asked the Minister of Agriculture (1) how many milk producers have been served with High Court writs since the operation of the Milk Board;

I am informed by the Milk Marketing Board that since the inception of the Milk Marketing Scheme proceedings against registered producers, who number approximately 149,000, for the recovery of moneys due to the board have been taken in approximately 8,200 cases in the county court, and in 450 cases in the High Court. The board further inform me that in more than half of the cases a settlement was effected before the hearing.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state the total output of milk in Great Britain for the year prior to the establishment of the Milk Marketing Board and the output for each succeeding year, the liquid sales for each year and the quantities diverted to manufacture, and the average price in each case; and the amount of subsidy paid each year since 1934?

The estimated total quantities of milk produced in Great Britain in the years 1932–33 to 1935–36, excluding milk fed to livestock of which no particulars are available, are as follow:

	Million gallons.
1932–33 (1st June-31st May)	1,517
1933–34 (1st June-31st May)	1,551
1934–35 (1st June-31st May)	1,570
1935–36 (1st June-31st May)	1,587

These estimates are based on the assumption that the average lactation yield has remained unchanged since 1930–31, which is the latest year for which such information is available.The following table shows the quantities of milk sold under milk marketing schemes for liquid consumption and for

			Liquid consumption.		Manufacture.
Year (1st October— 30th September).			Quantity sold.	Weighted average annual wholesale price.	Quantity sold.	Weighted average annual price.*
			(Thousand gallons.)	(Pence per gallon.)	(Thousand gallons.)	(Pence per gallon.)
1933–34(a)	…	…	692,511	13·96	246,158	5·47
1934–35	…	…	745,530	14·97	361,272	5·59
1935–36(b)	…	…	748,844	15·11	410,792	5·50
* Including advances under Milk Acts, 1934 and 1936.

(

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many milk producers have gone into bankruptcy since the Milk Board started?

Bankruptcy returns are not maintained in respect of milk producers, as this business is not easily separable from other agricultural activities, and I regret, therefore, that the information desired by the hon. Member is not available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has in view the manufacture, and the weighted average prices. I regret that comparable figures are not available in respect of the year 1932–33:introduction of legislation which would provide for the marking of cold-stored eggs; and if he proposes any amendment of the existing law to increase penalties for the removal of marks from imported eggs?

It is already necessary for British cold stored eggs to be suitably marked before removal from cold storage. The question of the practicability of requiring foreign cold stored eggs to be suitably marked is under consideration, as is also the point raised in the last part of my hon. Friend's question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the continuing high price of potatoes; and whether he will at once consider the question of suspending the duty on imported potatoes?

Supplies and prices of potatoes are kept under constant review. I would, however, point out that for most varieties, average wholesale and retail prices are slightly lower than a year ago. The question of suspending the duty is a matter, in the first instance, for the Import Duties Advisory Committee.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the approximate total of expenditure from national funds during 1935–36, and the proposed estimated total for 1936–37, in respect of development works and all subsidies and financial assistance to all branches of industry, agriculture, slum clearance, telephone development, and Special Areas, including and indicating

Statement of expenditure from national funds on development work, etc., as specified below.
Service.	Expenditure, 1935–36 (actual).	Expenditure, 1936–37 (estimated).
	£	£
1. Grants to Public Utility Companies under Part I of the Development (Loan Guarantees and Grants) Act, 1939.	935,000	870,000
2. Slum Clearance	1,237,000	1,960,000
3. Other housing grants	15,001,000	14,898,000
4. Commissioners for the Special Areas	690,000	3,850,000
5. Grants in respect of Employment Schemes (Part II of Development, etc., Act, 1929).	4,179,000	4,100,000
6. Rural Water Supply Grants	120,000	395,000
7. Expenditure by Office of Works on New Works, etc.	707,000	1,026,000
8. Transference, Training, etc.	1,103,000	2,200,000
9. Agricultural Development and Subsidies including Land Settlement:—
(a) Grants	9,969,000	10,884,000
(b) Loans	7,000	—
10. Forestry	450,000	700,000
11. Fishery Development, including the Herring Industry:—
(a) Grants	65,000	136,000
(b) Loans	6,000	18,000
12. Tramp Shipping Subsidy	1,989,000	1,990,000
13. Ships replacement Loans (Repayable advances)	496,000	3,053,000
14. Grants by Department of Scientific and Industrial Research to Research Associations.	107,000	123,000
15. Grants by Board of Trade to British Standards Institution	3,000	3,000
16. Civil Aviation Subsidies	325,000	291,000
17. Light Horse Breeding	5,000	5,000
18. Mechanical Transport Subsidy	200	120
19. Grants to Unemployment Fund for Transitional Payments	198,000	20,000
20. Unemployment Assistance Allowances	45,011,000	45,000,000
21. Grants to Public Assistance Authorities	6,083,000	5,294,000
22. Road Fund Grants	19,087,000	22,994,000
23. Postal and Telephone Loan Expenditure	10,477,000	13,630,000
24. Advances to Cunard-White Star Company	1,536,000	400,000
	119,786,200	133,840,120

