asked the Minister of Labour how many ex-service men are registered as unemployed at all the exchanges, and how many disabled are registered as unemployed?

At 5th April, 1937, the latest date for which these statistics are available, the number of ex-service men on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Great Britain was 341,428, of whom 33,398 were in receipt of disability pensions.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state, as on the last convenient date, the number of men, women and juveniles on the non-claimants register?

At 21st June, 1937, there were 54,216 men, and 36,108 women, aged 18 years and over, 9,621 juveniles aged 16 and 17 and 25,636 under 16 years of age, on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Great Britain who had no application for benefit or unemployment allowances.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state, as on the last convenient date, the numbers of able-bodied unemployed who have sought allowances from the Unemployment Assistance Board and have been disallowed on the grounds that they are out of scope?

As regards persons in receipt of public assistance prior to the Second Appointed Day who applied for unemployment assistance allowances before that day, the number who were held to be outside the scope of the Unemployment Assistance Act was approximately 44,250. As regards persons who applied after the Second Appointed Day, the number held to be out of scope each week is about 1,000. Information is not available to show how many of the persons in question were able-bodied and are now unemployed.

Will the Minister take the necessary steps to remedy the defect in the 1934 Act, as we believed the Unemployment Assistance Board would take over all the able-bodied unemployed from the Poor Law?

On that point I have been asked to receive a deputation of local authorities, and I have said I would be glad to do so.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what day has been appointed to see the deputation?

Not at the moment. I will let the hon. Member know.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the frequent delays occurring in the payment of allowances on the accustomed day at Employment Exchanges, on behalf of the Unemployment Assistance Board, in cases where the allowance is varied owing to a change in circumstances; and whether he will examine this difficulty with a view to its removal?

I am aware that in some cases payment may be delayed owing to the late receipt of applications for allowances or information as to changes of circumstances which necessitate the reassessment of an applicant's needs. The desirability of avoiding undue delay is, however, fully recognised, and the existing procedure is at present under examination.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of applicants for unemployment assistance in the Pontypool Employment Exchange area who have sustained reductions during the current year as a result of the unemployment assistance regulations as compared with the payments made under the standstill agreement?

Figures relating to Employment Exchange areas are not available, but in the Unemployment Assistance Board's administrative area of Pontypool in the Newport District there were on 26th June, 213 persons receiving less than they would have received under the standstill arrangements, otherwise than on account of personal earnings of the applicant.

Is it not possible to take out the figures for the Pontypool Employment Exchange area?

I think it would be very difficult, because the two areas do not coincide, but I will have a look at it.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the reduced expenditure on unemployment assistance, he is now in a position to recommend an increase in the amounts paid?

No, Sir; the reduction in expenditure is due to the improvement in the industrial situation and has no bearing upon the adequacy of the allowances paid to persons who still remain unemployed.

As there has been reduced expenditure, ought not the recipients of unemployment assistance be entitled to share in the prosperity of which the Government are frequently boasting?

That is very dangerous doctrine for the hon. Member to urge, because the converse might be urged in time of depression.

What is the use of talking about prosperity when these people are living on a semi-starvation scale?

There is little need to talk about prosperity. It is happening.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, as more are coming into employment, the amount received by them means a deduction in the applicant's home?

The hon. Member had better put a question down. He will find he will have to frame it in a very different way.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Special Areas we still have more than 25 per cent. of unemployment, and does he regard that as prosperity?

The hon. Member, at least, has no reason to complain with regard to his area.

asked the Minister of Labour the average weekly reduction in relief payments by the Unemployment Assistance Board since the beginning of the present year?

During the first 12 complete weeks of the present year to 27th March the weekly expenditure on unemployment allowances fell from £727,000 in the first week to £679,000 in the last week. The scope of unemployment assistance was extended on 1st April and the expenditure in the week ended 3rd April rose to £766,000, dropping during the next 12 weeks to £698,000 in the week ended 26th June.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any statement to make regarding the harsh operation of the seasonal regulations relating to unemployment insurance in the Western Isles; what modifications he intends to make in the regulations to end this hardship; and when he intends to take action?

I am not aware that these regulations operate harshly. The hon. Member sent me one case about which I hope to let him have a reply in a day or two. If he has other cases in mind, perhaps he will let me have particulars.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that he is the only person satisfied with these regulations?

It was a Labour Government that passed the Act and I have amended it to the advantage of the seasonal worker.

