asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education how many local education authorities have obtained approval to expenditure under Section 86 of the Education Act, 1921; from how many local education authorities has approval for such expenditure been withheld; and what is the total ex

The information is as follows:

A.—Expenditure incurred with the approval of the Board under Section 86 of the Education Act, 1921, during the year ended 31st March, 1936.†
—			Capital Expenditure.		Revenue Expenditure.*
			Number of L.E.As.	Amount.	Number of L.E.As.	Amount.
				£		£
Higher Education	…	…	None	None	61	27,079
Elementary Education	…	…	24	65,897	156	149,166
* The figures for Revenue Expenditure include all approved expenditure incurred in 1935–36 whether or no approval was given during the year or previously.
† Later figures are not yet available.

B.—New expenditure approved under Section 86 of the Education Act, 1921, as amended by the Physical Training and Recreation Act, 1937, during the six months ended 31st January, 1938.
—			Capital Expenditure.		Revenue Expenditure.*
			Number of L.E.As.	Amount.	Number of L.E.As.	Amount.
				£		£
Higher Education	…	…	2	6,500	29	4,786
Elementary Education	…	…	9	24,276	46	31,129

C.—Expenditure to which approval was withheld under Section 86 of the Education Act, 1921.
—			Year ended 31st March, 1936.		Six months ending 31st January, 1938.
			Nnmber of L.E.As.	Amount.	Number of L.E.As.	Amount.
				£		£
Higher Education	…	…	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
Elementary Education	…	…	4	63	4	Not stated.
NOTE.—It will be appreciated that the figures given in sections A and B respectively are not comparable. Section A includes all expenditure in the year in question to which the Board's approval had been given, whether in the year or previously Section B includes only new expenditure to which the Board's approval was given for the first time during the period in question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether any steps have been taken to establish a standard of beneficial employment?

No, Sir. The establishment of a standard of beneficial employment does not seem to my Noble Friend to be contemplated by the Education Act, 1936. But he is glad to observe that local education authorities up and down the country are conferring with one another with a view to avoiding a situation

The information is as follows:in which adjoining authorities take different views as to the beneficial character of a substantially identical type of employment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether it is within the scope of the bodies set up under the Physical Training and Recreation Act to encourage utilitarian exercise, such as assistance with agricultural reclamation work as well as games and straightforward physical exercises?

The adoption of suitable methods of encouraging physical training and recreation is one of the matters which the National Advisory Council would properly investigate, and on which they would advise His Majesty's Government, and I understand that, so far, the particular point raised by my hon. Friend hs not been considered. My Noble Friend does not regard the utility of any particular form of exercise as constituting in itself any ground for adopting or rejecting it; the overriding consideration is the extent to which is promotes physical well-being. It is, however, not one of the objects of the Government's scheme to provide the means of carrying out works of public utility.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will indicate the progress made during 1937 in the reduction of the size of those school classes where the number of pupils exceeded 40 in each class?

On 31st March, 1937, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 46,194 classes in public elementary schools with more than 40 children on the registers. The corresponding figure on 31st March, 1936, was 49,621.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he has considered the resolution of the county borough of Sunderland respecting the size of classes in infant and junior schools; whether he is aware that this resolution has the support of many local education authorities so that such classes should not exceed 30 in number, and what proposals he has to make in reply thereto?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Letters generally in support of the Sunderland resolution have been received from 13 other local education authorities. My Noble Friend is not prepared, in view of the cost in buildings and staff, to depart from the present standards, which are a maximum of 40 on the register for classes of older children and a maximum of 50 on the register for classes of junior and infant children.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what progress was made during 1937 in the establishment of nursery schools; and the number and location of such that are now recognised by the Board of Education?

During the year 1937 the Board recognised 13 nursery schools with accommodation for 695 children, including one school recognised as efficient, but not for grant. In addition, 16 proposals for new nursery schools were approved in principle, and increased accommodation was provided at two existing schools. I am sending my hon. and learned Friend a copy of the Board's List 42 showing the location of the 94 nursery schools recognised on 31st December, 1937.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he can define the attitude of his Department towards nursery schools and nursery classes, respectively, indicating their suitability in particular districts?

