asked the Minister of Transport whether he can state the number of fatal accidents that have taken place on the existing King's Lynn to Norwich road between Narborough and Hockering during the last year?

One, Sir.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether he is satisfied that places of natural beauty or historic interest will not be endangered by the building of that part of the King's Lynn-Norwich trunk road which would pass through South-west Norfolk;(2) whether it is proposed that the new King's Lynn-Norwich trunk road will by-pass the towns of Swaffham and East Dereham whichever route is selected; and whether he is satisfied that this is in the best interests of the shopkeepers and others in these towns;(3) whether it is proposed to start work on the King's Lynn to Norwich trunk road in the near future;(4) whether the exact route for the proposed King's Lynn to Norwich trunk road has yet been decided; and, if alternative routes have been chosen provisionally, whether he will have an ordnance map, marked with the exact routes suggested, placed in the Tea Room?

Consideration is being given to the possibility of improving the trunk road communication between King's Lynn and Norwich, but no decision has yet been reached as to the nature of such improvement.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider, in the interests of safety, improving the surface of the new Glasgow-Edinburgh Road, particularly that portion at

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the London Passenger Transport Board is to make a large increase in fares from 5th December, 1937, on the motor-coach services from Aldgate to Romford and Upminster; that considerable discontent has been aroused by these changes which severely hit the districts concerned; and

The surface of the Glasgow-Edinburgh Road in County areas, for which I am the highway authority, will be improved wherever and whenever necessary. The part at Carntyne within the City of Glasgow is the responsibility of the Corporation, who are the highway authority concerned.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can state the present volume of traffic on the existing King's Lynn-Norwich road compared with that within a reasonable radius of London on the Great North Road, the Great West Road, and the Southend bypass, respectively?

The daily average numbers of motor vehicles, horse-drawn vehicles and pedal cycles enumerated at selected points on the undermentioned roads during a week in August, 1935, were:whether he will consider the establishment of an independent committee to investigate the finances and operation of these services?

I have no jurisdiction in this matter, which is regulated by the provisions of the London Passenger Transport Act, 1933. I understand that the Board's season ticket rates on the road services from Aldgate to Romford and Upminster are appreciably lower than those on the main line railways and the Board state that these rates are uneconomical and unremunerative. In these circumstances, they are proposing to make certain adjustments in their season ticket arrangements.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the number of road motor vehicles licensed for the conveyance of goods by each of the classes of licences described as "A," "B," and "C"?

The number of goods vehicles (excluding trailers) authorised under Carriers' Licences current at 30th June, 1937, was:

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the total unladen tonnage of the motor vehicles licensed under "A," "13" and "C" licences, respectively, for the conveyance of goods by road?

I regret that the information desired is not available.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will take powers to compel landowners to permit the introduction of electricity to the houses and villages on their estates when such landlords have without reason given refused to permit such introduction?

My attention has been drawn to a case where such a position has arisen, but I have no evidence that such cases are of frequent occurrence or that legislation to deal with them is necessary.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give particulars of conversations taking place at the present time between British, German and / or Italian bankers for the purpose of raising a loan; and can he state the British Government's attitude towards same?

So far as I am aware no such conversations are taking place at the present time; the second part of the question therefore does not arise.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will ascertain from the Brazilian Government whether they will undertake to honour their debt obligations to British subjects as they fall due and without interruption; and, failing a satisfactory reply, will he arrange an exchange clearing to remedy the losses on £100,000,000 of British capital entrusted to Brazil?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs gave on 24th November to my hon. Friends the Members for Evesham (Mr. De la Bère) and Lincoln (Mr. Liddall), and to the reply which I gave on the 30th November to my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle-on-Tyne North (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle).

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any Scotsmen have acted during 1937 as examiners of graduates seeking appointment to the junior administrative grade of the Civil Service?

The total number of examiners of candidates for appointment to the junior administrative grade of the Civil Service in 1937 was 101. Of these, according to the information available, 17 are of Scottish birth or education or both. Two others are Professors at Scottish Universities, but not of Scottish birth or education.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state the number of graduates examined and the number appointed to the junior administrative grade of the Civil Service during 1936 and 1937, giving the numbers examined and appointed from Oxford, Cambridge, and Scottish Universities, respectively?

