asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that official statistics have been issued in Rome of the amount of Italy's trade debts which have been redeemed under the clearing agreement of November last; and whether he is now in a position to give the House any information on this matter?

I am aware that, according to newspaper reports, certain particulars of the trade debts due to this country from Italy which had been liquidated under the Clearing Agreement of 6th November last were given recently in an official statement made in the Italian Senate, but I am not aware that the Italian Government publish official statistics on this subject. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the monthly statements issued by the Anglo-Italian Clearing Office which are published in the Board of Trade Journal. The total of the payments in respect of arrears of trade debts which had been made to United Kingdom creditors at the close of business on 15th July was £1,755,346.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether General Franco's verbal consent to the Oreonora Company continuing to mine and ship ore to England has been or will be committed to writing?

If the hon. and gallant Member has in mind the informal assurances regarding the supply of iron ore referred to in an answer given to the hon. Member for South West Bethnal Green (Sir P. Harris) on 22nd June, the answer is in the negative.

Does it matter whether assurances coming from that quarter are verbal or in writing?

I am prepared to trust these assurances whether they are verbal or otherwise.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information about a reported agreement between General Franco and the German Government for a monopoly of these iron ores?

I have seen a report in this morning's newspapers, but I have no further information.

Is this company able to carry on its business unimpeded?

I should require notice of that question. As a matter of fact, quite recently there has been obstruction in the river, and I do not think that sea communications have been resumed.

Have these obstructions come from the local authorities?

It is not a question of obstruction by any authority. It is a case of physical obstruction in the river which makes navigation impossible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is in a position to make any statement as to the progress of the negotiations with the Government of India regarding a new trade agreement?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Seaham (Mr. Shinwell) on 7th July.

Will the right hon. Gentleman guarantee that due care will be taken to safeguard the jute trade of this country when the agreement comes to be signed?

That is a matter which, obviously, is in my mind. I can make no statement about the negotiations while they are in progress.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the abnormal increase in recent years in the imports of jute cloth, including hessians, into the United Kingdom and the effect of this increase on production in the home market; and whether the Government will now consider any means of protecting British producers in the jute industry?

I am aware of the recent increase in imports of jute cloth, and I have the question under active consideration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that he has received representations from members of all political parties asking for protection for the jute industry?

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether, in view of the increase in imports of eggs in shell from Denmark during the first six months of the present year to 5,099,694 great hundreds compared with a figure of 3,634,510 for the corresponding period last year and 2,968,263 for the corresponding period in 1935, he will make representations to the Danish Government so as to secure that, pending the negotiation of a new trade agreement, the British egg market is not disorganised by a glut of imports of eggs from Denmark;

(2) whether he is aware that importations of eggs from the Netherlands for the first six months of the year have increased from 476,258 great hundreds in 1933 to 2,159,766 this year; and whether he will notify the Netherlands Government that, unless these imports are materially reduced in the next six months of the year, in the event of compulsory regulation of egg imports being adopted by the Government it will be necessary to regulate drastically the importation of eggs from the Netherlands?

I am aware of the facts stated by my hon. Friend, but I would point out that total imports of eggs in shell in the first six months of this year were lower than the total imports in the corresponding period of 1936, while the price of eggs has for some weeks been higher than it was at the corresponding date of any of the three previous years. I do not see my way to adopting the suggestions contained in the questions.

In the case of Holland will the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the fact that there is no trade agreement with this country, and therefore take steps to secure that the home market is not stolen from British producers by the Dutch?

I will bear that in mind, but the hon. Member will appreciate that there is no immediate fear of a glut in view of the actual decrease in imports, and the rise in the price of eggs

Have not the imports from Holland increased five times?

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman get away from the Free Trade principles of his predecessor?

How many efforts have been made to reorganise this industry, to which it has always failed to respond?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of applications made to him during the 12 months ended to the last convenient date by exhibitors for an exemption certificate through their inability to comply with the quota conditions laid down in the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927?

As the hon. Member was informed in answer to a question on 26th January last, details are not available of the number of applications made for certificates of exemption.

How many certificates have been granted, and how many proceedings have been taken against people who have not complied with the Act?

Perhaps the hon. Member will give me notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will circulate a draft of the proposed Film Quota Bill before the House rises, or during the Recess, in view of the necessity for detailed consideration of its provisions?