The policy of the Board of Education in this matter was fully set out in paragraphs 2–4 of their Circular 1444, of which I am sending a copy to my hon. Friend. That circular divided children under five years of age into three classes—those whose physical condition and surroundings necessitate the continuous medical care and the feeding which are characteristic of a nursery school, those whose needs will be met by less specialised provision in the infant departments of public elementary schools, and those living in normal circumstances who benefit more from being in their home surroundings, under parental care, than in school. The Board are prepared to give favourable consideration to the provision of nursery schools and nursery classes in districts containing an appreciable number of children falling within the first and second of these classes respectively.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what is the most recent estimate as to the percentage of illiteracy in England and Wales?

My Noble Friend is not aware that any such estimate has been made in recent years.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what percentage of children attending elementary schools under the authority of the Lancashire County Council were found at the last routine nutrition inspection to be excellent, normal, slightly sub-normal, and bad, respectively?

During the year 1936 32,936 children in public elementary schools in the area of the Lancashire County Council were examined at routine medical inspections and the nutrition of 10.83 per cent. was assessed as excellent, 80.86 per cent. as normal, 7.94 per cent. as slightly sub-normal, and 0.37 per cent. as bad. The corresponding figures for 1937 are not yet available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can assign any reason for the reduced consumption of milk throughout the country during the last six weeks?

Particulars of the sale of milk under the Milk Marketing Scheme in England and Wales during January are not yet available, but wholesale sales for liquid consumption during December last showed an average daily decrease of 1.5 per cent. compared with November. A slight decrease in the average daily rate of consumption appears to be usual in December, but I should hesitate to assign a specific reason for it. I may add that sales for liquid consumption in December, 1937, were higher than in the corresponding month of 1936.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state the present position with regard to the preparation of legislation for enabling local authorities to enforce the pasteurisation of milk in their area?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply I gave on 7th February to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for South Cardiff (Captain A. Evans).

asked the Minister of Agriculture what has been the approximate increase in the sales of liquid milk in Great Britain during 1937 and in the amounts received by the producers concerned?

I regret that I am unable to state what has been the total increase in sales of milk for liquid consumption during 1937, as complete figures of sales by producer-retailers are not yet available, but during the year wholesale sales for liquid consumption under the Milk Marketing Scheme increased by 31.7 million gallons compared with 1936. The average pool price received by wholesale producers in 1937 was eight-tenths of a penny per gallon more than in 1936. My hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that this increase is not wholly attributable to the increased sales for liquid consumption. For information regarding the position in Scotland, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the present approximate daily consumption of milk sold at cheap rates in the Special Areas and in the schools, respectively; and what is the present position with regard to an early extension of these schemes?

Approximately 9,400 pints of milk per day are being consumed by nursing and expectant mothers and children under school age under the Milk Marketing Board's experimental scheme for the supply of milk at cheap rates in certain parts of the Special Areas in England and Wales. The consumption of milk under the Milk-in-Schools Scheme in England and Wales is approximately 900,000 pints per school day.I understand that the Milk Marketing Board do not at present, contemplate any extension of their experimental schemes in the Special Areas, but as was stated in the recent White Paper on Milk Policy the Government will bring forward proposals for securing, in co-operation with the industry, a reduction in the price of liquid milk to local authorities generally for the purpose of their maternity and child welfare arrangements. As also announced in the White Paper, it is proposed to continue the Milk-in-Schools Scheme, and to consider the need for minor modifications to meet difficulties which have arisen in its administration.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is yet in a position to make a statement of the Government policy towards the pig industry?

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend on 1st February.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can assign any reasons for the decline in the number of pigs in this country, especially in view of the high prices for pork and bacon?

The recent decline in the numbers of pigs, which is not confined to this country, is probably due to several causes and it would be difficult to assess the relative importance of each, but the chief factor is doubtless the rise in prices of feeding-stuffs. Although the average wholesale prices of home-produced pork and bacon were higher in 1937 than in the previous two years, the increase in the price of feeding-stuffs since 1935 was proportionately greater. Compared with fluctuations in pig production over a long period, the decline in pig stocks since 1935, when the supply constituted a record, is, however, small.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, when movements of animals are controlled by order in districts affected by outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, any special steps and, if so, of what nature are taken to restrict the movements of wild deer which may exist in such areas; whether he is aware that deer are constantly moving about parts of Dorset; and whether, in view of local uneasiness thereby caused, he will specially investigate the circumstances?

The attention of the occupier of every park or enclosure in an infected area in which deer are kept has been called to his obligation to prevent the straying of the deer. Where deer have been roaming freely in the woodlands in the neighbourhood of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease the owners and shooting tenants have been advised to discontinue the shooting of game so as to avoid disturbing and dispersing the deer. These requests have been complied with in every case.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many super-graders have been appointed under the Livestock Industry Act, 1937; and how many were prior to their appointment butchers and farmers, respectively?

