asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider issuing a regulation that motor cars should not draw up and park at a curb or roadside the wrong way of the traffic, especially at night, when their lights confuse the oncoming traffic?

I have no power to make such a regulation but I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to Section 50 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, paragraph 43 of the Highway Code and Regulation 12 of the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations, 1936.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consult the Doncaster Town Council before any decision is reached to by-pass Doncaster on the Great North Road?

It is my practice, when giving the county council statutory notice of intention to supersede any part of a trunk road by the creation of a new route, to notify also any borough likely to be affected.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has yet personally examined the road from Brighton to London on a fine Sunday; and what is his opinion of the state of safety of that road?

No, Sir. The inspection has not yet been made on a Sunday.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is satisfied with the progress made on the London-Southend arterial road; and can he indicate an approximate date when the work will be completed?

The general programme of the Essex County Council contemplates the completion of this work early in 1940; in all the circumstances I do not feel justified in pressing for greater expedition.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider issuing a regulation that when a traffic light is green in favour of the motorists the latter should enjoy preferential right of way even against the pedestrians who may be waiting to cross at a Belisha beacon?

The Highway Code advises pedestrians at controlled crossings to cross only when the appropriate line of traffic is held up. Section 45 (4) of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, provides that failure to observe the Highway Code may be relied upon in Court proceedings as tending to establish or negative liability.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider the suitability of the old Caird shipyard in Greenock as the terminus for a cross-channel traffic ferry suitable for the conveyance of motor traffic carrying visitors who wish to tour the Western Highlands of Scotland, and to confer with the parties concerned with a view to establishing this ferry?

I had not previously heard of this proposal, and in the absence of any details I am not clear in what way I can assist. Perhaps the hon. and learned Member will communicate with me.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has given further consideration to representations about the train service from London to Scotland on Fridays after 4 p.m.; and if he is in a position to make a further statement?

I understand that the hon. and learned Member is anxious that the Coronation Express should leave King's Cross on Fridays at 5 p.m. instead of 4 p.m. The London and North Eastern Railway Company inform me that it was found to be impracticable to run this train at any time later than 4 p.m. without interfering with other important trains and causing dissatisfaction amongst the travelling public.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider the inconvenience caused to persons desirous of travelling from Glasgow to Edinburgh, in respect that the last available train leaves Glasgow at 9.50 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays; and whether he will make representations to the railway companies concerned to provide a train that will leave Glasgow about 11 p.m. for Edinburgh?

I am in communication with the railway companies concerned and will let the hon. and learned Member know the result.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the num- bers of persons injured and killed, respectively, while pillion riding on motor cycles during the last 12 months; and what percentages they represent of the total numbers of those injured and killed in road accidents?

During the ten months ended 31st October, 1937, the numbers of persons killed or injured while pillion riding on motor cycles were respectively 159, or 2.9 per cent. of the killed, and 6,697, or 3.5 per cent. of the injured, in all road accidents during the period.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the recent High Court decision restricting the speed of utility cars to 30 miles per hour, he will consider taking the necessary steps to permit of these vehicles being treated and licensed as cars for private use?

I see no sufficient reason for asking Parliament to alter the provisions of section 14 of the Finance Act, 1922, under which a vehicle used at times for the carriage of goods (whether in the course of trade or privately) and at times for the carriage of passengers is liable to Excise Duty at whichever of the two rates is the higher for the particular vehicle

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the judgment in the appeal by case stated from a decision of Essex justices of Hubbard v. Messenger; and whether he intends to take steps to free utility cars from the 30-mile-per-hour speed limit imposed upon goods vehicles under Schedule I of the Road Traffic Act, 1934, when used solely for the carriage of passengers and their effects?

I have considered this judgment. I am advised that if a vehicle of this type were so altered as to be no longer suitable for the carriage of goods, but only for that of passengers and their effects, it would no longer be subject to a speed limit as a goods vehicle. It obviously would not be practicable to enforce a speed limit which depended upon what a particular vehicle was carrying inside it upon a particular journey—this must depend more on the purpose for which the vehicle is constructed.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will give particulars of any recent communications received from the Railway Companies Association relating to the further electrification of main lines; and is he now in a position to make a statement on the further improvements contemplated?