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he will be able to make a statement with regard to legislation dealing with the reorganisation of the film industry?

I hope to be in a position to make a statement of the Government's proposals on films legislation before the Recess, but it will not be possible to introduce a Bill before the House rises.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the contemplated legislation is likely to be somewhat involved and entirely non-party, and in those circumstances, does he not agree that it would be an advantage to Members in all parts of the House to have a draft Bill to consider at leisure during the Recess?

I am afraid it would be quite impossible to produce anything in the nature of a draft Bill, but I am proposing to issue, for the convenience of hon. Members, a statement in the form of a White Paper, which I will endeavour to make as full as possible.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the desirability of not encouraging British film-producing companies to waste money in order to qualify for protection?

Before the draft Bill is produced, will the Minister see to it that the point of view of Scottish cinematograph operators is considered?

All points of view of every section of the industry have been given to the Board of Trade over the last few months, and all of them are being considered.

asked the President of the Board of Trade upon what date the last licences were granted for the export of war material from this country to China?

One export licence for war material for China was issued on 12th July, 1937.

Are other Government Departments consulted before these licences are granted?

Yes, Sir.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say which Departments are consulted?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any reciprocal concessions will be made to Belgium in return for the reliefs in quotas granted by the Belgian Government to Great Britain on the lines of the Oslo Convention?

As I have previously stated, the Belgian Government have voluntarily extended to this country, in view of the trade relations between the two countries, the benefit of the quota reliefs accorded by them to the other signatories of the recent agreement between the Oslo countries. Accordingly, the question of reciprocal concessions by this country to Belgium does not arise.

Will not mutual agreements have to be made to help international trade?

That is a different question. This is a case where we have been given a concession without other questions having been raised.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether every effort is being made to see that the re-rollers in the iron and steel industry are provided with a better supply of billets to the rolling mills; and whether he can make any statement to allay the present anxiety among both employers and workmen?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the shortage of billets in the rolling mills of the Midlands is causing unemployment; and whether he will take steps to secure an increase in the available supply?

I am aware that certain firms of re-rollers have experienced difficulties through the shortage of steel billets, and I can assure the hon. Members that every effort is being made to increase the supply. Assurances have recently been given regarding further supplies from the Continent which, it is expected, will materially improve the position.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what the assurances are?

Assurances have been given by members of the Cartel, especially the French members, of an increased supply in the coming months.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the wholesale price of Java tea in 1932 and the price last week for Java tea, together with the figures at the same periods for Ceylon teas?

According to information published by the Tea Brokers' Association of London, the average wholesale price of Java tea in 1932 was 6.42d. per lb., and in the week ended 15th July, 1937, 13.12d. per lb. The average prices of Ceylon tea in the same periods were 11.17d. and 15.15d. per lb., respectively. The prices are exclusive of duty.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman prepared to agree that a great weight has been put on the poorer types of tea, and will he draw the attention of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the unfair incidence of taxation on these types of tea?

As a matter of fact I do not think that the figures can be taken entirely on their face value, because I understand that there has been a considerable increase in the quality of Java tea which accounts to some extent for the increase in price.

Does not that still leave a considerable difference between Ceylon and Java teas; and that the cheaper teas are still consumed by the poorer sections of the community?

I understand that owing to bad weather the quality of Ceylon tea during the last few years has been lower and that of Java tea higher, so that the difference is not as great as it was.

Do not the Government take matters on their face value just when it suits them?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the various voluntary attempts that have been made to compile a census of distribution; the limitations under which such efforts have laboured; and whether he will take steps to institute a census of distribution capable of presenting to the nation a true picture of this important service?

I would refer the hon. Member to the observations of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade on this subject, in the Debate on 29th January last on the Shops (Retail Trading Safeguards) Bill.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that the voluntary efforts that have been made by other organisations is a measure of the value of such a census to trade in this country in general, and in view of the fact that voluntary efforts have failed, will he not press upon the Government the desirability of a census of distribution being taken which will be complementary to the census of production?

The Parliamentary Secretary has informed the House, and I have recently given an assurance to the hon. Member for Huddersfield (Mr. Mabane), that we should be ready to receive on this subject a deputation representing associations which are interested, and if the hon. Member would send in the names of associations of traders which desire this census, it would be of assistance to us.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received a copy of a census of distribution carried out by certain commercial firms in this country as an indication of what might be done?

