asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to state when the report of the Committee which is inquiring into the reorganisation of the Scottish Office and other Departments under his control will be available?

I understand than the Committee have concluded the heating of evidence and are considering the terms of their report.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any increase in the strength of the Glasgow Police Force has yet been decided upon following the recommendation to that effect made by the chief constable to the corporation last June?

I understand that the corporation of Glasgow have not yet reached a decision on the recommendation to which my hon. Friend refers. Since last June the strength of the Glasgow Police Force has been increased by one lieutenant, one sergeant and one constable.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is yet in a position to make any statement regarding the salaries of sheriffs-substitute in Scotland?

I have not vet been able, as I had hoped, to conclude my discussions on this subject with my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Advocate and with the Treasury; but I am actively pursuing the matter, with a view to communicating with the Association of Sheriffs-Substitute at an early date.

Does not my right hon. Friend think it is time that some decision was come to, as this matter has been under consideration for the last six months?

Recently, as my hon. Friend knows, there have been changes in office, and it has been difficult to pursue connected consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that attempts are being made to impose upon members of local authorities who happen to be tenants of council houses certain restrictions upon voting on matters affecting land, buildings, and houses, if the councillors concerned receive any benefit from such proposals, notwithstanding that such benefits are incidental to benefits derived by the community as a whole, or by a substantial part of the community; that having regard to the fact that in the Housing (Scotland) Act of 1925, the definition of land includes any right over land, presumably including common rights, park rights, etc., and that if Section 107 of that Act is to bear the narrow interpretation now sought to be placed upon it, a large number of municipal voters will be disfranchised upon matters which most directly concern them; and whether, if there is any material doubt as to the meaning of the section referred to, he will take steps to bring it into closer accord with practical considerations?

As a result of representations addressed to me, a complaint was served on 28th May on a member of Aberdeen Town Council for an alleged contravention of Section 107 of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1925. I anticipate that this case will be disposed of very shortly, and in these circumstances it would be inappropriate to express any view on the questions raised by the hon. Member.

While not wishing to prejudice any favourable outcome of this action, may I ask the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that the representations which he received were made by a political opponent of the councillor in question, and that the motive, rather than a regard for public integrity, was a political one; and whether he will take what action he can to see that the outcome of this prosecution is in the true public interest?

I have no knowledge of the facts referred to by the hon. Member, but I can assure him and the House that, in deciding to take this prosecution, I was influenced solely by the consideration that, on the information before me, I thought that an offence had been committed.

Does the Lord Advocate recognise that this complaint was made by a political opponent on the same council as the councillor in question?

The hon. Member is putting the same question that he put before.

May I ask for an answer to that question? It affects my constituency very vitally, and I want a plain answer to the question I put: Does the Lord Advocate realise that the complaint on which he has acted was made by a political opponent of the councillor in question?

No, Sir; I have no knowledge of the political views of the person by whom the complaint was made.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman find out?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the embarrassment caused to local authorities in Scotland by the continued increase in the cost of house-building materials, he is now in a position to announce measures to meet the difficulties of the local authorities so that housing schemes may not be further curtailed?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from local authorities regarding recent prohibitive increases in the prices of house-building materials; and what action he proposes to take to meet the need of an increase in the present rates of subsidy for the erection and reconstruction of houses in Scotland?

I have received representations about the increase in the cost of building materials from the Convention of Royal Burghs, with whose representatives I have discussed the matter personally, and from certain individual authorities. The Department of Health for Scotland are keeping the position very closely under review, but I am not in a position to add anything to the statement which I made on 23rd March in reply to the hon. Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Mathers). As the hon. Members will appreciate, the question is closely bound up with other aspects of the housing situation referred to in that statement and presently under consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very strong desire on the part of the local authorities to have a statement from him; and may we have some indication as to when he is likely to put the local authorities in a position to know exactly where they stand?

I am not aware that the local authorities are very desirous of having a specific statement from me on these points, but I know that they are very desirous of consulting me on these matters, and I am in consultation with them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, after the economies suggested by his own Department, amounting on an average to £41 per house, the average increase in the cost of housing, as compared with four months ago, is from £45 to £75 per house; and that local authorities are now passing resolutions to stop building until they get an indication of the Government's action to deal with these rising costs of housing?

