asked the Minister of Labour how many applications have been made to the Unemployment Assistance Board in the Doncaster area for Special and additional relief since the instructions were sent to the officers of the Board; and how many have been granted?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a similar question addressed to me by the hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths) on 18th November, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

Will it be available to Members?

The issue is that, normally, the additions are made in the course of the ordinary review of the Board, which is not yet complete.

Will the additional allowances be limited to 3s. per week?

I cannot say without notice, but I shall be pleased to inquire.

Is it not a fact that people who want this assistance have great difficulty in getting hold of the forms because they are put under the seat out of sight?

I do not think so, but if the hon. Member has any information of a particular case, I shall be glad to look into it at once.

Is the Minister satisfied that the advice issued in that circular conforms with the Act itself, in that the Act provides that regulations have to be ratified by this House, and is it in order that this additional circular should go forth without any precise information and without ratification by the House?

That is so.

asked the Minister of Labour whether in the administration of the regulations, it is the intention of his Department that the Unemployment Assistance Board should collect the unpaid rates of local authorities from recipients of assistance?

No, Sir.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Unemployment Assistance Board is collecting the rates of the local authority in Doncaster?

There must be some misunderstanding. Perhaps we might have a talk about it.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of long-term service men with Army pensions having their pensions taken into account under the Unemployment Assistance Board?

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of cases in each district, respectively, in which the amount of unemployment allowance which would ordinarily have been granted has had to be reduced on the ground that the applicant had been receiving less in wages when in employment?

I regret that statistics on this matter are not available.

Can the Minister say whether, in assessing what these unemployed low-wage earners will receive, account is taken of the fact that since they have been unemployed wages have been on the increase?

I should require notice of that question. As the hon. Member knows, this applies only, or mainly, in the case of very large families.

How is it that the Minister does not know about this matter, when he is able to give figures regarding increases?

The hon. Member is not quite fair to me. I have also given every figure about decreases for which I was asked.

Is the Minister not aware that there is a conflict between the Unemployment Assistance Board and his own Department on this matter? Is he not aware that the Umpire has held that a man is justified in leaving a job on the ground of small wages, while, on the other hand, the Unemployment Assistance Board hold those small wages against him?

I should not like to answer that question now; I should prefer to see it on the Paper.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mr. P. Brown, 51, Portugal Street, Glasgow, and Mr. C. O'Donnell, 274, Florence Street, Glasgow, both signing at the South Side Exchange, are each only receiving an allowance of 15s. weekly, out of which 6s. per week goes in rent in each case; that Mr. O'Donnell has just recovered from an illness extending to about four years; and, in view of the small margin left, what steps he will take to have the allowance reviewed in order that both the men named and other men and women in a similar position will at least be allowed the minimum requirements of food and clothing?

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

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the circular which he recently issued advising a review of claims to an allowance from the Unemployment Assistance Board, owing to the increase in the cost of living, only applies to households and does not apply to persons in lodgings or single persons living at home; and whether he will take steps to have this altered and, in so far as it is effective, apply it to all applicants?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for the Scotland Division of Liverpool (Mr. Logan) last Thursday.

Is not the Minister aware that this circular, in the opinion of his own local officers, cannot apply to single people, but only to households?

I understand that the reply I gave was quite accurate, namely, that in the case of single persons allowances are paid to meet present needs. If the hon. Member has any information on the point, I shall be glad to consider it.

Will not the Minister make arrangements so that persons living independently by themselves shall be eligible?

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Unemployment Assistance Board, when making allowances to applicants who have been disallowed benefit under Section 27 of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1935, take into account any other considerations than the needs of the applicant?

I am informed by the Unemployment Assistance Board that such cases are dealt with in the light of all the provisions of the Unemployment Assistance Act that may be appropriate to them.

Is the Minister aware that there is an impression that the allowances given under these conditions are somewhat smaller than those given under other conditions; and will he inquire into that point?

