asked the Secretary of State for War whether the officer recently appointed to command the Cairo cavalry brigade was selected by the Selection Committee; and how many senior officers were passed over by his appointment?

The answer to the first part of the question is "Yes, Sir." It is not possible to answer the second part of the question until this officer assumes his appointment in September next. Briefly, he will pass over all lieutenant-colonels, both substantive and brevet, now senior to him, but no one of these officers superseded is prejudiced in regard to any further promotion or appointment except in so far as this particular appointment has been filled.

Is my hon. Friend aware that this officer has been recommended for accelerated promotion for some time and that in the regiment to which he belongs they are delighted, from the colonel downward, that he has been selected for this appointment?

Is my hon. Friend quite sure that none of the other commanding officers of cavalry units—about 25 of them—is ready for promotion?

This appointment carries no reflection upon them whatever.

asked the Secretary of State for War how Andrew Vanderberg, aged 37, and Reginald Kaye, aged 16, were accepted as recruits in the Army in view of their age and previous criminal record?

In both cases characters were obtained in accordance with the Recruiting Regulations, neither of them disclosing any suggestion that the men had been in trouble during the periods covered by the characters. Vanderberg appears to have been well conducted since his return to England from Canada, where he had, as it now appears, served in the Canadian Forces under another name.

Is it not possible to tighten up this character test for men desirous of obtaining enlistment, in view of the fact that respectable serving soldiers bitterly resent the enlistment of men of this type, as it gives the Army a bad name?

Yes, Sir; precautions are taken to verify references and characters where it is thought desirable, and certain instructions are issued.

Will my hon. Friend deal with that part of the question which refers to age?

It is the fact that both these men gave false ages. Vander-berg stated his age to be 26, and Kaye said that his age was 18.

Will not my hon. Friend stop this policy of recruiting "at any price," and see to it that when recruiting men of the age of 26 or 27, the Army recruiting office should at least get their characters before sending them to join a regiment, as would be done in the case of other professions?

Do not both these cases show the desirability of the War Office insisting upon the production of birth certificates?

It may be true to say that, in this particular case, neither of these men would have got into the Army if birth certificates had been required of them, but it must not be forgotten that, if we were to introduce a system for the production of birth certificates before attestation, several thousand men of excellent character would be lost to the Army annually.

asked the Secretary of State for War why no extra staff has been employed in the pay offices of the Royal Army Pay Corps, in view of the increase in work due to the recent increase in pay and marriage allowances; and whether any extra mechanical assistance is employed or will be employed in the offices?

This work, which has to be completed by the end of this month, is of such a nature that it can be performed only by experienced staff, and the addition of unskilled labour would, therefore, be of no assistance. The staffs of regimental pay offices have been augmented as far as possible by personnel who have recently completed their training at the School of Instruction and by the temporary diversion of staff from offices not affected by the increases. Some additional mechanical assistance is being employed for the purpose of giving effect to the changes.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, in fact, a great deal of overtime is being worked, and will he indicate how long the overtime is likely to continue?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a statement concerning Gunner George James Weston, Royal Artillery, who has died as a result of taking part in physical exercises at Woolwich barracks; and whether any payment to the next of kin of the deceased will be made in consequence of this accident?

Gunner Weston was for his own recreation practising physical exercises when he unfortunately suffered a fatal accident. His death is regarded as attributable to military service and his next-of-kin will, on their application, be considered for an award of dependants' pension, if eligible under the provisions of the Royal Warrant for the pay, etc., of the Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Army and Air Force Courts Martial Committee has held any meetings; and what steps are being taken to ensure that the evidence received by the committee shall be comprehensive?

As regards the first part of the question, the committee has already held two meetings. As regards the second part, I understand that the committee is anxious to obtain all shades of opinion. Any person wishing to produce suggestions for the improvement of the courts-martial system should write direct to the Secretary of the committee at the War Office. Whilst all constructive proposals will be welcome, I would remind hon. Members that the committee is not concerned to review individual cases.

Is the committee taking any steps to obtain evi- dence regarding courts-martial procedure in other countries?

I would rather like to have notice of that question.

(for Mr. Ede) asked the Secretary of State for War when he expects to be in a position to make a statement as to the new establishment necessitated for units by the creation of the rank of warrant officer, Class III?

