asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the creation, under the new Constitution, of a sovereign Irish Free State will necessitate the use of passports by British subjects and Irish Free State citizens travelling between the United Kingdom and the Irish Free State; and whether, in view of the fact that the Irish Free State citizen is now deprived of the status of British subject, he will arrange with the Minister of Labour that the same restrictions as are applied to aliens should regulate the entry into the United Kingdom of Irish Free State citizens seeking work?

I would refer the hon. Member to the latter part of the reply which I gave on 20th July to the hon. Member for South Molton (Mr. Lambert).

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether his attention has been called to the provisions of the Citizenship and Aliens Acts of the Irish Free State in relation to the status of British subjects; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Yes, Sir. The views of the United Kingdom Government were made clear in public statements by my predecessor at the time when these Acts were before the Dail, and I have nothing to add to those statements.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is now in a position to make a further statement in respect of the default of the Government of Alberta?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that the Government of Alberta has requested all holders of Alberta securities to register their names and addresses with the Government before 16th August, together with a declaration of beneficial ownership; and whether he has any information to give as to the purpose of such action?

I discussed this matter with the Canadian Minister of Finance when he was in London recently. As a result, I have communicated further with the accredited representatives of the bondholders in this country, informing them of the position hitherto adopted by the Dominion Government. I have read in the Press an account of the recent further announcement made by the Government of Alberta, but I understand that the Dominion Government have no official information regarding it. I have asked our High Commissioner in Canada to keep me informed of all developments.

Does my right hon. Friend, in addition to asking for information, propose to exert any appropriate pressure on those concerned?

If there is anything that I could do which might prove effective I should be glad to do it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is yet in a position to state when the start will be made in Jarrow on the proposed new steel works?

I am informed that progress is being made with the detailed arrangements for the establishment of the works, but that it cannot yet be said when it will be possible to begin its construction.

Is there any likelihood of their starting during these summer months?

I know that the company are pressing on with the arrangements as fast as possible.

Will the Minister during the Recess keep this matter closely in his mind in view of the real anxiety there is about it?

Yes, I certainly will, but I think that in fairness to those in charge of the company, I ought to say that I know how urgently they regard the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action the Government have taken to exercise more careful supervision over the grant of export licences for arms, as referred to in paragraph 26 of the Statement relating to the Report of the Royal Commission on the Private Manufacture of and Trading in Arms, 1935–36; on what principles discretion is exercised; and in what cases during the last two years there have been refusals to grant licences?

As regards the first two parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to paragraph 26 of the statement to which he refers, and to the paragraphs beginning with paragraph 19 of the memorandum published as Appendix I to the minutes of evidence taken before the Commission on 27th November, 1935. As regards the last part of the question, 13 applications for export licences for war material have been rejected since 1st July, 1935.

Would it not be possible to give the reasons for the rejections?

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to continue to base their policy for the regularisation of imports into this country upon the provisions of Article 10 of the commercial agreement with Germany which was entered into in 1924?

It is not His Majesty's Government's present intention to denounce or seek any modification of the Anglo-German Commercial Treaty of 1924. My hon. Friend should not, however, assume that their import regulation policy is based solely upon the provisions of that instrument.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that imports of eggs in shell increased from 8,974,000 great hundreds in the first six months of 1935 to 11,531,000 great hundreds in the corresponding period of this year; and whether, in view of these facts, he can state what proposals have been made to the Government of Denmark and to the Governments of the other countries with which we have commercial agreements limiting our right to increase import duties on eggs, so that the British egg industry may be adequately protected?

I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Tiverton (Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte) on 8th July, a copy of which I am forwarding to my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the imports of agricultural machinery, which amounted to 4,207 tons in the first six months of 1935, had increased to 5,224 tons for the same period of 1936 and to 6,769 tons for the corresponding period of this year; and whether His Majesty's Government propose to take any additional steps with a view to diminishing this rapid growth of imports of competitive agricultural machinery?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am satisfied that the existing machinery set up under the Import Duties Act is adequate to safeguard the interests of the United Kingdom industry.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the White Paper on the Government's proposals for dealing with the film industry will be available to Members of the House?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the uncertainty existing in the film trade at the present time on account of the early expiration of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927, he will now make a statement as to the proposed amendments the Government intend to introduce on the expiration of this Act; and when it is intended to publish the proposed White Paper?

I hope that the White Paper will be available to hon. Members on Thursday evening.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to say whether he regards the proposals of the White Paper as an unalterable basis of the forthcoming Bill, or will he be prepared to consider further representations?

The hon. Member will, of course, realise that time is getting short and that we must press on with the drafting of a Bill, and that the proposals in the White Paper must necessarily form the basis of the Bill; but I will certainly consider any representations on points of substance which I receive between now and the presentation of the Bill.

Will due regard be had to the Scottish side of the film industry? Are their interests to be protected in this Bill?

I think the conditions both for the English and the Scottish branches of the industry are very much the same, but if the hon. Member has in mind any particular point with reference to Scotland, I should regard that as a substantial point, and one on which I should certainly listen to representations.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a great many English broad comedy films are of no use in Scotland?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any action has been taken to implement the report of the Committee on the Insurance of Ships; and whether it is proposed to introduce the legislation recommended by the committee?

In accordance with the recommendation of the committee, the question of adopting the dual valuation Clause in respect of insurances of British ships is being considered by the industry. The second recommendation, that the amount permitted to be insured in respect of such matters as freight, excess values and disbursements should be limited, has already been put into effect by the market. Accordingly, I hope that legislation will not be necessary.

Will the Committee report before the House meets again, and can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that he will implement the report?

There is some misunderstanding. The Committee have reported, and what we are waiting for now is to see the result of the attempts of the industry to put the recommendations into force on a voluntary basis. If those attempts fail, I shall have to reconsider the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now able to say when he expects to receive the report of the Departmental Committee on Compulsory Insurance?

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the report of the Committee on Compulsory Insurance will be available; and the reason for the delay?

I have received the Committee's report and it will be published as a Command Paper forthwith. I hope that copies will be available for Members at the Vote Office before the House rises. In view of the magnitude and complexity of the inquiry I do not consider that there has been any avoidable delay.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now able to state what action the Government propose to take with regard to the report of the Import Duties Advisory Committee on the iron and steel industry?

The Committee refer particularly in their report to the desirability of a general oversight of the policy of the iron and steel industry by an independent body looking to the public interest. They point out that this oversight has so far devolved almost inevitably upon them in view of their responsibility in relation to tariff measures. The Import Duties Advisory Committee have been invited, and have agreed, to continue for the time being to exercise this oversight. The Committee's report contains a number of recommendations on other questions. Some of these are now under consideration by the Departments concerned; others are directed mainly to the industry itself.

Can my right hon. Friend say how long it is proposed that this work of over sighting shall be carried on by the Committee?

Clearly, while the present temporary conditions of difficulty exist, it will be necessary to have such an oversight, but if conditions substantially change, the whole of this matter will be reconsidered.

Does the original answer of the right hon. Gentleman mean that the recommendations contained in the report of the Import Duties Advisory Committee are to be carried through by the Committee itself?

All I referred to in my answer was the question of oversight. That, as I say, will be left to the Import Duties Advisory Committee. A number of other recommendations are now being considered by the Department concerned or by the industry.

Is it not just because of the temporary emergency that many of the complaints are being made about the quota system in the giving of orders, and is it not in the public interest to have some completely outside person or body away from the Import Duties Advisory Committee, who are necessarily mixed up in the matter?

I have considered the matter very carefully, and I have come to the conclusion that the Import Duties Advisory Committee, by their knowledge of the thing, are especially fitted for this duty, and that if you had another independent body for the oversight which, in the nature of their duties the Import Duties Advisory Committee can give, it might lead only to confusion.

Have the Committee any staff or organisation to deal with this matter on the spot, or are they dependent entirely upon information given by the industry concerned?

It is part of the normal duty of the Import Duties Advisory Committee to get information, and their staff are getting it.

Are the Board of Trade satisfied with the progress that has been made during the past 12 months?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any and, if, so, what arrangements regarding trade payments exist between Great Britain and that part of Spain under insurgent control?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 17th December last to the hon. Member for Kirkdale (Mr. Rankin) of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give any information as to the principal features of the German-Spanish trade agreement; and whether such agreement is likely to result in a considerable diversion of iron ore from countries hitherto recipients of such supplies to Germany?

I am not at present in a position to add to the answer given on 22nd July to the hon. Member for Consett (Mr. David Adams).

Has the right hon. Gentleman's Department any information regarding this important treaty?

The details have not yet been published.

Has the right hon. Gentleman noticed the persistent decline in the sale of coal from this country to Spain and the decline in the purchases of iron ore?

We cannot expect a civil war to go on for a year without having some effects.

But has the right hon. Gentleman noticed that just as British trade has diminished German trade in iron ore has increased?

There is another question on the Paper with regard to iron ore.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity of iron ore imported by this country from Spain for each year from 1930 and to the most recent date of the current year?

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

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many foreign ships have been transferred to the British register during the last eight months; and how many of them have been engaged in transporting merchandise and foodstuffs to the ports of Bilbao, Valencia, and Cartagena under the British flag and protection of the British fleet in extra-territorial waters?

Some 210 foreign ships have been registered or provisionally registered as British since 1st December, 1936. Since that date, so far as I can ascertain, nine of these ships are, or have been, engaged in trade with the Spanish ports named in the question.

Is there anything very wrong in supplying food to starving people?

I do not know that anybody has suggested that there is.

Would any ship require protection in extra-territorial waters except from pirates, and is not one of the objects of the British Navy to put down piracy?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that large numbers of ships have recently been acquired and chartered under the British flag for trade with the Governments of Valencia, Barcelona and Santander; whether he will state the number of such ships acquired in the last eight months; and whether there is any foreign control of the recently-formed companies operating these ships?

I am aware that some British ships which have recently changed ownership are engaged in trade with Spain and that some ships trading with Spain are under charter to the Spanish Government authorities. I do not know the number of ships concerned or the extent of any foreign interest there may be in the companies operating them.

Can my right hon. Friend inform the House whether these ships have been chartered by the transfer of Spanish money, and whether in fact that money has been exported in violation of the constitution of the country?

I am afraid that I could not give my hon and gallant Friend any information about the source of the capital of these firms, as that is not one of the matters that we have to take into consideration when registering ships.

Is not this a great tribute to the strength and efficiency of the British Navy?

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs what representations have been made to the Spanish Government concerning the murder in Barcelona, on 2nd July, 1936, of Joseph Hood Mitchell, a British subject, who had been assured in the Barcelona law courts that the Catalan authorities would afford him adequate protection; whether he is aware that the alleged murderers, although arrested by the authorities, were discharged without punishment; and what compensation he is requiring from the Spanish Government for Mr. Mitchell's widow, now resident in this country?

As my hon. Friend is doubtless aware, the outrage in question took place 16 days before the outbreak of the Spanish civil war. During the period 2nd July to 18th July, urgent representations regarding this matter were made to the Spanish Government, who expressed their deep regret at the crime and undertook to take all possible steps to trace the murderers. His Majesty's Government have carefully considered the question of a claim for compensation from the Spanish Government, and have with regret come to the conclusion that there is not sufficient evidence of negligence on the part of the Catalan authorities prior to the murder to justify the formulation of a claim. It appears, in fact, from my information that Mr. Mitchell, who had been threatened for some time, was unwilling to accept police protection. I have not so far been able to ascertain whether, in fact, the murderers were arrested and subsequently released. My hon. Friend will realise the difficulties of making successful inquiries on this point in existing circumstances. If my hon. Friend will, however, communicate to me such information as she possesses tending to substantiate her statement on this point, I will certainly consider requesting His Majesty's Consul-General to investigate this matter further. Should such an investigation confirm the position as set forth by her, I should certainly be prepared to consider further the question of making a request for compensation on this ground.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the British tourist traffic is one of the main props of the Italian Government in the matter of foreign exchange; that holidays and cruises are offered by subsidised Italian firms at rates far below those that unsubsidised firms can offer; that Italian nationals are not allowed to spend money in this country; and whether he can take any steps to ensure reciprocal treatment in these matters?

I am aware that British and other tourist traffic is an important source of foreign exchange for the Italian Government, that Italian shipping concerns receive Government subsidies, and that tourist traffic from Italy to this country, and no doubt to other countries, has diminished owing to Italian currency restrictions. As regards the last part of the question, His Majesty's Government, as at present advised, do not feel able to take any steps in the matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is estimated that on eight cruises alone in Italy the Italian Government will pocket £150,000, and can nothing be done to protect our tourist agencies and shipping companies from this form of subsidised competition?

I would remind the hon. and gallant Gentleman that that £50,000 of sterling exchange becomes available for the purchase of goods in this country and that is a matter in which many hon. Members, particularly from South Wales, find of very great interest.

Is it not very kind of the Italian Government to give us these cheap trips in Italy?

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to the facilities in Italy for tourists to come to this country?

My answer shows that the tourist traffic to this country is diminishing because of Italian currency control.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take careful note of the welcome extended to Fascists by hon. Members opposite?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the standard allowance of ground-sheets to Territorial battalions in camp is one or two per man, and, if two, whether this represents any increase on previous years?

Two ground sheets are now provided for each man attending camp, as compared with one a man in previous years.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether arrangements will be made for Members of the House of Commons who wish to attend the inter-divisional exercise to be held near Cambridge from 9th to 11th September?

Yes, Sir; and the leaders of all the parties are to-day being informed of the arrangements which will be made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will indicate the amount and allocations of profits from the Royal Tournament, the Aldershot and other tattoos, respectively, for each of the years 1936 and 1937; and who decides the appropriation of profits in each instance?

I will circulate a table for 1936 in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The figures for 1937 are not yet available. In the case of the Royal Tournament, the allocation of the Army share of the profits is made by a committee at the War Office. In fact case of the Aldershot and other tattoos, the allocation of profits is determined by the trustees of the respective Command Trusts.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the display of the mechanised mate poster has had any influence on the course of recruiting?

I cannot say.

Will the right hon. Gentleman review the whole policy of spending public money on matters of this kind?

Yes, Sir; it is my intention to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for War what inquiries have been made by military authorities in various parts of the country to see how far, in the event of emergency, local civil practitioners can be counted upon to act in a civil capacity at military hospitals in the United Kingdom in place of the Royal Army Medical Corps until such time as they would be relieved by the Royal Army Medical Corps officers?

Lists of medical practitioners willing to serve in the capacity referred to are kept in each Command.

Can the Minister say whether a great number of letters have gone out?

I do not know how many letters have gone out, but lists are kept of those willing to serve.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any details about the progress made in respect of buildings and equipment for use by anti-aircraft Territorial units; and if he considers the progress already made satisfactory?

The erection of buildings and the provision of equipment is proceeding as quickly as labour and factory conditions and the availability of sites permit. Instructions have been given to make energetic progress with temporary accommodation in all cases where a permanent building will not be completed during the coming winter.

Can my right hon. Friend give any indication to the House as to when the programme is likely to be completed?

I should prefer to have notice before answering that question precisely.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied with the recruiting for Territorial antiaircraft units; and whether he can give the figures of enlistments in these units for the first six months of 1936 and 1937, respectively?

The number of recruits obtained for Territorial Army anti-aircraft units in the first six months of 1936 was 1,957, and of 1937, 7,666.

In view of the very satisfactory figures which have been disclosed to the House by my right hon. Friend, can he give an assurance that no further Territorial infantry regiments will be converted into anti-aircraft units when the country is crying out for infantry and can get as many Territorial anti-aircraft men as are necessary?

I should hesitate to commit myself to such an assurance.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any proposals under consideration for the conversion of any Territorial infantry battalions into anti-aircraft units; whether the commanding officers have in each case been consulted; and, if so, whether they favour such proposals?

Apart from conversions already decided, there is one further conversion under consideration. The answer to the second part of the question is "Yes," and the answer to the third part is that in all decided cases they have agreed.

Will my right hon. Friend consent to receive a deputation from the units concerned?

Yes, Sir; I have already consented that a deputation shall be received by the Under-Secretary of State.

Are these units largely composed of mobile forces, or of fixed forces?

These are conversions of Territorial infantry battalions into anti-aircraft units.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman know whether these units are being used as mobile anti-aircraft units, or whether they are fixed?

That is another question. This question refers to the one outstanding decision which has not yet been taken.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in all contracts placed by his Department for jute goods, it is stipulated that the goods must be of United Kingdom manufacture; and whether the definition of such manufacture is identical with that included in our trade agreements with foreign countries that the jute cloth is woven in the United Kingdom from yarn spun in the United Kingdom?

As regards jute materials, the contractor is asked to state where the yarn used will be spun, and, as regards made-up jute goods, where the yarn will be spun and the cloth woven. Preference is given in respect of goods for which the spinning and/or weaving is done in the United Kingdom. All recent contracts have been for goods wholly manufactured in the United Kingdom.

asked the Secretary of State for War what progress has been made in the provision of effective rangefinders or predictors for use with antiaircraft guns; whether such appliances have been thoroughly tested on robot aeroplanes or by other means; and whether he can give any assurance that an air force attacking this country could now be broken by anti-aircraft artillery working with such supplemental equipment?

The hon. Member can hardly expect me to make public information of this character.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the War Office have as yet expressed any views on the question of the frontiers of the proposed new Arab State and, in particular, as to communications between the Mediterranean and Aqaba?

No, Sir, but I understand the Royal Commission had informal conversations with the three Chiefs of Staff.

Are we to understand from that that the matter has not yet been before the Secretary of State?

No, Sir. Those were informal conversations between the Committee and the Chiefs of Staff.

And no more?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the British Government's unwillingness to continue to administer the Mandate for Palestine, the Government will be prepared to acquiesce in any proposal that may be made by the League of Nations to transfer the Mandate to the United States of America?

The first part of the hon. Member's question is not a correct statement of the position; the second part does not, therefore, arise.

In view of the British Government's failure to do the job, would it not be reasonable to let some other suitable country have a try?

Would a country not a member of the League of Nations be suitable to accept a mandate?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps have been taken by the Herring Industry Board during the past two years to increase the sale of preserved herring in foreign countries; and what steps, in particular, have been taken to develop the sale of kippers and bloaters in the United States of America?

The Herring Industry Board have sent representatives to Russia, Poland, Germany, Palestine, Egypt, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia and South Africa for the purpose of examining the prospects of development of markets. They also exhibited at the Levant Fair held at Tel-Aviv in 1936. For more detailed information on the matter I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the annual reports of the board. As regards the second part of the question, the board have come to the conclusion that the cost of propaganda in the United States for developing the sale of kippers and bloaters would be out of proportion to any results which might be achieved, but they are carefully watching the market with a view to possible expansion.

Does not my right hon. Friend realise that advertising always pays when you have a thoroughly good article like herring to sell?

Does not the Secretary of State believe that, if herring are allowed to be dyed with creosote and other compounds, they will not sell anywhere?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the total quantities of herring and other fish, respectively, landed at Greenock during each of the years 1886, 1896, 1906, 1916, 1926, and 1936, respectively?

As the reply involves a statistical table, I propose, with the hon. and learned Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the report issued by the milk production department of the West of Scotland Agricultural College with regard to the deleterious effect of pasteurising milk; and what proportion of the milk used in connection with the milk-in-schools scheme under his Department is pasteurised and fresh, respectively?

I have seen the report in question, which relates to an experiment into the relative value of raw and pasteurised milk in calf-feeding. I should point out that the results of any single experiment have to he taken in conjunction with a great number of other experiments on this subject which have been and are being made. As regards the second part of the question, 53 per cent. of the milk used in connection with the milk-in-schools scheme in Scotland is pasteurised, and 47 per cent. untreated. A large proportion of the milk in both categories is tuberculin-tested.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will consider introducing legislation to amend Section 36 of the Town Councils (Scotland) Act, 1900, to enable town councils, in the event of vacancies occurring through resignations or deaths of members, to fill such vacancies by holding by-elections?

I am not satisfied, on the information before me, that there is need for amending legislation on this point.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the dissatisfaction that exists, particularly in the large burghs, with the present system; and does he not think that these large burghs should enjoy the same privileges as other citizens of Scotland in regard to this matter?

No representations have been received on the matter from the local authorities' association, and the Convention of Burghs have not received any complaints or representations on the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total number of attendants and nurses on the staffs of or employed at mental institutions in Scotland as at 31st May, 1937; how many of these individuals had a tour of duty extending to 84 or more hours, 78 and under 84 hours, 72 and under 78 hours, 66 and under 72 hours. 60 and under 66 hours, 54 and under 60 hours, 48 and under 54 hours, 42 and under 48 hours, and under 42 hours per week, respectively; what are the corresponding figures for the Smithston institution in Greenock; and whether he has any further statement to make regarding the working week of these individuals?

I will, with the permission of the hon. and learned Member, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving the information desired. As regards the last part of the question, no legislation on this subject is in contemplation.

With reference to the answer to the last part of the question, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any alteration in the number of local authorities that apply the 48-hour week to these people, and whether there is any alteration in the number of local authorities that have the question under consideration?

The hon. and learned Member would need to put that question down.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of houses in the Camlachie division which are either condemned as being slums or unfit for human habitation; the number of houses in which families are overcrowded; and the number of such houses which were closed during last year and the previous year?

I am informed that the number of houses in the Camlachie Parliamentary Division which are being dealt with under the Housing Acts as unfit for human habitation or are at present on the Corporation's list awaiting such action, is 622 and that the numbers of unfit houses closed or demolished during 1935, 1936 and the first half of 1937 were 167, 153 and 28 respectively. The latest available information with regard to the number of overcrowded houses in the Division was obtained as a result of the overcrowding survey at the end of 1935, when the number was 5,660.

In view of the reduction of the number of houses that are being closed, will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the effect that there should be an increase rather than a decrease in the number closed?

It is a little difficult to make representations to local authorities with regard to the manner in which they carry out their slum clearance.

In view of the fact that over 600 houses in the hon. Member's constituency are unfit for human habitation, will the Secretary of State intimate to the 600 families who are living in those houses that they do not require to pay any rent for the houses in which they are living? Will the right hon. Gentleman inform them that that is the law of the land?

I do not think that that arises out of the question on the Paper, but the hon. Member will be aware that these matters are very well known.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is only in the case of those houses that are ordered to be closed that the tenants do not require to pay rent?

It is quite impossible to go into that matter now.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the average cost and size of the houses built by Kilsyth and Johnstone which are let at a rent of 5s. a week or under; and the estimated average cost and rent of houses of similar size in any of the housing schemes of the Glasgow and Edinburgh Corporations respectively?

The only houses built by Kilsyth Town Council which are let at 5s. a week or under are of two apartments, and the average building cost is estimated at from £340 to £350. Johnstone Town Council have built some houses of two, three and four apartments, and three of five apartments, which are let at 5s. per week and under, and the average building cost is estimated at £299. The information which the hon. Member desires regarding Glasgow and Edinburgh will take some time to obtain. I am, however, in touch with the authorities of these cities and shall communicate to the hon. Member later such information as is available.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of houses built in the Camlachie division each year for the last six years; the number it is proposed to build this year; the rents at which such houses are let; and the rents proposed to be charged for the houses under construction or to be built this year?

The number of houses built by the Corporation of Glasgow in the Camlachie Division in each of the six years 1931 to 1936 was:

asked the Lord Advocate whether he has considered the charges made against members of the Edinburgh City Police Force alleging unnecessary violence during and after the arrest of Mr. Fred Douglas on 20th June, whereby he was rendered unconscious and had to be treated for some days in the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary; and what action he proposes to take?

Yes, Sir. This matter was fully investigated on my instructions, and the information before me does not indicate that the police used more force than was reasonable and necessary to overcome violent resistance to arrest. The trial of Douglas and of certain other persons on charges arising out of this disturbance is at present in progress, and I am, therefore, unable to say more at the moment.

In view of what the right hon. and learned Gentleman says, will it still be possible for eye-witnesses of the police handling of this man to make representations, and to whom should they make representations, and will they be protected by the right hon. and learned Gentleman in any way?

Certainly, any representations addressed to the Procurator-Fiscal on the subject will be considered by him and by me, but I have no reason to suppose that any person making such representations will require protection.

Can my right hon. Friend indicate what is the complexion of this disgraceful local authority?

Has the Lord Advocate made any inquiries into the allegations regarding maltreatment in the prison itself, and is he aware that I myself have had experience of pretty rough treatment from the police in Edinburgh?

asked the Secretary for Mines the total value at the mines of the lead ore produced in Durham County for the years 1916, 1918 and 1936, respectively?

The value at the mines of dressed lead ore produced in Durham County in 1916 was £80,385, in 1918 £50,542, and in 1936 £2,899.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman enlist the assistance of the Minister of Labour and the Commissioner for the Special Areas, seeing that the figures mean that only 20 per cent. of the lead workers are working and 80 per cent. are unemployed?

asked the Secretary for Mines the total value at the quarry of the limestone produced in Durham County for the years 1916, 1918, and 1936, respectively?

The value at the quarry of limestone produced in Durham County in 1916 was £209,460; in 1918 £422,378; and in 1936, £220,941.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in connection with his recent invitation for offers for the island site opposite the Victoria and Albert Museum, he is aware of the considerable trouble and expense to which various firms were put in submitting tenders and of their anxiety that it is intended to disregard these tenders and proceed to dispose of the site in another way; whether it is his intention to impose upon the prospective purchaser any conditions additional to those referred to in the invitation for offers; and whether he will arrange that in future tenders will not be invited for the purchase of any State landed property unless the proposed restrictions are disclosed to the tenderers and unless it is definitely proposed to dispose of the property by such means?

The hon. and gallant Member would appear to be under a misapprehension. There has never been any intention of disregarding the tenders made for the island site; nor is it intended to impose upon the prospective purchaser any conditions additional to those referred to in the invitation for offers. The suggestion in the last part of the question merely describes what is in fact the existing practice, since without such disclosure there could be no firm basis of contract for the sale of the property.

On whose advice was this method of sale adopted, and why was not the property put up for public auction?

The hon. Member had better put those questions down.

On a point of Order. A week ago to-day I put down a question to the Prime Minister which has been referred to the Minister of Health and appears to-day as No. 84. It arises out of the Speech from the Throne on 1st November, which said:

"Measures will also be submitted to you to reduce the age limit for the award of pensions to blind persons."

It is not for me to judge whether it is the Prime Minister's business to answer it if he likes to delegate it to the Department concerned.

Last week the Prime Minister answered a question regarding old age pensions. This is a question affecting pensions for the blind, and I feel that the Prime Minister should have been the person to answer it, and not the Minister of Health.

I am afraid I cannot help the hon. Member.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider preparing a new plan for the settlement of the American Debt whereby the United States Government is prepared to forego all interest charges and treat all payments so far made as repayment of capital?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to my hon. Friend the Member for Evesham (Mr. De la Bère) on 22nd April last.

Is there any truth in the statement that an offer is being considered by the American Government precisely on these lines?

I think it is a mistake to attach too much importance to that sort of rumour.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to state his decision as to the instituting of an inquiry into the request to reckon the temporary service of civil servants for pensionable purposes?

Questions affecting the placing of ex-service men in temporary employment in the Government service on the pensionable establishment, particularly in regard to those employed as temporary clerks, were exhaustively examined by the Lytton and Southborough Committees, and more recently by the Royal Commission on the Civil Service. They were, moreover, the subject of an agreement between the Treasury and the Association of Ex-Service Civil Servants which was concluded on the express terms that it was an agreed final settlement of the claims to permanent employment in the Civil Service of ex-service men then temporarily employed. As a result the vast majority of the ex-service clerks temporarily employed for any length of time have been placed on the pensionable establishment. The agreement involved acceptance of the conditions of establishment in force at that time, namely, that it was subject to an age limit of 50 and that unestablished service did not reckon for pension. These conditions must be regarded as final for those established prior to or in pursuance of the agreement. Any relaxation of these conditions for temporary clerks established at a later date must remain consistent with these conditions and with general Civil Service practice. Relaxations up to this limit have in fact been conceded. I have reviewed the whole matter on its merits and feel bound to uphold the essential distinction between established and unestablished service—a distinction which lies at the base of the determination of pension rights for all branches of the Civil Service. In these circumstances I have come to the conclusion that no useful purpose would be served by yet another inquiry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that such a decision means a very severe hardship on thousands of people with long service in the Civil Service?