asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether he is aware that the number of able-bodied persons in receipt of relief taken over by the Unemployment Assistance Board on the second appointed day from the area covered by the city of Stoke-on-Trent has fallen far short of expectations of the city council; and what action does he propose to take;

(2) whether he has now given further consideration to the resolutions passed at the conference of distressed areas held in London on 11th June; and, if so, what action has been taken or is contemplated to be taken;

(3) whether he is aware of the burden remaining on a small number of large industrial cities and county areas following the restricted interpretations placed upon Section 36 of the Unemployment Assistance Act, 1934; whether he is aware that in the area of the city of Stoke-on-Trent out of 218 applications made to the Unemployment Assistance Board only 83 persons have been granted an allowance, leaving 135 persons who still have to continue to receive assistance from the local rate fund; and what action does he propose to take?

As I stated in my reply yesterday to questions by the hon. Member for Everton (Mr. Kirby) I received a deputation on Tuesday last representing certain local authorities regarding the interpretation of Section 36 of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1934. These representations are receiving my consideration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman receive another deputation similar to that which he received the other day before the Adjournment?

No, I think not. I received a large number of facts and figures, and I have to verify them, and it will possibly take more than a week to do so.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to give any further information as to the number of new and reassessed cases due to receive from the Unemployment Assistance Board more than the corresponding rate of employment benefit, and the number due to receive not more than the corresponding rate of employment benefit?

As I explained to the hon. Member on a previous occasion, this information is not available.

Will any information on this matter be included in the report of the Unemployment Assistance Board?

I do not think it could be. It would be bringing in a formula which is not appropriate.

How is it that the right hon. Gentleman cannot give the House this information though he can give such information sometimes when it is information which makes his own followers cheer?

The hon. Gentleman is under a misapprehension. I have been asked about the relation between one set of figures and another in regard to rates of benefit, and I am saying that that was the old method of calculation before the new Act.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of single men and women who have received reductions since the operation of the new Unemployment Assistance Board scales; and the total amount of reduction in Glasgow?

I regret that separate figures in respect of reductions in the allowances of single men and women and information regarding the total amount of reductions is not available. In the Board's administrative district of Glasgow I, there were 311 persons who were receiving on 25th June last less than they would have received under the Standstill arrangements and otherwise than on account of the applicant's personal earnings.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that reports have been circulated in Glasgow to the effect that many unemployed people there are suffering reductions under these new scales of from 2s. to 7s. per week; is he aware that these reductions are increasing weekly; and is he further aware that these reductions and the decline of purchasing power create more unemployment in the city?

The hon. Member puts to me a rumour. If he has any facts, I shall be glad to look at them. My information is twofold—first, that there have been under review 9,600 increases and 311 decreases.

Does the right hon. Gentleman deny that there are people in Glasgow under these new scales receiving reductions of from 2s. to 7s. per week?

The hon. Member must put a question of details like than on the Paper. He has asked me for some figures, and I have given them.

The right hon. Gentleman said that I was repeating a rumour. Does he deny the statement that is circulated that these people are suffering from 2s. to 7s. per week reductions in Glasgow?

I could not be expected to answer such a question by way of supplementary question and answer across the Floor, but if the hon. Member will put a question down in form, I shall be glad to answer it.

Did the right hon. Gentleman say that it was impossible to give the figures asked for in the question?

I said that the information asked for in the first part of the question was not available.

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to supply the information?

I am not sure that I can, but I will gladly do what I can.

asked the Minister of Labour the aggregate amount by which unemployment scale rates have had to be increased in order to make rent adjustments, from the inception of the Unemployment Assistance Board and during the last convenient 12 months; and what has been the average increase in scale rates per applicant during the whole period?

I regret that the information for which the hon. Member asks is not available and cannot be obtained without undue labour.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of cases at present awaiting decision by the Umpire and the numbers which have been waiting a decision for more than one month or two months, respectively?

The number of cases awaiting decision by the Umpire at 17th July, 1937, was 309. Of these, 36 had been awaiting decision for more than one month, and two for more than two months respectively.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has investigated the case reported to him regarding a chairman of a court of referees in Greenock who was alleged to be using the influence of his position to prevent an appeal to the Umpire by a claimant against a majority decision of his court; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?

I regret that the hon. Member was not in his seat last Thursday to put his original question. I have since received a communication from him which I am investigating.

If I give the right hon. Gentleman certain particulars will he consider them?

