asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he was able to ascertain during his recent visit to the United States if the time had arrived for commencing active trade negotiations between the United States of America and Great Britain with a view to the drafting of a new trade agreement?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is in a position to report any results from his visit to the United States of America; whether he discussed with the President at Washington the international trade position; and whether there is any immediate prospect of a reduction of trade barriers and lowering of tariff duties between the United States of America and this country?

During my visit to Washington I had many opportunities for an informal exchange of views with the President of the United States and Mr. Cordell Hull on a variety of subjects of common interest to the two countries. It was at no time intended that I should conduct negotiations with the United States Government on any subject. As regards trade matters, I had several useful conversations, from which it appeared that further exploration will be necessary before it can be determined whether there is a firm basis upon which detailed negotiations can take place for a reciprocal trade agreement.

I am glad to take this opportunity of expressing my gratitude to the President of the United States and the members of the United States Government for the friendly reception which they gave to me. I hope that the result of our conversations will be to facilitate economic cooperation between the United States and ourselves.

Does the right hon. Gentleman suggest that his visit was not of an official character and that he had no definite purpose in going out to America?

I should say that it was informal rather than formal.

Were there any whispers about the debt?

When are the further explorations to which my right hon. Friend referred to be proceeded with?

They are proceeding at the present time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the purport and outcome of his conversations at Washington regarding the United States subsidies to shipping in the Pacific and the menace they constitute to British Empire shipping in those seas?

The subject was not discussed. As the House has been informed by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, the present position is that His Majesty's Government have formulated certain proposals which are at present under consideration by the Dominion Governments concerned.

Did my right hon. Friend find any disposition in Washington to forgo the excessive subsidies given to American steamships on the Pacific?

It was not discussed by us, and I cannot say what their opinion is.

Did the right hon. Gentleman see Mr. Franklin?

I do not know that Mr. Franklin had anything to do with this subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the report of the Import Duties Advisory Committee into the iron and steel industry will be published as soon as may be after it is made?

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is taking steps to revive the voluntary quota on egg imports from foreign countries which operated until the early months of 1936?

No, Sir. The earlier requests to foreign countries to control their shipments were designed to regulate total supplies coming on to the market during the period that the Reorganisation Commissions on eggs and poultry were sitting.

As apparently a voluntary quota is the only available method of assisting this hard-pressed industry at present, will my right hon. Friend, if he rejects it, take steps to hasten the termination of those trade agreements that are hampering any further assistance?

I shall be glad to consider the point in the light of what my hon. and gallant Friend has said.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the imports of eggs have increased from 18,000,000 to 24,000,000, causing havoc in the home poultry industry?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the distress among those in the poultry industry in this country is very acute, and will he seriously look into it to see what can be done immediately?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that poultry farmers are mostly small men who cannot afford these heavy losses?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes at an early date to open negotiations with the Oslo Convention States; and whether he is aware that there is a widespread feeling that the time is opportune for the countries which desire greater freedom in the exchange of their goods to get together in an endeavour to promote it?

I am not clear as to what kind of negotiations the hon. Member has in mind. The Oslo Convention does not in itself provide for greater freedom in the exchange of goods between the signatories. The attitude of His Majesty's Government towards the question of the freer exchange of goods in international trade has already been stated by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the reply which he gave on 12th November last to questions asked by the hon. Members for East Birkenhead (Mr. White) and Pontypool (Mr. Jenkins).

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government of the Netherlands on 5th February sent an invitation to the Scandinavian States, Finland and Belgium to meet at the Hague for the purpose of bringing about closer economic co-operation between those countries, and does not the right hon. Gentleman desire that this country should have the advantage of close economic co-operation with those States which have so much in common with us?

If my hon. Friend desires further information as to what has been proposed at this conference, I must have notice.

I was not asking for that. I was asking whether the right hon. Gentleman was aware that such a conference had been summoned at the Hague, and whether he will endeavour to arrange that this country should be represented.

If my hon. Friend is asking about representation at the conference, I should say that that is unnecessary at the present moment.

Is there any truth in the statement which has appeared in a number of British newspapers that a prospective loan is being discussed?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what statistics exist in his Department to show which of the articles of clothing or food in common use in this country are the subject of any form of monopoly or trust?

I am not aware of any statistics of this kind.

Would the preparation of statistics of this kind be very costly?