I think a copy has been sent to the Board of Trade officially.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Oslo Agreement is working satisfactorily; and whether it is the intenton of the Government to associate itself in some form with those countries who are signatories to the agreement, with a view to a modification of trade barriers?

As regards the first part of the question, I have no information. As regards the second part, my information is that other States may adhere to the Convention subject to reaching a preliminary agreement with the signatory States. This would appear to involve negotiations with each of the signatory States as to the special concessions which might be made. In these circumstances, I do not think that the question of the participation of the United Kingdom Government in the agreement can usefully be considered apart from the existing bilateral agreements which govern the trade relations between this country and the majority of the "Oslo" countries.

May we take it that the Government are in complete sympathy with the principle underlying that agreement, and, if that be so, can the Government indicate what are their views?

As a matter of fact, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, speaking last night, stated quite plainly the agreement of His Majesty's Government with the ideals of the Oslo group. That does not necessarily say they always think the arrangements for reaching those ideals are the best possible.

Does that mean that action must be postponed until the expiry of the trade agreements?

No, Sir.

While appreciating their oft-repeated desire for freer trade, may I ask when we may expect His Majesty's Government to give tangible expression to these desires?

I am afraid I cannot answer that question.

Is it not a fact that our agreements with Scandinavian countries actually reduced duties, and therefore set an example for the later Osle Agreement?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the recommendations contained in the report of the Import Duties Advisory Committee regarding rationalisation in the iron and steel industry, it is intended to ask the Committee to report on the need for rationalisation in other industries which are afforded the advantages of protection?

No, Sir. The hon. Member will be aware that there were special circumstances leading to the inquiry into the iron and steel industry by the Import Duties Advisory Committee which are not present in the case of other industries.

May I ask whether, in view of the measure of success attending the efforts of the Import Duties Advisory Committee in regard to the iron and steel industry, it would not be possible to extend those activities in other desirable directions?

The position was this. It was the Import Duties Advisory Committee which, when considering an application for duties, called attention to the need for reorganisation, and it is possible for them, whenever they are considering an application for duties, to call attention to the need for reorganisation in the industry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that his predecessor stated definitely in the course of the Debate that he intended, because of the difficulties surrounding the organisation of the iron and steel industry, to make such reference to the Import Duties Advisory Committee? He took the initiative himself.

I think the hon. Gentleman misunderstood me. As far back as 1932, when the question of duties on iron and steel was before the Committee, the Committee called attention to the need for reorganisation in the industry.

Does the Minister think that the results of the iron and steel rationalisation have been such a frantic success that he wants to extend it to other industries?

There have, of course, been difficulties, but, on the whole, I think it is working extremely well.

Is it not part of the duty of the Import Duties Advisory Committee to watch these matters in connection with all industries, and report to the Government?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the desirability of establishing widely-dispersed centres for food storage on a large scale?

Suggestions of the kind to which the right hon. Gentleman refers are receiving close consideration.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the exports of Welsh anthracite to the United States of America declined from 177,285 tons in 1930 to 60,941 tons in 1936 and that the imports of Russian anthracite into the United States of America increased from 193,131 tons in 1930 to 425,000 tons in 1936; whether he can give reasons for this decline in Welsh exports to the United States of America; and what steps he is taking to deal with the matter?

I am aware that there has been an increase in imports of Russian anthracite into the United States of America, and a decline in imports from South Wales, in spite of the fact that Russian anthracite is subject to an import duty of two dollars per short ton, from which Welsh anthracite is exempt. The cause is presumably a very low price for Russian anthracite, which allows it to compete successfully with the United States product as well as with other imported anthracite. Since United Kingdom anthracite already enjoys a very large tariff preference, I do not see what steps are open to me.

Could my hon. and gallant Friend tell us whether the reason why the Russian anthracite is cheaper is that women work in the mines in Russia?

Is any of the shipping which carries the anthracite subsidised?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the exports of Welsh anthracite to France in 1936 showed a reduction of 139,503 tons as compared with 1933, and that the imports of anthracite into France from Russia and Indo-China in the same period showed an increase of 192,000 tons; whether he can give reasons for this decline in Welsh exports; and whether he is taking any action in the matter?