I shall be very glad to have them. I have no information at all as a foundation for the original statement.

If the Minister finds that this statement is accurate, will he see that this chairman is removed from the court of referees?

I shall not prejudge anything. I must wait until I get the evidence.

But if the Minister then finds that the statement is correct, will he have this chairman removed?

asked the Minister of Labour how many trainees are at present undergoing training at the various training centres; and whether there are any vacancies at these centres at present unfilled?

The number of persons undergoing training at the various training centres on 15th July, 1937, was as follows:

Government training centres	4,367
Instructional centres (including summer camps)	4,821
Domestic training centres	777

The instructional centres are practically full, but there are a number of vacancies in the training centres which I should be glad to see filled.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the progress that is being made at these centres?

With the actual progress of the work, yes, but I should, of course, be glad to see many more applications for the training centres.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that in some way the training centres are not yet up to the standard required to induce people to go there?

I would not say that of the Government training centres. I think they are absolutely first-class for the work.

asked the Minister of Labour how many vocational training centres are under his control; how many unemployed these centres are capable of training at a time; how many they are now training; and how many ex-soldiers are included in these numbers?

My Department has 13 training centres, with training places equipped for 6,477 men. On 15th July, 4,367 men were in training. The number of ex-soldiers included is not immediately available, but I will ascertain it and communicate with the hon. Member. At the centre at Southampton opened last month specially for ex-soldiers there are 58 ex-soldiers in training.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can make any statement with regard to the progress made by the Unemployment Assistance Board in carrying out Section 37 of the Unemployment Act, 1934, and, in particular, the number of training courses provided and the number who have attended them?

The Board's general policy in the exercise of its functions under this Section has been to rely mainly on the training courses conducted or grant-aided by my Department with which the Board keep in close contact, both as regards the general organisation of the centres and the selection of persons to attend them. All these courses are available, not only to the applicants who were under the Board before the second appointed day, but also to those transferred on that day from the local authorities. In addition, the Board has recently made arrangements with the Central Association for Young Wayfarers' Hostels, for the training of young unemployed men who are in danger of becoming casual vagrants. Other special schemes are under consideration.

Are we to understand that the Board no longer intend to pursue the policy entrusted to them under this Section of the Act?

I would not say that. The hon. Member will understand that the position with regard to the opportunities of employment for men is very different now from what it was when the Act was passed, and it would, of course, be a work of supererogation to set up new training centres if the old centres are not full. The Board in this matter works in the closest co-operation with the Ministry.

asked the Minister of Labour if he can state how many people are unemployed outside those that are recorded by the Employment Exchanges?

No, Sir; but I have no reason to suppose that the number is at all considerable.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that millions of people are not entitled to become insured, and would he be surprised to know that between 500,000 and 700,000 of them are out of employment?

The hon. Gentleman asked me for the information which we have and which we can verify, and I have told him I have no reason to suppose that the number is at all considerable.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to go into the Library and get all the information that is to be found about this matter in the books there?

Not all the information that is in books is necessarily accurate.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the unregistered unemployed in Scotland have considerably increased during the past two years?

I know that there has been a great decrease in unemployment in Scotland.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of young people who were transferred from Special Areas in 1936, and the number up to the latest date for this year?

I will, if I may, circulate a table in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the figures for 1936 are three times those for 1933 and that the numbers are increasing, and will he say that that is a sign of prosperity from the point of view of the Special Areas?

I could not give the total for 1933 without reference, but there was a large increase. The table for which the hon. Member has asked will show that the second part of his suggestion does not seem to be borne out. There does not appear to be any increase in the last six months.

Is the figure less this year than it was last year?

On the last six months, if we can take that as an average, the actual total for 1936 was 10,400 and for the six months 5,044.

asked the Minister of Labour when the report of the Unemployment Assistance Board for 1936 is to be published; and whether the House of Commons will be given an opportunity of discussing this report before the end of the present Session?

I am informed that I may expect to receive this report before the end of this week, and I hope that it may be possible for copies to be made available in the Vote Office on Monday next. The second part of the question is a matter which does not rest with me.

Was it not understood at the time that the Unemployment Bill of 1934 was passing through this House that we

asked the Minister of Labour the number of young people up to the age of 21 years transferred from South Wales and Monmouthshire during 1936 and to the most recent date for the current year?

I will, if I may, circulate a table giving the available figures.

The preparation of the report is not under my control.