The hon. Member will no doubt have observed that the electrification of certain additional sections of the Southern Railway has been added to the Schedule to the Railways (Agreement) Act, 1935, by a certificate, a copy of which was laid before the House on 2nd November, 1937. I am informed by the Railway Companies Association that, except for this modification, the position is the same as when my predecessor answered a question by the hon. Member on this subject on 6th May, 1936.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the large number of accidents arising from motorists driving at speed over blind bridges, he will issue a regulation dealing with this practice?

I would invite the hon. Member's attention to paragraph 10 of the Highway Code, which reads as follows:

"Always be able to pull up your vehicle well within the distance for which you can see the road to be clear, whether by night or by day,"

and which seems to me to meet the case.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can give an assurance that the delay in arriving at an agreed plan in respect of the proposed trunk road will not postpone action which will entail the provision of a toll-free passage over the River Ouse at Selby on the site of the existing bridge; and whether he can now say when the necessary work will be commenced?

I have recently visited this area. I am examining alternative routes and will make a statement as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is prepared to assist any canal company, by special grant or other form of assistance, which is desirous of improving its waterways for the benefit of transportation generally at low rates and to relieve congestion of road and rail?

I am always ready to render any assistance within my powers, but I have no funds at my disposal from which to make a grant towards the cost of improvements.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will give a list of canals not now in active use where wayleaves could be made available for use by pipe-mains either for water supply, gas, or fuel oil?

I regret that I am unable to supply a list of canals not now in active use, but since my Department was formed in 1919, Warrants have been made authorising the abandonment of the whole or parts of the following canals;Shrewsbury Canal.St. Helens Canal.North Walsham and Dilham Canal.Louth Canal.Wisbech Canal.Thames and Severn Canal.Aylsham and Coltishall Navigations.Oxford Canal.Derby Canal.Rother Navigation.Any question of granting wayleaves along these undertakings for the purposes referred to by the hon. Member would be a matter for arrangement with the owners of the undertakings.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will give a list of canals it is proposed to close or that have been closed within the last 12 months, showing which are privately owned and which are owned by railway companies; and whether the latter are requesting further orders to close canals?

During the last 12 months I have issued a Warrant and Order of Abandonment in respect of part of the Oxford Canal, owned by the Oxford Canal Company. I have still before me certain applications of which I gave particulars to my hon. Friend in reply to the question which he put to me on the 13th July.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is able to state on what date the Surrey County Council decided to construct the Mickleham by pass; also the dates on which the scheme was approved for grant by his Department, on which work was commenced and on which the by-pass is expected to be open to traffic?

The Surrey County Council resolved to construct the first section of the Mickleham By-pass or 30th July, 1935. A grant from the Road Fund was authorised on 17th October, 1935, and the work was commenced or 1st November, 1935. I understand that about one mile of the road will be opened to traffic within the next month; and that the remander should be completed by April of next year.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the total sum collected from motor taxation in Scotland during the last three years; and what is the total sum spent from the Road Fund or Treasury on Scottish roads in those years?

The net proceeds of motor licence duties collected in Scotland during the last three years amounted to £7,650,000. Payments to Scottish authorities in respect of highway expenditure during those years amounted to £7,484,000.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his department have examined the question of laying the electricity wires underground instead of carrying it overhead by the pylon system; and will he state what is the objection?

Yes, Sir, this matter has been frequently considered. The objection is that electrical development would be seriously hampered by reason of the great disparity in costs which in ordinary cases is found to exist between underground and overhead transmission and distribution.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the price of coal supplied to the Bournemouth Corporation has been raised from 29s. 3d. per ton in December, 1935, to 36s. 9d. per ton in September, 1937; and whether he will institute inquiries to ascertain the extent to which general prices of coal for internal consumption have been raised in this period?

I was not aware of the price increase to which the hon. Member draws attention. With regard to the second part of the question, I have no power to control prices, but consumers who are aggrieved at any increase in coal prices which may result from the operation of the coal selling schemes, can refer their complaints to the Committees of Investigation set up under Section 5 of the Coal Mines Act, 1930.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give any information as to the average or customary rates of coal royalties in the principal foreign coal-producing countries?

