asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether he has considered the recommendation contained in the verdict of the jury which sat on the fatal accident inquiry at Dumbarton, on 18th October, 1937, into the deaths of 10 young male seasonal workers at Kirkintilloch, the recommendation being to the effect that all premises intended for the use of seasonal workers as sleeping accommodation should be inspected before use by an inspector of the local authority; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter;

(2) what are the names of the local authorities that have not made by-laws in terms of Sub-section (1) of Section 83 of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1925, anent accommodation for seasonal workers in Scotland; what steps the Scottish Board of Health intend to take in order to require those local authorities to make such by-laws; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent catastrophes similar to that which occurred in Kirkintilloch on or about 16th September, 1937, resulting in the death of 10 young male seasonal workers?

The following local authorities have not adopted by-laws under Section 83 (1) of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1925: County Councils of Aberdeen, Banff, Berwick, Bute, Caithness, Clackmannan, Dumfries, Kincardine, Kinross, Moray, Nairn, Peebles, Ross and Cromarty, Roxburgh, Selkirk, Sutherland.

Town Councils: the only burghs in Scotland with by-laws under this provision are Dundee, Dunfermline, Edinburgh, Ardrossan and Lerwick.

It will be realised that in many local authority areas seasonal workers have not been accommodated and by-laws have been unnecessary.

Since the disaster at Kirkintilloch, I have carefully considered the whole question of accommodation for seasonal workers and a detailed report of the Fatal Accidents Inquiry which was subsequently held. I am issuing immediately to all local authorities through the Department of Health a circular asking them to review the position in their areas with a view to taking appropriate action, whether by making by-laws or by revising existing by-laws with particular regard to the prevention of, and safety from, fire. The circular will also direct the local authorities' attention to the recommendation made by the jury at the Fatal Accidents Inquiry and ask the authorities to make adequate arrangements for inspection of premises both before and during occupation by seasonal workers.

The hon. and learned Member will see in the Bill dealing with rural housing in Scotland which will be in the hands of hon. Members to-morrow that it is proposed that local authorities in whose areas such by-laws are necessary should be under obligation to frame by-laws.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will state the number of birchings that have been ordered during the last 12 months in Scotland affecting children under 16 years of age?

During the year 1936, 230 juveniles under 16 years of age were ordered to be birched. I regret that later figures are not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, with reference to the sales of milk for manufactures other than fresh cream, butter, and cheese, which other sales had, between August, 1936, and August, 1937, increased from 12.12 per cent. to 17.04 per cent. of the total milk sales for manufacturing purposes, he will state what are the chief of these other manufactures; and what were the quantities of milk taken for each during each of the above months?

The milk in question is used for manufacture into condensed milk, tinned cream, whole milk powder and margarine. I regret, however, that I have not the information desired as to the actual quantities used for each of these purposes, and I understand that for trade reasons it would be difficult to publish the specific figures. I should be glad, however, to discuss the matter further with the hon. and learned Member if he desires.

asked the Minister of Transport if he has any statement to make regarding steps to be taken towards providing a better service of trains between London and Edinburgh on Friday evening and so avoid the necessity of Scottish Members of Parliament having to remain in London on Fridays from 4 p.m., when the House rises, until about 10.30 p.m.?

I have communicated with the railway companies concerned. The Coronation Express leaves King's Cross at 4 p.m. Between that hour and 11 p.m. five trains leave London for Edinburgh. The companies feel that there is no real demand for augmenting the service at the present time.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that fatal accidents to children have continued to occur from contact with the live rail on the Southern Railway system; and what steps has he taken to ensure adequate protection by the railway authorities against this danger that they are introducing into the countryside?

I have been in communication with the Southern Railway Company about the recent cases of electrocution among children through contact with the live rail, and following is a full statement of the steps which the company propose to take to give additional protection against this danger.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will make a statement regarding prospective development of trunk roads in Scotland generally and in the county of Linlithgow in particular?

As I did not become the highway authority in Scotland until the 16th May of this year (rather less than six months ago) I feel it would be premature to attempt at this date to make the statement which the hon. Member suggests, but I have in immediate contemplation schemes in Scotland estimated to cost over one million pounds.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the suggestion that he should give an assurance that the Government will bear 75 per cent. of the expense involved in preparatory work in connection with the projected Forth Road-Bridge; and whether he is prepared to give this assurance?

The Government have already announced their policy regarding this and certain other bridge schemes. As matters stand, I am not in a position to give the assurance for which the hon. Member asks.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the present approximate mileage of roads in Great Britain which is without footpaths?

I regret that the information asked for is not available.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the fact that the development of light industries in South Wales has been seriously hampered by the absence of good road-transport facilities; and whether, with a view to reducing congestion in the Greater London area, which is becoming increasingly serious through the continual erection of new factories, he will arrange for particular attention to be paid in the near future to road facilities in South Wales?

I must not be taken as in any way accepting the assumption on which this question is based. So far as trunk roads are concerned I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer I gave on 21st October to the hon. Member for Pontypool (Mr. A. Jenkins). For improvements on other roads I am prepared to consider any application the responsible highway authorities may make.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that railway companies refuse to accept liability for accidents to passengers travelling by train with cheap daily return tickets; that in many cases these tickets are available for return by omnibus or motor-coach and when so used liability for accidents is accepted by the companies operating the service; and will he endeavour to get the railway companies to remedy this restriction and accept liability as in the case of the road transport companies?