It is the right hon. Gentleman and his friends who are operating it.

As a matter of fact the alterations that have been made as the result of the report of the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee have made it considerably easier for the seasonal workers concerned.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons in receipt of statutory benefit in 1936 who applied to the Unemployment Assistance Board for supplementary allowances; the number of such claims so granted; and the reasons gaining for them the grants?

I regret that this information is not available. Generally speaking, such allowances were not payable in 1936. I will, however, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT explaining the present position, which, I hope, will give the hon. Member the information he needs.

Does the Minister say in his answer that in 1936 they were not entitled to these allowances? They have been given ever since that Act was put into operation, but they have blinded the people to make them believe that they could not get them.

I think the hon. Member has put his supplementary question under a misapprehension. If he will read the answer he will see that I have said that such allowances were generally not payable in 1936.

Following is the statement:

Prior to 1st April, 1937, the Unemployment Assistance Board were not empowered to take into consideration applications for allowances from persons in receipt of statutory benefit under the General Scheme. Since that date the average number of applicants for such allowances on the register has been 3,208, and the average number who have received supplementation payments in addition to statutory benefit has been 2,100 per week. Allowances granted in respect of waiting days prior to the receipt of statutory benefit have averaged 939 per week, the average weekly number of applications being 1,233. The number of separate individuals who have received these allowances since 1st April, is not known. As in the case of all allowances granted by the Board the need of the applicant is considered in relation to all the circumstances of his case.

asked the Minister of Labour the estimated cost of the scheme of development of the Team Valley Trading Estate; the number of acres enclosed; and when it is anticipated that the scheme will be completed?

The total area of the trading estate is about 700 acres. The estimated cost of the first scheme of development is just over £1,400,000. The date of completion of this scheme, which covers only a part of the estate, will depend on the demand for factories.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons from the depressed areas who have found employment in London through the Employment Exchanges during the 12 months ended to the last convenient date; will he give comparable figures for the previous 12 months; how many of these persons have been found employment through the Borough (Walworth Road) Employment Exchange; and the number of effective grants that have been made to these persons for household removal to the London area?

During the 12 months ended May, 1937, 5,295 persons from the depressed areas were placed by local offices of the Department in employment in London as compared with 4,509 during the 12 months ended May, 1936; of these 59 were placed by the Borough Employment Exchange during the 12 months ended May, 1937, and 51 during the 12 months ended May, 1936. These figures relate to adults. Comparable figures for boys and girls are not available. Actual figures of household removals into particular areas are not available, but it is estimated that during the two years ended May, 1937, approximately 4,000 families from the depressed areas were assisted to remove to the London division.

Is any provision made for housing these families before transfer takes place?

The hon. Member knows that the Ministry of Labour makes many inquiries about the matter.

How many of the transferred persons are still working in London?

I will make inquiries if a question is put down.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the manner in which transference is proceeding?

I think it is an admirable piece of work.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in the period 1932 to 1936 25 new factories were established in this country for the production of canned foodstuffs; that of these 19 are located in the southern and south-eastern areas of England; that most of the tinplate used at these factories is produced in South Wales yet not one factory was established in that area; and, in view of the fact that the tinplate is produced in South Wales and has to be transported for distances varying from 200 to 300 miles to the canning factories, whether he will consult with the Commissioner for the Special Areas to ascertain what steps can be taken to secure that any new factories built will be established in South Wales?

I have already been in consultation with the Commissioner for Special Areas about the possibility of his assisting the establishment of canning factories in South Wales, but I feel bound to point out that apart from such considerations as the cost of transport it is often essential that the canning should take place near where the perishable goods are produced.

In view of the prospect that this industry will continue to increase will the right hon. Gentleman have consultations to see whether it is possible to induce some of these new factories to come into the area?

I have said I am having consultations with the Commissioner.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Special Commissioner reported six months ago that the planting of these factories in these areas had stopped?

It is about those points that I am having consultation with him.

asked the Minister of Labour approximately the normal interval of time between an application for a permit for an alein immigrant to work in this country and the notification of the Ministry's decision.

