asked the Minister of Labour the number of able-bodied unemployed in the administrative county of Durham and the boroughs of Sunderland and South Shields taken over by the Unemployment Assistance Board on the appointed day, and the number left chargeable to the public assistance authorities?

As the answer includes a table of figures, I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour whether unemployed persons in receipt of statutory benefit and supplementary grants from the Unemployment Assistance Board will receive in addition the special Coronation allowance from the Unemployment Assistance Board?

Yes, Sir.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that these partial payments to those on statutory benefit will cause dissatisfaction?

That is another question.

asked the Minister of Labour what rate of interest is now being paid on the interest of the funded debt of the Unemployment Fund; what rate of interest is being obtained on the current balance of the fund; and what annual saving would result if this balance were used to pay off an equal amount of the funded debt?

The current rate of interest on the outstanding debt of the Unemployment Fund averages about 3⅙ per cent. As from October, 1938, the rate will be 3⅛ per cent. At 24th April, 1937, the balance on the General Account of the Unemployment Fund was about £44,000,000, and in order that it may be readily available, if required, it is invested in short term securities on which the rate of interest averages about 1⅔ per cent. If this balance were applied to the reduction of the outstanding debt there would be no consequent reduction in the present charges on the Unemployment Fund, since the annual payments of £5,000,000 now made in respect of principal and interest would in accordance with the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1935, have to be continued without reduction, although of course for a smaller number of years. The balance cannot be applied to the reduction of debt without a recommendation from the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee to that effect and I would remind my hon. Friend of the remarks made by the committee on this subject in their last report.

Is it very good business to borrow money at twice the rates at which you lend money?

The hon. Member will realise that his supplementary question does not give an accurate account of the proceedings. This money was borrowed at different periods and in very different circumstances.

asked the Minister of Labour the cause of the continued high level of unemployment which was 42.7 per cent. at the end of March of persons recorded, belonging to the public works contracting industry?

The high rate of unemployment among insured persons recorded as belonging to this industry is mainly due to the fact that large numbers of unemployed workers from other depressed industries were temporarily engaged on public works set in hand for the relief of unemployment during the years 1930–32, and have not since found employment in some other industry. I may point out that the numbers actually in employment in the public works contracting industry are now considerably greater than in 1929.

Are these men concentrated in a few parts of the country, or are they distributed?

They are distributed very widely.

Is it the policy of the Government to discourage public works of this kind?

That is much too general a question to be answered now.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons registered as unemployed at the last convenient date; the number of persons who were directly or indirectly employed at that date on any schemes initiated by the present Government; and what further proposals he intends making with a view further to mitigate unemployment?

The number of persons registered as unemployed, including temporarily stopped and casual workers, on 15th March was 1,601,201. As regards the second and third parts of the question, the policy of the Government has been to promote the general revival of industry; the effectiveness of this policy is evidenced by the fact that since September, 1931, the number of unemployed has fallen by 1,223,571 and the number of insured persons in employment has increased by 1,904,000.

Are there any special schemes for the employment of these men?

That is an entirely separate matter, and if the hon. Gentleman will put his question down, I will endeavour to give him the information he wants.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider a scheme for training unemployed men in the South Wales Special Area in order that they may be fitted for work in the new industries which are to be established on the Treforest training estate?

A site for a training centre is being obtained on the Treforest estate. Another centre will shortly be opened at Oakdale, near Newport, Mon. At these centres, in addition to medical, dental and optical treatment, local men will receive preliminary training which should enable them to re-enter employment either locally or in other parts of the country. I anticipate that the training at these centres, which is designed to impart in a period of three months a factory sense and some knowledge of factory methods, will prove of real value to new industries being established in the district.

How many unemployed men are there to be catered for in the immediate future, say in the next six months?

I would like notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the rivet-heaters who are at present unemployed through the strike at Greenock and Port Glasgow and elsewhere on the Clyde have received no assistance, though the majority of them are married men with families; and whether he has any statement to make on the situation?