I am aware of the position described in the first part of the question. I would remind the hon. Member that Indo-Chinese anthracite, being a colonial product, is exempt from quota and import duties in France while the increase in Russian imports appears to be mainly due to the allocation of a quota to that country as from the year 1934. I am glad to be able to inform the House that exports of United Kingdom anthracite to France during the first six months of 1937 show an increase of over 117,000 tons, or over 24 per cent., as compared with the first six months of 1936.

Is it not also a fact that the exports of other countries have increased at the same time; and in view of the fact that our exports of coal continue to decline, are the Government really considering any steps in the matter? Is not the time overdue for pressing for a European coal agreement to regulate and fix exports?

I think that I have answered all those questions separately at different times in the last few weeks. As regards the decrease, I pointed out that, as far as this country is concerned, there has been an increase of 24 per cent. this year.

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman does not think that the time is opportune for an agreement, may I ask him what steps the Government think ought to be taken and are taking in this matter?

I have already expressed my views on that point.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many firms of foreign origin have been granted patent rights in this country to extract oil from coal; how many firms have exercised their patent rights by the establishment of works; to what countries patent rights have been granted in the years 1935, 1936 and 1937; and whether any objections have been raised by British firms in the like business and in the same years?

In reply to the first part of the question, United Kingdom patents relating to the extraction of oil from coal have been granted in the last 24 years to 62 different persons and companies residing or carrying on business in foreign countries; as regards the third part of the question in 1935, 1936 and 1937 90 patents for such inventions were granted in this country to persons in Liechtenstein, 34 to Germany, 12 to France, 7 to Switzerland, 4 to the United States of America, 3 to Australia, and 2 to the United Kingdom. Information on the second and fourth parts of the question is not available.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is now in a position to state whether the hydrogenation plant at Billingham is a commercial success or otherwise; and, if he is not in possession of the information, will he approach Imperial Chemical Industries, Limited, with a view to obtaining the information?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can make a statement on the Government proposals for extracting oil from coal; and when the Falmouth Committee intends to report?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the plants proposed to be installed in the distressed areas are to be merely low-temperature carbonisation processes which cannot materially increase the demand from coal, or whether other processes such as we are now operating in Germany, and which directly or indirectly convert the whole of coal substance into liquid fuel, will be put down, or whether a combination of low-temperature carbonisation and of some other processes will be installed?

I cannot make any statement on this subject until the Falmouth Committee has reported, and I cannot yet say when that will be.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will initiate inquiries to ascertain whether in order to support the Brymbo Disaster Relief Fund

asked the Secretary for Mines the quantity of coal consumed in Great Britain in 1934, 1935, and 1936, and the estimated consumption for the present year in hydrogenation, in high-temperature carbonisation, and in low-temperature carbonisation, respectively; and the respective quantities of petrol or benzol, and of heavy oils produced?

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

The Longton Fund, 1889, is exhausted, but I have communicated with the Secretary of the Talke Fund, and I will let the hon. Member know the result in due course.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will authorise the collection of the fullest possible information at mines where more than three cases of silicosis have been certified, showing the names and addresses of men who, in the last 20 years, have been engaged in boring with the use of machines either in hard headings or in ripping, with the type of machines used and the yardage of hard headings driven; and whether he would extend an invitation to the workmen's representatives at these mines to collaborate in supplying further information regarding the effect of such employment upon the persons so employed in order that a complete record of the extent of disability ensuing upon this class of work should be ascertained?

I am in full sympathy with the general object in view, but I do not think an investigation on the lines proposed could prove sufficient or satisfactory. There are, for example, a good many cases of silicosis among coal miners who have never used machine drills and, moreover, the nature and extent of disability in a particular case could not be reliably determined without medical examination. The investigation of these problems on different lines and the co-operation of His Majesty's inspectors and the workers' representatives in those investigations will be the subject of reply to a later question to-day to be given by my hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Is not the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that not a single case of a workman who has to work for a considerable time on boring machines ever survives, and is not that sufficient case for an inquiry into that special kind of work?

Perhaps the hon. Member will await the reply which is to be given later.

Is it not a fact that the highest incidence of silicosis in mines is among anthracite miners, according to the figures which the Minister has given, and that boring in anthracite mines is in excess of that of any other district? Does not that prove the contention?

Will not the hon. and gallant Gentleman accept the suggestion which I made for consultation with the workmen, who have a great deal of local knowledge in this matter which may prove useful?

