asked the Minister of Labour whether arrangements can be made, in the case of insured persons being compelled to leave one industry under the general insurance scheme to agriculture, to transfer the value of the contributions from one fund to the other to prevent the insured person being deprived of benefit should he become unemployed?

My right hon. Friend explained in the Debate on the Adjournment on 29th June last why arrangements of the kind suggested are impracticable. I should point out also that in the circumstances mentioned in the question a contributor who, when he became employed in agriculture was qualified for benefit under the general scheme would remain so qualified as long as he continued to satisfy the first statutory condition.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that unless something is done +o prevent loss of contributions, it may prove a discouragement for men to transfer from one industry to another?

I realise that the question is difficult, but the technicalities are appreciated by the expert administrative bodies, and the Minister did his best to explain it on the Adjournment the other night.

asked the Minister of Labour how many workpeople are now employed in the factories on the Team Valley trading estate, and the nature of their occupations?

I am making inquiries and will let the hon. Member know the result.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed from each of the following Employment Exchanges, namely, Bishop Auckland, Shildon, Spennymore, Crook, Stanhope, Cockfield, and Middleton-in-Teesdale, who have obtained employment at the Team Valley Trading Estate?

The vacancies which have occurred on this estate up to the present are on constructional work and necessarily of a temporary nature, and they have been offered only to persons living within daily travelling distance. The hon. Member will therefore appreciate that no workpeople from the areas mentioned, the nearest of which is 25 miles from the estate, have so far been placed there.

As the Commission on Palestine have recommended £2,000,000 for Transjordania, will the hon. Gentleman also recommend £2,000,000 for Transjordania in Durham?

We are aware of the position in South-West Durham, and I am sure that the Commissioner will take all possible steps to give every opportunity for work-people to find work in this area.

Recognising that this is a trading estate, is it not folly not to use it for providing employment in South-West Durham, and will the hon. Gentleman represent to the Commissioner the desirability of getting a trading estate or at any rate a number of separate factories in South-West Durham, where unemployment is so acute?

I am sure the Commissioner is aware of the special needs of South-West Durham, but at the present time only work of a preliminary constructional nature can be undertaken.

Is the Commissioner giving any attention at all to South-West Durham?

Yes.

Who is responsible for the employment of these men? Is it the contractor who is responsible for the constructional work or those who are responsible for the administration of the trading estate?

I think the latter is the case, but I should like to investigate it and let the hon. Gentleman know.

asked the Minister of Labour what numbers of men have been engaged through the medium of the Employment Exchanges for potato picking in Jersey during the present season; from what areas of Great Britain they have been mainly drawn; upon what terms the men are engaged; and what steps are taken by his Department to see that the terms of the engagement are observed by both parties?

The number of men engaged through the Employment Exchanges for agricultural work in Jersey during 1937 is approximately 2,100. The men were mainly drawn from the South Western and South Eastern counties of England. They were engaged on terms brought to their notice before acceptance of the work and embodied in contracts signed by them and their employers; a minimum scale of wages has been drawn up by the Jersey Farmers' Union. Officers of my Department are stationed in Jersey to facilitate the smooth working of the scheme and to help in any difficulties which may arise in carrying out the terms of the contract.

What is the average wage per man in this work?

I think I could let the hon. Member have particulars of the average wage.

Could the men who are out of employment and who go to Jersey to work have insurance stamps put on their cards while they are in Jersey?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has made an investigation into the complaints made by a number of men who have been sent into Jersey for potato picking; and whether he has any statement to make about the matter?

I presume the reference is to two cases of which particulars were sent to me by the hon. Member for Rothwell (Mr. Lunn). A full reply is being sent to him, but I may say briefly that the investigation showed that these men had no substantial ground of complaint.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these complaints have come from a number of men up and down the country, and that the Minister admitted last week there were reasons for the complaints because it was rather a new venture? Is he also aware that these complaints have been going on for some years and that the troubles ought to have been found out before now?

My Department have special officers in Jersey to avoid any trouble of this sort and every effort is made to meet it. If the hon. Gentleman likes, I will, with the permission of the hon. Member for Rothwell (Mr. Lunn), communicate to him the facts of this case.

Is it not the case that when a dispute arises as to the area of ground picked, there are not sufficient officers sent by the Ministry of Labour to settle it, and that very often bad relations arise?

It is our aim to avoid bad relations.

Is my hon. Friend aware that some of the men have done very well?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that although there was a necessity for 3,000 potato pickers, only 2,100 applied for work of this character this year; and that conditions at some places are bad?