I doubt whether they can be obtained.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is no such thing as a monopoly in clothing?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is, approximately, the average time taken to get a patent through the Patent Office?

The period which elapses between the date of first application and the final grant of a patent varies considerably according to the circumstances of each case. The hon. Member will be aware that a delay of 13 months may, in law, elapse between the lodging of the first application and the lodging by the applicant of the complete specification. The law also provides that a minimum period of two months must elapse between the acceptance of a complete specification by the Patent Office and the grant of the patent. The average time taken at present between the date of first application and the granting of a patent is from 15 to 16 months.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that this is rather undue delay, and will he do something to speed up the arrangements?

What delay there is is not due to any imperfections in the Patent Office.

Is it possible for my right hon. Friend's Department to issue a patent in respect of questions?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the imports of machinery into this country have increased from 54,745 tons in 1932 to 103,452 tons in 1936; how much of the machinery imported in 1936 was exempted from duty on the ground that it was of the kind not made here; and what steps he proposes to take to facilitate the increased manufacture in this country of the kind of machinery we are able to make?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Of the machinery imported in 1936 about 23 per cent. by value was imported free of duty under licences issued on the ground that similar machinery was not for the time being procurable in the United Kingdom. The machine-tool industry and other makers of machinery for which there is an increased demand are making every effort to increase their production.

Having regard to the enormous increase in these figures, will the right hon. Gentleman consider requesting the Import Duties Advisory Committee to make special inquiry to find out what measures have been taken to decrease such importations?

The Committee have from time to time looked into this question, and only recently, I think, completed an inquiry.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say approximately what was the value of the exports of machinery from this country?

I could not say that without notice.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what was the result of the inquiry?

There appear to have been a number of results, and one of the most important is that if machinery is required here for our manufacturers—[Interruption.]

Is it not a fact that a great proportion of the machinery which has been introduced into this country is of a highly technical and secretive character and cannot be manufactured in this country?

Yes, that description is quite properly used in regard to some of the machines, but they are not all of the same kind.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether a decision has been reached on the recommendation of the Import Duties Advisory Committee regarding the import duty on tomatoes?

I hope that a decision will be reached and published at an early date.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department in which countries losses have been incurred in connection with guarantees under the export credits scheme?

Guarantees have been given by the Export Credits Guarantee Department in connection with exports all over the world, and losses have been incurred, at one time or another, in many countries. I think it might be misleading to give a list of the countries, as it would be out of all proportion to the amount of the losses incurred.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether generally all those countries in which losses have been incurred are capitalist countries?

Are there no limits to Communist propaganda in this House?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that in less than three years three large steamers have been wrecked on Swona, Orkney; that 30 lives were lost in the latest wreck; and that on this occasion, as in August, 1936, when a party of workmen employed on a wreck narrowly escaped death, the people of Swona could not establish contact with South Ronaldsay for the purpose of calling out the Longhope lifeboat and the life-saving crews; and whether, in view of this gap in the life-saving chain, he will undertake to establish some form of communication between Swona and South Ronaldsay which can be relied upon in all states of the weather?

I am aware of two vessels being wrecked on the Swona Island, Orkney, in the past three years—the Swedish steamship "Gunnaren" in August, 1935, and the Finnish steamship "Johanna Thorden" on 12th January last. In the first case, the crew of 26 were rescued by the Longhope lifeboat after the receipt of an S O S message from the ship In the second case, the loss of life appears to have been due primarily to the failure of the vessel's wireless and to the fact that poor visibility prevented the pyrotechnic signals made by the ship from being seen: There are considerable difficulties in the way of providing electrical communication with Swona Island, on which only one family lives, but they are provided with rockets to call the attention of the coastguard at Broughness in the event of a casualty being observed, and I am examining the possibility of providing them with more powerful sound and visual signals.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee, to which he will refer the draft regulations for the safety of fishing vessels, contains any member having special knowledge of such vessels or sea-going experience therein; and, if not, whether this deficiency will be remedied?

I understand that certain of the seamen's representatives on the committee have special knowledge of fishing vessels and represent the interests of fishermen. I may add that it is the practice of the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee when dealing with technical matters to enlist the aid of outside experts not on the committee if that is necessary.

While retaining for consultation the outside experts, will the right hon. Gentleman consider adding to this committee some persons who have special knowledge of the peculiar conditions applicable at sea to fishing vessels, which conditions were not taken into consideration when the committee was constituted?