Is it not possible to get these reports issued earlier, because the House gets up in July and it becomes impossible to discuss even the last year's work?

I will convey what has been said to the Unemployment Assistance Board.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the report is very much later this year than last year, and that it is not published until the House is up?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mr. J. Sanderson, 410, Bradford Road, Huddersfield, has been offering himself for employment for five years without success; that this man, although disabled by the loss of a leg during the War, is otherwise strong, healthy and capable of either light work or heavier work; whether he can say if any offers of employment have been made to this man during the last five years by the Employment Exchange and, if not, whether there are any special circumstances in this case?

I am making inquiries about this case and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the King's National Roll Council have yet considered the suggestion to include within the

asked the Minister of Labour how many unemployed miners over the age of 45 years are in receipt of benefits at the Employment Exchanges, whether standard benefits or Unemployment Assistance Board payments; how many miners 45 years and over have been re-employed in the mining industry during the last 12 months; and whether

No, Sir. but the matter will be brought before the King's Roll National Council at their next meeting.

asked the Minister of Labour the numbers of unemployed registered at each of the Employment Exchanges in Glasgow at the end of June, 1935. 1936, and 1937, respectively, differentiating between the wholly unemployed and the temporarily unemployed?

As the reply includes a table of figures I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the totals?

Yes, the totals are as follow: June, 1935, 97,892; June, 1936, 86,073; June, 1937, 73,515.

I regret that statistics giving the information asked for in the first and second parts of the question are not available. With regard to the last part, I have no doubt that the increased activity in the coal mining industry has resulted in the re-employment of miners over the age of 45 as well as of younger men. I am anxious that the older unemployed men should have a chance of re-employment, and my Department will be glad, in co-operation with the employers and workpeople in the industry, to assist in any way it can towards their re-absorption.

Is the Minister aware that there has not been any big increase in older men in the coal mining industry?

My information is that in certain areas some older men have been employed.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men, women, boys, and girls placed in employment by the Denmark Street Exchange for work in hotels in London?

The number of persons placed in employment in London and elsewhere by the Denmark Street Exchange since December, 1930, when the exchange was opened, to the end of 1936 is as follows: 71,150 men, 89,579 women, 19,266 boys and 8,126 girls. I regret that separate particulars relating to hotels in London are not available.

In view of the numbers placed, will the right hon. Gentleman ascertain what the conditions of work and wages are to which these people are sent?

I am hoping to enter into discussions with the catering trade.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of boys and girls placed in employment through the exchanges in London and the districts adjoining during 1936 and the first six months of 1937.

I will circulate a table in the OFFICIAL REPORT giving the figures available.

asked the Minister of Labour the average increase in the rent of controlled working-class houses and the average increase of rent of working-class houses which have been decontrolled.

It is estimated that the average percentage increase, over the level of July, 1914, in the rents (including rates) of pre-War working-class dwellings taken into account in compiling the official cost-of-living index number is approximately 51 per cent. in the case of controlled dwellings, and approximately 85 per cent. in the case of decontrolled dwellings.

asked the Minister of Health the average rent of working-class houses constructed since 1931?

I am not in a position to give the information asked for. A White Paper will, however, be available shortly, setting out the rents of houses belonging to local authorities. These rents in general reflect the various rent levels ordinarily prevailing respect of working-class houses in the areas concerned.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses that have become decontrolled under the provisions of the Rent Restriction Acts to the latest possible date?

I will send the hon. Member a Memorandum (Command 4208) showing the estimated numbers of controlled and decontrolled houses in the three classes "A," "B" and "C" in 1932, but I have no comprehensive information as to the number to-day. By the Act of 1933, Class "A" houses were decontrolled, Class "B" houses continued to become decontrolled on the landlord gaining possession, and Class "C" houses were excluded from the operation of the provisions relating to decontrol. The question will, no doubt, be considered by the Departmental Committee investigating the working of the Acts.

Would the Minister inform Members of the House how they can get the information to which he has referred?

It is in a Command Paper, which I shall be glad to send to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that four families who have lived in the same houses in High Road, Leytonstone, have to leave their homes because they have been decided by the officers of the Leyton Council to be not in all respects reasonably fit for human habitation; whether he will make inquiries as to whether these houses are controlled and as to the state of these dwellings, inasmuch as one tenant was informed that a reason for the demolition order being issued was the lack of air space in the pantry; and whether he will urge upon the local authority, as the warrants for ejectment were issued on their application, to provide at least temporary accommodation rather than operate the ejectment orders issued by the court?

