Written Answers
Spain
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that British volunteers from the Spanish front, after being on leave in England, are proposing to return to Spain; and, as this is a breach of the Non-intervention Pact, what steps he is taking to prevent their return?
No, Sir. But if my hon. Friend will communicate to me any information he has on the subject, it will be inquired into.
Capital Ships (Japan)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the uncertainty which has been caused by the activities of Japan as regards capital-ship construction, he will press for an early conference of the principal naval Powers to reconsider capital-ship limitation?
The question of future procedure is under close consideration by His Majesty's Government, and I have nothing at present to add to the second part of the reply which I made to the hon. Member for Chester (Sir C. Cayzer) on 14th February.
Lighthouses, West Scotland
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the representations for the provision of extra lighthouses on the west coast of Scotland; and what action in this connection is being taken by his Department?
The representations referred to have been considered by the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses, who have recommended the provision of a new lighthouse on Ardtreck Point, Loch Bracadale. The sanction of the Board of Trade has been given for the necessary expenditure.
Housing (Aged Persons)
asked the Minister of Health whether he will state, in percentages, the numbers, respectively, of rural district councils, urban district councils, and municipal corporations which have built accommodation specially designed for aged persons since the Act of 1930?
Since the Act of 1930 dwellings containing only one bedroom have been or are being provided by 23 per cent. of the rural district councils, 33 per cent. of the urban district councils and 54 per cent. of the municipal corporations.
asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the number of houses and/or flats built and reserved for aged persons by the Corporation of Liverpool in the last 10 years?
The answer is 150. A further 365 dwellings built by the corporation in the last 10 years are suitable for aged persons, but have not been definitely reserved for them and my right hon. Friend understands that provision is being made in all schemes now proceeding or contemplated for a proportion up to 5 per cent. of the houses or flats to be so reserved.
Public Assistance (Statistics)
asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the total amount paid in poor law relief for England and Wales for the years ended January, 1935 and 1938, respectively?
The total amount expended on out-relief in money and kind in England and Wales during the 12 months ended 31st January, 1935, was £18,200,976. The corresponding figure for the 12 months ended 31st January, 1938, is not yet available but the figure for the 12 months ended 31st December, 1937, was £17,461,195.
Accident, Dumbreck Colliery, Stirlingshire
asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has any public statement to make regarding the recent colliery disaster at Dumbreck Colliery, Stirlingshire?
I have been asked to reply. Until the Fatal Accident Inquiry has been held, my hon. and gallant Friend does not think that it is desirable to add anything to the statement which he made in the House on 1st February.
asked the Secretary for Mines whether it is intended to hold a public inquiry into the recent colliery disaster at Dumbreck Colliery, Stirlingshire; and, if so, when the inquiry will commence?
The matter will be considered on the conclusion of the Fatal Accident Inquiry.
Land Fertility Scheme
asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give figures showing the extent to which farmers have taken advantage of the scheme for supplying lime and basic slag at reduced prices since its inception; and, if so, whether separate figures are available which reveal the position in Hampshire?
Since the Land Fertility Scheme came into operation
| Article. | Denomination. | Quantities retained for Consumption. | Revenue attributable to Northern Ireland. | ||
| Spirits: | |||||
| £ | |||||
| Home-made | … | Proof gallons | … | 173,000 | 604,000 |
| Imported | … | Proof gallons | … | 73,000 | 268,000 |
| Beer: | |||||
| Home-made | … | Bulk barrels | … | 48,000 | 124,000 |
| Standard barrels | … | 35,000 | |||
| Imported | … | Bulk barrels | … | 150,000 | 472,000 |
| Standard barrels | … | 125,000 | |||
| Sweets (British wines) | … | Gallons | … | 415,000 | 31,000 |
| Wine, Imported | … | Gallons | … | 374,000 | 109,000 |
Sunday Trading (High Court Judgment)
asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of a judgment of the High Court on 20th January granting the appeal of the Eldorado Ice Cream Company, Limited, against decisions of the justices at Marlborough and Scunthorpe under the Shops (Sunday Trading Restriction) Act; that, as a result, employés may be compelled to work on every Sunday in any month in addition to losing their legal right to a day's compensatory
some 104,000 applications for contribution have been received by the Land Fertility Committee in respect of approximately 580,000 tons of lime and 310,000 tons of basic slag. About 1,250 of these applications, in respect of approximately 4,800 tons of lime and 4,500 tons of basic slag, were received from farmers in Hampshire.