In the time available it has not been possible to obtain the particulars asked for. I will communicate with the right hon. Member as soon as I am able to give the necessary information.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state the reason for the retirement of the late industrial assurance commissioner; whether he is in receipt of a pension and, if so, what is the amount; and whether Government consent was obtained before he accepted the position of director of the Prudential Assurance Company?

The officer referred to retired in May last on attaining the age of sixty-five. He is in receipt of a pension of £875 a year. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what sum it is estimated would be required to increase pensions under the Widows' and Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Acts to £1 per week; and what weekly increase of contributions from workers and employers, respectively, would be necessary to provide for such an increase without any additional subsidy from the Treasury?

The cost of increasing pensions under the Contributory Pensions Acts (including non-contributory old age pensions) to £1 a week would be nearly £90 millions a year at the present time.The working out of contributions necessary to cover a particular scheme involves considerable labour, but possibly it may be sufficient for the hon. Member's purpose to note the figures quoted in the Debate last night as regards contributions in the case of a scheme substantially similar to the suggestion in the question. He will see that figures were then given for the cost to the contributors if the whole present cost of the scheme then discussed were spread over present contributors without Exchequer assistance. I would, however, refer him to the remarks I made as to the considerations which would arise as regards dispensing with Exchequer subsidy if an all-over increase of pensions were to be brought into immediate operation.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can give the number of industrial employés at present in the service of the Government at home and abroad; and the number of these employés who are entitled to at least one week's leave with pay each year?

The number of industrial employés in the service of the Government at home stations on 1st April, 1937, the latest date for which statistics are available, was approximately 173,000. Apart from Forestry Commission workers, numbering about 4,000, who are dealt with in the light of agricultural practice, the industrial employés of the Government are, in general, eligible for not less than six days' annual leave with pay (in addition to certain public holidays with pay) provided that they have served a qualifying period of 12 months.As regards industrial employés abroad, no exact statistics are available, but it is estimated that the total number of such employés is in the neighbourhood of 30,000 of whom about 700 are workmen sent out from this country, while the remainder are local entrants. The workmen sent out from this country are, like the general body of workmen at home, allowed at least six days' holiday with pay in addition to certain public holidays. Locally entered workmen normally receive certain public holidays only.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the unrest amongst collectors of taxes and their staff employed in the Accountant and Comptroller General's Department of the Inland Revenue Department; whether he has considered the resolution protesting against the Department's proposals on pay and overtime conditions unanimously adopted at the meeting held on 25th November of representatives from all parts of the country; and what steps are being taken to meet the grievances of the staff?

I am aware that the Staff Association representing the collectors and their staffs have made proposals for improvements in the pay of certain grades and for an alteration of the overtime arrangements. The discussions on pay are proceeding between the Board of Inland Revenue and the Association and in the event of disagreement it will be open to the Association to submit the matter to the Arbitration Tribunal. The case is a normal one of a dispute with regard to scales of pay and is following the usual procedure. I therefore see no reason to intervene. With regard to overtime, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave him yesterday.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that telegrams from China are being held up and that no information is reaching newspapers in the interior such as Hangkow, he will authorise an extension of the British official wireless service which is received directly and distributed indirectly by the British warships in China?

According to information at my disposal arrangements at Hankow normally provide for the British official service being made promptly available for distribution by His Majesty's ships and consular officers. Arrangements for a general extension of the machinery for the interception and distribution of this service in the interior of China are not within the control of His Majesty' s Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many Abyssinian refugees are known to have sought safety in the Sudan; and whether, in view of the fact that ample territory is available near the Sudanese-Abyssinian frontier, any arrangements are being made for their permanent settlement?