I gather that the houses in question are the subject of individual demolition orders. I have no other knowledge of the facts, nor any jurisdiction in the matter, since appeals against such orders lie to the county court. I will communicate with the Leyton Borough Council as to the desirability of providing accommodation for the displaced families.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's information extend to the fact that the members of at least one of these families are old age pensioners, who have nothing more than their pensions upon which to live, and that they are very ill and will he, in view of that fact, use such human friendly pressure as he can to induce the Leyton Council to see that none of these people are turned into the street?

I have said that I would.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses inspected in the borough of Leyton for the years 1934, 1935, and 1936, and the number certified as not being in all respects reasonably fit for human habitation?

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

asked the Minister of Labour whether the committee considering holidays with pay for working people has adjourned; if so, when will it resume its investigations; how often will it meet thereafter; and does he anticipate that it will issue its report this year?

The committee has adjourned until 5th October, when the taking of evidence will be continued. Thereafter the committee will, I understand, sit on two consecutive days every fortnight—an arrangement which, it is anticipated, will enable the committee to complete its labours at an early date.

In view of the great importance of this matter to most of the population of this country, does the right hon. Gentleman not consider that adjournment too long and that the committee should meet more frequently in order to report much sooner?

It was very important to get a committee which commanded general confidence, and, as the House knows, it is not always easy to get this voluntary service. In order to get the committee, I have had to arrange for an adjournment during August and September.

Is it expected to get their report before the end of the present year?

I can only say, at an early date.

asked the Minister of Labour the average retail price of bacon at present ruling in this country, and the similar figures for the years 1928 and 1929 before the fall in prices began, and the figures for 1931 and 1932 when the price fall was at its lowest?

The average retail price of bacon of the kinds most generally bought by working-class families, as shown by the information collected for the purpose of the official cost of living index number, was 1s. 2½d. per lb. at 1st July, 1937, as compared with 1s. 4d. at 1st July, 1928, 1s. 6d. at 1st July, 1929, 11d. at 1st July, 1931, and 10d. at 1st July, 1932.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us where we can find the best bacon at 1s. 2½d. per 1b.?

The answer depends entirely on where the hon. Member lives.

In Yorkshire.

When the right hon. Gentleman gets home, will he ask his good wife whether she can get decent bacon at 1s. 2½d. per 1b.?

asked the Minister of Labour when he proposes to set up his family household budgetary inquiry; what will be its terms of reference and the personnel of the inquiry; and over what area is it proposed to operate?

It is proposed that about 30,000 working-class households, distributed over all parts of Great Britain, shall be visited and invited to supply budgets, on forms to be provided, giving details of their expenditure in each of four separate weeks, in October, 1937, and in January, April, and July, 1938, respectively. It is hoped that at least 10,000 of these households will supply information in respect of October, 1937, and that the great majority of these will also furnish information for the three later weeks. The inquiry will be organised through the Employment Exchanges, and it is hoped to obtain the assistance of local committees and of a sufficient number of voluntary helpers, in each district, to undertake the work of visiting the households and collecting the budgets. The inquiry is primarily intended to furnish the data required for a revision of the basis of the official cost-of-living index figures, but it will also provide information required by the Health Departments in connection with questions relating to diet and nutrition. In view of the national importance of the inquiry, and of the great social value of the information to be obtained, I trust that the Department may rely on the co-operation of those who are asked to supply information or to assist in collecting the budgets.

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake, when the new method of calculation is settled, to make corrections for previous years and publish them?

Preparations are now being made for this exhaustive inquiry, and I am hoping to set the whole thing up in detail in the September number of the Ministry of Labour Gazette.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received the report of the committee of inquiry into night baking; what is the reason for the delay in presenting the report; and what action he proposes to take on the matter?

The report of this committee was only received on Tuesday of last week, and as the hon. Member will be aware, was presented to Parliament on the following Thursday. As regards the last part of the question, the committee, by a majority, have advised against any statutory prohibition of night baking. Shortly stated, their view is that while such prohibition would work inequitably among employers and inflict hardship in many cases including a number of bakeries where the work is carried on under the best conditions, it would fall far short of providing comprehensive and effective relief to the night baker from the serious social disadvantages under which he labours. The situation as presented in the report obviously demands a much more thorough examination than it has been possible to make within the very short time available, and I am not in a position at present to make any final announcement of the Government views on the main issue. It is clear however that in view of the nature of the report it would not in any case be possible for the Government to entertain any question of legislation on the subject during the present Session.