The only cases of which I have information are those in which rivet-heaters are themselves on strike and accordingly neither unemployment benefit nor unemployment assistance is payable to rivet-heaters unemployed at the works concerned. If the hon. Member has any other cases in mind. I should be glad if he would give me particulars and I will make inquiries.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some eight of these rivet-heaters were received into the poor house at Greenock on Monday and four on Tuesday, and that on Tuesday some 20 applications for admission to the institution were refused?

That may, of course, be so. If the hon. Gentleman wants to discuss the matter with me I shall be very glad to do so. The law is clear on the matter, and has been clear from the beginning of the Acts.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) how many unemployed persons have been found work in connection with the new munition works at Euxton, Chorley, through the employment exchanges at Aspull, Black-rod, Hindley, and Westhoughton, respectively?

I am having inquiries made immediately and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that these Government contractors in Chorley have been advertising in Irish newspapers for Irish labour? Is it not possible to insert a Clause in Government contracts to compel contractors to use the Employment Exchanges in the vicinity?

I am glad that the hon. Gentleman has called my attention to this matter, but I have taken certain action with regard to it.

asked the Minister of Labour which countries have ratified the convention adopted by the International Labour Conference, 1935, laying down the principle of a 40-hour week?

According to the latest information available, the Forty-hour Week Convention, 1935, has not been ratified by any country.

Is this country likely to ratify the convention?

The view of the Government has been stated twice at Geneva.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the return of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry from the Washington Conference, he will state the attitude taken by His Majesty's Government to the proposal of a 40-hour week for the textile industry at the said conference?

The purpose of the conference at Washington was not to define the attitude of Governments towards the proposal for a 40-hour week for the textile industry, but to examine those aspects of the industry which might bear upon the improvement of social conditions of the workers employed therein. As soon as the report of the Washington Conference is received I will make it available to hon. Members. In the meantime I take this opportunity of saying that there is no foundation whatever for the report which appeared in certain newspapers to the effect that my hon. and gallant Friend the Parliamentary Secretary made a statement as to the policy of the Government with regard to a 40-hour week for the textile industry.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his answer, may I say that I am glad he has cleared this matter up?

I certainly am glad, as I was quite sure the hon. Gentleman would be, too.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make available not only the report of the Washington Conference, but also the text of the speech of the Parliamentary Secretary?

I will do that, because there was no foundation whatever for the statement made. The House knows that Transatlantic journalism is a very peculiar product.

Do we understand that the Government are in favour of a 40-hour week in the textile industry?

That is another issue, which does not arise now.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received from the Scottish Bankers' Association details in support of the charges made by the association against the Union Bank of Scotland of the use of methods of intimidation by the bank against their employés to prevent these employés exercising their legitimate right of collective bargaining; and what steps he intends to take in the matter?

No, Sir.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman know that these notices have been issued and become operative tomorrow, and that heavy overdraft charges will be involved to the Glasgow Corporation? In view of the dislocation that will be caused to the district generally, will not the right hon. Gentleman intervene now?

The hon. Gentleman asked me a particular question, and I gave him an answer. I have received from three members a long telegram in general terms, but I have not yet received the evidence.

In view of the further evidence which I. have given the right hon. Gentleman that notices have been tendered and will become operative to-morrow, which may result in the industry becoming derelict, will he not intervene?

Is the right hon. Gentleman giving his mind to the inconvenience which a stoppage in this industry will cause to the shopkeeping community?

The Ministry of Labour keeps itself informed constantly on these matters.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the present position regarding the inhabitants of the island of Soay; and whether he has any statement to make regarding the requests put forward to him on their behalf?

According to my information there is no unrelieved distress on the island of Soay. There does appear to be need, however, of telegraphic communication with Skye and the Departments concerned are conferring with the district council with regard to a wireless link between Soay and Skye or the mainland.

Can the Under-Secretary say what is the state of health of the inhabitants of the Island of Soay? Quite recently it was stated to be very bad indeed.

We have no reason to accept that statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether it is proposed to hold any parades of ex-service men in connection with the Royal visit to Scotland in July?