The interval of time which necessarily elapses between the receipt of an application for a permit and the notification of the decision depends on the nature and extent of the enquiries which are found to be necessary. Owing to the diversity of occupations in respect of which permits are applied for and of the circumstances in which such applications are made it is impossible to define any interval as "normal." I can assure my hon. Friend that there are no avoidable delays, having regard to the volume of the work and the investigations which, in most cases, are necessary.

asked the Minister of Labour when the last statement as to the proposed action by His Majesty's Government regarding the draft conventions and recommendations adopted by the International Labour Conference was published; what draft conventions and recommendations have been adopted since; whether there are any other draft conventions and recommendations in respect to which no statement on the proposed action has yet been published; and whether he intends to arrange for the publication of a White Paper outlining the action proposed in relation to these draft conventions and recommendations at an early date?

The last statement in the form of a White Paper setting out the proposed action by His Majesty's Government regarding the draft conventions and recommendations adopted by the International Labour Conference was published in April, 1936 (Cmd. 5141). I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the conventions and recommendations adopted since that date, and I will consider whether the issue of a White Paper is desirable.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there have been six circulars issued since the issue of the last White Paper and 20 conventions and recommendations have been adopted? Is not a report overdue?

All these reports are available in the Library. What is necessary is to bring them up to date. I am considering whether the whole information would be advantageous to the House in the form of a White Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many policemen were engaged on Sunday, 4th July, clearing a route and clearing Trafalgar Square to allow the Fascists to make a demonstration; and what was the approximate cost of the police mobilisation?

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the total number of police employed in connection with the demonstration was 2,383. The approximate expenditure incurred is not expected to exceed £150, this expenditure being in respect of travelling expenses.

Is the Minister aware that these provocative demonstrations would not take place if the police did not provide the necessary protection for them; and will he withdraw the police and so put an end to these provocative demonstrations?

The provocation, unfortunately, comes from both sides.

No.

If the hon. Member will restrain his followers, no doubt this kind of protection may not always be necessary.

Is he not aware that they showed very much restraint on that occasion, and that the masses of the workers generally would not tolerate the provocative demonstrations but for the fact that the police are there to encourage them?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the route covered by the Fascists in their march to Trafalgar Square was prohibited to the unemployed marchers; that the unemployed marchers were informed that no procession would be allowed to follow this route; and can he explain the reason for this privilege being granted to the Fascists?

I presume the hon. Member refers to a meeting of the unemployed held in Trafalgar Square on 15th November last which was attended by contingents marching from different parts of London. As regards the contingent from Mornington Crescent, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that the route followed was the same as that used by the Fascists on 4th July as far as the junction of Hampstead Road and George Street. The Commissioner would have directed the Fascists to follow the same route as the unemployed marchers from that point also, but this course was not possible since Gower Street is under repair and a procession along it would have caused considerable inconvenience. I am satisfied that there has been no discrimination in favour of the Fascists.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when the unemployed

asked the Home Secretary whether all police forces have instructions that any prisoner in custody on a charge involving drunkenness is to be informed of his right to examination by a doctor selected by himself; and whether they are further instructed as to approached the Police Commissioner and asked to be allowed to follow the route which was followed by the Fascists, he said that in no circumstances—and it was quite definite—no procession would be allowed to go along that route?

No, Sir, I am informed that Scotland Yard cannot trace any record of an application of the unemployed marchers for any special route on 15th November, 1936.

asked the Home Secretary the number of applications received by the Silicosis Medical Board from coal miners for certificates of disablement under the Various Industries (Silicosis) Schemes, 1928–34, in the six months ended 30th June, 1937; the number of applications received in the same period for certificates that death was caused by silicosis; how many of the applications were granted and how many refused; and separate particulars for the anthracite coalfield of South Wales?

As the reply involves a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

As my hon. Friend will appreciate, cases not infrequently occur in which a prisoner in custody on a charge involving drunkenness is incapable of expressing any wishes in the matter, and some such prisoners are obviously not in a position to pay a doctor's fee. In such cases it would clearly be superfluous to offer to call a doctor of the prisoner's choice, but, as I have already stated, any prisoner who expressed a wish to call in a doctor would be given all facilities to do so.

Will my right hon. Friend give instructions that any prisoners who are capable of taking advantage of it, should be informed of their right to call an independent doctor, and that that information should be given to them at the earliest possible moment?

Is not that rather a dangerous precedent, and does not the Minister think that some persons have pet doctors, and that pet doctors are apt to say what their patients want them to say?

Is it possible, in the case of a person who is drunk and is taken to the police station, for him to ask his local Member of Parliament to come down?

The doors would be closed.