I will look into it.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the total amount of interest charged to the Unemployment Insurance Fund on debt accounts and the total amount earned on surplus account; the respective percentage rates of each to the nearest date ascertainable; and whether he will consider calculating both at the same interest rate throughout in fairness to the Fund?

asked the Minister of Labour how much is the amount of the reserve of the Unemployment Fund which is receiving interest at about is per cent.; how much of the quarterly debt payment is interest; and what is the present debt of the Fund?

At the present time the charge on the General Account of the Unemployment Fund in respect of interest on the debt, which now stands at £103,000,000, is at the rate of about 3i per cent., equivalent to an annual charge of £3,250,000; the remaining part of the annual debt charge of £5.000,000 a year is in respect of repayment of principal. The present yield from investments is at the rate of less than 2 per cent. equivalent to about £1000,000 per annum on the balance of £59,000,000. In regard to the difference between the rates of interest, I would remind the hon. Member that the debt is funded for a long term, whereas under the existing law the Fund's balances are necessarily invested in short-dated securities, which bear a lower rate of interest. The hon. Member will be aware that certain proposals in this connection are included in the Unemployment Insurance Bill now before the House.

May I ask the Minister to reply to the latter portion of my question with regard to the suggestion that the rate of interest should be equalised; otherwise would he not agree that the arrangements are grossly unfair to insured persons?

The hon. Member will find that I answered that part of his question. The Bill is for the purpose of doing that very thing. I shall be introducing it later, so perhaps we had better postpone our discussion until after 4 o'clock.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Unemployment Assistance Board, in its annual report recently published, declares that hundreds of thousands of the board's applicants are between 45 and 65 years of age; that there is no possibility of re-employment for them in the localities in which they are congregated and that they have been unemployed for very long periods; what are the total figures of each industry in which they were originally employed, and what proposals the Government are considering for re-absorbing these men and women in useful employment?

I am aware that the report of the Unemployment Assistance Board draws attention to the problem of the unemployed men of 45 years of age or more who have little chance of employment in their home areas. Detailed statistics of their industrial distribution are not available. This is a problem which is engaging my attention, but I am not in a position to make an announcement.

Does the Minister not think it would be useful to have information as to the numbers in the various industries who are unemployed at this age, as it might be helpful in absorbing the unemployed into industry?

I have not the figures available. I have some, but because of the lack of information I have been recently visiting Ministry of Labour centres.

Would the Minister answer the last part of my question as to whether the Government have any plans for providing employment?

I am considering the whole position, and I hope to make an announcement.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are 80,000 such men in the Special Areas, that the Commissioner himself is very much disturbed at the problem, and that there have been leading articles in all papers showing that there is a great deal of public disturbance about it?

The hon. Member will remember that I myself called attention to this problem not long ago.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of unemployed men over 45 years of age who are on the registers at the Employment Exchanges; what is the percentage of the total number of unemployed; and the corresponding figures for Lancashire?

I am having the available figures extracted, and will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in relation to the 25 per cent. reduction of the unemployment figures within the Special Areas, as mentioned in the Commissioner's report, he can state how much of this is due to death, the attainment of pensionable age, migration, the absence or reduction in temporary unemployment, and how much to increased employment within the area?

In the period from September, 1936, to September, 1937, to which the hon. Member refers, the total number of insured persons aged 16 to 64, was reduced by 6,000, and the numbers in employment increased by 63,000. The fall in the numbers temporarily stopped was 12,000 as compared with a fall of 60,000, among those wholly unemployed. It is clear, therefore, that the drop in the numbers unemployed is not attributable to the causes suggested by the hon. Member and reflects a real improvement in employment.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that, in view of the recent arithmetical mistakes in the Department we can have much confidence in all these figures?

I rebut any suggestion of an arithmetical mistake.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the conclusion arrived at by the Commissioners for Special Areas that the Government cannot evade all responsibility for the location of industry; and since 'there are no signs of industries entering most of the Special Areas, including Rhondda, whether he will now consider the whole situation with a view to taking compulsory powers in this regard?

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the statement contained in the report of the Commission for the Special Areas that the Government of this country will have to abandon its laissez-faireattitude on industrial location, he will now consider taking steps to rescue derelict villages by compelling foreign firms desirous of commencing business in this country to establish factories and workshops where the need for providing work for the unemployed is greatest?

