asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a Glasgow firm, David Bennie and Sons, Petershill Road, have had to close a re-rolling mill because of the shortage of steel billets and that this is the second firm in Glasgow which has had to curtail operations because of the scarcity of material in the past two weeks; and, in view of the increased unemployment brought about by the closures, whether he will state what action the Government intend to take to increase the production of iron and steel so that it will be unnecessary for auxiliary industries to suspend workers because of the lack of materials?

I am informed that the British Iron and Steel Federation are in close touch with this firm regarding supplies of raw material, and that every effort is being made to maintain and increase supplies.

Why are the Government making no provision for a small firm like this, which has orders for 1,000 tons which must be delivered by 31st May, after which there will be a rise in the price of steel? If they have not the materials with which to complete those orders and the increase in price of steel takes place, what will then be the position of that firm?

As I said, the firm are in close touch with the Federation and I have no doubt that they will be dealing not only with present but with future needs.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Langloan Ironworks, Coatbridge, built at great cost and since reconstructed, have been acquired by a firm of ship-breakers for demolition for the purpose of selling the effects as scrap; that the sale includes six blast furnaces, which are also to be scrapped; and that negotiations are in progress for the destruction of other furnaces in Scotland; and what action the Government intend to take to prevent the demolition of furnaces, in view of the necessity for increased production of iron and steel because of the inability of the existing plants to meet the demands?

I am informed that the British Iron and Steel Federation are at present investigating the possibility of bringing further blast furnaces into operation in Scotland. Pending the result of these investigations, the blast furnaces at Langloan Ironworks, which have not been in operation since 1920, will not be dismantled.

Since this firm has now agreed to open some furnaces, why could this not have been done six months or 12 months ago? Are the Board of Trade so blind that they could not see the necessity for having some blast furnaces working in Scotland before now?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the tonnage of iron ore and other raw materials for the iron and steel industry imported to Glasgow from Spain since July, 1936, to the latest convenient date; and the tonnage of those materials imported to Glasgow from Spain for the 12 months prior to July, 1936?

During the eight months ended February, 1937, 48,000 tons of iron ore and concentrates consigned from Spain were imported into the port of Glasgow. Corresponding particulars of imports for the preceding 12 months are not available, but during the preceding six months they amounted to 17,000 tons. No iron and steel scrap and waste was imported into Glasgow from Spain during the period January, 1936, to February, 1937.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the difficulties experienced by British traders and commercial houses doing business with Germany owing to the various financial restrictions in force in that country; and will he give particulars of what steps have been taken or are in contemplation to assist British traders with Germany?

I would draw the attention of the hon. Member to the arrangements made in the Anglo-German Payments Agreement of 1934, for facilitating the export trade of this country.

Is it not a fact that traders are having considerable difficulty in getting payment at the present time from Germany?

Yes, Sir, but I am afraid that that is not peculiar to one country only.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether instructions will be issued respecting exporters of tinplate to Spain, so that they may know their position in relation to the disposal of sterling payments?

If the hon. Member has in mind the disposal of the sterling funds now in the hands of the Anglo-Spanish Clearing Office, I fear I can only say that this is a matter to which His Majesty's Government are giving attention, but it is impossible to make any further statement at present. If he has in mind sterling payment for current exports to Spain, exporters should make their own arrangements with the Spanish importers concerned for the provision of sterling.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for the answer, may I ask whether the existing Anglo-Spanish Agreement is to be suspended indefinitely?

I do not regard it as in suspense. The clearing office arrangements will be carried out, I hope, in due course.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the difficulties which have arisen in connection with agriculture and with certain manufacturing industries owing to the fact that Empire goods are admitted generally duty free and not on preferential terms, he will consider appointing a committee to inquire into the trade relationships of the United Kingdom with Empire countries?

No, Sir.

Will my right hon. Friend really consider that answer, having regard to the very profound anxiety which is felt not only in this House but throughout the country both in industry and in agriculture?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any recent communications have passed between His Majesty's Government and the Japanese Government with the object of securing, subject to the reservation of China's sovereign rights, a free field for all Powers wishing to trade in and with China?