At the end of their report the committee draw attention to the need for better organisation in this industry and suggest that some recognised body should be set up on which representatives of both sides of the trade might meet together to thrash out their difficulties and devise means for amelioration of conditions. The Government regard this suggestion as a very valuable one and are prepared to take action to give effect to it, and I am glad to state that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour will be willing to enter into negotiations with the representatives of the two sides for this purpose without delay. I feel confident that if some satisfactory joint machinery can be established we could look forward to a great improvement in the general conditions of the industry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this report has caused a tremendous amount of disappointment among both workmen and employers; and, in view of that, and of the fact that public opinion is also disappointed, will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to go very seriously into the report and see whether something cannot be done to help these unfortunate people who are condemned to perpetual night work?

I agree with the hon. Member that this is a very important report. Indeed, it is so important that the Government obviously cannot come to a decision in a few days. I can give the hon. Member an undertaking that we will give the report great attention, and when we have come to a decision in due course I will make an announcement in the House.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the poll in recent by-elections averaged about 50 per cent. of the electorate, and that this was in part due to the contests beingfought on old and incomplete registers; and will he therefore take steps to enable a six-monthly instead of a yearly register to be compiled?

I am not in a position to estimate the extent to which the size of the poll at by-elections is related to the age of the register, but there does not appear to me to be any justification for incurring the heavy expenditure which would be involved in the hon. Member's suggestion.

Does the Home Secretary consider it satisfactory or in the best interests of democracy that an individual moving into a constituency now will not be able to vote in that constituency for another year? Will he not take some steps to remedy that situation?

Will my right hon. Friend consider the possibility of having the register issued a fortnight earlier, say on 1st October, instead of about the middle, as the municipal elections are always in November and it would greatly facilitate the conduct of them?

I will certainly consider my hon. Friend's suggestion, though offhand I cannot say whether it is practicable or not. As to the wider issue raised by the hon. Member for North Lambeth (Mr. G. Strauss), my own view is that the expense would not be justified.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries from those responsible for running the recent by-elections as to the number of removals in those elections, particularly in those constituencies where there are heavy movements of the population round big towns?

Probably I am just as much aware as any hon. Member of the great problem of removals, sitting as I do for a London constituency. At the same time, as at present advised I am not prepared to recommend so heavy an expenditure as would be involved.

Is it not the case that the register at one time was issued twice a year under the Parliament Act, but that the twice-a-year system was discarded upon the recommendation of the Geddes Committee as a matter of economy, and since we are now, as the Government always insist, in an era of prosperity, will not the right hon. Gentleman see to it that the register is published twice yearly again?

Has such a financial consideration to be taken into account when the question at issue is the virtual disfranchisement of a good many of the poorer-class citizens?

I could not admit that there is such a disfranchisement. I am not prepared to admit that the issue of only one register a year does necessarily disfranchise people at all. It is really a question of judging whether the expense is or is not worth while, and, as at present advised, I am not prepared to say that it is.

Is the Minister going to reply to my supplementary question?

I am afraid that I have forgotten what it was.

As the right hon. Gentleman himself took part in the discussions I should have thought he would have remembered it. Is it not the case that the twice-a-year register was abandoned on the recommendations of the Geddes Committee, on the score of economy, and since we are now in the era of prosperity which the right hon. Gentleman, among other Cabinet Ministers, talks about, will he now see to it that the Geddes recommendation is put aside and we return to the twice-a-year register as was laid down in the Parliament Act?

No, Sir, I must still say that however prosperous we may be we have to take into account whether any particular item of expenditure is worth while, and as at present advised I am not convinced that it is so in this case. It runs into something like £500,000 a year.

asked the Home Secretary why delegates of the University Labour Federation returning to England, on 19th July, after attending the International Socialist Students' Conference in Paris, were asked by Criminal Investigation Department officers at Dover to give their names, their passport numbers, and their conference agenda?

I am informed that during the Customs examination the attention of the police was called to the baggage of a number of young men as it contained quantities of printed and typewritten matter, some of which was in foreign languages. The object of the police examination was to assist the Customs authorities to ascertain that nothing was being imported the importation of which is prohibited. I understand that a copy of the agenda was offered to the police as evidence of its innocuous character. I am informed that the party was not delayed in transit.

