I desire to postpone this question until the Secretary of State for Scotland is here to answer it. The reason I wish to do so is this. You will see from the question that I am asking the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that a summons has been served on the Scottish Milk Marketing Board. I want to know whether he was aware of that fact when he introduced his Measure on 24th June, because if so—

Mr. Davidson.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total number of persons buried as paupers at part or full expense of the Glasgow Public Assistance Committee for the years 1935 and 1936, respectively?

I have been asked to reply. The numbers of persons buried partly or wholly at the expense of the Glasgow Public Assistance Department during the years ended 31st May, 1935, and 31st May, 1936, were 1,116 and 1,228 respectively. I understand that in the majority of cases the funeral arrangements are made by the relatives of the deceased person.

In view of that reply, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether this indicates in the second city of the Empire any return of prosperity?

That is another question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of births in Scotland for the years 1933 and 1936, respectively?

The total number of births registered in Scotland was 86,546 in the year 1933, and 88,928 in the year 1936.

Is that any evidence of prosperity?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of school children in the Kelvingrove division of Glasgow receiving free meals as necessitous cases?

My right hon. Friend is informed by the education authority that the number is 347.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this is an increase over the previous year of necessitous children receiving free meals, and will anything be done on behalf of Glasgow, in conjunction with the Minister of Labour, to have this question dealt with in the immediate future?

I will certainly convey the hon. Member's remarks to my right hon. Friend.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say. where his right hon. Friend and the Under-Secretary are?

Yes, Sir. The Secretary of State for Scotland is Minister in Attendance on His Majesty the King in Scotland, and the Under-Secretary, who is Hereditary Standard Bearer of Scotland, is also there. [An HON. MEMBER: "Where is the Scottish Whip?"] The Scottish Whip is also there.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the representations made by the Scottish Rating Reform Association regarding the dissatisfaction in Scotland anent the incidence of the present rating system; and whether the Government propose to introduce legislation towards remedying the existing evils against which complaint is being made?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As explained in the reply sent to the Association by my right hon. Friend on 4th June, of which a copy is being communicated to the hon. Member, it is not possible to indicate a prospect of legislation providing that local rates should be levied on income instead of upon lands and heritages.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made with the consideration of remedies for the plight of Scottish poultry farmers; and when an announcement of Government policy will be made?

My right hon. Friend is not in a position to make any statement on this subject.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman give any indication as to when a statement may be made?

Is it not true that the difficulty with the poultry situation is that most of the food is imported, and that until we get wider world trade it will be impossible for the Government to have a proper poultry policy?

Perhaps the hon. Member will be good enough to put that question on the Paper again during next week?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is taking any steps to re-start land settlement with fixity of tenure and fair rents; and whether he has any policy for utilising the 3,500,000 acres of idle land now under deer in Scotland?

Land settlement under the Small Landholders (Scotland) Acts with fixity of tenure and fair rents has continued without interruption since 1912, but in industrial areas the alternative tenure prescribed by the Agricultural Holdings Acts has of recent years been considered to be more appropriate. As regards the last part of the question, my right hon. Friend is not satisfied that any extensive action for utilising deer forests for purposes of agriculture or small holdings would be economically practicable in present circumstances.

May I say through you, Mr. Speaker, that as it would not be fair to argue this matter with the hon. and gallant Gentleman who is answering for the Scottish Office, I will pursue the matter later?

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman convey to his right hon. Friend the fact that the Highland Economic League have definitely stated that much of this deer land could be used for agricultural purposes, and will he investigate that statement of the League, in which he is himself a participant?

I will convey that to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will bring pressure to hear upon the county councils of Inverness and Rose and Cromarty to bring into good repair footpaths used by children in the Outer Hebrides going to and from school over long distances, and demand that such action be taken immediately in view of the hardship and menace to the health of these children caused by the neglected condition of these paths?

This matter is primarily one for the local authorities concerned, and if the hon. Member will submit particulars of any cases which he has in mind my right hon. Friend will be glad to communicate them to the local authority.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman convey to his right hon. Friend one particularly outstanding case, one example of many results and hardships caused by this neglect, namely, the tragic death of a little child on her way to school over what can hardly be regarded as a footpath, and will he give some indication that the Department intend to do something about these things which have been neglected for years and years?

Perhaps the hon. Member will speak to me afterwards on the point.