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to Inspectors appointed by the Livestock Commission to supervise the work of Certifying Authorities under the cattle subsidy scheme. There are 21 such Inspectors, of whom, prior to their appointment, 13 were butchers, three farmers, and two butchers and farmers.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many graders under the Livestock Industry Act, 1937, have been suspended from their duties since the Act came into force; how many of the graders so suspended were originally nominated by the butchers and how many by the farmers; and whether the graders so suspended had afforded to them an opportunity of appealing against their suspension?

Since the Livestock Industry Act came into force on 1st August last, six out of about 1,900 persons regularly acting as members of Certifying Authorities have been suspended from their duties. They comprise two butchers, one farmer and three auctioneers. Five of the suspended members were given an opportunity of appealing against their suspension and three availed themselves of that opportunity. One was subsequently reinstated and the appointments of the others were terminated. The case of the sixth member is at present being investigated by the Livestock Commission. In addition, the appointments as members of Certifying Authorities of three farmers, three butchers and one auctioneer, have been terminated without previous suspension.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has considered the report of the poultry technical committee, and whether he has any statement to make?

asked the Minister of Agriculture what action he proposes to take to implement the recommendations contained in the report issued by the Poultry Technical Committee for Great Britain?

Immediate consideration is being given to the report of the Poultry Technical Committee by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and myself, and it is proposed to consult the poultry industry with regard to the recommendations made by the committee.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will favourably consider the appointment of a commission of inquiry into the working of land settlement in Great Britain, including small holdings and allotments, having in view the object of getting more men back to the land?

I appreciate the importance of getting more men back to the land but I do not think that the appointment of a commission of inquiry into land settlement is necessary at the present time.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has now reached any decision as to what action he proposes to take with regard to the recent report of the Select Committee on Damage by Rabbits?

This matter has been under consideration, but I am unable to say whether it will be possible to introduce legislation during the present Session.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether arrangements have now been made for the Lancashire cheesemakers to obtain adequate supplies of milk for the manufacture of their cheese?

I am informed by the Milk Marketing Board that they have arranged for increased supplies of milk for Lancashire cheesemakers.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the recent dispute as to the authenticity and value of the Giorgione panels recently purchased for the National Gallery and of the grant made for the purchase in question, he will cause an inquiry to be made into the circumstances of the purchase and as to the present value of the panels in question?

No, Sir. The Purchase of Pictures Grant-in-Aid is placed at the disposal of the trustees of the National Gallery for the acquisition of such pictures as in the light of all the circumstances they consider most to the advantage of the Gallery. It does not appear to me that the exercise of their discretion in this particular instance can reasonably be made the subject of an inquiry.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that at the recent examination for admission to commissioned service in the Army and the Royal Air Force a number of candidates were asked in their interview which side they hoped would win in Spain, and that when one candidate replied that he hoped the government side would win the examiner made a comment on the candidate's communistic tendencies; and whether, in view of the importance in a democratic country of an impartial Army, he will take steps to secure that such questions shall not be put to candidates?

I have made inquiries and I can find no foundation for the suggestion that at the recent Army, etc., Entrance Examination a candidate's apparent sympathies with one or other of the parties engaged in the conflict in Spain were made the subject of comment by any member of the Interviewing Board. The second part of the question does not therefore arise.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will state the number of petty sessional divisions in which there are at present no women magistrates; and what progress has been made in recent years?

There are 36 county petty sessional divisions and three borough divisions to which women justices have not as yet been allocated, a decrease of nine in the counties and five in the boroughs since the answer given to the hon. Member on the 27th February, 1936.

asked the Attorney-General whether any new advice on retire ment has recently been tendered to magistrates who, owing to age or infirmity, are no longer able effectively to discharge their duties; and what has been the response to his appeal already published?