He ought to be locked up, I know.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the distance certain electors have to walk to register their votes in some districts, he will consider revising the electoral law so that in cases where old and infirm electors reside a distance of two miles or more from a polling station conveyances may be provided at State expense in order to enable them to travel to register their votes?

No, Sir.

Will the right hon. Gentleman introduce legislation so that a more satisfactory way may be provided of conveying persons to register their votes?

Will it not be possible for the hon. Member to use his Rolls Royce car for this purpose?

asked the Home Secretary the number of police officers who have appeared before the Metropolitan Disciplinary Board during the 12 months ended to the last convenient date; the number of such officers who have appealed to him on the decision of the board, and with what results; whether any of these officers were represented before the board, and whether any shorthand record was taken of the proceedings; and whether these officers before their appearance are made acquainted with the evidence it is intended to submit to the board?

During the year ended 30th ultimo, 33 members of the Metropolitan Police Force appeared before disciplinary boards. Of these 10 were dismissed or required to resign but none of them appealed to me or to my predecessor. Fifteen of them had assistance in presenting their case before the board. A shorthand record of the proceedings was taken in every case. Any police officer charged with an offence against discipline is afforded access to all reports and statements relating to the charge and may take copies of them if he wishes.

Is the Secretary of State considering reviewing the submission of evidence or the calling of witnesses on behalf of these men?

No, Sir. From the information I have got, I do not think that any further action is needed.

asked the Home Secretary whether any discrimination is shown in police prosecutions in respect of whist drives between those run for personal profit and the normal drives organised by various clubs and associations; and will he make some clear pronouncement on the subject to allay the existing disquiet?

There have been a number of judicial decisions to the effect that whist drives held under certain conditions are unlawful. It has, however, always been recognised that, as ordinarily conducted, whist drives are an innocent form of amusement and free from the element of mischief which accompanies gambling. Accordingly, while the Home Secretary has no authority to give instructions to the police on a matter relating to the enforcement of the law, chief constables have been advised by the Home Office to the effect that, in the view of the Secretary of State, the police should not institute proceedings except where there is reason to believe that a whist drive is a cloak for gambling or for profit-making out of gambling, that the police should limit their interference to cases where they have reason to think that actual harm is being done, and that whist drives held as a purely incidental part of their various social activities by members of bona fide clubs or institutions would not usually come within the mischiefs aimed at by the law. I have no doubt that the police generally are guided by this advice.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state whether the decision to prosecute rests entirely with him, or with the local watch committee or the police?

Certainly, with the local authorities.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that an ordinary whist drive for some club or organisation should come within the definition that he has mentioned?

I think I have given a very full answer which covers the question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that a game of draughts or chess in this House for a cigar would come within the definition of gambling?

I would rather not go beyond the answer I have given.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can state the reason why James Evans, whose home is at 51, Southern Street, off Worsley Road, Farnworth, Lancashire, has not been allowed to return home, seeing that he was sentenced to three years at an approved school on the 27th June, 1934, and the three years have now expired; why this boy was only at the school for 20 months, and for the last 17 months has been hired out to a farmer who has not paid him any wages, and has only allowed him 2S. per week as pocket money; and is he aware that this boy's crime was stealing three bananas and it was his first offence?

This boy was ordered by a juvenile court to be sent to an approved school in June, 1934, having been found guilty of breaking and entering a store-room and stealing. It was his first offence. He was released on licence by the managers of the school in the exercise of their discretion in April, 1936; and in accordance with the provisions of the Children Act he remains under their supervision until June, 1940. The Managers were satisfied that it was in the boy's best interests to place him in employment with a local farmer. I am informed that the statement in the hon. Member's question in regard to the boy's wages is not correct.

Am I to understand that the authorities have the right to keep this boy for another three years?

Yes, Sir. If the hon. Member is interested in the case and would like further details, I will gladly give them to him. I think that when he reads the details he will see that the decision is well justified.

When boys are sent out to work on farms, are they paid the ordinary wage?

That is another question. They are paid a wage.

Has this boy been honest while he has been under this farmer at 2s. a week?

Is it not the case that it is the greatest kindness for people to take these boys?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if this boy is kept away in this district as an agricultural labourer he will attain manhood on the very lowest wage in the country, whereas if he were allowed to come back before he is 18 years of age there would be the possibility of his getting a much more remunerative occupation in his own locality?