The suggestions made by the hon. Members fall to be considered by the Royal Commission on the Geographical Distribution of the Industrial Population. The Government propose to await the report of the Commission before reaching a decision.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Exchange officials request men to attend the office and, after travelling one or two miles, they have to occupy their time listening to a lantern lecture; whether this is compulsory; and, if not, will he arrange to have notices posted that those who desire may attend instead of the compulsory orders as at present?

The lantern lecture to which the hon. Member refers is, I assume, the cinematograph film illustrating the Government training and instructional centres. The object of the display of this film is to bring home to the men the advantages which they can gain from these centres, and, while it is not compulsory for them to come and see the film, I should be sorry to say anything which might lead the men to think that they would be justified in refusing even to learn anything about these centres which are designed for their benefit

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these men received a notice from the local officials, not stating what the business was, but saying that they must be prepared to attend the Exchange at certain times? Was this not compulsion, and could there riot have been a proper notice indicating what was happening so that the men could attend voluntarily?

Attendance is voluntary. If the hon. Member has any particular case of complaint, perhaps he will communicate with me.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has sent any reply to the town clerk of Liverpool in connection with the deputation that he met on 20th July about the distressed areas and the Unemployment Act, 1934?

Yes, Sir.

Do I understand that the right hon. Gentleman has already sent a reply?

That is so.

May I have a copy?

I shall be very pleased to communicate with the town clerk, and, if he has no objection, I shall be glad to send the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Minister of Labour how many people are registered at West Ham Employment Exchanges for the years ending 1934, 1935, 1936, and 1937; and how many were receiving unemployment benefit for the year ending 1937?

I am having the figures extracted, and will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT as soon as they are available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to say if any progress has been made towards establishing the principle that the rate of wages agreed upon by the Joint Industrial Council for the district should be regarded as the standard rate which is to be observed in order to comply with the fair wages clause in public contracts; and whether he has any plan for enforcing the observance of this clause by sub-contractors and agents, as well as by the main contractor?

I have recently appointed a committee to consider whether any changes are desirable or practicable in the working of the fair wages clause as embodied in Government contracts. The points raised by my hon. Friend are appropriate for consideration by this committee and I must await their report.

Has the Minister any idea when the report is likely to be received?

The committee are just now taking evidence. They were taking evidence from the Trade Union Council on 18th November.

asked the Minister of Labour particulars of the various pension schemes in operation in industry to-day, together with the number of schemes in operation and the number of workpeople covered, the highest, the average, and the lowest rate of pension?

From inquiries which have recently been made by my Department, covering industries and services other than the national and local government services, it would appear that at the end of 1936 there were approximately 3,300 industrial and commercial firms or undertakings, and approximately 2,000 other undertakings, organisations or institutions (for example, hospitals, nursing associations and education institutions) in Great Britain wth retirement pension schemes in operation for all or certain classes of their employés. These figures are inclusive of cases in which the arrangements are operated through group schemes covering a number of firms, undertakings or organisations. A large amount of information has been collected giving details of these schemes, and this information is now being analysed and tabulated. I am not yet in a position to give particulars of the total numbers of employés covered, or of the rates of pensions paid, but I hope to be able to publish a summary of the information obtained during the course of the next three or four months.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in order to maintain social services, to increase the amenities, and assist in the removal of eyesores within the Special Areas, the advice of the Special Areas commissioners in this connection has been considered; and whether his Department is prepared to give effect to this by giving additional grants to the local authorities affected?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on Monday last to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Member for Cardiff, South (Captain A. Evans).

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what precautions have been taken to prevent the pollution of the main reservoirs supplying London and other big cities by the dropping of cholera, typhoid, and other fatal germs in capsules by enemy aircraft in time of war?

This matter has received consideration in all its bearings in consultation with distinguished scientists, and appropriate measures have been decided on. It would not be in the public interest to state the nature of these precautions.

Are we to understand that the precautions are adequate? People will be very much more worried about the possibility of the introduction of germs of this kind in view of recent events.