There are some 250 Abyssinian refugees in the Sudan. This number does not take account of normal trans-frontier movements by cognate negroid tribes common to both sides, which do not constitute in any sense a refugee problem. I cannot accept without reserve my hon. Freind's contention that there is ample territory available near the Sudanese-Abyssinian frontier suitable for the settlement of the refugees. In general the low-lying country of the Sudan is climatically unsuited to refugees from the highlands of Abyssinia.

asked the Home Secretary, in view of the fact that of the 750,000 persons proceeded against 57 per cent. were motorists, whether he can state the total amount of the fines inflicted; what proportion of these fines were retained for local use and what proportion was handed over to the Exchequer; and what amounts are contributed by the State to the expenses to which the local authority is put in dealing with these cases?

The criminal statistics for 1935 show that of the total number of persons found guilty in that year of offences of all kinds 57 per cent. were found guilty of traffic offences, but not all traffic offences are committed by motorists. The figures include, for instance, offences by pedal cyclists. The total number of persons convicted of offences relating to motor vehicles was 311,178, or approximately 41 per cent. The fines imposed on these persons amounted to approximately £380,000. These fines are payable to the Exchequer, less the statutory court fees amounting approximately to £60,000, which are retained for local funds. There is no Exchequer contribution towards the expenses of the Courts of Summary Jurisdiction (except for the payment of the salaries of the Metropolitan police magistrates), but the Exchequer bears half the cost of the police expenditure involved in presenting the cases.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give information as to the number of His Majesty's inspectors of factories who are on the staff at the offices situated in Stoke-on-Trent; the area and the total number of factories and workshops coming under their supervision; the number of factories engaged in the manufacture of earthenware and china, including sanitary fireclay and Rockingham and jet; and the number of mills engaged in the milling of potters' materials which are operating in Stoke-on-Trent and included in the total?

Four inspectors are attached to the Stoke-on-Trent District which comprises roughly North Staffordshire. I understand that there are in this area 2,229 registered factories and workshops and 67 other premises subject to inspection, and that the number of factories engaged in the various sections of the Pottery Industry is 322 and the number of potters' mills 47, of which 35 are operating in Stoke-on-Trent.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the alarming incidence of silicosis in the pottery industry resulting in the average of over 50 deaths per year for the past several years, in addition to a large number of certified total or partial incapacity cases; and whether he will consider making such addition to the staff of His Majesty's inspectors in Stoke-on-Trent as will make it possible for the adequate inspection of factories and mills engaged in the pottery industry, with a view to the more rigid enforcement of the Factories Act and special regulations, and the reduction of the high incidence of silicosis?

My right hon. Friend is aware of the figures, but silicosis develops slowly and the deaths now occurring in the potteries appear to be largely due to conditions which prevailed many years ago. Moreover the number of cases of disablement has substantially declined. My right hon. Friend is advised that the standard of compliance with the new Regulations of 1932 has greatly improved, and that the use of harmless materials is developing. The Factory Department is, however, fully alive to the importance of further efforts to reduce the risk of this terrible disease, and my right hon. Friend will ask the Chief Inspector to bear the point in mind in the distribution of the staff.

asked the Home Secretary why extra police stringency has been' adopted during the last few months in the control of taximeter-cabs, especially regarding their condition; and whether, in view of the fact that this new police activity is arbitrary and irksome and is subject to no appeal, and that both cab-owners and drivers are consequently suffering hardship, he will take steps to modify the stringency of the control?

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that no instructions have been given for additional police stringency as regards the control or condition of taximeter-cabs, and he is not aware that there has been any new activity on the part of the Police in this matter. If my hon. Friend will give details of any particular cases which he has in mind, I will ask the Commissioner to investigate them.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Scottish Housing Association for the Special Areas has yet arrived at a decision as to where, when, and on what scale building operations should be commenced?

The association are meeting to-morrow when they will consider the acquisition of one or more of the sites in Lanarkshire which they recently inspected.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the position in which a Scottish husband, by making a nomination under the Friendly Societies Acts to a relatively small sum held for him by a Friendly Society can defeat his wife's right to receive the sum of £500 from his estate under the Intestate Husband's Estate (Scotland) Act, 1911; and whether the Government proposes to introduce amending legislation to remedy this defect?