Why should the Criminal Investigation Department officers ask for the names and passport numbers of these people and demand the agenda of the conference they had attended?

I understand that what happened was this: the Customs authorities, in examining the baggage of these particular individuals, did find a lot of foreign literature and a lot of leaflets, and that being so they felt justified in making further inquiries. The inquiries which were subsequently made by the police showed that the leaflets were innocuous, and as a result those particular individuals were not delayed in their journey.

But why should they be asked to give their passport numbers and their names? Nobody else is asked to do so.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a growing fear that Socialists are selected for this treatment, and will he give the House an assurance that there is no differentiation of treatment against Socialists entering this country as compared with people holding other opinions?

Certainly, I give that undertaking at once. What happened in the case of those individuals would happen in the case of any other individuals, whether Socialists, Conservatives or Communists.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the conviction, at Birmingham, on 12th July, of Mr. Colledge Persche, of the National Printing Ink Company, Limited, 72–75, Turnmill Street, London, for attempted bribery and corruption of two employés of Boxfoldia, Limited, of Bournebrook, Birmingham, by the offer of 5 per cent. on all orders received, with an extra bonus at Christmas and a cheque for the summer holidays; that a fine of £15 was imposed; and whether he will consider the advisability of circularising magistrates with regard to the importance of enforcing rigorously the terms of the law with a view to stamping out the at present widespread occurrence of bribery in certain industries?

My attention had not previously been drawn to the case to which the hon. Member refers. I share his view that it is important to check offences of this kind and I am not aware of any reason for thinking that there is any tendency to regard them lightly. It is, however, for the court to decide in its discretion what is the penalty appropriate to the circumstances of any individual case that may come before it, and I have no authority to issue advice to magistrates as to the way in which their discretion should be exercised.

In view of the prevalence of this dishonest method of getting business in the printing and other trades, will my right hon. Friend do everything he properly can to secure the enforcement of the law?

I think the hon. Member's question has already called attention to this matter, and my answer shows clearly what is my view.

May we take it that the right hon. Gentleman is anxious to drive corruption out of the country's system?

asked the Home Secretary whether, before granting naturalisation to any person who is an employer of labour, steps are taken to ascertain whether such person is willing to conform to customary British standards of trading and employment; and, if not, whether this provision will be adopted in future?

Before naturalisation is granted in any case full inquiries are made about the character and reputation of the applicant. If there is reason to doubt his commercial reputation or his character as an employer of labour this consideration is taken into account, together with all the other circumstances. If the right hon. Gentleman has any particular case in mind, I shall be glad if he will communicate with me.

I will certainly do that.

asked the Home Secretary whether, since the chief factory inspector's report records a large increase in accidents among adults and young persons, he can state what remedial action he proposes to take between now and July, 1938, when the new Factory Act comes into operation?

I much regret the increase in accidents during 1936 as compared with 1935, but, as the Chief Inspector points out in the introduction to his report, the increase in the number of accidents is partly due to increased employment, and statistics over a period of years show that the rate of accidents in proportion to the number of persons in employment is decreasing. I should like to take this further opportunity of emphasising that if any large reduction of accidents is to be obtained, it must be through the exercise of increased care by both employers and workpeople, and that this can best be secured through the development of safety organisations. As the hon. Member is aware, the Factory Department has made every effort in the past to promote such development and it will continue to do so.

Is not the Home Secretary aware that the Chief Inspector states that thousands of these accidents are preventible; and is he not aware also that a great many of the accidents occur through machinery not being properly protected?

I accept it as perfectly true that a great many accidents, both in factories and on the roads, are preventible. If only employers and work-people would pay more attention to precautions there would be many fewer accidents. So far as the Factory Department of the Home Office are concerned, we will do everything in our power to reduce the number.

asked the Home Secretary whether he proposes to increase the number of factory inspectors prior to the new Factory Act coming into operation; and, if so, by how many?

A substantial increase of the factory inspectorate will, as I have already stated, be necessary in consequence of the Factories Bill, but I am not yet in a position to say when this increase will take place.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that at a trades union meeting held in Victoria Park, East London, on Sunday, 18th July, the police requested the closing of the meeting, which was subjected to continuous organised disorder by Fascists; and whether he is prepared to take steps to protect the rights of free speech?

I have received a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis from which it appears that throughout the meeting referred to there was considerable heckling and shouting by political opponents. There was, however, no actual disorder, and I am informed that at no time did the police in attendance ask or even suggest that the meeting should be closed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that owing to the organised activity of Fascist interrupters at meetings in the East End of London the right of free speech there is rapidly becoming obsolete?