My right hon. Friend will give the House this information at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in order to encourage employers of labour who are prepared to offer Territorials two weeks for camp with pay, made up to their standard rates, in addition to a week's holiday on pay, he will grant such firms the right to use the proposed Territorial badge on their letter headings, as in the case of the King's National Roll?

While my right hon. Friend fully recognises the public spirit of those employers who give facilities of this kind to their employes, he finds, on examination, that a scheme on the lines suggested in the question discloses many difficulties. It would mean fixing a minimum percentage of employés in the Territorial Army as a qualification, like the 5 per cent. for the King's Roll. The number of disabled men, covered by the King's Roll scheme, serving under any one employer is usually fairly constant, but the number of employés serving in the Territorial Army necessarily varies widely from time to time, as the men are younger, and change their employment more frequently. Many remain only four years in the Territorial Army. It will be seen, therefore, that to confine the badge to employers who at the time had a given percentage of employés in the Territorial Army would involve fairly frequent removal of names from the roll, as numbers fell below the qualifying figure. The small employer would also find it disproportionately difficult to qualify for the roll, and to maintain his place on it. In addition, many other considerations arise which outweigh the advantages to be gained from such a scheme.

(for Mr. Ede) asked the Secretary of State for War what percentage of the men included in the figures of recruits to the Territorial Force, during the period 1st November, 1937, to 31st March, 1938, had had previous service with the armed or auxiliary forces of the Crown?

The percentage figure is10.8.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occasions it is anticipated that the attendance at the Glasgow Exhibition will be such as to warrant an increase in the maximum number of 22 officers available for duty at any one time; and whether he can give an assurance that officers will not be withdrawn for this purpose from other parts of the city, in view of the fact that both the chief constable of Glasgow and the police committee are of opinion that the city is already under-policed?

It is not possible to make the forecast referred to by my hon. Friend in the first part of the question; and, as regards the second part, I am not in a position to give him the assurance desired.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will arrange with the Exhibition authorities to give special facilities to school children in Scotland to enable as many as possible to visit the Exhibition; and whether, with that object in view, special holidays can be given?

A circular on this matter was sent to education authorities and other managers of schools on 29th March, 1938, and I am sending my hon. and learned Friend a copy. I have also written a personal letter to the Convener of the Administrative Committee of the Exhibition inviting the sympathy and co-operation of the Exhibition authorities. I understand from him that everything possible is being done to facilitate the attendance of school children, and that, among other arrangements, certain schools are being made available by Glasgow Education Authority, so far as circumstances permit, for the accommodation of children coming from a distance.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the cause of the accident in Buchanan Street, Glasgow, on Tuesday last, where three people were injured?

I am informed that the accident referred to was due to the collapse of a scaffold and that two of the three persons injured have died. A public inquiry in regard to the cause of the deaths and the circumstances of the accident will fall to be held, and I cannot therefore make any further statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of children attending schools administered by the education authority of the county of Inverness for the years 1914, 1927, and 1937, respectively?

The average numbers on the roll for the years referred to were 14,309, 13,067 and 12,936 respectively.

In view of the steady decrease in population that that shows, will my right hon. Friend take every possible step, whether by encouraging industry or agriculture, to improve the population of the Highlands?

I will take every step that I am allowed to take.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements are in course of being made in connection with air-raid precautions for a complete or partial black-out in Renfrewshire, including Greenock, or any part of the said area?

I have no information concerning arrangements for a black-out in the area in question. The initiative for making such arrangements rests with the local authorities. Accordingly if it is desired to hold a black-out in any particular area, arrangements should be made through the local authorities.

If such arrangements are being made and they come before the right hon. Gentleman, will he keep in mind that from 3rd May onwards a great many people will be returning home to Greenock from the Empire Exhibition, and will he steer clear of that time?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made for the provision of storage accommodation for gas masks by local authorities in Renfrewshire; and when such provision will be complete?

