asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that many employers of labour have decided to pay bonuses for children of their employés, in some cases 5s. per week for children under 14 years of age; and whether the bonuses will be assessed when applying for convenanted benefit?

I am aware that some employers have adopted arrangements under which allowances are paid, subject to certain conditions, to employés with more than a stated number of children. The question whether allowances under a particular arrangement affect the recipients' title to unemployment benefit during periods of short-time working depends upon the terms and conditions of the scheme and is one for the independent statutory authorities.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) the number of new works established in South Wales by the Government and private enterprise during the past five years; and whether there is any promise of other works in the near future;

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Government are considering the establishment of additional works in South Wales; and, if so, whether particular consideration will be given to the claims of Merthyr Tydfil?

Nine factories or other establishments have been, or are being, erected, by or on behalf of the Government in South Wales, in connection with the rearmament programme, and it has been decided to establish two further munitions factories, one in Merthyr Tydfil and the other in the Pembrey area. Between 1933–37, inclusive, 20 new works and seven extensions to existing works were opened by private enterprise. These include two factories which were erected on the Treforest Trading Estate. Since the end of 1937 five further factories have been completed and at the present moment 23 are in course of construction or planned to meet definite requirements on the Trading Estate and elsewhere under facilities available through the commissioner. I have no information about factories erected entirely by private enterprise since the end of 1937.

Arising out of that statement, which will be much appreciated in the districts where the new factories are to be established, can the right hon. Gentleman inform us of the nature of the works there and the probable number of men who will be employed?

I cannot give the probable number of men, but the factory at Merthyr Tydfil will be somewhat similar to the one being erected at Mossend in Lanarkshire, and the one at Pembrey is in addition to the T.N.T. factory already established there.

Will the right hon. Gentleman meet representatives from the areas concerned and Members of Parliament, so that other details can be given to them after the holidays?

I shall be glad to do that after the holidays.

Will the Pembrey factory which has now been announced be in addition to the factory which was announced six weeks ago?

Yes, this is another one.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the very real appreciation felt on all sides for this step towards the rehabilitation of South Wales, and will he take note of the hope that it is only the forerunner of many others?

I am sure the House feels as I do about this.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the heavy cuts now taking place in the allowance of a large number of unemployed persons in Glamorgan owing to the liquidation of the standstill Order; and will he take steps to prevent further reductions being applied in the future?

These reductions are being made under the Statutory Regulations providing for the transition from the "standstill," in accordance with the recommendations of the local advisory committee. The period allowed under the Regulations for the completion of the transition expires on 15th May. The transition is already practically complete in most other areas of the country and applicants in Glamorganshire have had the advantage of a programme of adjustments spread over the maximum period possible under the law. It is always open to an aggrieved applicant to exercise his right to appeal to the appeals tribunal, but the matter is not one in which I have any authority to interfere.

Notwithstanding the fact that it is in accordance with the "standstill," the cuts are very drastic and are causing no end of suffering to these applicants, and will the right hon. Gentleman recon- sider the cut from 17s. to l0s. a week for any person over 21 years of age living at home?

The House decided that when the Regulations were passed.

If the reasons that were held to justify the extension of the adjustment period no longer hold, will not the right hon. Gentleman consider extending this condition and giving more generous allowances to people who have been so long unemployed and who are in very distressed circumstances?

That is not our opinion at the moment.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered a communication from the Fifeshire District Council of the National Unemployed Workers' movement requesting the attendance of the area officers of the Unemployment Assistance Board at a meeting to be held in Cowdenbeath, on Wednesday, 4th May, for the discussion of matters relating to the Unemployment Assistance Board's administration; and whether the area officers have been asked to attend the conference?

I understand that the Unemployed Workers' Movement have communicated to the district officer of the Unemployment Assistance Board their intention of taking a deputation to the Board's area office at Cowdenbeath on 4th May. The action to be taken on the communication rests with the Board.

Is it not possible for the Minister to recommend the Board to give favourable consideration to this?