No, Sir; I regret that information is not available.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will consider recommending to the education authorities that a rural bias be given to the education in the central schools in the counties for the purpose of encouraging young boys to stay on the land instead of drifting to the towns?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Howdenshire (Major Carver) on 28th October, a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can give an assurance that the necessary legislation to deal with the question of electrical interference with broadcast reception in this country will be introduced during the current Session of Parliament?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has yet come to a decision on the question of introducing a Bill to secure the powers recommended by the Committee of the Institution of Electrical Engineers to compel owners of electrical plant which causes interference with broadcast reception to instal suppression apparatus?

The inquiries regarding the proposals to be embodied in a Wireless Telegraphy Bill to deal with the question of electrical interference with broadcast reception in this country are being actively pursued but are not yet completed. I regret that I cannot at present give an assurance that it will be possible to introduce such a Bill during the current Session of Parliament.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the caretaker of the Kirkmichael housing scheme, Helensburgh, charges local residents in respect of telephone calls the sum of 4d. sterling; and, as the standard local call charge is 2d., if he will take steps to provide residents on this estate with public telephone facilities?

The telephone to which the hon. Member refers is rented by the Helensburgh Town Council for the use

Employment Exchange.		7th June, 1937.				6th September, 1937.
		Resident Servants in Hotels, Boarding Houses, etc.		Waiters, Waitresses.		Resident Servarts in Hotels, Boarding Houses, etc.		Waiters, Waitresses.
		Men.	Women.	Men.	Women.	Men.	Women.	Men.	Women.
Margate	…	53	15	28	38	56	9	12	15
Ramsgate	…	17	2	7	121	18	2	8	76
Southend	…	17	12	29	27	12	5	30	19
Brighton and Hove	…	70	27	36	65	50	27	27	57
Scarborough	…	27	6	14	16	22	2	7	2
Great Yarmouth	…	29	—	41	18	6	—	13	9
Weston-super-Mare	…	3	1	3	9	5	6	—	9
Bridlington	…	2	1	5	1	1	—	—	1
Skegness	…	2	3	3	3	1	2	3	2
Blackpool	…	38	70	1	278	21	30	9	82
Hunstanton	…	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

Corresponding figures are not available in respect of July and August, 1937. of its caretaker, and I have no information as to the amount charged by the caretaker for calls made over it. There is a public telephone kiosk 600 yards from the housing estate: and I regret that the amount of traffic available at present would not justify the provision of an additional kiosk in the neighbourhood.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the number of persons, men and women separately, who were registered as suitable and available for work in the catering industry as chefs, waiters and waitresses, counter hands, etc., during the months of June, July, and August of this year in Margate, Ramsgate, Southend, Brighton, Scarborough, Yarmouth, Weston-super-Mare, Bridlington, Skegness, Blackpool, and Hunstanton?

The information available shows only the total number of wholly unemployed men and women, aged 18 years and over, registered at Employment Exchanges as applicants for employment as resident servants, without distinction as to occupation, in hotels, boarding houses, etc., and as waiters or waitresses. The following table gives these figures for 7th June and 6th September, 1937, in respect of the under-mentioned Employment Exchanges:

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many agricultural labourers are at present unemployed in Cheshire?

At 18th October, 1937, there were 358 insured persons, classified as belonging to the farming industry, recorded as unemployed in Cheshire. This number included 344 males and 14 females.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider introducing legislation to protect and assist the growers and producers of plums in this country, with a view to permitting them to obtain a reasonable margin of profit?

I have been asked to reply. Growers of plums already enjoy the benefit of a duty on imports of id. per lb. equivalent to about 23 per cent. ad valorem, during the English season. As regards the marketing of home supplies, my right hon. Friend wishes me to remind my hon. Friend that it is for producers themselves to consider, in the first instance, whether they wish to avail themselves of the statutory facilities for organisation at present at the disposal of their industry.

asked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether he has any statement to make about the progress in planting walnut trees in the areas administered by the Commissioners?

The Forestry Commissioners have been experimenting for the last six years on the raising of walnut trees. Results appear promising but until a few more growing seasons have elapsed and more definite information is available it would be unwise to create walnut plantations.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state the number of employes in the respective establishments and departments who have been placed on the established lists since November, 1936, up to September, 1937?