The detailed arrangements for the Coronation visit to Scotland by the King and Queen are at present under consideration and I regret that I am not in a position to add to the announcements already made. I understand, however, that it is hoped that ex-service men will take part in the ceremonies which will mark Their Majesties arrival in Edinburgh on 5th July.

Will the Minister consider arranging a parade of the unemployed?

asked the Lord Advocate whether he has considered the charges for transcripts of shorthand notes taken in the Supreme Court of England, namely, 10d. a folio for the first copy and 2d. a folio for all other copies; whether he is aware that the corresponding charges in Scotland are much higher, as are also similar charges for transcripts in the sheriff courts in Scotland; and whether he proposes to take any and, if so, what steps to secure equally favourable treatment for litigants in the Scottish courts?

It is the case that the charges for transcripts of shorthand notes proposed in the report of the committee recently set up by the Lord Chancellor are lower than those prescribed by Act of Sederunt in Scotland. As was indicated in answer to a question by the hon. and learned Member on 6th April, the position is being watched in the light of experimental changes which are being made in England: but I am at present unable to say what changes, if any, may be feasible in Scotland.

Can the Under-Secretary say when we may be able to get information on this very important subject?

I cannot say.

asked the Lord Advocate whether he will set up a committee of inquiry into the many illegal and terroristic acts of debt recovery agents in Glasgow?

On several occasions during the last two years reports have reached the Crown Office of oppressive conduct and abuse of legal process and diligence by debt recovery agents in Glasgow, and in two cases convictions have been obtained on a charge of attempting to extort money by threats. The powers of the civil courts to penalise oppressive conduct of this kind by awards of expenses, and of the criminal authorities to prosecute at Common Law or under the Solicitors (Scotland) Act, 1933, are, I am advised, sufficient to enable these abuses to be suitably dealt with. The hon. Member may rest assured that a prosecution will be taken in every suitable case. The Lord Advocate does not consider, however, that any useful purpose would be served by a committee of inquiry.

Is the Under-Secretary aware that a number of cases have been reported by me to the Procurator-Fiscal and to the Lord Advocate, which show that even when the last payment of 2s. is tendered it has been refused by debt recovery agents in Glasgow and a summons is served and poinding notices take place; and in some cases people have paid as much as £7 for an original debt of 25s.? Is not that sufficient to justify him in setting up some inquiry into these oppressive and illegal actions?

The circumstances to which the hon. Member refers are well known, but what we want is legal evidence of individual cases. The Lord Advocate does not feel that the setting up of a committee of inquiry would help us to get legal evidence in individual cases.

Will the Under-Secretary convey to the Lord Advocate the suggestion that he himself should go to Glasgow, not in an official way, make inquiries into the allegations which are being made and see whether any action is necessary?

My right hon. and learned Friend is well aware of the allegations which are being made but before we can get a conviction we must get legal evidence which relates to the individual case. That is the difficulty.

May we take it that the Lord Advocate considers that these cases are covered by the Solicitors (Scotland) Act, 1933?

That is only one of the means I have mentioned as dealing with these cases.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the provocative character of the speeches made at a Fascist meeting held in Glasshouse Street, Whitechapel, on 14th April, and the Jew-baiting carried on by the marchers during the demonstration which followed; and whether he will take steps to prevent an increase of disorder because of the renewal of this method of propaganda?

Only one speech was made at the meeting referred to. A shorthand note was taken of it, and the Commissioner of Police informs me that, on consideration of the report, he decided, in all the circumstances, not to institute proceedings, but that he has given instructions that special attention should be paid to future speeches by this individual, and prompt action will be taken if he offends against the law. After the meeting a clash took place between Fascists and their opponents, who appear to have sung their rival songs at each other, and some isolated fights occurred, as a result of which six arrests were made. I am satisfied that the Commissioner is taking, and will continue to take, every possible step to maintain order and to prevent any recurrence of the troubles which occurred last year.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, following the meeting, the procession which takes place is responsible for an amount of Jew-baiting and provocative utterances which leads to more trouble than the things said at the meeting; and will he be prepared to see that provocative conduct is put an end to, in accordance with the terms of the Act which was passed last year?