I can only say that a similar question has been put down to the Chancellor of the Duchy who will reply to that point.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has received any report from the committee which is considering the possibility of obtaining an increased use of coal for bunkering purposes and other cognate matters?

No, Sir.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say when we may expect to receive this report, and what possibility there is of action on it in view of the fact that the existing conditions are very unsatisfactory and a considerable volume of trade is lost?

I think they are investigating the matter with all possible dispatch. It is a very complicated and technical subject.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of workers at the mines of Yorkshire on 30th April, 1930, 1933 and 1937, or the nearest day?

On 1st May, 1937, there were 140,300 wage-earners on colliery books in Yorkshire, as compared with 170,100 and 145,600 respectively at corresponding dates in 1930 and 1933.

Not much prosperity for miners in Yorkshire on those figures, is there?

Prosperity is a relative term.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of accidents to boys under 16 years of age in the Yorkshire coal mines for 1936, and the number of boys killed for 1936 in the Yorkshire coal mines?

During the year 1936, six persons under 16 years of age were killed and 1,188 injured (disabled for more than three days) at mines under the Coal Mines Act in Yorkshire.

asked the Secretary for Mines the figures of imported petrol to this country and the figures of home-produced petrol?

In 1936 the quantity of imported motor spirit retained in this country, including spirit produced from imported crude petroleum was, in round figures, 1,290 million gallons. The quantity of motor spirit produced from coal and other indigenous materials was 92 million gallons.

asked the Secretary for Mines to what extent simultaneous shot-firing is taking place; and whether the inquiry into this method is taking place?

The investigations into simultaneous shot-firing which by special permission were made in certain safety lamp pits were brought to an end in July, 1936. Like investigations are still proceeding in certain naked light mines and stone drifts; for these no special permission is required.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether any action is contemplated to extend the principle embodied in the Anglo-Polish coal agreement to other coal-producing countries?

I would refer the hon. Member to the second part of the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Pontypool (Mr. Jenkins) on 15th June last.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the fact that since 1929 Germany's share of the export coal trade of Germany and this country has increased from 30 per cent. to 50 per cent.; that this is mainly due to heavy subsidisation of German coal, and that the possibility of a satisfactory European coal cartel is unlikely; and, in view of the serious situation of the British coal export trade and of early consideration by the Government, will he consult with the Miners' Federation and the Mining Association with regard to it?

I am continuously in consultation on all these important matters with these and other organisations representing the different interests in the coal industry.

Has the Minister discussed lately with the Coalowners' Association or the Mineworkers' Federation of Great Britain this very substantial decrease in the percentage of export coal from Great Britain as compared with the percentage of export coal from Germany?

I have just said that I am always in touch with the people concerned with this matter.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the inability of the urban district council of Newton-in-Makerfield to purchase coal in Lancashire; that as a result the council's gas undertaking is seriously handicapped and the supply of gas threatened, and that the Lancashire Associated Collieries refuse to quote prices for the supply of coal on the ground that they have no coal to offer; and whether he can explain the reason for this state of things in relation to an adequate coal supply and take steps to remove the causes of complaint without delay?

I am informed that while in 1935 this council purchased a proportion of its gas coal from Lancashire, in 1936 it purchased its supplies almost entirely from North Staffordshire and Yorkshire, the only exception being 800 tons which was bought from Lancashire, and the contract for which has been renewed this year. The council has now asked Lancashire Associated Collieries to quote for the same qualities of Lancashire coal as it purchased in 1935, but when its custom was transferred to other districts this coal was sold to other consumers and is not now available. Other qualities of Lancashire gas coal have been offered to the council, as well as a renewal of its contracts with North Staffordshire and Yorkshire. There is no question in this case either of a shortage of supplies of coal or of a threat to the supply of gas.

Will the Secretary of State let the pits in South Yorkshire know? We are still finding some coal there, and it would provide work for some men.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that the international Convention on the repatriation of seamen has now been ratified by 17 countries, including the maritime Powers, France, Belgium, Italy, China, Spain, and Germany, it is contemplated that this country will ratify in the near future?

I would refer the Noble Lady to the reply given by my predecessor to her question of 16th March last. The position of His Majesty's Government in regard to ratification of the Convention remains unchanged.

Does not my right hon. Friend think it deplorable that the British Government have to be led by other Governments in ratifying this Convention which deals only with the question of repatriating seamen who have been wrecked?

