asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to publish the report of the committee of the Council for Art and Industry which he set up to examine the design and cost of the furniture and equipment of a working-class house?

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of this report, which has already been published.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give an assurance that no money from public funds will be granted to the British Council for Art and Industry in connection with the forthcoming exhibition at New York until there has been a reorganisation of the council which was responsible for the British pavilion in Paris?

All expenditure from public funds in connection with the exhibition at New York will be borne on the Vote of the Department of Overseas Trade. No arrangement is being made for the Council for Art and Industry to take part in the display in the United Kingdom Government pavilion.

Why is it that when one puts down a question to the Department of Overseas Trade about the Paris Exhibition, it is transferred to the Board of Trade; and when one puts it down to the Board of Trade, it is transferred to the Department of Overseas Trade? Would anyone really like to take responsibility?

I cannot say whether anyone would like to take responsibility. Unfortunately, the responsibility is mine, and the answer is the one I have given.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of horses bought in the United Kingdom and Ireland by the German Government or shipped to Germany during the last three years, and what proportion of those horses were stallions?

As the answer involves a number of figures I will, with my hon.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider appointing a Departmental committee for the purpose of inquiring into the tendency towards the effect of combinations and monopolies?

I have no evidence to suggest that a general inquiry into this question is desirable.

Does the Minister agree that the rationalisation of industry is a mysterious process?

The hon. Member will recall that the Prime Minister has just promised an inquiry into certain aspects of the position in the coal industry.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the arrangements which are being made to enable the members of all industries concerned in

I am afraid I did not hear a word of that answer.

I am afraid that is not my fault. I was making as much noise as I could.

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, it is not the practice of His Majesty's Government in trade negotiations to communicate to trade interests a list of the commodities in respect of which concessions to this country are being sought, but I am always ready to consider representations from trade organisations who think that their interests may be affected. In connection with the negotiations with the United States, I have received useful information from a large number of such organisations, and I have asked certain other industries for up-to-date information, with a view to obtaining as complete knowledge as possible of the circumstances and views of every industry which, so far as I can foresee, is likely to be affected in any way.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that the industrialists in this country will be put in such a safe position vis-à-vis his Department as the American industrialists?

Yes, Sir. I have taken steps to assure myself that any industry which is likely to be affected will have the opportunity of giving me the fullest possible information and laying its views before me.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he intends to consider the introduction of legislation amending the Merchant Shipping Acts of 1894 and 1906, with a view to adapting these Acts to modern requirements?

These Acts give the Board of Trade power to make regulations and issue instructions by which modern conditions are, in general, satisfactorily provided for. Some amending Acts have been passed since 1906, but I am not aware of any amendments urgently necessary at present.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the seamen's organisation have been pressing recently for amending legislation, and will he not take their representations into consideration?

I was not aware of that. Our general procedure is by way of regulations and instructions issued under the legislation, and not by way of amending legislation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Section 28, Subsection (8), of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1906, gives power to a shipowner to refuse release of wages to a seaman who has missed or failed to join his ship at a foreign port; that this creates hardship for seamen; and whether he will take any action in the matter?

I am aware of the provision to which the hon. Member refers. As at present advised, I see no reason to propose any amendment of the law in this respect.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that frequently a seaman who has been on a voyage of three or four months' duration, or even longer, has his wages refused by the shipowner on account of a minor misdemeanour, and surely in this instance the Board of Trade will use what influence it has to induce the shipowner to pay?

Using our influence is rather a different thing from introducing amending legislation. I am looking into the particular case which the hon. Member sent to me. He and the House will realise, of course, that there is always a right of action if a seaman thinks that his wages have been wrongfully withheld.

But does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that action of that kind is not easily accessible to a poor merchant seaman, and cannot the right hon. Gentleman see that the present system places extreme power in the hands of the shipowner against the seaman?

Does not a seaman break his contract if he does not join his ship?

That, of course, is the basis upon which the claim to withhold wages is made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the report of the Hull and Goole Port sanitary authority, any steps are being taken to make inspection of the crews' quarters a part of the regular routine of British steamers?