Upon the instructions of the Lord Chancellor a Circular letter was issued on 1st January last, as to the course that should be taken by Justices who, owing to age or infirmity or other causes, are no longer able effectively to discharge their duties in Court. Meetings of Justices have been and are to be held to consider the terms of this Circular and 356 Justices have already tendered their resignation from respective Commissions of the Peace onThe approximate net amount of entertainments duty collected during each month of the calendar year 1937 was as follows:—

Month.			At full rates.	At reduced rates under Section 1 (3) of the Finance Act, 1935.	* Unclassified.	Total.
			£	£	£	£
January	…	…	577,000	149,000	21,000	747,000
February	…	…	492,000	98,000	20,000	610,000
March	…	…	501,000	87,000	21,000	606,000
April	…	…	661,000	102,000	20,000	783,000
May	…	…	542,000	74,000	14,000	630,000
June	…	…	434,000	64,000	10,000	508,000
July	…	…	551,000	84,000	12,000	647,000
August	…	…	478,000	85,000	26,000	589,000
September	…	…	617,000	103,000	14,000	734,000
October	…	…	659,000	112,000	20,000	791,000
November	…	…	518,000	97,000	15,000	630,000
December†	…	…	455,000	84,000	25,000	564,000
Total‡	…	…	6,485,000	1,139,000	218,000	7,842,000
* These figures represent the amounts collected from the sale of Entertainment Duty Stamps by the Post Office and no information is available as to the nature of the entertainment for which the stamps are required.
† Figures subject to correction.

asked the Postmaster-General whether any decisions have been reached or any action taken by the committee which was set up to consider means by which the Post Office can satisfy itself that prices paid under non-competitive agreements are fair and reasonable?

The matter is still under discussion with the manufacturing interests concerned.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that two men were

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what was the total revenue from Entertainments Duty for each month during the calendar year of 1937; and how much of this revenue in this month was attributable to revenue from living entertainment?

The information is as follows:killed by electricity at the Birkly Colliery, Durham Bridge, Cumberland, on Saturday morning, 4th February, at 3.45 a.m., and were brought to the surface of the mine before 6 a.m., but the bodies were not conveyed to their homes until between the hours of 7 and 8 o'clock that night; and can he state who was responsible for preventing the bodies being removed from the colliery premises before that time, and why the delay?

The matter had not previously come to my notice, but inquiries are being made, and the hon. Member shall be informed of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will state the number of miners employed at mines within the Rutherglen Division of Lanarkshire during the years 1932 to 1937, inclusive, to the nearest convenient date?

The information is as follows:

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the introduction of legislation to grant votes for local elections to all persons over 21 years of age on the same basis as in Parliamentary elections?

The hon. Member's proposal would involve a large change in the electoral law and I am not in a position to make any statement on the subject of legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the complaints from the inhabitants of West Wemyss about the failure of the Fife County Council to inaugurate any housing scheme there, and that serious discontent exists at the proposal to re-house West Wemyss inhabitants at a considerable distance from the village, thus causing great inconvenience; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this?

I am aware of the representations made by residents in West Wemyss regarding the Fife County Council's housing policy for the village. I understand, however, that the county council have been unable to obtain any site at West Wemyss which their mining engineers could certify as safe from the risk of subsidence, and that they therefore propose to re-house 20 families in houses which are now nearing completion at Rosie, 2½ miles away. The council consider that these houses will be conveniently situated to places of work in the district. As the hon. Member is aware the selection of sites is primarily a matter for the council themselves and under the circumstances I should not feel justified in interfering with their decision.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has yet decided to set up a control of building materials in Scotland with a view to securing regular and sufficient supplies thereof at reasonable prices for local authorities; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the answer which I gave to him on this subject yesterday.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the Report of the committee on the revision of the poor law is likely to be presented?

I understand that the Committee hope to complete their Report within a few weeks.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many sites for new industries have been contracted for at the old Caird shipyard in Greenock; and how many firms have, on the invitation of his Department or of the Commissioner for the Special Areas in Scotland or other Government Department, the erection of industrial works at the said shipyard under consideration?

I am informed by the Commissioner that the Caird Shipyard has been brought to the notice of two firms, who proposed to set up new industries during 1937, but that it was not found suitable for their purposes. Information regarding the site was also given to the War Office, but the premises were not regarded as suitable. The Commissioner will continue to take every opportunity of bringing this and other suitable sites to the notice of industrialists.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what local authorities in Scotland have lodged informally air-raid precaution schemes?

Draft proposals for air raid general precautions and fire precautions have been informally submitted for consideration by nine and 22 local authorities in Scotland respectively, either separately or in combination. These were all submitted before the draft regulations were circulated to local authorities on the 28th January, and are of varying degrees of completeness.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the most recent estimate as to the percentage of illiteracy in Scotland?

So far as I am aware there has been no recent estimate of the kind referred to.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the representations from organisations in Scotland protesting against the rise in the cost of living because of rearmament and allied contracts; and what steps he is proposing to take with a view to action to protect working-class households against the increase in prices?

