asked the President of the Board of Trade with which countries, if any, we have agreements, voluntary or otherwise, to limit the importation of mutton?

By Order made under the Ottawa Agreements Act, 1932, imports of mutton and lamb from foreign countries are limited to approximately 65 per cent. of the quantities imported during the 12 months ended 30th June, 1932. The Trade Agreement of 1936 with Argentina contains provisions regarding the extent to which the United Kingdom Government may further reduce imports from that country. The quantities to be imported from Australia and New Zealand respectively, are the subject of consultation from time to time with His Majesty's Governments in those countries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the negotiations now going on with the United States, he has received any evidence from any of the bodies representing agricultural interests in this country, or whether the only consultations he has had on matters affecting agriculture are with the Ministry of Agriculture?

Representations on behalf of agricultural interests have been made, in accordance with the recognised practice, through the Agricultural Ministers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the strong feeling among representative trade organisations in Lancashire in favour of the introduction, without delay, of the proposed Cotton Industry Enabling Bill; and whether he all make arrangements to advance its completion by putting a time limit to the consideration of suggestions and criticisms from various interests in order to deal with them as soon as possible?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I do not think that it is possible to adopt the suggestion of a time limit but as has already been stated in this House, my right hon. Friend appreciates the importance that is attached to an early decision.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that on 3oth March the price of flour, London straights, was quoted as being 9s. per 280 lb. lower than on the corresponding date a year ago; whether he has consulted the Consumers' Council as to the present price of the 4 lb. loaf; and, if not, will he do so?

I am aware of the fact to which my hon. and gallant Friend alls attention. The present price of bread in London (9d. per 4 lb. loaf) is in conformity with the Food Council's scale of bread prices. It should be borne in mind that in November last this scale was provisionally revised by lowering the flour prices on which it is based by 3s. per sack of 280 lb. I should further point out that on 30th March, 1937, the price of flour had reached a point which justified an increase in the price of bread under the scale then operative, and the price of the 4 lb. loaf in London was raised from 9d. to 9½d. on the 5th April, 1937.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the number of industries closed down in Glamorgan in 1937 and 1938, the number of persons affected, and the number of new industries that have opened in the county for the same period, stating what kind of industries, the number of persons employed, and where situated?

According to the returns received in connection with the annual Surveys of Industrial Development, which take account only of factories in which 25 or more workpeople are or have been employed, 11 new factories, employing about 800 people, were opened in Glamorgan during 1937. One factory (engaged in the manufacture of briquettes) was closed, but I regret that in accordance with the usual practice it is not possible to specify the number of persons employed in a particular establishment. Particulars of the new factories are as follows:

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give the quantities of coal exported from Scottish ports during the first quarter of 1938 and for corresponding periods in 1937 and 1936, specifying the quantities for foreign countries and for coast-wise ports?

The particulars for the first quarter of 1938 will not become available until towards the end of the present month. I will send the hon. Member a statement showing the desired information as soon as it can be compiled.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the output of cement for the year 1913 or 1914 and the output for 1937?

I regret that official figures in respect of the years 1913, 1914 and 1937 are not available but according to information furnished in connection with the Census of Production, the output of cement in the United Kingdom in 1912 was about 2,800,000 tons and in 1935 about 6,200,000 tons.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the rules provided for under Section 40 of the Trade Marks Bill have yet been drafted; and whether an assurance can be given that the rules will be published immediately after the Bill receives the Royal Assent?

These rules are in an advanced stage of preparation with a view to ensuring that the notice of intention to make such rules and of the place where copies of the draft rules may be obtained, may be given as soon as possible after the Bill receives the Royal Assent.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the New Zealand Government have recently increased their customs tariff on British-made footwear; and can he say to what extent?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs on 15th March.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that considerable pressure is being brought by the German Consular Service in Great Britain on German nationals resident here to purchase German instead of English goods; and whether, as this action is damaging to British interests and contrary to international custom, he will ask the German authorities to refrain from such action?