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that on 2nd July some 13½ million herring were landed at Lerwick; whether as a result of this glut of supply the port was closed to imports for the succeeding two days; whether at the same port in June, 1936, over 16,000 cwts. of herring were thrown back into the sea; whether many of the share fishermen in Scotland being debarred from unemployment benefit are in semi-starvation; and what steps he proposes to take to reorganise this industry on a basis of production for use with a guaranteed livelihood to the fishermen?

My right hon. Friend is aware of the heavy landings at Lerwick on 1st and 2nd July, but he understands that nearly all the herring were disposed of for human consumption, and that the port was closed for Saturday in order to give time for their treatment and to prevent the arrival of additional herring which could not be treated before Sunday. In June, 1936, more herring were caught at the end of the week than could be treated before Sunday, and some 12,000 cwts. had consequently to be returned to the sea. My right hon. Friend is aware that the earnings of herring share fishermen generally have for some years been on a low level, but to a large and increasing extent herring fishermen are now paid partly by wage and are within the scope of the Unemployment Insurance Act. As regards the last part of the question, the Herring Industry Act, 1935, made provision for the reorganisation and development of the herring industry, and the board constituted under that Act are doing their utmost to expand the markets for herring so as to assist the fishermen.

Is the hon. Member aware that the figure of 16,000 cwt. of herring thrown back into the sea is taken from the annual report of the Fishery Board; and is he further aware that there is widespread and long continued starvation of these herring fishermen all round the northern coasts of Scotland; and can he give any assurance to this House that urgent steps will be taken to insure that their produce shall be marketed in future at least in the Distressed Areas?

I will, of course, convey the right hon. Gentleman's suggestion to my right hon. Friend.

May I ask where the hon. and gallant Member got the figure of 12,000 cwt., seeing that the Official Report says 16,000?

The official figure I was given was 12,000.

Is it not a very serious allegation the right hon. Gentleman is making that fishermen in Scotland are half-starved?

Semi-starved.

We have many distressed fishermen in the West country.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has considered the resolution passed at the National Conference of Scottish Mineworkers which proposed the restoration of the penny levy for welfare development, and the further proposal that the income for pit-baths should be capitalised in order to ensure immediate installation of baths at all pits; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take on these matters?

No such resolutions have reached me, but the provision of pithead baths is being greatly expedited, as explained in my answer to the hon. Member's question on 6th April. I do not at present propose any further steps.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that the situation in regard to welfare in many districts, and the failure or reluctance to make a general installation of baths, is becoming a public scandal, and does he not intend to implement the terms of the Motion carried in this House, and get these matters attended to?

If the hon. Member will look at the reply I gave him before, he will be aware that the present programme involves more than doubling the rate of construction which was thought of two or three years ago.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that, in spite of the fact that the rate is being doubled, there is a very large number of pits where baths are absolutely necessary and are not being installed, and is he going to do nothing about it?

It is not true to say that we are not doing anything.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many inspections have been made in Fife by workmen's inspectors during 1936 and during the present year to the latest available date?

During the year 1936, a total of 236 inspections was made at 21 mines. During the present year, up to the end of May, 52 inspections were made at 15 mines.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that these inspections are not only helpful to the men, but to the Government inspectors, and that they were very helpful to the Safety Commission when it visited Fife; and will he not recommend the general application of this rule to all districts throughout the country?

The hon. Member has overlooked the fact that that is more or less the next question which he has on the Paper, to which I am just going to give an answer.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has considered the resolutions passed at the National Conference of Scottish Mineworkers directing attention to the importance of workmen's inspectors and urging, while the present democratic method of elections should continue, that these inspectors should be maintained by the State; and what steps does he propose to take to have this matter attended to?

No such resolutions have reached me. In the evidence submitted by the Mines Department to the Royal Commission on Safety, the question how workmen's inspections could be made more general and still more effective was suggested as an important matter for the consideration of the commission. There is no further appropriate step which I could usefully take at this stage.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that in putting my previous supplementary question, I wanted him to agree with me, and then on this question, I wanted to direct his attention to the proposal in this resolution that workmen's pit inspectors should be paid by the State? Will he give consideration to that?

The people who are giving consideration to all those questions are the Royal Commission at the present time.

asked the Secretary for Mines what is the number of test-drillings taken for oil production in this country during the past two years; will he make a statement as to whether any oil has been discovered; and, if so, the quantity and the quality of it?

During the period mentioned, apart from a number of shallow borings in different parts of the country for the purpose of obtaining necessary geological data, five test bore-holes for oil have been commenced, of which two have been completed and three are still in progress. In the two completed boreholes traces of oil were found, but no accumulation was encountered.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of licences for prospecting for oil in this country which have been granted by his Department; and the names of the companies or persons to whom the licences have been granted, also the areas covered by the licences?

As the reply contains a numbr of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has completed his examination of the case for appointing additional inspectors; and whether he has any statement to make?

Yes, Sir, I have now decided, after consultation with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to supplement the action already taken on the reports of the Statutory Court of Inquiry into the Gresford Colliery disaster by creating 16 additional posts in the Mines Inspectorate for the purpose, more particularly, of increasing the amount of inspection on the afternoon and night shifts. I should, perhaps, add that this is an interim measure, which will in no way prejudice consideration of any conclusions reached by the Royal Commission on Safety in Coal Mines which is now sitting.

When are these appointments likely to be made?

I think the usual steps for the selection of candidates are already being taken.

asked the Secretary for Mines the amount of financial assistance per ton, in terms of sterling, by coal exporting countries in Europe on coal exported from those countries?

As I informed the hon. Member on 24th November last, sufficient data is not available to enable me to give this information.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman give us such data as he has; and is it not the case that there are some sources from which he can get data on this matter?

I have already answered a number of questions about this matter, and such information as I have has been given to the House. I cannot give fuller information, because I have not got it.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that private individuals can get this information, and surely what is available to private individuals should be available to a public Department?

Sometimes private individuals are satisfied with information which is not quite as reliable as the information which I would feel justified in submitting to the House.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of miners employed in Yorkshire below the age of 16 and between the ages of 16 and 18 for the last three years, respectively?

As the reply involves a number of figures, I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the devaluation of the franc is having an adverse effect upon our export trade in coal with France; and what steps he is taking to protect, as far as is possible, this important market, particularly in view of subsidised competition from Germany?

I know of no evidence to support the suggestion made in the first part of the question; the second part therefore does not arise.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that coal-owners in Great Britain have been warned that the resources of the Italian clearing houses are reaching exhaustion; and whether he can make any statement on the matter and indicate what steps he is taking to deal with it?

The Anglo-Italian Commercial Agreement of 6th November last provided, inter alia, that the Italian Government would authorise the importation of United Kingdom coal, coke and solid fuel up to a quarterly c.i.f. value of 43·5 million lire. It also provided that no importation in excess of this amount should, except by agreement between the two Governments, be allowed when there is any delay in transferring payments in respect of current trade under the Clearing Agreement of the same date. The latter agreement provided that the proceeds of imports of Italian goods into the United Kingdom were to be used in specified proportions for the liquidation of outstanding debts and for payment for current exports to Italy. As a result of inquiries made by the Government, it has recently become apparent that very large Italian purchases of coal have been made, already considerably exceeding the value of the quota; and that, so far as it is possible to estimate the future position of the clearing, it is probable that if the contracts already made are fully executed, there will be little, if any, margin for payment for further coal purchases during the present year. The position as regards 1938 is also receiving consideration. In these circumstances, I have warned the coal trade organisations that the greatest caution should be exercised in accepting any further commitments in the Italian market. The position which has arisen is to be discussed informally with the Italian Government.

Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman's Department or the Government any policy at all to meet these fluctuations which adversely affect our export trade from time to time; and does not the hon. and gallant Gentleman think the time is overdue for taking steps to secure some kind of international agreement to regulate and control the export trade in Europe?

Those are very large questions to be dealt with in a supplementary answer. I have already given a comprehensive reply to the hon. Gentleman's original question, and the matter, as I have said, is at present under consideration.

Is it not a fact that those concerned in the export trade of this country feel a great deal of alarm about both the French and Italian markets and about what may happen in the next three or four months; and is not the hon. and gallant Gentleman's Department also concerned about it and is not something being done to assist the coal export trade, in regard to these matters, seeing that it has already been so badly hit?

Of course, we are watching these matters with great care but this is a problem arising out of quotas and is not a question of fluctuations of exchange. It is quite a different matter.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether any steps are being taken to compensate aged miners for their arduous service by the establishment of retiring pensions which will make it unnecessary to appeal to the public assistance authority; and whether he will take steps to secure a contribution towards such a pension from the royalty owners in any settlement of their claim for compensation for loss of royalties?

The hon. Member will be aware that a pension scheme for aged miners is under consideration in South Wales: but I am not aware of any similar development elsewhere. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Will the Minister not see that consideration is given to this matter when a great change is contemplated in regard to mining royalties; does he not think that the miners have made their contribution towards the royalties and are entitled to some consideration?

asked the Secretary for Mines the total number of workmen employed at the Harworth Colliery, Notts, on 28th May, 1937, and the present figures?

On 29th May, 1937, there were 1,134 wage-earners on the books at Harworth Colliery, and on 26th June the figure was 1,239.

In view of the agreement that was reached when the settlement of the Harworth dispute took place, to re-employ 350 men who were out of work owing to the dispute, does not the hon. and gallant Gentleman think these figures indicate that the agreement is not being expeditiously put into force?

No, Sir. To the best of my recollection it was thought at the time that the increased employment would be at the rate of about 30 per week.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he proposes to amend the regulations relating to stone-dusting in mines consequent upon the disturbing comments made on the present stone-dusting regulations in recent mining disasters; and, if so, when they may be expected?

Yes, Sir. Draft general regulations, in which are included important amendments relating to precautions against coal dust have been communicated to the principal representative bodies of the industry for their observations. This action is being, of course, taken as a matter of urgency without prejudice to any recommendations that the Royal Commission may make on this subject.

Are we to take it that the Minister is awaiting the result of the consideration of this matter by the respective organisations? Is that where we stand now?

Yes, Sir. The practice when new regulations are about to be introduced is to take the informal observations of the bodies concerned, before taking the formal steps required by law.

May I, in view of the disturbed state of the miners of this country on this important question, ask whether that has already been done?

I am afraid the hon. Gentleman did not take up what I said in my answer. I said that these draft general regulations had been communicated to the bodies concerned for their observations.

Can the Minister say how long ago?

Not without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (1) whether any discussions took place at the time of the Imperial Conference regarding the definition of Commonwealth citizenship;

(2) whether any discussions took place at the time of the Imperial Conference regarding the constitutional position in South Africa under the Status of the Union Act, 1934, especially as regards the question of Union citizenship?

The question of citizenship within the Commonwealth was discussed at the Imperial Conference, and I would refer the hon. Member to sub-section (i) of Section XIV of the Summary of Proceedings (Cmd. 5482) under the heading "Nationality."

May the House take it that the term "British subject" will continue to apply to all His Majesty's subjects in every part of the British Commonwealth of Nations?

Yes, Sir. There is no alteration in the existing practice in that respect.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether the question of women's citizenship was considered; and is he aware that women want to retain their citizenship as much as men?

The question of the nationality of married women was also discussed, and is referred to in the same section of the conference's report.

Did they deal with women born in the United States?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is able now to announce the proposals of the long-term programme for the economic and social reconstruction of Newfoundland as submitted to him by the Commissioners of that Dominion; and whether such proposals have now been approved by him?

An outline of the proposals for a long-range programme of economic reconstruction in Newfoundland, which have been approved in principle, will be included in the Budget speech which is to be made in Newfoundland on 13th July. I will arrange for printed copies of the speech to be placed in the Library of the House as soon after that date as possible.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the increasing confusion and increasing discontent about this matter; and will he give attention to the need for some reconsideration of the question with a view to seeing that local opinion will have some means of expression?

I do not think that either confusion or discontent is increasing. As regards consulting local opinion on matters concerned with Government and administration, it is the practice—the growing practice—of the Commission to consult local opinion on all sorts of special problems.

May we know whether this speech which is to be made on Budget day in Newfoundland has the approval of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom?

The principles of the policy have been approved.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say by whom the speech will be made?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs how many further meetings of the Oversea Settlement Board have been held since the 14 meetings reported in Cmd. 5314, of November, 1936; what progress has been made with the examination of the problem of a resumption of oversea settlement; whether any and, if so, which members of the Board will visit any and, if so, which of the Dominions this year; and whether he is satisfied that the Oversea Settlement Board, as at present constituted, has the necessary experience and time to fulfil its responsibilities satisfactorily, having in view the importance of Empire migration and settlement overseas?

The Oversea Settlement Board have since 27th July, 1936, the date of the report referred to by the hon. Member, held 20 meetings. In the course of those meetings they have had the advantage of informal discussions with a considerable number of Ministers from the Dominions overseas, and of hearing evidence from officials and others on certain special aspects of migration and population problems. They have also considered and made recommendations on a number of detailed questions which have been referred to them. The Board have been able, as a result of the comprehensive survey of the question of oversea settlement which they have ma de since their appointment, to furnish me with most valuable information and advice, and I am entirely satisfied with the manner in which they are fulfilling the functions with which they have been entrusted. No arrangements have as yet been made for visits by members of the Board to any of the Dominions during the present year.

Is it the intention of the Minister to communicate to this House the result of those investigations?

The Board did present an interim report to me, which was published and laid on the Table of this House. When their consideration has reached a stage when any further report can be made on the question as a whole, I will, of course, consider the question of communicating that report to the House.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state categorically whether any Government in the British Empire is prepared to welcome any scheme for migration to the Dominions?

That is a very wide question, and I should have to consider it carefully before giving the right hon. Gentleman an answer.

Really, the right hon. Gentleman knows very well. [HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"] He might tell us. He knows.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that users of steel are hard hit owing to the inability of English rolling-mills to supply requirements and that considerable orders are being placed in the United States to prevent a partial closing of factories; whether he will take the necessary steps to reduce the duty to a uniform 10 per cent.; and will he see that no effort is spared to increase supplies of billets to the rolling-mills of this country?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to the decision of the Import Duties Advisory Committee concerning any increase cf iron and steel imports?

On the recommendation of the Import Duties Advisory Committee, two Orders have been issued whereby the duties on many categories of imported iron and steel, including billets, will be substantially reduced as from tomorrow.

Will the right hon. Gentleman do what he can at the moment to assist a number of small manufacturers who are unable to carry on their duties, whose men are unemployed, and whose businesses are losing all the value of their goodwill?

I think the hon. Member has the best of reasons for knowing that I am doing that, because he brought a case to my notice, with the result that they did obtain some steel.

Do we understand that Birmingham has now become entirely a Free Trade city?

No, I would not like the right hon. Gentleman to take any such view.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many of the industrialists concerned hold the view that this acute shortage of steel has been grossly exaggerated, and will he and his Department exercise some caution, so that increased quantities of materials are not produced that might mean a surplus production?

Is the right hon. Gentleman's Department bringing any pressure to bear to alter the restrictive policy of the Iron and Steel Federation, of which the hon. Gentleman behind him is so eloquent a member?

Of course, these things have to be very carefully handled. There is an abnormal pressure for steel at the moment, but we cannot anticipate that the demand will always continue at such a level. We have to avoid the danger of excess capacity and then the demand falling off.

32 and 33. Captain Strickland asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) on what date the attention of his Department was first drawn to the probable shortage of home-produced steel supplies; and what steps were taken to investigate and meet the difficulty;

(2) on what date the shortage of home-produced steel supplies was first brought to the notice of the Import Duties Advisory Committee, and by whom?

The possibility that special steps would be necessary to meet the increased demand for steel in this country was brought to the notice of the Import Duties Advisory Committee by the British Iron and Steel Federation in the autumn of 1935. Arrangements were then made with the Continental Cartel for imports in excess of those provided for in the agreement with that body. As my hon. Friend is aware, much development of home productive capacity has been undertaken since then, and further purchases have been made abroad. The sudden increase in the world demand in the autumn of 1936 has, however, seriously affected the flow of imports, and various adjustments of import duties have been made for the purpose of maintaining and increasing the rate of importation.

Will my right hon. Friend give an answer to the first part of the question, as to when the Government first became aware of the possibility of this shortage, and, secondly, in view of the reply which he gave a few moments ago that there might be a necessity to revert to a higher tariff, is he satisfied that the Import Duties Advisory Committee have the power to act speedily enough to meet public urgencies such as are now in existence?

In answer to the first part of the supplementary question, of course, the Government were aware of the action of the Iron and Steel Federation in bringing this matter to the notice of the Import Duties Advisory Committee. With regard to the second part, yes, I do believe that the committee can act with sufficient speed, and my hon. and gallant Friend will, of course, realise that the reduction of the duties is of a temporary character.

