asked the Minister of Labour how many cases have been dealt with under Sections 40 and 41 of the Unemployment Act, 1934?

I am informed by the Unemployment Assistance Board that statistics are not available to show how many cases have at some time been dealt with under Section 40 of the Unemployment Assistance Act, 1934. In a recent week, however, inquiry showed that 448 allowances were paid, subject to one or other of the conditions set out in that Section. No applicant has been at any time dealt with under Section 41.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mr. James Hall, of Grange Villa, County Durham, residing in the Consett area of the Unemployment Assistance Board, has had his allowance reduced by 1s. 6d. because his son of 16½ years has had a weekly increase of 1s. 10d.; whether that action represents the policy of the Board; and, if not, what steps he intends to take in the matter?

Inquiry is being made, and I will communicate the result to the hon. Member in due course.

Is the Minister aware that this boy's earnings were 18s. gross per week on the average; that he actually loses 1s. 6d. out of an increase of 1s. 10d.; and that this case represents a very large section of the administration of the Unemployment Assistance Board; and does the right hon. Gentleman agree with the policy?

I must not be expected to be able to give an answer before I have made inqunries. I should hesitate to accept a general statement of that kind. I remember that just a year ago the hon. Gentleman prophesied that there would be 400,000 cuts, but his prophecy has not proved right.

We shall have some opportunity of discussing these figures later when we discuss the report; but does the right hon. Gentlemtn agree with this policy of taking 1s. 6d. a week off a boy who has had an increase of 1s. 10d., and whose gross wage is 18s.?

I have already said that I am making inquiries. I cannot be expected to give an answer or to decide policy on the statement in this question.

If the facts are as stated, will the right hon. Gentleman say explicitly whether it is the policy laid down by the Board?

I will not say that until I know what the facts are.

asked the Minister of Labour what representations have been made to him regarding the exemption from the provisions of the unemployment assistance regulations of payments to be made to aged miners under the pension scheme now being promoted jointly by the South Wales coalowners and the South Wales Miners' Federation; and what is his decision?

As I stated in my reply to a question by the hon. Member on this subject, on 26th April, the representatives of the employers and workers were informed that, as persons of 65 years and over could not apply for allowances from the Board, no question arose of the Board reducing allowances payable to such men when they received the pension. Further, these pensions would be regarded as entirely for the personal requirements of the pensioners and would not be brought into account against the needs of an applicant in a household in which there was a miner in receipt of a pension.

Do we understand that to mean that they will not be taken into family calculation but will be completely disregarded?

Perhaps the hon. Member will look at the statement. It was made to a deputation and, I believe, fully satisfied them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether or not pensions made available under this scheme will be disregarded entirely in calculating the family income?

These pensions will be regarded as entirely for the personal requirements of the pensioner, and will not be brought into account.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the discontent existing in Adwick-le-Street, Doncaster, due to the reduction of the allowances of beneficiaries under the Unemployment Assistance Board; and will he make inquiry?

I understand from the Unemployment Assistance Board that adjustments of allowances in this area are proceeding in accordance with the recommendation of the local advisory committee, as in all other areas, but that in view of the hon. Member's question they are calling for a report. I may add that on the re-assessments in November and December, 1936, about 1,450 persons, in the Board's Doncaster area, received more than they had been receiving under the Standstill Arrangement; and on 25th June, 1937, the latest date for which figures are available, 62 persons were receiving less than they would have received under the Standstill Arrangement, otherwise than on account of the applicant's personal earnings.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will give instructions in the case of Mr. Walter Walton, of 10, Sherwood Crescent, Rotherham, as one of hardship, that special consideration should be given owing to the present housing difficulty; and whether, as the man will be provided with a house by the Rotherham Corporation in due time, he will advise the chairman of the Unemployment Assistance Board that this is a case where payment may be continued until alternative housing accommodation is provided for him, seeing that this man lives alone and is unable to obtain a smaller house, and his allowance has been reduced from 22s. 6d. to 17s. out of which he has to pay 145. 4d. per week for rent?

I am informed by the Unemployment Assistance Board that the special circumstances in this case have received and will continue to receive very careful consideration. Meanwhile, if the applicant is aggrieved by the determination of 17s. 6d. a week which has been made in his case, it is open to him to exercise his rights of appeal as provided by the Act.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the relative high percentage of unemployment in parts of North Staffordshire and Cheshire, of the high percentage in Kidsgrove, Biddulph, and Congleton; and what steps are being taken to introduce new industries into these areas with a view of providing employment?

Yes, Sir. I would draw the attention of the hon. Member to Sections 5 and 6 of the Special Areas (Amendment) Act, 1937, which enable assistance to be given, in certain circumstances, for the development of industry in districts outside the Special Areas.

Has any area been scheduled at all since that Act was passed?