I have seen reports in the Press of a German commercial scheme to encourage German residents abroad to purchase German goods, but, so far as I am aware, this scheme is not yet in operation. In the absence of further information, I am not prepared to accept the assumptions contained in the second part of the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give the amount of copper imported by Japan during the years 1936, 1937, and in the months of January to March, 1938?

According to the official trade returns of Japan, the quantity of copper imported in 1936 was 52,500 tons, and during the first seven months of 1937, 64,700 tons. Since that date, separate particulars of imports of copper have not been published, but have been included with other imports under the heading "Ores and metals."

asked the President of the Board of Trade in what public accounts are to be found the fees charged to trawl fishermen in Aberdeen on signing on and off before a superintendent?

Fees charged for the engagement and discharge of fishermen are not shown separately in any public accounts, but are included in the Mercantile Marine Offices' fees, etc., given as receipts authorised to be used as Appropriations-in-Aid in the Civil Appropriation Account, Class VI, Vote 2, Mercantile Marine Services.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education how many applications have been received from local authorities in the last 12 months for authority to provide nursery schools; and how many such applications have been granted?

During the year ended 31st March, 1938, proposals were received from local education authorities for the provision of 16 new nursery schools. One of these schools has been recognised by the Board and 14 other proposals have been approved in principle. The remaining proposal was received by the Board as recently as 24th March and is now under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he has received the Report of the consultative committee of the Board of Education regarding entry into junior technical schools, junior art schools, junior commercial schools, arid so forth; if not, when he expects to receive it; and whether he is aware of the desire among educational authorities that the document should be forthcoming at the earliest possible date?

The Consultative Committee are fully aware of the general desire that this report should be available as soon as possible, and they are doing all they can to accelerate its issue.

asked the Home Secretary whether, having regard to the danger to human and animal life caused by builders' lime-pits or bankers which are unprotected, he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation providing that such lime-pits or bankers shall be protected between sunrise and sunset, and at all other times during which work in connection therewith is not proceeding?

My attention has not previously been drawn to this matter. Perhaps my hon. Friend will send me particulars of any case which has come to his notice.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that wooden huts are being erected on the roof of the Government buildings between King Charles Street and Great George Street, Whitehall; whether the appropriate officials of the Air-Raid Precautions Department of the Home Office were consulted before these erections were decided upon; and why this infringement of the recommendations in the air-raid precautions handbook was allowed?

I have been asked to reply. The temporary buildings which have been erected on the roof of the Government offices referred to are not wooden huts, but structures covered externally with asbestos cement sheeting, and lined internally with a flameproof material. Certain further protective measures have been recommended and will be adopted, and I am advised that by their adoption the temporary buildings will not present any additional fire risk to the main building. I may say that in the construction of this building inflammable material has been reduced to the minimum.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that disappointing results have followed the recent use of measles serum in London County Council hospitals; and whether he will have a strict investigation made of the claims made for the various serums in use, in view of recent criticism of a medical officer of health in regard to the employment of measles serum?

In the special reports published by the London County Council on the epidemics of 1931–32 and 1933–34 it was stated that both convalescent and adult measles serum have proved of great value. The report on the epidemic of 1935–36 has not yet been published, but I am informed that there is no diminution of confidence on the part of this authority in the value of the serum. In these circumstances there would not appear to be grounds for a special investigation.

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether it is now possible to state if the cost of the Rimrose Brook drainage scheme will exceed the estimated sum of £267,000; and, if so, by how much and upon what part of the work will the extra money be spent;(2) whether any progress has been made with the Rimrose Brook drainage scheme; and whether there is any reason for the delay in commencing this important work?

Negotiations with the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board have involved certain alterations to the plans, but I anticipate that the amended proposals will be submitted at an early date. I have no information of an increase in the estimate of the cost.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state the number of persons, at the latest convenient date, in receipt of old age pensions who have received public assistance within the Swindon relief district; and how many of those persons are married but whose wives are not entitled to a pension?