A Memorandum was issued on 4th April, 1938, to local authorities by the Air-Raid Precautions Department for their information in preparing their schemes for storage and distribution of respirators. No proposals have yet been received from the local authorities in Renfrewshire.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to a complaint made by the National League of the Blind against the action of the managing committee of the Edinburgh Royal Blind Asylum in entering into arrangements for the training of sighted apprentices; and whether he will represent to the institution in question that money voted for the blind should not be expended in the training of sighted persons, especially in view of the fact that when the training is completed there is no guarantee that the trainees. will remain in the institution as instructors?

Sighted workers are employed in the basket-making department of the Edinburgh Royal Blind Asylum, as in other institutions, to instruct or supervise the blind workers, and to do, certain work, especially the fine work, which is unsuitable for the blind. I am informed that the directors of the asylum were unable to obtain trained sighted basket workers to replace those about to, retire, and that they decided to take on not more than three sighted apprentices to be trained in basket making. The expenditure on this arrangement is met entirely from the voluntary funds over which I have no control. No part of the Government grant is utilised for the training of sighted apprentices.

In view of the fact that public money does go into this institu- tion and that there must inevitably be some effect upon it by what is being done here, will not the right hon. Gentleman inquire further into this matter, and into other matters relating to the management of the Royal Blind Asylum in Edinburgh? I am informed that there is a necessity for such an inquiry.

I understand that they have great difficulty in getting trained workers for this job.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of persons at the last convenient date in receipt of old age pensions who have received public assistance within the County of Dumbarton; and the number of those persons who are married but whose wives are not entitled to a pension?

The number of persons in the County of Dunbarton in receipt of old age pensions and of poor relief at 15th November, 1937, the latest date for which figures are available, was 735. I regret that the information asked for in the second part of the question is not available.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can give any estimate of the comparable figures of the cost of repairs in the classes of houses in Scotland affected by the Rent and Mortgage Restrictions Acts for the years 1914, 1920, 1930, and 1937, respectively?

The majority report of the Marley Committee estimated the comparative cost of repairs as 100 in 1914; 250–280 in 1920; and 180–200 in 1930. The majority report of the Ridley Committee indicated that in 1937 the position was substantially the same as in 1930. Further examination tends to show that in Scotland at any rate the cost of repairs in 1937 was slightly higher than in 1930.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has given me the English figures, and that I asked for the Scottish figures?

The last sentence of my reply was that further examination tends to show that in Scotland the cost of re- pairs in 1937 was slightly higher than in 1930.

I asked the right hon. Gentleman for the Scottish figures for certain years, and he has not given them.

(for Mr. Kirkwood) asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether it is proposed to accommodate physically and mentally deficient children in the same building in the College Street School, Dumbarton; if so, is he satisfied that this arrangement is in conformity with the policy laid down by the Scottish Education Department; and what arrangements will be made for keeping the two classes of children separate?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. This arrangement is in accord with the terms of paragraph 26 of the Department's Circular No. 105 dated 1st September, 1937, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member. As to the last part of the question, arrangements will be made to keep the two classes of children separate in all respects—class tuition, meals and recreation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that such a condition of things would not be tolerated in England, and will he endeavour to bring Scotland up to the standard of England?

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. It is the common practice in England and Wales and Scotland to provide on the same site, and in many cases under the same roof, a school for mentally defective children as well as physically defective children.

But not in Yorkshire.

Even though that may have been done by certain education authorities in the alleged interests of economy, does the right hon. Gentleman think that it is desirable in the interests either of education or of the children?

Yes, Sir; indeed, that was recommended in the Circular issued by the Department to the authorities.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that mental deficiency demands special treatment and that special buildings are required, and will he arrange for visitors to the Empire Exhibition to see how they are treating these children in Dumbarton?

asked the Secretary for Mines the result of inquiries as to the accident to John McKitten at Adventure Colliery, Durham; and whether he is satisfied that adequate protection is afforded to workmen undertaking such work?

As a result of inquiries into this accident, I am referring the papers to the Director of Public Prosecutions to consider prosecution. I have also given instructions that the colliery is to be subjected to a very detailed examination by His Majesty's inspectors.

asked the Secretary for Mines what progress has been made by the Central Council of Coalowners with regard to the co-ordination of prices between the various coal-producing districts?

I am informed that the work of the committee set up by the Central Council to deal with the question of inter-district co-ordination of prices and conditions of sale is progressing and that, in the meantime, work with regard to co-ordination of prices is being carried out by means of meetings between groups of districts throughout the country.