On examining the list of members of the committee I find that at least one has special knowledge of fishing problems.

Has that member got practical navigational experience of fishing vessels?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the registered tonnage of British shipping fuelled by coal and oil, respectively, in the year 1936; and what were the relative figures in the year 1913?

According to the particulars given in the 1936–37 edition of Lloyd's Register Book, there are 9,079 steamers and motor ships of l00 tons gross and upwards on the British Register representing 20,172,983 gross tons. Of this total, 995 were motor ships of 3,482,193 tons gross, and 1,057 were steamers fitted for burning oil fuel of 5,884,162 tons gross. Included in the last-mentioned figure are a number of vessels which use coal or oil alternatively. I regret that comparable figures for 1913 are not available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the continued activities of bucket shops and the period which must elapse before legislation is introduced to control this evil, the Government will consider taking steps to supplement the action taken by certain banks and the unit trusts movement in issuing warnings to investors regarding the dangers of unsolicited investment offers, and will amplify these warnings to the general public?

I will consider my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that large numbers of investors have complained of being defrauded by these organisations, and will he not take action to prevent this scandal?

I am quite well aware that a good many people have been defrauded, and our object is to see that the law is carried out.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the evil referred to in this question has anything to do with the evil of the united front?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what steps have been taken to carry out the law?

If the hon. Member cares to put down a question, I will see what information I can get on that point.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that H. S. R. Easthope was dismissed last July from the Army Signals at Devon-port after 12¾ years' service; what reason was given; and whether any complaint had been made as to the manner in which he carried out his duties?

H. S. R. Easthope was not dismissed; he was dicharged after due notice. The reason for his discharge was that "his services were no longer required." The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain what is the difference between "dismissed" and "discharged"?

There is no element of blame whatever in discharge. This man's services were no longer required, and he was therefore informed that he was discharged.

Is it the custom to dismiss without any reason a skilled worker like this, after 12¾ years of satisfactory service and in the middle of an armament boom?

It is not customary, but there are exceptions to the general rule.

Can we be told the justification for the exception? That is what I am seeking?

The hon. Member has asked another question, not the question on the Paper. The question which is on the Paper I have answered. The other question which he has asked now is one to which I am not prepared to give an answer immediately. I am quite prepared, on a suitable occasion, to give the hon. Member the information he desires, but I do not think that it is in the interests of anybody that that information should be given.

I asked the reason for the dismissal.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the proposal of the War Office to purchase a plot of land in the residential area of Leigh-on-Sea for the purpose of erecting a Territorial drill hall for an antiaircraft battery is causing considerable dissatisfaction among the residents; and can he give an assurance that the site will be used only for drilling and that no gun-firing will at any time take place?

Yes, Sir. I understand that there is some apprehension, on the part of the residents in the area, that the proposed establishment there of a Territorial Army headquarters will impair the amenities of the district, and I am glad to have this opportunity of removing a misunderstanding on the point. The site selected is the only suitable one in the neighbourhood. The building to be erected on it is the headquarters of a Territorial Army anti-aircraft gun battery, in which gun drill will be carried out but no gun firing with live or even blank ammunition will take place. The district, therefore, will be no more injuriously affected thereby than the numerous other residential areas, in London and elsewhere throughout the country, where the needs of anti-aircraft defence have rendered it necessary to establish Territorial Army headquarters.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask whether the alternative sites were all proved to be unsuitable?

Yes, Sir.

Why was the same consideration which is now being shown to this place not shown to Lleyn, North Wales, some time ago?

Can the Minister say whether this particular group of Territorials will have opportunities of practising gunnery somewhere, and whether consideration will be given to the residents in that other place?

Every possible consideration is given to the interests of residents wherever gunnery has to take place, but we have to find somewhere for practice in this comparatively small island. The representations of a district are all taken into consideration.

Surely the residents of Leigh-on-Sea ought to be very proud to have a Territorial battery there.

asked the Secretary of State for War when he is going to have Wellington Barracks repainted?

Arrangements are in hand to repaint Wellington Barracks in the spring.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many military observers representing this country are with General Franco's army and how many with the Government army in Spain?

There is no military observer representing this country with General Franco's army. One of the assistants to the British Military Attaché accredited to France, Spain and Portugal, is at present in Valencia with His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires in the normal course of his duties.