I certainly have every intention, and so has the Commissioner, of enforcing the law.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to state whether the proposed Bill for controlling bogus clubs is to be introduced during the current Session; and whether it is proposed to consult the various clubs and licensing interests while the Bill is still in draft form?

As regards the first part of the question, I am not at present in a position to add anything to my answer to the hon. and gallant Member for Carnarvon (Major Owen) on 18th February. As regards the second part, I have received detailed representations and suggestions as to the contents of the proposed Bill from the interests referred to, and these are being taken into careful account.

asked the Home Secretary upon whom the responsibility rests for deciding in the case of death by accident or other misadventure where the body shall be deposited and where any post-mortem examination directed or requested by the coroner shall take place?

By Section 24 of the Coroners (Amendment) Act, 1926, a coroner may, for the purpose of a postmortem examination, order that the body be removed to any place which may be provided for the purpose, either within his jurisdiction or within an adjoining coroner's jurisdiction; but he may not under that Section order the removal to any place other than a place within his jurisdiction provided by a sanitary authority or nuisance authority except with the consent of the person or authority by whom the place is provided.

If I bring to the right hon. Gentleman's notice a number of cases which show that the position is very unsatisfactory, will he have the whole matter investigated?

I will certainly make any investigation that I can make of any cases which the hon. Gentleman thinks he ought to bring to my notice.

asked the Home Secretary the number of coroners' districts; whether in each of them there is a mortuary; or, if not, whether any arrangement exists for the use of a mortuary in an adjoining district?

The number of coroners' districts, including franchise coronerships, is 339. I regret that I have not the detailed information which would be necessary to enable me to answer the remainder of the question.

asked the Home Secretary the number of persons who have died of capital punishment in Wales during 1920 and each year to date?

From 1920 to date, seven persons have been executed in prisons in Wales, namely, one in each of the years 1920, 1921, 1926 and 1931, and three in 1928.

Does not the lowness of the figure prove that Wales is the most civilised part of the country?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a further six boys were ordered to be birched by the West Riding juvenile court, Doncaster, on 21st April; whether the sentences have been carried out; and whether he will now reconsider his decision not to advise magistrates not to impose such sentences having regard to the appointment of the committee of inquiry?

Yes, Sir. Six boys were ordered on 21st instant to be birched. Five have been birched, and the police surgeon found that the sixth was unfit for the punishment. I cannot do more than say that I am sure that justices will realise that I regard the whole subject as one which needs investigation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the boy who was not fit to be birched on the day when the other five were birched has been invited to attend the police court on Tuesday next to be birched?

Has he accepted?

Does the right hon. Gentleman regard it as consistent with the law for a boy to be sent home and be called upon to return a week later to receive his birching?

That, of course, is quite a separate question, which does not arise out of the Question on the Paper. I do not know the circumstances to which the hon. Member refers, but will make inquiries.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have sent the full circumstances of this case to the Home Office, and will he be good enough to look into them?

indicated assent.

Would the right hon. Gentleman send a circular to clerks of the peace calling their attention to the fact that he has set up this committee of inquiry?

I could not do that; the fact is perfectly well known, and I think that, when an inquiry has been set up, it is very essential that the authorities should not seem to pronounce judgment before the inquiry is completed.

Will not the right hon. Gentleman have some of these boys birched here, so that Members may see?

May I remind the Home Secretary that in Russia they shoot these boys?

What do they do with them in America?

asked the Home Secretary whether there are any persons in Great Britain who have been committed to prison for contempt of court and have been so imprisoned for a period of more than three months?

One, Sir.

asked the Home Secretary what, if any, changes are contemplated in the near future in the uniform or dress of mobile police in the Metropolitan police area?