Not yet, but I have had a number of deputations from various Members and bodies about it, and I believe that preparations are being made in certain areas.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can now state the decision of His Majesty's Government with regard to the recommendation of the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee, that the salary limit for unemployment insurance for non-manual workers should be raised from £250 to £400?

I cannot yet add to my previous replies on this matter.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recollect that this report has been in the hands of the Government since March, 1936, and that this is the twenty-third occasion on which the Government have been invited their decision? Cannot the right hon. Gentleman now inform the House whether this matter is coming to a decision:

Not yet.

Is it a fact that the majority of the Statutory Committee recommended what is stated in this question; and, if so, ought not the majority recommendation to be carried out?

It is the fact, and it will be given due weight when the consideration of the matter is finally completed.

Can the Minister tell us what grade of consideration is being given to it? Every type of consideration seems to have been suggested.

Active consideration.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered a copy of a letter to the manager of the Basingstoke Employment Exchange that was sent to him by the manager of a firm of clothiers, of Newbury, who had prosecuted a man for embezzlement in a case heard at the Basingstoke police court on Wednesday last; whether he is aware of the comments made at the police court by the magistrate; whether the manager of the exchange sent any reply to the writer of the letter; and whether he intends taking any action in the matter?

I presume the hon. Member refers to replies given to the usual inquiries which were addressed to the employer in this case in connection with a claim for unemployment benefit. The claim has been decided by the Court of Referees, who had the employer's replies and the Press report of the police court proceedings before them. The answers to the two last parts of the question are in the negative.

Do I understand, from the Minister's reply, that he has received a copy of the letter from the employers to the Employment Exchange; and is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that that letter was very libellous in character? Has any reply been sent to it from the Employment Exchange?

I have said that the answer to the last part of that question is in the negative. As the hon. Member knows, the case is a very difficult and complicated one, and I daresay he is also aware that the person concerned is a member of an association, which has a right of appeal for him.

As a matter of fact the manager ought to be "pinched" for sending such a letter.

asked the Minister of Labour how many young persons were transferred from Liverpool to Birmingham during the year 1936 for the purpose of taking up employment under arrangements made by his Department?

The transfer of juveniles under 18 years of age from Liverpool to Birmingham is arranged by the Liverpool and Birmingham local education authorities in co-operation with the Ministry of Labour, as both authorities exercise choice of employment powers under Section 81 of Unemployment Insurance Act, 1935. During 1936 278 boys and four girls were transferred from the area of the Liverpool education authority to that of the Birmingham education authority under the facilities provided by the Juvenile Transference Scheme.

In thanking the Minister for his reply, may I ask him if he will be good enough to let me have details of any other young persons under 18 who have been sent from Liverpool under the schemes which have been arranged?

There are many people who go undr other schemes of which we have no knowledge, but, if the hon. Member has any individual case in mind, I shall be very glad to look into it.

I only mean schemes under the Ministry.

I will, of course, gladly give any information that it is in my power to give.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of prosecutions that have taken place during the three years ended to the last convenient date against employers for failing to stamp the unemployment insurance cards of their employés?

During the three years ending 31st December, 1936, convictions against employers for non-payment of unemployment insurance contributions were obtained in 4,672 cases.

Have all the arrears been paid?

That, of course, is a separate question, which ought to be put down.

Have any employés been penalised through employers failing to pay?

I am sure the hon. Member will understand that that is not a reasonable question to put to me. I have answered precisely the question on the Paper. If the hon. Member has any other points arising out of the facts disclosed in my answer, perhaps he will either communicate with me or put them on the Paper.

In view of the hardship entailed on employés of such firms, has the Minister considered any scheme whereby those employés can receive their stamps?

I cannot answer a general question of that kind; it does not arise out of the question on the Paper.

It is quite outside the question on the Paper.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Commissioner for Special Areas has invited the Land Settlement Association to create 250 cottage homesteads on the outskirts of the busiest towns in the Midland and South of England for the special benefit of unemployed men over 45 years of age wih young families; and whether, as the association is appealing to Durham families to avail themselves of this scheme, he is satisfied that similar cottage homesteads could not profitably be established in Durham and thus avoid the transference of these families?

The cottage homesteads scheme involves the transfer of families to prosperous areas, where the younger members have good prospects of obtaining industrial employment while the head of the family can participate in a group holding. The proposal is at present in the experimental stage, but it will not diminish the facilities already offered by the Commissioner for group holdings within the Special Areas.

Is the Minister aware that such holdings could serve a population of about 2,000,000 near the banks of the Tyne, and that also there is a distinct shortage of juvenile labour in the mines of Durham and Northumberland and in the factories on Tyneside?

I am aware of the facts. It is always our desire to settle workers, if possible, in or near their home towns.

May I take it that the Minister will again examine this question particularly as it affects Durham?