Would not proper and full purification up to a prescribed standard, before the water is sent to the consumer, eliminate these dangers entirely?

No doubt that is one of the matters which will be very carefully considered.

asked the Home Secretary why only one organiser has been appointed in connection with air-raid precautions for the whole of the administrative county of Durham; and what is the standard adopted by his Department, in terms of population and other factors, in the appointment of such organisers?

I understand that hitherto the preparatory work has been done by the regional committees which have been set up, but that the county council are now proposing to appoint an organiser for the administrative county. It is for the local authorities concerned to consider what arrangements are most appropriate for organising the work in their area, and no standards have been laid down as to the number of organisers necessary for any given area or population. My right hon. Friend is, however, considering whether it is practicable to give any further guidance on this subject.

Do I understand that these organisers are being appointed entirely on the initiative of the local authorities, without any guidance up to date from the Home Office?

Yes, Sir; the responsibility for these appointments rests entirely with the local authorities. As I said the other day, the Home Office is ready to give assistance by way of suggesting names where local authorities desire it.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, in the Metropolitan borough of Deptford, attempts are being made to sell gas masks from door to door; whether such action has the approval of his Department; and whether householders have any guarantee that such gas masks would be as reasonably effective as those to be issued by the Government?

The Home Office has no information of any door-to-door sale of gas masks at Deptford or elsewhere, nor has any such procedure been approved or contemplated.

asked the Home Secretary when it is proposed to introduce legislation relating to the registration of clubs?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to questions on this subject by my hon. Friend the Member for Dudley (Mr. Joel) on 25th November, and by the hon. Member for South Tottenham (Mr. Messer) on 18th November.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider introducing legislation to give to the police the power to impose fines on the spot with the consent of the offenders for trivial breaches of motoring regulations, as this would be convenient to all concerned and effect a considerable saving of time for the courts and the police?

My right hon. Friend has considered this suggestion, but it is not one which he would be prepared to support.

Has my hon. Friend considered the working of this proposal in other countries, and is he satisfied that it works well there?

I think that that has been considered, but I do not think the House would consider it to be a sufficient reason for its adoption here.

Surely an Englishman would have the right to say that he will go to court if you ask him. It would only be that he wanted to be saved the bother of doing so.

asked the Home Secretary the number of prosecutions of lorry-drivers for exceeding the speed limit on the Great North Road between northeast coast towns and London?

I regret that the available statistics are not in a form which would enable me to answer this question.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that nine out of ten of the lorries travelling on this road have to exceed the speed limit in order to make a profit on the journey?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the danger to the public and the impossibility for vehicular traffic to negotiate the busy traffic points in the Metropolitan police area during the fog on Friday, 26th November; and whether he will impress on the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police the advisability of flares being provided on similar future occasions either for the point-duty police and/or the special constabulary to assist the public and vehicles to cross dangerous traffic points?

The provision of extra lighting in fog is a matter for the local authorities, and not the police, and I understand some local authorities already make special provisions.

How many accidents were reported to the hon. Gentleman's Department on that day?

I cannot say without notice.

Could not the Minister of Transport be responsible when the greatest danger is on the roads, so that an effort is made to obviate it?

asked the Home Secretary whether he can now make a statement based upon the promises made to the hon. Member for Stoke during the Debates in the House and in the Committee when consideration was being given to the Factories Act, with particular reference to silicosis and the promised administrative action; and what action has been taken or is contemplated?

I presume that the hon. Member has particularly in mind the extension of the requirement as to periodic medical examination to workers employed in additional processes involving risk of silicosis in the pottery industry. This question is at present under consideration with a view to amendment of the Silicosis and Asbestosis (Medical Arrangements) Scheme, 1931.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when these amendments are likely to be made?

It is hoped that proposals will be put before my right hon. Friend within the next few weeks.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in connection with the proposed legislation to deal with young persons in unregulated occupations, he proposes to include an amendment of the Shops Act, 1934, so as to apply to young persons under 16 employed in shops the limit of 44 hours a week which will apply to young persons employed in factories under the provisions of the Factories Act, 1937?