No, Sir. This matter has not lately formed the subject of representations to the Japanese Government. His Majesty's Government are, however, satisfied that the Japanese Government are fully aware of their views on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with a view to the forthcoming visit of the economic mission from Japan, he will inaugurate discussions with representatives of the cotton and other industries, with a view to the promotion of agreements for each branch of industry concerned between the British exporting interests and the corresponding exporters' association in Japan for the voluntary regulation of exports?

I should welcome agreements of the kind to which the hon. Member refers; but any such proposals are matters for consideration in the first place by the industries concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is prepared to ask the Spindles Board to furnish him with a preliminary statistical statement of their operations to date?

No, Sir. I see no sufficient reason for the Spindles Board anticipating the report which they are by statute required to make.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that a large amount of English clay has recently been carried by Dutch coasting-vessels from Poole to the Potteries by way of the Welsh coast and the Mersey; and what steps are being taken by his Department with a view to transferring sea-carriage of this type to British coastal shipping?

My attention has not been called to this matter and from inquiries which have been made by the Board of Trade, it appears that my hon. Friend is under some misapprehension. The records of departures from Poole since the 1st July, 1936, of vessels in the coasting trade with cargoes of clay include only one departure under the Dutch flag, all the remainder being British. In these circumstances the second part of the question does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of persons for whom employment will be found at the Bridgend munitions factory when in full commission, and the proportion of labour from local Employment Exchanges, male and female, respectively?

The size and staff requirements of the Bridgend factory have not yet been settled but the greater part of the labour required will probably be obtained through local Employment Exchanges.

Can the Minister give an indication of the number of men who will be employed?

I am afraid that I cannot do so at present.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are taken to notify employers of labour of the training given to soldiers about to leave the service?

The Army vocational training centres are in touch with employers through an employment bureau maintained at each centre and through Employment Exchanges, the National Association for Employment of Regular Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen and Regimental Associations.

Will the Minister inform the Chamber of Commerce in Wolverhampton, because I was informed recently by individuals there that they were very much interested to know about this?

I shall be glad to take steps to do so. I should have read another paragraph of the answer to my hon. Friend. It is: Other means are adopted, as opportunities occur, to bring to the notice of employers generally the claims of ex-soldiers who have received vocational training.

Thank you very much.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men were discharged from the Army through sickness and ill-health during 1936; and how many of these receive or will receive, either pensions or some kind of financial assistance?

During 1936, 1,786 men were discharged from the Army and Army Reserve as invalids. I regret that the information asked for in the second part of the question is not available, but during the year referred to, 1,800 new applications for disability awards were preferred. Pensions, permanent and temporary, were awarded in 398 cases, and gratuities in 813 cases.

Is the Minister aware that there is disquiet in certain quarters that men who have been in the Army should have been discharged and secured no compensation whatsoever?

I should be very sorry if there were such disquiet, but if the hon. Member will bring any case to my knowledge I will certainly look into it.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of contracts for furniture and fitments placed by his Department last year; the total value of these contracts; and how much of that sum went to Scottish firms?

The number of contracts for furniture and fitments placed by the War Office during the year 1937 was 157. The total value of these contracts was £58,157, and the value of the contracts placed with Scottish firms was £3,136.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether in view of the general advantages of training and of encouraging the recruiting of officers for mechanised units, he will extend the period for which forage is allowed for a second horse beyond the beginning of April?

No, Sir. The whole matter was carefully considered in all its aspects, including those mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend, before a decision was taken, and I see no reason to reverse it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider reviewing this matter at a later period as a result of the experience gained?

I will consider it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the characetr and the approximate number of the Scottish documents now stored at Maid-stone gaol?

I understand that there are no public records stored at Maidstone Prison. The right hon. Member, perhaps, has in mind the branch repository of the Public Record Office at the old Canterbury Prison. This repository is used for the storage of modern departmental records and does not contain the records of any Scottish Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of cattle which have qualified for subsidy in Scotland were home-bred?

Precise figures are not available. In particular, I have no information as to the number of imported store cattle which are landed in England and Wales and subsequently certified for fat cattle subsidy in Scotland or vice versa. It is estimated, however, that in the years 1935 and 1936 about 68 per cent. of the animals certified for subsidy in Scotland were bred in the United Kingdom.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many store cattle were imported into Scotland in the years 1935 and 1936, respectively?