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that authorised drivers of police motor vehicles have recently been permitted to wear shoes instead of boots while driving, and that an experiment is being made with a new type of waterproof trouser for motor-cyclists. The suitability of the present coats and hats worn by motor-cyclists is also under review.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that these mobile police will not wear civilian clothes?

asked the Home Secretary the attitude of the Metropolitan police towards the holding of open-air street tea parties to celebrate the Coronation; and whether instructions will be issued to the Metropolitan police not to prohibit these gatherings?

The Commissioner of Police informs me that he has issued to his force instructions on this subject, the effect of which is that the police will not interfere in cases where there is no objection on the part of the local authority concerned or where, from the traffic point of view, there is no objection to the use of the street in question, and provided always that there is no disorder or annoyance to local residents and that reasonable precautions are taken to guard against accidents.

Will similar facilities be given in the Provinces, where they would be very much appreciated?

Perhaps what we are doing here may be regarded as a good example.

asked the Home Secretary when he intends seeing a deputation of the Association of Municipal Corporations in connection with the municipal elections being held on the first Monday in May instead of them being held on 1st November?

I had arranged to receive the deputation last Thursday, but the decision of the Standing Committee which is considering the Factories Bill to sit in the afternoons as well as in the mornings made it impossible for me to receive the deputation as originally arranged. I hope to be in a position in the near future to fix another date.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to make information available regarding the question of air-raid shelters affording protection against gas and against splinters from high-explosive bombs and the, possibility of constructing underground garages and rendering them proof against incendiary bombs and poison gas?

I am unable at present to add anything to the reply which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend's question on this subject on 18th March.

Can my hon. Friend give any indication when he will be in a position to make a statement on this all-important question?

I am afraid I cannot. A very great deal of work is proceeding, and it is a very complicated subject.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will call for a report from the Hull inspector of factories as to the conditions of labour and pay of young girls working on piece rates at woodwork factories in Hull?

Rates of pay are outside the scope of the factory inspector's duties, but, if the hon. Member will send me particulars of any complaints he may have received as to the working conditions, I shall be glad to consider them.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has made any further inquiries concerning the disturbances at Harworth during the last weekend; and whether he will make investigations into the repeated allegations of irregular police methods during the period of this industrial dispute?

Since this matter was mentioned at the end of questions on Monday last, I have had a report from the Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire, upon whom, of course, the responsibility rests in this matter. The disciplinary control of the conduct of the provincial police is, of course, not a matter for which the Home Office is responsible. The Chief Constable informs me that proceedings are pending against a number of persons who were involved in the disturbances at Harworth during the week-end, and members of the police forces will be witnesses and will be subject to cross-examination. I could not properly make a statement on this matter in the meantime. As regards the last part of the question, the hon. Member has sent me a pamphlet dated in March last discussing the earlier action of the police in the area, and I will communicate with him as soon as possible about it.

While acknowledging the right hon. Gentleman's action, may I ask him whether he is aware that bitter resentment is felt in the locality, not confined to any one class, at the callous, one-sided methods adopted by the police in this dispute?

That must, of course, he partly a matter of opinion, upon which probably there are different views, and partly a question of fact. As far as the facts are concerned, I should think that the proceedings which are being taken are likely to bring the facts out.

May I ask whether, apart from the police court proceedings, the Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire is instituting an inquiry into the general conduct of the local police which led to the disorders of last Friday and Saturday?

The hon. Gentleman ended his question with an assertion. I am not to be understood as accepting it. I have communicated with the chief constable, and he has sent me a report of what has happened.

Is there any truth in the report in the newspapers about the police going to a dance hall and making arrests, which led to the trouble?

I understand that proceedings are pending.

The Home Secretary said that he had a report from the chief constable. I am asking whether a certain fact is mentioned in that report.

I could not give an accurate answer about that; my recollection is that the report shows that some persons were in a dance hall when the police asked them to come out and executed the warrants on them.

Is any reference made in the report to the midnight court held on Saturday to deal with the six persons who were apprehended; and, further, is that a normal course to adopt?

