asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the number of Irish manual workers who have come to this country in each of the last 12 months, and the numbers who have returned in the corresponding periods?

I regret that the information desired is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is the practice of his department to issue permits for the introduction of foreign boxers solely upon the recommendation of the Boxing Board of Control; and, if so, whether, in view of the fact that this board is mainly representative of promoting interests rather than of British boxers, he will give instructions that in future representations from the National Union of Boxers will be taken into consideration?

Under existing arrangements all applications for permits for foreign boxers are submitted to my Department through the British Boxing Board of Control, which is the govern- ing body of the sport and represents all the interests concerned. The board of the governing body is, I understand, composed of stewards, none of whom is financially interested in the sport, and a number of them are nominated by the Local Councils on which boxers as well as promoters and other interested parties are directly represented. In view of the status and constitution of the British Boxing Board of Control my Department's relationship with that body is, I think, the right one. If it is suggested that the interest of British boxers are inadequately represented on the governing body, this would appear to be a matter to be pursued directly with the board.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state, in connection with the Coronation festivities, how many additional permits have been issued for the introduction of foreign waiters; and whether this policy will be reconsidered, in view of the increasing difficulty experienced by British waiters in finding employment?

The policy of my Department governing the issue of permits for the introduction of foreigners for employment in hotels and restaurants remains as stated in my reply to the hon. Member for Workington (Mr. Cape) on 5th November last. In accordance with that policy, 15 permits to expire on 31st July next have, on proof that the posts could not be filled from within the country, been issued in respect of the employment during the Coronation season of maitres d'hotel and head waiters, and no permits have been issued in respect of ordinary skilled waiters.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the number of persons receiving unemployment benefit at the Heaton, Walker, Newcastle and Northumberland Exchanges to whom supplementary unemployment assistance allowances have been granted; and whether he will issue notices to be posted in all exchanges informing persons in receipt of unemployment benefit of their right to apply for unemployment assistance allowances in appropriate cases?

During the week ended 17th April, 1937, supplementary allowances of unemployment assistance were paid to persons in receipt of unemployment insurance benefit in one case at the Heaton Employment Exchange, one at Walker, none at Newcastle-on-Tyne, and in two cases at other Northumberland Exchanges. As regards the second part of the question; posters are exhibited in certain cases and an explanatory leaflet is obtainable. I will consider whether any further action is necessary.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the references to printing, publishing and bookbinding in the Ministry of Labour's Report for 1936, Command 5431, in Appendices VI, 833

Percentage of unemployment among insured persons aged 16–64 in Great Britain.
Industry.		December, 1935.	December, 1936.
Paper and Paper Board	…	5·6	4·3
Cardboard Boxes, Paper Bags and Stationery	…	4·4	3·8
Wallpaper Making	…	6·2	5·1
Stationery and Typewriting Requisites (not paper)		4·8	4·5

Insured persons aged 16–64 in employment in Great Britain.
Industry.	June, 1923.	June, 1929.	June, 1936.	Increase, 1923–1936.
Paper and Paper Board	49,350	52,570	58,670	9,320
Cardboard Boxes, Paper Bags and Stationery.	49,940	54,850	63,160	13,220
Wallpaper Making	4,290	5,910	6,570	2,280
Stationery and Type-writing Requisites (not paper).	4,380	5,970	8,130	3,750

Estimated numbers of insured workpeople under 18 years of age and over 18 years of age, respectively, at July, 1935 and July, 1936.
Industry.	Boys.						Men.
	Aged 14 and 15.		Aged 16 and 17.		Total.		Aged 18–64.
	1936.	1935.	1936.	1935.	1936.	1935.	1936.	1935.
Paper and Paper Board	1,360	1,260	2,240	1,870	3,600	3,130	44,230	43,950
Cardboard Boxes, Paper Bags and Stationery.	2,310	2,270	2,130	1,590	4,440	3,860	21,590	21,380
Wallpaper Making	370	420	390	320	760	740	4,560	4,610
Stationery and Typewriting Requisites (not paper).	470	570	420	330	890	900	3,300	3,380

The figures for "Printing, publishing and bookbinding" given in Appendices VI, VIII and XIV of the Ministry of Labour Report for 1936 are exclusive of the other classifications set out under the heading "Paper, Printing, etc." in Appendices IX and X. The figures desired for these other industries are as follow:

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in all cases where refusal of employment outside an area of residence is referred to the referees to decide on the continuance of benefit, account is taken of the cost to a married man of supporting two homes?