I have been in communication with the railway companies, who have informed me that they are not prepared to accept this liability. I am considering what is the most useful action I can take in the matter.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the danger arising to everyone using that portion of High Street, Stratford, from Bow Bridge to the new portion constructed and opened in 1933; and what steps he proposes to take, in conjunction with the local highways authority, to expedite the widening of the portion of this highway referred to?

The local authority have informed me that they hope to complete the acquisition of property in the near future. Where land and buildings have already been acquired demolition work is in hand and every endeavour is being made to expedite progress.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the danger arising to vehicles where telegraph poles are placed too near the highway; and can he say who is responsible for putting them up?

My right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General, is always prepared to give consideration to any reasonable request that the position of telegraph poles should be altered where they have become a potential source of danger to road users.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has any information showing the extent to which local authorities in the principal cities of Great Britain have, during the current year, insisted on underground garages being provided beneath new houses, buildings, blocks of flats, business premises, places of entertainment, and other similar buildings erected in their traffic-congested areas, and the owners or patrons of which are likely to be car-users; and what steps he has taken to encourage the provision of such garages?

The attention of local authorities has been drawn from time to time to their powers under Section 17 of the Restriction of Ribbon Development Act, 1935. That section enables local authorities in certain circumstances to require the provision of accommodation for loading and unloading vehicles, picking up or setting down passengers, or re-fuelling but does not enable them to insist on the provision of garages as such.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the charge for ambulance wagons crossing the Queensferry Ferry is at the rate of the highest horse-power private motor cars; and whether, as none of the local ambulances exceed 20 horse power, he will use his influence to secure a reduction in the charge?

This ferry is owned by the London and North Eastern Railway Company who inform me that the tolls for ambulances were reduced in January, 1935, from 7s. 6d. for a single journey and 15s. for a return journey to 6s. 6d. and 11s. respectively, and that they consider these charges to be equitable in relation to those for other types of vehicles.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he proposes to amend the statutory provisions for compulsory insurance to meet the large number of cases of persons injured by motor vehicles through no fault of their own, and left without any prospect of obtaining compensation?

The recommendations in the Report of the Committee on Compulsory Insurance, which was appointed by the then President of the Board of Trade, are now being considered by the Departments concerned.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that considerable inconvenience has been caused by the long uncertainty as to when, by what authority, and at whose expense High Street, Romford, is to be widened; and whether he can supply information on the matter?

I am actively considering the best means of dealing with the section of trunk road of which High Street, Rumford, forms part.

asked the Minister of Transport whether work has started on any contracts and, if so, where and what progress has been made in connection with the electrification of the London and North Eastern line from Liverpool Street to Shenfield?

Yes, Sir. I am informed by the London and North Eastern Railway Company that preliminary work has been started between Bow Junction and Stratford and at Stratford and Goodmayes and that substantial contracts have been invited in connection with other portions of the scheme.

asked the Minister of Transport what is causing the delay in commencing the improvements on the trunk road east of Haltwhistle, Northumberland, which, if proceeded with, would find work for a number of unemployed, a considerable proportion of whom are ex-service men whose physical condition through unemployment has been reconditioned by the efforts of the British Legion?

asked the Minister of Transport when work is likely to start on the east-to-west trunk road in the neighbourhood of Haltwhistle?

Before work can be started on a trunk road by-pass an Order under Section 1 (3) of the Trunk Roads Act, 1936, is necessary. The period of notice of the Order in this case expired 10 days ago and the representations which I have received must be duly considered before I can properly make the Order.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is now in a position to give a favourable reply to the representations which have been made to him on behalf of residents in Carntyne, Glasgow, that the 30 miles per hour speed limit be re-imposed on that portion of the Glasgow-Edinburgh road which passes through Carntyne?

I expect shortly to receive a report on this and other roads in Glasgow and I will then give my decision.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the slow progress which is being made in the signposting of footpaths and bridle-ways; and whether, with a view to reducing the number of pedestrians who use the main traffic routes, he will consider making some financial grant towards such signposting?

I am always ready to authorise signs for the purpose which my hon. Friend has in mind and where they are on classified roads outside county boroughs they automatically rank for grant. Last year, in connection with the question of road safety among school children, my Department drew the attention of all highway authorities to the desirability of maintaining and sign-posting field paths.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can state the number of driving licences issued in England and Wales for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date?

During the 12 months ended 30th September, 1937, 3,946,703 driving licences were issued in England and Wales.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the number of "A," "B," and "C" licences issued during 1936; and also this year up to the last convenient date?

The number of licences current at 30th June, 1937, and 30th April, 1936, were:

		1937	1936.
"A"*	…	28,888	28,916
"B"	…	34,589	34,320
"C"	…	186,734	161,535
* Including "A" contract licences.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, when the survey of the trunk roads is complete, he will take steps to draw up a scheme for their complete reorganisation, including motor roads of a standard equal to that of the German Autobahn; and whether he will arrange that the plans for this reorganisation are ready to be put into immediate operation as soon as the present re-armament programme is completed?

