisible exports are likely to equal this increased figure?

I think that is quite another question. This question is a statistical one, to which I have given a reply. Perhaps the best method would be to await the publication by the Board of Trade of the assembled figures.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to introduce legislation to amend the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927, and whether he will give particulars?

I am not in a position to add anything to the answer which I gave on 8th December to the hon. Member for East Dorset (Mr. Hall-Caine).

Will any legislation be introduced to amend this Act?

We are awaiting the observations of the trade organisations on the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now make a further statement as to the discussions between His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and His Majesty's Governments in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand as to the assistance of British shipping services in the Pacific?

The report of the Imperial Shipping Committee has been under consideration and His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom have formulated certain proposals as a basis for discussion with the Dominion Governments concerned. The proposals will be communicated to these Governments in the course of the next few days.

Could the hon. Gentleman say whether the President of the Board of Trade is raising with the President of the United States of America the question of the competition of United States shipping in this matter?

Not without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to make a statement of Government policy in relation to the findings of the Committee on farm workers in Scotland?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to say when he proposes to introduce legislation to give effect to the unanimous recommendation of the Committee on farm workers in Scotland that the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, 1924, should be applied to Scotland?

It is my intention to introduce at an early date legislation providing for the regulation of the wages and conditions of service of farm workers in Scotland. The Measure will be in general conformity with the system already in operation in England and Wales.

When does the right hon. Gentleman intend to make this new arrangement operative?

That must depend upon when the Bill reaches the Statute Book.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give a pledge that this Measure will be introduced during the current Session?

I hope it will. Of course, I am not in a position to give pledges, but I have every intention of bringing it in as soon as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has any statement to make regarding the position of affairs in India?

The internal situation in India continues to be generally satisfactory. Interest in the country is now centred chiefly on the elections. In Bombay the situation continues to improve. The construction of roads in the Khaisora Valley in Waziristan continues and troops remain in occupation of the area. On 15th January a jirgah of the Tori Khel tribe were interviewed and their attitude was satisfactory. The opposition to the troops is confined to a small number of hostile tribesmen.

Has the hon. Gentleman any report to give to the House regarding the elections?

The elections have only started, and are due to end about the middle of next month. At present, I have nothing to add to the answer already given.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that a motion to discuss the action of a magistrate in Cawnpore in passing orders banning meetings of workers at the time of an industrial dispute was disallowed by the Governor-General; and what opportunity is available for the examination by the legislature of such executive action against which there is no judicial remedy?

The motion in question was not disallowed by the Governor-General but was ruled out of order by the President of the Indian Assembly. It is not the case that there is no judicial remedy in such cases, since it is open to an aggrieved person to move a superior court against the magistrate's order under Section 435 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Have the impoverished workers in that area either the finance or the power or the influence to initiate the proceedings referred to in the answer?

I am afraid I cannot answer that question, but I have informed the hon. Gentleman of the procedure.

Are we to understand from the answer that in the midst of a strike, the strikers are not to be permitted to meet; and in such circumstances how does he expect industrial disputes to be settled?

Each case must be taken on its own merits.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can give any information as to the large-scale strike of operatives at the Ahmedabad cotton mills against wage cuts and the dismissal of employees, which has led to the Government prohibiting by executive orders meetings of strikers or the assembly of more than five persons in the city and to the police dispersing strikers by lathi charges?

I presume the hon. Member is referring to the strike which began in the Rajnagar group of textile mills on 26th October as a protest against the employment of new hands on reduced wages in one mill. On 27th October all the strikers, except 471 hands, resumed work, and by the second week of January a settlement had been reached for the reinstatement of all the old workers. The question of wages has been referred, along with other wage questions outstanding in the Ahmedabad textile industry, to an arbitration board. According to my information the strike was peaceful throughout and no prohibitory orders were issued by the local Government.

Can the hon. Gentleman give the House any information as to the wages paid and as to the wages contemplated on the reduced scale?

I should have notice of that question.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he has any statement to make regarding the Food Defence Department?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the statement respecting the scope and organisation of the Food (Defence Plans) Department which was made by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence on 2nd December in reply to the hon. Member for Norwood (Mr. Sandys).

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I put down this question because there was "nowt" in the answer to which he refers?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received any report from the joint committee of the factory department and the national federation of employers' organisations on factory accidents among juveniles?

The Joint Committee have drawn up a list of recommendations which have been embodied in a Memorandum. The National Confederation have issued this to all employers' organisations, urging them to do everything in their power to enlist the active support and co-operation of all employers in their respective industries in securing a diminution of the accident rate among juveniles. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

asked the Home Secretary the number of police taken off traffic duty in the Metropolitan area since the introduction of automatic signals?