The numbers of store cattle landed at ports in Scotland from the whole of Ireland in the years 135 and 136 amounted to 218,000 and 203,000 respectively, of which 131,000 and 128,000 respectively originated in the Irish Free State. In the same years, 1,711 and 9,009 respectively of the Canadian cattle landed at ports in Scotland were licensed out to premises other than a slaughterhouse, but I am unable to say what proportion of these comprised store cattle for fattening. I regret that no particulars are available of store cattle landed at ports in England and Wales and subseqeuntly moved across the border into Scotland, or landed at ports in Scotland and moved into England and Wales.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is taking any steps, in conjunction with the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence, to assist the agricultural development of the Highlands of Scotland?

A sub-committee of the Scottish Economic Committee, with the co-operation of the Departments concerned, is engaged in a detailed examination of economic conditions in the Highlands and Islands and of the possibilities of improving and developing them. With regard to the connection between national defence and agricultural production in the country generally, I would refer to the reply given on 9th March to my hon. Friend the member for East Fife (Mr. Henderson Stewart) of which I am sending a copy to the hon. Member.

With regard to the first part of the answer, can the right hon. Gentleman indicate when he will receive a report on the whole question?

I am afraid that I cannot.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has received any recommendations or representations from the Scottish Development Council with regard to industry or new industries in Scotland; and, if so, what action has been taken?

I have received representations from the Economic Committee of the Scottish Development Council on the subject of industrial conditions in Scotland, with particular reference to the Special Areas, and I have had a number of meetings with their representatives. The discussions undertaken have been private and informal in character, and as the hon. Member will appreciate I am not in a position to make any statement in regard to them.

Can I have the assurance of the right hon. Gentleman that he considers the Development Council as a useful body to undertake development in Scotland?

Oh, Certainly.

Do the Development Council support the project for a carbide factory in the Highlands?

The Development Council indicated that it was very anxious to have that matter examined, and would certainly deprecate any turning down of it without examination.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total amount of poor relief paid in Scotland and Glasgow, respectively, for the years 1935 and 1936?

As the answer involves a tabular statement of figures I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform me briefly whether there was an increase in 1936?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the amount of loss upon the steel houses erected in Scotland to the latest ascertainable date?

I assume that the hon. Member's question relates to the 2,552 houses erected by the Second Scottish National Housing Company (Housing Trust) Limited. At 28th February, 1937, the approximate net loss since the inception of the company in 1926 amounted to £381,000.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any returns about the other houses besides those promoted by this company? What about those at Crianlarich about which he spoke in the Debate as being the great test?

I was asked about the houses erected in Scotland to the latest ascertainable date, and I thought the hon. Member would desire to know about the largest number of houses of which I could give him information.

Was not the production of these steel houses recommended by the right hon. Gentleman?

It was indeed, and 2,552 in Scotland are now living in decent houses who would not otherwise be doing so.

Does the right hon. Gentleman make himself responsible for the loss?

I take full responsibility for the loss.

Was it because of the failure of the Lord Weir houses that Lord Weir was asked to advise about the building of aircraft?

The hon. Member is quite in error in saying there was a failure of the Lord Weir houses.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements are being made in Scotland to enable school children to receive milk when they are absent from school in connection with the celebration of their Majesty's Coronation?

Where the necessary arrangements can be made locally for milk, which would normally be consumed in the schools, to be supplied to children assembled under proper supervision in connection with Coronation celebrations, such arrangements will be regarded as coming within the scope of the milk-in-schools scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to give any indication of the Government policy as the result of his active consideration of the plight of Scottish poultry farmers?

No, Sir; but as the hon. Member is aware the position of the industry as a whole is under continual review by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and myself. I have taken recent opportunities of discussing their particular problems with the bodies representing poultry farmers in Scotland.

If I were to repeat this question after Easter, does the right hon. Gentleman think the Government might have something hatched out by then?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government are going to take the first step of denouncing the trade agreements?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is taking any steps to ensure that the merits of the Highlands of Scotland as a suitable locality for the production of calcium carbide will be fully represented to the committee about to be set up by the Government to look into the problem?