Yes, sir, so far as such circumstances are relevant to the determination of the particular claim in accordance with the provisions of the Unemployment Insurance Act.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will have a test made as to whether the rise by speculation in the staple commodity index number since May, 1936, owing to the Government's cheap money policy is, in May, 1937, still appreciably increasing employment without now causing a reduction in the purchasing power of the pound and an appreciable increase in taxation to meet the cost of rearmament?

I have under constant observation the effects of the cheap money policy both on prices and on employment. Since that policy was initiated in the middle of 1932 the cost of living has risen by 6 per cent. and the numbers unemployed have fallen from 2,900,000 to 1,450,000. The cost of living index and the wholesale price index are both lower than in 1929. I cannot accept my hon. Friend's assumption that cheap money causes speculation. In so far as the rise in commodity prices has been assisted by speculation, I should regard the process as incidental to general economic activity and prosperity. The charges for the temporary borrowing of money are, I am informed, a negligible factor in the speculator's calculations.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the cost to the Exchequer in issuing transfer deeds free to the public from 1st April, 1936, to 31st March, 1937, and of the concession to stock exchange firms under Section 42 of the Finance Act, 1920, and the amendment of 1931 for the same period; the extent to which each stock exchange has taken advantage of that

Exchange.	Duty, if exigible at £1 per cent.	Exigible and paid under Section 42.	Difference.
	£	£	£
London Stock Exchange	1,202,022	188,776	1,013,246
Birmingham Stock Exchange	2,780	658	2,122
Bristol Stock Exchange	4,003	1,651	2,352
Halifax Stock Exchange	211	76	135
Huddersfield Stock Exchange	290	43	247
Leeds Stock Exchange	637	211	426
Liverpool Stock Exchange	903	284	619
Manchester Stock Exchange	2,651	726	1,925
Mincing Lane Tea and Rubber Sharebrokers Association Limited.	339	251	88
Newcastle Stock Exchange	111	17	94
Nottingham Stock Exchange	522	122	400
Provincial Brokers Stock Exchange	5,533	865	4,668
Sheffield Stock Exchange	15,071	2,715	12,356
(a) Total for period 1st April, 1936, to 31st March, 1937	1,235,073	196,395	1,038,678
(b) Total from 1st September, 1920, to 31st March, 1937	10,331,938	1,889,427	8,442,511

As regards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to his question on the 15th December last. His statement there that he did not propose to review the existing arrangement applies to my hon. Friend's present suggestion, the effect of which, as he will appreciate, would be to exact, in all, 30s. per cent. revenue instead of, as at present, rather more than 20s. per cent. on those transactions in which stocks are transferred first to a dealer and then, within two months, to a bona fide purchaser.

The cost of the transfer forms issued free to the public in the period from 1st April, 1936, to 31st March, 1937, was approximately £1,200.The following table shows (

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the approximate estimated total of expenditure from national funds by grants or loans during 1937–38 in respect of grants to public utility companies under Part I of the Development (Loan Guarantees and Grants) Act, 1929; slum clearance, other housing grants; Commissioners for the Special Areas; grants in respect of unemployment schemes under Part II of the Development (Loan Guarantees and Grants) Act, 1929; agricultural development and subsidies, including land settlement; fishery development; tramp shipping subsidy, ships replacement loans; civil aviation subsidies; light horse breeding; mechanical transport subsidy; and advances to Cunard-White Star line?

It is not possible to estimate at present what advances will be required to be made to the Cunard-White Star Company in 1937–38. No further loans in respect of ships replacement will be made under Part II of the British Shipping (Assistance) Act, 1935, which has now expired. The total estimated expenditure on the other services referred to is, as shown in the following table, approximately £38 millions.

