asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he is now in a position to make a statement about the control of the Fleet Air Arm?

I have completed the investigation to which I referred in my answer to a question by the hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for Nuneaton (Lieut.-Commander Fletcher), on 11th March, and I have made my report.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether His Majesty's Government have yet decided to accept the recommendation made by the Royal Commission on the Private Manufacture of Arms that arms production should be nationalised in time of war and that all private profit should be abolished?

No, Sir. I would refer the hon. Member to the statement I made in the Debate in this House on 26th May, 1937.

asked the right hon. Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners whether it is proposed to build up a reserve of large timber against any national emergency; and, if so, what steps are being taken to extend this policy to Wales?

The Commissioners are proposing to build up reserves of large timber in certain places where they already have middle-aged timber. Practically the whole of their plantations in Wales have been planted since 1919.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence how many of the shadow factories are registered under the King's National Roll and are therefore employing the proper quota of disabled ex-service men?

I presume my hon. Friend refers to the Air Ministry shadow factories. Of the nine firms appointed to operate shadow factories five are at present registered on the Roll. The remainder are aware of their obligations and are doing their best to comply.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the fact that no compensation is payable to the estate of a deceased airman who is killed in the course of his ordinary duties although his death is caused by the negligence of another airman, he will state why there is a difference between a serving airman who is killed by the negligence of a fellow airman, in the course of his ordinary duties, and an ordinary civilian who is killed in the course of his employment through the negligence of another servant?

Although, as my hon. Friend states, no compensation is payable to the estate of a deceased airman who is killed in the course of his ordinary duties, pensions and allowances are payable under the conditions laid down in King's Regulations and Air Council Instructions to dependants, if any. These provisions may be regarded as taking the place of those which would be applicable for dependants under the Workmen's Compensation Act in the case of civilians who come under that Act. In the limited class of case covered by the Employers' Liability Act, 1880, certain compensation may be payable to the estate of a deceased civilian without dependants. There is no such provision in the Regulations. On the other hand the Regulations are not, in the case of non-manual workers, restricted as is the Workmen's Compensation Act by an income limit.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what is the position at Nottingham Airport regarding the contract for a flying school?

The question of inviting tenders for a flying school at this airport is in abeyance pending the outcome of the Compulsory Purchase Order made by the Nottingham Corporation.

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether his attention has been called to the report made by the medical officer of health for the county of Carmarthen, drawing attention to the urgent need for a maternity home in the county; and, in view of the fact that the rate of maternal mortality is so high in the county, whether he will make representations to the county council to expedite the provision of a maternity home;(2) whether his attention has been called to the report of the medical officer of health for the county of Carmarthen on the deplorable housing conditions in parts of the county and, in particular, to a case in which a midwife had reported that she had been compelled to use a step-ladder to reach a patient in one house; and whether, having regard to the high incidence of maternal mortality and of tuberculosis in the county, he will cause an inquiry to be made into the housing conditions in the county?

My attention has not been drawn to the report referred to, but I am informed that the provision of a maternity home is being actively considered by the Carmarthen County Council in conjunction with the Llanelly Town Council. I am aware of the housing conditions in the county, and I am arranging for my officers to confer in the matter with the local authorities concerned.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider introducing legislation making it compulsory upon all hospital authorities to introduce an eight-hour day for their nursing staff, in view of the great strain imposed upon them by the existing eleven-hour day and the consequent detrimental effect upon the health of the patients?

The question of the working hours of hospital nurses is one of a number of matters affecting the nursing profession which are engaging my attention, and I understand that the associations representing local authorities are in communication with the General Nursing Council regarding certain measures for meeting the situation.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give any details as to the incidence and fatality of tuberculosis in Norway, India, Japan, Germany, Switzerland and Great Britain?

The following is the latest available information as respects the countries shown below:

Tuberculosis A11 Forms.
			Cases.	Deaths.
Norway (1934)	…	…	5,521	3,225
Japan (1934)	…	…	*	131,525
Germany (1934)	…	…	*	47,179
Switzerland (1935)		…	*	4,035
England and Wales (1935)			59,623	29,201
* Information not available.

I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for India and Scotland, respectively, as regards any statistics relating to tuberculosis in those countries.

asked the Minister of Health what was the cause of the Liverpool outbreak of paratyphoid fever in January last?

I understand that the medical officer of health of the city is of opinion that the outbreak was probably caused by the infection of food by a carrier of the disease.

asked the Minister of Health what steps have been taken to ensure that there is no further risk of well-pollution at or near the farm from which the milk came which caused the outbreak of typhoid fever in Hampshire last August?

I am informed that arrangements have been made whereby the sewage which was found to be infected can no longer enter the stream which is believed to have caused the pollution of the well.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the number of individuals in Christchurch who were found to have been supplied with milk from the farm that distributed the milk which was said to have caused the typhoid outbreak in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole in August, 1936?