Is it not a fact that information accumulated from both sides would be of far greater value to the War Office than information from one side only? Will my right hon. Friend say whether, in sending observers to one side only, he followed the advice of his military advisers, or was there pressure from the Foreign Office?

Is it not a fact that the essential difference is that the Madrid Government is recognised, whereas General Franco's is not recognised?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether responsibility is accepted by the Scottish Department of Agriculture for the state of the land leased to smallholders at Houston Mains, Uphall, West Lothian, where a deficiency of lime of as much as 5 tons per acre has been disclosed; and what action he proposes to take to remedy this position?

The Department of Agriculture for Scotland accept the full responsibilities of their position as landlords of the farm of Houston Mains, one of the best cropping farms in its locality. So far as this scheme is concerned, the Department have kept the position under observation in co-operation with the East of Scotland College of Agriculture, and investigations are still proceeding. I am, however, advised that the immediate application of lime in large quantities, irrespective of cropping, is unlikely to be desirable or advantageous to the holders concerned.

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep in mind how this difficulty is adding to the already heavy anxieties of these holders, particularly those who keep poultry; does it not point to the necessity for maintaining the strength of the technical department, which recently dispensed with a chief officer?

I do not think that I necessarily draw that deduction. The Department have kept this position under observation, in co-operation with the highly technical people of the East of Scotland College.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will refer to the Scottish Housing Advisory Committee the question of the provision by local authorities of housing accommodation for single persons by hostel or otherwise?

No, Sir; I doubt if it is desirable to consult the committee specifically on this question. It is expected that numbers of suitable small houses will become available for single persons as a result of the decrowding operations. I am prepared, moreover, to consider applications for the provision of hostels on their merits.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that adequate powers are contained in the 1930 Housing (Scotland) Act to provide hostels, and that many local authorities have taken advantage of those powers; will he give instructions to his Department, where such schemes are justified, not to withhold consent for the building of hostels?

I think that is covered by the last sentence of my reply, which was that I was prepared to consider, on their merits, applications for the provision of hostels.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps, if any, have been taken by the Edinburgh Corporation to prepare a scheme for rent rebates under Section 47 of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1935?

I am informed that the city assessor is, on the instructions of the treasurer's committee of the corporation, at present preparing a report on the subject.

Is the Minister aware that two draft schemes have already been submitted to the authorities and that the longer delay there is in getting schemes sent out by the Department the greater will be the difficulties of the local authorities in applying the schemes to either standardisation of rates or rent rebates?

I am aware of that. I delayed the issue of the draft in consequence of representations by the local authorities that the first draft was unsatisfactory.

What about the second draft?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has made any inquiries, or received any report, from the Glasgow Corporation on the question of housing?

I am in constant touch, either directly or through the Department of Health for Scotland, with the Corporation of Glasgow with regard to housing; and I hope to discuss the whole subject with them as soon as reasonably possible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman discuss at the same time the recent statements and publications made by the Treasurer of the Glasgow Corporation, with a view to ascertaining the truth of those statements made by him?

No, Sir; I shall not investigate any statement made by the Treasurer of Glasgow Corporation, but any of the matters relating to Glasgow housing will be discussed with the corporation as soon as it is possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will procure a special report on the general housing situation in Aberdeen and, in particular, on the bad condition in which tenants of the buildings known as the Jute Works are living; and whether, having regard to the apparent failure of the local housing authorities to realise or to grapple with their housing problem on an adequate scale, he will endeavour to accelerate and enlarge the plans now contemplated by the city council and bring them into closer relation with the urgent needs of the overcrowded and slum-housed section of the population?

I have already arranged for an inspection of the Jute Works to be made this week. With regard to the remainder of the question, while the corporation's output of 614 houses in 1936 represented an increase over the previous year, which was 570, and again over that of the year before, namely, 204, it nevertheless fell short of programme. The corporation have, however, planned to increase this output and hope to double it in the near future. I shall continue to keep in close touch with them to secure that the maximum possible progress is maintained.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has made any inquiries, or received any report, regarding the increase of convictions and fines in the juvenile court for the Maryhill division?

My predecessor in office wrote to the corporation on the subject of juvenile delinquency in the city, in view of the attention which had been drawn to it by hon. Members, and by the Chief Constable in his report for 1935. I am informed that, as a result, the problem of juvenile delinquency with relation to the whole of Glasgow, including Maryhill, has been considered by the magistrates, who are taking certain steps to deal with it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep in mind that the juvenile crime lists in Maryhill have been far in excess of those of any other Division in Glasgow in respect of the fines inflicted and the convictions made, and will he inquire as to whether what is happening in Maryhill is not because the superintendent of the district has a particular bee in his bonnet with regard to children?

