asked the Secretary for Mines whether the Government are now prepared to carry out the recommendation of the Departmental Committee of Inquiry of 1931 into the Miners' Welfare Fund that the ½d. levy per ton of coal should be increased when the financial state of the industry permitted it?

Any representations made by the industry on this subject will receive careful consideration.

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) whether he is aware that the management of Craghead Colliery Company, Durham, has instituted safety-first classes of one hour daily in the colliery yard for boys of 14 and 15 years of age employed at the pit-head who later will work below ground; that working models of the machinery used at the colliery and made to scale are provided for the colliery official who takes the classes; that no deductions of pay are made for the loss of the hours in class; and whether he will encourage the extension of this scheme;(2) whether, in view of the need of reducing the heavy toll of accidents to boys in the coal mines of the country and of the scarcity of juvenile labour offering for employment in certain mining areas, he will issue a circular to the colliery owners of the country calling favourable attention to the Craghead scheme for safety-first classes?

I have not, as yet, received a report on these particular classes, though I will get one immediately. I am, however, aware that similar classes are held at some other collieries and accounts of these have been published in the Annual Reports of my Department and of His Majesty's Inspectors, with a strong recommendation in their favour. I shall certainly continue to give every encouragement and help to classes of this kind, and as soon as I have obtained the necessary details in the particular case I shall be glad to consider the hon. Member's suggestion for a circular letter.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has considered the report made by the Northumberland district committee of investigation on the bunker-coal prices charged to Aberdeen trawlers; whether he will publish the report; and what action he proposes to take?

The Committee of Investigation made two reports in this matter. Under the provisions of Section 5 (8) of the 1930 Act one report was to the District Executive Board of colliery owners and by law that report is a matter between that Board and the Committee. The other report, made under Section 5 (6) of the Act was to me. My statutory duty, in considering the report, is to consult the interests that appear to be affected, and as the report raises questions affecting all districts operating central control of sales schemes, I am in consultation with the Central Council of Colliery Owners with regard to it. I will consider at a later stage whether, in the interests of all parties, the reports should be published.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, as the Government on 14th July accepted' a Motion by Lord Mottistone that, in the interests of national defence and in order to reduce unemployment in the distressed areas of Durham and South Wales, steps will be taken to set up plant in those areas for the purpose of obtaining oil from coal?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 20th July to three questions by the hon. Members for Pontypool (Mr. Jenkins), Stoke (Mr. E. Smith) and Lewisham, West (Sir P. Dawson).

asked the Minister of Health what representations have been made to him in favour of exempting from the provisions of public assistance rules and regulations payments that will 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 reply has he given?

I have received representations from the Board of Conciliation for the Coal Trade of Monmouthshire and South Wales on this matter. I have informed the Board that, as stated in the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Deritend (Mr. Smedley Crooke) on 22nd April last, there is no statutory authority which would entitle public assistance authorities to disregard pensions awarded under this scheme, and that I could not see my way to promote legislation.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether any borings for oil are now being carried out in Wales?

No licences have been granted in respect of Wales, and it would not therefore be legal to bore for oil there.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any settlement has been arrived at on the question of the Tollerton aerodrome and the setting up of a flying school?

There is nothing that I can add at present to the reply which I gave the hon. Member last Thursday.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has now decided upon any course of action to provide a supply of medium-sized British air-liners?

No, Sir, but I am giving close attention to this matter.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air to what extent and in what manner Government assistance is granted to light aeroplane clubs with the object of training pilots?

A sum of £35,000 has been provided in Air Estimates for 1937 for subsidies to light aeroplane clubs and it is expected that more than 50 clubs will participate this year in the subsidy scheme. The essential feature of the scheme is the payment of grants in respect of pilots' licences obtained and renewed.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what increase based on the cost of living in the amount of the 10s. old age weekly pension would be necessary to give it the same purchasing power as the pension possessed at the time of its introduction?

I am afraid that I do not altogether follow the hon. Member. If the amount of the old age pension were to be altered in order to give it the same purchasing power as the 10s. pension possessed at the time of its introduction, no increase at all would be necessary. On the contrary, there would have to be a reduction of rather more than 3s. a week.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he has considered the resolution passed by the Old Age Pensions League at Milltown of Balgonie drawing attention to the increased cost of living and the inadequacy of the present old age pensions and demanding an increase of 50 per cent.; and what steps, if any, is he prepared to take in this connection?

I would refer the hon. Member to my speech on the Motion for the Adjournment on the 6th of this month.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many inventions and useful suggestions have been made by Government servants in the various Departments during the past five years which have been commercially exploited by the Government; what awards have been given for these inventions and suggestions, respectively; and whether any final award has been given involving the surrender of the Crown's commercial rights to the inventor?