It is understood that the information sought is confined to workpeople at the Dockyards and the Naval Armament Depots. The numbers of workpeople who have been placed on the established list at these establishments since November, 1936, up to 30th September, IQ—17, are:

Portsmouth.
Captain of Dockyard Department	11
Constructive Department	58
Engineering Department	73
Works Department	12
Electrical Department	18
Naval Store Department	1
Torpedo Depot	7
R.N. Armament Depot	10
Others	4
	—	194

Devonport.
Captain of Dockyard Department	17
Constructive Department	88
Engineering Department	65
Works Department	3
Electrical Department	37
Naval Store Department	10
Torpedo Depot	3
R.N. Armament Depot, Bull Point	3
	—	226
Chatham.
Captain of Dockyard Department	4
Constructive Department	54
Engineering Department	87
Works Department	9
Electrical Department	18
Naval Store Department	13
Torpedo Depot	4
Naval Armament Depot	5
	—	194
Sheerness.
Commanders Department	11
Constructive Department	8
Engineering Department	13
Works Department	1
Electrical Department	7
Naval Store Department	5
Others	1
	—	46
Portland.
Constructive Department	5
Engineering Department	2
Electrical Department	2
Naval Store Department	2
	—	11
Rosyth.
Electrical Department	1
Naval Store Department	1
Boom Defence Depot	1
King's Harbour Master, Rosyth	1
King's Harbour Master, Inver-gordon	1
Others.	1
R.N. Armament Depot, Crombie	2
	—	8
Total		679

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the claim for an increase of pay to mechanics has recently been discussed by the Admiralty and, if so, what decision has been arrived at?

The pay of mechanics in the employment of the Admiralty has been the subject of discussions on the Shipbuilding Trade Joint Council for Government Departments, and, at its meeting on the 15th October, 1937, the council decided to refer the matter to a sub-committee for a more detailed examination of the position. This examination is proceeding, and no desision has yet been reached.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the recent tendency in His Majesty's Naval Dockyards to allocate to unskilled labourers work which has previously been reserved for the titular trades of leatherworkers and hosemakers, and that in these cases the labourers chosen to do this work are not granted a temporary additional payment equivalent to that of hosemakers but only a temporary rate of is. per week; what is the precise definition of the unskilled labourers' occupation in connection with hosemaking; and what is the line of demarcation between their work and that of the skilled hosemakers and leatherworkers?

It is a long established practice in His Majesty's Dockyards to employ skilled labourers on such portions of leather and hosework as fall within their capacity; men rated up from the unskilled labourer's ranks for employment on this work normally commence at a rate of is. above the ordinary labourers' rate and advance in rate of pay according to experience and competency. Only men who have served an apprenticeship or have otherwise had a regular training of not less than five years as skilled leatherworkers in the saddlery, harness-making, boot-making and repairing, or other branch of the leather trade, are classified and paid as skilled leather hosemakers. I am unaware that any change has been made in the above arrangements.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the present number of unestablished employés in His Majesty's naval establishments who have 10 years or more continuous service to their credit?

I understood that the information desired is confined to workpeople in the Dockyards and the Naval Armament Depots in this country. The number of unestablished workpeople at these establishments of not less than 10 years' continuous service at the present time is 14,295.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will now consider a claim for a small increase of wages or bonus to all Admiralty industrial employés to meet the increased cost of living?

The Board have recently decided to grant an increase of 3s. a week in the industrial bonus of all adult male industrial employes at home, following on the grant of a similar increase in the engineering and shipbuilding industry. The increase was to be paid in two instalments of is. 6d. a week, the first dating from the 23rd August last. The full amount of the increase will take effect from the 15th of this month.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is satisfied that, in view of the greatly increased use now being made of Gibraltar by units of His Majesty's Fleet, adequate recreational facilities are available; and, if not, whether it is proposed to provide additional facilities in the near future:

The question of recreational facilities at Gibraltar is receiving constant attention, and proposals for extending or improving football grounds, tennis courts, squash racquets courts, bathing facilities and the Naval canteen are under consideration.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the programme of repair and modernisation of warships in His Majesty's dockyards has been in any way delayed on account of the shortage of steel and other materials; and what steps are being taken to ensure priority of supply for Admiralty requirements in this direction?

The programme of repair and modernisation of warships in His Majesty's dockyards has not been delayed to any appreciable extent by shortage of steel or other materials. With regard to the second part of the question, the Admiralty have their own organisation for co-ordinating the demands of His Majesty's dockyards for steel, and if it is necessary to facilitate the supply of particular requirements this is arranged through the British Iron and Steel Federation with which the Admiralty and other Government Departments purchasing steel are in direct and constant touch through a joint liaison committee.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state the nature and cause of the recent disorders in the Bahamas; and whether he has asked that an inquiry should be held into the whole matter?

The Acting Governor of e Bahamas instituted an inquiry into the incidents referred to shortly after they had occurred, and I have now received a report from him. The report discloses that the Commissioner of the Island of Inagua and another person were physically attacked and wounded, that one person was shot dead, and that certain buildings, including the Government Residency and wireless station, were burnt down. These crimes were committed by two brothers who are natives of the island, and who ran amok after one of them had escaped detention whilst awaiting trial for assault. The persons in question subsequently left the island, but the Acting Governor has reported that they have now been brought to trial and sentenced to death for murder.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any steps have been taken following the conclusion of the International Sugar Agreement to ensure that the efficiency of the West Indian sugar production is improved, so as to replace it on a more satisfactory competitive basis with other tropical sugarprothcing areas?

No, Sir. The increase of efficiency in agricultural production in the Colonial Empire is one of the constant objectives of His Majesty's Government and all Colonial Governments. Action has already been taken to establish and encourage research work for the West Indian sugar industry and considerable improvements in production have already resulted from the scientific work which has been undertaken. This research and investigational work will be continued and I do not consider that the conclusion of the International Sugar Agreement need be regarded as affecting the situation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the demand in Kenya for a large-scale development of roads to assist in the further development of the Colony and to encourage tourist traffic; and whether any steps are being taken to evolve an adequate road programme for Kenya during the next few years?

I have not heard of any recent demand, but I am well aware that the improvement and extension of its roads has been engaging the attention of the Colonial Government within the scope of its financial resources. £58,680 is provided in the Estimates for this year for maintenance of roads and bridges though only £I,000 could be allotted for new construction. In addition, the Colonial Development Fund has come to the Colony's assistance by providing £99,000 on loan at favourable terms for the construction of certain roads required for development purposes. Any further extensions must depend upon the funds which can be made available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, to what extent, if any, it is proposed to adopt the recommendations of the Committee on Colonial Broadcasting?

The report to which my hon. Friend refers was directed primarily to the question of ways and means of securing as rapidly as is practicable the fullest development of broadcasting as a factor in the life of Colonial communities, and gave expression to a number of general principles. In October, 1936, I forwarded copies of the report to Colonial Governments and commended to their attention these principles, with which I stated I was in complete agreement. The extent to which, and the period within which, it will be possible for Colonial Governments to apply these recommendations must naturally vary according to the circumstances of the territory concerned, but in a number of dependencies a considerable measure of effect has already been given to them and means of furthering them in other dependencies are being explored.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether he has any information about an indignation meeting which was held near Accra by thousands of Gold Coast and Ashanti farmers on 29th October, to deal with the alleged attempt by cocoa buyers to obtain the cocoa below its value by means of a buying ring; and will he consider arranging for the farmers to ship the cocoa to London for sale in the open market by brokers to be employed by the Government as a method for breaking the cocoa buyers' ring?

I have seen references in the Press to the agitation in question. Evidence has been laid before me which indicates that it is based on misapprehensions, and that the net prices paid in the Gold Coast since the new arrangement was introduced on the 1st of October have been above, and not below, the net prices which would have been obtained if the cocoa had been sold in Europe or New York on the same day. In these circumstances I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by examining the proposal contained in the second part of my hon. Friend's question, but prima facie I think that it is impracticable.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information with regard to the campaign against sleeping sickness in Nigeria?

An expanded scheme for the control of sleeping sickness in Northern Nigeria came into operation this year. The scheme, which is additional to other methods of control already carried out by the Government, will extend over a period of five years at a cost of £30,000 per annum, of which £19,000 per annum will be provided from the Colonial Development Fund.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he expects to present the Report of the commission inquiring into labour unrest and the recent disturbances in Trinidad?

The commission have not yet completed their Report and I understand that further reference to the members in Trinidad will be necessary before the final Report can be submitted. In the circumstances I am unable at present to give any indication of the date on which I shall be able to present the Report to Parliament.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give the House any information in connection with the four men injured when the lift—cage taking them down the new tube railway shaft at Spital Square, Stepney, fell to the bottom?