Of the above items, 1 to 12 and 14 to 21 are met out of moneys provided by Parliament, and with the exception of a proportion of the expenditure under items 7 and 8 which is recovered from the Unemployment Insurance Fund, they fall directly upon the Budget. The amount recoverable from the fund in respect of the two items mentioned may be estimated at £474,000 in 1935–36 and £647,000 in 1936–37. The net total charge on voted moneys for the items specified therefore is £87,716,200 in 1935–36 and £93,166,120 in 1936–37.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the net revenue derived from the amount of financial aid, other than insurance, for unemployed?

The total as shown in the following table is approximately £134 millions in 1936–37 as compared, with £120 millions in 1935–36.tobacco importation for the year ending at the latest convenient date?

The approximate net amount of revenue derived from imported tobacco during the year ended 31st December, 1936, was £77,770,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Government propose to introduce legislation to give men and women equal pay for equal work in the Civil Service and thus set an example for private firms?

The policy underlying the general practice of differentiating in the pay of men and women civil servants in the same grade was explained at length by the Prime Minister during the course of the Debate on 6th April last. No change in this policy is contemplated.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much money has been

Year.		Expenditure on research carried out by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in its own Stations and Laboratories.	Payments made to Industrial Research Associations for work carried out on behalf of the Department.	Payments made by the Department for Research carried out on its behalf in University and other Laboratories outside the Department.	Total.
		£	£	£	£
1926	…	84,211	2,275	5,302	91,788
1927	…	84,034	2,550	4,925	91,509
1928	…	74,641	2,275	5,778	82,694
1929	…	83,001	2,700	4,367	90,068
1930	…	87,590	2,962	2,233	92,785
1931	…	81,697	3,572	3,327	88,596
1932	…	85,453	2,430	1,854	89,737
1933	…	81,808	2,430	1,860	86,098
1934	…	84,780	2,388	1,882	89,050
1935	…	87,892	1,693	2,124	91,709
1936	…	95,483	1,530	2,522	99,535

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what grounds the lessors of stands, charging money for admission on Coronation day, are to be relieved of Entertainments Duty?

Royal processions are not entertainments within the meaning of the Finance (New Duties) Act, 1916.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what duty is payable on Shetland ponies exported from Great Britain to Belgium and Holland; what was the number and total value of Shetland ponies so exported during the last 12 months for which statistics are available; and what was the amount of duty paid thereon?

The rate of duty payable on Shetland ponies imported into the Netherlands is 12.5 florins per head and on those imported into Belgium 172.5 francs per head. During the year I936, 159 Shetland ponies were exported from expended by the Treasury in each year since 1926 for research purposes in connection with the utilisation of coal, and to whom moneys have been paid?

The information asked for by the hon. Member is given in the sub-joined statement. The whole of this expenditure has been borne on the Vote of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.Great Britain to the Netherlands and 15 to Belgium. The exact value of these ponies is not known, but they were, for the most part, valued at from £5 to £10 per head. I have no information as to the amount of import duty actually paid thereon.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet taken measures for the denunciation of the trade agreements with foreign countries, with the object of the introduction of an additional tariff upon eggs now imported under the low-tariff provisions of existing agreements?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given to the hon. and gallant Members for New Forest and Christchurch (Major Mills) and for Tiverton (Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte) on 16th February.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there are any international political considerations which prevent the elimination or revision of the policy pursued by this country of granting most-favoured-nation treatment to foreign countries?

So far as I am aware, the only international political consideration involved is the fact that the most-favoured-nation policy of His Majesty's Government is the one best calculated, in their view, to promote international trade and the stability and harmony of commercial relations. Both these are necessary factors in a policy of international appeasement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the increase in the price of block tin; and whether, in view of the addition to the cost of manufacturing tinplates consequent upon these soaring prices, he will call for action by the Tin Control Scheme to prevent the infliction of this burden upon this important industry in the special area of South Wales?