The point raised by my hon. Friend will certainly receive consideration in connection with the projected legislation.

asked the Home Secretary whether the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on the Hours of Employment of Young Persons in Certain Unregulated Occupations extend to youths employed on lorries used for distributing goods and petrol; and whether it is intended to include these youths in the proposed legislation?

The recommendations of the Departmental Committee covered the case of van boys employed in connection with any commercial or industrial undertaking whose hours of employment were not already regulated by statute. Van boys employed in the distributive trades are already covered by the Shops Act, 1934, and van boys employed in connection with factories by the recently passed Factories Act. It is the intention to deal with the remainder in the new legislation.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when it is proposed to introduce this legislation?

I cannot say without notice.

Is it likely to be this Session?

That is a question for the Prime Minister.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the result of his inquiries into the condition of the cells and bedding of Wandsworth prison?

My right hon. Friend has inquired into this matter, and can find no ground for the suggestion that proper standards of hygiene are not maintained at this prison. As previously stated, whenever the presence of vermin is detected, prompt and drastic measures are taken to deal with the matter. As regards the bedding, every prisoner on admission is provided with clean sheets; there is a weekly inspection of all bedding; and, apart from the routine system of washing, any sheets or blankets are cleansed at once if need arises. If the hon. Member would like to visit the prison and see the conditions for himself my right hon. Friend would gladly arrange this.

asked the Home Secretary on how many occasions he has issued a warrant authorising the police to listen-in to telephone conversations to and from the headquarters of the Communist party?

For reasons which my right hon. Friend has already explained, it would be contrary to the public interest to give information as to the occasions on which a warrant has or has not been issued.

In view of the fact that it is the legal and recognised custom, when a warrant is served for a search of premises, that the warrant is exhibited to the person who is affected, should it not also be necessary, if a warrant is issued authorising the police to listen-in on anyone's telephone, that that person or party should be made acquainted with the fact? Is that the legal position, or is it not?

I do not think that such a procedure would conduce to the efficiency of the arrangement.

I am not concerned with the efficiency of the arrangement, but with the legal position.

asked the Home Secretary the number of Metropolitan policewomen employed in plain clothes and the number of hours or tours of duty recorded in respect of time spent making inquiry or keeping observation in respect of suspected disciplinary offences by male members of the Metropolitan Police?

The number of Metropolitan policewomen wholly employed on plain clothes duty is at present five. There is no complete record of the particulars asked in the second part of the question

Are these five policewomen engaged whole-time in spying on their fellow-constables?

Certainly not. I think my right hon. Friend explained clearly the other day that women police were treated exactly the same as policemen.

Is there a record kept of the number of times they are engaged on this work and the amount of time occupied?

No, Sir.

Is it not very unkind to dress women in plain clothes?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Mr. Jaroslawsky, head of the Godless movement, has declined to adopt the proposal of the Communist party that the proposed Godless Congress should be held in some country other than England on [he grounds that it is especially desirable to hold it in this country as a reply to the Church Union Congress at Oxford, and that the British Government has not yet forbidden it; and whether, in view of these circumstances and of the fact that arrangements have been made for English-speaking broadcasts about the congress and the Godless movement generally, he will make a further and clear statement as to the intentions of His Majesty's Government on this matter?

My right hon. Friend has no knowledge of any pronouncement of the kind suggested in this question, and he is not in a position to add anything to the reply which he gave to questions on this subject on filth November.

Is my hon. Friend aware that such a meeting would be contrary to the wishes of the great majority of the people of this country; and will he not make a definite declaration now that it shall not be held, and so avoid a lot of trouble in the future?

Is the Under-Secretary aware that the Communist party does not know Mr. Jaroslawsky; that I have never made any representation to Mr. Jaroslawsky; and that I have never heard, except from the other side, of any proposal for such a conference?

Before that question is answered, may I ask my hon. Friend whether he is aware that the gentleman in question is complaining of the timidity of the English Communists?

I do not question the right of the House to have this question before it, but is it a matter for the House whether Mr. Jaroslawsky or anybody else has any opinions of this kind?