Statement of estimated expenditure from national funds during 1937–38 in respect of the services specified below.
Service.	Estimated expenditure in 1937–38.
	£
I. Grants to Public Utility Companies under Part I of the Development (Loan Guarantees and Grants) Act, 1929.	780,000
2. Slum clearance	2,656,000
3. Other housing grants	14,567,000
4. Commissioners for the Special Areas	5,331,000
5. Grants in respect of employment schemes (Part II of Development Act, 1929).	3,700,000
6. Agricultural development and Subsidies, including land settlement.	9,912,000*
7. Fishery development	190,000*
8. Tramp Shipping Subsidy	10†
9. Civil aviation Subsidies	650,000
10. Light horse breeding	5,000
11. Mechanical transport Subsidy	60
	37,791,070
* A small proportion of this expenditure will be in the form of loans.
† A token sum. The payments to be made, if any, will be ascertained in the light of the average freight index for the year.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, owing to the reduced scale of grants in operation since October, 1931, the development of agricultural education in a number of counties has been retarded; and whether, in view of the growing need for agricultural education, he will take the necessary steps to restore the scale of grants that was in operation up to the financial crisis of 1931?

I am aware that, subsequent to October, 1931, when the rates of grant for agricultural education work were reduced, there was some decrease in the expenditure of local authorities generally on such work; I am glad to say, however, that in the present year, the total expenditure by local authorities on agricultural education to be grant-aided by my Department will be in excess of that in the year before the reduction was made. I am not prepared to consider any alteration in the rate of grant at the present time.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how often the Consumers' Committee have met since 1st January last; and whether they have made any recommendations or representations with respect to any of the increases in food prices?

The Consumers' Committees for Great Britain and England, which are charged with the duty of considering and reporting upon the effect on consumers of agricultural marketing schemes, have met once in full session since 1st January last. They have made no report or recommendations during this period. The committees are drawn from the same personnel as the Food Council, a copy of whose general report, issued in March last, I am sending to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the people who were removed from St. Kilda Island have expressed any desire to return to St. Kilda; whether they have asked for Government assistance to facilitate their return; and, if so, what action he proposes to take?

I have received no intimation of any desire on the part of the people who have left St. Kilda to return there, nor any request for Government assistance to facilitate their return. The last part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to prevent the continued destruction of buildings having historic or amenity value?

The Department of Health obtain from the National Trust and bring to the attention of local authorities particulars of dwelling-houses which the Trust consider to be worthy of preservation. The Department have power to give local authorities directions regarding the preservation of buildings of architectural, historic, or artistic interest which are affected by the Housing Acts, and I am prepared to use this power wherever the circumstances would justify me in doing so.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state the average price per gallon paid by distributors to the board for supplies of milk; the average levy per gallon on ordinary producers' output imposed by the Aberdeen and District Milk Marketing Board; the total increase per gallon up to February, 1937, in the average amount of the ordinary producers' levy; and the total increase per gallon up to February, 1937, in the average amount paid to the ordinary producers for milk?

The monthly average price per gallon paid by distributors to the Aberdeen and District Milk Marketing Board for supplies of milk for the liquid market during the period from the inception of the scheme up to and including February, 1937, was 14.64d. per gallon; and the monthly average levy per gallon in respect of sales by ordinary producers during that period was 2.31d. There was an increase of 0.35d. per gallon in the monthly average levy on ordinary producers for the 12 months ended February, 1937, as compared with the monthly average levy for the preceding 12 months and also with that for the first 12 months of the scheme.The monthly average prices paid to the ordinary producers for their supplies of milk within the limits of their basic quantities and in excess of these quantities during the 12 months ended February, 1937, showed decreases of 0.35d. and 0.33d. per gallon respectvely compared with the averages for the preceding 12 months and decreases of 0.02d. and 0.62d. per gallon respectively compared with the averages for the first 12 months of the scheme. On the basis of a weighted average, the price per gallon paid to the ordinary producers for their total supplies during the 12 months ended February, 1937, was less by 0.305d. and 0.010d. per gallon respectively than the price paid for the preceding 12 months and for the first 12 months of the scheme.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is prepared to order an inquiry at an early date into the whole operation of the Aberdeen and District Milk Marketing Scheme?

The operations of this scheme were recently the subject of investigation by the Milk Reorganisation Commission in connection with their comprehensive review of the working of organised milk marketing in Great Britain and I am not satisfied that any grounds exist to justify the further inquiry suggested.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the ordinary producers' milk levy, under the Aberdeen and District milk marketing scheme, has risen steadily since the inception of the scheme and now stands at 3¼d. per gallon, which is higher than the levy charged under any other milk marketing scheme in the country; and, seeing that, in view of the boards' authoritative powers, these increases in the producers' levy are viewed with concern by milk distributors in the area of the scheme who feel that they should not have increased prices imposed upon them on account of the board's handling of the producers' scheme, will he intervene in the matter?