The International Tin Committee on the 12th March increased the quota for the April to June quarter of this year to 110 per cent. of standard tonnages. They have the position under constant review and I understand that they are holding a further meeting on Thursday next, the 18th March. A representative of United Kingdom consumers is on the Consumers' Panel of the Committee and attends the meetings.

asked the Minister of Health when he intends to introduce a Bill to bring into health insurance young persons on entry into employment; whether he has now come to an agreement with the medical profession as to panel fees in respect of such persons; and, if so, what is the amount agreed upon?

My right hon. Friend cannot say at present when this Bill will be introduced. The question of the doctors' fees for the young persons referred to has become bound up with the larger question whether the fees now paid for all insured persons call for revision, by way of increase or decrease, and my right hon. Friend has agreed with the suggestion of the medical profession that the whole matter should be referred to an independent Court of Inquiry.

asked the Minister of Health if he will state, for the years 1935 and 1936, respectively, the number of medical practitioners undertaking National Health Insurance work in this country; and the total amounts paid for such services out of National Health Insurance funds?

The numbers of medical practitioners under agreement with Insurance Committees in England and Wales in 1935 and 1936 were 16,552 and 16,700 respectively, and the total amounts paid to them from National Health Insurance Funds in respect of those years were £7,345,338 and £7,728,000. The last-named figure is approximate, as the returns of expenditure are not yet complete.

asked the Minister of Health how many cases of diphtheria have been recorded in Huddersfield in children who have been immunised against that disease; and whether there have been any deaths in immunised children during the period in which immunisation has been practised?

I have been in communication with the local authority and the following is the information which they have furnished on this subject:Approximately 50 per cent. of the children of Huddersfield have been immunised to protect them against diphtheria. During the past four years amongst the 50 per cent. not treated by immunisation there were 1,138 cases of diphtheria resulting in 133 deaths. During the same period amongst the 50 per cent. treated by immunisation there were 40 cases of diphtheria resulting in one death. The one death referred to above is the only instance in which a death has occurred in a child who had been immunised.

asked the Minister of Health how many deaths following or caused by vaccination have been reported since 1st January, 1937; in how many of these were inquests held; and what were the verdicts of the inquests?

I have information of three such deaths. Inquests were held in each case, and I am informed that the verdicts were "broncho-pneumonia, post-vaccinal encephalitis," "generalised vaccinia" and "cerebral thrombosis following vaccination," respectively.

asked the Minister of Health how many death certificates were registered during the year 1936 on which the words vaccinia or vaccination appeared; and what were the ages of the persons to whom the certificates applied?

Four such deaths were registered during 1936. The ages of the persons to whom the certificates applied were four weeks, four months, 10 years and 26 years, respectively.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the number of occupational, industrial, and company schemes for superannuation and old-age pensions now in operation; the number of insured workers under such schemes; and the total number of employees affected?

There are no comprehensive statistics available as to the extent to which provision exists for the superannuation of employed persons. Figures are, however, available as to certain special groups, such as the Civil Service, the Forces of the Crown, Police, Teachers and employees of local authorities and certain statutory companies, and I should be pleased to supply the hon. Member with these if he so desires.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state the number of applications from widows of ex-service men who were in their lifetime in receipt of a disability pension, but who failed to obtain widows' pensions from the Ministry of Pensions, and who subsequently applied for widows' pensions under the Old Age, Widows' and Orphans' Act during the year 1936?

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Minister of Transport what has been the approximate total expenditure of parties on counsel and other assistance in cases which have come before the Traffic Commissioners since they were set up?

As I have no power to ask parties to disclose to me what they pay to their legal or other advisers, I am not in a position to answer my hon. Friend's question.

asked the Postmaster-General whether any delay is being experienced in the Post Office expansion programme owing to shortage of material due to the rearmament programme?

No such delay has been experienced.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many Government contracts are held by Cowasjee and Sons. Karachi, in the provinces of Sind, Bombay, Bengal and the Punjab; whether such contracts were granted after the receipt of competitive tenders; and, if so, were the tenders opened in the presence of all contractors?

I regret that I have no information.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any negotiations are now proceeding with the Congress party in those provinces where they have secured a majority in the elections in order to ensure satisfactory co-operation?