This matter has already been brought to my notice and I am in consultation with the Lord Advocate on the subject. I cannot yet state what action, if any, may be advisable.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the inadequate coastwise shipping facilities around the coasts of Scotland and the widespread demand for increased facilities; and whether he will consider taking steps to organise and develop Scottish coastwise shipping so as to render the produce of the crofts and farms in the Scottish coastal islands readily available to the markets at the ports and large centres of population of Scotland?

I am informed that representations about coastal services have been made to the sub-committee of the Scottish Economic Committee which is at present engaged in examining the economic conditions of the Highlands and Islands. The question of transport to the mainland of the produce of the Scottish coastal islands will no doubt be dealt with in the forthcoming report of the subcommittee.

asked the Minister of Health whether his Department is represented on the National House Builders' Registration Council; and whether he will, in future, include in his annual report to Parliament a statement of the number of houses built by private enterprise at various rentals in respect of which certificates have been issued?

Two of my officials act as observers at the meetings of this council. Whilst I am in full sympathy with the council's endeavours to promote good building, I take no responsibility for, and have no control over, their work. The council are not a statutory or official body and my annual report to Parliament would not, I feel, be the proper medium for the publication of a statement from the council such as is desired by my hon. and gallant Friend. The council will doutless make their own arrangements for publishing periodically statements giving the results of their work.

asked the Minister of Health how many plans for housing in

Since the 30th of November, 1935, I have approved the building by rural district councils of 23,223 houses, The numbers approved for Norfolk as a whole and South-West Norfolk are respectively 983 and 200. During the same period no applications for grants have been rejected by me in respect of houses in Norfolk, but applications for grants in respect of houses intended to abate overcrowding were rejected in the case of 259 houses in other parts of the country.

asked the Minister of Health how many applications have been made to his Department for grants to recondition rural cottages under the Rural Workers Housing Act since the General Election, 1935, by local councils in the whole country, in Norfolk, and in South-West Norfolk, espectively; whether his Department have rejected any such application; and how many grants made by owners of cottages to local councils in Norfolk and in South-West Norfolk, respectively, have been rejected by those councils?

Applications made by owners for grants under the Housing Rural Workers Acts are decided by the local authorities and not by me and I assume that my hon. Friend wishes to know the number of such applications made to local authorities and the number rejected by them.The figures which he desires during the period from 1st January, 1936, to the 30th September, 1937, were:

asked the Minister of Health whether in all cases an economic rent only is charged for houses which are subsidised by the State or whether there are any cases where rent above the economic is charged; and, if so, whether such rents have to have his sanction?

I would refer my hon. Friend to Command Paper 5527 recently issued which gives some particulars of the rents charged by local authorities. Under Section 85 of the Housing Act, 1936, an authority when fixing rents must take into account the working-class rent in the locality, and may grant rent rebates to any tenant. Accordingly the rent charged for any particular house is not determined by the cost of that house. The rents fixed are not subject to my approval.

asked the Minister of Health (I) whether in the new Housing Bill he will provide that the subsidies should be paid not only to rural district councils but also direct to any farm worker who undertakes to build or get built an approved house for his own occupation, subject to the condition that if his occupation ceases the house must continue to be let to farm workers at a rent not exceeding 4s. a week or be disposed of subject to that restriction;(2) whether, in spite of the recommendation of the Rural Housing Committee, he will arrange that the subsidy for houses in rural districts shall continue for a longer period than five years, as a shorter period will tend to drive up building costs; and whether, in view of the urgent need for houses for farm workers, he will take steps to ensure that, if the rural district council makes default in providing such houses where the need is shown to exist, the county council may be instructed by the Ministry to provide the necessary houses?