The returns made to my Department relate to counties and county boroughs as a whole and particulars for part of a county are not available. The number in the Administrative County of Wiltshire on the 1st January, 1938, the latest date for which information is available, was 1,193. I have no information concerning the last part of the question.

asked the Minister of Health whether, taking the statistics which have reached him since the beginning of the year, he will give the numbers and names of local authorities which have taken action to recondition houses in their area, and the numbers of such houses which have been reconditioned?

Since 31st December, 1937, returns have been received from 1,271 local authorities which show that during the seven years ended on, that date 621,578 houses had been reconditioned under the Housing Acts, 1930 and 1936, in the areas of those authorities. The compilation of a statement giving the names of all the local authorities concerned and the number of houses reconditioned in each area would involve an amount of time and labour which I do not consider would be justifiable. I shall be happy, however, to supply the figures for any areas in which my hon. Friend may be specially interested.

asked the Postmaster-General what was the average cost to the Post Office of 100,000 postage stamps of the halfpenny, penny, and penny-halfpenny varieties, respectively, for the last two financial years, respectively?

Postage stamps are manufactured under contract, and I regret that I cannot depart from the established practice of regarding contract prices as confidential.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will reconsider the practice of charging £4 a year for five years to parish councils for the installation of telephone kiosks in villages without a post office, in view of the fact that villages without a post office particularly need telephone kiosks and that the charge is a somewhat onerous one to small villages?

As I pointed out in answer to my hon. Friend's question of the 31st March,£4 a year represents only a small contribution towards the loss involved; and I regret that under present conditions I am unable to reduce the charge.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state the duties of the flag-lieutenant to the Board of Admiralty, date of appointment, salary, and allowances; whether a permanent flag-lieutenant has ever previously been appointed and, if not, the reasons for the institution of this post?

The duties of the flag-lieutenant to the Board of Admiralty are, briefly:

(1) To make arrangements for, and accompany the Board or members of the Board when they require it, on official visits or on public occasions.

(2) To carry out work connected with invitations to official functions, and keep the necessary records.

(3) To be available to make arrangements in connection with celebrations, funerals, etc., where Board representation is required, and to be concerned with ceremonial in general when the Board of Admiralty flag is involved.

(4) To be available to accompany distinguished personages on visits to His Majesty's ships and Naval establishments.

He carries out these duties under the direction of the Naval Secretary to the First Lord. He was appointed on 24th January, 1938, and his salary and allowances are:]

	£
Full pay of rank (lieut.-commander of over six years' seniority)	563*
Admiralty allowance	68
Lodging allowance	80
Provision allowance	47
*Approximate.

No permanent flag-lieutenant has previously been appointed, though temporary appointments have been made in the past from time to time. The purpose of the new post is to relieve the Naval Secretary to the First Lord of various detailed duties on ceremonial matters which are inappropriate to a flag officer.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any increase in the naval forces of this country in the Red Sea is contemplated in view of the Italian naval forces there having been augmented?

No, Sir.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state the numbers of each grade of sick-berth ratings and the total, the number of warrant ward - masters, commissioned ward-masters and ward-master lieutenants, and the ages at which warrant, commissioned warrant, and lieutenant's rank is reached; and whether it is intended to increase the number of promotions in this branch as in other branches of warrant rank?

The following were the numbers at a recent date:125 Sick-berth chief petty officers.253 Sick-berth petty officers.287 Leading sick-berth attendants.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether difficulty has been experienced in recruiting sick-berth ratings; whether the standard for recruits has been reduced and, if so, in what manner; whether these ratings get the same leave arrangements as others and have the same educational facilities in hospitals as in the naval barracks; and whether he will consider appointing a committee to investigate the conditions of service in the sick-berth branch, as has been done in several other branches in recent years, with a view to improving them?