I regret that the information which the hon. Member requires is not immediately available, but I will communicate with him as soon as I have obtained it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a statement showing the number of new industries which have been assisted by grants from the Special Areas Reconstruction Association, the Nuffield Trust, or by Government grant; and the location of these industries, together with the amount of assistance given, and the total capital of each enterprise, with the kind of trade to be carried on in each case?

I am not in a position to give any information as to the work

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Sugar Commission have reached any conclusion as the result of their recent inquiries into the possibility of establishing a beet-sugar factory in Pembrokeshire; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

The Sugar Commission have informed me that, after careful investigation, they have reached the conclusion that the erection of a beet sugar factory in Pembroke would not be justified on economic grounds. In the

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, as a result of experience of the working of the Improvement of Live Stock (Licensing of Bulls) Act, 1931, he is satisfied that the objects of the Act are being achieved?

The Act has now been in force in England and Wales for three years, and while I am satisfied that what is usually known as the "scrub" bull has, to a very great extent, been eliminated, it is obviously desirable, in the interests of the livestock industry, that a sufficiently high standard in regard to the licensing of bulls should be maintained, whether in regard to beef or dairy cattle, and I have no doubt that in this matter I can count on the co-operation of the appeal referees nominated under the Act by the breed societies and the National Farmers' Union.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in connection with the Government's legislative proposals regarding the improvement of grassland and subsidy payments for quality beef, he has considered the possibility of extending the scope of the Ministry's improvement of livestock scheme in order to encourage smaller farmers, by the use of good class bulls, to produce better store stock?

Yes, Sir. I am glad to say that arrangements are being made for increased financial provision in connection with the scheme to which my hon. Friend refers, as a result of which I hope that it will be possible to place out, with suitable custodians, additional premium bulls of the beef and dual-purpose type.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has yet received any information from the Third Witham Internal Drainage Board showing under what circumstances fines were imposed on the Horncastle drainage ratepayers who have stated that they received no notice or demand in respect of the rates for nonpayment of which the fines were levied?

No, Sir; I have not yet received any information from the drainage board concerning the cases referred to.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Government will

No, Sir. If such a scheme were practicable, it would be more suitable for administration by local voluntary organisations than by the Government.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state in which of the distressed areas milk is now sold to pregnant and nursing mothers and to preschool children, other than necessitous mothers and children, at less than the standard price; at what reduction in price that milk is sold; approximately how many people of each category in each area bought this cheap milk at the beginning of the experiment and are buying it at the present time; and what increase in consumption there has been since the experiment started?

Experimental schemes for the supply of milk at cheap rates to expectant and nursing mothers and children under five years of age are now in operation in the Rhondda Valley, in Jarrow and in Walker-on-Tyne. The milk is sold at 1s. 4d. a gallon as compared with the normal price of 2s. or 2s. 4d. per gallon. The following figures show by categories for each area the numbers of participants when the schemes were started and on 17th July, 1937 (excluding persons in receipt of milk supplied by the local authorities under the Maternity and Child Welfare Act, 1919):

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give the House any information as to the conformation of the tribunal which inquired into the position of producers of tuberculin-tested milk; when this inquiry began; when its report was submitted to him; whether that report will be published; and whether the producers of tuberculin-tested milk asked to be included in the Milk Marketing Scheme or pressed, on the contrary, for permission to remain outside it?

The Tuberculin Tested Milk Producers' Association lodged certain objections to the amendments of the Milk Marketing Scheme which, with other objections, were considered last autumn at a public inquiry held by Mr. N. L. Macaskie, K.C. At the conclusion of this inquiry Mr. Macaskie, on my invitation, held a further public inquiry into the question whether it was desirable that I should consent to the withdrawal of the exemption of sales of tuberculin-tested milk from the operation of Part VI of the Scheme. This latter inquiry commenced on 10th December, 1936, and Mr. Macaskie submitted his report on 22nd March, 1937. Following the usual practice the report will not be published.As to the last part of the question, the association asked that the exemption of sales of tuberculin-tested milk should be made a permanent provision of the scheme, and if, contrary to this submission, the exemption was not continued, that special provision. should be made to safeguard the position of producers of tuberculin-tested milk.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education when information on school meals provided in secondary schools will be available and the statutory authorisation for the supply of these meals?

It is hoped that the information will be available by the end of this year or early in January at the latest. The power of authorities for higher education to provide free meals in secondary schools is derived from the power conferred upon them by Section 71 (c) of the Education Act, 1921, to make maintenance allowances to pupils in schools of higher education.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the total amount granted as assistance for the erection of houses in the rural districts of Flintshire since 1930; and what rural district councils have received such assistance?