A report has been received which shows that this accident occurred on Sunday last when the hoist was not in service and no driver was on duty. Satisfactory ladders arid intermediate landing platforms are provided for the men to gain access to their work, but on this occasion the injured men persuaded an unauthorised person to lower them on the hoist and he did so in a dangerous way forbidden by the contractors.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that no general index of local statutes has been prepared since 1899; whether an up-to-date index is now in course of preparation; and, if not, whether, for the convenience of all concerned, he will give instructions for the preparation of an up-to-date index at the earliest possible opportunity?

I have been asked to reply. It is true that there is no up-to-date general index of local statutes although there is published each year as one of the official publications for 'which the Statute Law Committee is responsible an Index of Local and Public Acts of the Session. A consolidated index of the Local Acts covering the period from 1900 onwards would be a matter for consideration by the Statute Law Committee. I will take steps to see that this matter is considered by that Committee at its next meeting.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any decision has yet been reached as to whether de-icing apparatus, or anti-ice apparatus, offers better safeguards against the possibility of accidents to aeroplanes caused by ice-forming conditions in the air; and whether he will issue a statement as to the present position with a view to allaying any anxiety being caused by the publicity recently given to this matter?

The present position regarding de-icing and anti-icing is as follows: The chief parts of an aircraft which require, in certain circumstances, protection against icing troubles are the carburettors, instruments, fuel and oil tank vents, wings and control surfaces, airscrews and controls. A Notice to Aircraft Owners was issued last September making compulsory the fitment of anti-icing devices in respect of carburettors, instruments and fuel and oil tank vents. As regards the wings, control surfaces and airscrews, existing knowledge is insufficient to justify making it compulsory to fit any specific device, whether de-icing or anti-icing. As regards the controls, a Notice to Airmen has been issued warning pilots of the possibility of controls becoming jammed and mentioning a particular case of this trouble, together with methods employed in overcoming it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can state the number of existing Home Defence squadrons composed of bombing machines; and how many bombing squadrons are included in the Home Defence Force?

The answer in both parts of the question is 70.

asked the Minister for the Co—ordination of Defence what portion of the 52,140,000 during 1936–37 and what portion of the 29,o48,400 for the first six months of 1937–38 was placed in orders in the North-east Special Area?

I am advised that the records of the Service Departments do not now enable the information desired by the hon. Member to be given and that to obtain it would involve an amount of work which I should be very reluctant to divert to this purpose at a time of intense pressure.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether, in view of the representations made to him on the subject of unemployment in Lanarkshire by the county, burgh, and Parliamentary representatives, and the plans and details of sites submitted to him, it has been possible to establish any Government factories in Lanarkshire, or whether any such factories are contemplated for the future?

My hon. Friend will be pleased to learn that work has already begun in connection with the establishment of a factory at Mossend near Bellshill in Lanarkshire.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he can give the number of the special establishments erected for the provision of armaments during the past 18 months; how many of these establishments have been erected in Scotland; and the approximate proportion of workmen employed in and cost of erection of these Scottish establishments to the whole programme?

The number of special factories so far erected or in the course of erection by the Government, or on behalf of the Government for the provision of armaments during the last 18 months is 19. Of these three are in Scotland. Work has also begun in connection with the establishment of a fourth factory. These figures include shadow factories, but do not include extensions to Government factories normally operating in peace, or to the works of commercial firms, or Government factories approved but not yet under construction. The total cost of the above 19 factories will be £23,576,000 when completed, and of this £4,302,000 represents the cost of the three factories in Scotland. I regret that it is not possible, without an undue amount of labour, to give the proportion of numbers of men employed in the erection of the three factories in Scotland or the number of men employed in the erection of all the 19 factories I have mentioned.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether the Government will consider consulting the chiefs of the four main-line railway companies, with a view to obtaining their cooperation for the utilisation of their systems throughout the country for the storage of food for emergency purposes only?

The Government are already in consultation with the four railway companies regarding storage accommodation in relation to an emergency.

asked the Attorney-General whether his attention has been drawn to recent prosecutions for embezzlement instituted against members of the legal profession acting, in each case, as a single trustee; and whether, in consequence, and for the better protection of the public, he will consider amending the law which entitles a single individual to exercise full powers of trusteeship?

I am aware that there have been a certain number of such prosecutions. There are at present certain cases in which an individual cannot exercise the powers of full trusteeship, but the amendment suggested would involve increased expense and in some cases delay, and would not, I think, be justified by the cases, comparatively few in number, to which my hon. Friend refers.