I propose to press on with the improvement and modernisation of the trunk roads as expeditiously as circumstances and funds permit. With regard to the question of the additional provision of motor roads of the type now being constructed in Germany, I have already expressed my readiness to hear the representations of the delegation which recently visited that country.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in his proposed inspection of the road from London to Brighton, he will give particular consideration to the question of re-imposing a 30 miles-per-hour speed limit on that road from Star Inn to Church Lane, Hooley, in view of the fact that the number of accidents has increased in this area, and that a petition signed by a number of residents was recently sent to him on this subject?

I would assure my hon. Friend that I am giving most careful consideration to the representations which he has made to me about this length of road.

asked the Minister of Transport when the alterations to the Castleton, Lancashire, railway station are to be engaged upon by the railway company; and will this reconstruction include the raising of the passenger platform, in view of the discomfort and danger to passengers using this station?

I am informed by the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company that they have this matter under active consideration, and I will communicate with the hon. Member when I learn the Company's decision.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the dangerous road surface in Berkeley Square, London; whether he is aware that this particular type of road surface occurs elsewhere and proves a source of danger; and whether he will circularise local authorities with a view to rendering the surface, where it exists, less dangerous, and refraining from using it in future road construction?

I have had inquiries made with regard to the road surface in Berkeley Square and am informed that part of the western carriageway was relaid in 1935 with wood blocks; the south side was relaid in September last. The Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis has reported no accidents in the Square during the last 12 months, and the few minor mishaps which have occurred cannot be attributed to the road surface. In these circumstances I see no reason to circularise local authorities on the lines suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, as a result of the recent Appeal Court decision where the use of a mechanically-operated stop indicator, without the addition of a hand signal, was found to be insufficient to indicate the intention of a driver to stop, he proposes, by new regulations or amending legislation, to remedy this position and also to make it clear in law that in future a mechanically-operated direction signal, even without the addition of a hand signal, will be a sufficient indication of a contemplated change in direction, so as to be in conformity with the instructions in the Highway Code to the effect that hand signals should be used where mechanical indicators are not used?

I am advised that, under the Court of Appeal decision, to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, the question whether a mechanical indicator is by iself an adequate warning remains, as it was before, a question of fact to be determined according to the particular circumstances and the particular manner in which the indicator is used. The Highway Code recognised the use of mechanical signals, but did not confer upon them any greater adequacy in law than they may be found to have in fact. As at present advised, I do not think that it is necessary to disturb this position.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the total payments which have now been ma de by way of grants out of the Road Fund in putting into operation the five-year road improvement plan of £100,000,000 which was announced on behalf of His Majesty's Government in November, 1935?

Payments made out of the Road Fund up to 30th September, 1937, in respect of grants for schemes in the Highway Authorities' five-year programmes amount to £8¾ millions. In addition approximately £500,000 has been paid out of the Fund during the current financial year in respect of schemes on Trunk Roads, originally included by the authorities in their programmes, for which I assumed responsibility on 1st April last.

asked the Minister of Transport, who held the inquiry into the proposed Maidstone by-pass scheme; what consulting engineer acted as technical adviser to this person; what firm of consulting engineers was responsible for the drawing up of the by-pass scheme in question; and to which firm it is proposed to entrust the supervision of the scheme if it is proceeded with?

The inquiry was held by Mr. H. Martyn Hooke, Barrister-at-law, who was not accompanied by a technical adviser; the scheme was prepared by the officers of the Kent County Council in consultation with my officers. As at present advised, I do not think it will be necessary to engage consulting engineers. in this case.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the growing uneasiness among motorists at the danger of insufficiently lighted lorries at night; whether he will consider issuing regulations that lorries should carry two red lights with reflectors of at least six inches in diameter; and whether in any case he will experiment with such improved lighting?

I am aware that a certain number of bad accidents can be attributed to collisions with stationary vehicles at night but I have no power under the existing law to issue the regulations suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Minister of Transport when the Government proposes to introduce legislation to implement the proposals contained in the White Paper on electricity distribution?

I cannot add to the announcement made in the Kings' Speech.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he has yet considered making arrangements for official guides to conduct the public over the Houses of Parliament on Saturdays; and, if so, with what effect?

Yes, Sir. I have consulted the appropriate authorities. Permits are issued to approved guides to conduct the public over the Houses of Parliament on Saturdays and it is not felt advisable to appoint official guides in addition.

asked the Minister of Health what steps the Government are proposing to take to augment the amenities in cottages available for the agricultural labourer?

asked the Minister of Health whether he will take steps to assist local authorities in rural areas whereby they will be able to provide cottages for agricultural workers at rents within their capacity to pay?

I would refer to the reply given on 28th October to my hon. Friends the Members for St. Albans (Sir F. Fremantle) and Evesham (Mr. De la Bère). The question of the steps to be taken to secure the improvement of existing accommodation is also discussed in the report of the Central Housing Advisory Committee which has recently been published and is receiving my right hon. Friend's consideration.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the number of town planning schemes submitted to the Ministry of Health since January, 1935?

One hundred and fifty-nine planning schemes have been submitted to my right hon. Friend since the 1st January, 1935.

asked the Minister of Health how many districts or areas reported water shortage during recent months; and what steps were taken to deal with the position?

My right hon. Friend has received reports of shortage from 12 districts. In three of them, additional supplies were readily available and have been provided. In the remainder, my right hon. Friend is in communication with the local authorities concerned on the remedial measures required.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will state the number of persons who have had applications for old age pensions refused during the five years ended to the last convenient date?

The number of claims to non-contributory old age pensions including claims to blind persons pensions which were rejected owing to non-fulfilment of the statutory conditions during the five years ended 30th September, 1937, was 50,642. The number of persons concerned in these claims is not available.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will state the number of Departmental clerical officers of Customs and Excise who, since the issue of the Departmental seniority list for their grade, have been called up for interview by the Departmental Promotions Board; and the number of such officers who have been promoted?

The answer to the first part of the question is 194, excluding officers called up for interviews which are now in progress. The number selected for promotion is 26.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what were the numbers, respectively, of clerical assistants, shorthand typists and copying typists who were eligible for consideration for promotion to the clerical classes by reason of length of service on 1st April of each of the years 1929 to 1936, inclusive; what was the number of S-class men eligible for such promotion on each of these same dates; what were the numbers, respectively, of clerical assistants, shorthand typists, copying typists and S-class men who were promoted to clerical class vacancies, both general and Departmental, during each of the years within the period 1st April, 1929, to 31st March, 1937; and what was the total number of clerical class vacancies, general and Departmental, filled during each of the years within the period 1st April, 1929, to 31st March, 1937?

It would be an extremely heavy task, for which staff is not at pre-

Grade.			Numbers eligible by service for promotion to the general and departmental clerical classes on		Number of promotions made to the general and departmental clerical classes during year ending
			1st April, 1935.	1st April, 1936.	31st March, 1935.	31st March, 1936.	31st March, 1937.
Clerical Assistant	…	…	232	241	4	6	2
Shorthand Typist	…	…	103	112	2	4	8
Typist	…	…	50	56	1	Nil.	2
"S" Class Clerk	…	…	319	303	19	11	32

The number of general and departmental clerical class vacancies filled was as follows:

During year ending

31st March, 1935	…	…	73
31st March, 1936	…	…	125
31st March, 1937	…	…	300

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the comments by the League Loans Committee on the inadequate steps taken by the Greek Government to meet its external debt obligations; arid whether he proposes to take any action on behalf of the British bondholders concerned?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 1st November to the hon. Member for Tamworth (Sir J. Mellor), to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government propose to submit any definite proposals for peaceful settlement to the forthcoming conference of parties to the Nine-Power Treaty and others, to promote a solution of the present situation in China?

I would refer the hon. Member to the speech delivered in sent available, to extract from existing records the required particulars for the years before 1935. The information for 1935 and later years contains the following figures.

Following is the information referred to: the House by my right hon. Friend on 21st October. The method which the Brussels Conference may adopt for carrying out its task will necessarily be the subject of joint consideration between the delegates of all Governments represented at the Conference.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the last quarterly report of the Swansea port sanitary authority which states that 26 per cent. of British-owned ships were defective compared with 16 per cent. defective foreign ships; whether the reports of other port sanitary authorities revealed similar conditions; and what measures the Government propose to take to compel British shipowners to provide sanitary and other conveniences at least equal to those provided by foreign shipowners?

The details in this report indicate that the figure for British ships quoted by the hon. Member relates almost entirely to cleaning and repairs which are necessary at the end of a voyage, and which are promptly carried out, and not to the lack of sanitary and other facilities. In this area, the sanitary inspections of British ships take place generally at the termination of voyages and not, as in the case of foreign ships, in the course of a voyage. The conditions in the two cases are, therefore, not the same, and I do not accept the implication in the question. For the rest, I would draw the attention of the hon. Member to the new Crew Space Instructions recently issued by the Board of Trade, a copy of which I am sending to him. I would add that there is full co-operation between the Officers of the Port Health Authorities and the Surveyors of the Board of Trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the total number of tankers, other steamers, and sailing vessels, respectively, laid up in the ports of the United Kingdom as at the 31st October, 1937, 30th September, 1937, and 31st October, 1936, respectively?

Particulars of tonnage laid up in United Kingdom ports on the dates referred to by the hon. Member are not available, but the quarterly returns of laid-up shipping issued by the Chamber of Shipping show that there were laid up in ports of Great Britain and Ireland on the 1st October, 1937, 75 British and foreign vessels, totalling 99,000 tons net, of which one was a tanker and eight were sailing vessels. A year earlier the number of vessels laid up was 175, totalling 403,000 net tons, of which 42 were tankers and six were sailing vessels.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many British ships have been transferred to a foreign flag during the last 12 months; and, of these, how many have been purchased by Greek owners and how many have been bought for scrap by firms of foreign nationality?

During the 12 months ended 30th September last, 268 ships registered in the United Kingdom and 104 ships registered at British ports of registry abroad were transferred to foreign flags. Of these, 28 ships were transferred to the Greek flag. According to information obtained by the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen, 70 of the ships registered in the United Kingdom were sold for breaking-up purposes. No information is available as to the purposes for which the ships registered at British ports of registry abroad were sold.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many foreign ships have in the past 12 months been transferred to the British flag; how many shipping companies owning these and other ships have been registered; and in how many instances have these concerns raised their capital by public issue?

During the year ended 30th September last, 348 ships were reported to the Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen as having been transferred from foreign to the British flags and either provisionally or permanently registered as British ships. Of the companies owning ships so transferred, 14 were registered in the United Kingdom since the 1st October, 1936. All these companies were registered as private companies and were consequently debarred by Statute from raising capital by public issue.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the total quantities of petroleum spirit imported into and exported from the United Kingdom from 1st January to 31st October, 1936, and 1st January to 31st October, 1937, respectively, in bulk and in drums?

Particulars of the total imports and exports of petroleum motor spirit are published monthly in the "Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom." The figures for the 10 months ended 31st October, 1936, and 1937, will appear in the October Accounts to be published on 13th November. Separate particulars of exports in bulk and in drums are not recorded; it has not been possible, in the time available, to compile this information in respect of imports, but imports in drums form a negligible proportion of the total.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any modification has recently been made by Germany in regard to the compensative mark and other methods of financing her foreign trade?

The German Central Foreign Exchange Office has recently issued an order terminating certain arrangements for what is known as compensating business. I am not aware of any recent modification of other methods which Germany uses for the financing of her foreign trade.

—	1937	1936	1935	Totals.
Counties—England (less Lancashire) and and Wales.	75	119	48	242
Scotland	17	24	75	116
Boroughs	52	36	37	125
Lancashire County	21	—	6	27
Lancashire Boroughs	13	17	22	52
	178	196	188	562

asked the Attorney-General whether it is proposed to take special measures to enable the Poor Persons department to deal with applications for divorce under the Matrimonial Causes Act without undue delay?

The administration of the rules relating to legal proceedings by and against Poor Persons is in the hands of the Law Society. I understand that they are taking steps to deal with all applications under the Matrimonial Causes Act, 1937, and do not anticipate that undue delay will occur in doing so, though it is, of course, at this stage impossible to foresee the amount by which the operations of that Act will increase the burden laid upon them.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state the present position of the milk products marketing scheme which was the subject of a public inquiry early this year?

In the White Paper on Milk Policy presented in July last, it was stated that the Secretary of State for Scotland and I would be prepared to give further consideration to the draft milk products marketing scheme, if the promoters so desired. The promoters have now intimated that they desire to proceed with the scheme, and accordingly consideration is now being given to it in

asked the Attorney-General how many women magistrates have been appointed in 1937, how many were appointed in 1936, and how many in 1935?

Following is the information:

the light of the objections which were made and of the report of the Commissioner who held the public inquiry into them.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of public anxiety on the question of milk retail prices, he will ask the Consumers' Council to expedite their report on this matter; and will he publish their conclusions at the earliest possible date?

I understand that a report by the Food Council to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, on distributive costs and retail prices of milk, will shortly be published. As regards the recent increase in minimum retail prices, I have no doubt that the Consumers' Committee will consider this matter without avoidable delay. If the committee present a report to me on the subject it will be published in accordance with the usual practice.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will state the average wage per man-shift now worked in the coal mines; and how it compares with the average wage of 1936 and 1935?

The average cash earnings (i.e., excluding the value of allowances in kind) per man-shift worked were 9s. 3¼d. in the year 1935, 10s. o¼d. in 1936, 10s. 4¼d. in the first quarter of 1937 and 10s. 9¾d. in the second quarter of 1937.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there is a dearth of timber fellers in parts of the West of England; and whether he will take steps to train young men from distressed areas in this occupation?

I am not aware that there is a dearth of this class of labour, but I should be glad to consider any further particulars which the hon. Member may care to send me.

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons were registered as unemployed in each of the Special Areas at the most recent date for which the figures are available?

pursuant to his reply (OFFICIAL REPORT, 28th October, 1937; col. 270, Vol. 328), supplied the following statement:

The table below shows the numbers of persons, aged 14 years and over, registered as unemployed at 13th September, 1937, at Employment Exchanges at which persons in the Special Areas would normally register:

Durham and Tyneside	101,117
West Cumberland	9,272
South Wales and Monmouthshire	95,425
South-West Scotland	58,171
All Special Areas	263,985

Note.—The figures have been compiled under the revised procedure for counting the unemployed introduced in September, 1937, by which persons subsequently found to be in employment on the day of the count are excluded.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the number of juveniles that have been transferred from the depressed areas through the Employment Exchanges or employment bureaux into the Greater London area for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date; and will he give the comparable figure for the previous 12 months?

pursuant to his reply (OFFICIAL REPORT, 28th October, 1937; col. 223, Vol. 328), supplied the following statement:

The following table shows the number of juveniles transferred from the areas scheduled under the Juvenile Transference Scheme through the Employment Exchanges and Juvenile Employment Bureaux into the Greater London area for the 12 months ended September, 1936, and September, 1937, respectively.

Period.	Boys.	Girls.	Total.
12 months ended—
September, 1936	2,341	932	3,273
September, 1937	2,369	1,145	3,514

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is yet in a position to make any statement in supplement of the reference in the Gracious Speech to forthcoming legislation on the subject of wages and conditions of employment in the transport of goods by road?

I do not intend to allow any avoidable delay to take place in the introduction of this Bill. but, as the hon. Member knows, the subject is one of some intricacy and concerns many branches of industry.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the number of persons employed in the Spanish consulate at Gibraltar and the number so employed in 1934?

I understand that there were two persons employed at the Spanish Consulate in Gibraltar in 1934 and that there are nine at the present time.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the dispute between the employés of the surveyors' department and the Heywood Borough Council; and whether he can take steps to bring about a settlement?

The services of my Department have been at the disposal of both parties throughout this dispute and a joint Conference was convened with a view to effecting a settlement. The parties, however, were unable to reach agreement. If they so desire, I will endeavour to bring about a resumption of joint negotiations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is satisfied that the system of promoting magistrates, registrars, public prosecutors, and other legal officers from one Colony to judicial posts in other Colonies serves the interests of justice as well as the former practice of elevating prominent members of the Bar in the country with the laws, customs, and conditions of which they were familiar by experience?

The system of treating the Legal Service in the Colonies as one Service, and of promoting legal officers from one Colony to another is not a new one and is, in my opinion, the best system in the interests of the administration of justice and of the officers themselves. Appointments to legal posts direct from the local Bar are, however, made from time to time when found advisable.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the commission of inquiry which is investigating the recent disturbances in Trinidad expects to be able to report; and whether the committee has been asked to furnish an interim report?

The chairman of the Commission of Enquiry is due to reach this country on 6th November, and until I have consulted him I cannot say when the Commission's report will be submitted. I did not ask for an interim report, and have received no suggestions from the Commission that they desire to frame one.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the fact that the agreement referring to the Turkish concession for the extraction of salts from the Dead Sea belonging to a British subject was omitted from the annual report on Palestine and Transjordan for 1929 to the Permanent Mandates Commission, he can say if that commission has knowledge of the existence of the Turkish concession and of the reasons why and the circumstances under which the concession was agreed to be granted to Mr. Novomeysky; and, if not, whether, as it is essential for the proper consideration by that commission of the report of the Royal Commission on Palestine, especially in so far as the proposed Arab area is concerned, that these matters should be within their knowledge, he will take steps to inform the Permanent Mandates Commission of them?

I am not in a position to state the extent of the knowledge of the Permanent Mandates Commission regarding the circumstances of the grant of the Dead Sea Salts Concession in 1930 I do not understand how the Agreement to which the hon. Member refers can be regarded as relevant to the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Palestine, and I do not see how any useful purpose would be served by a communication on the subject to the Permanent Mandates Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the advocacy by Mr. Pirow of the surrender of some of our African Colonies to Germany; and what steps he has taken to make it clear that under no circumstances will such a policy be supported by the Government of this country?

I assume that the right hon. Member is referring to a recent speech by Mr. Pirow, in the course of which he is reported in the South African Press to have said:

"In the realm of external affairs German South Africans could try to promote closer relationship between Germany and South Africa and between Germany and the British Empire.

A close relationship could be established on the basis of complete equality and by a fair and satisfactory settlement of the colonial question. In this way German South Africans could render great service to South Africa without in any way detracting from the achievements of the Third Reich."

In these circumstances the second part of the question does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that after the conclusion of the Basuto War a compact was made between the British Government and the Basutos that henceforth they should be treated as British subjects, and that so long as they did nothing to forfeit the privilege they and their lands should receive the protection of the British Government; and whether he will give an assurance that full effect will continue to be given to this compact?

I am not aware of any compact of the nature described. Basutoland became British territory in 1868 following a request from the Paramount Chief that the tribe might be admitted into the allegiance of Her Majesty Queen Victoria. A proclamation of the Governor of the Cape of Good Hope of March, 1868, declared that "the said tribe of the Basutos shall be, and shall he taken to be, for all intents and purposes British subjects, and the territory of the said tribe shall be, and shall be taken to be, British territory." This annexation was unconditional.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the number of birchings that have been ordered during the last 12 months in England affecting children under 16 years of age?

During the year 1936, 165 boys under 14 years of age were sentenced by courts of summary jurisdiction in England and Wales. Figures for 1937 are not yet available.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can state the full reference of the committee appointed to consider the danger to the public from the use of celluloid and other inflammable material in making toys, and fancy goods; whether the proceedings will be public; when they will commence; and where the sittings will be held?

The terms of reference of the committee are:

"to inquire into the use of celluloid and any similar highly inflammable material in the manufacture of toys, fancy goods, articles of attire, toilet requisites and the like, and to consider what steps are desirable and practicable against the danger arising to the public, and especially to children, from such use."

The question whether or not the evidence taken by the committee will be heard in public is one for the committee themselves to decide, I understand that the first meeting of the committee has been fixed for 4th November, and that the sittings will be held in the Home Office.

asked the Home Secretary whether, with a view to reducing the number of accidents in factories and workshops, he will take steps to inform employés more effectively of their right to lodge complaints of breaches of the regulations affecting their health and safety, having regard to the statement contained in the last annual report of the Chief Inspector of Factories that 51 per cent. of complaints received in 1936 were substantiated upon inquiry?

The inspectors are instructed to let it be known among workpeople that information sent to the inspectors as to breaches of the Act or Regulations will receive attention and be treated confidentially; and no doubt local representatives of the workers can do a good deal to spread knowledge of the position. I will, however, consider the point further, and if the hon. Member has any particular suggestion to make I should be glad to receive it.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has considered the possibility that a keener interest in the Navy might be stimulated by consistently following the policy of naming new ships of the Royal Navy after British towns; whether there is any special reason for following any other naming policy, and, if so, what; and whether, as there are sufficient British coastal towns to supply names for ships for the Royal Navy, he will consider for the future the adoption of the policy of deriving the names of new ships of the Royal Navy entirely from the coastal towns of Great Britain?

While it is appreciated that the naming of His Majesty's ships after British towns, coastal and otherwise, has a popular appeal which the Admiralty in past and present practice has not failed to recognise, I cannot agree that all new vessels should be so designated. In making selections regard must be paid to names which bear fine naval traditions and to names associated with the British Empire. My hon. Friend may rest assured, however, that consideration will continue to be given to the names of British towns, both coastal and inland.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the total number of ratings invalided from the Royal Navy between 1st January, 1936, and 31st December, 1936; the total number whose invaliding disability was accepted as being attributable to the service and who were granted disability pensions; the total number invalided with tuberculosis; and the number invalided with tuberculosis whose disability was accepted as attributable to service and were granted disability pensions?

The information desired by my hon. and gallant Friend is as follows: —

Ratings invalided from the Royal Navy between 1st January, 1936, and 31st December, 1936.
Total number of ratings invalided	1,061
Total number whose invaliding disability was accepted as attributable to the Service and who were granted disablement pensions	183
Number invalided with Pulmonary Tuberculosis	167
Number invalided with Pulmonary Tuberculosis whose disability was accepted as attributable to the Service and who were granted disablement pensions	115

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can state the approximate cost per head of the education provided in the naval dockyard schools, and the total cost per year of these schools to the Admiralty?

The cost to Navy Votes of the education provided in the Naval Dockyard schools at home is approximately £11 10s. per head in the current year. The total cost of these schools to the Admiralty is estimated to be £13,400 per annum.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will give the quantities and value of the purchases of coal by the Admiralty in the last five years?

The quantity and value of the purchases of coal in the last five financial years are as follow:

Year.		Quantity.	Value.
		Tons.	£
1932	…	443,000	436,000
1933	…	402,000	389,000
1934	…	369,000	368,000
1935	…	436,000	449,000
1936	…	434,000	477,000

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, what is the total number of men in the Royal Naval Reserve; how many of them came from the Western Isles; and how many of that proportion hold warrant rank of patrol skippers?

The total number of seamen in the Royal Naval Reserve is 6,485, of whom 1,634 are registered in the Western Isles. In addition there are 239 officers holding Skipper's rank, of whom four are registered in the Western Isles.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the rate of wages paid for cooperage work in the Royal Victualling Yard, Deptford, is not in accordance with the rates laid down by the National Joint Industrial Council and the London Joint Industrial Council of the cooperage industry; and if he will have an investigation made into the matter?

It is the policy of the Board of Admiralty to apply common standards of pay and conditions of employment to all workpeople serving in their Industrial Establishments at home, rather than to adopt for each particular trade those current in the corresponding trade outside. In accordance with this policy the rates of pay of Coopers in the Royal Victualling Yards are determined not by the Industrial Councils concerned with the Cooperage Industry, but by the Shipbuilding Trade Joint Council for Government Departments, which deals with all wage questions affecting Admiralty industrial employés in this country.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many large flying-boats are now operating in the Mediterranean; and whether he can give a list of ports under the British flag that offer protection by breakwaters to flying-boats in bad weather?

There are 12 Royal Air Force flying boats at present stationed in the Mediterranean. The following ports under the British flag offer protection by breakwaters to flying boats in bad weather: Gibraltar and Famagusta. In addition the following places in Egypt and Palestine are used for the operation of flying boats and have breakwaters: —Sollum, Mersa, Matruh, Alexandria and Haifa. In addition there are 18 civil flying boats of Imperial Airwasy operating across the Mediterranean.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can give the cause of the mishap to a large flying-boat when taking off at Malta; and whether the provision of a breakwater at Marsaxlok Bay is being considered for the protection of flying-boats operating at Malta?

As regards the first part of the question, the cause of the mishap to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers was the heavy swell on the sea at the time the flying-boat was endeavouring to take off, which caused the aircraft to bounce with such violence that the centre section collapsed and the aircraft's hull was damaged. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any covered protection is being provided for motor cars or cycles in the new aerodromes for general use of the Royal Air Force?

No, Sir, but it is the intention to give consideration to this matter when essential services have been completed.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can make any statement with regard to his recent discussion with Mr. Pirow about the co-ordination of the air defences of British Africa; and whether any reorganisation is to result?

The main object of my discussion on aviation with Mr. Pirow was of a civil character. The occasion was also taken to follow up certain matters relating to defence which had previously been under discussion with Mr. Pirow. I am sure my hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that such discussions are necessarily of a confidential character.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been drawn to the complaint made by the local authority and inhabitants of Peterborough regarding the intensive night-flying being carried out over the city; whether he is aware that, since a deputation from the city council was received by the Ministry, the grievance has been worse; and whether steps will at once be taken to arrange that such night-flying as is necessary shall be carried out over open country and away from the city?

I am advised that there has been no intensification of night-flying over the city of Peterborough since I received the deputation in July last. Since the ending of summer time on 3rd October night-flying has ended before midnight. The night-flying training at Peterborough consists to a large extent of landing and taking-off practice and this naturally has to be carried out at the aerodrome and hence in the vicinity of the city.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air why it has been decided to establish a munitions depot near Cheltenham, in Gloucestershire, when suitable sites are available in the special area of West Cumberland where an abundance of suitable labour is available; and is he aware that no Government factory has as yet been established in the special area mentioned?

There has been no decision to establish a munitions depot near Cheltenham; what is in contemplation is an equipment depot in that area. A site in West Cumberland would not have met the strategic requirements. As regards the last part of the question I am sorry that it has not been found possible to site any of the Air Ministry factories in the area referred to by the hon. Member but I can assure him that the relative advantages of the area have not been overlooked.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what steps are being taken by his Department to carry into effect the recommendations of the Maybury Report?

Following is the answer:

1. Parliamentary action is being taken for the establishment of a licensing authority for the operation of the Junction Airport Scheme and the necessary Order in Council will be submitted to Parliament in due course.

2. With a view to the provision of a comprehensive air traffic control organisation by the Government a school has been established for the training of air traffic control officers. A number of recruits have already been trained and this has enabled the Air Ministry to assume responsibility with its own staff for the control services at Manchester and Portsmouth. A full air traffic control organisation is now in existence at these places as well as at Croydon, Heston and Lympne.

3. Recruitment and training of further personnel is proceeding and it is hoped to provide Air Ministry control staff at Renfrew early next year and at other aerodromes as trained officers become available.

4. Additional wireless stations have been opened at Manchester and in the Isle of Man, and another will be opened very shortly at Inverness. Certain other aerodromes have been inspected with a view to the opening of negotiations shortly for the provision of further wireless stations.

5. Steps have been taken to relieve aerodrome owners as from the 1st April, 1937, of the financial contributions they have hitherto been called upon to pay towards the cost of wireless and communication services provided by the Air Ministry at their aerodromes and arrangements are in hand as an interim measure for relieving aerodrome owners from the same date of liability for expenditure on certain services which the Maybury Committee recommended should be provided by the Government.

6. The question of standard scales of charges at all aerodromes is under active discussion. Proposals have been worked out in complete detail and good progress is being made with the examination of these details.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what sums have been paid for shadow aircraft and engine manufacture to date and to which undertakings, respectively; and what financial arrangements have been made for the immediate future with these undertakings?

It is not in the public interest to make public the expenditure on shadow factories. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence to the hon. Member for North Aberdeen (Mr. Garro Jones) on 17th February last.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will state the total estimated cost of constructing the South Cerney aerodrome; what proportion of this amount has already been spent; and when it is anticipated that the aerodrome will be finished?

The total estimated cost of constructing the aerodrome at South Cerney is £457,000 of which approximately £200,000 has already been spent. The aerodrome is already in use and completion of the permanent buildings is expected towards the end of next year.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the flying boat "Courtier" crashed at Athens on or about 1st October; whether he will state the details of the experience that the pilot had had in command of a flying boat; and whether he has been dismissed?

The pilot of the flying boat "Courtier," which crashed at Athens had 110 hours' flying time while employed as supernumerary captain in an Empire flying boat, and 20 hours 55 minutes' flying time in command of an Empire flying boat. I am informed that the pilot has not been dismissed but, in accordance with the normal practice of the company, he has been suspended pending an inquiry into the accident.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will inform the House whether the Secretary of State for Air will meet the officers of the British Air Line Pilots' Association to discuss questions of organisation, future status of pilots, conditions of employment, and the future of commercial pilots, etc.?

My Noble Friend considers that the matters referred to are such as may properly be dealt with between pilots and operating companies and he does not, therefore, consider it appropriate for him to meet the officers of the British Air Line Pilots' Association.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he can now make a statement upon the Report of the committee which considered the question of the production of calcium carbide in this country; and whether the report of the committee will be available for Members of this House?

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether the inquiry relating to the production of calcium carbide in this country has been completed; and when the committee's report will be available?

I regret that I am at present unable to add anything to the reply which I made to the questions asked on 28th October by my hon. Friends the Members for Inverness (Sir M. Macdonald) and for Cardiff South (Captain A. Evans).

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the estimated saving per officer by the half-a-horse per officer for the mechanised artillery scheme?

The annual saving, including the cost of maintenance, resulting from the reductions in officers' chargers in mechanised Artillery Brigades, is estimated at approximately £14,250 a year. The number of chargers so reduced is 311. The annual saving in respect of each charger is therefore approximately £46 and the saving per officer approximately £23. This reduction follows on the policy of mechanisation which has been in progress for some time.