asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the various proposals contained in the resolution passed at the housing conference of Members of Parliament and housing local authorities held in Glasgow on 25th March; and whether he has any statement to make thereon, especially in relation to a grant towards reconditioning of houses?

I have considered the resolution, but I am not in a position to add anything to the statements made during the Debate on 29th March. I shall be glad to consider any representations on the subjects covered by the resolution which local authorities may make during the forthcoming negotiations with regard to the revision of housing subsidies.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many local authorities are urging Members of Parliament to support the recommendations, and has the right hon. Gentleman nothing to say at the moment with regard to the question, to which I draw attention, of the reconditioning of houses having regard to the great scarcity of houses?

I am afraid I cannot add anything to my answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he proposes to take in relation to the memorial presented to him by the clerk to the conference held in Glasgow on 9th March, advocating the payment of expenses to members of district councils in Scotland?

I shall carefully consider the memorial which was forwarded to me on 28th March. Legislation would be required before effect could be given to the resolution contained in the memorial, and I am not in a position meanwhile to make any statement on the subject.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the voluntary work which is put in by these councillors deserves consideration to the extent at least of relieving them of the out-of-pocket outlays and losses that they may incur?

I will take all those matters into consideration.

Has the right hon. Gentleman in mind the framing of a comprehensive measure that would include not only district councillors but town councillors?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any steps have been taken to prevent overcrowding and profiteering rents in Glasgow during the period of the Empire Exhibition?

I have no power to take any action such as the hon. Member has in mind. I hope, however, that the good sense of all concerned will preclude the possibility of the condtiions which he apprehends.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that already a considerable amount of profiteering is taking place in the vicinity of the Exhibition with regard to house letting; and can he not issue a departmental warning against overcrowding?

I hope that the hon. Member, like myself, will use his influence to prevent anything of the kind from taking place.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, as a result of the Gilmour Report, legislation is contemplated soon establishing a form of self-government for Scotland?

No, Sir. I do not think this question is raised by the Gilmour Report.

Is any legislation in regard to Scottish business contemplated as a result of the Committee's deliberations?

Has my right hon. Friend thought of the possibility of re-establishing the government of England by the English?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will consult the chairman of the Royal Commission on Safety in Mines to ascertain the earliest date on which he expects to be in a position to submit the report of the Commission?

The chairman of the Royal Commission on Safety in Coal Mines informs me that while every effort is being made to complete the Commission's work as early as possible, it is impossible at the present moment to fix a date for the presentation of the report. The House will appreciate that the Commission's task is a very big one, and that it has to deliberate on many matters of great difficulty and importance.

Has the Minister any hope that we shall have the report before the summer Recess so that we can study it during the Recess?

I am afraid I cannot go any further than the answer I have given.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been drawn to allegations by Sir P. Malcolm Stewart that British coalowners have unjustifiably forced up the price of coal, obstructed the reorganisation of the industry and provided misleading statements of the quarterly ascertainments of profits on which miners' wages are based; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the matters referred to in those allegations, including the manner in which the powers now vested in the price-fixing control boards are now being used?

Yes, Sir, but I do not propose to cause special inquiry to be made into these allegations. The House will recall that these matters have been fully debated during the passage of the Coal Bill, notably on 7th February.

Has the Secretary for Mines seen the reply from the committee that this man has missed his mark altogether?

Yes, and I was interested to see that the reply was a joint one from the Mining Association and the Miners' Federation.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs on what grounds representation by Africans on the standing joint advisory conference between the South African Union Government and the High Commission Territories has been denied?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies which I gave on this point on 29th March. It seems best that the territories should be represented by the three Resident Commissioners, who are, of course, well qualified to look after the interests of the natives of the territories on the conference.

The question I put was as to the grounds on which a decision was taken. I want to know what are the reasons which actuated the Minister in reaching this decision?

If the hon. Member will study the answer which I gave on 29th March he will find the grounds stated there.

I have studied the reply, and I am yet at a loss to know what the Minister's grounds were. May I ask whether these people who are vitally concerned with this decision and with the development of the economic resources of their Territories have not a right to be represented on such a conference?

The natives are certainly vitally concerned, but I think that their interests can well be looked after by the Resident Commissioners. The hon. Member will appreciate that if the principle of native representation were accepted, it would be impossible to appoint just one native representative of the three Territories. We should have to have at least one native representative for each of the Territories. The question of the representation of European interests would then arise, and that would mean two or three additional people being appointed to the conference. Then the representation of European interests outside the Territories would arise, for the conference has to consider matters of economic concern not only to the Territories but to the Union, and it would quickly become much larger than we think desirable in all the circumstances.