I am aware that the levy of 3¼d. per gallon for February, 1937, was higher than for any previous month during the operation of the scheme, but not that the levy has risen steadily since the inception of the scheme. The prices determined by the board for the sale of milk during the year ending October, 1937, are on the same scale as in the years 1935 and 1936, and no representations have been made to me that milk distributors view with concern the amount of the producers' levy. I have no authority to intervene in the administration of an agricultural marketing scheme except in special circumstances on a report by the Committee of Investigation in accordance with Section 9 of the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1931.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total number of gallons of milk sold by producers in Scotland for manufacturing purposes for each of the 12 months ended 28th February, 1937; how many gallons were sold at prices above 6d., 6d. and above 5d., 5d. and above 4d., 4d. and above 3d., 3d. and above 2d., and 2d. and under per gallon for each of these months, respectively; and generally for what purposes the milk so sold was used?

The following statement, compiled from statistics collected from the three Milk Marketing Boards concerned, shows in respect of each month during the year ended 28th February, 1937, the total quantity of milk supplied by registered producers under the Milk Marketing Schemes in Scotland which

Month.		Total quantity used for manufacture.	Quantities sold at the following prices—
			over 6d.	6d. and over 5d.	5d. and over 4d.	4d. and over 3d.	3d. and over 2d.	2d. and under.
1936.		Gallons.	Gallons.	Gallons.	Gallons.	Gallons.	Gallons.	Gallons.
March	…	4,068,400	1,207,700	782,900	1,273,400	804,400	—	—
April	…	5,143,200	1,246,500	778,500	1,856,500	1,261,700	—	—
May	…	6,741,500	1,552,100	653,000	3,128,000	1,407,900	—	500
June	…	7,012,100	1,642,200	1,944,700	2,187,400	1,235,800	100	1,900
July	…	6,827,000	1,663,200	2,415,000	1,553,600	1,195,200	—	—
August	…	5,529,700	2,954,200	1,477,000	1,089,500	—	—	—
September	…	3,959,500	2,390,300	621,400	947,800	—	—	—
October	…	2,985,200	1,908,700	263,300	813,200	—	—	—
November	…	1,761,000	1,284,600	157,000	319,400	—		—
December	…	1,553,700	1,070,800	185,000	297,900	—		—
1937.
January	…	1,673,200	1,336,800	31,800	304,300	200	100	—
February	…	1,789,400	1,387,500	6,800	394,900	—	200	—
Total	…	49,043,900	19,644,600	9,316,400	14,174,900	5,905,200	400	2,400
The quantities of milk used by the Milk Marketing Boards for manufacture are shown as having been sold at the same prices as were charged for supplies sold to private manufacturers.
* The milk was used for the manufacture of the following products—fresh cream, butter, cheese, condensed milk, tinned cream, milk powder and margarine.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps are being taken to fulfil the Government's pledge that the provision of water supply and drainage, especially in the sparsely populated areas of Scotland, would receive special attention?

An investigation into domestic water supplies in Scotland is now being undertaken by the Department of Health for Scotland. Information provided by local authorities is being considered with a view to securing as complete a survey as possible of actual and potential sources of supply and estimating the present and future requirements of the various localities. It is hoped that the investigation will show how the sources of supply could best be used so as to secure a satisfactory system of distribution. The Department's engineers are also engaged on estimates of probable costs of water and drainage schemes for landward areas and I hope the results will be available for my consideration before long. The special problem of the sparsely populated areas in the Highlands and Islands is at present under consideration in the light of the Report of the Committee on Scottish Health Services.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that 42 ex-Service men in the prison service cannot exceed 24 years or 28–80ths of their pay and emoluments for superannuation; that a further 86 will not reach the maximum pension rates of 40–80ths of their pay and emoluments before the retiring age of 55 years; how many of these are in receipt of service pensions from the fighting forces; and how many are not in receipt of military service pensions who would become eligible for the maximum superannuation if combined service under the Crown were taken into consideration for this purpose?