Owing to the large increase recently approved in the staffs of the hospitals, some difficulty has been experienced in obtaining the requisite number of entries in the sick-berth branch during the past year, but this is being overcome and there has been a substantial increase in the number of recruits during the last quarter. To meet the difficulty, slight temporary reductions have been made in the educational and dental standards. Sick-berth ratings are given the same leave and education courses as other naval ratings, though at times when the incidence of sickness is heavy these may have to be temporarily curtailed. They have, however, a greater proportion of home service and greater opportunities for increasing their professional knowledge than ratings in other branches.I do not consider the appointment of a special committee to consider conditions in this branch to be necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the Territorial Army badge will be available for issue?

Issues will commence next month.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered a communication from a number of Army reservists in Dundee protesting against the practice of the Unemployment Assistance Board in taking into account for the purposes of the means test a part of reservists' pensions; what reply he has sent; and whether he will consult with the Unemployment Assistance Board with a view to the discontinuance of this practice?

As regards the first and second parts of the question I am unable to trace the receipt in the War Office of the communication referred to. As soon as my right hon. Friend receives it, he will consider it in consultation with the right hon. Gentleman the Minister of Labour.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether the establishment of any new aerodromes is contemplated in the county of East Lothian?

Yes, Sir. A proposal to establish an aerodrome in the county of East Lothian is under consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether his attention has been drawn to the accidental dropping on Saturday last of two bombs by bombers from the Penrhos aerodrome, Pwllheli, in the vicinity of human dwellings; whether he is aware that in one case the bomb fell within a few yards of a dwelling-house and that the explosion of the bomb adversely affected the health of the 79-year-old occupant; and whether he will have inquiries made into these and similar incidents, with the view of rendering impossible such occurrences in the future?

Yes, Sir, I received a report of the occurrence. As the circumstances are at present being investigated it would be premature for me to make a statement. As regards the last part of the question, Air Ministry Orders already provide that a Court of Inquiry is to be held into any case where a bomb is dropped outside the authorised bombing areas, with a view to preventing a similar occurrence in the future. I should add that the bombs in question were of the practice type; live bombs containing explosive are only used at ranges not less than two miles out to sea.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air upon what number of machines per squadron the personnel branch and the equipment branch of the Air Ministry base their requirements, respectively?

The requirements in both cases are based on the first-line establishments of squadrons.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what make of motor-boats are regularly used to service Imperial Airways, Limited, flying-boats at Rome; whether any trouble has been experienced with these boats; and whether motorboats of foreign manufacture have ever been used?

The two launches used by Imperial Airways at Lake Bracciano are of Italian construction and neither has given any trouble in operation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the Lorenz system is yet working at Heston Airport?

No, Sir. The position remains as stated in my reply of 3oth March. The use of the Lorenz beacon at Heston is dependent upon the extension of the aerodrome which cannot be completed for some months to come.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the fact that Olley Air Services, Limited, is a British company, he will arrange for the ban put upon their booking facilities on the line from Croydon to Dublin to be removed by the agents of the railway companies?

My Noble Friend and I fully share the views expressed in this House on the subject of the ban imposed on booking facilities being accorded by the booking agencies to certain air line operating companies. These views, as the House is aware, have been conveyed to the railway companies. I hope that the railway companies will agree to refrain from influencing the freedom of travel agencies. In doing so they would, I am sure, be acting in accordance with the wishes of the House. But my Noble Friend has informed the railway companies that in default of agreement it will be necessary to make provision for dealing with this matter in the Licensing Order relating to internal air services.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the booking ban imposed by the railway companies on travel agents has been lifted from any of the five air-line companies on which it operated?