I would not like it to be said that the conditions are bad in Jersey—

I did not say that.

I am glad that the hon. Gentleman did not mean that. I am aware that there are certain difficulties which the officers of the Ministry do their best to avoid.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the extreme difficulty experienced by farmers in obtaining suitable casual labour to assist them during the present hay harvest; and whether, in view of this, the situation can be treated as one of emergency by his Department?

I am aware that difficulty is found in obtaining a sufficient number of casual workers for seasonal agricultural work. The Employment Exchanges assist farmers by bringing vacancies to the notice of suitable persons who are available; where the number of local applicants is insufficient to meet employers' requirements, the vacancies are brought to the notice of persons in other districts. The situation is receiving the constant attention of local officers of my Department.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that cases have occurred of unemployed men being refused industrial training on account either of their age or the number of their children; and whether he will state the conditions laid down by his Department in this connection?

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to vocational training at Government training centres. The age limits for admission to these centres are normally 18–35, but men over 35 may be accepted if they are suitable and can be satisfactorily placed in employment on completion of their course. There is no bar to the acceptance for training of men with dependent children, but careful consideration is necessary to avoid accepting men whose family commitments are likely to prevent them from taking employment of the kind available and in the localities where it is available. Cases of men with more than three children are specially considered from this point of view before they are accepted for training.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell me what is the method of approach of a man of 32 with five children who would like to receive this training when he has been definitely turned down?

If the hon. Member has a particular case in mind, I hope he will draw it to my attention.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the whole of a long-service Army pension is taken into account by the Unemployment Assistance Board when assessing unemployment assistance; and whether he will advise the Board to modify this matter in the interest of such applicants?

I am informed by the Unemployment Assistance Board that it is not the normal practice to take into account the whole of a pension of this kind. Allowance is made for personal requirements, the actual sum being determined at the discretion of the Board's officer according to the circumstances of the individual case. If the hon. Member has in mind any particular case that has given rise to difficulty, I shall be happy to communicate it to the Board.

Is the hon. Member aware that I have in my hand the case of a man who has had 24 years' service in the Army and who is drawing a pension of 24s. a week, every penny of which is taken into account by the Unemployment Assistance Board? If I promise to send this information on, I hope the hon. Member will look into it.

asked the Minister of Labour the conditions of wages and working for the men, women, and young persons employed in the hotels in London, particularly those in the Park Lane area and the Strand; and whether the Employment Exchange in Denmark Street, London, engages in placing people in employment at the Grosvenor House, Park Lane, and Savoy Hotels?

I am not in a position to give the particulars asked for in the first part of this question. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

In view of the answer to the second part of the question and the placing of people in employment at these particular hotels in London, is the Employment Exchange aware of the conditions to which it is sending these people when placing them in employment there?

I should have to make inquiries, but I presume the exchange is aware of all these matters.

Will the hon. Gentleman conduct an investigation into this matter in order to find out whether 7s. 6d. to 175. a week is an adequate wage for a man at these swagger hotels?

asked the Minister of Labour particulars of the inquiries he proposes to institute into the conditions of employment of persons engaged either as operators or attendants at cinema theatres; and whether he will consider appointing a Departmental Committee to make a comprehensive investigation into such conditions?

The Department proposes in the first instance to ask proprietors of cinematograph theatres to furnish particulars to my Department, on forms to be provided for the purpose, of the wages and working hours of the workpeople in their employment in a specified week. When these inquiries have been completed, my right hon. Friend will consider whether further investigation is required.

In view of the fact that the Minister has had instances of cases where people have to work nearly 80 hours per week for 25s. or 275. 6d. a week, does he not think it is nearly time that this inquiry was held?

That is precisely why my right hon. Friend is holding the inquiry.

Did not the Minister promise this House to hold an immediate inquiry himself?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has given consideration to any proposals from the International Office for special provisions for a limitation of working hours in backward countries; and whether he can make any statement on the matter?

It was found to be impossible to get sufficient support for the insertion in the Textile Forty-Hour Draft Convention a clause prescribing a 48-hour week for countries with particular climatic conditions, imperfect development of industrial organisation, or other special circumstances, and the Conference, therefore, adopted a resolution requesting the Governing Body to consider placing on the agenda of a future Conference the question of adopting a special draft convention for such countries. This resolution will be considered by the Governing Body in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many local authorities have made by-laws under the Advertisements Regulation Acts; whether these bylaws follow the same general lines; what is the system adopted for their enforcement; and how many local authorities have not made any such by-laws;

(2) whether he is aware that in many places, notably along the main approaches to towns, houses and scenery are disfigured by unsightly advertisements; whether he can and will approach local authorities in order to bring about more complete and continuous enforcement of existing by-laws designed to prevent such disfigurement; and whether he will consider such amendment of the Advertisements Regulation Acts as would prevent undesirable forms of advertisement which may prove to be still legal;

(3) whether the agreement concluded in 1924 between certain commercial companies to refrain from exhibiting advertisements in places where they might conflict with the amenities of their surroundings is still in force; if so, what companies are a party to it; and whether steps can be taken to secure the adherence of all companies which make a practice of advertisement by poster?

By-laws applying to rural districts and to urban districts with a population of less than 10,000 have been made by all the county councils in England and Wales; 86 out of 372 boroughs and 56 of the 305 urban districts the population of which exceeds 10,000 and which are therefore by-law making authorities, have also made by-laws under the Acts. These by-laws have been framed on the lines of model forms prepared by the Home Office. Proceedings for breach of the by-laws can be taken by anyone who sees fit to do so, but in practice it generally falls to the local authority which made them to take steps for their enforcement. A county council can if it so wishes delegate to the councils of urban districts to which its by-laws apply and to the councils of the rural districts in the county the powers of the county council in regard to enforcement. The agreement of 1924 to which my hon. Friend refers was a voluntary arrangement concluded between four large petrol companies for the withdrawal of competitive advertisements from roadsides in rural areas, and, so far as I know, is still being observed. I have every sympathy with my hon. Friend's desire to prevent disfigurement of the countryside by advertisements, and I will do what I can to help to promote this object. The methods by which it can be secured need careful consideration, and I shall be very glad to receive my hon. Friend's suggestions if he will get into touch with me.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his encouraging answer, may I ask him whether, if some general measure of agreement can be obtained, the Home Office will introduce a Bill or give support and encouragement to a private Member's Bill that might be introduced to implement such an agreement?

I think that I have shown by my answer that I am very sympathetic to both those two contingencies.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the only effective way of getting rid of these unsightly advertisements is to get rid of the competitive capitalist system?

Can my right hon. Friend say whether his powers extend to preventing the disfigurement not only of scenery, but of the sky by aeroplane advertising; and, if not, will be consider that aspect of the question?

I am not sure whether the air comes within the cognisance of the Home Office.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a conference is sitting of the various associations of local authorities and the Scapa Society to consider this matter and to see what can be done, and will he give sympathetic consideration to their findings?

Yes, I shall certainly be very interested in the findings, and I will give the most sympathetic consideration to them.

asked the Home Secretary whether any and what instructions are given to police authorities as to the right to examination by an independent doctor of a man detained on a charge of driving a motor car while under the influence of drink?

All police forces have instructions that if a prisoner in custody on a charge involving drunkenness desires to be examined by a doctor selected by himself, the request is to be complied with, on the understanding that the prisoner will be responsible for the doctor's fee.

Is the prisoner informed of his right to this examination at the time it is decided to send for the police surgeon, and will my right hon. Friend agree that it is most important that, if possible, an independent doctor should be present at the time of the examination by the police surgeon?

I am not sure whether that is the case or not. I think that I had better have notice of the question.

asked the Minister of Transport when the regulations, promised by the late Minister of Transport 12 months ago, enforcing the provision of guard-rails between the front and rear wheels of motor lorries, will become operative?

This question is still under consideration by the Transport Advisory Council.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that 12 months have elapsed and that four times a similar answer has been given, and in the interval four fatal accidents have occurred in the neighbourhood of my constituency resulting from the absence of guard rails? Does he not think that these circumstances warrant some greater expedition?

In these matters it is very necessary to have expert advice. On 6th March, 1937, notice of intention was given to consider whether regulations should be made, and I am awaiting the reply of the Advisory Council as to details?

Will the Minister hurry up a decision? When are we likely to have it?

I will make inquiries and do what I can to expedite it.

Was it not four years ago that the Minister of Transport promised to consider the question, and still no answer is forthcoming?

asked the Minister of Transport at what approximate date will the works now in progress joining the Bakerloo tube with the Stan-more Metropolitan line be completed?

I am informed by the London Passenger Transport Board that it is hoped that the Bakerloo line service to Stanmore will be put into operation in the spring of 1939.

Does the long delay mean that there can be no uniformity of fares until that date?

We cannot, of course, deal with this new railway service before the railway itself is built. The scheme referred to is one of those scheduled in the recent Act and involves a great deal of new construction. It means that the service will not be in operation until the date I have given.