The Board of Trade issued revised instructions in regard to crews' quarters in September, 1937. Provision was then made for frequent and regular inspections of the quarters by masters and for the entry of the results of such inspections in the official log at least once a week. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of the new instructions.

Are the crews' quarters supposed to be cleaned out during the time they are on duty or in their spare time?

That is rather a different question. Perhaps the hon. Member will put it down.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the conditions in which a great many of our merchant seamen go to sea are perfectly scandalous, and will he do all he can to bring about an improvement?

I am also mindful that the secretary of the Seamen's Union, in referring to the new regulations, spoke of them as making a revolution in the accommodation for crews, and expressed great satisfaction.

Will the right hon. Gentleman understand that that does not indicate that the seamen's organisation are satisfied with present conditions?

And does it not mean that some of those regulations— [Interruption].

asked the Minister of Health how many British steamers inspected by the Cardiff port sanitary authority during the past year were found to be vermin-ridden?

I am informed by the Port Health Authority that the number was 114.

Has my right hon. Friend any evidence that conditions on foreign steamers are very much superior to those on British steamers?

I will inquire.

If my right hon. Friend finds that they are working under these conditions, will he take immediate steps to put it right?

Yes, so far as is in my power.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since this matter was raised 18 months ago in this House, no improvement has been effected? Will he not use his good offices with the sanitary authorities to effect an immediate improvement?

Yes, Sir. As a matter of fact, in all these cases notice has been served on the owners requiring them to take certain steps. Advice was given as to the most effective measures to adopt, and verminous bedding was destroyed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the same inspection as was carried out at Cardiff will be carried out at other ports, where these inspections are not carried out?

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the number of applicants for enlistment in the Army in the month of February, and how many men were accepted?

4,428 and 2,766 respectivly.

Are there any statistics to show how many of these recruits were unemployed at the date of enlistment?

No, Sir. That was not the question I was asked, but the major number of recruits are employed at the time when they make application to join the Army.

Were any of these recruits accepted under the temporary scheme for building up the physique of recruits by a course of better feeding?

These were just ordinary recruits.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of them were present at the meeting in Trafalgar Square the other Sunday which was asking us to go to war?

asked the Secretary of State for War what would be the cost of providing the Army with a full dress similar to that provided for the Guards?

To provide all ranks of the Regular Army with full dress uniforms similar to those worn by the Guards would cost about £3,500,000 initially and some £900,000 annually. To provide for the Territorial Army as well would more than double these figures.

In view of the great impetus which this would give to recruiting, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it would be worth while doing it for the Regular Army?

If I had another £3,500,000 to spend I think that in the first instance I should use it to improve conditions in the Service.

Is the Minister aware that in the Debate last week the Parliamentary Secretary stated that the new Army dress was not, perhaps, so attractive? Could he put a specimen of it in the Library so that we could see it?

I shall be only too glad to show one to the hon. Member if he will come to the War Office.

Although the new Army dress is very good from the practical point of view, surely it is not attractive as a walking-out dress?

I was not disputing the question of attractiveness, but saying that, in the first instance, I thought it advisable to spend these large sums of money upon the soldiers. If one had unlimited sums of money one could use them for other purposes.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the annual cost of providing ceremonial uniform worn by the Household Cavalry and the Brigade of Guards?

At the present time, when two battalions of Foot Guards are serving abroad, the extra annual cost of providing full dress uniform for the Household Cavalry and the Brigade of Guards is approximately £43,000.

At what intervals are these uniforms renewed?

asked the Secretary of State for War by what number the Army was under establishment on 31st March, 1937; by what number it is estimated it will be short of establishment at the end of the present month; and whether, in view of the expected transfer to the Reserve of 32,000 men in the next financial year, he is of opinion that the additional inducements offered will fill up the cadres?

On 31st March, 1937, the Regular Army was deficient of 13,425 officers and men. On 1st April, 1937, there was an increase of 10,500 in the establishment and it is estimated that the shortage at the end of this month will be about 23,200.

In view of the fact that 32,000 men are due to leave for the Reserve in the coming financial year, does not the right hon. Gentleman consider it will be very difficult to fill up the cadres, as there will be a shortage of 54,000?

I do not take that view. If my hon. and gallant Friend will put down this question in a year's time we shall know which is the correct answer.

asked the Secretary of State for War who were the purchasers of the horses of British cavalry regiments lately mechanised, such as the Queen's Bays, or to which country the horses were shipped?

AH sales by private treaty were to individuals vouched for by officers, but no record is kept of the purchasers at public auctions.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any grant is made by his Department to assist commanding officers who are authorised to raise new anti-aircraft companies of the Territorial Army?

The grant for antiaircraft units has been re-calculated, and I have announced very substantial increases over the existing rates. Special grants are also to be made to county associations towards meeting the cost of equipping messes and recreation rooms of new units.

asked the Secretary of State for War the total number of complete anti-aircraft units now established in Scotland up to date?

Five, Sir.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the last time I asked this question there were only five anti-aircraft units in Scotland; is it his policy to increase the number in Scotland, in view of the very great importance of Scotland as a supply base during any war?

The fact that the number five is not altered should not lead to any sinister conclusion. His Majesty's Government are conscious of their responsibilities towards Scotland.

May I ask where the units are distributed?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mr. L. G. Taylor, of the 1st Boys Battery, Royal Artillery, was physically fit when he entered the Army in September, 1936, and was discharged solely because he developed flat feet; and whether, in view of medical evidence that his disability could be cured and that it was caused by wearing too large a size in boots during his period of service, he will investigate this case further with a view to re-admitting this man into the Army?

Mr. Taylor's flat feet were, I am advised, developed from constitutional causes. My hon. Friend will understand that it would only be possible for the Army to avail itself of Mr. Taylor's services if he came up to the required standard.

In view of the fact that there is medical evidence which shows that these feet were developed from service in the Army, will my right hon. Friend have this man examined again to see whether he is now fit and can be reinstated?

Mr. Taylor's feet have received a great deal of attention. My hon. Friends asks me whether I would re-admit him to the Army. I can only say that that would depend upon the future condition of Mr. Taylor's feet.

Could I send the right hon. Gentleman the name of a most excellent bootmaker of the name of Taylor, with whom I have no connection?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the civilians, working as labourers side by side with soldiers in the various camps, are to receive any increase in their wages equivalent to that recently given to the soldiers?

The remuneration of civilian workmen of the War Department is regulated in accordance with the Fair Wages Resolution of the House. There are relatively very few Army establishments where labourers have not benefited in recent months by improvements in wages.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether there are any officers in the prison service instructing in or supervising the cooking of food or baking of bread who, before joining the prison service, served no apprenticeship in cooking or baking; whether there are any officers qualified by apprenticeship in these trades whose services are not being utilised as instructors or supervisors in these trades; and, if so, will he have the matter remedied?

Of the five officers employed to instruct prisoners in baking and cooking one had previous experience in the Navy, one in the Army and one in the Prisons Service, but did not complete a trade apprenticeship. The other two served a complete apprenticeship. As regards the remaining parts of the question, there are some officers who have served as trade apprentices and are not employed as instructors. The qualifications of such officers are always considered when appointments as instructors are made but it would not be in the interests of the service to make any change in the existing appointments.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any statement to make regarding the decision of the Lands Valuation Appeal Court on Monday, 14th March, in the case of the Inverness County Assessor versus Sam Cameron and another regarding the assessment of crofters' houses for rating purposes?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what the position now is regarding the proposal to regard crofters' dwellings as separate subjects for assessment?

The hon. Members will have seen in the Press that appeals have recently been decided by the Lands Valuation Appeal Court in certain cases of proposed entry in the current valuation roll for Inverness. While it is not for me to interpret the decision which has just been pronounced, I understand the position to be that the court have in general confirmed the view that such entries should not be made and that effect will be given to this decision in the current valuation roll.

Will this apply to other authorities as well, and, in view of the fact that rates will not come in to the local authorities, will the Treasury be involved in further grants to them?

I could not say as to the second part of the question, but as to the first part, naturally this decision will rule in general.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is taking action to remove the danger caused by spiked railings surrounding the Glasgow Empire Exhibition before the opening date?

I am informed by the Exhibition authorities that a wooden barricade has been erected flush with the railings, which removes all possible danger from this cause.