The milk from the infected farm was mixed at a depot with milk from other farms, and it was estimated that about 10,000 households in the three towns of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole were supplied with milk direct from this depot in addition to persons who bought milk at branch depots, but I have no information as to the number of individuals in Christchurch who were supplied with this milk.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can yet state what means he proposes to adopt to ensure that the widest publicity is given to the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions (Voluntary Contributors) Act, 1937?

I am giving careful consideration to the question of securing the widest possible publicity for the advantages of the new Act, more particularly as regards initial entrants, and I hope to be in a position to make an announcement at an early date.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state the number and locality of flats which have been built outside the Metropolitan area under the subsidy granted by the Housing Act, 1935?

I assume that my hon. Friend has in mind flats for the abatement of overcrowding. I understand that 250 such flats, in buildings of three or more storeys, are under construction at Willesden and 50 at Barnes, but none has yet been completed. I have at present before me applications relating to 120 flats for Acton and 39 for Wembley.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the methods adopted in Germany for making local collection of scrap iron; and whether he will propose to the local authorities to set aside a special day in their areas on which they will guarantee to collect from outside the premises of all ratepayers any scrap iron they may leave outside?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a previous question in this connection, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will announce his decision on the proposed committee of inquiry into the question of the treatment, for pension purposes, of ex-service men in the Civil Service prior to the Parliamentary Recess?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has now decided to appoint a committee of inquiry to consider the question of counting, for pension purposes, the service of ex-service men in the Civil Service on an unestablished basis?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is now in a position to make a statement as regards the request for a committee of inquiry into the question of reckoning the temporary service of ex-service civil servants towards pension and also the question of the age-barred officers?

I regret that I cannot give a definite undertaking on the point, but I can assure my hon. Friends that there will be no avoidable delay.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the number of occasional licences granted during the year ended 31st March, 1937, in England and Wales and Scotland, respectively, and the total days for which

—			Year ended, 31st March, 1936.		Year ended, 31st March, 1937.
			Licences.	Days.	Licences.	Days.
England and Wales.			Number.	Number.	Number.	Number.
Any intoxicating liquor	…	…	26,820	32,530	27,699	34,336
Beer only	…	…	266	348	229	284
Wine only	…	…	11	12	9	8
Scotland.
Any intoxicating liquor	…	…	2,682	2,954	2,764	3,050
Beer only	…	…	3	4	3	4
Wine only	…	…	—	—	1	4
NOTE.—These figures are provisional.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the number of registered clubs paying club duty and the amount of such duty in England and Wales and Scotland, respectively, during the financial year ended 31st March, 1937?

Following is the information:

Year ended31st March, 1937.
—	England and Wales.	Scotland.
Number of clubs paying duty.	16,704	691
Club duty received	£168,651	£5,380

NOTE.—These figures are provisional.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the quantity of spirits used for medicinal preparations or scientific purposes in respect of which rebate was allowed under Section four of the Finance Act, 1918, during the year ended 31st March, 1937?

The quantity of spirits used for medicinal preparations or

I assume that the hon. Member's question refers only to occasional liquor licences.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state the number of promotions proposed to be made in the Board of Customs and Excise from the rank of departmental clerical officer to departmental higher clerica1 officer as announced by the Board to the Association of Ex-Service Civil Servants on 25th May, 1937?

As a result of the interviews notified to the Association of Ex-Service Civil Servants on the 25th May, 16 departmental clerical officers have been selected for promotion and these will be appointed departmental higher clerical officers as vacancies arise.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the figure of 10 per cent. of the old age pensioners now receiving Poor Law relief is an increase on the figure for 1934 and 1935; and, if so, will he say at what point the Government will consider giving an increase on the present 10s. a week pension?

The percentage of old age pensioners receiving public assistance in England and Wales has varied very little in the last three years as the following figures show:—

			Per cent.
1st January, 1937	…	…	9·7
1st January, 1936	…	…	9·2
1st January, 1935	…	…	9·5

Year ended 31st March, 1937.
—			England and Wales.	Northern Ireland.	Scotland.	United Kingdom.
			Number.	Number.	Number.	Number.
Brewers for sale	…	…	985	1	41	1,027
Brewers not for sale	…	…	7,151	*	1,194	8,345
* This figure is not available as this type of licence in Northern Ireland is a transferred service. NOTE.—These figures are provisional.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of the agricultural products imported into this country during the last three years which compete with similar British products?

I think the best course would be for my hon. Friend to consult the December, 1936, issue of the Monthly Trade Accounts, which contains information regarding the imports of all agricultural products into the United Kingdom in each of the years 1934 to 1936. More detailed particulars for 1934 and 1935 are given in Volume 11 of the Annual Statement of Trade of the United Kingdom for 1935.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics has fulfilled its obligations under the existing trade agreement; what use it is making of the £10,000,000 credit guaranteed by His Majesty's Government; and what were the main classes and value of goods purchased in this country by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics during the most recent period for which figures are available?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative;

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the number of brewers in the United Kingdom and each division, distinguishing brewers for sale and brewers not for sale, for the year ended 31st March, 1937?