I am not yet in a position to announce the details of the Government's proposals for the improvement of rural housing conditions but the hon. Member's suggestions will receive my careful consideration.

asked the Minister of Health whether any new legislation to stimulate the building of cottages in rural areas, in addition to the provisions of the Slum Clearance, Overcrowding, and Rural Workers Housing Acts, is contemplated during the present Session for England and Wales?

asked the Minister of Health whether he has noted that, with the present cost of building in many areas, the existing subsidies in the case of slum clearance or overcrowding do not enable rural district councils to build houses for farm workers to be let at 4s. a week, inclusive of rates; and whether in the new Housing Bill he will provide a new additional subsidy, so that in the specific case of farm workers such houses may be built to be let at rents not exceeding the figure above stated?

As I announced in reply to questions by my hon. Friends the Members for St. Albans (Sir F. Fremantle) and Evesham (Mr. De la Bère) on 28th October, I propose to introduce in the near future a Bill to make further Exchequer assistance available towards the erection of houses for the agricultural population.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has made inquiries into the housing conditions in the county of Carmarthen, as revealed in the report of the county medical officer of health; and whether he can indicate what steps are being taken to deal with the serious position revealed in the report?

Arrangements have been made for conferences between my inspectors and members and officers of the local authorities in the county. They will begin on the 7th of this month.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in the new Housing Bill, he will provide for subsidies to be payable to housing associations established under the Housing Act, 1935, of the same amounts as those payable to rural district councils?

While I am not in a position to anticipate the details of forthcoming legislation, the question of making assistance available for housing associations is one which I shall certainly bear in mind.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will specify the cases in which the non-county boroughs, while providing their own services, also contribute to the cost of similar services by reason of their being provided out of the general county rate?

Under the Local Government Act, 1888, certain non-county boroughs retained functions in respect of the administration of Justice but were made liable to contribute to the county rates for these services as well as their own expenses. This double liability also arises under later legislation with respect to the expenses of probation committees, and of hospital provision (other than that for infectious diseases) and where a county council makes contribution to local schemes of e.g. sewerage or water supply.Under the Education Act, 1921, a non-county borough council has power to incur expenditure on higher education as well as the county council, but the amount raised for their own purposes by the borough council (who contribute to the expenses of the county council) in any year out of the rates is not to exceed the produce of a rate of 1⅓d.In addition to the above instances, a number of statutes provide that a non-county borough council may undertake a service similar to that provided by the county council and shall in addition to its own expenses contribute to the general county rate, subject to subsequent refund from the county council[of the amount so contributed. Examples are expenses in respect of weights and measures, diseases of animals, food and drugs, road lighting, and the supervision of midwives.

asked the Minister of Health whether the transference which is being carried on in many of the distressed areas has prejudiced the smooth operation of any of the public health services; whether it has postponed any much-needed reforms; and, if so, whether he can state the circumstances in each case?

I shall be glad if my hon. Friend will let me know more precisely what he has in mind, and if he will furnish me with particulars of any case affecting the matter, I shall be glad to inquire into it.

asked the Minister of Health how many automatic breathing apparatus known as iron lungs there are in this country; whether he is aware of any shortage; and whether he will stimulate their provision, either directly or indirectly?

I have no means of knowing how many of these articles of surgical equipment there are in this country. I am advised that the occasions on which their use is required are rare. They can be obtained by purchase or on loan, and I have no information that there is any shortage.

asked the Minister of Health whether his Department have carried out experiments to test the theory that diseases of various kinds may be carried by seagulls, and with what results?

; Some investigations were carried out in 1903 by the late Sir Alexander Houston at the request of the Local Government Board, but I am advised that other more recent investigations have taken place. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend particulars.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, with a view to relieving doubts as to purity, he will cause a statement to be issued as to the tests made by his Department to watercress before the National Mark is permitted to be applied?

Before a watercress grower can be authorised as a packer under the National Mark Scheme an examination of the beds and a topographical survey of the surrounding land are made; and samples of the water entering the beds from springs or artesian wells, are analysed by the Government Chemist to ensure that the degree of purity of the water is equal to that of drinking water. Further analyses of the water are made from time to time after authorisation.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of their picturesqueness and the wishes of their inhabitants, he will take steps to prevent the threatened destruction of the Elizabethan almshouses adjoining the churchyard at Thaxted?