These representations have been considered. As regards the last part of the question, I cannot usefully add to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for the Maryhill Division of Glasgow (Mr. J. Davidson) on 3rd February.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs who has been nominated by the British Government for appointment to the League of Nations expert committee on the status of women; what nominations have been made by other countries; and whether he will consider the desirability of including as many women as possible on the committee?

An expert committee on the status of women was appointed by the Council on 26th January, 1938; its composition is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give particulars of the petitions of the World Jewish Congress and the Universal Israelite Alliance and others against the anti-Semitic action of the Rumanian Government which have been circulated by the secretary-general of the League of Nations; what action has been taken by the League; and what steps have been taken to remind the Rumanian Government of the minorities treaty signed in 1919, guaranteeing full civil and political rights to all citizens of Rumania without distinction of race, language, or religion, and ordering the naturalisation of all Jews in Rumanian territory who do not possess another nationality?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the right hon. Gentleman, the Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood) on Monday last, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is proposed that the London Naval Treaty of 1936 shall be denounced in so far as the fixed limit of 35,000 tons for battleships is concerned; and what information he possesses with regard to the building of 43,000-ton battleships by Japan?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Chester (Sir C. Cayzer) on 7th February, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent women are eligible for entry into the Diplomatic Service; and whether any alteration of the conditions is contemplated in favour of women?

Women are not eligible for admission into the Diplomatic Service. As regards the second part of the question, the views of His Majesty's Government remain as stated in the White Paper (Command Paper 5166) issued in April, 1936.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Latvian Government has expropriated Jewish textile factories and breweries; will he find out what compensation, if any, is being paid; and whether this action is in keeping with the rights of the Jewish minorities in Latvia?

His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Riga has reported that the Latvian Government have recently taken certain powers to liquidate commercial and industrial undertakings, and have applied them in certain cases. I am not aware that these powers have been exercised against Jewish interests in the manner described by the hon. Member; but I will call for a report on the subject.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will give the number of men and women registered as employed in the hotel and catering trade; and whether any increase in wages for these workers has been notified to the Ministry during the last six months?

The estimated numbers of insured men and women, aged 18–64, in hotel, boarding house, restaurant and club service in Great Britain at July, 1937, were 160,870 and 246,320, respectively; the numbers of these recorded as unemployed at 17th January, 1938, were 33,496 and 43,723, respectively. I have no information as to any increases in wages which may have been granted to workers in the hotel and catering trade during the past six months; particulars of changes in wages in this trade are not as a rule reported to my Department.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the conditions in the Education Act, 1936, any reports have been presented by juvenile advisory committees to extend the area of their work by amalgamating with neighbouring districts?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he contemplates setting up a trade board or taking other steps to improve conditions of employment in cinemas?

The inquiry which I am making into the wages and conditions of cinema attendants has reached an advanced stage, but is not yet complete. The whole position will be examined in the light of the results of the inquiry as soon as they are available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will inquire as to the number of occasions on which Arab police have surrendered or failed to fight when attacked; whether changes in recruitment are being considered; and what disciplinary action has been taken against these men who have surrendered or whether they have been kept in the force and provided with new rifles?

No, Sir. I see no reason to make such an inquiry. I am confident that, if any cases have occurred in which any section of the police has failed in the discharge of its duty, the appropriate disciplinary action will have been taken. I am not aware that any modification of the existing system of recruitment is contemplated. I may add that the Acting High Commissioner recently paid tribute to the manner in which the Arab police are working under conditions of great difficulty and danger.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that there have now been five attacks on transport on the Jaffa-Jerusalem road near Givat Shaul within the last 10 days; will he allow the Jews using this road to carry arms; and will he also deal with the village suspected of the attacks by quartering upon it a police post?

I have no detailed information relating to the period to which the right hon. and gallant Member refers; but I understand that the question of measures to deal with attacks on this road has been receiving the special attention of the civil and military authorities in Palestine.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has given further consideration to the conditions of eligibility for the franchise for local councils as set out in the second schedule of the Order by the High Commissioner in Palestine under Section 2 of the Local Council Ordinance published in May, 1937; and whether any revision of qualification has been agreed to?

I have not received any information on this subject subsequent to that contained in the report which I communicated to the hon. Member in August last. I will, however, ask the High Commissioner whether there have been any further developments.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any steps are being taken to combat the black-spot banana disease, the increase of which is causing great anxiety in Jamaica?

The existence of "leaf spot" or sigatoka disease has unfortunately been reported in most of the Colonies in the West Indian area as well as in Jamaica, but the actual damage which has so far been caused by it is not regarded as serious. The principal damage caused by it has been in foreign countries in Central and South America where conditions are somewhat different from those in Jamaica. The position is being watched with the greatest care by the Colonial Departments of Agriculture concerned. The advice of the Imperial Mycological Institute and the Colonial Advisory Council of Agriculture and Animal Health has been obtained on the subject, and in particular on the control measures to be adopted.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to state what percentage of the native inhabitants of the Crown Colonies were literate in 1917 and 1937, respectively?

Statistics regarding literacy in the Colonial Empire can be obtained only from the decennial census returns, and I find that, so far as most Colonies are concerned, the statistics given in past census reports do not supply the material that would enable me to give a comprehensive reply to the hon. Member's question. I propose to take up with Colonial Governments the question whether fuller information on this subject cannot be supplied at the next census.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the sudden decrease in the number of persons employed in the Ford works at Dagenham; and whether he will give this factor due weight in any negotiations for a trade agreement?

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered a communication from the South Wales sea fisheries as regards oil pollution around the coast of Great Britain; and what steps he proposes to take on the resolutions contained therein?

I have received from my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister the communication to which the hon. Member refers. As the hon. Member will be aware, this matter has been the subject of inquiry by an International Committee set up by the League of Nations. I hope that it will in due course be possible to arrange an International Conference to consider the draft convention which has been prepared on this subject.In view of this, and of the doubt which exists as to the desirability of insisting that every type of oil-burning and oil-carrying vessel should be fitted with separators, it would be impracticable for His Majesty's Government to require, as suggested in the resolution referred to, that all such ships using United Kingdom ports should be fitted with separators.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the large number of summons against commoners under Section 25 of the Highway Act of 1835 for allowing cattle to stray; and, as this is largely due to the gates across the highways at each end of the commons, such as Davidstow Moor, being left open or broken by motorists, over whom commoners have no control, whether he will take steps towards a more equitable and satisfactory arrangement?

My attention has already been drawn to this matter, and I am at present making inquiries.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state the number of artificer apprentices promoted to cadet (E) on the two occasions when selections were made in 1937; and what steps have been taken to ensure a larger number of these promotions in view of the increased demand for officers?

Three artificer apprentices were promoted direct to cadet (E) in 1937: one in January and two in September. Two more promotions were made in January, 1938. With regard to the second part of the question, as I have previously informed the hon. Member, all candidates who come up to the standard are accepted.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many persons were employed in the Royal dockyards on 1st January, 1914, 1918, 1924, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1936 and 1937, respectively?

The following table shows the approximate numbers of employés borne in the Royal Dockyards (Vote 8) at home and abroad in the years mentioned:

1914	54,370
1918	93,370
1924	53,200
1933	43,320
1934	43,660
1935	46,410
1936	49,240
1937	54,670

As information is not readily available showing the numbers borne on 1st January, the figures given relate generally to the 1st April: that for 1918 relates to the date of the Armistice. The figures include a small proportion of salaried staff borne on other Votes than Vote 8.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the resolution passed by the Manchester Public Assistance Committee that the present scales of relief are not adequate to meet fully the needs of recipients of relief; and will he take steps to bring about a uniform increase throughout the country

I understand that the Manchester City Council have adopted a recommendation of their public assistance committee for certain increases in the rates of relief granted in the city. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to paragraph 6 of Circular 1662 of 22nd November, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Health how many relieving officers live away from their district in Liverpool; and will he arrange that each district has a resident relieving officer, and that telephones are installed at their homes to meet night emergency cases?

I am informed that 25 district relieving officers in Liverpool reside outside their districts. All the relieving officers are provided with telephones at their homes. Under the Public Assistance Order relieving officers are required to reside within their districts, unless the local authority waive this requirement.

asked the Minister of Health whether his Circular 1662 of 22nd November last, recommending public assistance authorities to increase relief, is to be accompanied by Exchequer grants to those authorities which comply with it?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the number of those in receipt of widows' pensions and those in receipt of old age pensions who are on public assistance in Rochdale?

On the 1st January, 1938, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 249 widow pensioners and 649 old age pensioners in the county borough of Rochdale who were in receipt of poor relief.

asked the Minister of Health how many inspectors are employed by him for the purpose of conducting inquiries as to compensation under the Housing Acts; and what proportion are permanent officials?