Following is the information:as regards the second part, contracts amounting to over £5½ million have been notified as having been placed under the Guarantee Agreement with United Kingdom manufacturers.The following statement shows the exports from the United Kingdom of the principal classes of goods registered during the six months ended June, 1937, as consigned to the Soviet Union:

Exports (United Kingdom goods).
	£'000
Machinery	290
Non-ferrous metals and manufactures thereof	246
Wool, raw and waste, and woollen rags	200
Iron and steel and manufactures thereof	65
Chemicals, drugs, dyes and colours	36

Exports of imported merchandise.
Non-ferrous metals and manufactures thereof	3,866
Rubber, raw, including crepe and latex	2,099
Tea	230

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make inquiry into the complaints of manufacturers and traders in this country regarding the unsatisfactory nature of the conditions which Russian trading organisations are at present imposing and seeking to impose upon them?

My attention has been drawn to certain complaints and I am considering them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the preliminary discussions for an Anglo-American commercial agreement have now reached a stage where official negotiations can be started at an early date?

I am unable at present to add to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to questions on this subject by the hon. Members for the Park Division of Sheffield (Mr. Lathan) and for Bassetlaw (Mr. Bellenger) on 13th July.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the severe shortage of roofing slates produced in this country which is hampering the Government's housing programme, he will now take steps to secure the removal of the duty upon imported roofing slates?

I have no information to the effect that the housing programme is being hampered by a shortage of roofing slates. Any question of the removal of the duty from imported roofing slates is a matter, in the first instance, for the consideration of the Import Duties Advisory Committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that some seamen are unable to prove, or have great difficulty in proving, their right to pension from the Royal Seamen's Pension Fund, because their continuous certificates of discharge have been lost or destroyed while in the care of the master of the boat during war-time service or when shipwrecked; and can he introduce new regulations whereby such seamen can be supplied free of charge with a new certificate of discharge, covering the whole of their service at sea and not merely from the date of the voyage during which time the certificates may have been lost?

It is the practice of the Board of Trade to issue free of charge to a seamen who has lost his discharge book owing to shipwreck a new discharge book with sufficient particulars of previous service—not exceeding three years—to show that he was continuously employed at sea (if that was the case) prior to shipwreck. In the case of those seamen who are applying to the Royal Seamen's Pension Fund for pensions and who are unable to produce evidence covering the whole of their service at sea, a reduced charge is made for supplying the missing evidence from the official records.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the outbreak of fire on board the Glasgow steamer "Barrhill"; whether any of the officers or crew have been injured; and whether their belongings have been saved?

The only information I have on this subject is derived from Lloyd's reports. The "Barrhill" was reported on 18th July to be on fire 10 miles off Cape Santa Maria. The latest information is that she has reached an anchorage in the bay about one mile from Montevideo and that her crew have gone ashore. I cannot yet say whether any of the officers or crew have been injured or whether their belongings have been damaged, but I will send the hon. Member further information as soon as it is available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, by a trade agreement between Germany and General Franco, all iron-ore mined in Bilbao will be shipped to Germany regardless of existing contracts for the delivery of ore to this country; and whether the Government propose to take any steps in the matter?

No details of the agreement between Germany and General Franco's administration have yet been published, and I am not aware of its contents.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government are requesting the Nationalist Government in Spain to extend all the usual diplomatic facilities to the new British Consul at Bilbao; and whether they will at the same time offer similar facilities to a representative of General Franco in this country?

The question of the terms on which British consular officers will be received by the Salamanca authorities is at present under discussion. The second part of the question does not, therefore, at present arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many Consuls are representing His Majesty's Government in the territory at present held by the Valencia Government and how many in that portion of Spain held by the Nationalists?

Three salaried and six unsalaried Consular posts are open in territory held by the Spanish Government and four salaried and 10 unsalaried posts in territory held by the Salamanca authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government requires Consuls in Spain to remit news regarding happenings in the territory adjacent to them; and whether such reports are furnished weekly or monthly, or only on demand?

It is part of the regular duties of His Majesty's Consular officers to report promptly on events of interest to His Majesty's Government occurring within their Consular districts, and they do so without waiting for special instruction.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs from what ports in Southern Spain he is making inquiries as to the alleged landing of guns from German warships; and when he expects to receive replies to his telegrams?