I am quite prepared to ask for the observations of the Corporation on the statistics relating to the hon. Member's Division.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the question of "Red Biddy" drinking in Scotland is still under careful review; and whether he has anything further to report on this question?

As already stated, the matter is under careful review, and I am unable to add to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member last Tuesday.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, because of his previous reply to me, to have analysed a half bottle of red wine that I have here; whether he is aware that I obtained this red wine in a public house in Glasgow, that those who obtained it have assured me that it is really very bad, mentally and morally, for the people who take it, and whether he will have this 7d. bottle of concoction investigated or analysed for the benefit of the people?

I will do my best to have analysed any samples of food or drink presented to me by any Member, but I am afraid that there is no analyst's department attached to the Scottish Office, and I shall have to get facilities from some of the great cities of Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that there is in Glengorm, Mull, a population of about 40 people, including a number of children of school age; that there is no school nearer than Tobermory which is more than four miles distant; that, owing to the distance and weather conditions, it is impracticable for the children to attend school, who in consequence are not receiving education; and that all the education authority have done up till now is to suggest a conveyance or offer trivial sums to board out the children in Tobermory; and will he therefore have the existing school building in Glengorm opened anew and supplied with a teacher?

I am informed that transport to the Tobermory school has been arranged for the seven children in question; that all of them are taking advantage of this; and that no complaint has been made to the education authority as to these arrangements. The provision of schools for small groups of children in Highland areas is a matter of considerable difficulty, but I understand that the education authority are to consider this particular case further on 12th February.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the effect of mining subsidence in the area covered by the city of Stoke-on-Trent; and will an inquiry be made into it and financial provision made in the proposed Bill for dealing with mining royalties?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Leigh (Mr. Tinker) on 24th November last, of which I am sending him a copy.

Is the Minister aware of the strong feeling among industrialists that before any compensation is paid under the forthcoming Bill dealing with royalties, compensation should be paid for the damage done in industrial centres of this character?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the Government contemplate taking steps to secure that the maximum possible amount of oil be extracted from coal mined in Great Britain?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 8th December last to a question by the hon. Member for Houghton-le-Spring (Mr. W. Joseph Stewart).

In the answer which was given in December last there was no hope of anything being done. Will the Minister say to-day whether the Government are taking steps to set up a plant for the extraction of oil from coal?

I cannot say about that to-day, but if the hon. Member looks at the reply to which I have referred he will see the present position.

If the Minister cannot say anything to-day, can he tell us when he will be able to say anything?

Oh, no.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been drawn to the situation in Harworth mining village arising out of the struggle for union recognition; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take to secure the right of the miners to join their own union and to be represented by the accredited representatives of the union on matters affecting wages and working conditions at the pit?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I cannot at present add anything to the answer I gave to a question by the hon. Member for Workington (Mr. Cape) on 26th January.

Is the Minister aware that everyone who visits the village of Harworth is affected by the fact that very serious intimidation is being carried on against these miners, and that something should be done to protect them?

In view of the previous non-committal answers on this question, can the Minister make a statement to the House, if not to-day, at an early date, in view of the very serious implications of this dispute?

Is it true that 700 men at work have been grossly intimidated by those who do not want to work?

Is not the Minister aware that there is a possibility and a danger that, unless this dispute is settled, it may lead to a national strike, and will he not, therefore, take immediate steps to bring about a settlement?

As I said to the hon. Gentleman, I was in touch with the parties concerned, but I do not think the present occasion—if the House will be good enough to trust me in this matter—is a suitable one to make a statement.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has considered the report of the marine committee of the Coal Appliances Manufacturers Association on the subject of the use of coal in preference to oil for the propulsion of ships; and state what action he hopes to take in respect of the matter?