The Committee's procedure cannot, of course, be settled until the Committee have been formerly appointed but the merits of the Highlands of Scotland as a suitable locality for the production of calcium carbide will be fully before the Committee.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that in a problem of this kind Scotland is very dependent on the watchfulness of the Scottish Office, especially when there is strong pressure from other localities?

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that representatives of the local councils affected by this scheme will have ample opportunities of making representations to the committee?

Anybody desiring to bring any scheme before the committee will naturally have the chance of doing so.

If as is stated in public now calcium carbide can be made at £7 a ton by steam will that claim be also considered?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is in a position to make any statement with regard to the representations made to him about the desirability of preserving houses which, though unfit, present features of architectural or historic interest?

I have considered the representations made to me by the Edinburgh Corporation on this matter, and I have now informed them that I shall be glad to consider giving assistance under the Acts of 1930 or 1935 for new houses in which a local authority may incorporate features of architectural, historic or artistic interest belonging to existing buildings on the site.

Does this apply to the houses to which the right hon. Gentleman referred this afternoon?

If they come under the rule which I have stated, certainly that would be so.

Does that mean that the old walls could be preserved?

Any case will be examined ad hoc and if it were thought desirable to preserve any feature such as an old wall it could be preserved under the ruling I have given.

May I take it that the duty of the committee will be to see that the needs of a modern community are first attended to?

asked the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that a man called Arthur Lipetz was arrested in Edinburgh in February, 1935, for alleged directory frauds; that he was not tried until December, 1936, and that an appeal to the High Court of Justiciary against the verdict at that latter date is not yet heard; and whether in the public interest, he can take any steps to have more expeditious hearings in similar cases?

As the answer is a long one and contains a number of dates and figures I propose, with the right hon. Gentleman's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

As this is the second case of long delay in trial for financial fraud, has the right hon. Gentleman satisfied himself that there are no others?

Yes, Sir. If the right hon. Gentleman will read the reply when it appears in the OFFICIAL REPORT, he will see that the suggestion in the latter part of his question is without foundation so far as this case is concerned.

Is it not a fact that the dates stated in the question are approximately true?

I think the right hon. Gentleman had better wait for the reply. The answer shows that on the first date mentioned in the question only one or two charges were made against this person, but subsequently something like 298 additional charges emerged.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that it is a regulation of one or more of the Scottish omnibus companies that conductresses must not take a seat but remain standing even throughout long journeys; and whether, in any action he may have to take in connection with the present omnibus dispute, he will seek to secure that the terms of settlement include the removal of this grievance and that suitable provision is made in this regard?

I have no doubt that in the negotiations which are to be resumed now that the stoppage of work has ended such matters as that referred to by the hon. Member will be taken into consideration.

asked the Minister of Labour the wages paid to omnibus and tramcar drivers, conductors, and conductresses, for a 48-hours week by municipal authorities in Scotland, and the comparative rates paid to similar classes of employés by private companies licensed for road transport services?

I am afraid that, having regard to the large number of agreements covering various undertakings, it is impossible to give the information desired by way of answer to a question. As the hon. Member is probably aware, negotiations are to be resumed in respect of a large group of undertakings, and I should prefer that he should seek information at the present juncture from the organisations concerned.

Is the right hon. Gentleman endeavouring to collect the information which would be a satisfactory answer to my question?

The Ministry of Labour is not a party to the present negotiations, and I prefer to say nothing which might prejudice a successful result.

The question has absolutely nothing to do with the present negotiations.

The facts as stated in the question have everything to do with the negotiations.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is his intention to establish an office in the city of Glasgow to deal with matters arising from the administration of the Trade Boards Act?

It is my intention to station a trade boards officer in Glasgow as soon as the necessary arrangements can be made.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to make any statement with regard to the discussions about the housing situation in Scotland in which he has recently been engaged?

Five meetings have been held with representatives of employers and operatives representing practically all the organisations in the building industry in Scotland, at the first three of which I was personally present. The subsequent meetings have been held under the chairmanship of an official of the Ministry of Labour. In the course of the series of meetings information has been placed before the building industry showing the approximate amount of public work (including houses, schools, hospitals, etc., and building for Defence requirements) that it is desired to carry out within the next few years. The representatives of the industry were asked to examine this information and consider whether the available supply of skilled labour in the different trades is sufficient to enable the various programmes to be carried out; and, if not, to make suggestions as to the methods by which the supply could be increased. I am glad to be able to say that the representatives of the industry have considered the question in a public-spirited manner and that they are prepared to make recommendations designed to secure such progressive increase in the number of skilled operatives as may be necessary, provided that assurances are given of reasonable continuity of employment.