Is it not rather curious that the Africans themselves, whose country it is and whose welfare is probably to be changed, are not to be allowed even a representative and are not to have a say in a business which so vitally affects them?

Their interests have been watched over very carefully by the Resident Commissioners in the past, and they will continue to watch them in the future.

Would it not be possible to appoint some prominent African—whether for the Territories or not would not matter—to represent the natives instead of merely appointing people who think they know what is best for them?

It would be impossible to appoint one individual for all the Territories. I cannot repeat the answer I have just given; I can only say in answer to the right hon. Gentleman that these are the considerations that we have in mind.

Would it be in order for the advisory conference, if it thought fit, to co-opt one or more natives to serve?

If the conference wanted to make that or any other suggestion I would consider it very carefully.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will assure the House that the transfer of the South African Protectorates will not take place not only until the wishes of the natives of the Territories have been carefully considered, but also until their acquiescence has been obtained?

The pledges which have been given by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom on this subject are fully set out in the Command Paper Cmd. 4948, and there is no question of varying them.

In view of the terms of the right hon. Gentleman's reply last week that the views of the natives would be considered, does that imply that the consent of the natives has to be obtained before transfer is effected?

I think that the position is perfectly secure, because under our pledges the last word rests with Parliament here, and it will be for Parliament to make up its mind as to what constitutes circumstances regarding native opinion which might or might not justify the transfer of territory.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether His Majesty's Government has made any observations to the Government of the Union of South Africa as to the bearing of the Statute of Westminster on the provisions of the Schedule of the South Africa Act, 1909, in respect to the proposed terms on which the transfer of the government of the High Commission Territories would take place and the conditions under which the Territories would be governed?

This point was referred to in the memorandum handed to General Smuts in 1933 which forms the appendix to the Command Paper Cmd. 4948, and it has been kept in mind in the recent discussions with General Hertzog.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many works in the coal, steel, engineering, and cotton industries in Lancashire have been closed down since 1931, giving the number of people thrown out of employment, also the number of new works in the same industries which have been completed during the same period, and the number of people employed on the new works?

As the answer is long and contains a number of figures I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

Between 1st January, 1931, and 31st December, 1937, 65 coal pits in Lancashire employing 12,358 wage-earners were closed and not reopened. In the same period 14 pits employing 952 wage-earners were opened. These particulars relate to pits employing 10 or more wage-earners. As regards the remainder of the information desired, the only particulars available are those collected since 1932 in connection with the annual Surveys of Industrial Development, which relate solely to factories where 25 or more people are or have been employed.

The following table shows the number of such factories engaged in the industries specified which were reported as opened in Lancashire during the period 1932 to 1937, the employment provided therein, and the number of factories reported as closed during the same period. The figures of openings and closures take no account of cases in which factories were closed down on transfer of the work to newly opened factories in other parts of Lancashire. In compiling the figures of employment provided, account has been taken, so far as practicable, of the employment figures reported as at 31st December of the year following that in which each factory was established. Particulars of employment are not reported in respect of any subsequent years. It is not practicable to ascertain with any degree of precision employment figures for factories closed which are comparable with the employment figures for new factories. In many cases the closing down of a factory is the final stage of a process extending over several months or years, and any employment figure relating to the period immediately before closing might be misleading.

—	Factories opened,	Employment provided.	Factories closed.
Iron and steel	18	1,230	8
Engineering	27	4,165	25
Cotton (spinning and weaving)	132	13,946	346

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any British firms tendered for the 13 merchant ships for the Turkish Government; and why the contract was given to a German and not to a British firm?

I assume that the hon. Member has in mind the contracts which are reported to have been concluded in the spring of last year. I understand that the United Kingdom firms which were in negotiation for the orders were unable to accept them on the terms of payment proposed at that time by the Turkish Government. I regret that there was no action which the Government could have taken to secure that these orders should have been placed in British rather than in foreign shipyards.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that apart from re-exports, many of which are of foreign origin, the Soviet Government purchased only approximately £3,000,000 worth of goods and commodities produced in Great Britain during the past year, as compared with imports from Russia into Great Britain of over £29,000,000; and whether in these circumstances steps will at once be taken to negotiate a permanent treaty for trade with Russia on a reciprocal basis in which provision can also be made in regard to the long-standing claims of British nationals?