It has been clearly laid down by His Majesty's Government that they will reconsider the matter as soon as six of the principal maritime nations are prepared to do so. Only two of the six leading countries have done so.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give an assurance, in view of the shortage of infantry in the Territorial Army, that no further infantry will be converted into anti-aircraft units, but that such units will be recruited separately?

The balance between one arm and another in the Regular and Territorial Armies depends upon strategic considerations, and in accordance with these is liable to change from time to time.

Can my right hon. Friend give an assurance that men who enlist for service in the infantry in the Territorial Army will not be transferred to other branches of the Service against their wishes?

The answer which I have given probably covers that point, but I cannot say any more without notice.

Is it not a breach of contract in the real sense of the word that when a man joins a particular regiment because he desires to do so, he shall be transferred against his will to some other unit?

One can adopt the attitude of trying to smooth difficulties, or of adding to them.

Are we to understand that my right hon. Friend can give no such assurance as is suggested in the question?

I have said that the considerations which govern this matter are strategic, and the Government must have liberty to propose what is in the national interest.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the policy of manning anti-aircraft units with Territorials is to be continued; and within what time they could reach their posts in sufficient numbers to fight as efficient units in the event of war?

Yes, Sir, I hope my hon. Friend will realise that it would be inadvisable to state publicly the exact period within which these units will be required to deploy, but I anticipate that when the arrangements are fully developed, they will be able to deploy as quickly as regular soldiers.

Will the Minister encourage the maintenance of tradition and esprit de corps in these units, and will he also mantain close touch between these units and the regular units with which they are affiliated?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War what changes are under consideration in connection with London Territorial units?

I am not quite sure what my hon. Friend has in mind. If he will let we know, I will communicate further with him.

Are any changes contemplated which would entail the conversion of infantry units of the Territorial Army, in London or elsewhere, into anti-aircraft units, or units of any other branch?

I would require notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether fresh liquid milk is issued to all the troops at Fort Tregantle, Plymouth, or only to the officers' and sergeants' messes.

The troops at Fort Tregantle are in a weapon training camp open only from April to September—the average strength being 280. The men stay there a week to a month, and more than one unit may be represented. The practice with regard to purchasing fresh or tinned milk, therefore, varies according to the arrangements made by the particular messing officer, whose duty it is to consult the wishes of the troops. I am informed that fresh milk is being purchased by the officers' and sergeants' messes at Fort Tregantle, and that the men's mess formerly purchased fresh milk but have since expressed a preference for tinned milk.

Will the Minister take a ballot on it among the men?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any estimate has been made of the cost of replacing forms in barrack rooms with chairs.

No, Sir; the conditions vary so much.

Will my right hon. Friend look into this matter further, and see whether it would not be possible to remove considerable discomfort at comparatively little expense?

Yes, Sir; we are making progress in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Gunner W. Swinley, of the fourth A.A.M.C. battery, Royal Artillery, stationed at Whittingdon Barracks, Lichfield, Staffs, was killed on the railway near Tamworth station on the morning of 13th February last; that the man was run over by an express train on part of a short cut commonly followed by late entrants to the barracks; and whether he is now able to say, out of ascertained knowledge of the man's movements on the date in question, that his death was purely accidental?

I have read of this unfortunate occurrence. The place where Gunner Swinley met his death is five miles from Lichfield Barracks, and is not a short cut commonly used by troops returning to the barracks at night. I am, of course, unable to add anything to the coroner's verdict, of the nature of which the right hon. Gentleman will be aware.

Is there any evidence to show that this man's death was other than purely accidental?

I have said that the right hon. Gentleman would not expect me to add to the evidence which was given before the coroner. The verdict was "Suicide, but insufficient evidence to show the state of the man's mind." I cannot add to that.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of persons who have been granted pensions during the previous three years on account of tuberculosis attributable to the conditions of service; and how these figures compare with those for the corresponding 12 months?

Of the soldiers invalided from the Army for tuberculosis during the last three years, the following numbers were awarded attributable disability pensions:—

Can the right hon. Gentleman say in what manner the authorities have removed cases which are attributable to this disease?

I do not follow the hon. Member's question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now make a statement concerning the employment of men over 45 years of age in Government factories; and whether he will press for the abolition of any restrictive regulations concerning their recruitment?