Will the right hon. Gentleman remind hon. Members opposite of the old saying that when

"The devil was sick, the devil a monk would be."

There is much too much interruption of political meetings on both sides, and I hope the hon. Member's question will call attention to this fact and the need of each side giving the other a fair hearing.

Will my right hon. Friend realise that in the country as a whole many more meetings are broken up by supporters of the Left than by supporters of the Right?

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give particulars supplied to him by the Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies for the total amount that has been advanced on mortgage by building societies for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date; and whether he has any information in his possession that will show the average amount of interest charged on these loans?

The Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies informs me that the total amount advanced on mortgage by building societies during the year ended 31st January, 1937, was £140,310,068. The Registrar has no information as to the average rate of interest charged on the advances made during the year in question. From their advertisements it would appear that societies were ordinarily prepared to make new advances at an interest charge of 4½ per cent.

Are those reports received regularly every year?

I am not quite sure to what the hon. Member refers. If he will send me further particulars, I will give him an answer.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he has particulars concerning the number of elementary education authorities who confine the appointment of headmasters and headmistresses exclusively to teachers within their own authority?

No, Sir.

Will the hon. Gentleman circulate his opinion regarding this matter to the various education authorities; and does he not feel that if the scope for selection were widened it would be beneficial to education as a whole?

There could be arguments for and against on that point, but it is a matter for the local education authorities. Personally. I am in favour of greater mobility.

Will not the hon. Member circulate that opinion?

It is a question for the local authorities.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether his Department has made inquiries in recent years concerning the method of appointing headmasters and headmistresses in elementary schools; whether it has ever made recommendations to elementary education authorities concerning such appointments; and, if not, whether he will consider the advisability of making such recommendations?

No, Sir. The appointment of teachers in public elementary schools rests with the local education authorities and managers, and it is not the Board's policy to interfere with their discretion in this matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the number of nursery schools now in existence in Wales and Monmouthshire; the number of children in average attendance; and the number of teachers employed?

There are four recognised nursery schools in Wales and Monmouthshire, situated at Brynmawr, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda, and Swansea. These schools have accommodation for 360 children in all, and the total number of children in average attendance during the year ended 31st March, 1937, was 228. Eleven teachers are employed, together with a number of unqualified helpers. A proposal for a second nursery school at Rhondda has been approved in principle and a proposal for the provision of a nursery school at Cardiff is at present under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the number of proposals at present before his Department for the purpose of opening nursery schools in England and Wales; and how many of these proposals are for open-air schools?

Thirty-four proposals for opening nursery schools in England and Wales have been approved in principle by my Department and in a number of these cases final plans have been approved. Nine proposals are at present under consideration. In all these cases it is proposed that the buildings of the schools shall be constructed on open air lines.

Can the Minister say how many of these proposals he has had to refuse, and how many nursery schools are in being at the present time?

That is quite a separate question.

Will the hon. Gentleman do all in his power to encourage these schools?

The Board welcome the provision of these schools in any part of the country where conditions are suitable.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he proposes to advise local education authorities as to the employments which shall be deemed to be beneficial under the provisions of the Education Act, 1936; and, if not, in what way uniformity of decision is to be arrived at on this question?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 15th July to the hon. Member for the English Universities (Mr. E. Harvey), a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware of the increasing number of accidents to young persons employed in factories; and whether in consultation with the Home Office he will arrange for lectures on safety-first principles to be given to children attending schools in industrial areas?

I am not in possession of full information on this subject, but I will consult with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary on the matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education, what steps his Department is taking to encourage the provision of play centres?

In view of the educational value of the recreational and physical activities of play centres and in view of the dangers of the streets, my Department welcomes proposals for these centres under Section 22 of the Education Act, 1921, and is prepared to recognise them for grant at 50 per cent. when they fulfil the conditions of Article 38 of the Board's Special Services Regulations. Play centres depend for their usefulness on the supervision of skilled play leaders, and they are especially valuable where they provide for both summer and winter activities.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have considered the report of the Select Committee on the Procedure on Private Bills containing local legislation Clauses; and, if so, what action he intends to take with regard to its recommendations?

The report of the Select Committee on Private Bill Procedure is now being considered. I do not expect that I shall be in a position to make a statement on the recommendations before the end of the present Session.