I have no jurisdiction in the matter until the local authority have taken action under the Housing Act, and I understand that they have not yet done so. I have asked to be notified immediately if the local authority take action and will then carefully consider the character of the buildings in relation to my powers under the Act.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the application from the Darlington Corporation for power to purchase by compulsory arbitration an area of land for future development as an airport; what is the area and situation of the land; what price has been fixed; if arbitration has taken place; what further capital expenditure is estimated to be incurred for draining, clearing and levelling; and at what value this land has been assessed for rating purposes?

A compulsory purchase order has been confirmed by my Noble Friend the Secretary of State for Air in respect of 320 acres of land situate at Yarm Road, Darlington. I understand that no price has yet been fixed by arbitration or otherwise. No estimate of the further capital expenditure involved has been submitted to me. The great bulk of the land is agricultural and therefore derated.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the number of persons in Sheffield over 65 years of age in receipt of old age and widows' pensions and who are also in receipt of public assistance rose from 3,525 on 1st January, 1933, to 4,859 on 1st January, 1937, and was 4,629 on 23rd October, 1937; and whether he can state the reason for this increase?

Yes, Sir, the percentage increase disclosed by these figures corresponds closely with that for the country as a whole. I am not aware of any special reason for an increase in Sheffield, but, as the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the number of pensioners in general has risen with the increase in size of the higher age-groups of the population.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has made to British trade associations a request to be furnished with a list of commodities in respect of which tariff concessions are desired from the United States of America; and whether it is his intention to communicate to British trade interests a list of the commodities in respect of which tariff concessions in this country are being sought by the Government of the United States of America?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, it is not the practice of His Majesty's Government in trade negotiations to communicate to trade interests the list of commodities in respect of which concessions from this country are being sought but I am always ready to consider representations from trade organisations who think that their interests may be affected.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the total value of the United Kingdom exports of manufactured goods to British and foreign countries, respectively, in the year 1936?

During the year 1936 exports to British countries and to foreign countries of United Kingdom goods classified in the trade returns as wholly or mainly manufactured were valued at £183,000,000 and £158,000,000 respectively.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity and value of the imports of gloves classified as astrachan for the years 1932, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1936, and for the latest available period of 1937, giving the country of origin?

I regret that the information asked for by my hon. Friend is not available, as imports of astrachan gloves are not separately recorded in the trade returns of the United Kingdom.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government have at the present time a committee set up for the purpose of examining the position of the food supplies of Great Britain; and can he state what proportion of these supplies are at present homegrown?

As to food supplies during a period of emergency, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence to the hon. and gallant Member for Thornbury (Captain Gunston) on 27th May last year. The sub-committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence to which my right hon. Friend referred is a standing committee, and keeps the whole question of food supply under constant review. With regard to the second part of the question, it is not possible to give a composite figure relating to all food supplies, but if the hon. Member would let me know what particular commodities he has in mind, I will try to give him the information.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will state the conditions which entail cancellation of disability pensions; and what forms of imprisonment are among them?

Under the Forfeiture Act, 1870, a disability pension ceases to be payable on conviction for treason or felony, if the pensioner is sentenced to penal servitude, or any term of imprisonment with hard labour or exceeding 12 months. Under Article 128 of the Pay Warrant, 1914, a disability pension is subject to forfeiture for the commission of any felonious act, gross fraud or gross misconduct, proved to the satisfaction of the Minister of Pensions.

asked the Secretary for Mines the amount of oil produced from coal in this country during the last 12 months?

This information is collected annually, the latest being that for the year 1936, which is given in pages 14 to 16 of my annual report for that year.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the better qualities of South Wales bituminous coal have increased over the price ruling in the summer of 1935 by 5s. 6d. per ton, that is to say, from 15s. 6d. to 21s. per ton at the pit-head; and whether he proposes to take steps to provide some further form of protection and redress for coal consumers from possible exploitation beyond the limited procedure of investigation by a local committee of investigation?

I am not aware of the actual increases in the pit-head prices of different classes of coal. The proposals of the Government for strengthening the protection of consumers are included in the Eighth Schedule to the Coal Bill.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the action that has been taken in the Windward Islands for the establishment of a minimum wage for agricultural workers, he will encourage similar action in other territories?