Does that mean that uniformity of fares at those two stations will be delayed?

That is another matter.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the official finding that the cause of the derailment of a London and North Eastern Railway Company's express train, at Langrick, on 8th March, was due to decayed track sleepers and that serious misjudgment of the remaining strength of the permanent way had been made, he can give an assurance that the additional strain of fast traffic is now fully met as regards track equipment and other safety requirements upon the railways of the Kingdom?

The responsibility for operation and for maintenance of their lines rests solely with the railway companies, and I am satisfied that they are fully alive to all the safety requirements of fast traffic.

Has the Minister made any representations to the various railway companies on the matter?

The report on the accident has been published and the matter has been made clear to the railway companies.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is prepared to set up a committee to inquire into the present censorship of films?

I do not contemplate the appointment of any committee of inquiry, but if the hon. Member refers to the changes which it is proposed to make in the composition and terms of reference of the Advisory Committee referred to in the answer which I gave to his question of 3rd June, the position is that the necessary steps are being taken for the selection of the members of this committee, but I am not yet in a position to make a further announcement on the subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the manner in which the censorship of films operates?

I have not any reason to think that it is not working well, and if the hon. Gentleman has any criticisms to make, perhaps he will let me have them.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a recent ruling in the Chancery Division in the case of Fire Brigades Union v. Billingham-on-Tees, that firemen doing ambulance and other duties are not wholly and permanently employed on fire-brigade duties; and, in view of the anxiety of many firemen that this ruling may affect their pension rights under the Fire Brigades Pensions Act, 1925, will he make an early statement on the position?

I have obtained a transcript of the judgment referred to, from which it appears that the decision was based on the particular circumstances of the individual case. I am advised that its application to other fire brigades depends upon the local conditions of service, but in view of the importance of the general issues raised, I propose to take an early opportunity of considering them in consultation with representatives of the local authorities and of the fire service.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that at the Festival of Youth in aid of King George's Jubilee Trust at Wembley, on Saturday last, large numbers of unofficial, incomplete, and inaccurate programmes bearing the imprint "Victor, London," were sold outside the entrances to the Stadium to the detriment of the funds of the Trust; and whether the police can be instructed to stop fraudulent practices of this kind?

I have ascertained that on the occasion in question a programme drawn up by the authorities of the Wembley Stadium was on sale in the Stadium, and that other types of programmes were offered for sale in the neighbouring streets. Action is taken by the police in these cases when there is sufficient evidence to justify a charge of attempting to obtain money by false pretences, and, as my hon. Friend will be aware, two such charges were in fact preferred in connection with the function concerned. Where the sale of unofficial programmes results in the diversion of proceeds which would otherwise be devoted to a charitable object, I fully share my hon. Friend's view that such sales are to be deprecated, but I have no power to impose a general prohibition on sales of programmes which have not been produced by the organisers of the event concerned.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that displays such as this in aid of a charity depend for revenue very largely on the sale of programmes, and will he consider sympathetically a private Bill to stop pirating of programmes?

While I sympathise with the object that my hon. Friend has in mind, from the information I have at present I would be inclined to think that legislation is not necessary; but I am prepared to consider any representations that my hon. Friend might make to me on the subject.

In view of the fact that this is a palpable fraud on the organisations arranging these functions and on the public, will not my right hon. Friend take power to prevent it?

Is not the loss so great by the pirating of programmes that some definite action should be taken to protect the charities that are suffering from it?

I am not sure whether that is so. As I say, from my present information, I do not think legislation is necessary, but I am prepared to consider any representations.

Is it not a fact that this pirating happens at almost every sporting event in the country, and is it not in the power of the local authorities to prevent it if they desire to do so?

I think that the local authorities have powers of some kind, but it is clear that where money is obtained under false pretences prosecution can ensue.

Is not this another example of private enterprise?

asked the Home Sectary what were the grounds for refusing the request of the London County Council for a public inquiry into the general conduct of employment agencies?

This suggestion was very carefully considered, and a deputation was received by my predecessor from the London County Council. Powers for the regulation of these agencies have been given to local authorities by a number of private Acts, and inquiry was made by the Home Office of all the local authorities concerned, but there was no evidence that complaints of abuses of the kind mentioned by the London County Council had arisen in towns outside London, and it was, therefore, considered that any public inquiry which might be thought desirable could properly be held by the Council, and that no case had been made out for a wider inquiry to be initiated by the Government.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it would have been more courteous if, in replying to a body like the London County Council, he had given the reason, rather than simply turn down the suggestion without any reason at all?