Is it a fact that the Government were aware of the approaching shortage as far back as last December and that they left it to the consumers of steel themselves to bring it before the Advisory Committee?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the rate of importation has increased since the duties were modified?

I could not give the actual figures, but, as the House knows, the cartel countries have not been able to fill the quotas of imports which were allowed to them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the smaller users of steel are not exploited by the international cartel, and that they have a fair chance as compared with the bigger consumers who have preferential treatment?

They do have a fair chance, and if the hon. Member has any evidence in support of the imputation which he has made, I shall be only too glad to receive it and to consider it.

Has not evidence already been given in this House?

No, Sir. I know that one hon. Member who was asked to send it to my predecessor said he would get the evidence, but he failed to do so.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the steel mills at Pontnewynydd are working short time in consequence of a shortage of supplies of steel; that considerable dissatisfaction exists amongst the workpeople because of the unemployment resulting; and whether he is taking steps to ensure that adequate supplies of steel are made available to the works in question?

My attention had not previously been drawn to the difficulties of these particular works, but I am satisfied that all practicable steps are being taken to increase supplies of steel to the tinplate and other steel using industries.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that there is a fair distribution among the small works of the amount of supplies that are available, and is he aware that Messrs. Lysaght, of Newport, a very substantial concern, recently made an application to the joint board of employers and workpeople to be allowed to work overtime, whereas small works such as those referred to in the question are not able to work half-time?

I am obliged to the hon. Gentleman for drawing my attention to these facts. I would like to look into them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that certain steel interests are stating that there is no shortage, but that many small firms are telling their work-people that there is a shortage; and can the right hon. Gentleman explain that contradiction?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the British Embassy staff at Washington is at present solely responsible for negotiations with the United States regarding a trade agreement or whether any negotiations are proceeding in London; and whether in due course a trade mission will be sent to the United States?

No negotiations are at present in progress, although exploratory discussions are taking place through His Majesty's Embassy in Washington, with the object of discovering whether a basis for negotiations exists. The answer to the last part of the question must depend on the result of these discussions.

In view of that reply, can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether any progress is being made in these negotiations?

I am afraid I am not in a position to make a statement at the moment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of tons of iron ore exported from Bilbao to Great Britain for the years 1934, 1935, and 1936, respectively, and for each of the first six months of 1937?

Particulars of imports into the United Kingdom from individual ports are not compiled. With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing the quantity of iron ore imported from Spain during the periods specified, but I cannot say what part of these imports was from the area referred to in the question.

In view of the importance of this iron ore to this country, will the right hon. Gentleman take any action necessary to prevent an interruption in the supply? Has he any information about the difficulties of business men get-trig into Bilbao in view of the statement of General Franco that no foreign nationals will be allowed in this territory?

I understood that the hon. Member was more concerned about iron ore coming out of Bilbao than about business men going in. On that point I answered a question of the hon. Member for South-West Bethnal Green (Sir P. Harris) the other day.

Has my right hon. Friend's attention been drawn to the statement to-day that the British staff of Orcanora Iron Ore Company have been asked to return to Bilbao and have agreed to do so, and that regular shipments from that mine are expected in future?

Is it not a fact that Great Britain comes first?

Is it not a fact that the questions and the attitude of the Opposition are such as to make business with Spain impossible?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements have been made to secure the continuance of the supply of iron-ore from Spain upon which many steel plants in this country depend; and whether he has any reason to fear that these supplies will be diverted to other countries in the near future?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 22nd June to a question by the hon. Member for South-West Bethnal Green (Sir P. Harris).

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, since he gave that reply, statements have been made that there are certain countries who regard the possession of this ore as very important, and is he aware also that that is causing great concern to many firms in South Wales and elsewhere, which for a generation or more have depended on these supplies? Have any steps been taken since to make sure that these supplies are not interrupted?

These supplies are now in the control of General Franco, and the formal assurance from him, which I gave to the House in response to a question, seems to me more important than the statements by other people outside.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any assurance beyond that of General Franco that he can give to the trade that these supplies will not be diverted?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to establish long-term trade agreements with other nations, with a view to securing guaranteed markets for the British herring industry?