Legislation has been passed in upwards of 30 Colonial territories, under which the Governor in Council is empowered to fix a minimum wage for any occupation in any district in which he is satisfied that the wages for that occupation are unreasonably low. I am not aware of the total number of cases in which a minimum wage has actually been fixed. I am satisfied that Colonial Governments are fully alive to the importance of the question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Milk Marketing Board, in its letter to the town clerk of Accrington, of 11th November, 1937, undertook to postpone proceedings against milk producer-retailers until the meeting on the whole subject had been held in Accrington; whether he will inquire whether effect was given to this undertaking; and, if not, for what reasons?

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend is informed by the Milk Marketing Board that the letter of the nth November, to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, mentioned the possibility of a meeting being held in Accrington for the purpose of considering a reduction in the retail price of milk, and stated that if such a meeting was convened, the hearing by the Board of alleged contraventions of the scheme by certain producer-retailers, which had been fixed for the 16th November, would he adjourned. Inquiries were made by the Board on the morning of 16th November as to whether a meeting had, in fact, been convened and it was ascertained that no such meeting had been convened.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of prosecutions instituted by the Milk Marketing Board in the last six months against milk producer-retailers in the Accrington area; what were the fines imposed; how many of the defendants attended; and whether he is aware of the heavy costs which were incurred by compelling traders to come to London to attend these proceedings?

The number of producer-retailers selling milk in Accrington who have received notice during the last six months to appear before the Milk Marketing Board with regard to alleged contraventions of the Milk Marketing Scheme is 13. Penalties of £5 each were imposed on three of these producers at a meeting of the Board held on the 16th November. The remaining cases have been adjourned. I am informed that none of the producers attended in person before the Board.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state the price paid for imported malting barley for the years 1993, 1934, 1935, 1936 and 1937; the price paid for home-grown barley for the same period; and the yield per acre of home grown barley?

Official quotations for imported malting barley have been intermittent during the years 1933 to 1937, but an indication of the value of such barley can be obtained from the average declared value of United States of America barley, which is largely of malting grade. The following statement shows (a)the average declared value of imports of barley from the United States, with an addition of 10 per cent. to represent the import duty, (b)the average gazette price of homegrown barley of all grades, and (c) the average yield per acre of barley in England and Wales.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what enclosures of common land have taken place during each of the last three years?

During the years 1934, 1935 and 1936 approval was given to the enclosure, fencing of, erection of buildings on, or appropriation for special purposes of portions of commons and open spaces to the extent of 26, 99 and Ho acres respectively. Eighty separate areas were involved and the appropriations were approved under various Statutes mainly for public purposes. In one case, comprising 82 acres the enclosure was of a temporary nature on seven days only of each year, while in another case 54 acres were fenced against the highway, no actual enclosure taking place. In 48 instances land equally suitable from the point of view of the commoners and the public were added to the commons or open spaces in lieu, while in the remaining cases there was no material interference with public interests. Detailed particulars of all the cases are published in the reports of the Land Division of my right hon. Friend's Department, those for 1934 and 1935 having already been published and being obtainable from the Stationery Office. The report for 1936 will be published shortly and will be similarly obtainable.

asked the Secretary of State for War in view of the increased mechanisation of the Army, and since the Army educational corps deals with general education and not with mechanical or technical instruction, what facilities he is giving to the ordinary rank and file throughout the Army to become familiar with and obtain the necessary mechanical knowledge which is required throughout the Army to-day?

Instruction in driving and technical maintenance of mechanical vehicles is given to the men in their units, and, in the case of certain corps, at their depots. The instructors are personnel who have undergone courses in various military schools, such as the Armoured Fighting Vehicles School at Bovington for tracked vehicles, and the Royal Army Service Corps Driving School, Feltham, for wheeled vehicles. Special training vehicles and instructional equipment, such as models and diagrams, have been issued, and more are in process of being issued to units which have recently been mechanised, in order to provide adequate facilities for this type of training.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to state what will be the establishment of the anti-aircraft brigades to be stationed at Shrivenham, Berkshire?