I think the London County Council have been told the reason for our decision, and if they have not been told I have given the reason to-day, and I think it is a very good one.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many applicants to these employment agencies are imposed upon in many ways, and will he not consider setting up a Departmental Committee?

We made inquiries, and they went to show that practically the only complaints which had been made were concerned with London. On that account we thought that if there was to be an inquiry, it should be one held by the London County Council.

Is it not the case that so many complaints arise in London because of the larger number of cases there, particularly in regards to domestic servants?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there have been complaints in great towns in the provinces, and that that is really where the trouble arises, because it is there they get the domestic servants for London?

No; we made inquiries and there have been practically no complaints from there.

Is it not the case that though there may not have been complaints, these cases are still arising in the provinces?

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give, for purposes of comparison, the maximum and minimum pay rates of men prison officers and the corresponding figures for women police constables in the London Metropolitan police; and the weekly pay in each case after 12 years efficient and approved service?

Under the existing scale of pay, men officers in the prison service start at 50s. weekly rising to 70s. weekly after 12 years. Women police constables start at 56s. weekly and rise to 80s. in 12 years, but their pay is subject throughout to a deduction of 5 per cent. towards pension. For comparative purposes it is necessary to take into account that while a woman police constable receives a rent allowance of 6s. a week, which is not pensionable, a prison officer receives free quarters or an allowance in lieu, which in London may amount to 20s. a week and part of which is pensionable.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that many traders display articles in windows marked at a certain price but refuse to sell those articles at the price marked; whether he will take steps to amend the law which now enables shopkeepers to indulge in this virtually fraudulent practice; and, seeing that police officers are repeatedly called in by customers seeking redress against shopkeepers who refuse to hand over their merchandise at the price marked, will he give the police in future powers to intervene?

My attention has not previously been drawn to this matter. On the information given by my hon. Friend it would appear questionable whether the police should be called upon to intervene in disputes of this kind; but if he will supply me with details of any particular cases which he has in mind, I shall be glad to consider them.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that this practice has become a scandal, both in London and the provinces, and that respectable shopkeepers as well as the public resent it, and will he not get into touch with the Attorney-General in order to have the law amended so that those who are responsible for this practice shall be prosecuted?

Will the hon. Member recommend them to go to the "Co-op," where it never happens?

Is not the remedy in the hands of the public—to boycott these shops? Would not that be better than giving any further power of restriction?

Is not the allegation contained in this question an insult to the shopkeeping fraternity?

Is not this what was done by the Government at the last election?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that an appeal, dated 17th January, 1936, prepared by a prisoner named Wicks at Wormwood Scrubs Prison, for the purpose of an application being made to the Registrar of the Court of Criminal Appeal for leave to give evidence and to call other evidence at the hearing of his appeal, was held away from the solicitors until 31st January, 1936; who was responsible for this action; and in whose possession was the document between the 17th and 31st January, 1936?

The hon. Member appears to have been misinformed. I find on inquiry that on 17th January, 1936, the prisoner in question was supplied with paper for the purpose of preparing a statement for his solicitors, and on the 19th was supplied with further sheets for the same purpose. The statement was not completed until 26th January, and after examination was posted with a covering letter written by him to his solicitors on 30th January.

In view of the fact that this procedure destroyed any chance of the man proving his innocence—by reason of the date—why was this held up from the 26th to the 30th? Where was it? Who had it?

I do not think there was any undue delay at all. A very small delay was due to the fact that the representation had to be checked in one or two directions to see whether it was in order, but there was nothing abnormal in this procedure, nor was there any undue delay.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give figures for England and Wales showing the percentage rise in the prices of the materials used in the construction of working-class houses, the percentage rise in the wages of building trade workers, and the percentage increase in tenders for this class of house for one year to the latest possible date?

The estimated percentage rise in the prices of materials used in the construction of a working-class house for the three months ended 31st March last as compared with a similar period a year previous is 7·0. The estimated percentage rise in the cost of labour used in a working-class house over the same periods is 2.8. The percentage increase on the average tender price of a non-parlour working-class house over the same period is 8.7.

In view of the disparity between the rise in materials and wages on the one hand and the rise in prices for houses, will the Minister take action to prevent a rise in prices over and above the rise in wages and materials?

Possibly the hon. Member will recollect that I dealt with this matter on the Estimates for my Department.

Will the right hon. Gentleman point out to his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland that the rise in England is considerably less than it is in Scotland, and ask him whether he will do something in the matter?