Trade Agreements under which specific concessions have been secured for United Kingdom herring exports have already been concluded with eight foreign countries, and the herring industry participates in the benefits of other trade and payments agreements. In 1936 these agreements covered over 87 per cent. of the total United Kingdom exports of herrings to all foreign countries. In any future negotiations the interests of the herring industry will continue to be borne in mind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received the observations from the various sections of the film trade on the suggestions that he put before them on 11th June last; and whether the Government have now reached a decision on the amendments to be introduced to the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927?

The observations of the various sections of the film trade on the suggestions which I put before them on 11th June have now been received and are being considered.

In view of the fact that Lord Moyne's Commission recommended in favour of a film commission, which is supported by the Cinematograph Association, will the right hon. Gentleman give every consideration to it?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the amending Bill will be introduced in the autumn Session?

I cannot answer that.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Operative Cotton Spinners Association had difficulties for a considerable time with Messrs. Murgatroyd, Limited, Laurel Mill, Middleton Junction, Lancashire, regarding the conditions of their employés, which culminated in a strike on 6th June, 1936; that the firm entered into negotiations with the Spindles Board and consequently the mill and machinery have now been sold by auction by the board and the business terminated, thus depriving the employés of a remedy of their grievances and of their employment; and whether he will take steps to prevent the provisions of the Cotton Spinning Industry Act being used to circumvent the efforts of the trade union to secure proper conditions for their members?

I am informed that when the Spindles Board negotiated for the purchase of the mill referred to by the hon. Member they had no knowledge of any dispute between the owners and employés. I understand that if a similar position arose in another case and it were brought to their notice, the Spindles Board would certainly consider whether, and to what extent, they could allow their statutory obligations to be affected by it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Spindles Board made a very handsome profit out of this deal, and that 300 employés have lost for ever their chance of getting employment in the cotton trade owing to the closing of this mill; and will he, therefore, consider the necessity of introducing into the Spindles Act and other contemplated legislation provisions for compensating employes with safeguards against legislation being used for strike breaking purposes?

The last part of the supplementary raises a different question. What I am aware of is that there is a representative of the operatives upon the Spindles Board, and the board no doubt rely on him to let them know of any particular case where there is a trade dispute.

Is not this Act an unfortunate example of Government interference with private enterprise?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the great increase in the price of tea and the reduction in the London stock, he is considering further relaxation of the tea restriction scheme for the purpose of supplying the market with tea at reasonable prices, and the maintenance of adequate stocks to prevent fluctuations in prices arising from speculative transactions in this commodity?

I have been asked to reply. This matter is one for the International Tea Committee, on whose advice the Governments of India, Ceylon and the Netherlands act. The hon. Member may, I feel sure, be satisfied that all concerned have the market conditions to which he refers under close and constant review. Indeed, in view of these conditions, the Governments, on the recommendation of the Committee, recently authorised a further increase of 5 per cent. in the quota release for the current year, thus bringing the total permissible export up to 87½ per cent. of the standard quota.

Is it not the case that, in spite of the additional 5 per cent. on the quota, the price of tea is still rising, and that there is a serious apprehension that it will mount still further?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements exist in his Department for the study and prevention of unhealthy conditions of the Mercantile Marine; whether any medical officers of his Department are charged with this special responsibility; and to what extent consultation with the Ministry of Health on these matters is a practice of the Mercantile Marine section of his office?

There are three medical officers attached to the survey staff, and close contact is maintained with the Ministry of Health and the port sanitary authorities. Questions relating to the general health of the Mercantile Marine are dealt with by an inter-departmental committee of Board of Trade and Ministry of Health representatives. The plans of ships built in this country are examined and any necessary steps taken to ensure that the crew's accommodation conforms to the present standards of hygiene and comfort. Provisions as to the maintenance of the accommodation are included in the Instructions to Surveyors on this subject, which have recently been revised and will shortly be issued. In addition Board of Trade surveyors take every opportunity to inspect the crew's accommodation on ships in service.

Do I understand that medical officers are attached to the Mercantile Marine section, and do they study preventive measures in connection with the construction of boats and so on?

Yes, Sir, these medical inspectors are attached to the service.

Would reference to some of the medical officers' reports with regard to the accommodation on these ships modify the right hon. Gentleman's opinion?

I think the hon. Member had better see the instructions, and if he has any comment to make on them, I shall be glad to hear from him.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Corporation of Trinity House has recently made a by-law imposing new conditions for the qualification of Thames pilots; whether he will state the nature of the by-law and to whom it applies; and whether it is the intention of the Board of Trade to approve the by-law?

The Corporation of Trinity House submitted for the approval of the Board of Trade a code of by-laws to supersede by-laws then in force dealing with the qualifications required of candidates for pilots' licences and with the licensing of pilots in the London Pilotage District. Certain objections to the bylaws were received as the result of advertisement, but the board, after holding a meeting at which the parties making the objections were fully heard, decided to confirm the by-laws and this was done on 27th May last.

Do not these by-laws in fact now lay down that only persons holding a sea-going master's certificate can become pilots in the area quoted by the right hon. Gentleman?

I should be glad if the hon. Member would give me notice before I gave a full answer to that, but my impression is that on that particular point the code has not changed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman when prosecuting inquiries look into the question I have submitted, and have regard to the fact that the pilotage of the River Thames has been held for many years by people thoroughly qualified and that we have the best pilots, and yet their living is to be taken away by the imposing on new entrants of conditions that they cannot fulfil?

I think that the hon. Member is mistaken. Exactly the same qualifications were necessary in the old code, but the number of people entitled to exemptions under the old code are, of course, getting less by the efflux of time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many British vessels and foreign vessels, respectively, have been transferred to Spanish ownership during the past 12 months; and how many of these have been transferred to Spanish rebel ownership?

During the past 12 months three ships, two of which were of less than 100 tons gross, have been transferred from British to Spanish ownership, but I do not know whether the Spanish owners of these vessels are supporters of the Government or of General Franco. I have no information as to the number of foreign ships which have been transferred to Spanish ownership.

Is it not possible for the Board of Trade to ascertain the figures of foreign ships?

I do not think it is.

Has my right hon. Friend any information of the number of foreign ships recently transferred to British ownership by means of funds supplied by the Government of Valencia?

asked the President of the Board of Trade particulars of any way in which the Government are at present responsible for any portion of the insurance carried under the agreement between his Department and the Cunard Steamship Company, Limited, for the new sister ship of the "Queen Mary" that is being built.

In accordance with the provisions of the Cunard (Insurance) Agreement Act, 1930, the Board of Trade have provided insurance for that part of the value of the No. 552 (the new sister ship of the "Queen Mary") which it has not been possible to place in the open market. Of the total value of £4,500,000 for construction risks insurance purposes, the market took £3,760,000, and the Board have provided insurance for the balance of £740,000.

Do the Government receive the same rate of premium and pay the same rate of discount to the company as would be charged in the open market?

In order not to compete with the normal channels, the Government charge a slightly higher rate of premium than is charged in the open market.

Do the insurance risks include the possibility of the grounding of this second boat on the Clyde when it is launched?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will describe the method followed to keep the information continuously before soldiers that they can be trained at the Aldershot vocational centre in such a way as to enable them to be re-settled in civil life as chefs and skilled workers in the catering trades and private houses, with well-paid permanent employment in situations usually filled by foreigners.

No training is given at Aldershot or any other Army vocational training centre for employment as chefs or skilled workers in the catering trades. The Army vocational training centre at Hounslow provides training for private service, and the Ministry of Labour provides courses for hotel waiters. The facilities offered for training are brought to the notice of all soldiers by officers of their units, and information on the subject is also imparted by means of visits to centres and by lectures.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the troops at Fort Tregantle, Plymouth, have issued to them fresh liquid or condensed milk.

I understand that fresh milk is supplied to the troops at Fort Tregantle, Plymouth.

Will my right hon. Friend consider following that up by supplying home-produced beef al so?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his decision to compensate Guardsmen for damage to their tunics on Coronation Day also includes officers and non-commissioned officers?

Yes, Sir.

What is the total cost to public funds of this concession?

The total cost, all ranks, Guards and Household Cavalry, is about £2,600.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the representations made to him on behalf of the county councils of England and Wales by the Ministry of Health, he is now prepared to alter the Army Regulations so as to provide marriage and family allowances to married soldiers under the age of 26 years?

Since I answered a question by the hon. Member on 15th June last, there have been no such representations.

Have representations from the Ministry of Health not been passed on to the right hon. Gentleman, because that was the reply given by the Minister of Health?

There have been no representations from the Ministry of Health. My answer dealt with the facts.

Does not the Minister think that the wives of soldiers under 26 years of age ought not to be a charge upon public assistance funds at all?