Full booking facilities were already available in respect of the services of Portsmouth, Southsea and Isle of Wight Aviation Limited and of the Scandinavian services of Allied Airways. They have now been made available in respect of the inland services of the latter company.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will reconsider the case of old age pensioners who are receiving hospital treatment which is calculated as means and who are thereby disqualified from receiving a noncontributory old age pension or a reduced pension, and with a view to allowing pensioners while in hospital a small amount for comforts of which they are at present deprived?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the full answer I gave on this subject on 29th April last to the hon. Member for Bradford, Central (Mr. Leach). I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of that answer.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many noncontributory old age pensions have been revoked or reduced on account of the value of maintenance and treatment in the hospitals and other institutions of local authorities during the past 12 months?

As I informed my hon. Friend in reply to his question on 4th March last, the number of noncontributory old age pensions revoked or reduced on this account is not separately recorded.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received a report from Palestine with regard to the arrangements made for the regular embarkation and disembarkation of passengers at the new port of Tel Aviv?

The Palestine Government decided in the autumn of 1937 that the embarkation and disembarkation of passengers should be permitted at Tel Aviv, subject to the provision of satisfactory arrangements by the Marine Trust, Limited, for the safety and accommodation of passengers and on the condition that the company should reimburse Government for any additional expenditure which would thereby be incurred.The company thereupon sought advice from a firm of consulting engineers as to the measures required to ensure the safety of passengers; and a copy of the firm's reply was communicated to the Palestine Government. In the light of the advice so tendered, and after consultation with the port authorities and the Departments concerned, the Palestine Government informed the company in February, 1938, that embarkation and disembarkation of passengers would be permitted as soon as the requisite buildings on shore and the launches were ready, and had been approved, and subject to the absolute discretion of the port officer to decide when conditions are safe, and to allow or disallow the landing or embarkation of passengers or immigrants accordingly. Shore buildings and launches have now been provided to the satisfaction of Government, and negotiations with regard to the financial procedure to be followed as between the company and the Departments are proceeding. It is expected that these negotiations will be completed in the near future, and that the opening of the passenger service can then be permitted.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any form of popularly elected local government exists in Newfoundland; and, if so, for what areas?

The position still remains as it was at the time of the establishment of the Commission of Government, when the only elected local Government body in Newfoundland was the Municipal Council of St. John's. It is the wish of the Commission, as it was that of previous Governments, to encourage the establishment of such bodies, and two Acts have been passed in recent years with this object. Owing, however, to the lack of popular demand no such Councils have yet been formed.

asked the Minister of Transport how many accidents have taken place within the last year at the junction of Clayponds Lane with the Great West Road; and whether any of these have involved loss of life?

During the 12 months ended 28th February, 1938, nine accidents, involving the death of one person and injury to nine other persons, occurred at the junction of Clayponds Lane with the Great West Road.

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made with railway companies in this country in connection with common law liability on cheap daily travel tickets?

If the hon. Member will put down his question for Wednesday of next week, I hope to be able to give him an answer.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the numbers of boys and girls in the age groups 14 to 16 years and 16 to 18 years, and the numbers of young men and women in the age group 18 to 20 years, employed in industry and agriculture, separately, on the last convenient date?

The following table gives such information as is available in respect of persons of the ages in question insured under the General and Agricultural chemes of unemployment insurance, in Great Britain:

—	Estimated number insured at July, 1937.	Insured persons recorded as unemployed at 14thMarch, 1938.
General Scheme:*
Males:
Aged 18–20	718,000	59,615
Aged 16 and 17	683,000	27,639
Aged 14 and 15	493,000	7,718
Females:
Aged 18–20	557,000	49,859
Aged 16 and 17	556,000	31,753
Aged 14 and 15	403,000	11,018
Agricultural Scheme:
Males:
Aged 18–20	43,000	2,075
Aged 16 and 17	42,000	1,265
Aged 14 and 15	29,000	316
Females:
Aged 18–20	4,500	723
Aged 16 and 17	4,500	490
Aged 14 and 15	3,000	118