I have already indicated that the Commissioner for the Special Areas offers facilities in this matter.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to deal with the unemployed men 45 years of age and over, classed as miners on the unemployment register, who are not likely to be accepted as fit for immediate employment even if the standard set is reasonable?

I feel sure that many of the unemployed miners of 45 years of age and over will be accepted for reemployment in the industry if a reasonable standard is set and that they will be able to give good service, but I am always glad to afford the opportunity to men whose immediate suitability has been reduced, by long unemployment or other causes, to take a course at one of my Department's instructional centres to help to restore their physical condition.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that employers are refusing to employ men from 45 to 50 because they say they are not 100 per cent. fit, having been out of work for so many years? Has the Department any scheme to help to bring these men back into industry?

It is with that idea in mind that I have given the answer I have. If the hon. Member reads it at leisure, he will find it thoroughly sympathetic to the ideal that we both have in common.

Do I understand that the right hon. Gentleman is considering special arrangements to re-fit these men for their special kind of work?

That is what the answer says. As the hon. Gentleman knows it often depends whether a reasonable standard is or is not set.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is the intention of the Government to adopt the recommendations of the Baillie Report on the Regulation of Wages and Conditions of Service of Road Transport Workers; and, if so, when it is proposed to introduce the necessary legislation?

The Report of this committee is under active consideration, but I am not yet in a position to make a definite pronouncement with regard to it.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to whether it is intended to implement the Report? The House is going into recess for three months, and this is a very urgent matter?

It is a very important matter, and as such must be given adequate consideration, because, as the hon. Member knows, it may demand legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will take steps to secure that any person detained in custody upon a charge of driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of drink shall, as soon as the police surgeon is sent for, be informed of his right to request the attendance of a doctor of his own selection?

It is the practice of the Metropolitan Police to inform any person in custody on the charge in question that it is open to him to have a doctor of his own choice called, on the understanding that he will pay the doctor's fee. I understand that the general practice in other police forces is similar. I do not think that any special instructions are called for, but I should be happy to look into the matter further if there is any reason to think that the procedure I have indicated is not followed.

Is that information given not later than the time when it is decided to send for the police surgeon?

I have told my hon. Friend that, as far as I understand it, the present position is quite satisfactory. If he has any further points perhaps he will be good enough to communicate with me.

Is this a special privilege extended to motoring offenders and not available for other prisoners?

I could not say offhand. The question refers only to motorists.

Does the right hon. Gentleman himself think motorists should receive this special privilege?

The right hon. Gentleman did not say that they had a special privilege.

asked the Minister of Labour what were the points of difficulty in the 1932 Convention concerning the minimum age of non-industrial employment which led the Governing Body of the International Labour Office to put the matter on the agenda of the International Labour Conference this year?

In putting the partial revision of the 1932 Convention on the Agenda of the 1937 Conference the Governing Body had in mind the following points:

The revision of the exceptions and exemptions in respect of children between 14 and 15 years of age;

The raising of the minimum age from 14 to 15 years;

The raising to 13 years of the minimum age for employment on light work outside school hours;

The registration of workers below a prescribed age;

The question of deleting the special provisions applying to India; and

The alteration of certain formal articles in the Convention.

Was not the sole purpose to raise the age from 14 to 15?

No. The hon. Member asked me what were the points of difficulty which moved the Governing Body—it has nothing to do with the Government as such—to put the matter on the agenda. These are the points to which they attach importance, and which moved them to put it on the agenda, as is described in the question.

Is it not the fact that in every case they were trying to improve the position, and that they did raise the age to 15?

asked the Home Secretary the number of prosecutions that have taken place in Hastings and district of proprietors of hotels, restaurants and shops for non-observance of the provisions of the Shops (Sunday Trading Restrictions) Act, 1936, and the Shop Hours Acts, 1912 and 1913, with regard to the conditions of persons employed on such premises?

I have made inquiry of the Hastings Borough Council who are responsible for the enforcement of the Shops Act in the county borough area and am informed that there have been four prosecutions in the county borough for breaches of the provisions of the Shops Act, 1912, relating to conditions of employment. No prosecutions have been taken under the Shops Act, 1913, or the Shops (Sunday Trading Restriction) Act, 1936.

Will the right hon. Baronet make inquiries and see if the local authorities there are enforcing the conditions for the protection of employés?

This matter is to be discussed later at Geneva.

asked the Minister of Labour the average number of workers employed in the jute industry in England and Scotland, respectively, during the years 1934, 1935, and 1936?

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

I have told the hon. Member that the local authority is the body that administers these Acts. If he has any specific point, I will certainly draw the attention of the borough council to it.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Chester City Council has repeatedly made orders under Section 6 of the Shops Act, 1928, for the extension of opening hours of shops during periodical illuminations; whether the Home Office is satisfied that a majority of traders applied for these orders; and is he aware that the council admits that they have not sufficient staff to see how many traders take advantage of these orders and cannot say if the assistants affected receive holidays and wages under Sub-section (3) of Section 6 of the Shops Act, 1928?

I would point out to the hon. Member that the responsibility for making the orders to which he refers rests with the Chester City Council, and the orders are not subject to my approval. I have, however, made inquiry and understand that such orders have been made on a number of occasions, and that the council were satisfied that there was the necessary majority of traders in favour of the orders. As regards the last part of the question, I would point out that, if assistants do not receive the holidays and wages to which they are entitled, Parliament has provided a remedy in the Subsection mentioned.

In view of the fact that the Council has declared that it has not sufficient staff to see that these orders are carried out properly, can the Home Office intervene in any way?

I am under the impression that the Home Office cannot intervene, but I will draw the attention of the council to the matter.

Is Chester a holiday resort entitled to do this, and what constitutes a holiday resort?

I made the same inquiry myself, and I found that it was not clearly defined in the Act as to which districts can call themselves holiday resorts.

Will the right hon. Baronet consult with the Minister of Health on the matter? There is great dissatisfaction regarding the administration.

That is a wider question. If the hon. Gentleman puts it down, I will consider it.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the many difficulties and hardships which have arisen in seaside resorts owing to the operation of the Shops (Sunday Trading Restriction) Act, 1936, and the inconvenience experienced by Sunday visitors, mostly working-class people who are using the only day available to them for a visit to the seaside; and whether, in view of the serious nature of the hardship which seaside traders are suffering, he will inquire into the anomalies which exist under this Act with a view to introducing remedial measures?

I do not think that sufficient experience has vet been gained of the operation of the Act to justify the suggestions in my hon. Friend's question. It is true that certain complaints have been received in the Department, but these have related mainly to the operation of the provisions in the Act relating to compensatory holidays for assistants employed on Sunday. My hon. Friend will recall that the House recently refused permission for the introduction of a Bill to modify the application of these provisions in the case of holiday resorts. So far as the convenience of visitors is concerned, I would point out that provision is made in the Act to allow the sale on Sunday of a large number of commodities in order to meet the reasonable needs of, the general public; and that in addition local authorities in holiday resorts are empowered to permit the sale on Sunday of various other articles which are commonly required by holiday makers.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware. that seaside places catering for large numbers of the working classes find in practice that they require a great number of articles which are not permitted to be sold on Sunday?

I am informed that exemptions were made after full consultation with the local bodies of the holiday resorts.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is strong opinion in some of these places that the exemptions go too far?

asked the Home Secretary on how many occasions during the three years ended to the last convenient date the Postmaster-General has been instructed by warrants issued by him to intercept books or other publications; and whether he, in connection with his legal advisers, is considering taking any further action?

The present system of preventing the transmission of indecent matter through the post is, I believe, working effectively and I have had no reason to consider the taking of any further action.

How many warrants have been issued during the last 12 months?

I understand that the number of warrants never has been made public by this or any other Government.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the increased numbers of the electorate in many electoral divisions, any special instructions have been issued by his Department to the returning officers to employ more presiding officers and polling clerks to cope with these conditions; and are the necessary steps taken to ensure that officers who have not had any previous experience have been thoroughly instructed and are conversant with their duties?

The returning officers are responsible for the provision of polling stations and for the appointment and instruction of presiding officers and poll clerks. In carrying out these duties they would take into account any increase in the number of electors, and I have not heard of any complaints.

Do I understand that no complaints were made after the last election as to congestion, or delay in the count?

No, we have received no such complaints.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the capture of an escaped wolf at a private zoological garden at Dudley, Worcestershire; whether he is aware that bombs and fireworks were used in an endeavour to drive it from an outhouse where it had taken refuge and that after two hours suffering it was forced in a very sick condition into a cage; that a bear has twice escaped from the same zoological garden and on each occasion was stunned before being recaptured; and that at a private zoological garden in Liverpool a keeper was lately killed by a leopard; and whether, in view of the suffering entailed to the animals and of the danger to human beings, he will consider legislation to make privately-owned zoological gardens and travelling menageries illegal?

I have made inquiries in regard to these cases, but, as at present advised, I do not think that they afford any grounds for legislation on the lines suggested by the hon. Member.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that in view of the large number of animals which have recently escaped from private zoos it is desirable in the interests of the public that stricter supervision should be exercised, and is it not possible for some efficient method of control to be established?

My information does not go to support the allegation that there have been many cases. My information is that these cases have not involved either cruelty to animals or injury to the public, and in the circumstances I do not think further legislation is necessary.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give the House any information in connection with an accident, in which a man was killed and two men were injured, at the Seaton Carew Ironworks of the South Durham Steel and Iron Company; and whether he can say what was the cause of the accident and give any other information about the matter?