That is a question which in their discretion they will judge in the circumstances of the case.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a number of skilled engineers who have applied for employment in several aircraft factories have been refused employment owing to lack of orders, and that others desire employment in aircraft factories but have been informed that they are not required; and, in view of the national needs, what steps are being taken to deal with this?

No, Sir. I am not aware of such cases. Any skilled engineer who is unemployed can be put in touch at once with aircraft work or other work on the Defence programme through any Employment Exchange.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult with the Minister for the Coordination of Defence, who has received examples and illustrations of such abuses?

I am in constant touch with my right hon. Friend.

If the Minister's attention is drawn to some correspondence on this subject which has been received by the hon. Member for Dumbarton Burghs (Mr. Kirkwood) and myself, will he consider it? Moreover, will he bear in mind that while these consultations are taking place, the aircraft industry could easily double its output with the labour available?

I should be very glad to look at any correspondence which the hon. Member may show me. As he knows, we are having discussions about this matter now.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be sending any of these workers to America?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the percentage of unemployment in the tinplate and steel-sheet industries is as high as 35 per cent., and is 20 per cent. higher than a year ago; and whether he is taking any steps to deal with the depression in these industries?

I am aware of the facts referred to by the hon. Member. As regards the second part of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply given to him on 28th February by my right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable concern in West Wales about this matter, and that every local authority there has expressed concern as to what may happen in the area in view of the fact that industry there is at present producing only about 45 per cent. of its capacity?

I am well aware of that, and I have agreed to see a deputation from West Wales shortly after Easter.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in Salford 40 per cent. of the unemployed on the register at the Employment Exchange are over the age of 45 years; can he give the percentage for the whole of the country; and will he indicate to the House what measures the Government intend to take to see that employers share the responsibility of finding work for them?

The proportion of the unemployed men over the age of 45 in Salford is 39 per cent. The corresponding proportion for the country as a whole is 40.9 per cent. In reply to the last part of the question I have nothing to add to the answers given to the hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths) on 7th April.

In view of the tragedies that arise in these cases, cannot the Government get a move on and do something more for these people?

If the hon. Member will look at last month's communiqué and the one before, he will discover that those who have been out of employment for more than 12 months are decreasing in numbers. We are doing everything possible to get jobs for the maximum number of these unemployed men.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the administrative costs of the Unemployment Fund (Agricultural Account) during the past year amounted to £245,016, while unemployment benefit distributed only amounted to £455,000; why the cost of administration of this fund is so high; and what steps he proposes to take to reduce these expenses?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 17th February to the Hon. Member for Hallam (Mr. L. Smith), of which I am sending him a copy.

Can my right hon. Friend say that the ratio of expenses to benefits will be considerably reduced in the current year?

If my hon. Friend will study the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Hallam, he will discover that as a matter of fact the arrangement made whereby not more than one-eighth of the income is used in administration as recommended by the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee, and he will also find out that there was a period of six months to begin with when discussions were in progress during which no payments were being made, but the work had to be carried on.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of trade boards that are in operation at the present time; and whether any of these have been set up during the past two years?

There are at present 47 trade boards. None have been set up during the past two years.

Does the Minister propose to set up any more of these trade boards in the near future?

Notice was given on 1st April of our intention to apply the Act to the baking trade, and proposals are under active discussion with the employers' and workers' associations concerned.

Is the right hon. Gentleman considering the cinematograph trade?

At the moment I am analysing the evidence I have received about that.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has yet considered the facts brought to his notice concerning the refusal of the Lloyd's brokers, Leslie and Godwin, to allow members of their staff to join the Guild of Insurance Officials; whether he has taken the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown regarding the legality of the methods of intimidation adopted by that firm to compel their employés to discontinue membership of their organisation; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

My Department has been in communication with Messrs. Leslie and Godwin and has been informed that they have no objection to any member of their staff being a member of the Guild of Insurance Officials.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that each member of the staff was required, after an interview with the departmental heads, to sign a form of resignation the terms of which had been previously determined or suggested, and in these circumstances cannot he take action to persuade the firm to announce that these documents are null and void?