There has been no change of policy since the hon. Member was informed in reply to a question on 13th April last, that discretion is already given to heads of establishments to engage men over 45 years of age.

Do I understand from that answer that the Minister will not press for a modification of the Superannuation Acts which do limit the employment of men over 45 in these factories; and can he say whether that veto has been dispensed with or not?

A man must have 15 years' service before he gets a gratuity, and I do not understand in what respect the hon. Gentleman would desire that to be modified.

Is it not very difficult for men over 45 to get jobs, because employers will not employ them over that age, and should not the Government set a better example?

I think I have shown that they are setting a better example.

Is the right hon. Gentleman's discretion being exercised in this matter in the case of the Special Areas, where many men over 45 are being debarred from employment in this way, including a large number of ex-service men?

If the hon. Gentleman has any facts which he desires to bring to my attention I shall examine them with the utmost sympathy, but I am not aware of any cases such as he appears to have in mind.

Is it not a fact that in the Nottingham gun factory where this regulation is supposed to have been suspended, only one man in ten taken on has been over 45; and seeing that the present Superannuation Acts are definitely antipathetic to ex-service men in this respect, will the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter further?

If the hon. Gentleman wishes to bring any particular case to my notice, I shall look into it, but those responsible for this work must have regard for efficiency, and there is nothing in the regulations which prevents a man over 45 being employed.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter at the first opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is taking steps to make progress with the installation of electric current into housing schemes in the County of Linlithgow, where great delay is taking place on account of the dilatoriness of the Scottish Central Electric Power Company and its associated company, the Scottish Midlands Electricity Supply, Limited, in carrying out the instructions of the county council?

I understand that there has been some delay in connection with the provision of electric current for certain housing schemes in the County of West Lothian, but this has not retarded the erection of houses which are in some cases already occupied. I have communicated with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport who is causing inquiries to be made into the matter by the Electricity Commissioners.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the failure of the Herring Industry Board to achieve any adequate expansion of foreign markets for herring, His Majesty's Government will enter into direct negotiations with the Governments of Germany, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Poland, and the Baltic States for the sale of this season's cure?

I am informed that practically all the herring cured this season have already been sold, and that the curers are satisfied that they can find markets for their further production. Direct negotiation by the Government for sales appears to be undesirable.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say at what price this arrangement has been made?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman would put that question down.

Does the Minister's reply mean that we are not to have a recurrence of the state of affairs in which fishermen brought in herring and had to empty them back into the sea because there was no market?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the failure of the Herring Fishery Board to effect any substantial improvements in the conduct of the industry, he will consider calling for the resignation of the present members and introducing emergency legislation to set up a new board with adequate powers?

The board's performance of their very difficult duties does not, in my opinion, warrant the suggestion made in the question. The question of extension of the board's existing powers is at present receiving consideration.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that the present board has lost the confidence of the herring industry; and in view of the desperate plight of the industry does he not think drastic steps should be taken?

I do not think that is by any means a universal opinion.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the report of the Herring Fishery Board; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take with regard to it?

I have received and am considering the report referred to. As regards the second part of the question, I think the matter would be more suitable for discussion in Thursday's Debate on the estimates for the Herring Industry Board.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in view of the report of the Herring Industry Board that there is scope for increased consumption of herring in the home market, what steps, if any, are being taken to ensure that the needy populations in the distressed areas will be specially considered?

As the recent report of the Herring Industry Board shows, efforts are being made to increase the consumption of herring in the home market, and it is hoped that utimately there will be an increased sale of this cheap and palatable food in all sections of the community, including the distressed areas.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question? What steps, if any, apart from hope, are being taken to ensure that the needy population get these herring?

I think it would be undesirable to go into this matter at Question Time, when there will be a full Debate on Thursday.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the largest trading organisation in Scotland, the Scottish Wholesale Co-operative Society, is willing to place its great organisation at his disposal if he will wake up in this matter?

Is it not a sad fact that even people in distressed areas will not eat food if they do not like it?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the report of the Herring Industry Board for the period March, 1936, to March, 1937, with the disclosure that the average gross earnings of Scots herring boats are £1,495 per annum, while English boats earn £2,487; whether the Herring Industry Board can suggest any feasible explanation of this wide disparity beyond the greater poverty of the Scots fishermen whereby they are less able to provide repairs and maintenance for their vessels; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?