I am always very glad to make observations to my right hon. Friend.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make a special point of this?

asked the Miinster of Health whether any local authorities in England and Wales have decided to postpone housing schemes or to reduce schemes already approved by them, owing to the rise in the prices of building; and will he give the names of such authorities?

I understand that postponements have occurred in Leeds, Brighton, Southampton, Oswaldtwistle, and in the rural district of Marlborough and Ramsbury, because the tenders received were too high for acceptance.

Will the right hon. Gentleman encourage local authorities to postpone any schemes until the present abnormal demand for labour consequent on the rearmament programme has passed its peak?

In the cases in which the authorities refused to go on with the contracts, were the contract prices higher than the 8 per cent. mentioned in the previous answer?

I should like an opportunity to examine the figures.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the effect that this is likely to have on his slum clearance policy, and will he, as early as possible, allay the anxieties of local authorities by informing them how long they will have to carry out their proposal?

I have already made an announcement.

Is the right hon. Gentleman trying to induce local authorities to postpone their schemes or to carry them out?

I am suggesting to local authorities that they should test the market periodically. The answer I gave refers only to a small number of cases. In other cases tenders have been rejected and other tenders obtained.

Unless you force local authorities to do something in this direction there will be overcrowding and they will be liable to be summoned at the police court.

asked the Minister of Health the figures of those areas which have control of Poor Law relief where more than 10 per cent. of those in receipt of old age pensions are given assistance; and the name of the county that has the greatest number of old age pensioners who apply for relief?

I am unable to supply the information asked for in the first part of the question, as the records of old age pensioners are not arranged on a geographical basis. As regards the second part, the administrative county in which the largest number of old age pensioners was in receipt of relief on 1st January last was London.

May I press the right hon. Gentleman to try to get the information asked for in the first part of the question? This matter is causing a lot of unrest in the country. Some parts are harder hit than others. Surely the right hon. Gentleman can get the information if he desires, and I hope that he will.

I should have to ask each local authority, and that would entail a great deal of work. General figures have been submitted from time to time.

Will the right hon. Gentleman recommend an increase in old age pensions?

asked the Minister of Health the cost of providing dental benefit as a statutory benefit; and whether there are any approved societies which now supply it?

The cost of providing dental benefit as a statutory benefit cannot be estimated with precision in the absence of reliable data regarding the number of insured persons who would apply for treatment. Such information, however, as is available indicates that about 10 per cent. would apply for treatment each year at an average cost of about £4 per case. On this basis the cost would be approximately £7,000,000 a year. Dental benefit is provided as an additional benefit by 5,000 approved societies and branches in England and Wales with a total membership of 11,800,000 representing 75 per cent. of the insured population, and the expenditure on this benefit in 1936 was about £1,750,000.

asked the Minister of Health how many persons insured for health under the State scheme have, within the past 12 months, not selected any panel doctor; how many have not needed the services of their panel doctor; and what is the average number of attendances of those who have utilised the services of their different panel doctors?

The number of persons who have been insured for 12 months without selecting an insurance doctor is not available, but the number of insured persons at any given time who have not selected a doctor although entitled to do so is about 495,000 in England and Wales. As to the second and third parts of the question, a recent sample investigation of the official records kept by doctors showed that 48 per cent. of the persons who had been on doctors' lists throughout 1936 had not been seen in the year and that the number of attendances, including home visits, per patient seen during the year was 7·1.

asked the Minister of Health what measures he proposes to adopt, if any, to combat the growing menace to health caused by rheumatism; the number of insured persons chargeable to the insurance fund for the years 1934, 1935, and 1936; what has been the cost, and the number of working days lost, due to this disease?

Treatment for this varied and complex group of diseases is available in most of the voluntary general hospitals and the general hospitals owned by local authorities, and there are a number of institutions which specialise in the treatment of certain rheumatic diseases. I shall continue to give careful consideration to this matter but at present, I do not propose to introduce any special schemes which would supersede the progressive and increasing provision now being made to combat and study the disease and with which my medical advisers are in close association. I regret that the information asked for in the last two parts of the question is not available.

Is the Minister not aware that mead, the effective palliative, is being taxed out of existence?

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to recent cases of canned food being found unfit for human consumption; and whether, in the interests of public health, he will introduce legislation making it obligatory to show on the labels of canned food the actual date when the canning took place?

I do not know what particular instances the hon. Member may have in mind, but I am aware that canned food has from time to time to be condemned as unfit for human consumption. With regard to the latter part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for St. Marylebone (Captain Cunningham-Reid) on 19th November last, of which I am sending him a copy.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great danger there is in people purchasing canned food without any knowledge of the date of canning, and that in this particular instance, had it not been for the good sense of the tradesman, disaster might have followed; and could this not be obviated if the date of canning were on the can?