Is the Minister not aware that there is a big area of spiked railings still standing around the Empire Exhibition—I can assure him that his information is entirely incorrect—and will he not give this matter further consideration in view of the danger and the impression that might be given to foreign visitors?

I understand that the barricade does cover all the spiked railings, but I will look further into the point.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the lack of any safe and adequate water supply at Sand Street, Coulregrein, near Stornoway; and what steps he proposes to take in the near future in the interest of the health and convenience of the people of the district?

I am aware that complaints have been made about the water supply at present used by the inhabitants of Sand Street, Coulregrein, and the Department of Health has from time to time made representations to the county council on the matter. I am informed that the county council have decided that the formation of a special water supply district and the provision of a water supply is not feasible owing to the very low rateable value of the area.

What does the county council intend to do in the matter, in the interests of public health?

That is a question that ought to be addressed to the county council.

Will the right hon. Gentleman address it to the county council?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the water supply at Smerclett, South Uist, has for several years been contaminated, inadequate, and inconvenient, and has been condemned by the medical officer; and what plans are at present under way for providing a proper and ample water supply?

I am informed that the water supply at Smerclett has been reported to be unsatisfactory. A scheme was drawn up by the Inverness County Council in 1934 for providing a gravitation water supply for this township but it was found that the burden on the ratepayers would be prohibitive and the scheme was abandoned. The question of a supply for the township will come under review by the engineers appointed by the county council who are presently carrying out a survey of water supply needs in the islands within the county.

Does the Minister not think it is about time that there was a standard of purity for water supply?

Will not the right hon. Gentleman and his Department force the hand of these local people in the interests of what to him and to others must be a menace to public health?

We must await the report of the engineers.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of old age pensioners in Scotland who are now in receipt of other forms of public assistance or relief?

The number of old age pensioners in Scotland in receipt of poor relief at 15th November, 1937, the latest date for which figures are available, was 40,241.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of Lanark-shire teachers, including teachers of special subjects, not yet appointed to permanent posts, indicating whether they are available for non-transferred or transferred schools and the number of years they have severally been unemployed?

As the answer contains a number of figures I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the Minister give me the total?

The total number of teachers on the waiting list who have not been appointed to permanent posts is 367.

Is it not rather serious that some hundreds of teachers should be waiting two, three or four years?

That is a matter of opinion.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government intend to introduce legislation in the near future establishing new and improved methods of dealing with Scottish business?

The report of the Departmental Committee on Scottish Administration presided over by my right hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Pollock (Sir J. Gilmour) is at present under consideration by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Can the Prime Minister promise any early statement with regard to the findings of the Government on this report?

No, Sir.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great desire of the people of Scotland for self-government?

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the increase in unemployment in the town of Maybole, Ayrshire, he will take steps to have the town and district scheduled as a distressed area?

The number on the register of the Maybole Employment Exchange in February was lower than at the corresponding date of any previous year since 1930. May-bole is at present included in the schedule of areas to which a preference is given, other things being equal, in the allocation of Government contracts, but not in the schedule of areas covered by the industrial transference scheme. If the hon. Member has the latter in mind, I will examine the position and will communicate with him in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on what dates the summer holidays fall in the various industrial districts in Scotland; and whether he will enter into negotiation with the local authorities, the chambers of commerce, and the trades unions concerned with the object of introducing legislation to spread out these holiday periods and, in particular, of including the month of June in that period, and so relieving the congestion at holiday resorts and widening the scope for enterprise in the districts in Scotland suitable for tourist traffic?

The holidays fixed by town councils in Scotland vary from place to place, and are usually arranged to suit local convenience and avoid overlapping. Any question of legislation on this subject must await consideration of the Report of the Committee on Holidays with Pay.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered bringing the different authorities into conference with each other under his auspices?

I would like to get the report of the Committee first, but I will keep that suggestion in mind.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in consultation with the local authorities concerned, he will consider taking steps to establish a road-transport ferry between Gourock and Dunoon or the Holy Loch for the purpose of giving ready access to the Western Highlands from the south and of stimulating tourist traffic in that part of Scotland?