I cannot at present add to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for East Bradford (Mr. Hepworth) on 8th February.

Does my right hon. Friend recognise the very unsatisfactory position that the Soviet Government are purchasing only about one-tenth of the goods that we purchase from them? Is it not high time that something was done in the way of a permanent agreement, especially having regard to the pledges which were made to British creditors that their claims would be dealt with under such a permanent agreement?

The question of creditors is rather remote from this question, but I certainly do not regard the figures stated in the question as at all satisfactory. I am receiving a deputation shortly, but, as the House will realise, it is not just a question of doing something; it is a question of doing something which is effective and helpful.

Does not a somewhat similar adverse figure apply between this country and the United States of America, and is not the Soviet Government faithfully carrying out the bargain?

The Soviet Government are carrying out the letter of the bargain. They are carrying it out by means almost entirely of re-exports, which is the manner least helpful to the workpeople of this country. When the hon. Gentleman compares it with the United States of America I would remind him that in any comparison of that kind we must take into account the trade of the United States with our Colonial Empire as well as with this country.

Are not the adverse balances with some other countries greater than with the Soviet Government?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has decided to introduce legislation to implement the findings of the Joint Committee on Gas Prices; and, if so, when such legislation is likely to be introduced into the House?

I have now considered the observations of the local authorities and the gas industry on this report, and it is clear that legislation based on it would be controversial. The matter is still under consideration, but I can hold out no hope that time will be found for such legislation in the near future.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the cost of gas to consumers in London has been raised twice since this committee sat, whereas electricity companies have in the main reduced their charges in the same period?

My answer was directed to the possibility of introducing legislation, and in view of the congested state of the programme, and the fact that in almost every week, days have to be found for matters other than legislation, I cannot make any promise about legislation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the value and volume of cotton piece goods exported from this country in the 12 months ended 31st December, 1913, and in the 12 months ended 31st December, 1937; and the same particulars with respect to India alone?

Exports of cotton piece goods from the United Kingdom amounted to 7,075,000,000 linear yards, valued at £97,776,000, in 1913 and to 2,024,000,000 linear yards, valued at £44,783,000, in 1937. The corresponding exports to British India amounted to 3,057,000,000 linear yards, valued at £34,978,000, in 1913 and to 326,000,000 linear yards, valued at £5,709,000, in 1937.

Do not the figures as to India reveal the urgent necessity for a new trade agreement with India, and how soon can we anticipate such an agreement being reached?

The hon. Member knows that we are in the middle of very difficult negotiations at the present moment, in which the interests of the cotton industry are not being lost sight of, but I can make no statement as to when any agreement can be reached.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Lancashire cotton textile industry is suffering the worst depression in the whole of its long history?

Yes, Sir, and I am also aware that it is the tariff policy of the Government which alone gives any hope of getting any concessions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make any statement on the progress of the Anglo-American trade negotiations; whether the public hearings in the United States of America on the memoranda submitted by industries has begun; and when the negotiations are likely to end?

Discussions have been proceeding continuously since the end of February in Washington. The public hearings to which the hon. Member refers opened on 14th March, and I believe they have now been concluded. I cannot say when the negotiations are likely to end.

Is it proposed to call for memoranda from the industries in this country and publish them?

That question has been asked on numerous occasions in the last three months, and I would refer the hon. Member to the previous answers which I have given.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number and value of British manufactured fighting aeroplanes that were exported in 1937 and the countries to which they were exported?

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT particulars of the number and value of aeroplanes of United Kingdom manufacture exported to individual countries during 1937. I am unable, from the particulars compiled for the purpose of the trade returns, to furnish the desired information in respect of fighting aeroplanes, as such.

Is it not surprising that the Government have allowed these aeroplanes to go abroad when we are told day by day that they are wanted for our own defence?

There are aeroplanes and aeroplanes.

If this export has not been stopped, may I ask what is the good of negotiating with the engineers?

A number of these are civil aeroplanes which have no relation whatsoever to the armament programme. All the others are the subject of export licences granted by my Department after consultation with the Service Department concerned, who are satisfied that service interests are not interfered with.

If permits are necessary how is it that the right hon. Gentleman cannot state the number of fighting aeroplanes as compared with civil aeroplanes?