Under the provisions of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1935, the Exchequer contributions at the present rates are payable fort houses completed by 31st March, 1938, and the question of the rates for the three years immediately following that date must be reviewed, in consultation with the Associations of Local Authorities, after 1st October of this year. In view of the importance to local authorities of knowing what their financial position will be after 31st March, 1938, I have been giving preliminary consideration to the question, and it is my present intention to submit proposals to Parliament at the appropriate time for the continuance of the present rates of Exchequer contributions under the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1930, and the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1935, for the three years beginning on 1st April, 1938, that is, to 31st March, 1941.

The Government are closely watching the position in regard to supplies and prices of materials, and will keep in touch with local authorities and producers in the matter. I am arranging for meetings with the Associations of Local Authorities to discuss the question of planning their building programmes so as to ensure the maximum degree of continuity of progress. A preliminary meeting was held in Edinburgh this morning. A further meeting with the representatives of the building industry is being held in Glasgow to-day. I have every reason to think that when the negotiations are concluded there will be made possible a marked improvement in the recent rate of house building by local authorities and that as further operatives become available, the rate can be progressively expanded.

May I ask whether this arrangement involves the abrogation of certain trade union rules, and, if so, whether the trade unions have agreed to it?

I do not think it involves the abrogation of trade union rules, and everything is being done in close cooperation with the operatives' union as well as with the employers.

Do we understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that the operatives asked for assurances of a reasonable continuity of employment, and are we to understand that that means a statutory guarantee or a mere verbal guarantee from a Secretary of State who may not be in office at the end of the period?

The guarantee we give is a guarantee, as I have explained, that we propose to extend the present rate of Exchequer contributions for the three years up to 31st March, 1941, which goes beyond the lifetime of the present Parliament.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question? I asked about reasonable guarantees of continuity of employment, and whether such guarantees were given verbally in 1924, and subsequently broken?

I do not think I can do more than say that the statutory guarantees are that the rates of assistance will be maintained over the lifetime of this present Parliament. I do not think there is any stronger statutory guarantee which can be given, bat if the right hon. Member has anything in mind I shall be glad to consider it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman making any representations to the local authorities that they should increase their building programme under these new provisions?

Yes, as I have said, we are arranging for a meeting with the association of local authorities to secure the maximum degree of continuity in house building, and a preliminary meeting on this subject was held in Edinburgh this morning.

May I ask whether the discussions have any regard to the employment situation after the rearmament programme has passed its peak?

All these things are taken into consideration by the building industry, when they are considering whether they can reasonably increase the housing programme.

asked the Minister of Health whether a final decision has been reached as to whether or not housing grants for slum clearance will be payable after 31st March, 1938; and whether only houses actually completed by that date will be eligible for Government grants?

Under Section 109 of the Housing Act, 1936, I am called on to review after 1st October, 1937, in consultation with the local authorities the Exchequer contributions payable for slum clearance and the abatement of overcrowding. The Section provides that contributions at the existing rates will be payable for houses completed by 31st March, 1938. Local authorities will soon be letting contracts for houses which will not be completed till after that date, and I have received a number of representations on the matter. The completion of slum clearance and the abatement of overcrowding are vital elements in the health services of the country. I am anxious to preserve continuity in this housing programme, and to avoid the disturbance which might result from a position of uncertainty. I have therefore given some preliminary consideration to the matter. I cannot under the Statute carry out my review or submit proposals to Parliament till after 1st October, 1937, and these proposals must be made in the light of the facts as they then exist. When I do submit proposals it is my intention to include among them provisions under which the now existing rates of Exchequer contribution will continue without alteration for houses built in replacement of unfit houses or for the abatement of overcrowding which are completed by 31st December, 1938.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can issue an up-to-date report on the operation of the central coal-selling schemes?