There is at present a regular steamship service between Glasgow, Gourock, Dunoon and Rothesay which provides facilities, when required, for the transport of motor vehicles. Grants from the Road Fund are only made in respect of free ferries maintained by highway authorities and forming links between classified roads. In such cases, my right hon. Friend is prepared to consider proposals from the responsible highway authorities.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many inspections were made by persons appointed by the workmen, in exercise of their powers under Section 16 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911; and how many were made in the North Staffordshire area?

During 1937, 4,686 inspections at 495 mines were made under Section 16 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911. In North Staffordshire one such inspection was made at each of the three mines.

Is the Minister satisfied with the number of inspections made, and if not, has he taken any steps recently to stimulate greater interest in the question of inspection?

I do not think it is for me to stimulate these inspections. There are other people who ought to do that.

Is the Minister not aware that it is in the Act that workmen's inspections are permissive, and that in some districts they have a workmen's inspection every month; and will he not try to secure that there shall be a workmen's inspection every month?

Does the Minister say that it is not part of his duty to stimulate inspections which are provided for under the Act?

This is permissive.

But it is in the Act.

asked the Secretary for Mines the areas where instruction in safety principles in junior classes for boys employed in the coal-mining industry is being given; and whether it is intended to encourage the instruction throughout the mining areas?

There are 299 training centres scattered throughout the coalfields. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the centres, with the number of classes at each. As regards the second part of the question, the continuance and, where necessary, the extension of the already widespread facilities for instruction throughout the coalfield, receives my constant encouragement.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, having regard to the fact that Section 76 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, and Statutory Regulations and Orders, 106 A.B., 107, 108, 109 A, 110, 111, and 112 are not carried out at Adventure colliery, in the county of Durham, he will institute proceedings in order that the regulations in relation to health can be carried out?

I have already sent the papers to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of face conveyers used in the North Staffordshire area in 1928 and the number in 1936 and 1937, and also the percentage of output conveyed in 1928, 1936, and 1937, respectively?

As the reply involves a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary for Mines when it is proposed to publish the report of the inquiry into the causes of the explosion at the Holditch or Brymbo Colliery, North Staffordshire, on 2nd July, 1937, in which 30 men lost their lives?

I have just received the typescript of this report, and it will be published as soon as the printing can be completed.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of pithead baths completed during 1937 and the number expected to be completed during the present year; whether the programme of construction outlined by the Miners' Welfare Committee is proceeding as planned; and whether he is satisfied that the income derived from the present levy is sufficient to carry the plan through, having regard to the increased cost of building?

Twenty-one new pithead baths and five extensions were completed in 1937; 64 new baths and six extensions are expected to be completed during the present year. The Miners' Welfare Committee's construction programme for 1937 and subsequent years is based on an estimated expenditure of £625,000 a year on baths. The building contracts placed during 1937 slightly exceeded that amount, and the preparations already made will, I am assured, result in contracts of about the same value being placed this year. The additional accom- modation provided by expenditure of this amount will, unfortunately, be less than 18 months or so ago, owing to increased cost of building. Apart from that consideration, however, some fresh financial provision will be necessary if the programme of accelerated construction is to be continued after this year. This problem is receiving consideration.

Can the Minister say what proportion of voluntary finance is included in the £625,000, and how much comes from the ½d. per ton?

If it is necessary, will the Minister consider the advisability of raising the levy?

Is it not a fact that, at the present rate of construction, it will be many years before all collieries are equipped with pit-head baths; and did

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has further considered the report of the investigation by his officers into the comparative freedom of the French coalfields from explosions; and whether, as a result of such further consideration, he has issued any new regulations to raise the level of safety in British mines to that of the French mines?

The only information I can usefully add to that contained in the answer I gave to the hon. Member on 2nd November last, is that discussion of the draft General Regulations, referred to in the first part of that answer, has been actively proceeding with representative organisations of the industry. A

Perhaps the hon. Member will study the fairly full reply that I have just given, and will bear in mind the fact that the last words of it were:

"This problem is receiving consideration."

asked the Secretary for Mines the total amount paid in wages in the mining industry during 1937; the average weekly wage; and the separate figures for South and West Yorkshire, and Durham and Northumberland?

As the reply involves a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.