The total number of constables taken off traffic duty in the Metropolitan Police District since the inception of automatic traffic signals is 485.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of them are now engaged in watching to see that motorists obey the traffic signals?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider appointing an independent committee to inquire into the working of the regulations governing pedestrian crossings and the use of electric traffic lights, with a view to making more efficient these devices for increasing safety on the roads?

These devices, and the regulations governing them, are always under observation by the responsible highway authorities, by chief constables and by officers of my Department. It is noteworthy that 1936 showed a reduction in pedestrian casualties for the second year in succession. This reduction followed upon the installation of pedestrian crossings, the fullest benefits of which are yet to be achieved by observance rather than by regulation.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the slow progress that is being made in this country towards placing on a commercial basis the processes of producing oil and petrol from British coal, he will consider the desirability of changing the regulations with regard to heavy steam vehicles on the roads with a view to encouraging an increase in the volume of such steam traffic and a consequent increase in the amount of coal required for road transport?

While I doubt whether any concessions which I could make in regulations would achieve the end desired by my hon. Friend, I am ready, with my hon. Friend the Minister for Mines, to consider any constructive suggestions which may be made.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that during the last five years approximately 5,000 steam vehicles have been taken off the roads, involving a loss to the coal trade of about half a million, coal-produced fuel being replaced by oil, and will he take these factors into careful consideration?

Yes, there is a tendency for fewer and fewer steam vehicles to be used, persons having a preference for petrol- or oil-driven vehicles. The Government have lent assistance by making certain concessions already, which I am afraid have not arrested this tendency.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what remedy the Government propose to apply to arrest the destruction of agricultural land for building purposes for lack of proper planning schemes by county authorities?

I understand that planning resolutions have now been approved to cover more than half the country, and that a number of the schemes which are being prepared contemplate substantial reservations of land for agricultural purposes. The extent to which such reservations will be practicable will depend primarily on the measure of agreement which can be reached between the local authorities who are responsible for the planning scheme and the owners of land included in the scheme.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not of opinion, in the light of his own and the Government's experience, that no efficient and adequate planning can take place until agricultural land is nationalised?

No, Sir.

Is there any collaboration between the Minister of Agriculture and the Secretary of State for War or the Secretary of State for Air in regard to land taken for military purposes; and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that large tracts of valuable agricultural land have been taken over to be used merely for military purposes?

I would not like to apply the adverb "merely" to military purposes which are, in themselves, sufficiently important, but I can assure the House that on questions which do affect my Department there is always consultation with my right hon. Friends.

Is it not the case that landowners who are able to obtain large prices and land speculators who are willing to pay large prices have no concern either with the food supply of the country or the position of agricultural labourers?

Is not the only possible solution, to make agriculture pay?

asked the Minister of Agriculture what immediate steps, if any, the Government propose to take to counter the steady exodus of the skilled agricultural population to the cities and towns and the shrinkage of land under cultivation?

The whole agricultural policy of the Government, including the recent extension of unemployment insurance to agricultural workers, is designed to improve the position of the agricultural industry and so make conditions more attractive both for the employer and for the employed. The tendencies to which my hon. and gallant Friend draws attention are constantly engaging my attention, and if he has any suggestions to make, I shall be happy to receive them and will give them most careful consideration.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there has been a steady decline now for 10 consecutive years in the number of agricultural workers employed and that there has been an equally steady decline in the amount of land under cultivation for 15 years; and is it not about time something was done to reverse this position?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider the possibility of making it compulsory upon maltsters and brewers to make a return of the price paid for home-grown malting barley and the quantity used?

I have been asked to reply. Returns of purchases of home-grown barley for malting and brewing are already furnished annually by the Brewers' Society to the Import Duties Advisory Committee, and are published. The Committee have also power to require returns of prices, if they think fit. In view of the amount of attention which the Committee have given to this matter, I do not think that any action on my part is called for.

Does not my right hon. and gallant Friend think it time his Department asked for these prices, which all the agricultural interests in the country have been asking for in the past three years?

The Import Duties Advisory Committee have the power, if they so desire, to ask for these prices, but I do not propose to press them, in view of the interest which they are taking already in this matter.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the number of calves and cows, respectively, sold for slaughter in the last period for which the figures are available and for the two preceding years?

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

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the number of cattle receiving subsidy during the years ending 31st December, 1934, 1935, and 1936?

The number of cattle in respect of which subsidy was paid during the year ending 31st December, 1934, was 446,054. This relates to a period of four months only, as subsidy payments were not made until 1st September of that year. The figures for the years ending 31st December, 1935 and 1936, were respectively 1,582,429 and 1,707,989.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us how much time was spent on the means test committee inquiring into this?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is proposed to introduce an amending Bill to the Land Drainage Act, 1930, during the present Session?