If I understand it rightly, that is a question about the procedure of the court. That is not a matter on which I could express any opinion.

asked the Home Secretary how many persons have been prosecuted in connection with the disorder at Harworth on Friday and Saturday last; how many were persons who were on strike; and how many were working at Harworth Colliery?

I am informed by the chief constable of Nottinghamshire that 34 persons have been charged with offences against Section 7 of the Conspiracy and Protection of Property Act, 1875, arising out of the disorder at Harworth on Friday, the 23rd instant. All these persons were on strike. No proceedings have yet been instituted in respect of the occurrences on Saturday, the 24th instant.

Does this show that strict impartiality is observed?

It surely depends on the facts.

Why were these proceedings taken under the Conspiracy Act while previous proceedings have been taken under the Public Order Act?

I really cannot answer that question. I imagine they are taken under what is thought to be the appropriate Section of the appropriate Statute. Whether that is right or wrong will be decided in the proceedings themselves.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the facts sent to him by the chief constable?

I prefer to wait until the facts have been investigated by the Judicial Tribunal.

On a point of Order. The right hon. Gentleman has not dealt with the point raised. It is not a question of proceedings against the police or police action.

The hon. Member has put his question. If the right hon. Gentleman is not responsible, he cannot be expected to give an answer.

Am I not allowed to ask if no police have been arrested for forcing their way into a dance hall on Saturday?

There have already been at least six supplementary questions, and that seems sufficient.

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether in view of the grave situation in Harworth, which may involve the nation in a widespread industrial stoppage in the mining industry, he can make any statement on the progress of negotiations; and whether he will undertake that His Majesty's Government will make every effort to secure a satisfactory settlement of the dispute?

The right hon. Member may be aware, from reports in the Press, that representatives of the different parties concerned in this dispute, namely, the Nottinghamshire Colliery Owners, the Mineworkers' Federation of Great Britain and the Nottinghamshire Miners' Industrial Union, are respectively meeting the Secretary for Mines at the Mines Department to-day. I need hardly repeat that, as stated by my hon. and gallant Friend in the House of Commons on 13th April, His Majesty's Government are fully alive to the seriousness of the situation. The Mines Department have been closely in touch with the various parties throughout the dispute, and I am satisfied that everything possible is being done to find a solution of this very difficult problem.

Will the Prime Minister bear in mind the possibility of unfortunate developments this week-end and the need for a debate in this House early next week?

I shall certainly bear that in mind, but I very much hope that it will not be necessary.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the communication from the National Association of Retired Police Officers as regards police pensions; and what action he proposes to take to redress their grievances?

This communication has only just been received; but I should say at once that the proposals which it makes for the grant of pensions to widows of police who left the various forces before the passing of the Police (Pensions) Act, 1918, which granted pensions to widows of men then serving or joining subsequently, and for the grant of pensions based on present rates of pay to men who left the forces before those rates were applied, have been examined many times by successive Governments, but it has never been possible to hold out hope of the necessary legislation being passed to give effect to them.

Will the Home Secretary reconsider the whole matter on representations from the National Association?

The communication comes, I think, from the National Association. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that it follows the representations made to successive Governments, and I am afraid I cannot add to my answer.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think these men are entitled to an increased allowance on account of the cost of living?

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this class of persons is rapidly diminishing and many of them are living in great poverty? Will he not see whether it is possible to do something for these forgotten people?

It is a question really of what the Statute Law provides, and not a question whether we feel or do not feel sympathy with a particular case. I am sorry, but the provisions of the Police Act, 1918, and other Acts lay down the limit of my powers.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to take criminal proceedings against the Silkburn Coal Company for ordering their drivers to take out lorries when in an unfit condition, resulting in the death of a boy while standing on a street refuge?