I have looked into this case and I think the decision is a wise one. I should be glad if the hon. Member would look at the details, and I think he will see that the whole circumstances are such that the decision is the right one.

I accept the right hon. Gentleman's advice to consult him about the details, but I cannot allow the matter to rest where it is.

asked the Home Secretary how many summonses have been issued in the Metropolitan area against drivers for dangerous parking under Section 50 of the Traffic Act, 1930, during the year 1936, and how many during the same period for exceeding the statutory limit of 30 miles per hour?

During 1936, the number of prosecutions in the Metropolitan Police District under Section 50 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, was 70. In the same year, prosecutions for exceeding the speed limit in a built up area, in the case of motor vehicles not otherwise subject to restrictions on speed, was 45,833.

Having regard to the difference between these two figures, will my right hon. Friend consider impressing upon the police the importance of the provisions of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, and will he also consider whether the police might be armed with cameras in order to be able to give first-class evidence of this very dangerous practice?

I always consider any points that my hon. Friend may make, but on my present information I do not think that any further action is necessary.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether the Board will take steps to provide guidance to local education authorities as to the meaning of the beneficial employment for which exemption from school attendance may be granted when the school-leaving age is raised?

Under Section 2 of the Education Act, 1936, the question of granting employment certificates for beneficial employment is to be considered by the local education authority in the light of the particular circumstances of each individual case, and the determination of the authority is to be final. The main considerations to be taken into account in each case are set out fully in the Act, and I do not think it would be feasible or proper for the Board to issue to local education authorities any indication of the meaning of beneficial employment which would be of general application. A memorandum is in preparation by the Board for circulation to local education authorities indicating the procedure which is suggested as being usually appropriate for considering applications, but this memorandum does not, for the reasons I have given, attempt to give any definition of beneficial employment.

Has the Board considered the danger that will arise from a very different standard being adopted by various education authorities?

I think attention is drawn to that specific point in the memorandum.

Does the Minister not consider that it is probable that before the Act comes into operation they will all have had offers of beneficial employment?

Will the hon. Member point out in the circular to the juvenile employment committees the devastating effect which certain mechanical processes in factories is having on the brains and characters of children between 14 and 15 years of age?

I think that point is covered by Section 2, and particularly by paragraph (d):

"the value, in relation to the future career of the child, of any training or other advantages afforded by the employment."

May we see a copy of that circular?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education how many local authorities have made arrangements for school camps; and what is the total number of children who will spend a week or more in such camps during 1937?

During 1936, the latest year for which complete figures are available, 35 local education authorities in England and Wales are known to the Board to have sent children to camp schools held during term time, and 40 local education authorities sent parties of children to camps held during the summer holidays. I have no information in regard to the last part of the question. The Board's attitude is very sympathetic to such camps, and they, of course, pay grant on the expenditure of local education authorities upon approved schemes.

Does the hon. Member not think that it would be valuable to find out exactly the total number of children who went last year and this year?

I think it would, and I am trying.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education how many of His Majesty's inspectors of secondary schools possess qualifications in economics and geography?

Seven of His Majesty's inspectors of secondary schools possess qualifications in economics and three in geography. The services of qualified inspectors of elementary schools are also utilised for inspecting geography in secondary schools.

Does the hon. Member not consider, seeing the growing importance of economics and geography in the secondary school, that there should be a larger number of inspectors with qualifications in these subjects?

I understand there are sufficient to cover these subjects as they are already taught.

Will the hon. Member make special inquiry?

I have made inquiry. will look into it again.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education, the number of elementary school children in receipt of free milk in Lancashire on the latest date for which figures are available?

During the month of May, 1937, the number of children attending public elementary schools in the geographical county of Lancashire for whom free milk was provided by the local education authorities was 76,313.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the total number of local education authorities that have decided to grant free milk to elementary school children during the holidays, giving separate figures for Lancashire; and will he take all the steps in the power of his Department to get this done in all cases?

In the year which ended on 31st March, 1937, 50 local education authorities, including seven authorities in Lancashire, provided free milk for selected necessitous children attending public elementary schools during all or some of the school holidays. I am unable to say how many other authorities have decided to introduce such arrangements, but the London County Council have recently prepared a scheme, which has been approved by the Board of Education, under which milk will be provided during the coming summer holidays in five parks and recreation grounds. My right hon. Friend would welcome the extention of such arrangements, but it is not always easy to secure the attendance of children during the holidays, even when the milk is given free.