During the period 1st April, 1930, to 31st March, 1937, the total amount paid by way of Exchequer contributions under the Housing Acts in respect of the erection of houses by local authorities and private enterprise in the rural districts of Flintshire was £138,281. The rural district councils are Hawarden, Holywell, Overton and St. Asaph.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to a growing practice, even among solicitors of high standing, of charging excessive fees and fines in the cases of houses whose occupation is governed by restrictive covenants, notwithstanding that for many years such premises have been let out in floors, well kept, and with no outside indication; and whether, in view of the difficulties of adapting this class of big houses in poor districts, he will submit the whole matter to the departmental committee considering the Rent Restrictions Acts with the object of suggesting means of dealing with this matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I am not clear what are the exact circumstances that my hon. Friend has in mind, but the matter does not appear to me as at present advised to fall within the terms of reference of the committee to which he refers.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Corporation of Burnley obtained his consent before erecting a factory and purchasing and reconditioning certain mills; and, if they did not do so, whether they have now given him a sufficient undertaking that they will avoid irregular proceedings for the future?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative; the Council have now given me an explicit undertaking that they will not incur without previous reference to me commitments in respect of which my consent is necessary.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state approximately how many boroughs, county boroughs, and counties have a diphtheria immunisation scheme in operation in England and Wales?

I have no complete information on this subject, but I understand that some action with regard to immunisation against diphtheria is taken by the Councils of approximately 74 county boroughs, 117 non-county boroughs, 28 metropolitan boroughs and five counties in England and Wales.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can hold out any hope that when a local authority takes over a transport company from private owners steps will be taken to enable the previous service of the men to count in computing pensions?

The general law governing superannuation of local government employés does not deal with this matter and it would therefore be necessary for the local authority concerned to obtain special powers. If any such transfer were effected by local legislation it would be for Parliament to consider whether such powers should be given.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the importance of the interim report of the inter-Departmental committee on the rehabilitation of persons injured by accidents, he will arrange with the Secretary to the Treasury for its inclusion in the Vote Office List in order to draw the attention of Members of this House to its existence?

As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, copies of this report are obtainable from the Vote Office on the completion of the usual form, and I am not satisfied that there is sufficient justification for an exception to be made in this case to the normal practice with regard to non-Parliamentary publications. I feel sure that the report which has been included in the daily and monthly Stationery Office lists and has been reviewed in the Press is well known to hon. Members.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the condition of the River Wandle in the borough of Wandsworth; and whether steps to improve that condition are in contemplation?

Yes, Sir. This portion of the river is vested in the London County Council, who keep a constant watch on its condition. Where necessary, owners of factories are asked to improve the discharges into the river, the river is regularly flushed, and it is patrolled twice a week and accumulations of rubbish removed. The County Council are at present investigating the possibility of improving the flow of the river.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will give the number of men, women, and young persons registered as employed in the cotton trade in January and June, 1937, respectively?

Statistics of the numbers of insured persons classified as

asked the Minister of Labour whether the South Wales and Monmouthshire Trading Estates Company is confining its activities to the Treforest trading estate; and, if not, what other developments are in progress or contemplation?

No, Sir. As instances of other activities I may mention that the construction of a factory is about to begin at Dowlais and negotiations are in an advanced state for providing others at Cyfarthfa and Llantarnam.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the unemployment statistics published by his Department include only persons who have attended at the exchanges to register as unemployed on the day of the count; and, if not, what steps are taken to exclude persons previously registered who do not so attend and are, in fact, in employment on that day?

The aim of these statistics is to give as nearly as possible the number of persons registered at the exchanges and unemployed on the day of the count. The count is taken on a Monday which in many exchanges is not

asked the Minister of Labour how many Italian subjects have received permits to work here during the past 12 months, either by new permits or by renewals of permits; and what number of permits have been granted or refused for British subjects to work in Italy during the same period?

During the 12 months ended 30th June, 1937, 361 permits were issued for the employment of Italian nationals from abroad and 38 favourable recommendations were made to the Home Office in respect of the employment of Italians who were already in the United Kingdom at the time of application. I am not able to give figures for extensions of permission granted to foreigners within the country as this is a matter for the Home Office, whose general practice it is to consult the Ministry on employment questions. I regret that the information asked for in the last part of the question is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will give the number of trade boards in active operation in 1935, 1936, and 1937, respectively?

Forty-seven trade boards were in active operation in each of the years mentioned.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement as to the situation which has arisen through the erection of heavy guns in territory adjacent to Gibraltar?