I am in close touch with the local authorities, and I do not think that they do intend to stop housing.

Oh, yes, they do.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the serious shortage of house-building materials in Scotland, involving delay in the completion and extension of housing schemes for the accommodation of slum-cleared and overcrowded tenants; and whether he can account for this shortage on the ground of any scarcity of raw materials or labour in the industries concerned?

I am not aware that there is any general shortage of building materials in Scotland, though my attention has been drawn to the fact that in some areas there is a shortage of building bricks, involving localised delays in the carrying out of housing schemes. It is also true that there have been temporary shortages of steel rods and galvanised wall-ties, but I am informed that this has not had any appreciable effect on building progress. I have had special inquiries made into the question of brick supply, and I understand that production is likely to be increased in the near future. The shortage in brick supplies is not, I think, due to any scarcity of raw material or labour.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to an alternative penalty of £200 or six months' imprisonment on Donald Daniel M 'Lean, trawler skipper, of Aberdeen, for illegal trawling off the island of Hoy; whether he has observed that the sheriff principal expressed an unfounded assumption that the fine would be paid by the owners; and whether he will consider a reduction of the fine, in view of the fact that it is so disproportionate to the means of the offender that there is no alternative to a prolonged term of imprisonment?

No petition has been addressed to me about this case, but I have made inquiry in view of the hon. Member's question. I am informed by the sheriff that, before sentence was imposed, he was informed by the accused that he could not look to the owners for payment of the fine, and that they had dismissed him. After careful consideration of the circumstances, including M'Lean's three previous convictions, I regret that I do not feel justified in advising any interference with the sentence in question.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the Press report purporting to report the sheriff principal as saying that he assumed that the owners would pay this fine; and, having regard to the fact that that statement does not accord with what the right hon. Gentleman has told me, will he make further inquiries of the sheriff principal with a view to ascertaining whether the fine was, in fact, imposed on an erroneous assumption?

I have made inquiries, and I have first-hand information from the sheriff.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been directed to a scheme for settling 300 Scottish fishermen and their families in Vancouver, British Columbia; and whether he has any statement to make regarding the development of salmon fisheries in Scotland with a view to the provision of employment for such fishermen in Scotland?

I am not aware of the adoption of any scheme for settling 300 Scottish fishermen and their families in British Columbia, although I understand that certain proposals emanating from private sources in British Columbia have been received by the Overseas Settlement Board and are under consideration. As regards the second part of the question, any development of the salmon fisheries in Scotland can only be a gradual process, and, while such a development may be possible, I do not think it could provide any substantial addition to employment in the near future.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that, if that gradual process is to receive a start, the appropriate way, and the best way, would be by legislative proposals put forward by the right hon. Gentleman?

I do not think that that arises out of the question on the Paper.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is now in a position to state the intentions of the owners of Westleigh collieries, which closed down on 3rd February; whether they intend to reopen them; and if so, can he give the probable date?

I have made further inquiry, but there is at present nothing to add to the answer I gave the hon. Member on 29th April.

Cannot the hon. and gallant Gentleman get any definite information from the colliery owners?

I have made inquiries, as the hon. Gentleman hoped I would when he asked his question, but there is nothing yet to report.

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) whether he is aware that three years ago the Valley-field miners voted almost unanimously for pit-head baths; that while the coal in Valleyfield Colliery is high quality coal it is accompanied by a very high percentage of dust; that often the men cannot see beyond two yards; that they must carry dust and soot into their homes where there is not adequate water supply to remove it; and, in view of the fact that the National Welfare Committee is still unable to make an installation at this pit, where one is so urgently needed, will he take steps to arrange a loan to the National Welfare Committee so that all pits still requiring baths can he attended to;

(2) whether his attention has been called to a finding of the Lochore branch of the Fife miners union calling attention to the urgent need of baths at all Fife pits; the apparent neglect of the claim of the Mary pit at Lochore; and will he take up the matter with the National Welfare Committee with a view to immediate installation at all pits where applications have been made?