The inspecting staff employed by the Ministry in connection with the holding of public local inquiries under the Housing Acts is as follows:1 Chief Housing Inspector.4 Permanent Housing and Town Planning Inspectors.21 Temporary Housing and Town Planning Inspectors.

asked the Minister of Health whether any estimate can be given of the total rent of property included in clearance orders since the past two years; what amount of compensation has been paid in respect of such property; and what is the total rent of the alternative accommodation provided?

I regret that it is not practicable to make any estimate of the amounts to which my hon. Friend refers.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the immediately impending compulsory demolition, consequent upon a slum clearance order, of six ancient cottages at Therfield, near Royston, which the present owner is prepared to recondition and make in every respect habitable; and whether he will consider the introduction of legislation which will enable him to review such cases retrospectively, as is possible in a county court in the case of demolition orders, and meanwhile advise the rural district council not to press the owner to destroy cottages which are of great beauty and whose retention is desired by the parish?

My attention has been drawn to this matter. A clearance order does not become operative until it has been reviewed and confirmed by me. There is, however, no power to review such orders or demolition orders after they have become operative and the Housing Advisory Committee who recently considered this question did not recommend any change in the law. In these circumstances I do not feel justified in introducing legislation for this purpose and I am afraid that I could not properly communicate with the local authority as suggested in the last part of the question.

asked the Minister of Health how many houses condemned in connection with slum clearance schemes have been demolished by local authorities instead of by the owners; and in how many of these cases have the costs of such demolition been collected from the owners?

I regret that the information asked for by my hon. Friend is not available.

asked the Minister of Health whether in view of the fact that after December, 1938, he proposes that there shall be one State contribution towards houses built either for the relief of overcrowding or for slum clearance, he will consider fixing an earlier day for the introduction of this reform, say, 1st March, 1938?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I am giving to-day to the hon. Member of Ilkeston (Mr. Oliver).

asked the Minister of Health whether, in connection with the Housing (Financial Provisions) Bill, he has ascertained the views of Welsh local authorities on the proposals it contains?

Before formulating the proposals contained in the Bill I consulted the several local government associations which represent local authorities both in England and in Wales.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the resolution passed by the Heanor Urban District Council relating to Exchequer contributions being payable in respect of all houses erected for reasons of overcrowding, including those in course of construction and completed after 31st March, 1938; and whether he is in agreement with the proposal therein contained?

I have received and considered the resolution to which the hon. Member refers. The matter to which the resolution relates is dealt with in Clause 10 (2) of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Bill which was read for the first time on the 3rd of this month, and I would ask the hon. Member to await the discussion on the Second Reading of this Bill.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is the practice of local authorities to require the registration with them or with his Department of the exact positions of privately owned cess-pits, septic-tanks, and drainage tanks and systems, so as to guard against risk of the pollution of local wells and streams in the vicinity of drinking-water supplies by overflow, percolation, or flood water, notwithstanding chlorination?

No, Sir. But local building by-laws require the position of cesspools, etc., to be shown on the plans submitted to the local authority.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has obtained a report on the serious damage done to public and private property by the recent gales on the West Coast of Wales, particularly at and in the vicinity of Aberystwyth; whether he has had an estimate of the cost of restoration; and whether, in view of the heavy additional financial burden on the local inhabitants, he will indicate what measures may be available to give relief by a grant-in-aid or otherwise?

I have received a full report of the damage from my inspector who visited the locality, but no estimate is yet available of the cost of restoration. I am afraid that there is no fund available out of which financial assistance could be given but I shall of course be prepared to sanction any necessary loans for this purpose.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the corrugated iron tanks used in Australia, New Zealand, and Africa for storing water are sent round in motor-lorries in the form of sheets of steel with a hand-wrought corrugating machine and three workmen who corrugate the sheets and then erect tanks with a capacity of from 3,000 gallons to 20,000 gallons, and each dwelling has its own tank or tanks and so waste is avoided; that such tanks are erected at a cost much below the estimates of his Department for similar tanks here; that underground tanks, such as are suggested in the Ministry of Health Memorandum No. 1830, are avoided owing to the risk of contamination; and will he study these methods with a view to their introduction into this country?

The size of tank for adequate rain-water storage must of course depend on the amount and frequency of the rainfall, and I do not think that methods adopted in the Dominions to suit their own climatic conditions would be any guide to the requirements in this country. I am advised that an underground or overground tank of 1,500 gallons capacity for each house constructed in accordance with the Model By-laws would be adequate and free from risk of contamination.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give consideration to the possibility of permitting contributors under the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Pensions (Voluntary Contributors) Act, 1937, the option of paying a lump sum contribution upon entrance in order that they may be brought into benefit regarding widows' pensions immediately?