Yes, Sir. In the report referred to, the association claim that for certain classes of vessels, coal-fired steam-driven vessels using modem appliances have clear economic advantages over motor ships of the same size and speed. In view of the importance of the matter, both to the coal industry and to the other interests concerned, I have, with the approval of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, called a conference on 16th February of representatives of the shipping, shipbuilding, marine engineering and coal indusrties, and of certain other interested bodies, to discuss the report and consider whether, by co-operation between all the interests concerned, action can be taken to recover for coal a portion of the bunker trade which has been lost.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that Cyril Jobes, aged 14 years and seven months, was fatally injured at the Bentley colliery, Doncaster, on 21st January, and that the accident was due to a moving cage; whether the work upon which he was engaged was suitable for a boy of that age; and whether there was any breach of the Coal Mines Regulations?

Yes, Sir, I am aware of the circumstances of this distressing accident. I understand that the boy's normal work was that of an assistant pony driver, under competent supervision, and in my opinion this was suitable work for a boy. At the time of the accident, however, towards the end of the shift, he had finished his ordinary work and was assisting the onsetter in work which was quite unsuitable. This was done without the permission or knowledge of the responsible officials. I am satisfied that there was a breach of Regulations, and appropriate action has been taken.

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman really think that there is any suitable occupation for a boy of 14 in a coal-mine?

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of colliery undertakings closed down in Yorkshire and the number of workers affected since 1925?

Since 1st January, 1925, 106 pits in Yorkshire, employing 10 or more men each and in the aggregate 26,100 men, have been closed and not reopened.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that Westleigh colliery, employing 1,300 persons, has closed down recently; and what is the cause and if there is any prospect of it reopening?

I am informed that this colliery was closed owing to the expense of working it, but, as the pithead gear is not being dismantled nor the pit notified as abandoned, there is some prospect of it being reopened.

Did the colliery owners send any notification to the hon. and gallant Gentleman's Department before they closed down; and, if so, what steps did the Department take to advise them as to what course they should take?

I should have to have notice of that question.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the Wigan coalfield is following the same unhappy course as those of Durham and South Wales?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, when appointing an inquiry into any future explosion in the coal-mining industry, he will appoint as chairman a person not connected with either side in the industry or with the Mines Department?

This question arises out of the reports of inquiry into the Gresford Colliery disaster, and in view of the fact that, as announced yesterday, it has been decided to set aside a day for the House to discuss these reports, I hope to deal fully with this question in the course of the Debate.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the Government propose to introduce legislation this Session to provide a subsidy from national funds for assisting British coal sold in foreign markets?

This matter is still under consideration by the Government in consultation with representatives of the coal industry, and I can make no statement at present.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say when we are likely to have a statement on this matter?

No, Sir.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consult the Nottinghamshire coalowners, who made a profit of 2s. 7¼d. a ton last quarter, as to whether they will make a contribution?

Before a decision is reached, will the Government read carefully what the Samuel Report says on the subject of subsidies to the coal industry?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the decline in the quantity of British coal sold to Brazil; whether this is due wholly or in part to the action of the German Government in establishing a blocked currency known as compensation marks which, in effect, substantially reduces German prices below sterling prices; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure fair conditions of trade to the exporters of coal from this country to Brazil?

It is true that up till 1935 exports of United Kingdom coal to Brazil showed a considerable decline, largely due to German competition such as is described by the hon. Member, but I would point out that there was some measure of recovery in 1936, which it is to be hoped will continue. As regards the last part of the question. I am not aware of anything more which can be done at present by the Government to increase the export of British coal to Brazil.

In view of the fact that the districts in which coal is produced for export have been bearing the burden of maintaining this export trade for a number of years, will the Minister take some steps with a view to spreading the burden of the maintenance of that trade over a greater area?

That sounds like going back to a question which I have already answered.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the fact that in the Dominion of Canada last autumn German coal was sold at two dollars per ton less than Welsh anthracite, and that the imported German coal was sold as Welsh anthracite in violation of the Ottawa Agreement; and whether he will make representations on the matter to the Dominion Government?

I am aware that a quantity of German coal was imported into Canada last year at an exceptionally low price, the German exporters concerned having been able to make use of certain United States credits blocked in Germany; but I understand that, while the quantity involved was considerable, the transaction was an isolated one. With regard to the latter part of the question, I understand that this has been investigated by the Royal Commission recently set up by the Canadian Government, whose published report has not yet reached this country.

asked the Secretary for Mines upon whose instructions His Majesty's inspectors in the Swansea division have ceased to attend at the inquests held to inquire into the death of miners caused by silicosis, in view of Section 84 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911; and whether, as in the 12 months ended 31st December, 1936, 39 anthracite miners were certified by the Silicosis Medical Board to have died of the disease, His Majesty's inspectors will attend such inquests so as to be informed of the facts in these cases, and thus be in a better position to advise as to the steps necessary to prevent these deaths from silicosis?

His Majesty's inspectors make full inquiries into all cases of deaths of miners alleged to be due to silicosis, in order to study the causes and give advice on appropriate preventive measures. But experience has shown that the present methods of inquiry are more effective for these purposes than the attendance of inspectors at inquests, and I do not propose to revert to that arrangement, which ceased in August, 1935, on my instructions. I should add that Section 84 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, relates to accidents, and not to industrial diseases.

Does not a case of death from a notifiable industrial disease become a case of accident when it has been notified; does not the hon. and gallant Gentleman realise that the fact that inspectors have ceased to attend these inquests is taken by the men as an utter disregard by his Department of this very grave problem; and will he not, if only to satisfy the men themselves, who are gravely perturbed by this problem, which is one of the gravest problems in the industry, reverse his decision and ask the inspectors to attend?

I hope the hon. Member will disabuse anyone with whom he is in contact about that matter. My considered opinion is that this is the best method of getting all the necessary information, and I am not, therefore, prepared to alter the arrangement which has been come to so recently. The hon. Gentleman knows as well as I do that we feel great anxiety about silicosis, and will continue to do all that we can to deal with the problem.

May I ask what are these other methods that are being employed? The hon. and gallant Gentleman has said that the inspectors have ceased to attend inquests; might we be told what the methods are?

The chief medical inspector is in touch with the doctors in the various cases, and can get just as much if not more information than would be obtained by the personal attendance of an inspector at the inquest.

asked the Secretary for Mines the monthly output of coal, namely, the actual coal produced, at the Harworth colliery for the months November, December, and January, in the years 1935–36 and 1936–37, and the number of men actually employed below ground for the same period, together with the classification of the workmen?

With the permission of the owners of the colliery, Barber, Walker and Company, Limited, which is necessary under the provisions of Section 21 of the Mining Industry Act, 1920, I am in a position to give this information so far as it is available, and propose, as it involves a number of figures, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any information as to the number of natives owning a mining-claim licence in Southern Rhodesia or who are working mines to their own profit; and what are the conditions imposed on natives in regard to their qualifications for ownership?

I understand that natives who take out a prospecting licence can register mining claims in their own name and then work them for profit. No natives have registered claims, though some have taken out prospecting licences. There are, however, natives, the number of whom is unknown, washing for alluvial gold in native reserves under special grants issued in the name of the District Native Commissioner.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the proposal of the Pan-American Peace Conference that other countries should undertake an investigation into their capacity to absorb immigrants has been communicated to the Governments of His Majesty's Dominions; and whether any steps are being taken in this direction?

According to such information as is at my disposal, the resolution of the Inter-American Conference for the Maintenance of Peace, to which the hon. Member refers, relates to studies to be undertaken by the States members of the Pan-American Union as to their respective ability to receive immigrants, and does not concern the Governments of His Majesty's Dominions.

Do I understand that no communications have passed between the right hon. Gentleman and those Governments on the subject?

That is so.

asked the Prime Minister the number of civil servants engaged in the investigations concerning the dismissal of dockyard workers; the Departments to which they are or were attached; the number of hours expended in the investigation; the total expenditure involved; and upon which Vote will the expenditure be borne?

I do not think it would be practicable—nor would it serve any useful purpose—to work out the details for which the hon. Member asks.

asked the Lord President of the Council the number of seats to view the Coronation being erected by the Office of Works; what classes of persons are to occupy them; and who will be responsible for the letting and allocation?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Lord President of the Council yesterday to the hon. Member for Ealing (Sir F. Sanderson) and to the hon. Member for Southwark, Central (Mr. Day). The question of the allocation of these seats is now being considered by the Coronation Committee of the Privy Council.

asked the hon. Member for Ipswich, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, what catering arrangements are being made within the precincts of the Palace of Westminster for the convenience of Members on Coronation day?

Catering arrangements for the convenience of Members on Coronation day have not been finally settled, as the exact amount of accommodation that will be available is not yet definitely known. The committee, however, propose at present to serve breakfasts and also luncheons for a total of 900 Members and their guests to sit down at any one time, in all the usual dining-rooms and certain other public rooms. For these meals tickets will shortly be put on sale in the Members' dining-room. A buffet bar will also be installed in the Terrace smoking-room.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider providing the necessary amount in the forthcoming Estimates to provide for the salary of an under-secretary to assist the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence, and so allow the questions both of co-ordinating supplies and higher administration of the fighting services to be given greater attention?

My hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion has been noted, but I am advised that there is at present no need to supplement existing arrangements.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that parents of small means are finding themselves compelled to limit their families due to the high cost of rearing and educating children; and whether he will consider increasing the Income Tax allowance in respect to children in order to encourage larger families in that section of the community where it is most to be desired?

I cannot anticipate my Budget statement, but I may remind my hon. Friend that the allowances in respect of children were increased in both the 1935 and 1936 Budgets and are now higher than they ever have been in the history of the Income Tax.

Is it not a fact that the Government are gravely disturbed at the continued decline in the birth rate, and does not the Chancellor of the Exchequer consider that by increasing the Income Tax allotments even considerably in respect to children in order to encourage larger families in that section of the community to which my question refers—would be the most practical contribution the Government could make, and will he undertake to give this suggestion his most serious consideration?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the allowance he made in his last Budget was much more than offset by the fact that certain settlements were made illegal?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, while an Income Tax allowance is granted in respect of each child who is receiving full-time instruction at a school or other educational establishment, no allowance is granted in respect of the same child if he is apprenticed to a trade, even though a premium equivalent to an educational fee is charged in respect of his training in that trade; and whether he will consider extending the children's allowance to apprentices in all cases where a premium is paid?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. A proposal to extend the children allowance so as to cover the case of apprentices was fully debated on the Committee stage of last year's Finance Bill, but was not accepted. While I sympathise with the object of the proposal, I am afraid that, for the reasons which I gave on that occasion, I could not undertake to propose an amendment of the law on the lines suggested.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that there is no provision in the Income Tax Acts for relief in respect of the costs of demolition of property; and whether he will accordingly consider an alteration in the law?

The allowance of capital expenditure to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers would be contrary to the general principles underlying the scheme of the Income Tax; and in these circumstances I regret that I am unable to adopt his suggestion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is the Government's intention to complete the negotiations with the representatives of the royalty owners as to the amount to be paid on the acquisition of the royalties by the State; and whether, in that event, it will be permissible, when the Bill is introduced, to amend the amount agreed to between the Government and royalty owners?

Negotiations are still proceeding with the representatives of the coal royalty owners, and I hope that they may result in agreement; as regards the second part of the question, I must ask the hon. Member to await the introduction of the Bill.

Before the price is finally fixed will the right hon. Gentleman consult the workmen's representatives?

I am afraid I cannot give such an undertaking.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of revenue from Crown lands during 1936, giving separate figures in regard to the Duchy of Lancaster, the Duchy of Cornwall, and the other Crown lands in Great Britain?

The accounts of the revenues of the Duchy of Lancaster and of the Duchy of Cornwall for 1936 are not yet completed, but will be presented to Parliament, pursuant to Statute, in the near future. Crown lands net revenue for the financial year 1935–36 amounted to £1,367,772, and the estimate for the current financial year is £1,350,000.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consider the advisability of taking steps to introduce similar safeguards into the House of Commons Fair Wages Resolution as have been recently adopted by the London County Council for their fair wages clause, making it compulsory for council contractors to recognise fair conditions of employment in respect to all their employés and not merely to those employés engaged on the council contract?

On representations made by the General Council of the Trades Union Congress, the Government are already giving active consideration to this question.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman bear in mind that there are several respects in which the Fair Wages Resolution is not up-to-date, and will he consider the advisability of appointing a committee to look into the matter?

That raises a wider question than the one on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs particulars of the amount of assistance given by the Colonial Development Fund towards the measures taken to improve the health and economic conditions of the natives of the Bechuanaland Protectorate; and whether this sum is sufficient to provide for the establishment of new hospitals and the training of native nurses?

The total assistance from the Colonial Development Fund for schemes in the Bechuanaland Protectorate so far approved amounts to £92,228. This sum includes provision for three hospitals. A scheme for training native nurses in the three High Commission Territories has also been initiated as a result of a gener- ous grant of £10,000 from the Transvaal Chamber of Mines. In addition to this grant and the assistance from the Colonial Development Fund, the general administrative expenditure on medical services in the Protectorate has been substantially increased during the last few years.