I can add nothing to the statement made on behalf of the Government on this subject in the course of the Debate on Tuesday last, to which I would refer the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether he is aware that correspondence from the territories occupied by General Franco's forces other than purely diplomatic correspondence transmitted in the diplomatic bag, but including official communications from His Majesty's Consuls not despatched by bag, has to be submitted unsealed to General Franco's military censors for censorship and, at their discretion, despatch or destruction; whether any such consular communications have been received here censored; and whether he is satisfied that all communications addressed by His Majesty's Consuls to the appropriate Department in this country have been duly received;(2) whether he is aware that General Franco's representatives claim the right to open and censor official and other communications, not transmitted by bag, addressed from this country to His Majesty's Consuls in the territories above mentioned; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that communications between His Majesty's Government and subjects in this country and His Majesty's Consuls in such territories may be free from censorship or other interference on the part of General Franco and his representatives?

There have been one or two isolated cases of censorship by the Spanish insurgent authorities of the official correspondence of His Majesty's consular officers, and protests on this subject have been addressed to the insurgent authorities on two occasions. As a result of these protests, the consular mails have been allowed to pass without interference and I do not therefore feel that any further action on the part of His Majesty's Government is called for in the matter. I am not aware that any communications addressed by His Majesty's consular officers to His Majesty's Government have failed to arrive.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether upon the rising of Parliament His Majesty's Government will approach both sides in Spain and invite the leaders to lay down their arms for a truce of a week, so as to afford an opportunity for free discussion and the settlement of disputes?

I am afraid that such an approach as my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind, if made at the present time, would be undoubtedly rejected by both parties. I can, however, assure my hon. and gallant Friend that His Majesty's Government are constantly watching the situation in order that no opportunity in which a further effort at mediation might usefully be made should be lost.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that during the last few weeks two vessels, one German and the other Dutch, were loaded at the Camber, Portsmouth, with scrap iron and steel; and whether, in view of the shortage of scrap iron and steel, any steps are being taken to discourage exports?

I have no information with regard to the export of scrap referred to in the first part of the question but I am making inquiries. As regards the last part, there is an arrangement between the British Iron and Steel Federation and the National Federation of Iron and Steel Scrap Merchants, the object of which is to conserve in this country any supplies of scrap suitable for home use. I would add that in several cases of recent exports of scrap iron and steel, about which inquiries have been made, it has proved that the contracts were entered into before this arrangement was made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether his attention has been called to the difficulties experienced by users of raw steel owing to the shortage of supplies; and if he can state what steps are being taken to deal with the situation;(2) whether he can make a statement as to the present position in respect of the supplies of iron and steel for use in the United Kingdom?

I am aware that some steel users are in difficulty because of shortage of supplies of steel. I am glad to say that the United Kingdom output is increasing and that supplies from the Cartel countries are also improving.

asked The President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that lift gear-boxes, gear centres. and parts are being imported from Germany, the indications of origin removed, and resold as goods of British manufacture; what, if any, loss of revenue is incurred by their importation as part-machined goods; and what steps he is prepared to take to prevent this deception of consumers and loss of employment to British workers?

I have no information regarding the matter to which the hon. Member refers, but if he cares to furnish me with full particulars, I will certainly consider whether there is any action that I can take.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many times the Associated Cinemas, Limited, have been fined under the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927, since the passing of that Act for exceeding the quota of foreign films in this country; whether this company are or are not the biggest offenders in this respect; and if he is satisfied that Mr. John Maxwell, the chairman and managing director of this company, in those circumstances is a suitable person to advise the Board of Trade on film production?

The exhibitors in question have been fined five times in different theatres for defaults under Part III of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927, since the Act came into force. As was pointed out to my hon. Friend in the reply given to him on the 26th July, these offences were in respect of a circuit of some 250 cinemas and no reasonable standard of comparison with other exhibitors exists. Mr. Maxwell is a representative of the Film Producers on the Cinematograph Films Advisory Committee, and I have no reason to suppose that these defaults in any way affect his work as a member of that committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the requirement under the new by-laws in regard to qualifications of candidates for licences and licensing of pilots in the London pilotage district, that only persons holding a Board of Trade certificate of competency as master of a foreign-going steamship may become pilots or exempt pilots in this area, is a departure from the previous requirements?

The requirement in the by-laws that a candidate for a licence shall possess a Board of Trade certificate of competency as master of a foreign-going steamship does not apply to candidates for licences as exempt pilots, but only to candidates for licences as Channel, Cinque Ports, North Channel, Compulsory River Thames and Compulsory River Medway pilots. This is not a departure from the previous requirement. The corresponding requirement in the case of candidates for licences as exempt pilots is that, unless they were on the waiting list in 1914 when the earlier code of bylaws was made, they shall posesss a Board of Trade certificate of competency as master of a home trade ship. This also is not a departure from the previous requirement.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state the number of postal packages lost in transit during the financial year 1935–36, and the amount paid for compensation?

The figures available are as follow:Registered letters and parcels lost (out of 41 million posted) 689.Ordinary parcels lost (out of 155 million posted) 12,337.Total amount paid as compensation £12,991.No estimate can be given of the number or value of unregistered packets which are lost in the post.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will state the number of telegrams despatched during the financial year 1935–36 throughout Great Britain?

The number of paid telegrams despatched during the financial year 1935–36 from Offices in Great Britain and Northern Ireland for delivery to places within that territory, was approximately 42 millions.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the recent discussions of the British Medical Association at Belfast and of the recommendations of the Select Committee on Patent Medicines in 1914, he will give further consideration to the expediency of excluding advertisements of aids to hearing from postage-stamp books sold by his Department; and what, if any, financial loss would be occasioned thereby?

My right hon. Friend has referred to reports of the recent discussions of the British Medical Association on this matter and can find in them no reason for modifying the present policy of the Post Office, which was confirmed a few months ago after careful consideration in connection with the questions asked on 7th December last by my hon. Friend the Member for Eccles (Mr. Cary) and on 2nd February last by my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle-on-Tyne, North (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle). The financial loss from the exclusion of advertisements of aids to hearing would be upwards of £3,000 a year.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, as a result of the investigations carried on into the development of short-wave broadcasting by various foreign countries steps are contemplated in the near future to extend the duration and improve the quality of our own Empire short-wave broadcasting service?

I am informed by the British Broadcasting Corporation that no immediate extension of the duration of the Empire short-wave broadcasting service is contemplated. The service has been progressively extended since it began in 1932 and now covers over 18 hours in every 24. I understand that a steady and continuous advance is being made in the quality of the programmes and that reports from all over the world have shown that technical reception of the service has been considerably improved since the recent opening of two new high-power transmitters at the Daventry station.

asked the Home Secretary how many reports he has received with regard to misbehaviour by the Basque children; and what action he proposes taking?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave yesterday to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Ayr Burghs (Sir T. Moore), and to which I am unable to add anything.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give instructions that in all streets where the Metropolitan police allow taximeter cabs to park to the exclusion of private motor cars, notices should be displayed showing the space reserved to taximeter cabs and the number of taximeter cabs allowed to park?

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that notices defining the limits of each taxicab rank and the number of cabs allowed arc displayed at all standings in the Metropolitan police district. In many cases the limits are also defined by metal studs or white lines on the roadway.

asked the Home Secretary for what reason John Rowlands, recently convicted of murder at the Hampsire Assizes, was originally committed to an approved school and why, subsequently, he was sent to Borstal?

In June, 1931, this youth was committed to an industrial school for stealing. In March of last year he was charged with absconding from an approved school to which he had been sent, and the Court made an order that he should be sent to a Borstal institution for a period of two years.

asked the Prime Minister whether any satisfactory reason can be given for the report of the Forestry Commission for the year ended 31st September, 1936, only being made available to Members of Parliament on 21st July, 1937?

I have been asked to reply. The annual reports of the Forestry Commissioners are usually not issued until July as their preparation entails the collection, checking and tabulation of statistics and accounts from all parts of the country, while planting and nursery operations from November to May leave the divisional officers hale time for office work during that period. The 1936 report was issued on the same day of the month as the 1935 report.

asked the Minister of Pensions to what extent advantage has been taken by disability pensioners of the scheme of savings inaugurated by him for their benefit last year; and whether applications to join the scheme are still being received?

Approximately 9,250 pensioners have applied to take advantage of the scheme in the II months since the scheme was instituted. I am glad to say that applications continue to be received at a satisfactory rate. I would add that the sums accumulated by participants already amount to about £70,800.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that local authorities and others have seen their way to make concessions in the form of travel free or at reduced fares to seriously disabled ex-service men; whether any similar concession is afforded by public or private commercial transport companies; and, if so, to what extent this has been done?

A certain number of local authorities have for some years granted concessions in travel to the more seriously disabled ex-service men. I have recently approached others who had not previously granted any such facilities, and to-day 52 local authorities grant free travel or travel at reduced rates to limbless and others seriously disabled. The blind are already provided for by a separate concession. A few omnibus companies operating over wide areas in the provinces have given a similar concession. The results so far achieved lead me to hope that the list may be substantially extended.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he can state the number of civilian cases in which the services of the Ministry's surgical staff have recently been made available for the fitting, adjustment, or repair of artificial limbs?

In the nine months from October last to June of this year the Ministry's surgical staff have dealt with 247 cases of civilians requiring the provision of new artificial limbs and 376 cases of repairs and adjustments.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the nature of the alterations proposed to be effected by His Majesty's Government in the terms on which lands are held by certain native chiefs of Western Uganda or in the method of collection of taxes or rents in their territories; what are the reasons therefor; whether they are in accordance with the terms of the 1900 agreement; whether the agreement of the native chiefs whose interests are affected has been obtained or sought; and whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to effect these alterations in

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the factors taken into account in determining the

There are in existence in Uganda various ancient arrangements as regards rent and taxation and the policy of the Government is to do away with these survivals as opportunity offers, replacing them by a more suitable system of taxation. In the case of Toro and Ankole, to which it is presumed the hon. Member refers, there was a payment which was originally in lieu of service rendered to the chief. In course of time this payment became regarded as of the nature of rent for land and the system adopted was that payment was collected by the Native Administration and then refunded to individual landlords where there were such. The Governor desires to abolish this arrangement and is taking steps accordingly. It will be necessary for the agreement, to which the hon. Member refers, to be modified in some respects either by negotiation of an entirely new agreement or by a supplementary one, and it will be obvious that any such alterations will require the consent of the native chiefs concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will state the incidence and fatality of tuberculosis in Scotland in 1934, 1935, and 1936?

Following is the information desired:suitability of persons for the duties of commissioner for special areas include a knowledge of commerce and industry and personal participation in their control; and to what extent such factors were in evidence and responsible for the appointment of the present Commissioner for Special Areas in Scotland?

I do not think it would be desirable to attempt any analysis of the factors to which regard has to be had in the selection of a particular Commissioner. The main consideration in my mind is that a person appointed to the post should possess, in addition to general ability, initiative and vigour of outlook. So far as knowledge of commerce and industry is concerned, I would remind the hon. Member that the Commissioners for the Special Areas are assisted by Lord Portal as Chief Industrial Adviser and that they have also appointed industrial officers whose function it is to establish contacts with business interests.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the hardship which often poor persons are faced with in payment of fines for small offences; and if it is his intention to introduce a measure for Scotland similar to the Money Payments (Justices Procedure) Act, 1935, which applies to England, and, if so, when?

Under the existing law, a Summary Court is required in fixing fines to take into consideration the means of offenders so far as the means appear or are known to the court, and the court has power, at any time before imprisonment follows on a sentence, to reduce a fine if it comes to the knowledge of the court that the fine is too high having regard to the ability of the offender to pay. Since October last the courts have also had power to deal with applications for further time for the payment of fines irrespective of whether the time originally allowed has expired or not, and have been required, in dealing with such applications, to allow further time unless satisfied that the failure to pay has been wilful or that the offender has no reasonable prospect of being able to pay if further time is allowed. Further legislative provision on the enforcement of fines in Scotland is under consideration but I am not in a position to say more.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps are being taken to meet the need of the crofters in Inverkirkaig, Strathan, and Badnaban for grazing for their sheep?

I understand that the owner of the lands in question is arranging to meet his tenants at an early date with a view to discussion of the whole matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give careful consideration to the special position of Dagania and its neighbouring colonies when dealing with the Palestine situation, in view of the important place which they hold in Jewish colonisation?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to the Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams) on 28th July.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the document printed in the White Paper, Cmd. 3326, was an agreement dated 22nd May, 1929, for the grant of the concession within 12 months for the extraction of salts from the Dead Sea, and that when that agreement was executed there was also executed an agreement between the same parties which nullified the concession if within three years a pre-war Turkish concession granting similar rights then held by a British subject was held to be valid; whether he is also aware that this agreement for the grant of the concession was stated in Appendix XIV of the Annual Report on Palestine and Transjordan for 1929 to have been concluded, and no reference was made to the other agreement; and why was this other agreement, which was a vital part of the terms under which the concession was being granted, withheld from this House and all reference to it omitted from the report?

The hon. Member is not correct in stating that the documents printed in the White Paper, Command 3326, which was published on the 8th of May, 1929, comprised an agreement dated the 22nd of May, 1929. The Command Paper purported to contain, and did contain, merely the drafts of the Preliminary Agreement and Heads of Concession which were not actually signed until the 22nd of May in that year. The drafts which appear in the White Paper were undated except for the year "1929."As regards the second part of the question, my right hon. Friend is aware that an agreement was also signed on the 22nd of May with reference to the effect of a Turkish concession. This and the "preliminary agreement" were superseded by the Deed and the final concession agreement which were signed, as mentioned in a previous reply, on the 1st of January, 1930. My right hon. Friend is also aware of the facts stated in the third part of the question.As regards the last part of the question, my right hon. Friend finds that the documents included in Command 3326 were precisely those documents which the Secretary of State at the time had promised to lay in response to a request by a Member of this House, and my right hon. Friend cannot agree that any information which should properly have been given to the House was withheld from it. As regards the Annual Report, he cannot find that the question of the inclusion of the agreement relating to the Turkish concession was ever considered.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give any information on the withdrawal of their resignation from the Kenya executive council of Lord Francis Scott and Captain Schwartze; whether the Governor made any concessions to them in order to secure their consent to be reappointed; and, if so, in what such concessions consisted?

The two gentlemen in question have not withdrawn their resignations from the Executive Council of Kenya. They have been reappointed to the Council in the usual manner, and, so far as my right hon. Friend is aware, no conditions of any kind were attached to the re-appointment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, as soon as a decision has been reached upon the restoration of the temporary allowances to Government employés, he will consider the desirability of setting up, either in Malaya or in London, a round-table conference of representatives of employers and European employés in the tin and rubber industry with a view to ascertaining whether the present remuneration of such European workers is, in all the circumstances, adequate?

I do not consider that there is any sufficient reason for the Government to convene such a conference.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can make a statement upon the present financial position and indebtedness of the province of Alberta?

My right hon. Friend is sending my hon. and learned Friend a copy of a statement furnished by the Canadian Government which brings up to date our knowledge of the legislative position. Apart from that, I have no later information than that contained in the answer which my right hon. Friend gave him on the subject on 13th April.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what reports have been received to show whether there is an increasing accumulation of loose drifting mines in the Western Mediterranean as well as along the route outside the Balearic Islands between Gibraltar and Marseilles; and whether action will be taken by the authorities to destroy the mines and to have a route patrolled so that shipowners can have some guarantee of safety for their vessels navigating in these waters?

There have been no reports of an accumulation of drifting mines but it is not improbable that there has been some increase in the number which have broken adrift. Any drifting mines which may be sighted by His Majesty's ships would be destroyed but it would be impossible for any system of patrol to guarantee safety routes in the large area concerned.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can make any announcement about marriage allowances for naval officers before the House rises?

Examination of this question which necessarily affects the other Defence Services is not yet completed, but steps are being taken which will, I hope, assist the Government in reaching conclusions with as little delay as possible.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to give details of the scheme whereby regular training is to be provided for officers and men of the merchant navy in the use of guns and other material which they might have to use in the event of an emergency?

I hope that it will be possible to promulgate the details of the scheme for officers in a few days. Endeavour is being made to start the courses early in September. The question of the training of men is still under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can give details as to the incidence and fatality of tuberculosis in India?

The latest available information is on pages 77 to 80 of the Annual Report of the Public Health Commissioner with the Government of India for 1934, a copy of which is being sent to the hon. Member.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will consider making arrangements to supply official guides available to conduct members of the public over the Palace of Westminster on Saturdays in view of the interest taken by the public in the historic associations of the buildings?

I will consult the appropriate authorities and will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the First Commissioner of Works at what figure the island site opposite the Victoria and Albert Museum has been sold; on whose advice the method of disposal by tender was adopted; whether any valuation was made before tenders were invited and by whom; and why the property was not submitted for sale by public auction?

The sale of the island site has not yet been completed, and I am therefore not in a position to state the figure required by the hon. Member. A valuation was made before tenders were invited by officers of the Inland Revenue. The property was in the hands of my Deaprtment for disposal and it was submitted for sale by sealed tender rather than by public auction, because, in the circumstances of the case, the former method was regarded as likely to be productive of the best result.

asked the Secretary of State for War under what Acts of Parliament he has power to convert units of the Territorial Force, the men of which have enlisted as infantry, into other arms such as anti-aircraft units?

Under Section 7 {4) (b) of the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act, 1907, men of the Territorial Army can only be transferred from one corps to another with their consent. Men in infantry units selected for conversion who do not consent to remain with their units after conversion are given the option of transferring to another unit in the neighbourhood, if there are vacancies, or of terminating their service.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the loss of an unexploded small calibre shell from the sands at Shoeburyness on 12th July last; whether he is still satisfied that the regulations designed to exclude the public from artillery ranges are adequate and adequately enforced; and whether he will assist in allaying public alarm by making a statement?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is "Yes, Sir." As regards the last part, I see no reason for public alarm. Notice boards warning persons who may stray on to the sands about the extreme danger of handling any projectiles which may be seen lying about are displayed in many conspicuous places. Over a very great number of years the warning has been effective. Complete exclusion from the sands at all times is unnecessary provided that persons walking on them abide by the warning.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether his attention has been called to the objections taken to certain features of the Avebury preservation scheme by leading local residents whose livelihood depends on the agriculture of the district; and if he will consult with the other authorities concerned to ensure that, in the effort to recreate Ave-bury somewhat as it was in bygone centuries, due regard is had to the interests of the people living in and around Ave-bury?

I am satisfied that the scheme for the preservation of Avebury involves no restrictions on agricultural interests and will not prevent the meeting of the housing needs of the community. If the hon. Member has any special points to raise, I shall be glad to consider them.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the exceptionally heavy rush of orders recently placed from a foreign country for large-scale British ordnance maps and charts of the environs of London and other large towns in Britain; and whether, in the national interest, he will consider taking steps to prevent the export in such volume of these valuable strategic documents?

I am aware of certain statements which have appeared in the Press, but my information does not confirm that there has been any recent heavy rush of orders placed from a foreign country for British ordnance maps and charts of the kind in question. The second part of the question, therefore, does not arise. If the hon. and gallant Member will write and tell me the channels through which the alleged heavy rush of orders has been placed, my right hon. Friend will cause inquiries to be made.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that there is an acute shortage of railway wagons at Whitstable and Teignmouth, which is causing delay, expense, and inconvenience to receivers of coastwise cargoes and coastwise shipping; and what immediate steps are being taken to remedy the position?

I am forwarding for my hon. Friend's information a copy of the statements I have obtained from the railway companies on the subject. In each case, it appears that there has been one recent instance of difficulty, in regard to wagon supply, for a short period only.

asked the Minister of Transport how many persons have been killed and how many injured on the London Road, Norbury, for the 12 months ended 30th June, 1937; and whether he proposes to take any steps for making the conditions on this road safer for users, particularly pedestrians?

One person was killed and 55 were injured on the London Road, Norbury, during the 12 months ended 30th June, 1937. The question whether additional safety measures are practicable is continually under consideration.

asked the Minister of Transport whether application has been made to the Railway Rates Tribunal in connection with the fares from Stanmore, Metropolitan Railway; and, if so, when can a decision be expected?

I am informed that no such application has been received by the tribunal.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the report of the appeal of the Kilmarnock Town Council with regard to the omnibus season-ticket rate between Kilmarnock and Glasgow; and what action he proposes to take?

My predecessor's decision on this appeal was issued on 12th November, 1936.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the number of inspectors engaged in the hackney carriage licensing department of the Metropolitan area and the manner in which the staff is recruited; whether those who satisfy themselves that the bodies of tramcars and omnibuses are safe for the conveyance of the travelling public are men who have had practical training in coach-building and not merely those with school instruction; and whether, if no such practice prevails, he will consult the representative of the National Union of Vehicle Builders to ensure that all available advice and experience is at the disposal of his Department?

The licensing of tramcars and omnibuses in the Metropolitan area is the responsibility of the Metropolitan Traffic Commissioner. He has the assistance of a staff of certifying officers and vehicle examiners, who are required to have had practical experience of the construction or maintenance of motor vehicles.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can state the number of retail and wholesale firms in London using more than five vans who still employ horse vehicles?

I regret that I am not in a position to give the information asked for by the hon. Lady.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the report of the chief constable of Liverpool stating that, since certain roads in that city have been de-restricted, the number of accidents which had declined during a comparative period of restriction has increased by nearly 50 per cent.; and whether he will give full consideration to the advisability of using his powers under Section 1, Subsection (6), of the Road Traffic Act, 1934, and reimposing a speed limit?

My attention has not been drawn to the report to which my hon. Friend refers and no representations have been made to me by the council in the matter since the Order of 10th August, 1936. I shall, of course, be prepared to consider any representations that may be made by the responsible local authority.

asked the Minister of Transport whether consideration has been given to the construction of a new tube railway to deal with the overcrowding of passengers on the line between Morden and Hampstead?

I am informed by the London Passenger Transport Board that they have no plans for the construction of a new tube railway between the places named.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House an assurance that he will agree to no proposals which may be made to the Assembly of the League of Nations the effect of which would be to call in question the right of the Emperor Haile Sélassie to nominate delegates to the League of Nations; and whether he will resist any proposal that would involve any explicit or implied recognition of the invading Italian forces now engaged in military operations in Abyssinia?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for Dundee (Mr. Foot) on this subject yesterday, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he has now ascertained the reason why Major D. Graham Pole, formerly Member of Parliament for South Derbyshire, when on a cruise on the steamship "Empress of Australia," was refused permission to land at Leningrad, although booked for in-tourist sightseeing and having complied with all the formalities considered necessary by Intourist, Limited, the Soviet authorities declining to give any reason for such refusal; and whether he is aware that the above facts were brought to the attention of His Majesty's ambassador in Moscow on the 21st July?

As stated in the reply which was given to my hon. Friend's previous question on this subject on Monday, my right hon. Friend has requested His Majesty's ambassador at Moscow to approach the Soviet Government with a view to ascertaining the reasons for the action of the Leningrad authorities, if he had not already done so. I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as the ambassador's report is received.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the proposals made by the King of the Belgians to his Prime Minister urging the creation of an international organisation for economic studies have yet been communicated to him; and what action he proposes to take?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave yesterday to the hon. Members for Wolverhampton, East (Mr. Mander) and Bassetlaw (Mr. Bellenger), to which I have nothing to add.