Beer And Spirits Duty (Statistics)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the number of proof gallons of British and imported spirits, the number of bulk and standard barrels of British and imported beer, and the number of gallons of British and imported wines retained for consumption in Northern Ireland during the year ended 31st December, 1937; and the estimated revenue attributable to each class of liquor?
The estimated quantities of home-made and imported spirits and beer, sweets (British wines) and imported wine, retained for consumption in Northern Ireland during the calendar year 1937, and the estimated revenue attributable thereto, are as follow:holiday during the week; that the judgment may be held to extend to travelling shops and thus place these vehicles entirely outside the provisions of the various Shops Acts, thus involving freedom to work young persons under 16 years of age on such vehicles for unlimited hours, and permitting travelling shops in general to sell goods during unlimited hours; and will he state whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation to avoid such a wide deterioration in the conditions of distributive employés?
I am aware of the judgments to which the right hon. Member refers. The situation resulting from these judgments is under consideration but I am not in a position to make any further statement at the moment.
asked the Home Secretary whether, now that the full effect of the Shops (Sunday Trading Restriction) Act is becoming known, he will obtain reports from the different parts of the country as to the working of this Act and the need for any modifications in time to come?
The Act has been in force only since last May, and while I am aware that difficulties have arisen on certain points, I have no evidence to indicate that it is not, in general, working satisfactorily. I do not think that any such inquiry as is suggested by the hon. Member is called for at present.
Firearms (Sale And Licences)
asked the Home Secretary how many instances there have been in the last 18 months of raids on firearm shops and at what places; and whether he is satisfied that it is in the public interest that revolvers and similar weapons, other than sporting guns, should be exposed for sale in shop windows?
These cases are not classified separately in the central records of offences, and I am unable to give any information of the number of such cases throughout the country as a whole. In the Metropolitan Police District, however, I understand that in the last 18 months there have been two cases in which shop windows have been smashed and firearms stolen from the windows. If dangerous firearms are exhibited in a shop window, it is preferable that the window should be protected by a grille or other similar device.
asked the Home Secretary how many instances there have been of persons under arrest being found to be in possession of firearms during the last 18 months; and whether he will consider the advantage of introducing legislation to amend the Firearms Act so as to exclude air pistols and dummy revolvers being lawfully held without a licence?
Between 1st July, 1936, and 31st December, 1937, 20 persons arrested in the Metropolitan Police District were found to be in possession of firearms. In 12 of these cases the weapon was an air-gun or air-pistol and in one case it was a toy pistol. I have no information as to the number of similar cases in the provinces. It is already illegal to possess, without a firearm certificate, a dummy revolver which can be converted into a firearm capable of discharging a missile. It is also a specific offence, under Section 23 of the Firearms Act, 1937, to be in possession of any firearm or imitation firearm when committing certain criminal offences. In view of the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on the Statutory Definition and Classification of Firearms and Ammunition, and having regard to the existing power to make Rules under Section 16 (1) (b) of the Firearms Act, 1937, there would seem to be no occasion for any fresh legislation designed to extend the provisions of that Act to air pistols.
asked the Home Secretary what is the total of the number of licences held in this country for the possession of firearms; and how does this figure compare with 1919, 1929, and 1931?
Returns of the numbers of firearm certificates authorising the possession of firearms are not furnished to the Home Office by Chief Officers of Police, and I am not, therefore, in a position to supply figures other than those for the Metropolitan Police District. The following are the numbers of firearm certificates in force in the Metropolitan Police District on 31st December of each of the years stated:
| 1921 | 24,308 |
| 1929 | 23,874 |
| 1931 | 24,855 |
| 1937 | 26,120 |
Taxation Revenue (Statistics)
asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what were the total amounts raised from direct and indirect taxes, respectively, in 1918 and in each succeeding financial year?