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether he will state, in respect of each of the coal-mining, iron and steel, shipbuilding, docks and harbours, and shipping industries in South Wales, West Cumberland, Durham and Tyneside, Lancashire and Merseyside, the West of Scotland and Great Britain, the numbers of insured workers attached to the industry in July, 1923, 1936 and 1937; and the number and percentages of insured workers employed and unemployed, respectively, in June, 1923, 1936 and 1937, and in February, 1938;

I am having the available figures extracted and will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour how many agricultural labourers were registered as unemployed on the last convenient date; and what steps are taken at agricultural Employment Exchanges to notify farmers of men available for employment in agriculture?

At 14th March, 1938, there were 22,116 insured men and boys, aged 14–64, in the farming, forestry, etc., industry classification recorded as unemployed at Employment Exchanges in Great Britain. By means of publicity or by letter or personal visit, farmers are invited to inform the Employment Exchanges of their requirements for agricultural workers so that the vacancies can be brought to the notice of suitable persons on the registers.

asked the Minister of Labour how many Employment Exchanges have been sanctioned for building or extension within the last 12 months; and in how many cases have conveniences been erected for the use of applicants using the Exchanges as distinct from those reserved for the use of the staffs?

In the past 12 months 30 building schemes were put in hand; in 14 of these, conveniences for the use of members of the public attending the Exchanges are being provided; such conveniences have also been provided in another 10 cases completed within the last 12 months.

asked the Minister of Labour what were the numbers of unemployed in the Neath area in January, June and December, 1937, and at the latest available date in 1938; whether any industries have closed during the same period; and what are the causes of closing down, giving the number of men and women, separately, who are unemployed?

The numbers registered as unemployed at the Employment Exchange at Neath were as follow:

25th January, 1937	…	3,819
21st June, 1937	…	2,626
13th December, 1937	…	3,634
14th March, 1938	…	3,677

I am making inquiries about the second and third parts of this question and will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the plans submitted by the Special Areas Housing Association to Lanarkshire County Council have now been approved; and, if so, when it is anticipated that building will commence and when it is hoped to have them inhabited?

The county council have now approved the plans and it is expected that work will commence on Monday, 11th April. It is hoped that the houses will be completed at varying dates from August next.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Central Electricity Board reports that the 1937 price of coal was 17·3 per cent. above that of 1932, and that the 1937 saving of £1,800,000 on its fuel, as compared with 1935, has been largely lost owing to the rise in the price of coal; will he, therefore, when publishing the cost-of-living indices add a rough estimate of the extent of the rise in the indices, compared with 1935, attributable to the higher price of coal on the costs of such foods, goods, services and domestic firing used by wage-earners, as are included in the cost-of-living calculation?

I am aware of the statements, in the latest Annual Report of the Central Electricity Board, to which I presume my hon. Friend refers. As regards the second part of the question, I regret that the information in my possession is insufficient to enable me to make a satisfactory estimate of the extent to which the prices of the various commodities and services included within the scope of the cost-of-living index number have been affected by increases in the cost of coal.

asked the Prime Minister, with regard to the expropriation of British oil properties in Mexico, whether he will

Exports of Pig-iron from India to—
—			United Kingdom.		Japan.
			Quantity.	Value.	Quantity.	Value.
			(Tons).	(Rs. lakhs).	(Tons).	(Rs. lakhs).
January-March, 1935	…	…	19,965	4·4	64,552	14·2
January-March, 1936	…	…	16,608	3·8	127,319	29·2
January-March, 1937	…	…	38,371	8·2	66,196	14·9
January, 1938	…	…	30,203	15·1	32,356	16·2

The figures for February and March of this year are not yet available.

Careful investigation is being made into this and other aspects of the question, and I am not at the moment in a position to make a further statement.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what are the export figures of pig-iron from British India to Great Britain and from British India to Japan during the first three months of the years 1935, 1936, 1937 and 1938?

Following are the figures: