asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the sudden and steep depression which has occurred in the months of October and November in the woollen textile industry; that in some districts the number of unemployed textile workers has more than doubled during the past six weeks; can he give any explanation for this depression in the woollen textile industry; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with it?

My right hon. Friend is aware that contrary to the usual trend at this season of the year there is an increase in unemployment in the wool textile industry. I understand that this is largely due to the withholding of orders as the result of the recent fall in the price of raw wool, but I have no reason to suppose that the recession is other than temporary.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the mounting adverse trade balance with countries with which Great Britain has trade agreements, he will give notice of termination of such agreements in cases in which the original time limit has expired, with a view to making fresh ones more favourable to this country?

No, Sir. The working of the trade agreements is constantly under review, but my right bon. Friend does not regard this increased adverse balance of visible trade as a sufficient reason in itself for action such as my hon. Friend suggests.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the many criticisms levelled recently at the operations of the British Iron and Steel Federation and at the decision of that body to maintain iron and steel prices at the present levels throughout the year 1938; whether he is aware of the widespread concern among iron- and steel-using industries at that decision; whether he can state the authority under which the tariff advisory committee approved that decision; and whether he will publish as a White Paper the correspondence between the federation and the committee in which the committee's approval was requested and granted?

The Import Duties Advisory Committee have recently been consulted by the British Iron and Steel Federation in regard to changes in the prices of the main iron and steel products in accordance with the recommendation in paragraph 87 of the report of the Import Duties Advisory Committee on the Present Position and Future Development of the Iron and Steel Industry. I am informed that in the view of the committee the stabilisation of prices over a definite period at their existing level, despite the increases in cost of materials and fuel, is in the general interest of the using industries. With regard to the last part of the question, I understand that the Federation's proposals were submitted in the course of discussions and were not embodied in official letters, while the formal letters sent by the Import Duties Advisory Committee merely record their concurrence following such discussions.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state the number of flats which have been built for the accommodation of aged couples, giving the total in each housing area of England and Wales, respectively?

I am forwarding my hon. and gallant Friend a schedule of figures giving the information which he desires.

asked the Minister of Health whether, before further steps are taken to eject Mrs. Wilcox from her small shop in Wesley Road, Ironbridge, he will agree to some compensation being allowed to Mrs. Wilcox?

This is a matter entirely at the discretion of the Council and as my hon. and gallant Friend is aware they have the matter under consideration at the present time.

asked the Minister of Health what representations he has received from local authorities in connection with the property owners increasing their rents; if he is aware that in some cases the rents have been increased by 6s. per week in the Plaistow and Silvertown Parliamentary Divisions; and what action he intends taking in the matter?

I have not myself received any representations from local authorities on this subject, but I understand that representations were made to the Departmental Committee on the Rent Restrictions Acts. The report of this committee has now been submited and will be published. The whole question of the future of rent control will be carefully considered in the light of the committee's recommendations.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give the House any information in connection with the increase of out-relief granted by the London County Council Public Assistance Committee; what will be the cost per annum; when the new scale will begin; and whether any of the cost will be paid by the Government?

I understand that the Council have modified their guiding scale of relief so as to increase (in most cases by a shilling a week) the standard rates of allowance for persons 65 years of age

Revenue Expenditure on Poor Relief not met out of specific income.
Amount and equivalent rate in the pound.
Name of County Borough.		Year ending 31st March,
		1931.		1932.		1933.		1934.		1935.		1936.
Birmingham	…	£837,916		£829,139		£874,136		£822,010		£819,219		£804,271
		s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.
		3	0.2	2	10.4	2	11.9	2	9.3	2	7.7	2	6.5
Stoke-on-Trent	…	£245,930		£250,411		£283,118		£290,909		£312,124		£309,915
		s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.
		5	6.3	5	5.9	6	1.5	6	2.0	6	2.1	6	0.2
Manchester	…	£794,658		£932,644		£1,057,112		£1,161,383		£1,266,108		£1,163,999
		s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.
		2	7.5	3	1.7	3	6.8	3	11.1	4	2.1	3	10.5
Liverpool	…	£1,303,376		£1,493,576		£1,654,277		£1,745,963		£2,113,646		£1,699,608
		s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.
		4	5.4	5	2.8	5	10.4	6	2.8	7	4.4	5	10.7

asked the Minister of Health (1) the total sum paid under the Old Age Pensions Act, 1924, during the years 1934, 1935 and 1936, respectively, in the County of Northumberland, and the total sum paid by the public assistance committee of the same county to supplement

asked the Minister of Health the total expenditure and the amount of rates in the pound levied for public assistance for each year, 1930 to 1936, in Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent, Manchester, and Liverpool?

The following statement gives the desired information so far as it is available. The figures show the revenue expenditure on poor relief falling to be met out of rates and the Block Grant under the Local Government Act, 1929, and the equivalent of that expenditure expressed as a rate in the pound. Since 1st April, 1930, it has not been possible to state to what extent the cost of any particular service has fallen on rates, inasmuch as the Block Grants are applicable to local government expenses generally and cannot be apportioned to individual services.the old age pensions during the same periods;(2) the total sum paid under the National Health Insurance Act during the years 1934, 1935 and 1936, respectively, in the County of Northumberland, and the total sum paid by the public assistance committee of the same county to supple- ment the insurance benefits during the same periods?

I regret that the information desired by the hon. Member is not available.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the total sums paid under the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act during the years 1934, 1935 and 1936, respectively, in the County of Northumberland; and the total sum paid by the public assistance committee of the same county to supplement the pensions during the same period?

I regret that the information desired by the hon. Member is not available.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the practice of certain hospitals in discharging patients who have suffered from infectious diseases whilst they are still able to transmit such infection to other people; and whether he will issue instructions to the local authorities and others concerned with a view to ensuring that strict isolation is insisted upon in such cases?

No, Sir. I am advised that there is no definite period of isolation after which scarlet fever patients, which I understand my hon. Friend has in mind, can be guaranteed free from infection, but I have no knowledge that it is the practice of any hospitals to discharge such patients while they are known to be a potential source of infection. I understand it is the general practice as an added precaution to advise that the patients should so far as possible be isolated at home, especially from susceptible children for a fortnight or so after discharge. In the circumstances I do not think that the issue of instructions as suggested would serve any useful purpose.

asked the Minister of Health whether inquiry has been made as to the danger of cases of typhoid fever being caused by people bathing in the sea into which crude sewage is discharged; whether his Department has any views on this matter; and how many towns in the country do discharge crude sewage into the sea?

Investigations by the Royal Commission on Sewage Disposal show that any sewage discharged is rapidly rendered innocous in the sea. Sewage is so discharged by many towns but before approving schemes my Department require tidal observations to be made to ensure that the outfall is placed where the sewage will be carried out to sea and not returned to the beaches.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that it is proposed to lay an electric cable along Borrowdale and that, though desirable in itself, this cable is to be laid overhead on pylons that will seriously disfigure one of the most beautiful valleys in Cumberland; what would be the lowest extra cost of laying this cable underground; and what steps are being taken with this purpose in view?

I have been asked to reply. An application by the Mid-Cumberland Electricity Supply Company, Limited, for consent to erect an overhead line along Borrowdale has been received and is under consideration. If an inquiry is held into the application the extra cost of laying the cable underground and all other relevant considerations will be taken into account.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Bristol City Council has recently negotiated the purchase of 104 acres of land for the extension of the airport, and has been applying compulsory powers to acquire a further 50 acres; if he will state the price paid for the 104 acres; what award the arbiter has given to the owner or owners in respect of the 50 acres; and what was the previous rateable value, respectively, of the 104 and 50 acres?

I have recently sanctioned a loan for the purchase of the 104 acres referred to. The price agreed was £15,630. A compulsory purchase order was confirmed on 9th November by my Noble Friend the Secretary of State for Air in respect of a further 50 acres. I understand that the arbitrator's award has not yet been made. Both lots of land are agricultural, and therefore derated.

asked the Minister of Health what is the area and present rateable value of the land which the Manchester City Council has had under consideration to purchase occupied by market gardeners at Baguley and Wythenshawe in furtherance of the development of the Wythenshawe estate; and what price has been proposed or agreed upon?

The information desired by the hon. Member is not at present available but I will make inquiries and communicate further with him.

asked the Minister of Health how many days elapsed between the discovery of the first small-pox case at Oldham in 1936 and the vaccination of the contacts; how many contacts were vaccinated or re-vaccinated; how many cases of small-pox subsequently developed; and what was their vaccinal condition?

The first vaccinations of contacts were carried out the day after the diagnosis of the first patient was established and 12 days after her illness began. The number of contacts vaccinated or re-vaccinated was 282. The number of subsequent cases was 10, including one doubtful case. Of these, four varying in age from 54 to 72 were vaccinated in infancy, one, aged 41, was vaccinated in 1916, and five, including the doubtful case, were unvaccinated.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider introducing legislation early in 1938 to deal with certain anomalies in the operation of the existing law in connection with the old age, widows' and orphans' pensions scheme?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for Ilkeston (Mr. Oliver) on the 1st instant.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider taking powers to enable him to make contributions to voluntary hospitals towards the cost of schemes of capital expenditure approved by him?

As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, local authorities may make capital contributions to voluntary hospitals and in many instances have done so. The powers suggested do not, therefore, appear to be necessary.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will reconstitute the committee appointed to inquire into the status and recruitment of nurses, so as to remove all doubt of the impartiality of the committee?

My Noble Friend the President of the Board of Education and I are satisfied, as I have already stated, that the committee's present membership fairly represents all points of view, and that the experience of its members is such as to enable it to deal adequately with all questions within its terms of reference.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the number of convictions secured by local authorities against persons accused of removing marks of their origin from imported eggs, with a view to the sale of the eggs as home-produced, since 1st January this year; and how these figures compare with those of previous years?

I regret to find that the information which my hon. Friend desires is not available. As proceedings under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, may be taken not only by local authorities, but by any person or body, I am afraid it would not be possible to obtain complete and accurate information on the subject.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what has been the diminution of British-bred breeding sows during the last 12 months; and what has been the increase in the number of pigs sold for pork in the same period?

Compared with 1936, the number of home-bred breeding sows (including gilts in pig) on agricultural holdings in Great Britain on 4th June, 1937, showed a decrease of 26,000, or 5.1 per cent.The latest estimate of the number of pigs slaughtered in Great Britain relates to the year ended 31st May, 1937. In that year it is estimated that 5,655,000 home-bred pigs were slaughtered and that about 2,157,000 of these pigs were converted into bacon by curers registered under the Bacon Marketing Scheme. The comparable figures for the 12 months ended 31st May, 1936, were 5,744,000 pigs slaughtered, of which about 2,263,000 were converted into bacon. If an allowance of 720,000 pigs per annum is made for bacon pigs handled by small (or unregistered) curers, the number of pigs available for pork in the two years might be put at 2,761,000 in 1935–36 and 2,778,000 in 1936–37, an increase of 17,000 pigs or 0.6 per cent. The estimated number of pigs slaughtered does not include those produced on holdings of one acre or less in extent and the bacon pig figures are exclusive of pigs of their own production converted into bacon by producer-curers.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is now in a position to state what progress has been made in the reorganisation and rationalisation of the bacon curers; whether he has now obtained figures to show what reduction has taken place in the reception of bacon pigs at those bacon factories which were operating regularly during the period of the scheme; and, if so, will he give the figures of weekly curing of British-bred pigs on the 1st of October and the 1st of April in 1934, 1935, 1936, and 1937?

Consultations with the Pigs and Bacon Marketing Boards as to the future organisation of the bacon industry are proceeding satisfactorily but I am not yet able to make a statement on the matter.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will send an official from his Department to West Carmarthen forthwith, to inspect the adjacent areas of grassland on similar soil, one infested by rabbits, the other under food cultivation, to see generally the harm done by rabbits in that district, so that he can report on the effect of damage done by rabbits on the Government's grassland policy?

If the hon. Member will let me have particulars of the precise situation of the lands to which he refers, I shall be pleased to consider sending an officer down to make an inspection.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, before the Milk Bill is introduced, he proposes to take steps to discover the measure of support it receives, or the opposition it excites, in respect of the proposals for the compulsory pasteurisation of milk?

The Government's proposals with regard to the compulsory pasteurisation of milk, which were outlined in the recent White Paper on Milk Policy, have received wide publicity and attention. The views which have been expressed by interested parties will receive consideration before the legislation is submitted to Parliament.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in the campaign for the greater consumption of liquid milk, due regard is had to the supply to firms using milk for manufacture; and how great would be the output of milk required to meet the existing needs of these firms and an increase of 10 per cent. in the consumption of liquid milk?

The reply to the first part of the question is, I understand, in the affirmative. I have no information as to the present needs of manufacturers and I regret, therefore, that I am unable to answer the last part of the question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the practice of the Milk Marketing Board in publishing in its monthly magazine, the Home Fanner, lists setting out the full names and addresses of farmers who have paid penalties imposed upon them by the Board, either in full or in part, together with the amount of the penalties imposed; and whether, in view of the unfairness to the farmers concerned, he will arrange with the Milk Marketing Board to cease such publication forthwith?

I am aware of the practice referred to. Whether it is unfair to the producers concerned is a matter of opinion. In any case, I have no power to intervene in the matter.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that three Accrington producer-retailers were fined for selling milk at 6d. per quart whilst three weeks later larger milk distributors were selling milk at 4d. per quart; whether the Milk Marketing Board advised these distributors to cut the price; whether the Board condones this competition; and what action does he propose to take to prevent small milk retailers from being driven out of business?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I understand that undercutting of the minimum appropriate retail price in Accrington was commenced by certain producer-retailers and that other distributors, being dissatisfied with the progress made in stopping it, started a price war. My hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that these circumstances place the Board in a position of considerable difficulty, but I have no reason to think that they have advised distributors to cut the price or that they have condoned price-cutting. In any case I am unable to intervene.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his Department has considered, and, if so, with what result, cooperation with the poultry industry in the cold storage of eggs during the glut season and their placing on the market when supplies are short and dear?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 7th December to my hon. Friend the Member for Tonbridge (Sir A. Baillie).

asked the Minister of Agriculture what progress has been made with regard to the establishment of voluntary schemes of marketing eggs and fowls by the associations connected with poultry keepers in the country as a whole, or in certain areas of county associations?

Authorised packers under the National Mark Schemes for eggs and poultry include 26 agricultural co-operative organisations, of which 19 have been formed since the inception of those Schemes. I regret that I have no complete information regarding similar organisations which do not market their produce under the National Mark.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state the number of applications for basic slag and lime received under the assisted scheme by the State in the counties of Staffordshire, Shropshire, and Worcestershire, respectively, with the quantities applied for in each of the counties mentioned?

The numbers of applications for contribution under the Land Fertility Scheme received up to the 30th November from the counties mentioned were as follow:

County.	Number of Applications.	Quantity of lime.	Quantity of basic slag.
		Tons.	Tons.
Stafford	1,042	5,300	2,700
Salop	889	6,580	3,650
Worcester	477	2,000	1,880

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the annual sum now contributed, in whatever form, by the Exchequer to agriculture; and what is the annual sum received from all sources, including the wheat levy, at present added to the prices which farmers would otherwise receive?

The amount included in the Votes for the current year (including Supplementary Votes) representing contributions to agriculture from the Exchequer, together with the rebate on taxation of beet sugar, is £15,727,599, made up as follows:

Class VI.	Vote.	Amount.
No.		£
8	Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.	3,037,487 (a)
21	Department of Agriculture for Scotland.	694,710 (a)
16	Development Fund (Rural Economy) (App. Part II).	100,025
9	Beet Sugar Subsidy	2,250,000
10	Milk, England and Wales.	931,110
22	Milk, Scotland
11	Live Stock Industry and Cattle Fund.	4,774,967
11A	Land Fertility Improvement.	864,300
—	Rebate on Taxation of Beet Sugar.	2,600,000
		15,727,599 (b)
Notes
(a) These figures are the gross totals of the respective Votes (including contributions to the Votes from the Development Fund), after excluding provision for non-agricultural purposes, namely: Kew Gardens, Fisheries, Congested Districts and Transport Services. Of the total sum of £3,732,197, £810,119 represents the Headquarters expenditure of the two Agriculture Departments.
(b) Nothing is included in this figure in respect of the benefit derived by agriculture from derating under the Local Government Act, 1929. The amount included in the block grant in respect of the year 1928–29 on the basis of the benefit to agriculture in that year totalled approximately £10,800,000; but it is not possible to express in terms of money the benefit derived in the current year.

The answer to the second part of the question is as follows:

	£
Beet-Sugar Subsidy	2,250,000	(i)
Milk Votes	931,110
Live Stock Industry and Cattle Fund (Payments to Producers)	4,630,000	(ii)
Land Fertility Improvement	850,000	(ii)
Wheat Deficiency Payments	1,340,367	(iii)
Total	£10,001,477	(iv)

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, taking the year's decrease of workers on the land, he can state the number who were discharged by their employers and the number who left their employment to obtain better paid remuneration?

I regret that the information desired by ray hon. and gallant Friend is not available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that lands in the parish of Stockton-on-Forest, which are included in the River Foss internal drainage district, do not drain direct to the River Foss, although they are compelled to pay rates for work done on that river; and whether, in the circumstances, a differential rating order will be made?

I am aware of the circumstances to which reference is made in the first part of the question. With regard to the second part of the question, I would remind my hon. Friend that a differential rating order can only be made by the Drainage Board themselves, although they are required, if they do so, to consult the Catchment Board, and the order cannot become effective until it is confirmed by me. I have, however, no power to require an order to be made, as this matter is entirely within the discretion of the Drainage Board.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the Government will reduce the amount payable to the Treasury from wireless licences, so as to augment the revenue of the British Broadcasting Corporation to enable them to meet the heavy revenue expenditure for television?

The possibility of an increase on account of the cost of television service in the percentage of net wireless revenue to be allocated to the Corporation was foreshadowed in paragraph 8 of Part I of the Memorandum by the Postmaster-General on the Report of the Broadcasting Committee, 1935 (Command Paper 5207). The Treasury are now satisfied, on representations which have been made by the Corporation, that an increase under this head will be necessary in the current year; and a Supplementary Estimate will be presented to Parliament accordingly in the spring. The amount of the increase remains to be considered in the light of an examination of the figures of actual and estimated expenditure which the Corporation have been asked to submit.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he has considered establishing an international bankruptcy court with a view to settling the question of losses of British savings invested in foreign countries, and with what result?

My right hon. Friend has considered this suggestion, but is not prepared to take steps with a view to its adoption.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury why the Commissioners of His Majesty's Customs and Excise do not impose upon distillers at Rothes and Aberlour, which are not market towns, the obligation to provide proper housing accommodation for the excise officers; and whether he will arrange for this legal obligation being fulfilled?

As regards Rothes I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of the 4th November to a similar question. As regards Aberlour I am making inquiry into the position at that place and will communicate with the hon. Member in due course. He will appreciate that under Section 9 of the Spirits Act, 1880, it is a matter for the Commissioners' discretion whether or not to require the provision of accommodation at distilleries more than a quarter of a mile from a market town.

asked the Home Secretary whether any persons suffered imprisonment for non-payment of fines imposed under the Betting Acts between the years 1930 and 1935, inclusive; and how many of these persons had been guilty of no other criminal offence?

The number of persons received into prison for non-payment of fines imposed under the various enactments relating to betting, gaming and lotteries was as follows:

1930	…	…	…	242
1931	…	…	…	212
1932	…	…	…	224
1933	…	…	…	223
1934	…	…	…	183
1935	…	…	…	199

I cannot say how many of these fines were imposed under the Betting Acts, nor is any information available as to the previous records of the persons concerned.

asked the Home Secretary whether any distinction is made by our authorities at the ports of this country in respect to procedure and facilities arising out of embarkation and arrival as between British protected subjects and British subjects?

All passengers whether alien or British arriving in the United Kingdom from abroad unless travelling under special arrangements for excursionists, are required to be in possession of valid passports and in this respect no distinction is made between British protected subjects and British subjects, but the former who are not in law British subjects must satisfy the immigration officer that leave to land may properly be granted in accordance with the provisions of the Aliens Order. In practice leave to land is freely accorded to British protected subjects unless there is some specific reason to the contrary such as the likelihood that they may become a charge upon public funds.As regards embarkation, no person, British or alien, requires permission to leave the country. A number of British protected subjects arrive in this country as members of crews signed on abroad. Such persons are granted temporary shore leave during their ship's stay in port but in order that they may not be left to become destitute in this country steps are taken to ensure that they leave with their ship or another ship of the same owners or are repatriated by the owners to their own country.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he can state the total value of the orders for steel wire ropes placd by the Service Departments during the current year; and the total value of the orders for steel wire ropes placed in South Wales and Monmouthshire during the same period?

The total value of the orders for steel wire rope placed by the Service Departments during the current financial year is £182,514. I regret that it is not possible to give the value of the orders placed in South Wales and Monmouthshire during the same period without an undue amount of labour.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any statement to make as to the future of the national defence companies; and what was the total of enlistments at 1st January and 1st November 1937, respectively?

Up to 1st January, 1937, there had been 211 enrolments of officers and 5,131 of other ranks for the National Defence Companies of the Territorial Army. On 1st November last these numbers had increased to 253 and 6,307 respectively, and in addition 206 applicants were in process of enrolment.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can make a statement as to the circumstances in which a Royal Air Force aeroplane crashed into a house in Liverpool, on Monday last, resulting in the death of the pilot and much damage to private property; and will he take steps to discourage military and civil pilots flying over the city to such an extent as they do at present?

The circumstances of the accident in question will be investigated by a Court of Inquiry and I cannot add anything at present to the statements which have appeared in the Press. Stringent orders are already in force with regard to flight over populated areas and my Noble Friend does not think that it is necessary to amend them, but the matter will be considered in conjunction with the finding of the Court of Inquiry.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give the average weekly cash earnings of all wage-earners employed in Great Britain and also in Durham for the years 1935 and 1936?

The average weekly cash earnings (excluding the value of allowances in kind) of wage-earners employed at coal mines in Great Britain was £2 5s. 6d. in 1935 and £2 10s. 6d. in 1936. The corresponding figures for Durham were £2, 0s. 9d. and £2 4s. 8d.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the serious effect of the recent fluctuations in the value of the French currency upon the export of coal from South Wales to France; whether he is aware that, in consequence of these fluctuations, a number of anthracite coal mines in South Wales have been rendered idle for several weeks; and what steps he is taking to deal with the matter?

I understand that recent fluctuations in the value of the French currency have caused some disturbance in the regular shipment to France of contracted quantities of anthracite, and that this has interfered with the working of some collieries. Such difficulties inevitably accompany currency fluctuations and are a matter between the buyer and seller in which I have no power to intervene.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the programme of renewals for 1938 announced by the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company, the sum to be spent being £1,000,000; whether he can state how much of this is to be spent in Scotland; and whether any locomotives, passenger coaches, and freight vehicles will be built in the railway works of this group in Scotland?

I am in communication with the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company and will inform the hon. Member of the result.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether His Majesty's Government has received any recent intimation from the Governments of South Africa and the Commonwealth of Australia that they desire to negotiate for the revision of the Ottawa Agreements?

As regards revision of the agreement concluded between the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Australia at Ottawa in 1932, it is understood that the Commonwealth Government wish to discuss this matter in the near future. As regards the agreement made at Ottawa between the United Kingdom and the Union of South Africa, informal discussions with the Union Government on the question of revision are in progress.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether there is any reason for the delay in placing orders for the two liners for the Canadian-Australasian service; and, if so, whether he can state its nature?