The following table shows the amounts raised by taxation
| —— | Indirect. | Direct. | Total. | |||
| £ | Percentage. | £ | Percentage. | £ | ||
| 1918–19 | … | 160,880,000 | 20.50 | 625,922,000* | 79.50 | 786,802,000 |
| 1919–20 | … | 280,264,000 | 28.00 | 720,622,000* | 72.00 | 1,000,886,000 |
| 1920–21 | … | 328,819,000 | 31.84 | 703,923,000* | 68.16 | 1,032,742,000 |
| 1921–22 | … | 318,108,000 | 37.29 | 535,027,000* | 62.71 | 853,135,000 |
| 1922–23 | … | 274,588,000 | 35.58 | 497,232,000 | 64.42 | 771,820,000 |
| 1923–24 | … | 262,731,000 | 36.54 | 456,345,000 | 63.46 | 719,076,000 |
| 1924–25 | … | 229,455,000 | 33.07 | 464,386,000 | 66.93 | 693,841,000 |
| 1925–26 | … | 232,320,000 | 33.98 | 451,303,000 | 66.02 | 683,623,000 |
| 1926–27 | … | 234,429,000 | 35.54 | 425,136,000 | 64.46 | 659,565,000 |
| 1927–28 | … | 245,404,000 | 35.27 | 450,338,000 | 64.73 | 695,742,000 |
| 1928–29 | … | 247,134,000 | 36.03 | 438,709,000 | 63.97 | 685,843,000 |
| 1929–30 | … | 242,615,000 | 35.85 | 434,166,000 | 64.15 | 676,781,000 |
| 1930–31 | … | 240,918,000 | 34.23 | 462,991,000 | 65.77 | 703,909,000 |
| 1931–32 | … | 250,073,000 | 34.12 | 482,915,000 | 65.88 | 732,988,000 |
| 1932–33 | … | 282,702,000 | 39.00 | 442,268,000 | 61.00 | 724,970,000 |
| 1933–34 | … | 281,534,000 | 39.71 | 427,522,000 | 60.29 | 709,056,000 |
| 1934–35 | … | 284,970,000 | 40.18 | 424,182,000 | 59.82 | 709,152,000 |
| 1935–36 | … | 298,932,000 | 40.43 | 440,451,000 | 59.57 | 739,383,000 |
| 1936–37 | … | 314,931,000 | 40.29 | 466,791,000 | 59.71 | 781,722,000 |
| 1937–38† | … | 327,990,000 | 39.30 | 506,660,000 | 60.70 | 834,650,000 |
| * Includes Excess Profits Duty, as follows: | ||||||
| £ | ||||
| 1918–19 | … | … | … | 283,977,000 |
| 1919–20 | … | … | … | 289,208,000 |
| 1920–21 | … | … | … | 218,099,000 |
| 1921–22 | … | … | … | 29,671,000 |
| † Budget Estimate. | ||||
Justices Of The Peace
asked the Attorney-General what further steps the Government are taking to ensure that justices of the peace disabled by ill-health or transfer of residence from carrying out their duties should retire from the bench?
No further steps are in contemplation because my Noble Friend, the Lord Chancellor, is confident that when the suggestions put forward in his circular letter of 1st January have received the mature consideration both of individual magistrates and bodies of magistrates assembled for the purpose, there will be an adequate response to these suggestions.
Transport
Traffic Control, Thornton Heath
asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the inadequate traffic control at Thornton Heath pond; whether he is aware that no protection is afforded
in the years 1918–19 to 1936–37 inclusive, with the estimated figures for 1937–38, and the proportion thereof attributable to direct and indirect taxes respectively:
to pedestrians crossing the road at this spot; and whether he will remove the railings opposite business premises along this section of the London Road on account of the heavy loss to tradesmen caused by their presence?
For some time past proposals have been under consideration for improving the scheme of traffic control at this difficult junction, from the point of view both of the movement of traffic and of safety of pedestrians. I am glad to say that these proposals have now been agreed and that the work will shortly be put in hand. The proposals do not include the removal of the pedestrian guard rails as I am satisfied that these are required in the interests of safety.