Will the Minister keep in mind, having regard to the general outlook of the Conservative party, that that party may wish to be represented at this congress?

asked the Home Secretary whether in view of the many causes of complaint of the working of the Shops (Sunday Trading Restriction) Act, 1936, particularly from seaside and seasonal places, he can give any hope of the Act being amended?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given to questions on this subject by my hon. Friend the Member for Moss Side (Mr. Rostron Duckworth) last Tuesday, and by my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool (Mr. R. Robinson) on 21st October, to which I am unable to add anything.

asked the Prime Minister whether he intends to provide facilities for the further consideration of the Public Health (Coal Mines Refuse) Bill?

I am afraid that I can hold out no hope of facilities for this Bill.

Is the Prime Minister aware that in the districts concerned this is looked on as a very urgent matter, and, further, that at a conference upon atmospheric pollution, held this week under the auspices of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, attended by representatives from all parts of the country a resolution was unanimously passed calling for legislation on the lines of this Bill?

That may be so.

Does the Prime Minister not know the danger of the burning slag-heaps, so far as air raids are concerned?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the Secretary of State for Air had not been aware of the feeling of the House in regard to the Committee of Inquiry into Civil Aviation, he now proposes to take steps whereby the Minister in question shall be a Member of this House?

No, Sir.

Has the Prime Minister taken into consideration that this Minister is now at the head of one of the heaviest Spending Departments, and that he is also directly responsible for the defence of London against air attacks? Are not these reasons why he should be a Member of this House?

indicated dissent.

I beg to give notice that, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the replies to this question, I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.

asked the Prime Minister whether, arising out of the recent conversations with the French Ministers, it is proposed to enter into any communications with other countries upon which a settlement of the Colonial question in part depends?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply on Tuesday last to the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition, to which I have nothing to add.

Does the Prime Minister not intend to enter into communication with the Governors of Dominions immediately about this matter?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consult Parliament before any redistribution of Colonial territories is proposed or acquiesced in by His Majesty's Government?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to a supplementary question by the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition on Wednesday, 24th November, to which I have nothing to add.

Is the Prime Minister aware of the widespread relief that would follow an assurance of the kind for which I have asked?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to an article written by a Minister of the Crown appearing in the "Daily Express" on Monday, 29th November; and whether the publication of this article indicates that the Government have departed from the policy covering this matter, as laid down by the late Prime Minister in his statement of 3rd March, 1927, precluding Ministers from the practice of journalism in any form unless the article be of a literary, historical, scientific, philosophical, or romantic character?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In reply to the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply on the subject of the rule relating to contributions to the Press by Ministers which was given by the then Prime Minister on 26th November, 1934. This was as follows:

"The rule has never been interpreted as debarring Ministers from writing articles which supplement the means already used for enlightening the public in regard to Measures before Parliament and other administrative questions."

Is it suggested that these articles are written by the pens of Ministers? Are they not certainly written by the staffs, public or private, of Ministers; and is not the continuous development of this habit imposing upon the Opposition, who have no staff, an ever increasing burden in trying to keep up, not merely with the speeches here, but with the writings of Ministers?

Would those conditions apply if the Minister received a payment for the article?

No question of payment in this particular case arises.

Can the Prime Minister inform us whether anybody on the staff of the Minister concerned was concerned in the writing of this article and devoted time to its preparation?

No, Sir, I have not asked my right hon. Friend that question, but I do not see that it is very relevant.

Does the Prime Minister not see that if officers of State Departments, drawing salaries from public funds, are to be called upon to do the personal journalistic work of Ministers, who are not supposed to do journalistic 'work at all, that is very objectionable from the point of view of this House?

Is it not undesirable that a statement of this character should be issued to one newspaper only, and not to the Press generally, with an explanation of a Bill which concerns the nation as a whole?

My right hon. Friend, no doubt, took that into account. He has had considerable experience.

Is this not a case of very much ado about nothing?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the urgency of the matter, especially as affecting home Defence, he will approach the chairman of the Royal Commission inquiring into the location of industry with a view to an interim report being issued as soon as possible?