The question whether there are or are not grounds for a prosecution in any case is not one which I have any authority to decide, and I have no power to direct that any prosecution shall or shall not be instituted. I have, however, made inquiries about this case, and I understand the facts were as follow: The Coroner's jury found a verdict of accidental death. The Chief Constable considered the question whether proceedings should be instituted for manslaughter and took legal advice. As a result it was decided that there were no sufficient grounds for preferring a charge of manslaughter; but proceedings were taken against the company for breaches of the Road Traffic Act and resulted in a conviction.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is his intention to make it compulsory for pedal cyclists to use the special cycle tracks now provided on the Great West Road and other similar roads with the object of reducing the present high rate of casualties?

It is not my right hon. Friend's intention. Observation shows that it is exceptional for cyclists not to use these tracks.

In view of the extraordinary reply, it is my intention to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will seek information concerning what regulations as to the size of classes are now in operation in elementary schools in Germany; and whether he can give information as to the extent of the reduction in the size of these classes in recent years?

Conditions vary considerably between one State and another. I am sending the hon. Member such information as the board possess, which cannot easily be summarised in an answer to a Parliamentary question.

Do many of them have classes over 40?

Oh, yes. The figure is very different from 40.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he can give any estimate of the number of years which must elapse under existing conditions before all classes in elementary schools are reduced to a maximum of 40 children in a class?

The factors to be taken into account are too uncertain to enable me to form any reliable estimate of the number of years which must elapse under existing conditions before all classes in elementary schools are reduced to a maximum of 40 children in a class, a figure which, as the hon. Member will be aware, is at present applicable only to classes for senior children.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he can state the number of empty class-rooms in the elementary schools of the county of London?

I regret that I have no information which would enable me to give a precise answer to the hon. Member's question. The fall in the child population has set free a large amount of school accommodation in London, and advantage is being taken of this to improve teaching conditions by enlarging rooms, revising standards of accommodation and other similar measures.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will invite the National Advisory Council under the Physical Training and Recreation Act to state the occupations which in their view are beneficial employment for children and young persons; and whether he will make their views on the matter available to local education authorities for their guidance when granting exemptions from school attendance under the Education Acts?

Before granting employment certificates local education authorities are required by Section 2 of the Education Act, 1936, to consult the local committee for juvenile employment. These committees must, in the nature of things,

asked the Minister of Health when the promised Circular regarding the provisions of the Public Health Act, 1936, which relate to the regulation of the conditions in offices will be issued?

asked the President of the Board of Education how many schools in the city and county of Lincoln possess facilities for listening-in to broadcasts?

According to the register of schools kept by the Central Council for School Broadcasting, the numbers of schools of all categories in the city and county of Lincoln possessing facilities for listening-in to broadcasts are 10 and 128 respectively.

asked the Minister of Health the percentage of babies vaccinated for the past 10 years; the number of cases of smallpox recorded in such period; and the numbers proving fatal?

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

The Circular will be issued on 1st May.

asked the Minister of Health the present position with regard to the protests against the arrangements made by the Staffordshire County Council in Wednesfield, Willenhall, and other districts for the treatment of invalids and old people; and whether he will endeavour to arrange that negotiations should be reopened between the Staffordshire County Council and the Wolverhampton Borough Council, with a view to arrangements being made for Wednesfield and Willenhall residents to have the same facilities for obtaining treatment at the New Cross Institution as were possible prior to 1st April, 1937?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to his question about these arrangements on the 8th instant. I am in communication with the county council regarding the representations which I have since received on this subject, and will inform him further of the position when I have received their reply.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there is still plenty of room in the New Cross Institution where invalids can go in a few minutes instead of having to travel 14 miles to Wordsley?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will request the Economic Advisory Council to consider the cost over the coming year to taxpayers, producers, and consumers of a five points rise beyond 190 in the staple commodity index number; to consider the increased national expense of a half per cent. per annum rise for the current year in the cost of estimated fresh Government borrowing; and to contrast the advantages of the present cheap rate of money with the disadvantages in the cost of rearmament and the disadvantages in the cost of living, increased by a rise in prices, caused by cheap money?