I have received a preliminary report, but pending the inquest the hon. Member will appreciate that I am not in a position to make any statement. The circumstances will, of course, be fully investigated.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has taken any steps to deal with the circulation of obscene films in this country?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which was given to him by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State on Monday last.

In view of the number in circulation at the moment, will some steps be taken to prevent any further circulation?

I have nothing to add to what my hon. Friend said the other day. I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that he has no knowledge of any such circulation. If the hon. Member will forward me any information I will cause inquiry to be made.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is contemplating the setting up of a Royal Commission to review prison conditions in this country?

As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, the question of prison conditions is engaging my close attention, and I have already indicated various directions in which I think further progress is to be sought. During recent years different aspects of the problem have been investigated by three Departmental Committees, and I do not think that the appointment of a Royal Commission is called for at the present stage.

Will the right hon. Gentleman approach the Prison Commissioners with a view to finding the money for new buildings?

This matter is receiving my attention, including the question of new buildings.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the great hardship suffered by North Country convicts and their relatives by reason of the fact that all the convict prisons are in the South of England and that the cost of visiting is therefore prohibitive to the majority, he will consider the possibility of making official provision for the payment of travelling expenses to enable the relatives of convicts to pay a yearly visit to their relatives in prison; and will he, in planning future development of prison camps and colonies, bear in mind the desirability of providing a centre for convicts in the North of England?

The policy as regards prisoners serving long sentences is to use different establishments for different types of prisoners instead of placing in the same establishment habitual offenders and men who have not criminal records. In pursuance of this policy some convicts serve their sentences at Wakefield Prison; but this policy of classification necessarily involves detaining certain prisoners in establishments at a long distance from their homes, and I recognise that hardship sometimes results in the matter of visits. As a result of a gift from a private source, a limited fund is available to assist relatives to visit men who are serving life sentences in Maidstone Prison, but there is no fund available for other cases. Whether it would be right to make some provision from public funds to assist relatives to visit in special cases is a difficult question to which I propose to give consideration.

Will not the Minister consider using this limited fund so that the well-behaved prisoners can visit their relatives instead of their relatives visiting them?

asked the Home Secretary what is the definition of a bogus club accepted by his Department; what is the estimated number of such clubs; whether he is preparing a Measure to deal with them; and, if so, whether he will take note of the opinions strongly expressed in this House and elsewhere during the present Parliament that no solution of the problem will be generally acceptable which includes the handing over of all clubs to the control of the licensing justices, or the granting to the police of the right of entry to all clubs without a search warrant?

I do not think that there is any ambiguity about the meaning of the expression "bogus club" in relation to abuses of the licensing laws. I have no information as to the actual number of such establishments in existence. In answer to the third part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question on this subject by the hon. and gallant Member for Cleveland (Commander Bower) on Monday last. As regards the last part of the question, I shall certainly take account of the opinions which have been expressed in different quarters on these and other aspects of this controversial subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that very often the decisions of the licensing authorities are rendered nugatory by the opening of these clubs in place of properly conducted licensed premises closed under the redundancy and compensation laws by the licensing bench?

I am very carefully considering that and other aspects of this particular question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Bill will definitely be included in the programme of legislation for next Session?

That must be a matter for decision nearer the time of the new Session.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the disturbances caused by the Basque children at Brechfa, in Wales, he will arrange for the return of the children in question to their parents in cases in which it is safe to do so?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to the question of my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Cleveland (Commander Bower) on 21st July.

Would it not meet the convenience of my right hon. Friend if all these children were removed to Blair Atholl at once?

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that in these extraordinarily difficult circumstances only a very small percentage of boys, some of them very bad shell-shock cases, have proved difficult to control; that they are being given the very best possible care; and that this type of propaganda against them is really in the worst possible international taste?

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that he is ultimately responsible for law and order in this country, he has received any report from the chief constable of Carmarthenshire about the disturbances recently caused by Basque children in that county; and, if so, what action he proposes to take?

Yes, Sir. I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given yesterday on this matter in answer to the question by the hon. and gallant Member for Ayr Burghs (Sir T. Moore). In view of the steps which are being taken by the Voluntary Committee to repatriate the boys responsible for the disturbances and to provide for the supervision of the boys remaining at Brechfa, there is no reason to anticipate further difficulty, but the position will, of course, be watched.

In consideration of the fact that these boys did a great deal of damage in Brechfa, that one of them chased a cook with a knife, and that in many cases their mental condition does not conform to strictly orthodox standards according to the organisation responsible for their good conduct, will my hon. Friend make sure that the Home Office gives very great attention to the children that remain in other parts of the country in order to make quite sure that these disturbances do not recur?

As a matter of fact, a cook by mistake cut one of the children with his own knife before the incident occurred, and I think it will be agreed that the Voluntary Committee have done right in removing a certain number of these children.