I am not in a position to add anything to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to a question put by the hon. Member for Pudsey and Otley (Sir C. G. Gibson) on 23rd November.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the memorial prepared in Ceylon by a committee, including a former Supreme Court judge, a former Solicitor-General, the president of the European Association, the leader of the Bar, and two former Ministers, asking for the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into the working of the constitution of Ceylon; and whether he has any statement to make?

While I have seen references to this memorial in the Press, it has not yet reached me; and I am not yet in a position to make any statement on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the urgent necessity of a new municipal hospital at Tel Aviv, in Palestine; and whether arrangements have now been made to enable its construction to commence at an early date?

I am aware that the Municipality of Tel Aviv has had under consideration for some time the construction of a new municipal hospital. I have no information as to the present position, but I will ask the High Commissioner for a report.

asked the Secretary of State for War what financial loss was involved by their resignation to each of the officers who recently resigned from the Army Council?

These officers have continued to enjoy their emoluments up to an age which is not lower than that at which retirement from the public service frequently takes place. As is normal in the case of a retirement, they lose the difference between the pay for work they would have been doing and the half-pay or retired pay to which they are entitled. These officers have, in the circumstances, been given a special concession.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the average age of the Army Council on 1st July, 1914; before the recent changes in personnel, and to-day?

The average age of the military members of the Army Council on 1st July,. 1914, was 57; before the recent changes it was 60, and after the changes it will be 55.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether in future the recommendations for promotion will be made through the Selection Board, or what is to be the procedure?

Promotions in the Army are approved by His Majesty the King on the recommendation of the Secretary of State for War. In order to assist him, the Secretary of State has a Selection Board which suggests a number of names for each vacancy.

asked the Secretary of State for War why No. 7,881,059, Corporal Charles Frank Griffin, was discharged from the Army Reserve on 23rd August, 1937, his services being no longer required; and whether it was in accord with the usual practice that a man, whose military conduct was described on leaving the Colours as exemplary and whose testimonial declared that he had performed his duties to the entire satisfaction of his superiors, should be so treated after his return to civilian life?

This reservist was not required any longer.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the decision to grant the commanders of Territorial brigades the rank of brigadier applies to yeomanry as well as to infantry brigades?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the recommendation made by the District Commissioner for the Special Areas of South Wales, in paragraph 174 of the Report of the Commissioner for Special Areas, that the time is now opportune for a scheme on a large scale in South Wales for the improvement of grass hill-lands under the Stapleden process, with which is linked the planting of shelter-belts; and what steps are being taken to carry out this recommendation?

The paragraph in question contains a suggestion by the District Commissioner, but there is no recommendation to me from the Commissioner himself. I am willing to consider the matter on its merits, but I should mention that it was not favourably regarded when it was last under consideration two years ago.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the total number of persons who have received employment connected with the Glasgow Empire Exhibition through the medium of Glasgow employment exchanges?

The number of persons who have obtained employment in connection with the Glasgow Empire Exhibition through the medium of the Glasgow Employment Exchanges up to the beginning of December is 885.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider including in his regular statistics dealing with unemployment a detailed statement of the numbers of men over 45 registered at each employment exchange?

At present a detailed analysis of the numbers unemployed according to age is made twice a year in May and November and the results for the country as a whole and for administrative divisions are published in the Ministry of Labour Gazette. The results of the November, 1937, analysis will appear in the January, 1938, issue. It is not practicable to make such an analysis every month.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to a statement broadcast by Sir William Beveridge, chairman of the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee, on 24th November, dealing with two points in the Unemployment Insurance Bill which, although presented to the House on 23rd November, was not available to Members in the Vote Office until 25th November, in which political pronouncements were made as to the disposal of the surplus in the Unemployment Fund at the end of the year, together with the intimation that the surplus was earmarked for certain uses; whether the disclosure of the contents of the Bill was with his sanction; and whether he will take steps to prevent any recurrence of this?

The hon. Member's strictures are misplaced. The Unemployment Insurance Bill was obtainable in the Vote Office at 5 p.m. on 24th November, five hours before the broadcast statement was made.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has yet obtained the necessary information from the promised inquiries with reference to the officials at the Govan area office of the Unemployment Assistance Board insisting that allowances paid by the Unemployment Assistance Board were calculated for a seven-day week, and when a recipient of assistance allowance became 65 on a Sunday one-seventh of his allowance was deducted from the sum paid him for his final period?

Yes, Sir. The hon. Member will have received my letter on this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the conditions laid down by his Department in granting passports to British subjects to visit Spain in order to ensure that there shall be no breach of the Non-intervention Agreement?

Officials of His Majesty's Government authorised to issue passports have instructions to satisfy themselves as far as possible, before granting endorsements for Spain, that applicants are proceeding to Spain for urgent business reasons or for other special and approved purposes and that they have no intention of enlisting with the Spanish forces. In addition, before receiving endorsements, applicants are required to sign the following undertaking:

"I undertake that nothing will take place in the course of my visit that could be considered as implying any intervention by me on behalf of either side in the present dispute in Spain."

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the application in Manchukuo of exchange control laws which, by discriminating in favour of Japan, violate the undertaking given when Manchukuo was founded that the principle of equal commercial opportunity would be respected and whether he has any statement to make thereon?

Yes, Sir. His Majesty's Consul-General in Mukden has already protested to the authorities in Hsingking against this discriminatory legislation, which is in evident contradiction with the principle of the open door and with British treaty rights; and His Majesty's Ambassador in Tokyo has drawn the attention of the Japanese Government to the matter. I understand that the United States and French Governments have taken similar action.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that recently one British ship has been sunk in Far Eastern waters by air attack, another so seriously damaged by air attack that she has had to be beached, a third fired upon when the British Vice-Consul at Shanghai was on board, while a British warehouse has also been seriously damaged by air attack; and what action he is taking to secure a cessation of such attacks upon British ships and property in the Far East, which are increasing in frequency?

The hon. and gallant Member is no doubt referring to the events at Wuhu on 5th December when one British ship was gutted and a second had to be beached after being struck by bombs from Japanese aircraft, and to the attack on the steamship "Siushan" from Tsungming Island on 4th December. In regard to the former, the Admiral Commanding-in-Chief on the China Station at once addressed a protest to the Japanese Admiral, who replied with a message of regret for the incident. Further, His Majesty's Ambassador in Tokyo has made representations to the Japanese Government.As regards the attack on the steamship "Siushan," my present information lends to show that the firing was carried out by Chinese troops. If further inquiries which are being made by His Majesty's Consul-General at Shanghai confirm this, representations will be addressed to the Chinese Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government accept the King of Italy as de jure Emperor of Abyssinia?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding the representations made in Rio de Janeiro to the Brazilian Government, through diplomatic channels, in connection with the suspension of the British debt service?

His Majesty's Ambassador is in constant touch with the Brazilian authorities, but I am not yet in a position to add to the answer given to my hon. Friend on 24th November.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether his attention has been drawn to the misstatement of fact in two books in use in state-aided schools in this country, Professor Hearnshaw's A First Book on English History, a book in which he attributes the coal strike and the supplementary strike of 1926 to fomentations by the Soviet Government in Moscow, and to Thatcher and Schwill's A General History of Europe, which states that in three years the Bolshevist authorities admit the execution of 1,800,000 people; and whether the Board of Education will prohibit in state-aided schools the use of books which tend to distort the facts of history?

My Noble Friend's attention has been drawn to these books. As I explained in my answers to the hon. Members for Govan (Mr. Maclean) and Shoreditch (Mr. Thurtle) on 25th November and the 2nd December last respectively, 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. My Noble Friend sees no ground for interfering with this discretion in the present case. There would be obvious difficulties and dangers attending the establishment of a departmental censorship such as the hon. Member suggests.