The No. 42 relates to ex-Service men at present in the Scottish prisons service who cannot qualify for a pension of more than 24/80ths of salary before age 55; and the No. 86 to those who will be able to qualify for a pension of from 34 to 38–80ths of salary before that age. Of those men, nine are in receipt of pensions in respect of service with the Forces. I regret that the information asked for in the last part of the question is not available and could not be ascertained without undue expenditure of time and labour.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether there is any allowance made to officers in the prison service whose quarters have no modern conveniences and are too bad for reconstruction?

The answer is in the negative. In the majority of cases the quarters allotted to prisons officers are provided with modern conveniences. In those cases where there is room for improvement in order to comply with modern standards it is intended that alterations should be effected or new quarters provided as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will state the number of reservists in the prison service who were recalled to the fighting forces on the outbreak of the Great War; the number of men who joined to fill these vacancies; the number called from the prison service under the various defence schemes; and will he say if the military service of these men is taken into consideration for their superannuation?

The numbers of fatal and non-fatal accidents on the roads in the County of Durham and the county boroughs within that county during each of the years, 1930 to 1936 inclusive were:—
Police District.		—		Year.
				1930.	1931.	1932.	1933.	1934.	1935.	1936.
Durham County	…	Fatal	…	169	123	129	125	142	112	140
		Non-fatal	…	1,716	2,313	2,399	2,580	2,885	2,792	2,950
Gateshead	…	Fatal	…	14	14	9	12	8	17	6
		Non-fatal	…	445	462	525	544	430	418	441
Hartlepool	…	Fatal	…	1	—	1	—	1	1	1
		Non-fatal	…	19	20	21	18	21	20	23
South Shields	…	Fatal	…	11	8	7	8	10	8	9
		Non-fatal	…	208	221	230	210	245	188	215
Sunderland	…	Fatal	…	15	19	15	14	9	8	8
		Non-fatal	…	367	476	485	544	506	473	545

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider appointing a court of inquiry somewhat similar to the one now functioning in London to investigate the origin of the strike in the North Kent transport industry, which has now been in progress a fortnight, and to publish for general information and guidance all the relevant facts and figures?

I hope that the discussions that have recently taken place between the men concerned and the union

The number of reservists in the Scottish Prisons Service recalled to service with the Forces on the outbreak of the Great War was 49. The vacancies were filled, as necessary, in the main by temporary appointments. The total number of men of the Prisons Department for Scotland enlisted during the War was 157. War service is taken into account for civil pension only in the case of men who were already serving in established capacities in the Civil Service at the time of enlistment.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the number of fatal and non-fatal accidents on the roads in the administrative county of Durham and the county boroughs for 1930 and each year up to date?

Following is the information:will lead to an early resumption of work so that negotiations between the union and the companies can proceed. In these circumstances I think the House will agree that no further comment on the situation is desirable at present.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will inquire into the possibility of having a system of traffic lights installed at the junction of New North Road, Mintern Street, and Cavendish Street, Shoreditch?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any statistics exist in his Department showing the extent to which drivers of heavy motor vehicles suffer from strain; and, if not, whether he will endeavour to compile them?

I regret that I know at present of no practicable means of obtaining trustworthy statistics of the incidence of so intangible a symptom as nervous strain.

asked the Minister of Transport (r) the total amounts of the commitments of the Road Fund on the five-year road plan which it is estimated will remain outstanding at 31st March, 1938, distinguishing expenditure to be made on the trunk roads transferred to the Ministry of Transport from grants to be made for other roads to highway authorities?(2)the total amount of the estimated payments to be made out of the Road Fund during the year 1937–38 in respect of the five-year plan of road construction and improvement, distinguishing the amount to be expended by the Minister of Transport on trunk roads from the amount to be paid to the highway authorities in respect of other roads?

My hon. Friend will find the information he seeks in Appendix I to the Roads Vote printed in the Civil Estimates, Class VI.

asked the Minister of Transport the total amount of the payments by way of grants made to highway authorities out of the Road Fund in respect of their programmes for road construction and improvements under the five-year plan inaugurated in 1935 from the commencement to 31st March, 1937, distinguishing the amount allocated to the trunk roads now transferred to the Minister of Transport from the amount allocated to the roads retained by the highway authorities?

Trunk road schemes, £741,152; schemes on other roads, 5,710,629.