Country Omnibus Services
asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the recent numerous complaints of the inadequacy of omnibus services along various routes in the country; and whether he will consider arranging for a general investigation into the work of the Traffic Commissioners in this connection?
I am not aware that there have been numerous complaints regarding the inadequacy of country omnibus services, but it is a healthy sign of democracy that there should be criticism of undertakings working under statutory licences. The Traffic Commissioners are directed by the Road Traffic Act, 1930, to take into consideration representations duly made by local authorities, and they of course do so. The last published reports of the Traffic Commissioners show marked differences in the activity displayed by local authorities, and I may add that during the last year no local authority has appealed to me under Section 81 of the Act of 1930. I see no reason for making a special investigation into the work of the Traffic Commissioners in this connection.
London-Norfolk Railway Service
asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the fastest train in the day from London to Swaffham, Norfolk, averages only 32.22 miles per hour, compared with an average speed of 67 miles per hour for the fastest train from London to Newcastle-on-Tyne; whether the existing line to Norfolk is capable of taking trains at greater speeds than at present; and, if so, whether he will make representations to the London and North Eastern Railway Company to speed up the services to Norfolk?
I am in communication with the London and North Eastern Railway Company on the subject and will let my hon. Friend know the result.
British Army (American Soldier's Death)
asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been drawn to the serious anti-British feeling in the Taunton, Massachusetts, area, following the death of Jesse Stephenson, an American who served during the Great War in a British regiment and returned shell-shocked and unable to work; is he aware that when this man died his wife and three children were left destitute and applied to the British Consulate at Boston for financial help to bury him, which was refused, it being left to the American War Veterans' Association to provide a military burial; and whether he will make arrangements to avoid a recurrence of anything of the kind in future?
My Department can find no trace of this case at present, but I am making further inquiries and will communicate with the hon. Member as early as possible.
Broadcasting (S O S Messages)
asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that naval and merchant-shipping interests resent the misuse of the signal of distress at sea, S O S, by the British Broadcasting Corporation and other commentators, including newspapers; and whether he will ask the British Broadcasting Corporation to substitute another designation for its urgent messages to relatives of sick persons?
I am not aware of any resentment against the use by the British Broadcasting Corporation of the designation S O S for urgent broadcast messages to relatives of sick persons. I am informed by the Corporation that such messages have been so designated since 1924 without complaint from any quarter. I understand that by international agreement "M'aider" and not "S O S" is used by ships and aircraft for spoken signals of distress. I see no adequate reason for asking the British Broadcasting Corporation to alter their present practice.
Post Office (Mails For China)
asked the Postmaster-General whether British mails sent via Siberia are reaching their destinations in China; and, if he has no information, whether he will ascertain the facts without delay and announce his decision for the information of the public?
Recent information shows that British mails sent via Siberia are reaching their destinations in China, generally without serious delay. In the case of Shanghai the present transit time is 17–22 days as compared with 16–17 days in normal conditions.
Trinidad
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will publish the evidence submitted to the Commission on the Trinidad and Tobago disturbances or, alternatively, whether he will place a copy in the Library of this House?
A considerable and important part of the evidence was given in camera, and the Commissioners gave the witnesses in these sessions a definite pledge that it would not be disclosed. I am not, therefore, prepared to publish that part of the evidence. A copy of the rest could be placed in the Library of the House of that were the general wish of the House, but I do not think that in the absence of the evidence given in camera it would serve any useful purpose, as it would not present a fair picture of the information which was placed before the Commission.
asked the Secretary of Slate for the Colonies whether he is aware that fewer English and American tourists are now visiting Trinidad and Tobago than is usual at this season; and whether he will make a statement, for the reassurance of the public here and in the United States of America, to the effect that in both islands the general situation is now normal and the Government fully able to deal with any situation that might arise?
I have no information as to the number of tourists at present visiting Trinidad and Tobago, but I have no reason to suppose that my hon. and gallant Friend's information is not correct. I am happy to be able to give the assurance requested.
Ceylon (Public Officers)
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Post and Telegraph Workmen's Union, an association of minor employés in the Ceylon postal department, has been suspended and their meetings prohibited by the Postmaster-General; and will he say if this action was taken with his approval?
I have received no information on this matter.
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that associations of subordinate public officers, namely, clerical and analogous services and minor employés, in Ceylon are prevented from engaging voluntary or paid staff of non-public servants in carrying on the work of these associations; and will he take steps to remedy this grievance?
The Ceylon Public Service Regulations provide that no person who is not a public officer may be appointed to be a patron or officer bearer or admitted to membership of any association of public officers. These Regulations are of long standing. They have recently been under examination by the Governor, who saw no reason for amending them. This provision has been considered by my predecessors on two occasions some years ago; in neither case was amendment directed, and I propose to leave the matter to the discretion of the Governor.
Straits Settlements
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government is prepared to revise the constitution of the Legislative Council of the Straits Settlements and to make it more representative of its inhabitants?
I am not aware of a need or desire for any wider representation in the Legislative Council of the Straits Settlements.
Lagos
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will take steps to defer the summary removal of several thousand Africans in Lagos who it is proposed, by the end of February, to expropriate before any settlement or payment of compensation; whether any alternative accommodation exists; and what is the reason for this speedy removal, seeing that other Government quarters are available for new law courts and the present courts are sufficient?
The hon. Member appears to have been misinformed. Existing accommodation for the Supreme Court in Lagos is dilapidated and most inadequate: it has long been the subject of complaint by members of the Bar and by the public. The whole matter has been thoroughly examined by a representative committee. The first site suggested was rejected by Government be cause it involved the displacement of over 1,200 persons; the new site now chosen will affect less than 700 persons and possibly considerably fewer. I may add that no other Government quarters are available, as suggested in the question. I have approved of payment for purchase and for special compensation to private owners for loss of trade. The Governor of Nigeria reports that notice of intention to acquire the property has been given, but that occupants will not be required to move before settlement or payment of compensation which will take some time to effect. He states that there should be no difficulty in their obtaining alternative accommodation.
Nigeria
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has now agreed to new rates of pay for Africans of higher educational qualification in the civil service of Nigeria; what are the comparative standards for Europeans and Africans engaged on similar work in the health, legal, agricultural, and other services; and whether the proposed improvements to Africans will be made retrospective from the date of the appointment of the committee set up to inquire into this matter?
An announcement is to be made by the Governor of Nigeria to the Legislative Council at its next meeting early in March. The hon. Member will appreciate that I should not wish to anticipate the Governor's statement.
Gold Coast
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies under what law the African Sentinel has been prohibited from circulation in the Gold Coast and issues have been held from circulation; and whether, in view of the belief that Africans are being dismissed for circulating or having in their possession copies of this journal, he will make full inquiries with a view to making an early statement?
I will make inquiries on the subject, and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as I get the Governor's report.
Rhodesia And Nyasaland
asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is now in a position to make any further announcement with regard to the proposed Royal Commission to examine the question of closer relations between Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia, and Nyasaland?
The King has approved of the appointment of a Royal Commission with the terms of reference which I announced in the House on 23rd November. His Majesty has also been pleased to approve of the appointment of Lord Bledisloe to be chairman of the Commission. My right hon. Friend hopes to be able to announce the names of the other members of the Commission shortly.
Houses Of Parliament (Repairs)
asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will state the approximate total cost to date of the repair and renovation of the fabric of the Houses of Parliament; the date when these operations are likely to be finished; and the amount of revenue received from the sale of old masonry?
The expenditure to the 31st December last on the restoration of the stonework of the Houses of Parliament was approximately £450,100. Completion is anticipated by March, 1942. The sale of old masonry has produced £5,576.
Royal Navy (His Majesty's Ships "Coventry" And "Curlew")
asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what duties His Majesty's Ships "Curlew" and "Coventry" are at present performing; and whether it is proposed to send these ships to the Mediterranean?
His Majesty's Ship "Coventry" is attached to the Portsmouth Command for training purposes and His Majesty's Ship "Curlew" is in reserve at the Nore. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.