I am aware generally of the facts referred to in the questions. I understand from the Miners' Welfare Committee that applications for pit-head baths have been received from a number of collieries in the coal district of Fife and Clackmannan, including Valleyfield Colliery and Mary Colliery, Lochore, and that, in accordance with the usual practice, the Committee are dealing with these applications in the order recommended by the Fife District Committee, upon which owners and workmen are equally represented. The building of baths is being greatly expedited by the arrangements explained in my reply to the hon. Member's question on 6th April, and at the moment, at any rate, I do not think that any more rapid progress is practicable, though I shall keep in close touch with the Miners' Welfare Committee in the matter.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that these pits are among the worst in the country from the point of view of dust, and that the district committee is limited in its recommendations to one or two pits, though it would gladly recommend them all if the money was there, and will he not arrange for a loan, which will ensure that all pits will get baths without loss of time?

If the hon. Memcarefully studies my reply he will see that that point is dealt with.

Is the rate of progress for building these baths kept up to what was laid down a year or two ago and is the very much increased cost of building material having any bad effect on the rate?

I should likenotice of the latter point but, as regards the first, it has been greatly expedited on what was laid down a year or two ago.

Will not the hon. and gallant Gentleman consult the Cabinet as to raising a penny rate? We do not want loans.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of pithead baths to be provided by the Miners' Welfare Fund Committee in 1937; what is the number of baths to be provided for South Wales; whether, in deciding upon the collieries to be provided with baths, the committee gives any preference to collieries with a high incidence of silicosis; and, if not, will he make representations to the committee with that end in view?

The number of pit-head bath installations that can be provided naturally depends upon their size and cost, but the Miners' Welfare Committee has planned to undertake about four a month this year for the whole country. I understand that the 1937 programme includes five installations in South Wales, of which four happen to be in the anthracite area. As regards the third and fourth parts of the question, I understand that in deciding upon the collieries to be provided with baths, the Miners' Welfare Committee is advised by the district committees. I cannot say whether the South Wales committee gives preference to collieries with a high incidence of silicosis, but I will be pleased to pass on any representations which the hon. Member desires to make on the subject.

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman think a rate of progress which provides only five baths in one complete year satisfactory, and will he not expedite it and personally recommend to the Central Welfare Committee that collieries which have a high incidence of silicosis should be given preference?

If I were to do that perhaps the hon. Gentleman will give me the reasons he wishes put forward.

I will do that, but I thought the reasons had been brought to his attention by the Inspector of Mines.

asked the Secretary for Mines whet her he is aware of the serious financial loss sustained by inhabitants of Pontycymmer and Blaengarw, Glamorgan, due to mining subsidence; and whether he will undertake to hold an inquiry with a view to compensating those people who have lost their homes and effects on properties affected?

I have not received any special information in this matter, and, in any case, I am afraid that I have no funds available for the payment of compensation. The answer to both parts of the question, therefore, is in the negative.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman prepared to consult the Prime Minister with a view to setting up an inquiry because of the serious financial loss incurred by a large number of inhabitants and local authorities in roads and drainage?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has had under consideration the damage to the houses of owner-occupiers in the Broken Cross district of Hamilton and elsewhere in the Scottish mining coalfield caused by the withdrawal of coal, not from directly underneath the houses, but at a lateral distance of 250 feet or more from the vertical line of such houses; and whether he has any legislative proposals in view regarding the compensating of such owner-occupiers in respect of such damage?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of persons under 16 years of age employed underground in the various mining districts at the latest date available?

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 fatal and non-fatal accidents to boys between the ages of 14 and 18 employed in the mines during the night shift, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., for the years 1934, 1935 and 1936, respectively?

I regret that it is impracticable to furnish the information asked for.

Surely it should not be an impossible task for the hon. and gallant Gentleman to get the information?

I did not say it was impossible. I said it was impracticable in the time available since the hon. Member put the question down, because it is asking for a great number of figures and I understand, as I wrote to him personally, that it would involve investigating an enormous number of returns. Perhaps if he will give me a little time I will see what can be done.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman give me an answer in a week's time?

Perhaps the most convenient way would be to let me inform the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of fatal and non-fatal accidents to boys from 14 to 18 years of age employed in and about the mines in this country in each year from 1930 up to 1936?

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 whether he will give facilities for the extension of the powers of inspectors appointed by the workmen under Section 16 of the Coal Mines Act of 1911, so that workmen may be withdrawn from any part of a mine when, in the opinion of the local mines inspectors, there is a breach of the Coal Mines Regulation Act and/or there is danger, from whatever cause, to any workmen?

The question of the appropriate powers to be assigned to workmen's inspectors is under the consideration of the Royal Commission, and I must await their report.

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he can now make a statement on the subject of coal legislation?

It was the desire and intention of His Majesty's Government that the legislation necessary to give effect to their proposals for the unification of coal royalties under public control should be introduced and carried into law during the present Session of Parliament. The House will remember that on 26th April, in announcing the Government's acceptance of the findings of the tribunal on the global purchase price of the royalties, the Prime Minister said that it was the intention to introduce the necessary legislation as soon as possible. It has, however, unfortunately become clear that the state of Parliamentary business will not permit of the passage of this Measure, which will inevitably be lengthy and complicated, during the present Session.

An alternative form of procedure is, however, possible, which will, I hope, obviate any serious delay. The unification of coal royalties must inevitably involve a great deal of preliminary work—in particular, the ascertainment of existing proprietary interest in coal and associated rights. The Government have accordingly decided that this preliminary work shall be proceeded with at once by means of a Bill to provide for the collection and registration of particulars concerning the units of separate ownership of coal and associated rights, and of existing working leases. It will be obvious that this task is an essential part of any scheme for the unification of the property concerned; and that such progress as can be made towards its completion will pro tanto shorten the period required for collecting information and assessing individual claims for compensation under the main Bill. It is intended, therefore, that a Bill providing the machinery for this purpose shall be introduced in another place almost at once, and I hope that it will be possible for it to become law before the Summer Recess. The main Bill embodying the coal policy of the Government will be introduced at the beginning of next Session, with a view to its passage into law before the end of the present year.

Is it the intention of the Government to proceed with the Coal Mines Reorganisation Bill introduced some three or four months ago?

The main Bill, as I have already said, will be introduced next Session.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be very careful to see that nothing in the first Bill ties the hands of this House on the principles of the main Bill when it comes before us?

Is it clear that the main Bill will include both the unification of coal royalties and the reorganisation of the industry?

I cannot add anything about the contents of the Bill which will not be introduced until next Session.

On the principle embodied in the Bill to which the right hon. Gentleman refers, do we understand from his statement that all that is intended in the Bill to be introduced in another place is the collection of information in preparation for the major Bill which will be subsequently introduced in this House?

I thought I had made it pretty clear in my original reply that the collection and registration of particulars concerning the units of separate ownership of coal and associated rights and of existing working leases will be dealt with in that Bill. That originally would have been part of the main Bill, but as we cannot get the whole Bill through, we are doing that part of the Bill now so as to save time later.

On a point of Order, did I understand the Prime Minister to say that we should delegate some of our powers to the House of Lords and that they would introduce a Bill on this matter? Have we the right to give the House of Lords power to introduce a Bill from this House which we have to deal with afterwards?

That is a procedure which is very often adopted. It happens in many cases that a Bill is introduced first in the House of Lords and comes here afterwards.

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that while legislation is to be brought in to collect information, nothing in the statement of the Government is to be taken to indicate that they are to modify or change in any way the award of the Tribunal?

That is so.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether the statement he has made covers in any way the future of the Coal Mines Reorganisation Bill which was introduced by the last President of the Board of Trade and dropped?

I said that there was no change in the plan of the Government except on the point of time.

The difficulty is that there was a change in the plans of the Government owing to the Bill having been introduced by the President of the Board of Trade, emasculated and then withdrawn. What we want to know is whether the legislation is to fulfil the original programme of the Government in respect of the reorganisation of this industry.

There is not any alteration in the position as it was last stated in this House, except on the point of time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the letter from Mr. J. W. Bell, of 40, Coronation Street, Victoria, Australia, dealing with the exploitation of the Yampi Sound and Blythe River iron-ore deposits and asking if negotiations are taking place to enable a company to mine and ship a million tons of iron ore per year to Japan; and what was the nature of the reply sent to Mr. Bell?

Yes, Sir. The letter to which the hon. Member refers has been considered, and I am sending him a copy of the reply sent to Mr. Bell.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that the imports of crushed macadam and chippings from Norway and Belgium have increased from 875 tons in January to 9,333 tons in February, some further effort will now be made to induce local authorities to use British materials, of which there are large supplies lying idle?

The Ministry of Transport have urged upon local authorities the desirability of using British materials to the maximum possible extent for road-making, and one of the conditions of a grant from the Road Fund is that all materials should, so far as practicable, be of United Kingdom origin. Imports of foreign macadam are small compared with home production.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that from the figures the imports for February of this year were higher than those for any month of last year; and in view of the great supplies available at reasonable prices in Cornwall and elsewhere, will he give the matter his very serious consideration?

It is quite true that the imports for February were high, but, even so, they only stand at something like 9,000 tons compared with the average of home production of 750,000 tons.

If any steps are taken to restrict foreign imports, can the Minister give an undertaking that the Government will see to it that British producers will not make price rings against the interests of the local authorities?

That question is doubly hypothetical.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that certain local authorities or surveyors have actually specified for the supply of Norwegian materials as against British?

If my hon. Friend has any information of that kind, I shall be glad if he will bring it to my attention.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the Anglo-Spanish Clearing Office is holding up funds amounting to between £1,500,000 and £2,000,000 sterling due to creditors in the United Kingdom; and when this money is likely to be distributed to the creditors entitled to receive it who are suffering serious difficulties and hardships through lack of capital represented by such funds?

The distribution of the funds held by the Anglo-Spanish Clearing Office is suspended in consequence of difficulties which have arisen as the result of the civil war in Spain. I fully realise the desirability from the creditors' point of view of distributing this money at an early date, but I cannot at present say when it will be possible to do so.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that chambers of commerce, who are fully aware of the difficulties that he has pointed out, have expressed their firm opinion that such difficulties can easily be overcome, and should be overcome swiftly?

I will certainly see if there is anything that can be done to hurry up this matter. I realise the difficulty of those who are owed money under this Agreement.

Can my right hon. Friend offer any valid reason to the House why the exporters of goods to Spain, enjoying the protection of the Anglo-Spanish Clearing Office, should fail to receive their money even temporarily during a civil war in Spain for which they have no responsibility whatever?

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many firms in the United Kingdom, having sold goods to Italy the payment for which is covered by the Italian Clearing Agreement, have received payment at a lower rate of exchange than was provided for in the agreement, thus losing money to which they were entitled; what are the total amounts of such losses; and what steps have been taken by the Italian Government to enforce its decree which ordered the Italian consignees of the British goods involved to make good the differences in exchange?

I presume my hon. Friend refers to the transfer of debts covered by the Payments Agreement of 1935. The Anglo-Italian Clearing Agreement of November last provides that these debts shall be transferred at the rate current on the date when transfer is notified to the United Kingdom Clearing Office, but it falls to the debtors to make supplementary deposits of lire to cover the exchange differences resulting from the devaluation of the lira. Therefore, although the creditor receives in the first instance only the equivalent of the original deposit, it does not follow that the balance is to be regarded as a loss. In fact, considerable sums have already been transferred in respect of supplementary deposits and it is, I think, premature to attempt to estimate the amount likely to remain unpaid. As regards the last part of the question, I understand that the Italian authorities have instructed Italian banks to notify the debtors of their obligations in the matter under Italian law.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take note that there is no civil war in Italy as far as can be ascertained, and no excuse for the Italian Government not meeting their financial obligations?

I think that the hon. Member is under a complete misapprehension. If he will read the answer to the question, he will see that the additional sum due to the depreciation of the lira has nothing whatever to do with the Italian Government. The matter was discussed at some length in general last week, and if he will refer to the report he will be able to refresh his memory.

Is it not the fact that the Italian Government still own a considerable amount of money for Welsh and Durham coal?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question upon the Paper.

Are we to understand that the Italian Government have no control over Italian traders?

It is a matter of civil liability between traders of one country and traders of another.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the total value of the orders placed by the Soviet trading organisation in the first four months of this year as compared with the January to April period of the preceding year; and whether the £10,000,000 credit agreement is proceeding satisfactorily?

I have no information as to the value of the orders placed for United Kingdom goods, but according to a statement published by the Soviet Trade Delegation the total value of the orders placed in the United Kingdom by Soviet trading organisations in the period January to April, 1937, was £8,611,000 as compared with £3,088,000 in the corresponding period of 1936. The answer to the latter part of the question is in the affirmative.

Am I to understand from the answer of the President of the Board of Trade that officially the Board of Trade keep no records of trade between this country and Soviet Russia?

I cannot answer that question from day to day as it arises. They are kept only for specific periods.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether in this case the Soviet Government, or the appropriate body responsible for these goods, are meeting their obligations satisfactorily?

So far, Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made with the Indian trade agreement negotiations; and whether the increased take of Indian cotton by Lancashire will be taken into account?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which was given to him by my predecessor on 19th April. As regards the second part, I will certainly bear this in mind.

What steps are being taken by the Minister to see that properly accredited trade representatives are attached to the delegations?

As that is rather a different question perhaps my hon. Friend will put it upon the Paper.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the position with regard to the enabling Bills proposed for different textile industries in Lancashire; and whether separate Bills or a general enabling Bill will be introduced, and when?

I am not at present in a position to make any statement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of pocket mirrors imported into this country during the six months ended to the last convenient date displaying pictures on the back thereof depicting the royal coach leaving Buckingham Palace and flying the Union Jack, upside down, together with the lion and unicorn, with the words "Coronation Day, May 12th, 1937," and also stamped "Foreign," having been made in Germany and supplied by manufacturers in Dusseldorf; and will he consider introducing legislation that will prohibit in future the import into this country of such merchandise bearing purely national emblems?

The information asked for in the first part of the question is not available. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative; but I would remind the hon. Member that Coronation souvenirs imported from foreign countries are subject to an import duty of 100 per cent. ad valorem.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider making a regulation that the word "Foreign" should be imprinted on these souvenirs and not put on with a rubber stamp which could be easily rubbed off?

That is a matter which comes under the machinery of the Merchandise Marks Act, and I will certainly look into it.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many soldiers are, or have been, in course of training for civilian work with W. Alexander and Sons, Camelon, Scotland; whether the firm receives any remuneration for such training; if so, what is the amount paid to them per week; whether there is any deduction from the military pay of the trainees; what is the amount of this deduction; and is the deduction, if any, paid to the firm in question and to other firms?

The answer to the first part of the question is "7"; to the second part "none"; the third part does not arise; to the remaining parts, "there is no deduction."

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the numbers now employed at the Nottingham Gun Factory; when it is expected it will be in full production; and whether there has been any unexpected delay in securing machinery or material?

The answer to the first part is "462"; to the second "I cannot say"; and to the third "No."

Owing to the very great local interest as to what the plans of the War Office are in regard to this matter, will my right hon. Friend consider making a public statement in the near future, saying when it is proposed to begin full production here, and when it is likely to extend the existing staff?

I am informed that the production is steadily increasing. If my hon. Friend desires any further information that I can give him, I will willingly send it to him.

Is the Minister aware that it has been stated in this House that this factory will not be in full production until about 2,000 men have been engaged? Seeing that his statement to-day shows that only 462 have been engaged, how can that be reconciled with his other remarks?

My statement is that production is steadily increasing and, further, that I will send to the hon. Member any other particulars that I can.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of persons employed at the Bridgend munitions factory and the sources of recruitment?

No War Department employes are at present at Bridgend.

Except the technicians, can the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that all the other labour will be recruited from the locality?

As this building will he under the direction of the Office of Works, perhaps any other question had better be addressed to my right hon. Friend.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether the workmen engaged in preparatory work at Bridgend munitions establishment are paid in accordance with the fair-wages clause for the district and the rates paid for the various grades of labour engaged?