The inquiry in question is being addressed to such officials as, in the opinion of His Majesty's Government, are likely to be in a position to make the necessary investigations. The right hon. Gentleman will, I am sure, appreciate that it is not possible to specify the matter further, or to give any definite date as to when replies may be expected.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet received any report from his representatives in Spain with regard to the whereabouts of the parents of the Basque children refugees now in Great Britain; and whether, as a result of such report, it will be possible to repatriate some of the children at an early date?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statement which was made by my right hon. Friend on this subject yesterday.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can make a statement concerning the circumstances in which one of His Majesty's warships advised the master of the British steamship "Thorpe Bay" not to enter the port of Santander on the morning of 15th July?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Members for the Combined Universities (Miss Rathbone) and West Fife (Mr. Gallacher) on Monday last.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what instructions have been issued to the Navy off the coast of Spain as to action in the event of British ships in territorial waters being attacked and fired at by rebel ships outside the three-mile limit; and if the British Navy in such circumstances is free to protect British ships?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made on Monday last by the Prime Minister in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Nuneaton (Lieut.-Commander Fletcher) and to the First Lord's answer yesterday to the hon. Member for Barnstaple (Mr. Acland).

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any British warships made signals to the steamship "Molton" when she was a prisoner on the high seas; and, if so, what signals?

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

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the serious effect on British trade of the constant gradual absorption by Japan of Chinese territory, he will make it clear that His Majesty's Government will, as in the case of Manchuria, refuse to recognise any further steps of the kind?

My hon. Friend is anticipating a situation that has not yet actually arisen, and I hope he will not expect me now to define what would be His Majesty's Government's attitude towards it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can state why the second annual report of the Herring Industry Board, which was presented to the House on 13th July, has been printed as a non-Parliamentary Paper; and whether, in view of the debate, he will arrange to have a sufficient number of copies of the report in the Vote Office for the convenience of Members?

Both the first and second annual reports of the Herring Industry Board have been issued in the form of non-Parliamentary Publications and this course is in accordance with practice in similar cases. Papers issued in this form are made available to hon. Members as required and arrangements have accordingly been made for the supply of a sufficient number of copies of the report referred to.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the case in Edinburgh Sheriff Court where a 71 years old man, Thomas Richardson, was sentenced to four weeks' imprisonment; that this man was an old age pensioner who was compelled to accept Poor Law relief; that he had secured temporary employment as a night watchman and had for four weeks drawn 8s. poor relief without disclosing the night watchman occupation, for which he was sentenced to four weeks' imprisonment without the option of a fine; and whether, as this was the man's first offence, he will now review the case with a view to a reduction of the sentence?

My attention has not been drawn to this case, but I am making inquiries and will communicate my decision to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the high percentage of unemployed in Greenock and of the availability of the old Caird Yard site there for new industries; and what steps are being taken to introduce new industries into Greenock with a view to providing employment?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the general provisions of the Special Areas (Amendment) Act, 1937, are designed to promote the industrial development of the Special Areas by offering substantial inducements to new industrial undertakings in those areas, and the Commissioner keeps the situation in all parts of these areas under constant review.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) the total number of gas-mask storage centres now established in Scotland; and the total cost of storage up-to-date in Scotland;(2) whether he will state the total number of gas-mask distributive centres now established in Scotland; where they are situated; and the Home Office estimate of the number still required?

One large regional supply depot is to be established in Scotland with a total capacity of about 3,000,000 gas masks, but the location of the depot has not yet been definitely settled. The scheme for distribution from this depot is still under consideration and no centres for distribution purposes have yet been set up. No estimate can at present be given as to the total number of such centres that will be required.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps the Government propose to take to prevent the further reduction of the acreage under sugar-beet in this country?

The acreage under sugar-beet is affected by a number of factors, including the beet price, the labour situation and the attractiveness of alternative crops. I have no doubt that these and all other relevant matters will be fully reviewed when the terms and conditions of the beet contracts for 1938 come to be discussed between the British Sugar Corporation and the representatives of the beet growers in consultation with the Sugar Commission.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that on the inauguration of the official poultry institute scheme a Department for research into the diseases of poultry was established at Weybridge with a full-time poultry disease research officer, he can state when blood tests at rates undercutting private enterprise were first carried out; and what are the precise sections of the Acts of Parliament which permit any trading in charging for blood tests?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to similar questions on 8th July. The work in connection with the blood testing of poultry at the Weybridge laboratory is a normal development of the work of research and collection of information authorised by Section 2 (Sub-section 3) of the Board of Agriculture Act, 1889, which empowers the Ministry to make such enquiries, experiments and research and to collect such information as they may think important for the purpose of promoting agriculture. The work at Weybridge on this subject is self-supporting and there is no question of undercutting private enterprise. Having regard to the fact that the serious incidence of disease is one of the major difficulties of the poultry industry, it is the duty of my Department to do all that is possible to assist in the eradication of disease, and to provide blood-testing facilities at the lowest price at which the service is self-supporting.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state the name or names of the poultry-keepers' associations or societies, or laboratories working in conjunction with such societies, which asked him to reduce the blood-testing charge from 2d. to l½d.; and whether this reduction was intended to have an undercutting effect on the private and non-subsidised organisations offering a similar and more popular service?