I do not think that it is possible to contrast the advantages of different policies by any such method as my hon. Friend suggests. The test of present policy is whether industry and employment are improving, as they clearly are at the present time.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether expenditure by owners of factories and works on air raid precaution schemes in respect of such premises is now treated as an allowable expense for Income Tax purposes; and, if such is not the case, whether he will make provision in the Finance Bill allowing such expenditure?

Expenditure of the kind referred to, unless in the nature of capital expenditure, would already be admissible as a deduction in computing the profits of a trader for Income Tax purposes.

May I ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer why that is allowable? Is this not capital expenditure on the provision of factories?

I said unless it was in the nature of capital expenditure.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether having regard to the uncertainty which must continue while fundamental questions concerning the scope and application of the National Defence Contribution tax remain undetermined, he can now give any indication of the probable date of publication of the Finance Bill, and so alleviate the anxiety which is causing serious concern to the tramp-shipping and industrial community generally in South Wales who have not enjoyed the full benefit of the prosperity period?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can indicate what is the probable date when the Finance Bill will be available in print?

I hope to make the Finance Bill available to the House by the date of re-assembly on 24th May.

In view of the continued anxiety which still exists in the City, in spite of my right hon. Friend's assurance on the Budget Resolution on Tuesday night, will it be possible for my right hon. Friend to publish the essential features of the National Defence Contribution before that date?

Is it not the fact that the attack upon the Chancellor of the Exchequer by the City is from an entirely different motive than that expressed by the Opposition?

I will lose no time in formulating my proposals, but I should not like to pledge myself to any particular date.

Will the Chancellor of the Exchequer stand firm, and not allow himself to be bullied too much by his supporters?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of Surtax payers who are in arrears with the tax which was due on 1st January, 1937; and what is the total amount of tax involved?

Particulars of the numbers of Surtax payers in arrears are not available. The amount of Surtax in assessment for the year 1935–36 which was outstanding at 31st March, 1937, was £7,060,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, with a view to the expansion of the television service, he will favourably consider the issue of a loan for such purpose by the British Broadcasting Corporation, such loan being a first charge on the Corporation's income from radio licences?

I am not aware that the Corporation has any such proposal in mind. It would, therefore, be premature for me to express any opinion upon it.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will make a statement of the results obtained up to date at the International Sugar Conference?

The Sugar Conference yesterday agreed to a system of national export quotas for the supply of the free world sugar market; negotiations are still proceeding.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of impending legislation on the subject of mining royalties, he proposes to publish the evidence given before the Special Tribunal on Mining Royalties?

No, Sir. The Tribunal decided that the proceedings should not be public.

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he is aware that many sections of the Geological Survey are nearly 100 years old or more since the last revision; and whether the Government will so increase the staff as to enable a reasonably up to date standard to be maintained throughout all parts of the country?

The Geological Survey is intended for economic as well as for scientific purposes. It is not surprising, therefore, that some areas have been surveyed on several occasions and others have had little or no revision. About 13 per cent. of the area of Great Britain is represented by Geological Survey maps of about 8o years ago. Another 9 per cent., in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, has still to be surveyed. About 15 years ago the scientific field staff, which now numbers 5o, was increased by 5o per cent. The staff of the Geological Survey and Museum numbers 155, as compared with 82 in 1920. The work of the Survey and the staff employed was specially reviewed by the Advisory Council in 1933, and I have recently asked for further information.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, when he has that report before him, it will be made known to the House, as there is urgent need for this staff to be increased in order to complete this work?

If it seems at all necessary and sufficiently important, I shall certainly communicate it to the House.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the recent adjustment of quotations has disclosed heavy speculation in commodities with no economic justification; and whether he will therefore consider a higher Stamp Duty on transactions in base metals, rubber and other commodities unless covered by documentary declaration that they are bought for immediate manufacture, so that rearmament costs may not be increased by speculation facilitated by cheap money?

I have considered my hon. Friend's suggestion, but I am afraid that it is not a practicable one for the purpose he has in view.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the satisfactory results arising out of the currency agreement made some months ago between the United States of America, France and Great Britain, he will consider the desirability of reopening discussions with a view of reaching a War Debt understanding?