I have no doubt that conversations are proceeding with leaders of the successful parties in the various Provinces, on the subject of the formation of Ministries, in accordance with the terms of the new Constitution approved by Parliament.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will state the number of accidents during the last five years in the Jharia coalfield; whether the mines are regularly inspected; the number of inspectors employed; and the number of rescue brigades and equipment provided for use in the case of fire or explosion in the coalfield?

The figures for fatal accidents are as follow:

1931	80
1932	66
1933	61
1934	56
1935	74

Figures for 1936 are not yet available. All the mines are inspected each year, many of them several times during each year. Since these are included in the general area which the inspectors visit, I am unable to say how many are employed in the Jharia coalfield alone. Nor have I any information as to the number of rescue brigades and equipment provided.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can make a statement with regard to the present position of the Indian States in relation to the Federal Constitution?

My Noble Friend is informed that His Excellency the Viceroy has now received the report of the political officers who were commissioned to visit the States for the purpose stated in my reply on 23rd November last to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Wycombe and that this is being studied by the Government of India with a view to the early initiation of negotiations for accession.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement on the special meeting of the Assembly of the League of Nations at which the application of Egypt for mem- bership will be considered; and whether the Dominions, or any of them, are joining in the invitation to Egypt to make their application?

On 11th March a communication was addressed to the Secretary-General of the League of Nations proposing, in the name of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, the convocation of a special session of the Assembly for the consideration of Egypt's application for membership. It was at the same time suggested that a suitable date might be found about the time of the May Council meeting. As regards the second part of the question, His Majesty's Governments in the Commonwealth of Australia, New Zealand and the Union of South Africa have each addressed invitations to the Egyptian Government to apply for membership.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he would welcome the setting up by the Council of the League of Nations of an international commission to study the question of the free distribution of raw materials, and especially that the United States of America should have a place on the commission; and what action he is prepared to take in this matter?

The hon. Member will be aware that a committee of experts has been set up by the League of Nations to discuss the question of equal commercial access to raw materials, and that this committee held its first meeting on 8th March. The committee includes an expert from the United States of America.

asked the Sectary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will represent to the Chinese Government that, in order to prevent the removal of assets otherwise available to British subjects as security for the payment of mortgage debts, where judgment has been given in favour of a mortgagee in the court of first instance, a receiver of rents should be appointed to take custody of the income from the mortgaged property pending execution of judgment or appeal?

I understand that in order to afford greater protection to creditors the Chinese courts have been instructed by the Ministry of Judicial Administration in the sense that applications by mortgagees for the sale of mortgaged property should be granted forthwith, no final judgment being necessary in this connection. As regards representations to the Chinese Government, the position is as stated in the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for North Dorset (Sir C. Hanbury) on 8th March.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Japanese transport companies in North China are openly touting for business from the Tientsin merchants stating that they can import goods via Dairen and the Chitung district at a saving of 75 per cent. of the normal import duty which would be levied if the goods were passed through the Chinese customs; and whether he will take steps to secure British merchants from the effects of this illicit trade?

My attention has been drawn to a report to this effect in the Press. As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, His Majesty's Ambassador in Tokyo has, on several occasions, made representations to the Japanese Government on the general question of smuggling, and they are fully aware of the interest which His Majesty's Government take in this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement regarding the recent bombing by British aeroplanes of the Al Giaber tribe, belonging to the Arab emir in the Persian Gulf, for refusing to pay fines imposed by the British Government; and how many were killed or injured?

I have been asked to reply. An officer of the Royal Engineers who was recently travelling to inspect a road in the hinterland of the Aden Protectorate was fired upon at close range by a party of marauding tribesmen and two of his companions were wounded. The section of the tribe which was found guilty was ordered to pay an indemnity in kind. As they failed to comply with this order, punitive air action was taken after the usual full warning. Bombing ceased as soon as it was indicated that the fine would be paid, and it has not been reported that any persons were killed or injured. Punitive action of this kind is taken as a police measure. As on similar previous occasions long warning was given, and action is directed solely to the destruction of houses.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what compensation, if any, will be paid to the British lighthouse keepers in the Red Sea who are to be compulsorily retired from the service this year?

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the British lighthouse keepers in the service of the Egyptian Government. These lighthouse keepers are retiring normally at the expiration of their contracts. Consequently the question of compensation does not arise.