Representations were received from the Accredited Poultry Breeders' Federation, Warwickshire County Council, Harper Adams College and Bristol University urging that steps should be taken to reduce the fee of 2d. for blood-testing, so that Accredited Poultry Station Breeders might be able to have their samples tested at the lower rates generally charged to owners outside the scheme. No question as to undercutting private organisations arises, but it is important that the Ministry should continue this work in order to gain an indication of the incidence of disease and the problems of the industry.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the International Tea Stores Company made a loss of £45,000 during the last year on their venture into poultry production; whether he will cause an inquiry to be made into the losses incurred by other poultry producers during the last year; and whether he will, at an early date, take the necessary steps to secure that it may be possible to produce poultry remuneratively in Great Britain?

I understand that a loss of the amount referred to was made, approximately half being capital loss on closing down the venture. Having regard to the wide variety of conditions under which table poultry is produced, no useful purpose would be served by an inquiry of the nature suggested in the second part of the question. As regards the third part, I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given on 19th July to my right hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Ripon (Major Hills) and to the hon. Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Mathers).

asked the Minister of Agriculture why his Department manufactures and sells biological products which are being efficiently made and marketed by private non-subsidised commercial firms; and whether, seeing that it would be better for the Ministry's staff to be engaged on research into diseases rather than entering into commercial competition, he will put a stop to this practice?

In the course of research the Ministry's laboratory at Weybridge elaborated certain biological products which, after extensive trials in the field, were duly marketed. Similar preparations were subsequently marketed by various commercial firms but the demand for the Ministry's products has continued and in these circumstances it is not proposed to discontinue the supply.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Witham Third District Internal Drainage Board have considered the question of making a differential rating order to alleviate the position in Horncastle; and, if not, whether he will bring to the notice of the board the powers which they possess in this respect under the Land Drainage Act, 1930?

I understand that on more than one occasion the Witham Third District Internal Drainage Board have considered the question of making a differential rating order, but that on each occasion they have decided not to do so. The matter is one for the drainage board to decide, but I am prepared to communicate with them again in the matter in the sense indicated by my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that no member of the Witham and Steeping Rivers Catchment Board is a resident of Horncastle or the River Bain district, he will receive and take into account any observations or comments of those well acquainted with the rivers, becks, and drainage of the Bain district, including the urban and rural district councils of Horncastle, in regard to the £24,000 scheme for the improvement of the River Bain by the catchment board?

I have no information yet with regard to the scheme referred to by my hon. Friend, but it will receive my careful consideration when submitted, and I should, of course, also consider any representations which reach me on the subject from local bodies.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what assistance is being given by his Department to the experiments now being carried out with regard to the nutritive qualities of herring meal as a feeding-stuff for cattle; and by what date the results of these experiments are likely to be finally known?

The experiments in question are being carried out at institutions aided either by the Ministry or the Department of Agriculture for Scotland, the cost of the herring meal—and in two cases a small additional charge to meet "out-of-pocket" expenses—being met by the Herring Industry Board. The results in most cases should be available shortly.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what arrangements are being made by his Department to see that adequate supplies of milk are made available at seaside resorts and other places where children and young persons congregate away from their homes?

There is no reason to anticipate that adequate supplies of milk will not be available at the places mentioned by my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the fact that 4,186 factories, employing 1,314,377 persons, are now operating schemes under which the workers have a regular morning drink of milk; and whether he is taking any steps to encourage the extension of schemes of this kind?

I am aware of the gratifying success that has attended the schemes for promoting the consumption of milk by workers employed in industry. The question of extending these schemes is primarily one for the National Milk Publicity Council, but Exchequer grants under the Milk Acts are made through the Milk Marketing Board towards the cost of milk publicity which is directed, in part, to furthering the schemes referred to.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he has investigated the possibility of assisting canning industries for fruit and vegetables to establish themselves in Wales near to the tinplate industry; and, if not, whether he will do so?

The question of the establishment of factories is not primarily a matter for my Department. I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on the 15th July by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour to the hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths), to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is taking any special steps to encourage the establishment of nursery schools in the industrial districts of Wales; and how many such schools already exist?

In Circular 1444, of which a separate edition was issued to local education authorities in Wales by the Welsh Department of the Board of Education, the Board urged the authorities to survey the needs of their areas as regards provision for children under five years of age and to consider how far they call for expansion or improvement, whether in nursery schools or in elementary schools. The Board made it clear in that Circular that they regarded the provision of nursery schools as desirable for children whose physical conditions and surroundings necessitate the continuous medical care and the feeding which are characteristic of such schools, and they would welcome increased provision of nursery schools for children of this type in the industrial districts of Wales, where four such schools already exist.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education which county councils provide free solid meals for schoolchildren?

The county councils which make some provision of free solid meals for school children are the councils for Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, Cumberland, Essex, Lancashire, London, Surrey, the West Riding of Yorkshire and Monmouthshire.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education which county borough councils do not provide free solid meals for school children?

The county borough councils which do not provide free solid meals for school children are the councils for Barrow-in-Furness, Blackpool, Burton-on-Trent, Chester, Darlington, Eastbourne, Exeter, Gloucester, Great Yarmouth, Plymouth, Rotherham, Warrington, West Bromwich, West Hartlepool and Worcester.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that Swiss people at present enjoy direct-line broadcasting programmes from British Broadcasting House, London, and when he expects to permit similar facilities to the taxpayers of this country?

I am informed by the British Broadcasting Corporation that on six occasions during the past year programmes have been transmitted by direct line from Broadcasting House to Switzerland for broadcasting in that country. During the same period, three programmes have been transmitted by line from Switzerland to London for broadcasting in this country; and arrangements are being made for three further Swiss programmes to be relayed in this way in the near future.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether ex-service men whose pensions have been commuted, and who have subsequently developed in a more serious form the complaints from which they suffered, are allowed to refund the cost of such commutation and to apply for an entirely new pension; and, if so, whether he is able to give the number of cases dealt with in this manner?

The commutation of any part of a disability pension is irrevocable and this is always made clear to the applicant. Commutation does not, however, affect the consideration which would be given by the Ministry to any case in which the disablement is afterwards shown to have become materially and permanently greater. In the event of increased compensation being granted on such grounds it would, like the pension it superseded, be reduced by the sum commuted.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the amount of compensation now commonly awarded in the courts to a workman for the loss of both arms; whether, in particular, his attention has been drawn to a recent award of £10,000 in one such case; and whether, in view of this decision, the grant of a pension of £2 a week and £1 constant attendance allowance as adequate compensation for those ex-service men who lost both arms in the War may be reconsidered with a view to its increase?

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension as the judgment referred to in the question was given on a claim for damages and not compensation. The question does not therefore arise.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can state the number of miners employed in the mines of Britain in July, 1931, and the number employed to-day?

There were 832,000 wage-earners on the colliery books in Great Britain on 11th July, 1931, and 779,600 on 10th July, 1937.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give the prices per ton of petrol in Great Britain in the month of July, 1914 and 1918, respectively, and the present day net cost per ton of petrol produced by the hydrogenation and low-temperature carbonisation processes?

The declared c.i.f. values of motor spirit imported into the United Kingdom during the months of July, 1914, and July, 1918, were £9 6s. 4d. and £29 19s. 9d. per ton, respectively. I am not able to supply the information asked for in the second part of the question.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give the number of men and of boys, respectively, employed at the Taff Merthyr Colliery, Trelewis, South Wales, on the surface and underground, respectively?

The information is as follows:Number of Wage-Earners employed at Taff Merthyr Colliery on 12th December, 1936 (the latest date for which information by age groups and distinguishing underground from surface workers is available.

Ages.	Below ground.	Above ground.	Total below and above ground.
Under 16 years of age.	26	8	34
16 and under 18 years of age.	28	14	42
18 and under 20 years of age.	9	12	21
20 years of age and over.	708	94	802
Total	771	128	899

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that Dartmouth cadets receive no concessions in the way of reduced railway fares when travelling to and from Dartmouth notwithstanding the fact that they wear uniform when so doing; and whether he will consider granting such concessions?

The railway travelling concessions enjoyed by Naval personnel are granted by the companies and not at the expense of Naval funds. The companies have been asked to grant such concessions to Dartmouth cadets, but they have declined to differentiate between them and public schoolboys, and I do not think that a further approach to the companies would serve any useful purpose.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can state the number of limestone quarries, the number of men employed, and the output for each county in Wales separately for the years 1919 and 1936, respectively?

The information is as follows:

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the cost of administration per 10,000 persons in receipt of unemployment, transitional payments, and unemployment assistance for each year since 1930?

Financial Year.				Unemployment Benefit.		Transitional Payments and Unemployment Assistance.
				Average number of weekly payments.	Cost of administration per annum.	Average number of weekly payments.	Cost of administration per annum.
					£		£
1930–31	…	…	…	(a)1,540,000	(a)5,249,747	—	—
1931–32	…	…	…	(a)1,797,000	(a)5,364,061	(c) —	(c) —
1932–33	…	…	…	1,330,000	4,213,315	988,000	3,385,982
1933–34	…	…	…	1,022,000	3,755,564	951,000	3,740,233
1934–35	…	…	…	1,016,000	4,144,054	761,000	(d)4,009,698
1935–36	…	…	…	945,000	4,609,391	705,000	4,312,997
1936–37	…	…	…	(b) 769,000	(b)4,795,777	600,000	4,434,860
(a) Excluding transitional benefit.
(b) Excluding agricultural benefit.
(c) The Transitional Payments Scheme came into operation on the 12th November, 1931, but was not fully operative until early in 1932.
(d) The Unemployment Assistance Scheme, which superseded the Transitional Payments Scheme, came into operation on the 7th January, 1935.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the number and age group of persons registered as unemployed at Normanton, Castleford,

Separate figures are not available of the cost of administration in relation only to applicants in receipt of unemployment benefit, transitional payments or unemployment assistance. The total cost of administration of each scheme, and the average number of weekly payments, in the financial years 1930–31 to 1936–37, are as follow:and Pontefract at the latest date available, and the comparative figures for the same date in 1936 and 1934?

pursuant to his reply (OFFICIAL REPORT, 19th July, 1937; col. 1793, Vol. 326), supplied the following statement:

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the average amount of weekly allowance made per applicant during June, 1936, at the latest available date, at each of the following exchanges: Ferndale, Porth, Tonypandy, and Treorchy?