I have been in communication with the chairman. The Royal Commission is proceeding as expeditiously as possible, but it still has much evidence to hear, and has not yet reached a point at which it can decide whether an interim report would be practicable.

Could some powers be taken in this matter of the location of industry, pending the report of the Commission, as irreparable harm may be done in matters of national defence before the issue of the report?

It is not possible to ask for any powers until we hear what the Commission recommend.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, as representing the Lord President of the Council, the amount of money spent by the Government during the last year on fuel research and the total amount spent since the establishment of the Fuel Research Board?

The total net expenditure from the vote of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research on fuel research and on the Physical and Chemical Survey of the National Coal Resources in the financial year ending 31st March, 1937, was £92,881. The estimated cost of services by other Departments in that year (including cost of erection and maintenance of buildings, etc., rates, postage and stationery) was £10,950. Corresponding figures for the period of 20 years from 1st April, 1917 (the year in which the Fuel Research Board was appointed), to 31st March, 1937, are £1,270,787 and £309,699 respectively, including the capital expenditure incurred in the erection and equipment of the Fuel Research Station, East Greenwich, and of extensions thereto.

Do these figures include their own researches into the production of oil from coal; and, if so, can we have an assurance that the information they have may be placed at the disposal of the Falmouth Committee?

This is a very complicated question, as the hon. Gentleman knows. It really rests between two Departments. As regards the first part of the question, I should have notice. As regards the second part, it should be properly addressed to the Secretary for Mines; though I think the answer would be most emphatically in the affirmative.

asked the Home Secretary how many telephone calls for 999 have been put through to the special office in New Scotland Yard; and what percentage of these calls were in accordance with the new police emergency call regulations?

The new arrangements made between the Commissioners of Police of the Metropolis and the City of London and the Post Office came into force at 8 a.m. on 29th November. During the two following periods of 24 hours 460 and 311 calls were received in the Information Room: of these, just under half were calls justifying the use of 999.

In view of the involved nature of the circular, does not the hon. Gentleman consider it to be responsible for the very high percentage of calls from outside?

No, Sir. I think that the circular was rather clear. It is natural that the public might make mistakes, like the lady who found a matchstick and a beetle in her bread and rang up Scotland Yard to know what she should do about it. The situation is now improving, and I would repeat that this 999 number is to be used only in connection with urgent matters connected with crime.

asked the Home Secretary the number of meetings which have been held by the committee appointed to investigate the possibilities of the provision of a plan for granting compensation to cardroom workers in the cotton industry who are disabled by respiratory illness; what evidence has been taken; and when the report of this committee may be expected?

I understand that the committee have met on six occasions and have heard medical evidence and representatives of employers and workpeople, and that they are now awaiting the results of a statistical review for which purpose further information was to be obtained from operatives. I regret that I cannot say when their report may be expected.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether the attention of the Board has been called to cases in which, in the reorganisation of schools, the size of classes has been increased to over 50; and whether any representations have been made by the Board to the local education authorities with reference to this?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the second part does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education in how many cases during the last year representations have been made by the Board of Education to local education authorities with a view to the reduction in the size of excessively large classes in elementary schools?

Representations with regard to over-large classes have been made by the Board during the past 12 months to 72 local education authorities.

Have satisfactory results been obtained as a result of these representations?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education how many certificated teachers who have completed their training during the current year are still unable to find employment in public elementary schools?

Of the 6,920 students who left training colleges and departments in 1937, 4,686 have been notified to the Board as having been appointed to posts in public elementary schools; 588 have been notified on appointment to other recognised schools, but the Board have not yet received returns showing the number of those who have obtained posts in other schools or have not sought teaching employment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether his Department issues, for the guidance of the authorities responsible for grant-aided schools, an approved list of history books from which such authorities may select the books they think suitable for their schools; if not, whether such authorities have unfettered freedom to purchase and use in their schools any history books they please?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, as I explained in my answer to the hon. Member for Govan (Mr. Maclean) on 25th November last, it is the Board's policy to leave the choice of books, together with details of the curriculum generally, to the discretion of the local education authority or other authority responsible for the school.