Can the hon. and gallant Member say when finality is likely to be reached on this matter?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary for Mines the output of coal, the quantity exported, and the average declared value per ton f.o.b. in Great Britain and South Wales and Monmouthshire, respectively, in 1937?

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 the quantity of coal consumed in this country and the amount per head of the population in 1937?

The quantity of coal available for consumption in Great Britain in the year 1937 was 181,804,000 tons. The consumption of coal per head of population was 79 cwts.

asked the Secretary for Mines the sum paid by British coal mines in rents, royalties and wayleaves in 1937?

During the year 1937 the estimated amount paid by colliery owners in Great Britain in royalties and wayleaves (including the rental value of freehold mineral where worked by the proprietor) was £5,372,000.

asked the Secretary for Mines to what extent the underground conveyance of men to their work is in operation; and will he have this question examined, so that when men have to travel long distances this method can be adopted?

I regret that the information asked for in the first part of the question is not available. As regards the second part, I have nothing to add to the answer given to the hon. Member on 9th November last.

That answer was given six months ago, and nothing has been done. What we want to know is when we are likely to get the report of the Commission on this matter?

That is another question, and I answered it the other day that I could not give a date.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will make a statement concerning the closing down of Exhall colliery; how many men have been thrown out of work by the closing down; and what prospect there is of their obtaining employment?

I am informed that the closing of this colliery is due to economic reasons. The normal complement of men employed there has been 690 underground and 250 on the surface, but at present the numbers are 150 and 40 respectively. I understand that the whole colliery will be probably closed by July. With regard to the last part of the question, there is reason to hope that a considerable number of the men concerned may be offered employment at neighbouring collieries.

Can the hon. and gallant Member give some explanation of the phrase used in the reply that the closing of the pit has been due to the "economic situation?"

I said "economic reasons." I think that is a perfectly normal connotation.

Can the hon. and gallant Member say whether the colliery will be able to pay dividends by selling its quota, and not producing coal?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of the visible adverse balance of payments to the latest convenient date, and the comparative figures for last year?

The excess of imports over exports of merchandise during the first two months of this year amounted to £71,600,000, compared with £57,600,000 in the corresponding period of 1937.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what countries grant subsidies in respect of their exports; and which countries have in operation special import restrictions on goods assisted by subsidies?

I regret that such information as I have in regard to the first part of this question does not lend itself to compression within the compass of a Parliamentary answer. As regards the second part, measures directed specifically against subsidised imports are in operation in the United States of America and the Union of South Africa; and certain other countries have taken power to take action against such imports.

Is there any reason why the Government should not take similar steps in cases where countries subsidise imports into this country to such an extent as more than to offset, in many cases, the import duties which were imposed by the Government some time ago?

There is a variety of reasons, but I do not think they can be given in a reply to a Parliamentary Question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any explanation to make of the delay in regard to the site of the Jarrow steel works; and what party to the agreements is responsible for the hold-up?

Although all the details connected with the purchase of the site have not yet been settled, representatives of the Commissioner and of the promoters of the steel works scheme have, in the meantime, entered on the site by arrangement with the owners and I do not think that there has been any avoidable delay.

Does not the Minister realise that it is now very nearly a year since the Government intimated that this scheme was to be started, that we are very little further forward than we were then, that the continual statements of the Minister that men are being employed is proved to be inaccurate, and that there are only 65 men employed there now, and is there not some hold-up somewhere? May we have an explanation, in view of the importance of this matter?

I agree that it is important, but I do not think there has been any avoidable delay. It is very difficult to carry through an arrangement of this kind. A great many people are concerned in it; for instance, the company that is to be formed, the Commissioner and the present owners.

Can the Minister say——

rose——

In view of the great importance of this matter to the people of Jarrow and the evasive answers of the Minister concerned, I beg to give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the Order-in-Council requiring imported door bolts of iron or steel to hear an indication of origin, he will make provision for the name of the country where the bolts are made being incorporated in any such indication?

The Order to which the hon. Member refers was made on 1st April, under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926. There is no power under that Act to require that any necessary indication of origin should include the name of the country where the goods were produced or manufactured.