The average weekly payments to applicants in receipt of unemployment allowances at the undermentioned Employment Exchanges in a week in June. 1936, and in June, 1937, were as follow:

	Week ended 26th June,		Week ended 25th June,
	1936.		1937.
	s.	d.	s.	d.
Ferndale	26	0	26	5
Porth	26	2	26	8
Tonypandy	26	1	26	10
Treorchy (including Ton Pentre)	25	3	25	10

The figures for the week ended 26th June, 1936, include the cost of supplementary allowances under the Unemploy- ment Assistance (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1935.Comparison of the figures for June, 1937, with those for June, 1936, is affected by the extension of the Unemployment Assistance Scheme, as from 1st April, 1937, to persons, including juveniles, not previously entitled to apply for unemployment allowances.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the difficulty that farmers and agricultural workers are finding in getting rebate for long hiring provided for under Section 10 of the Unemployment Insurance (Agricultural) Act, 1936, and the regulations made under that Section; and will he take steps to see that the rebate provided by the Act is not made the subject of a long and difficult fight between the agricultural community and the official of the Ministry of Labour?

I am not aware that any difficulty has arisen when an application for rebate has been in order in accordance with the Act and the Regulations. It will be appreciated that, before allowing any rebate, my Department must be satisfied that the relevant statutory conditions are fulfilled.

asked the Minister of Labour how many agreements with local authorities have been entered into by the Unemployment Assistance Board with a view to the employment of persons as a continuance of their training under Section 37 (b) of the Unemployment Act, 1934; and how many persons have benefited by such agreements?

No arrangements under Section 37 (b) of the Unemployment Act, 1934, have so far been entered into by the Board.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps have been taken to continue the work formerly carried out by the training centres organised by the public assistance committees and which ceased to function on the Second Appointed Day?

Applicants for Unemployment Assistance are eligible for training at the courses organised by my Department and in these circumstances the board has not, since the Second Appointed Day, found it necessary to supplement these courses by taking any special steps to maintain the training centres previously carried on by local authorities. It is, of course, for the Local Authority concerned to decide whether to continue their facilities for such of the able-bodied persons as still remain within their responsibility.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Unemployment Assistance Board refuse to make an allowance in the case of a wife separated from her husband although a maintenance order may be in operation, and that such practice places heavy responsibilities upon the public assistance committees; and whether he is prepared to have an inquiry with a view to some adjustment being made?

The board cannot, under the Act, include with the needs of the applicant the needs of a separated wife or any other person who is not a member of his household. As a matter of discretion, however, allowances are normally increased by the requisite sum to enable an applicant to continue to make any remittances to a separated wife which he was, in fact, making when in receipt of unemployment benefit. I am not aware that this policy places any undue burden on Public Assistance Authorities and I do not think there would be any advantage in holding a general inquiry. If, however, the hon. Member has some particular case or cases in mind I will be glad to bring them to the notice of the board.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Government is likely to come to any decision in the near future as to the conditions of future recruitment for the out-station offices of the War Office?

Yes Sir, I hope that an early decision will be reached.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the Government is likely to come to a decision in regard to the establishment of temporary ex-service clerks in out-station offices of the War Office?

I assume my hon. Friend refers to the proposals regarding the establishment of temporary ex-service clerks not covered by the Temporary Staff Committee's reports of 1932 and 1934. Discussion of these proposals is now proceeding on the departmental Whitley Council, and I hope that an early decision will be reached.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, now that the Cadet Force is once more officially recognised, he will consider recommending that the National Cadet Association medal also be officially recognised and be authorised to be worn on the left breast, or, alternatively, whether he will consider recommending the creation of a cadet decoration on the same lines as the Territorial decoration?

I presume my hon. and gallant Friend refers to the Long Service Badge awarded by the British National Cadet Association. Any proposal to recognise this badge officially, or to create a new medal in its place, would require inter-departmental consideration in the first instance which I will, if desired, initiate.

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent increases of pay and pensions of Army officers since 1915 have been reflected in increases in the pensions of Army officers who retired before that year; and whether he is satisfied that the present rates of pension to these latter officers are adequate, in view of the rise in the cost of living since the year referred to?