Is the hon. Member aware that the withholding of this permission means hardship on many poor families?

There is no withholding of permission, to my knowledge.

Will the hon. Member collaborate with the Minister of Health and try to get this milk delivered free not only during holidays?

That is a separate question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the difficulties in various parts of the country in obtaining supplies of milk for schoolchildren at small schools; and whether, in view of the fact that in such cases the difficulties of supply leave no profit to the suppliers, he will consider whether some amendment of the scheme can be made so as to ensure that the children at these schools get adequate supplies of milk?

Yes, Sir. As I said in the answer which I gave on 28th June to the hon. Member for Honiton (Mr. Drewe), difficulty is being experienced in obtaining supplies of milk in certain rural areas because the suppliers claim that the distribution allowance under the milk-in-schools scheme is insufficient. The future of this scheme is one of the questions which falls for consideration in connection with long-term milk policy, a matter to which the Government are giving close attention, and in this connection the difficulty to which my hon. Friend refers will not be overlooked.

Has the hon. Member any idea how to get over this matter for the moment while the long-term policy is being considered, in view of the fact that at the present time farmers are not able to deliver because of the low prices they get?

I agree with the hon. and gallant Member about the difficulties of the question, but, as I have said, it is partly owing to the nature of the schools. We will see what can be done of a temporary nature, but it is not easy.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education how many persons are engaged in full-time teaching of handicraft in secondary schools in England and Wales; and how many of these are graduates holding the City and Guilds of London Institute certificate in woodwork and metalwork?

The number of persons engaged on 31st March, 1936, in full-time teaching of handicraft in grant-earning secondary schools in England and Wales was 304, of whom six were graduates holding the City and Guilds of London Institute Certificate in woodwork and metalwork.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education how many non-graduate teachers of handicraft in secondary schools in England and Wales hold the qualifications set out in the Board of Education's Administrative Memorandum No. 163, issued on 31st March, 1937, which entitle them to be placed on the graduate scale?

So far as I have information there are at present no non-graduate teachers of handicraft in secondary schools in England and Wales who hold the qualifications prescribed in the recent amendment by the Burnham Committee, and communicated in the Board's Administrative Memorandum No. 163, as entitling such teachers to be placed on the graduate scale. I may add that arrangements are being made for further consultation with the Burnham Committee on the matter.

Has the Board of Education considered that the reason why there are no such teachers may be partly due to having no one-year course recognised by the Board for handicraft?

I am inclined to agree with the hon. Member.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will arrange for the issue as a command paper of the report of the Board's investigation of the methods and results of physical training in Germany?

The issue of the report as a command paper would involve reprinting in a different form at considerable expense which I do not feel would be justified. I am, however, arranging for copies of the report to be available in the Vote Office for any Member who applies for one.

asked the Minister of Health what complaints he has received from old age pensioners or from others who find difficulty in obtaining an adequate supply of the necessities of life against the 1d. rate being charged for Coronation celebrations; and whether he will take steps to see that they are relieved from this added burden?

I have received one such complaint. I have no power to relieve any ratepayer from his liability. The reduction or remission of rate payments on account of poverty is a matter for the rating authority or in certain circumstances the local justices.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that owing to the rising cost of living it is difficult for old age pensioners to get the ordinary necessities of life, let alone luxuries such as decorations, and will he not recommend to local authorities that they should be relieved of this rate and also recommend the Government to increase old age pensions?

The one case was a case from Crayford of an old age pensioner, and I am informed that in connection with the Coronation special arrangements were made for the old age pensioners and those who could not attend received 2s. 6d. as a gift. In this particular case I observe that the old age pensioner has sufficient funds to issue a leaflet denouncing the work of the Labour party in the area.

May I ask whether it is in order for the Minister of Health, when I am dealing with old age pensioners generally, to produce some peculiar old age pensioner?

asked the Minister of Health whether he will have the returns made to his Department of old age pensioners who are in receipt of payments from Poor Law relief tabulated so that they will show the amount paid and the number of cases dealt with by each separate Poor Law authority?

Returns are made by public assistance authorities which show the number of old age pensioners in receipt of poor relief on 1st January in each year. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing the numbers for each authority on 1st January last. A special return would be required to show the expenditure on out-relief to such persons, and I do not think that I should be justified in asking the authorities for such a return.