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will give special consideration to the institution of a short specialised course of physical training for unemployed teachers to enable them to obtain employment as instructors in schools, thus assisting in the Board's activities in improving the physical welfare of the pupils and at the same time giving hope to a body of young men and women who have already undergone a course of training in the training colleges?

There are already a number of courses of varying duration in physical training for teachers who have left the normal training colleges and who may or may not have obtained posts, and it is proposed to increase the number of these courses. I do not think that the number of teachers who remain long out of employment after leaving the training colleges would be sufficient to justify special courses for them.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will consider circularising the local education authorities asking them to give favourable consideration to employing unemployed teachers wherever and whenever feasible on evening-class teaching?

It is open to local authorities in making appointments to evening schools to give preference to teachers who have no other employment, provided always that they are suitably qualified for the purpose, but this is a matter I must leave to the authorities' discretion.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of boys and girls who, at the age of 14, left the elementary schools in March, 1935, and March, 1936?

I regret that I have not the precise information for which the hon. Member asks. I am however circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing the number of boys and girls who, on attaining the age of exemption from compulsory school attendance, left the public elementary schools in England and Wales for reasons other than further education during the years ending 31st March, 1935, and the 31st March, 1936.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of elementary schools in England and Wales that do not provide for the supply of milk to school children, giving separate figures for each county concerned?

As the answer contains a large number of figures, I am, with the hon. Member's permission, sending him the information.

Are any steps being taken by the hon. Gentleman's Department to induce or compel local authorities that are not giving milk to do so?

We have no powers of compulsion, but we use every power of persuasion.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the physical condition of the children in the boys' school at Blaina, Monmouthshire, where the headmaster has reported that 50 per cent. of his pupils are undersized and underfed, poorly clad and badly shod; and, seeing that only 18 per cent. receive free milk and that the grants to the Monmouthshire education authority are insufficient to provide adequate necessities, will he state what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

My attention has been called to the physical condition of the children in the boys' school at Blaina, which is not satisfactory, though on my present information I cannot fully accept the headmaster's statement. I should welcome increased provision of free milk in this and other schools in Monmouthshire, but I understand that this provision is restricted by the severe income scale at present in force. This question has recently been discussed with representatives of the local education authority, and I understand that the authority are considering the question of introducing a more generous income scale.

If the hon. Gentleman cannot accept the headmaster's statement on the matter, is he not prepared to accept the statement made by two officers of the medical officer of health of the county who re-examined these children in January this year and discovered that children of 15 years of age were on an average 16 lbs. under weight, that 40 of the boys were sitting in school with damp feet, and that poverty and despair were all over the district?

My attention has been called to that report, which did not bear out the statement of the headmaster. As regards the boots, I understand that a fund has been raised to provide boots for the children.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that the official inquiry shows that the condition of affairs is worse than the original statement made by the headmaster?

It did not approximate to the statement of the headmaster at all.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the petition from the distressed areas of South Wales prepared by the local authorities and a large number of industrial firms and churches; and whether he will, as requested by them, establish a committee of the Cabinet for co-ordinating the functions of Government Departments in regard to matters which form the subject of recommendations of the Commissioners of Special Areas in his report?

Questions on this subject were put to me on 3rd December last by the hon. Member, and on 30th November by the hon. Member for Leigh (Mr. Tinker). Since that time, and during the Recess, the position of the Special Areas has again been comprehensively studied in connection with the recent reports by the Commissioners. As has already been announced, it is intended to introduce a Bill amending the Special Areas Act; I hope to be able at an early date to announce when the Bill will be introduced.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the appointing of a Cabinet Committee, as asked in the question?

I think what we have been doing is of more practical use, and perhaps that question might be raised in the general debate which will follow the introduction of legislation.

asked the Minister of Labour the total amount of grants paid to Weardale rural district council, Stanhope urban district council, Teesdale rural district council, and Barnard Castle urban council, respectively, by the Commissioner for Special Areas for the purpose of giving employment and assisting the local authorities concerned?

No grants out of the Special Areas Fund have been paid to the Weardale rural, Stanhope urban, and Teesdale rural district councils. The Commissioner for Special Areas (England and Wales) has not been satisfied that the financial position of the first two councils is such that assistance from the Fund toward the cost of schemes is necessary, while the Teesdale rural district is not a Special Area under the Special Areas (Development and Improvement) Act, 1934. The Barnard Castle urban district council is carrying out a small sewerage scheme, estimated to cost £4,300, in association with a larger scheme undertaken by a neighbouring Authority, towards which grant has been promised and, in the special circumstances, an offer of a grant of 25 per cent. of the approved cost has been made to the Barnard Castle council in respect of their portion of the scheme.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the long depression in the weaving industry carried on in and round Drefach, Henllan, Carmarthenshire; and what plans are in hand to revive this industry or to assist the weavers to produce other commodities?