A report is now being prepared, and I hope to publish it within the next few weeks.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the successful conclusion of an international convention for the regulation of coke exports, he will take steps to initiate discussions among the coalowners of the same countries with a view to the concluding of a similar convention for the regulation of coal exports?

This is a matter for the trade itself, and I am sure that it is not being overlooked.

Does not the Minister regard it as being within his province to urge and initiate discussions of this kind?

No, Sir, I think it is primarily a matter for the trade.

Will the Minister say whether he himself regards an international convention as being desirable?

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of underground wage-earners on the colliery books on the latest date available, the comparative figures for 1936, 1935, and 1930, and the separate figures for West and South Yorkshire?

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 the number of persons employed at the coal mines of Yorkshire for the years ended 31st December, 1930, 1931, and 1936?

The hon. Member will find these figures in the answer which I gave on 26th January to the hon. Member for Doncaster (Mr. Short).

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give comparative figures showing the number of explosions in the British mining industry and the French mining industry, and the number of persons killed in such explosions during the last 15 years?

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate the available figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT. There may be some doubt whether the figures are strictly comparable, but they indicate that the French record in regard to explosions is proportionately so much better than our own that the French Gov-

asked the Minister of Labour the annual rent paid to the Brinscall, Chorley, Conservative Club for the use of part of their premises for Employment Exchange purposes; the rent paid for accommodation in the chapel vestry recently vacated; and whether he will accept a certificate from an architect as evidence to show that the chapel vestry referred to does not suffer from dry rot as alleged?

The weekly rental for the premises now occupied is 35s., and that for the previous premises 25s. As regards the last part of the question, I

Will the investigation include the effect upon accidents of reducing the hours of work?

In view of the fact that more money is paid for the same accommodation to the Tory club in Brinscall, and in view of the suspicion that surrounds this transaction, will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to go into the matter again and secure the alternative accommodation for this Exchange which is available in the district?

I do not accept any of those statements. As the House knows, the Office of Works gets for Government Departments the best available accommodation. I understand that the assembly room, which is attached to this club, and which is now used as an Exchange, is the only available suitable accommodation for the Exchange in this very small town.

Does the right hon. Gentleman seriously say that it is advisable to have an Employment Exchange connected with a Tory club at all?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to consider the desirability of amending the Standing Orders of the House by means of a rule under which a time limit may be imposed on individual Members addressing the House, in order to expedite the conduct of business and to provide an alternative to late sittings?

As the Prime Minister informed the right hon. Member last year, the procedure of this House was considered as recently as 1931 and 1932 by a Select Committee, and my right hon. Friend does not think any useful purpose would be served by a further inquiry. As was then pointed out, the question of a time limit to be imposed on the length of speeches has been considered many times, and no satisfactory remedy has been found. The matter was dealt with in evidence given before the Select Committee to which I have referred. The solution rests with hon. Members themselves, and, in this connection, I would respectfully recall remarks on the subject made on various occasions by Mr. Speaker.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in accordance with the proposals of the Royal Commission on the Private Manufacture of Arms, His Majesty's Government have prepared a plan for the conscription in time of war of all engineering establishments capable of producing arms and munitions or component parts of arms and munitions?

The Principal Supply Officers' Organisation of the Committee of Imperial Defence has amongst its duties the function of studying the economic, financial and other questions incidental to the turnover of industry, including the branch of industry mentioned by the hon. Member, to war production in time of emergency.

Is it not the case that the Committee have already started to interfere in the engineering industry?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the sum voted in the year 1936 to the National Library of Scotland was £3,198, and to the National Library of Wales £17,000; and whether he can indicate the reasons for this disparity?

£3,198 is merely the net provision on the Vote for 1936 for the National Library, Scotland, and excludes the provision made on other Votes in connection with that Library. As is stated on the first page of the Estimate for 1936 for the Library, the total expenditure in connection with this service is estimated at £15,077. The total charge on public funds is reduced by the income from the Endowment Fund of the Library, estimated at £5,017, which is appropriated in aid of the Vote. The difference between the expenditures of the two Libraries is thus materially less than is suggested by the right hon. Gentleman. Moreover, their position and activities are not identical, and for this reason the amounts of their expenditure are not strictly comparable.

Are the buildings the same? Do the Welsh people pay more for their buildings than the Scottish people pay?