Is not the Minister aware that all hon. Members are very anxious to have the name of the country from which these articles come, and can he not make an alteration in the Order?

That matter was very fully discussed at the time of the passing of the Act, and there is a number of reasons on the other side, which again would be too numerous to give in reply to a Parliamentary Question. The hon. Member must not assume that there are not advantages to this country in the present procedure.

If there are good reasons and if there are good intentions, these things can be overcome.

Is it not the case that the party opposite opposed the Bill when it was before Parliament?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a very large quantity of Danish lager beer is now imported into this country in bottle, and that in consequence very little labour is employed in this country in connection therewith, and that the bottles subsequently compete with British bottles: and whether, in these circumstances, he will review the effectiveness of the duty upon foreign lager beer?

With regard to the first part of the question, I am aware that some Danish lager beer is imported in bottle, though official information is not available as to the proportion of the total imports which is so imported; I understand that as a rule the bottles are returnable to the brewers abroad. With regard to the second part, I cannot anticipate my Budget statement.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will arrange that Government Departments shall affix an Empire Exhibition stamp to official correspondence in order to ensure the widest possible publicity to the Empire Exhibition?

My hon. Friend will be glad to know that the Postmaster-General has already made special arrangements by which many millions of letters are now being stamped with an advertisement of the Exhibition. This will give far wider publicity to the Exhibition than would the affixing of a special stamp to official correspondence, the great bulk of which is between the Departments themselves and has, therefore, no publicity value. I think, therefore, that the scheme to which I have referred will achieve the object which my hon. Friend has in mind.

While thanking my right hon. and gallant Friend for his reply, may I ask whether he will, bring this matter before the Overseas Trade Department, as many firms abroad, so far as their principals are concerned, do not open their envelopes and, therefore, do not see the postmark?

I can only answer for the Departments generally. Perhaps my hon. Friend will take up the question with the Department concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many licences for the export of war material from this country to China and Japan respectively, have been issued since 1st July, 1937, to the nearest available date, and the approximate total value of such exports in each case?

The licences issued since 1st July, 1937, for the export of war material from the United Kingdom destined for China and for Japan numbered respectively 19 and 8. The total value of the arms, ammunition, and military and naval stores registered as consigned from the United Kingdom to China from 1st July, 1937, to 28th February, 1938, was £183,000, and the corresponding value for Japan was £61,000.

In view of the fact that Japan has been declared to be an aggressor against a member of the League of Nations, will not His Majesty's Government consider the advisability of granting no licence for Japan at all?

I would refer the hon. Member to a question on exactly the same subject which I answered on Monday.

Is it not the case that a major portion of the war material being used by China comes from German sources?

(for Mr. Anderson) asked the President of the Board of Trade how many licences have been issued in the last six months for armaments for export and to what countries they have been consigned?

During the six months ended 31st March, 1938, 207 licences have been issued for the export of war material to 32 foreign countries. With the hon. Member's permission I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the countries concerned.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men in age groups between the ages of 18 and 64, skilled and unskilled, and the trades to which they belong, who are unemployed in the county boroughs of Sunderland and South Shields?

As the reply includes a number of figures, I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour whether insurance officers are acting upon his instructions when questioning the right to benefit of individuals who seek the advice of shop steward or mill representative as to the conditions prevailing, before accepting employment, and are then refused employment for having done so?

The determination by the statutory authorities of claims to unemployment benefit is not subject to instructions from my right hon. Friend, nor is he aware of any case of the kind described, but I shall be happy to make inquiry, if the hon. Member will give me particulars of any specific case he has in mind.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons registered as unemployed in Dumbartonshire in the age groups 45 to 55, and 55 to 65, on the last convenient date; and whether they reveal an increase or decrease on the previous year?

At 1st November, 1937, the unemployed persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Dumbartonshire included 854 aged 45–54, and 855 aged 55 to 64. At 3rd November, 1936, the corresponding figures were 982 and 969, respectively. The figures for November, 1937, have been compiled in accordance with the revised procedure for counting the unemployed, introduced in September, 1937, under which persons subsequently found to be in employment at the date of the count are excluded from the figures.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of applicants for benefit under the Agricultural Unemployment Insurance Act whose benefit is affected by the ceiling rule?