Officers who retired before the War and who gave satisfactory paid military service during the War, had their retired pay re-assessed at the postwar rates on their service prior to original retirement. Officers who were not so eligible could be considered for increases of their pre-War rates of retired pay under the Royal Warrants following the Pensions (Increase) Acts, 1920 and 1924, and my right hon. Friend can hold out no hope of any further provision being made.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can give an estimate of the present annual cost of retired pay of general officers, colonels, and regimental and departmental officers who retired before the outbreak of the Great War; and what would be the approximate cost of raising these pensions to the rates which would be received by officers of equivalent service and rank retiring at the present time?

I regret that the records are not kept in such a way as to enable this information to be obtained without the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of time and labour.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the number of soldiers who joined the civil police at the termination of a seven-year period of service with the colours and of a four-year period of colour service, respectively, during the past year?

No, Sir. I regret that the records are not maintained in such a manner as to enable me to give this information.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in formulating his air-raid precautions, he proposes to exclude those districts which may be assumed to lie outside the area of any hostile activities; and what, in any case, is his policy in relation to the industrial north?

The nature and extent of the preparations to be made in each area should vary according to the risk of attack, but in view of the performance of modern aircraft, my right hon. Friend would hesitate to advise any district that it was entirely outside the area of risk. The industrial north would be regarded as coming within the area in which a high degree of preparation is required.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the sorrow and distress caused to Mr. John D. Scott, of Denny, Stirlingshire, by his receipt of an official intimation of his son's death at Hong Kong; that this information has turned out to be unfounded; whether he has taken steps to ensure that greater care will be taken in future to ascertain the accuracy of information as to fatalities among men serving in Hong Kong before such information is telegraphed to their relatives; and whether it is proposed to reimburse Mr. Scott for any expense he has incurred by the erroneous message telegraphed to him?

I am aware of the circumstances of this case and I greatly regret the distress which Mr. Scott and his family have been caused owing to a confusion of similar names. I can assure the hon. Member that every possible step is, and will be, taken to eliminate the risk of mistakes of this kind. As regards the last part of the question I will certainly consider favourably any claim which may be received from Mr. Scott.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has received any report from the Government of the Union of South Africa as to the working of the Native Trust and Land Act, 1936; whether he can state how much land has been acquired under this Act in order to extend the area available for native occupation; and whether the area has yet reached the prescribed percentage of 12 per cent. of the total area of the Union?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second and third parts a White Paper containing a statement of land policy under the Act in question was issued by the Union Government last February. It was explained in this Paper that the requisite preliminaries to the actual purchase of land must of necessity take a considerable time, but that inspection and valuation reports were being prepared and that it was contemplated that by the end of last March the purchase of a very considerable area would have been effected. I have no particulars as to the amount of land so far acquired, but General Hertzog, speaking in the Union Parliament on 30th April, 1936, indicated that approximately five years would be needed to complete the scheme.

asked the Minister of Transport if he can give particulars of all road accidents, fatal or otherwise, within the city of Liverpool during the 12 months ended 30th June, 1937?

Eighty-six persons were killed and 4,334 injured as a result of road accidents in the city of Liverpool during the 12 months ended 30th June, 1937.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, with a view to minimising the risk of accidents to pedestrians at light-controlled crossings, he will arrange that in the provision of any new traffic lights they will be designed in such a way that the lights are placed at the average eye level of pedestrians and exhibit to them a sign Pedestrians do not Cross when green for motor traffic?

No, Sir, I am afraid that signal heads at eye level would be a serious obstruction on the footway and would be more liable to be obscured by traffic.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the objections lodged at the public inquiry into the Selby by-pass scheme on 16th July owing to the fact that Sir Leopold Saville, a member of the firm of Messrs.. Alexander Gibb and Partners, who prepared the scheme in question, appeared as technical assessor to the commissioner in charge; and whether, in view of the fact that this inquiry was presumed to be of an impartial and independent character, he can indicate the reasons for Sir Leopold Saville's appointment and the precise nature of his position in relation to the inquiry and the report thereon?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave yesterday on this subject. I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether he will state the number of privately-owned electricity authorities in this country, their original capital liability and their net capital liability at the most recent date for which the figure is available;(2) the number of publicly-owned electricity authorities in this country, their original capital liability and their net capital liability at the most recent date for which the figure is available?

The available information upon the matters referred to in these two questions is contained in paragraphs 2, 64, 67 and 124 of the Return for 1935–36 of Engineering and Financial Statistics relating to Authorised Undertakers issued by the Electricity Commissioners, and published by His Majesty's Stationery Office.

asked the First Commissioner of Works how many tax offices it is proposed to rehouse during the year ending 5th April, 1938; and where they are situated.

Thirteen tax offices have already been rehoused since the beginning of April, 1937, the rehousing of a further 38 offices will be completed by April, 1938 and it is hoped that an additional 10 offices may be rehoused by that date. The offices concerned are situated throughout Great Britain.