The position is not comparable in a number of respects. I do not think I can explain it within the compass of a question and answer, but I shall be very glad to let the hon. Member know if he cares to come and see me.

Is the Endowment Fund from which assistance is given in Edin burgh, State-provided?

I think not, but I should like notice of that question.

Does the Financial Secretary say that something like £3,000 is provided from State funds in Scotland, as against the Welsh figure of £17,000?

I do not think the right hon. Gentleman heard me correctly. I said that the total expenditure on the Scottish Library was approximately £15,000, and the Endowment Fund £5,000.

Do the Welsh people require more education?

Does it not depend upon the way in which it is used?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the reason why the Treasury are not prepared to take over property in payment of death duties at the value which they themselves have placed upon it?

My hon. Friend will appreciate that what the State requires for the purpose of meeting its annual cash expenditure is a cash receipt. I may add that a proposal of this kind was the subject of debate in this House on 8th June, 1932, upon an Amendment moved to the Finance Bill of that year, when it was negatived without a Division.

Is it not the fact that, if the Treasury knew that they would have to accept properties at the valuation which they themselves put upon them, the valuations would be very much lower; and is it not hard on the individual to insist of his paying cash when the Treasury know that the property in question will not realise the cash which they demand?

Would the Financial Secretary also consider whether he could take over land in payment of Death Duties at the value which the owners put on that land in the valuation roll?

The answer to both supplementary questions is that it is money that we want, in cash.

Is it not cash that the individual has to find, also?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether the policy of the Government to require certain limitations of the holding of foreign securities in the case of investment trust companies extends also to other companies, firms, and persons; and whether he will state the nature of the considerations which influence the Government in this matter;

(2) whether the recent communication of the chairman of the Foreign Transactions Advisory Committee to the chairman of the Association of Investment Trust Companies, with regard to the limitation of foreign investments, applied exclusively to investment trust companies which were proposing to make new issues, or whether it had reference to the holding by investment trust companies of foreign securities generally?

The policy of His Majesty's Government is that any proposal belonging to certain defined types should be submitted to the Foreign Transactions (Advisory) Committee for examination, whether it originates with an investment trust company or any other company, firm, or person. To avoid misunderstanding I will repeat the various types of proposal; they are (i) financing on behalf of foreign Governments, States or other public authorities, (ii) offers of share or loan capital to the public which involve the remittance of funds directly or indirectly to any country outside the British Empire, (iii) offers (involving such remittances) made otherwise than to the public in respect of which permission to deal may be sought from the Stock Exchange, and (iv) the acquisition from foreign holders of large blocks of securities, including securities dealt with on the London Stock Exchange, with a view to their sale in this country either by an issue to the public or otherwise.

Proposals for raising capital which would or might be employed for the purchase of foreign securities fall under the second or third of these heads. Such proposals in the absence of special circumstances would not ordinarily be accepted, but I understand that applications made by investment trust companies to the committee are likely to be given favourable consideration by them provided that they receive such assurances as they require on the lines mentioned in the reply given to my hon. Friend on 16th March by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. My right hon. Friend regrets that even this degree of interference with the affairs of investment trust companies should be necessary, but lie cannot see how any further concession could be made to them consistently with the general policy of His Majesty's Government. The reasons for that policy were explained to the House on 7th April last, and he considers that they are still valid.

Is that reply intended to define the limits of Government policy in the matter, and will my right hon. Friend give me a specific answer to Question 51?

Only applications connected with the raising of new capital come before the committee. In regard to my hon. Friend's first supplementary, the answer that I have given is intended to define the way in which Government policy is applied.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of profits of breweries as computed for Income Tax purposes, less the amounts allowed for wear and tear of machinery and plant; and including profits arising from the carrying on of any trade ancillary to the main business, for the Income Tax years 1934–35 and 1935–36?

The profits of brewing concerns for the accounting years ended in the Income Tax years 1934–35 and 1935–36 are estimated at £23,000,000 and £26,000,000 respectively, after allowance for wear and tear of plant and machinery, but including profits arising from trade ancillary to the main business.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the approximate number of workmen that have been displaced by machinery in our principal industries in the last 10 years; and, if no statistics are available, whether he will institute an inquiry into the matter?