The present establishment of the Air Defence Group to be located at Shrivenham is about 100 officers and 1,850 other ranks.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to state what plans he has prepared for dealing with the problem of the elderly unemployed over 45 years of age, which he recently investigated in South Wales and other Special Areas?

No, Sir. As I informed the hon. Member on the 11th November, I have not yet completed the inquiries I am making. I would point out that the problem is not confined to the Special Areas.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there are a number of communities in the eastern portion of the county of Carmarthen in which from 30 per cent. to 60 per cent. of the insured population are unemployed and where, owing to the permanent closing of the coal mines and tinplate works, there are no prospects of those unemployed securing work at their old occupations; and, in view of the fact that the area is outside the scheduled Special Area of South Wales, what steps he proposes to take to deal with the position?

I am aware of the high rate of unemployment in certain parts of Carmarthenshire. I am informed that discussions are proceeding with a view to the formation of a Site Company under Sections 5 and 6 of the Special Areas (Amendment) Act, 1937, to operate in districts such as Carmarthenshire which are outside the Special Areas.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he proposes to publish regular statistics during the winter months showing the number of cases of special hardship which have been helped by the public assistance committees; and whether, in that case, he will give specific details with regard to the action of all such authorities in South Wales?

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend refers to cases dealt with by the Unemployment Assistance Board under the recent Instruction relating to increase in prices and the approach of winter. I understand from the Board that statistics will be available in due course, and that consideration will be given to their presentation on some local basis.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Unemployment Assistance Board in Durham is treating an unemployed son living at home with his parents as a third adult, and granting him only 10s. a week even where the parents are receiving outdoor relief; and why this differentiation is made between an unemployed son and an unemployed lodger who is allowed 15s. a week?

The Unemployment Assistance Regulations distinguish between a person living as a member of a household and a person living alone or in lodgings. The Unemployment Assistance Board observe this distinction in assessing an applicant's needs, but always subject to adjustment to meet any special circumstances.

asked the Minister of Labour what weekly increase of contribution from employer and insured person it is estimated would be necessary to increase unemployment insurance benefits to £1 a week for a man or woman, with 10s. a week for wife or adult dependant, and 5s. for each child, on the basis of the present number of unemployed in receipt of unemployment benefit?

On the basis mentioned by the hon. Member an increased weekly contribution for adults of 14d. each from employers, employed and the Exchequer would be necessary. I should add that on the basis which the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee have adopted for regulating the finance of the Fund the increase would have to be at least 2d. a week from each of the three parties.

asked the Minister of Labour the number at Bridgeton and Parkhead employment exchanges, Glasgow, respectively, in receipt of unemployment benefit during each of the months of July, August, September, and October?

The table below shows the average weekly numbers of payments of insurance benefit made at the Bridgeton and Parkhead Employment Exchanges during the months of July, August, September and October, 1937. The figures do not include payments made through Associations.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the question of marriage endowment insurance and the provision of pensions at 55 years of age for female domestic servants; and if he is now in a position to make any statement on the subject?

I have been asked to reply. As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison) on 22nd June last, I am afraid that there are serious practical difficulties which make it impossible for the Government to adopt a special scheme of this kind for a selected class of insured persons.

asked the Minister of Labour how he arrived at the figure in the Ministry of Labour Gazette of 2S. 2d. per pound as the average price for tea paid by wage-earners on the 1st November, since on that date packet tea was available from a considerable number of distributors at is. 10d. per pound, with loose tea at a lower figure?

The average retail price of tea, as published in the Ministry of Labour Gazette, is calculated from returns collected from a large number of representative retailers, including multiple-shop proprietors, co-operative societies, and other shopkeepers engaged in the working-class trade, distributed over all the larger towns and a wide selection of the smaller towns throughout the United Kingdom. The prices quoted in the returns relate to the qualities of tea generally bought by working-class purchasers; these are not necessarily the lowest prices at which tea can be obtained.