Are we to assume that, if the attention of the Government is drawn to the fact that a certain history book contains glaring inaccuracies, the Department is still unable to take any action in the matter?

The Department is able to take action, but I would like to make this statement that, looking back:, as far as I can ascertain, no case has ever arisen where the Board has had to consider the prohibition of the use of a book which it thought to be unsuitable. I think that generally it would be a wise policy to allow a good deal of freedom and local self-government in these matters. There are methods, through the inspectors, of checking up from time to time if there is any inaccuracy.

May we take it then, that, if the attention of the hon. Member is drawn to the fact that history books are being employed containing serious misstatements of fact, he will ask his Department to take some action in the matter?

If they were glaring misstatements over a large number of books or even over one book obviously we should look into the matter.

Would it not be better if members of local education committees themselves dealt with this matter rather than bring it to the attention of the Board.

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether the Board have been consulted by the Reigate Education Committee about the proposal to sell their Cromwell Road Council School to the Church authorities, and giving the purchasers a 75 per cent. grant towards the purchase money; and under what statutory power the local education authority is acting with regard to such a sale?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second part, therefore, does not arise.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the chairman of the education committee concerned stated that he had had an interview with the inspectors of the Board on the matter in submitting it to the education committee?

I would like to look into that matter. Nothing has as yet come to the attention of the Board.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education, whether he requires local education authorities to provide, maintain, and keep clean sufficient and suitable sanitary conveniences for children attending school; and what system of inspection is in operation to secure that a satisfactory standard is maintained?

The Code of Regulations for public elementary schools requires that every school must have suitable and sufficient sanitary accommodation for the children and teachers, and must be adequately cleaned and drained, and kept in proper repair. These are matters to which His Majesty's inspectors give attention when inspecting the schools, and appropriate action is taken by the Board on their inspectors' reports. The Board, however, can exercise only a general supervision through their inspectors, whose visits to individual schools are necessarily infrequent, and for the enforcement of a satisfactory standard they must therefore rely upon the vigilance of the local education and sanitary authorities.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is prepared to consider sending notices to the various local authorities throughout the country urging the local authorities to give every assistance and facility for supplies of water to be laid on to the farms, in view of the difficulties experienced by many farmers and the high cost entailed?

In day to day administration local authorities are encouraged to take all practical steps to supply farms with water from their mains on reasonable terms and I have not received any complaints that they are unwilling to do so. If my hon. Friend will send me any cases he has in mind I will further consider the matter.

Is the Minister aware that there are many local authorities who are not alive to the requirements of the agricultural community?

I shall be glad to take the matter up with my hon. Friend.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that whenever public authorities seek the power to do these things they are opposed by vested interests?

That is another matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can now state what price the arbiter awarded for the site of 3.25 acres acquired by the Leeds Corporation from the Martin Estate and Colliery Company, Limited, for the purposes of housing?

I presume the hon. Member refers to the site of 325 acres owned by the Middleton Estate and Colliery Company. The official arbitrator has fixed the price to be paid by the Corporation for the freehold interests in the site (exclusive of mines and minerals) at £50,583.

asked the Minister of Health whether proposals have now been submitted to him by the Old Fletton Urban District Council for the acquisition of land of about three acres at Coneygree Road and land of about six and a-half acres at London Road, Woodstone; for what purposes these sites are wanted; whether purchase has been effected, what prices have been paid; and what was the rateable value of these areas previous to purchase?

Proposals for the purchase of the lands referred to have not been submitted to me.

asked the Minister of Health what award the official arbiter has given in connection with the two fields of 13 acres in Water Lane, York, which were acquired by the corporation for housing purposes; and whether part, or what part, of the awarded price payment was for injurious effects upon the remainder of the farm?

The award of the official arbitrator, given on 12th August last, was that the corporation should pay the claimant £2,515 for the freehold interest in the two fields, £100 towards the claimant's costs, interest at the rate of 5 per cent. on the award from 1st September, 1935, to the date of completion of purchase, and the fees on the award. No sum was specifically included in the award for the purpose indicated in the second part of the question.