There are many difficulties in the way of carrying out the suggestion which the hon. Gentleman proposes, and of course, it would not meet every case. Perhaps he will consult with me about it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the cut-price shops purchase old stocks and put new labels on them, and that this practice might be stopped if the date of canning were stamped on the tin?

People who do that sort of thing might interfere with the date.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the date of canning may have no effect upon the quality of the contents, and that canned meat taken out by the Franklin Expedition was found a year ago to be perfect?

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the increasing shortage of trained nurses and probationers; and whether, in view of the great expansion of the hospital system and public health services of the country in the last 10 years, he can state what steps are being taken to ensure an adequate supply of nurses during future years?

Yes, Sir. I have been informed that there is a shortage of nurses relatively to the increased demands for their services. The matter is receiving my close attention and I understand that the associations representing local authorities are in communication with the General Nursing Council regarding certain measures for meeting the situation.

Has the Minister called the attention of the voluntary hospitals to the necessity for reducing the hours and increasing the wages of their nurses, if they wish to get a sufficient number?

This is an important matter, and I think that many hospitals are doing what they can about it.

asked the Minister of Health the total number of recipients of workmen's compensation in Northumberland who are also in receipt of public assistance and, in addition, the total annual amount of public assistance paid to such persons?

I regret that the statistical records in my Department do not enable this information to be given.

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons in Northumberland in receipt of old age and widows' and orphans' contributory pensions, respectively?

I regret that the information asked for by the hon. Member is not available as the records of pensioners are not arranged on a territorial basis.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the public apprehension about an approaching recession in employment is based upon the slackening in stock and commodity speculation, or upon production, or the state of the world markets?

I am not aware of any widespread apprehension of this nature, and if it exists in any quarter it should be dissipated by the latest figures of production and employment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take steps to raise the Stamp Duty upon stock, share, and commodity transactions, so far as they are speculations and not investment transactions, in view of the fact that gambling for the rise and fall in prices affects the cost of material and reacts on confidence and on industry in many ways?

No, Sir. I do not consider that the hon. Member's suggestion is a practicable one for the purpose that he has in view.

In view of the way in which these people have exploited the national situation, could not steps be taken to discourage a repetition of this exploitation?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what proposals the South African Government have made for a reduction in the output from South African mines while the present glut of gold persists;

(2) what proposals the South African Government have made for assisting the British Government in the purchase and hoarding of gold with a view to the maintenance of the present high sterling price for gold?

No such proposals have been made.

Do I understand from the reply that although the South African Government wish the British Government to maintain high sterling prices of gold, they are not prepared to share in the expense of so doing, when they themselves benefit so very largely from it?

I have answered the question on the Paper, and I have nothing to add.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is prepared to grant an allowance for Income Tax purposes to voluntary contributors under the new Voluntary Contributors' Act, in so far as such contributions are for pension benefits, with a view to giving such voluntary contributors the same advantage as is enjoyed by compulsory contributors, having regard to the fact that when such contributions are returned in pension form they will be liable to tax in the ordinary way?

No, Sir. I would invite the hon. Member's attention to an answer on this subject which was given on 28th April last in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Westhoughton (Mr. Rhys Davies).

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement in regard to the visit to London of M. van Zeeland following the latter's discussions with the American President and Mr. Cordell Hull?

asked the Prime Minister the present stage of the negotiation entrusted to M. van Zeeland by His Majesty's Government and others; and whether there is in contemplation in regard thereto any loan to any European State?

I would refer hon. Members to the answer which I gave yesterday in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Kingswinford (Mr. A. Henderson).

When will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to state what the policy of the Government is on the lowering of tariff barriers, and does he not think that Parliament, in a democratic country, should be kept informed of the progress of these negotiations so that we can know what line the Government are taking?

It has been informed.

May I ask the Prime Minister what were the certain general principles of economic policy among a number of States to which his answer yesterday made reference as the matters on which M. van Zeeland was endeavouring to obtain agreement?

We cannot go back to a question which was asked yesterday.

Does M. van Zeeland's mission mean that we ourselves are no longer in direct touch with the administration in Washington and have handed over all negotiations to M. van Zeeland?

No, certainly not.

asked the Prime Minister whether consideration has been given by the Government and Committee of Imperial Defence to the problems that would arise in the event of a German-Italian control of Spain and the acquisition of submarine bases and aerodromes by these Powers; and whether, in view of the threat to British communication in the Mediterranean and the British Empire generally, he will state to what extent it will be necessary to increase the Army, Navy and Air Force above the present programme and the cost likely to be involved in the above eventuality?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the second part does not, therefore, arise.