I have been asked to reply. I am informed that several mills in or near Drefach were closed down some 12 or 15 years ago, but that, partly owing to Admiralty contracts placed last year, the remaining mills are now fully employed. The technical advisory service of the University of Wales, which receives grants from the Development Commissioners, and the design service of the Rural Industries Bureau, are helping the Welsh textile industry to extend the range of its products. I understand that, as a result of this assistance, the position of the industry generally has been improving.

Will the Minister see that the mills in this district get a share of Army contracts?

I think that that is another question, which might be borne in mind.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any further statement to make as to the settlement of the British War debt to the United States of America?

The position is as stated in the note which was addressed to the United States Government on 10th December last (Command Paper No. 5330), and I have no further statement to make.

Is my right hon. Friend willing favourably to consider any practicable proposals which may be put forward by the United States Government on this subject?

The United States Government are not considering putting forward any proposals, so far as I am aware.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of any negotiations for the settlement with America of the French debt?

No, Sir.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether we are prepared to have what is known as the clean slate for all these debts owing by all the countries?

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will make a statement as to the allocation of stands in the substantial portion of the route controlled by the Government to view the Coronation procession; whether he will give an assurance that adequate accommodation will be reserved for the poorer section of the community; and will he consider reserving seats for representatives of ex-service men's organisations throughout the country?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the announcement which appeared in the Press on Saturday last. In it the general principles are set forth on which the accommodation is being allocated. To that announcement I am not at present in a position to add; but I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the points to which he refers are all being borne in mind.

Are ex-service men being given special consideration in the Government scheme?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in celebration of the Coronation, he will arrange for recipients of old age and widows' pensions to receive an extra 10s.?

I regret that the Government cannot see their way to promote the legislation which would be necessary to authorise such grants.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the text of the broadcast by the Archbishop of Canterbury on Sunday, 13th December, was submitted to the British Broadcasting Corporation authorities for approval before it was delivered?

No, Sir. I understand that when a broadcast is to be given of a religious service conducted by the head of a church in this country, it is not the practice of the British Broadcasting Corporation to ask for the text of his address to be submitted to them beforehand.

Is the Postmaster-General aware that this address of the Archbishop was given as a religious service broadcast, and will he represent to the British Broadcasting authorities that it is altogether deplorable that an occasion of that kind should be used for an outburst of spleen—

Order!

The hon. Member seems to be giving his opinion on this subject.

On a point of Order. I am merely asking the Postmaster-General, as representing the B.B.C. in this House, that he should represent to the B.B.C. authorities the undesirability of allowing episcopal spleen of this nature—

Oh!

What is wrong with that?

The hon. Member is using epithets which are never allowed in this House.

Does not the Postmaster-General think that this criticism of the late King might have been made while he was on the Throne?

Does not my right hon. and gallant Friend realise that the expression of views by the Archbishop enhanced his reputation in this country?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any decision has yet been made with reference to a central air-port for London?

My hon. and learned Friend will find that this question of a central air-port for London is dealt with in the report of Sir Henry Maybury's Committee, which is being laid before the House. No decisions have yet been taken in regard to the report.

Can my right hon. Friend tell the House when that report will be discussed in the House, because there is great public alarm at the delay in coming to a decision?

It will be laid before the House to-morrow.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information to give the House as to the position of affairs in the Far East?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement regarding events in China?

Attacks on the province of Suiyuan by a mixed body of Mongolian and Manchukuo irregulars were repulsed in December by the troops of Fu Tso-yi, Governor of the Province, assisted by reinforcements of Nanking Government troops. Meanwhile negotiations in Nanking between the Chinese Government and the Japanese Ambassador were suspended and have not yet been resumed, but the Japanese Ambassador is reported to have received instructions to resume them on matters outstanding between the two countries. A settlement of two incidents in which Japanese nationals have been murdered in China had already been reached. In December a mutiny occurred at Sian among the troops of Marshal Chang Hsueh-liang, who demanded an alliance against Japan with the Communists, whom they had orders to suppress. The Generalissimo, Chiang Kai-shek, who had gone to Sian with the object of dealing with the trouble before it came to a head, was made captive by the mutineers, and was only released after many days of suspense. Marshal Chang thereafter accompanied him to Nanking to submit to trial on a charge of mutiny and was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment and loss of civil rights. The sentence of imprisonment was later remitted on the ground that he had acted in good faith. Central Government authority does not appear to have been fully re-established in the affected areas; the local leaders remain defiant and Central Government troops are reported to have been ordered against them.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information to give the House on the international situation?

I hope to have an opportunity of making a statement on certain aspects of the international situation later this afternoon. Perhaps the hon. Member will be good enough to wait till then.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information to give the House as to the position of affairs in Spain?