I am afraid that an arrangement on the lines suggested is not possible in a scheme which contains no provision for the rejection of applicants on account of the state of their health. The waiting period laid down in the Act is, in effect, a substitute for medical examination.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that municipal workers are frequently employed at reduced pay during the last five years of their employment, and that their superannuation is computed upon this reduced pay rather than on the higher rate of earnings in the years of their full vigour; that this method of computation operates unjustly upon municipal workers; and whether he contemplates any steps to amend the law to remedy this?

Yes, Sir. I am aware of such cases. The Local Government Superannuation Act, 1937, which comes into operation on the 1st April, 1939, provides that if an employé suffers a reduction of remuneration owing to his inability to discharge his duties efficiently he is entitled to continue to contribute to the superannuation fund as if such reduction had not been effected and to receive a superannuation allowance calculated on the unreduced remuneration.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the number of persons at present receiving old age pensions; what proportion of them are also in receipt of Poor Law relief; and the total amount of that relief?

The total number of old age pensioners in England and Wales at the 31st December, 1937, was 2,296,908. Particulars are not yet available in regard to the proportion of these persons who were in receipt of poor relief on that date, but the corresponding proportion at 1st January, 1937, was 9.7 per cent. As regards the last part of the question, the returns received in my Department do not distinguish the cost of poor relief to old age pensioners.

asked the Minister of Health whether His Majesty's Government will introduce legislation to effect the derating of hospitals, in view of the heavy burdens they carry consequent on rebuilding and reassessment?

I regret that it is not possible to do what my hon. Friend desires. Proposals of this kind have been considered on many occasions and there have been found to be strong objections to their adoption.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state the number of widows' pensions awarded during last year?

The number of widows' pensions awarded in England, Scotland and Wales during last year was approximately 79,000.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the number of authorities in the county of Devon who have prepared schemes under the provisions of the Midwives Act of 1936 and the names of such authorities; and whether there is a shortage of certificated midwives in the county?

All the local supervising authorities in the county of Devon have prepared proposals under the Midwives Act, 1936. These are the Devon County Council and the Councils of the County Boroughs of Exeter and Plymouth, and of the Borough of Torquay. I have no information that there is a shortage of certified midwives in the county.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the difficulties, and in some cases hardship, that mortgagees are placed under the present restriction to call in mortgages on properties coming within the Rent Restriction Act; and will he consider taking steps to rectify this position in any new legislation?

I am aware of the difficulties to which my hon. Friend refers. The whole question of the future of the Rent Restrictions Acts is at present receiving consideration but I am not yet in a position to make any statement as to future legislation.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the muddy condition of the streets in New Barlby, near Selby, and if he will inquire why the local authority is not carrying out its duty of keeping the streets clean; and whether, in the interests of the health of the inhabitants, he will take steps to remedy this state of affairs?

I am making inquiries on this matter and will let the hon. Member know the result.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of recent criticism of non-vitaminised margarine, any investigation has been carried out by his Department into the nutritive value of margarine that has or has not been vitaminised; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

No special investigation by my Department has been made or is contemplated at present. The matter has already been considered by the Advisory Committee on Nutrition, who has recommended that, where margarine is used, it should be vitaminised, and this recommendation has been conveyed to local authorities.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state the number of patients discharged by the Board of Control from colonies for the mentally defective during 1936 and 1937?

The number of patients discharged by the Board of Control from Certified Institutions under the Mental Deficiency Act, 1913, were 152 in 1936 and 200 in 1937.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give the number of cases and deaths hitherto notified in the present outbreak of typhoid fever in the county of Somerset; and will he state whether the cause has now been traced?

Thirty-six cases, four of them, I regret to say, fatal, have been confirmed. The source of the outbreak has not vet been determined.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will state the number of Liverpool men who presented themselves for enlistment into the Royal Air Force during the year 1937, and the number who were rejected by reason of their poor physique during the same period?

Recruiting statistics do not show the place of domicile of applicants but the figures available show that 1,689 men presented themselves for medical examination at the Liverpool Recruiting Depot in 1937 and that of this number 103 were rejected by reason of poor physique.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether an Air Ministry civil aviation representative in East Africa has been appointed; and, if so, who was appointed and when was the appointment made?

Yes, Sir, Mr. Morris Jackaman was appointed on 18th October last.