I was asked also their value and I have given the whole list, compiled from Customs' returns, but the Customs' returns do not differentiate between fighting and other types of aircraft.

In view of the statement of the right hon. Gentleman that there are aeroplanes and aeroplanes, will he give us the number of fighting aeroplanes—bombers, and so forth—which are being exported from this country?

I have given all the information I have.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what consultations or discussions have taken place during the last 12 months between His Majesty's Government and any of the foreign Governments with which trade agreements have been entered into with a view to the termination of the same?

The only discussions during the past 12 months regarding the revision or termination of trade agreements with foreign countries entered into since the introduction of our general tariff were those relating to the commercial agreement of November, 1936, with Italy. That agreement was terminated on 28th March, 1938, and replaced as from that date by a new agreement.

Have all the other Governments with whom trade agreements were completed fulfilled their obligations?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the comparative figures of the export of British carpets to the United States of America for representative years before and after the War?

The average annual exports of carpets, carpeting and rugs of wool of United Kingdom manufacture consigned to the United States amounted to 135,00o square yards, valued at £57,0oo during the three years 1911 to 1913, and to 49,000 square yards, valued at £24,000 during the three years 1935 to 1937.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the imports of Indian carpets into this country in 1930 and 1937, respectively; and whether, in view of the large increase in these imports, proposals for the application of a quota will be placed before those who are negotiating a trade agreement with India?

Imports of carpets, etc., from India amounted to 668,377 square yards valued at £394,347 in 1930 and to 1,803,156 square yards valued at £784,954 in 1937. These facts will not be lost sight of in connection with the negotiations for a new trade agreement with India.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that British carpets exported to India pay an import duty of 25 per cent., while carpets manufactured in India enter this country free of duty; and whether these facts are being kept prominently before those who are negotiating a trade agreement with India?

The answer is in the affirmative.

Is it not a fact that this prohibitive duty on Kidderminster carpets is a result of the Government of India Act, of which the hon. Member for Kidderminster (Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne) was so eloquent a supporter?

I think this duty was imposed some time before the Government of India Act, but I am not quite certain.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the present position with regard to the export of animal traps without teeth to Nigeria; whether he is aware that a prohibitive tariff has been imposed causing much dislocation of trade and cancellation of orders in Wednesfield, the centre of the industry; and whether, in view of the fact that such traps are exported to all other parts of West Africa, British, French, and mandated territory, he will consider what steps can be taken to secure more consistent action?

The import duty in Nigeria on all animal traps is at present 1s. 3d. each. I have received representations to the effect that it is unduly high, and I am in communication with the Governor on the subject. He is, I know, giving the matter his sympathetic consideration. The recent change in duties which has given rise to these representations was due to the apprehension that the traps were being used in such a way as to cause unnecessary suffering to animals.

In view of the fact that the use of these traps is freely permitted in this country and most other places, will the Colonial Secretary say in what way the natives of Nigeria are expected to exterminate vermin?

The point is that the trap is used in and around the house where there are people about, for the purpose of catching rats; but if such traps were put out broadcast in the jungle to catch wild animals, they might cause quite unnecessary suffering to wild animals.

While that is perfectly true, is not this a general question, and why is Nigeria selected from the rest of the world?

Because representations have been made with regard to Nigeria.

Will the Colonial Secretary be good enough to consider representations on this matter from elsewhere?

Are there not other traps besides rat traps?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement respecting the effect of recent events in Mexico on British trade with that country; and what representations he has received from British companies with interests in Mexico?

I am afraid it is not possible to make any statement about the probable effects of recent events in Mexico on Anglo-Mexican trade. Representations have been received by the Foreign Office and the Board of Trade from companies concerned with oil, but I have not received any representations with regard to other trade with Mexico.

Will the right hon. Gentleman communicate with the United States Government in connection with this matter?

My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs answered a number of questions on that subject the other day. Questions of that character should be addressed to the Foreign Office.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the volume, value, and countries of origin of our imports of mercury during each of the past three years?

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

asked the President of the Board of Trade the volume and value of exports of military, naval, and aerial equipment during each of the last three years to Germany, Italy, and Japan, respectively?

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

Following is the answer:

During the years 1935, 1936 and 1937, the total declared value of the exports of arms, ammunition and military and naval stores of United Kingdom manufacture consigned to Germany was £451, £2,244 and £709, respectively; to Italy £4,838, £20 and £595, respectively; and to Japan £45,187, £25,729 and £58,728, respectively. Particulars of the aggregate quantity of these goods exported are not available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the large amount of leasehold property in the country in respect of which the lessees are under covenant to replace and make good all damage done to the same; and whether, having regard to the fact that such lessees are no longer able to insure their liability in this respect with regard to air-raid damage, he will introduce legislation absolving lessees from Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

As I indicated in the answer I gave on 1st February to the hon. Member for Tamworth (Sir J. Mellor), this matter is receiving consideration, but I am not at present able to make any further statement.

Does my right hon. Friend realise the great anxiety which is felt by lessees who are under special covenants to rebuild their premises, and does he not think that some promise should be made by the Government, pending their definite statement, that they will see that they are not liable to rebuild premises which are destroyed by hostile aircraft?

I quite realise the urgency of this matter, and I am sure that the hon. Member realises also the difficulties. It is a matter which requires very careful consideration, and calls for a good deal of consultation with expert advice outside, and, as I say, it is under the active consideration of the Government.

Thank you.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the importance and the difficulty involved in the organisation of air-raid precautions throughout the country, he will arrange for the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department to devote his whole time to this work?

I have consulted my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, but, as at present advised, I do not think that an alteration of the kind suggested is required.

Will the Prime Minister bear in mind that there is a good deal of public uneasiness with regard to the present position of air-raid precautions, and that such an arrangement might do much to reassure the people?

I do not think there is any cause for public uneasiness. As I have said, I do not think that any alteration of the kind suggested is called for.

Is the Prime Minister aware that it is difficult for local authorities to get on with their air-raid precautions because of the lack of definite direction, and that if the suggestion of my hon. Friend is not to be carried out it would be well to increase considerably the staff of the Air-Raid Precautions Department and of those who, as inspectors, come into contact with local authorities throughout the country?

That question should be addressed to the Home Secretary.

Does not the experience in Spain indicate that a smaller number of aircraft than we expect would bring about spontaneous evacuation?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what encouragement is given to builders and householders to construct air-raid shelters; whether the procedure for the approval of deposited plans by local authorities can be expedited; and whether such shelters are to be derated?

In a recent circular, my right hon. Friend pointed out that it is the duty of the local authorities to give advice and instruction to the public, and that it must be assumed that householders, in the light of this advice, will do what they can to increase the measure of protection afforded by their own homes. I am not aware that delays are occurring in the approval of plans by local authorities, but if the hon. Member has any cases in mind perhaps he will let me have particulars. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health to the hon. Member for Newcastle-on-Tyne, Central (Mr. Denville) on 31st March

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider restoring the full-dress uniform to the six senior line regiments which have battalions serving at home, with a view to stimulating recruitment?

I am not at present persuaded that it would be fair to discriminate in this way.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in pre-War days it was estimated that more than 60 per cent. of the recruits who joined the forces were attracted by the smart uniforms, and in view of the great expenditure which we are incurring upon the armaments programme, does he not think it would be well worth while to spend a few thousand pounds in attracting recruits to the colours?

I understand my hon. Friend's point of view, but I am not entirely guided by pre-War psychology, and I did feel that if any money could be spared from the Exchequer I should prefer to spend it on amenities for the soldiers rather than on dress. I do not in the least exclude the advisability of proceeding in as many directions as possible, but I have not any more money to spend on this at the moment.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that at the present day 50 per cent. of the troops serving in the Army provide the blue walking-out dress out of their own pockets, and would it not be providing them with an amenity to pay for that dress?

asked the Secretary of State for War particulars of the improvements he proposes to introduce for the purpose of meeting the shortage of officers in the Regular Army?

May I refer the hon. Gentleman to the statement I made in my Estimates speech on 10th March?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider making the pay and allowances for officers more attractive?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the continued refusal of the London County Council to allow cadet corps to train in its secondary schools; and whether he will try to persuade education authorities who do not allow such corps to use their schools to change their practice?

The answer to the first part of the question is, "Yes, Sir." As regards the second part, I anticipate that educational authorities who refuse to allow cadets to use their schools will only change their attitude under increasing pressure of public opinion in favour of allowing such use.

Is it not a fact that the Government give 50 per cent. grant to secondary schools and, having regard to the fact that the Government are in need of officers, is it not fair that a less grant should be paid to schools which do not give the necessary facilities?

Is it not time that the central Government exerted their authority and forced their orders to be carried out by the local governments?

asked the Secretary of State for War why the Guards at Buckingham Palace were in greatcoats at midday on a day so warm as 30th March; and whether he will issue instructions that in future greater attention shall be paid to their comfort?

31st March was the last day appointed for the wearing of greatcoats. The practice of wearing greatcoats until the end of March has, on the whole, served the comfort of the Guard.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the successful experiment in Aberdeen and his desire that it would be repeated elsewhere, there is to be a concentrated recruiting week for all Territorials in the London area?

The matter rests in the hands of the Territorial Army associations concerned, which are responsible for recruiting. The recent effort in the City of London was on behalf of all units administered by the London City and County Associations. The County of Middlesex are shortly running a recruiting week, and it is possible that other associations in the home counties will follow suit.

asked the Home Secretary whether aliens landing in this country for the purpose of taking employment in specific jobs have to obtain a fresh permit alternatively to leaving the country if they do not, in fact, take up or if they abandon such jobs?

An alien who is admitted to this country under a Ministry of Labour permit for a particular post is not at liberty to take another post without authority.

What steps are being taken by the Home Office to ascertain whether the regulations are being complied with?

The normal machinery of the Home Office and of the police takes care that aliens are not contravening the law.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the regulations are being complied with, and will he be good enough to look into any case to which I might draw his attention?

Certainly, I would look into any question which the hon. Gentleman brought to my notice.

asked the Home Secretary why General von der Goltz was refused permission to land at Dover on lath March?

Count von der Goltz was refused leave to land because it appeared that the purpose of his visit was concerned with an industrial firm which is under investigation in connection with the activities of another alien. Until the inquiries are completed, I am unable to make any further statement in the matter.

Can the hon. Gentleman give us any idea when these inquiries will be completed and the results be made public?

I cannot say.

asked the Home Secretary upon what terms as to import duty, quota, or the like, the political propagandist literature emanating from the Co-operative Publishing Society of Foreign Workers in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is permitted to enter this country; and is there at the port of entry any and, if so, what inspection of such literature in order to prevent the landing in this country of printed matter of a seditious, obscene, or otherwise objectionable character?

The importation of obscene matter is prohibited by the Customs Act. As regards propagandist literature, our law allows, as my hon. Friend knows, a wide liberty for the expression of opinions, but the Customs officers call the attention of the police to any publication coming under their notice which is of such a character that it appears to contravene the law, in order that any necessary action may be taken.

Has the hon. Gentleman any reason to suppose that obscene literature is proceeding from any other than a German source?

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the fact that the new rate in Jarrow has been fixed at 22s. in the £ and that this makes any additional expenditure on the free ferry impossible, and owing to the importance of the road for through traffic, he will make proposals by which the extra cost can be met above the 60 per cent. grant already offered?

When the ferry was freed my right hon. Friend undertook to contribute at the rate of 60 per cent. not only towards the cost of working expenses and towards any necessary expenditure on the improvement of landing stages and boats, but also to outstanding loan charges. This rate of grant is the maximum applicable to Class I roads, that is, to through roads of first-class importance. My right hon. Friend regrets that he is unable to offer a higher rate.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the situation in Jarrow is such that this ferry is likely to founder with the loss of a considerable number of lives unless more money is spent on it, and that this heavily rated area is utterly unable to spend more money on it; and may I ask why he insists upon making the same answer in view of the very great danger that exists, and whether he will look into the matter?

I will look into the matter, but we have done our best.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the percentage of insured unemployment for the borough of Sunderland is 26.1 and for the borough of South Shields 31.9; and what steps he is taking to deal with this situation?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which was given to his similar question on 29th June, 1937. Since then the Commissioner for the Special Areas has acquired a site for a number of factories at Pallion and two tenants have already been secured.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what is being done at South Shields?

Not at the moment.

Does the right hon. Gentleman accept the figures of one in four unemployed in Sunderland and practically one in three in South Shields, and is anything being done?

The hon. Gentleman will surely not forget that something has been done, and that there has been provision of a 17-acre estate, for which tenants have already been found.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that doing something for Sunderland is not necessarily doing something for South Shields?

The hon. Gentleman knows that unemployment figures are not the only test to be applied.

Can the Minister point to any other place with as high a figure as this one?

Yes, there are several.

Will the right hon. Gentleman include them in his next survey of prosperity in this country?

asked the Prime Minister whether similar or any provisional military arrangements or exchanges of information, such as have occurred between this country and France, have taken place also between Great Britain and other countries where direct treaty obligations exist such as Portugal, Iraq, Egypt, and Belgium, or countries to which we have mutual obligations under the Covenant of the League of Nations, or whether any are contemplated?

Exchanges of military information with foreign countries normally take place through the medium of Service Attaches. No provisional military arrangements of the nature suggested have taken place with Portugal, but a British Military Mission is at present in Portugal for the purpose of discussing matters of general interest to both countries. British forces are stationed in Egypt and in Iraq under the terms of the treaties of alliance between the United Kingdom and these two countries, and there is naturally in each case very close co-operation between the British and Allied forces. There are, furthermore, British Military Missions at present in both countries. As regards Belgium, my statement on 30th March in reply to the hon. Member's question regarding France, would apply equally to that country. No provisional military arrangements or exchanges of information have taken place or are contemplated with other members of the League of Nations.

Do I understand that the Government are planning to go to war if necessary in defence of Portugal and its colonies?

I cannot keep pace with the hon. Gentleman's understanding.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether, before the date of opening his Budget, he will publish in a White Paper or other convenient form a statement showing the burden, apart from death duties, of direct and indirect taxation, respectively, on various grades of income?

The amount of indirect taxation borne by individuals depends largely on their different personal tastes. In view of the great labour involved in the calculations suggested by the hon. and gallant Member, and of the hypothetical character of the ultimate result, I do not feel justified in having the preparation of such a statement undertaken.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that such calculations have been made unofficially by members of various bodies; and could not the facilities given by those bodies for the instruction of the public be equally given by the Treasury?

As the hon. and gallant Gentleman says, a number of calculations have been made by unofficial bodies, but in making such calculations a great many different hypotheses could be made, and I think the answer I have given stands, that there is no official basis.

Is it not desirable that the public should be informed as to what the Government themselves conceive to be the burden of direct and indirect taxation respectively?

Does the assessment of people depend in any way upon the degree of prosperity which they appear to exude?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the approximate proportions that direct taxation, indirect taxation, and local rates, respectively, in respect of the revenue year 1937–38 bear to the national income for the same year?

I regret that no official estimates of the national income are available, and that, therefore, the desired proportions cannot be given.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when the late Lord Snowden was Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Labour administration, a statement was made as to the Government's assumption with regard to the national income and the proportion which taxation bore to that income; and cannot the present Chancellor of the Exchequer do, for the information of the House and of the public, what the late Lord Snowden did in 1930?

I was not aware that such a statement had been made, but, even so, if an assumption as to the total figure has to be made, the figures for the proportions will also be on an assumed basis.

Is it not better to take money from people after they are dead than when they are alive?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what he computes would be the effect upon the revenue if Estate Duty were permitted to be paid out of moneys resulting from life policies taken out for the sole purpose of answering the liability to Estate Duty and themselves excluded from the computation of the deceased's estate for the purpose of Estate Duty?

Proposals of this character have been frequently the subject of discussion in Finance Bill Debates, and have been found to be so costly that they could not be entertained. As regards the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion of exempting the proceeds of insurance policies used for payment of Death Duties, it is estimated that, if all taxpayers took advantage of the relief, the annual cost to the Exchequer might reach as high a figure as £20,000,000.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what amount of National Defence Contribution has been paid for the year ended 31st March?

The yield of the National Defence Contribution in the year just ended was £1,420,000.

Can the Financial Secretary say whether that amount is more or less than was anticipated, and why?

The amount estimated was £2,000,000.

Why have you not got the £2,000,000?

Perhaps the hon. Member will lend us the aid of his skill in estimating. I assure him it is not easy.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the figures for the years 1927 and 1937, respectively, showing the incomes of those who pay Income Tax and Surtax, separately, as follows: incomes up to £500 a year, from £500 to £1,000, from £1,000 to £2,000, and over £2,000?

As the assessments to Income Tax in respect of individuals with incomes not exceeding £2,000 are not classified by reference to total income, I regret that the information for incomes in the ranges up to £2,000 is not available. The hon. Member will, however, find estimates of the total numbers and incomes of Income Taxpayers in recent years in Tables 43 and 44 of the 80th Annual Report of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue (Command Paper 5574), and a classification of the assessments to Surtax on individuals with incomes over £2,000 in the table on page 67 of the same report.