Does the Prime Minister now appreciate that the foreign policy of the Government during the last year or two has been a first-class disaster to the Empire?

Ask Foot.

Does the Prime Minister not think that a more precise and emphatic declaration than has yet been made that the territorial and political integrity of Spain are matters of vital concern to this country, about which we cannot compromise, would have a very steadying effect in the present situation?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to a statement in the controlled Italian Press to the effect that British warships have been ordered by the Admiralty to fire on insurgent aircraft which come within the range of their anti-aircraft guns but not at Spanish Government aircraft?

I am glad of the opportunity of denying this report. Since the commencement of hostilities in Spain, the instructions to British warships employed in Spanish waters have been to defend themselves against any definitely hostile attacks by aircraft. These instructions apply without any discrimination whatsoever to the aircraft of both the contending parties.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any guarantee that the reply that he has given will be published in Italy?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement as to what proposals will be discussed at the meeting of the Non-Intervention Committee to-morrow in order to dissolve the present deadlock?

As the House is aware from the statement which I made on Monday last, the Chairman's Sub-Committee of the Non-Intervention Committee decided last Friday to refer the proposals made by the French and United Kingdom Governments and by the German and Italian Governments respectively to all the representatives on the full Committee, with a view to their consideration at the Plenary Session of the Committee which is to be held to-morrow morning at 11 o'clock.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to make a statement in the House to-morrow in the event of some decision of importance being taken?

I will gladly consider that, but I rather anticipate, in view of the importance of this discussion by the Com- mittee, that it will last over until the afternoon. If that is the case, I shall not be in a position before the House rises.

Have the French Government set any time limit on their keeping the Spanish-French frontier closed?

I think the right hon. Gentleman had better await the statement.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that our Government will not consider granting belligerent rights until the invading German and Italian troops have been withdrawn from Spain?

I think I have already made it clear that we have no intention of putting forward any proposals to-morrow, and we must await the outcome of to-morrow's meeting.

In the meantime, has the right hon. Gentleman noticed that foreign aircraft are bombarding Madrid?

I have noticed that there seem to be foreign aircraft on both sides.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an assurance that, in connection with the new Schedule to the Finance Bill, any unexhausted wear-and-tear allowance in respect of any accounting period can be carried forward to any subsequent accounting period?

Under paragraph 3 of the Schedule to the Finance Bill (Adaptation of Income Tax provisions as to computation of profits), the wear and tear of each accounting period is allowed as an expense in computing the profits of that period for the purposes of the National Defence Contribution. If the result of that period is a loss, after deducting the wear and tear, the loss so arrived at falls to be carried forward under the provisions of paragraph 2 of the Schedule and deducted from the profits of subsequent periods.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what valuation was fixed by the authorities at Somerset House for purposes of Estate Duty upon ordinary shares of Imperial Airways, Limited, prior to the announcement of the recent new issue; and whether the then current market price was accepted for that purpose?

I am informed that, so far as is known, no departure has been made, in the case of ordinary shares in this company requiring to be valued for Estate Duty purposes, from the normal practice of the Inland Revenue authorities by which such valuation is made on the basis of the Stock Exchange quotation on the day of death.

Will the Chancellor of the Exchequer give an assurance that Estate Duty will not be paid on the basis of a valuation which he has described as inflated?

Is the right hon. hon. Gentleman aware that the price of these shares has fluctuated in recent years between 5s. and 62s., and does he consider that that is conducive to the well-being of aviation?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that many thousands of ex-service civil servants now serving in Government Departments are not given pension privileges, and that this is causing serious unrest among the men concerned and is strongly criticised by ex-service organisations; and whether he will take steps to inquire into this matter by setting up a suitable committee of inquiry?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he has considered the resolutions sent from organisations of civil servants pressing the claim that temporary service be counted for pensionable purposes; and whether he will set up a committee to inquire into this matter?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he has reached a decision on the proposal to set up a committee to consider the Civil Service complaint regarding the action of the Treasury in refusing to allow temporary service to count for pensionable purposes?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consider the appointment of a committee of inquiry to see if it is possible to reckon temporary service of civil servants for pensionable purposes?

Representations have recently been received that an inquiry is desirable as to the extent to which the temporary service of those ex-service men who originally entered service as temporary clerks should be reckoned for pension. The matter has been repeatedly examined, but the question whether further inquiry would serve any useful purpose will receive due consideration.