asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, seeing that in the West African colonies the spread of desert conditions along the southern edge of the Sahara is rapidly destroying the means of supporting a population that is increasing due to migration of native population from the areas made desolate by their own activities, he will say what action it is proposed to take to deal with this situation?

Arrangements have recently been completed for an Anglo-French Commission to make a tour of the desiccated areas on both sides of the northern frontier of Nigeria, with a view to investigating the problem of desiccation at first hand and suggesting any practicable remedial measures. The recommendations of the Commission will be brought to the notice of other West African Governments which are interested.

asked the Postmaster-General the total number of depositors in the Post Office Savings Bank and the aggregate amount of their deposits at 1st January, 1937, or the latest convenient date?

The number of depositors in the Post Office Savings Bank on the 1st of January, 1937, was approximately 10,200,000, and the total amount of their deposits with accrued interest was £432,400,000.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many Income Tax payers there were in each of the cities and large burghs of Scotland, respectively, for each of the years 1930 to 1936, respectively?

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that dissatisfaction is felt by optical practitioners in Scotland at the omission from the new draft regulations for ophthalmic benefit of due recognition of the services of sight-testing opticians: and whether, in view of the proved service of these practitioners, he will state the reason for amending, in this respect, the regulations of 1922?

I have received certain representations from opticians regarding the terms of the draft regulations referred to and I have arranged to receive a deputation from Scottish opticians on this subject on 25th instant. The views of the opticians will receive the careful consideration of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health and myself before the terms of the substantive regulations are finally decided on.