Should not the hon. Gentleman discourage hon. Members who spend their time chasing these kids?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the action of the stipendiary magistrate for Merthyr Tydvil who, at a meeting of the Carmarthen Conservative and Unionist Association, on 26th July, proposed the adoption of a certain candidate; whether he is aware that this is the second occasion upon which the stipendiary has taken an active part in political work in South Wales; and, in view of the fact that his active participation in politics must adversely affect his work as stipendiary magistrate in an important industrial area, what action he proposes to take in the matter?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the action of the stipendiary magistrate for Merthyr Tydvil in attending a meeting of a political association at Carmarthen, on 26th July, and there moving that the said association should agree to support a certain prospective Parliamentary candidate for the Carmarthen division; whether he is aware that the same stipendiary magistrate issued a statement at the last General Election urging the electors of Carmarthen to support a certain candidate and reject another candidate; and whether, since it is generally recognised that stipendiary magistrates should avoid identifying themselves prominently with party politics, he will say what action, if any, he proposes to take?

My attention had not previously been called to this matter, but I am in communication with the stipendiary magistrate.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his predecessor in office secured from this stipendiary an undertaking after the last General Election that he would take no further part in political life; and in view of the fact that this stipendiary has broken this undertaking, what action does he propose to take?

I was not aware of that fact, but, as I have told the hon. Member, I am making inquiries, and I prefer not to give an opinion on the question until I have got the facts.

Will the right hon. Gentleman receive a deputation consisting of the hon. Member who put down this question and hon. Members who represent the area over which the stipendiary presides in order to deal with this and other complaints?

I am always ready to discuss these questions with my colleagues in this House, but, at the same time, as I have asked for information on this particular question, I prefer to go no further than I have to-day until I have heard from the stipendiary.

Will the Secretary of State communicate to me the reply he receives from the stipendiary?

Yes, Sir, I think I can give the undertaking, certainly in substance.

Will that include information as to ,he action of the Home Office?

I think that would naturally follow.

Should not this man have exactly the same consideration as the dockyard worker?

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give the House any information as to what proportion of the required 300,000 street-wardens for air raids have now been secured; and whether all these are persons who, in a national emergency, would not be required for other services?

Detailed information as to the numbers of wardens enrolled in individual districts is not available, but it is known that many towns and districts have obtained large numbers. Local authorities were advised at the outset as to the categories of men whom it was undesirable to enrol on account of their value for other national services.

Is my hon. Friend keeping in touch with the situation, and, if so, will he give the figures of wardens enrolled to the House fairly soon?

Certainly; the question of figures will arise at a later stage.

What is the apparent age limit for these wardens?

The age of 30 is the limit, but the local authorities will find men and women who are of much more mature age.

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that many of us on this side of the House appreciate the voluntary work which is being done by these people, who may be called upon to deal with the new technique of aggression which is encouraged by the hon. Gentlemen opposite?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is in a position to make any further announcement as to the Government contribution to the cost of air raid precautions services?

I am advised that legislation will be required in order to place Government expenditure on air raid precautions on a proper statutory basis and to remove doubts as to the powers of local authorities. A Bill for this purpose is being drafted; when it has reached a more advanced stage, an opportunity will be afforded to the representatives of local authorities of conferring with the Government, and I hope that it may be possible to reach a satisfactory agreement as to the allocation of expenditure. Many local authorities have already prepared plans and in many cases entered into financial commitments. Whatever financial arrangement is ultimately decided, will be applied retrospectively to a date which it is contemplated should be 1st January, 1937. I trust, therefore, that those local authorities who have not yet begun the preparation of plans will not think it necessary to wait until the financial arrangements have been placed on a statutory basis.

In view of the fact that the delays that have taken place in settling this financial question, even if it were settled next week, must affect the efficiency of this service for several years to come, can the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that he will do his very best by compromise to arrive at a solution with the local authorities by the end of the Recess?

Certainly I will do everything in my power to arrive at an agreed settlement as soon as possible.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the case of several authorities they are willing to shoulder some part of this burden, but they consider 30 per cent. an excessive amount?

Will any special consideration be given to districts where the population is very congested and very poor, and quite unable to afford the vast sums, or even part of the sum, required for adequate protection?

The questions raised in the two supplementaries are among the questions that I am considering in connection with this whole problem. They are exactly the kind of questions that I am anxious to discuss further with the representatives of the local authorities.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is the Government's intention to provide compensation in time of war in respect of members of air raid precautionary services who might be killed or injured while on duty?

I can assure my hon. Friend that, so far as the present Government are concerned, it would in the event of war lay before Parliament proposals for the payment of compensation which would cover members of public air raid precautionary services, not otherwise entitled to compensation, who might be killed or injured while on duty.

Does that mean that my right hon. Friend has not in mind the intention to include this provision as far as possible in the legislation in the autumn?

I was not considering the question of specially including this sort of provision in the legislation in the autumn, for the reason that our legislation will be dealing with peace time, whereas the hon. Member's question refers to war time.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Dave Yaskiel, a German-Jewish refugee, married to an Englishwoman and living in this country for some years, was recently arrested and kept in Brixton Prison for six weeks without trial; on whose authority this action was taken and on what grounds; why Yaskiel has been threatened with deportation to Germany contrary to the treaty concerning German refugees, dated 4th July, 1936, and signed by this country; and what further action, if any, is proposed to be taken?

This man was arrested on 19th April, in pursuance of a deportation order made against him by my predecessor, with a view to arrangements being made for his deportation to Germany. His detention in custody was prolonged because he was required to give evidence in a criminal trial which was pending, and the German authorities declined, without inquiry in Germany, to issue him a new passport in place of the German passport with which he had entered the country and which he alleged he had lost. Yaskiel was instructed to leave the country on 11th January by my predecessor after very careful con- sideration of his case, and the deportation order was only made when it became apparent that he had no intention of complying with these instructions. The deportation order was made with due regard to the terms of the Provisional Arrangement concerning the Status of Refugees from Germany as ratified by His Majesty's Government. The question of passport facilities has been taken up with the German Government by the Foreign Office, and the question of his deportation is meanwhile suspended.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why this man was kept for six weeks without trial? Surely that is not the usual procedure in this country, whatever it may be in others. Is it not a fact that the German authorities will not accept him, or, if they do, very serious consequences will ensue, and because he is a Stateless person is he not entitled to every consideration from His Majesty's Government?

We are acting in strict accordance with the agreement arranged at the instigation of the Refugees Department of the League of Nations. As I have told the hon. and gallant Member, for the time being the question of deportation is in suspense. I am ready to discuss with the hon. and gallant Member the details of the case, and to take no action until I have had time to do that.

I am obliged to the right hon. Gentleman.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the increased facilities for divorce provided by the new Act, he will take into consideration a revision of the law regarding the maintenance of the wife and children of the first marriage in order that a second marriage by the husband and father may not leave them destitute?

The court in granting a decree of divorce already has power in proper cases to award a sum by way of maintenance to be paid for the benefit of the wife and of any children of the marriage, and the position in this respect will not be materially affected when the provisions of the Matrimonial Causes Bill become law. I am not aware of any need for further legislation on the point.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has seen the statement of the President of the Divorce Court, made quite recently, dealing with the question of petitions by a first wife for maintenance of children by a first marriage, and in view of the very serious consequences to women left with young children, cannot the right hon. Gentleman go into the question of the somewhat out-of-date condition of the law in regard to maintenance?

In the first place, I am informed that it is very doubtful whether I have any locus standi in this question at all. Even if I had I do not gather that the observations referred to by the hon. Lady affect the point which she mentions. The answer is as I have given it to the hon. Lady.

asked the Home Secretary whether he proposes to take any action in view of the recent judgment that men serving in fire brigades engaged in duties such as ambulance work do not come within the Fire Brigades Pension Act, 1925, and that consequently a large number of firemen are not covered by any pension scheme?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 8th July to a question by the hon. Member for North Tottenham (Mr. R. C. Morrison). A conference with representatives of the local authorities and of the fire service was held on the 27th instant to consider the general issues raised, and it was agreed to hold a further conference as soon as the local authorities have completed their inquiries into the extent of the performance of extraneous duties by members of fire brigades.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education (1) the average cost per place of elementary schools for juniors and infants, as shown by tenders received by local education authorities for the three months ended 30th June, 1937, and for the three corresponding months in 1936;

(2) the average cost per place of elementary schools for pupils over II years of age, as shown by tenders received by local education authorities for the three months ended 30th June, 1937, and for the three corresponding months in 1936;

(3) the average cost per place of secondary schools as shown by tenders received by local education authorities for the three months ended 30th June, 1937, and for the three corresponding months in 1936?

I am having the necessary figures worked out on such information as is at my disposal, and will send them to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Has the hon. Member had any indication from the local education authorities that they are perturbed at the rising cost of building, and is it having any effect on their building programmes to implement last year's Act?

It is perfectly well known that the cost of building has risen but I cannot say whether we have had any direct communications about it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he has considered the case for ex-gratia consideration and treatment of teachers who, by reason of the fact that they were for a period preceding the political changes in Ireland engaged in technical or art instruction in that country, are now debarred from having their period of service in Ireland counted for reckoning superannuation and bonus, in spite of the fact that throughout their teaching careers they have contributed pro rata with other teachers to all forms of Imperial taxation and dues, and had in the majority of cases returned to English teaching before the passing of the Teachers' Superannuation Act and become contributors under the Act on a par with other teacher colleagues?

This matter has recently been the subject of prolonged consideration by my Department. As the hon. Member realises, the periods of service in Ireland of the teachers in question cannot be treated as pensionable service under the Teachers (Superannuation) Acts, though such periods are admitted as qualifying service for the purpose of entitlement to pension in respect of contributory service in England and Wales. The question of any ex-gratia payment to these teachers in respect of their service in Ireland is not a matter for my Department, whose jurisdiction does not extend beyond England and Wales. The argument that these teachers, having equally with other teachers contributed towards Imperial taxes, are entitled to some special superannuation benefits from Exchequer funds, would be valid only if the payment of taxes carried with it a right to pension benefits.

Can the hon. Member tell me whether there is any Department that has it in its power to make these ex-gratia payments? Is it in the power of the Treasury to do so?

I think it is not. I should like notice of the question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will make it financially possible to arrange either for the temporary exchange of elementary scholars with similar children from abroad or for British elementary scholars to visit foreign countries?

If the hon. Member has in mind arrangements which would involve the attendance of elementary school children at similar schools in foreign countries, I do not regard the suggestion as practicable, since the children's linguistic attainments would hardly make the visit profitable. Apart from this, however, arrangements have been made by local education authorities in a number of cases by which groups of selected children have visited foreign countries and, where the Board of Education have approved these arrangements, they have been recognised for grant. I must add, however, that the value of such visits depends not merely upon money, but very largely upon careful personal preparation, and I do not think I would be justified, on the experience so far gained, in encouraging local education authorities to embark upon any schemes for a large expansion of this activity.

Will the hon. Member not agree that if these exchange visits are necessary in the case of secondary school children they are even more necessary in the case of children from elementary schools?

I do not follow the hon. Member's logic. A large number of children who go to secondary schools are working-class children, and I think these exchange visits are probably more valuable in the case of secondary school children.

Is it not necessary that they should be taught first rate English first?

Is it not necessary that our children should belong not only to this country but to the human race?

asked the Minister of Health whether he can now make a statement on the result of his consultations with the Welsh National Memorial Association in reference to the steps to be taken to deal more effectively with the problem of tuberculosis in Wales?

I am not at present in a position to make such a statement. I am, however, at all times in close touch with the work of the Welsh National Memorial Association and, as mentioned in the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 27th May, a survey of the services provided by the association is being carried out by a medical officer of the Welsh Board of Health. I am awaiting the report on that survey. I am hoping to meet representatives of the association and of the local authorities when I visit South Wales in the autumn.

asked the Minister of Health whether the responsible authorities in Wales have submitted satisfactory proposals for the provision of an adequate service under the provisions of the Midwives Act, 1936; whether any of the authorities have failed to submit satisfactory proposals; and whether he is satisfied that within the financial and other provisions of the Act an adequate service can be established in Wales, having regard to the gravity of the problem in the principality?

All the local supervising authorities in Wales except one have submitted proposals which are generally satisfactory although, in some instances points of detail are still under consideration. The authority which has not yet submitted proposals which I can regard as satisfactory is considering the submission of revised proposals. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that the arrangements made by the Derbyshire County Council under the Midwives Act, 1936, Section 1, are such as will geographically be adequate for the needs of the area?

I am informed that the county council are satisfied that their arrangements are adequate for the present needs of the county. This question will be reviewed after sufficient experience has been obtained of the working of the arrangements, and I understand that the county council are prepared if necessary to appoint additional midwives.

asked the Minister of Health how many local authorities have responded to the circular recently issued by the Ministry in connection with the inspection of offices under the Public Health Act?

The Act does not come into operation until 1st October next. I propose to wait for a reasonable period after that before making inquiries as to the action taken by local authorities.

Do I understand that no local authority has replied to the circular indicating its willingness to carry out the provisions of the Act?

No, Sir. The Act does not come into operation until next October. I communicated with the local authorities, but I do not think the circular called for any reply. I propose to follow up the matter after a reasonable time has elapsed.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will have inquiries made into the position of a worker who has been instructed by the local medical officer of health not to go to work owing to the presence of diphtheria or some other infectious disease in the house, with a view to ascertaining what benefit under such circumstances is available to him?

I am sending the hon. Member a full statement on the subject which it is not possible to deal with within the limits of an oral reply.

Is it desirable or proper that a man who has been instructed by a medical officer not to go to work because of infection in the house, should stand in a queue outside an Employment Exchange?

I should not like to answer a question of that kind. I would invite the hon. Member during the Recess to consider the long statement which I propose to send him. On his return he may like to put another question.

asked the Minister of Health why, in view of the importance of mental hygiene in the life of the community, this subject is not being included in the forthcoming national health campaign and public attention is not being directed to the question of mental health services?

asked the Minister of Health whether having regard to the vital importance of mental health to the community and the growing public interest and need of enlightenment in the subject, he will have it included in the health campaign propaganda which is to be carried out in the autumn under the auspices of the Government?

Opportunities will certainly be taken in the course of the campaign to call attention to the importance of mental as well as bodily health.