I have received letters from a large number of Members. I have sent them a written reply, but as it is rather long, perhaps the House will allow me to circulate a copy of the letter so that the whole House will be informed on the subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that copies of those documents have already been circulated to Members of the House and that the facts to which I have drawn attention are mentioned there?

Perhaps the hon. Member will look at the letter when I circulate it, and put any further question about it that he may desire to put after Easter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with his information, and is he prepared to interview the employés with a view to having their side of the matter considered?

We are always pleased to see them.

Is it not the case that the firm in question have not been very candid and that initially they called upon their employés to resign from the union on pain of dismissal, but that subsequently they repudiated their own action; and have they not given my right hon. Friend information with regard to the dispute which was in fact inaccurate?

I could not accept that. If my hon. Friend has any evidence to prove that, I shall be glad to go into it. I have given the information as supplied to me by the firm.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why Somalis from British Somaliland are compelled, when visiting this country, to register as aliens and report to the police?

Natives of the Somaliland Protectorate, in common with natives of all other British Protectorates, are not British subjects as defined in the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act, 1914. Their status is that of British protected persons, and they are accordingly subject to the provisions of the Aliens Order, 1920, and, if seamen, to the provisions of the Special Restriction (Coloured Alien Seamen) Order, 1925.

In view of this anomaly with regard to protected subjects, will the Minister see that the passport system is abolished altogether and that these people are given their normal rights as British subjects?

It must be remembered that these people are aliens under Statute but great efforts are made to deal with them as well as possible.

Are not the Government getting it both ways, as these people were compulsorily conscripted for the War, and we have a British Governor-General in British Somaliland and have recently established judicial machinery?

I cannot add anything to what I have already said.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in districts wherein Communist processions are banned, this ban is held to include the participation of Communist contingents in processions organised by Socialist societies; and whether any instructions have been issued to this effect?

In the Metropolitan Police District, to which I presume the hon. Member refers, no order has been made under Section 3 (3) of the Public Order Act, 1936, prohibiting Communist processions as such. The order now in force prohibits, in the area in East London to which it applies, the holding of all public processions of a political character.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Commissioner of Police in the last 12 months has had to exercise, his powers under the Public Order Act to ban Communist and Fascist processions, respectively, in any part of London; and, if so, will he give the districts and the total duration of the ban in each district?

The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis has not taken any action to ban Communist or Fascist processions as such: but on five occasions he has, with my right hon. Friend's consent, made an order under Section 3 (3) of the Public Order Act, 1936, prohibiting the holding of all public processions of a political character in an area in East London comprising the boroughs of Bethnal Green, Poplar, Shoreditch, and Stepney and parts of Hackney and Islington. These orders have been in operation since 21st June last, and the latest order will expire on 13th June next. No such order has been made prohibiting public processions in any other part of the Metropolitan Police district.

Would it be possible to extend that order to Westminster and Kensington as well?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that an application was made to his Department for a procession to march in the East End of London through Commercial Road to the Embankment, and that it was prohibited, although it was only a civil procession?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any statement to make regarding the several resignations recently tendered by senior officers of the Metropolitan Police; and will he state the reasons given for these resignations?

Out of eight senior officers of the Metropolitan Police Force who have recently given notice of resignation, two wished to take up posts outside the force and five are retiring on pension in the normal course. The other resignation is apparently consequent upon an appointment which the Commissioner had decided to make.

Is this not the largest batch of resignations on record in such a short time?

These two officers who are taking up outside appointments are taking up air-raid precautions work.

asked the Home Secretary the cause of the accident at the Northern Aluminium Works, Banbury, Oxfordshire, on Thursday last, when a worker was electrocuted?

A report which I have received shows that the accident was caused by the trapping of a temporary electric cable between the wheel of an overhead crane and its track. The insulation of the cable was destroyed, and the crane and its appliances made alive. The action to be taken on the report is under consideration.

asked the Home Secretary whether any special air-raid precautions fire-fighting equipment has yet been distributed to local authorities, and when he anticipates this distribution will be complete?

Over 150 fire pumps, mostly of the larger and heavier types, have been issued to fire brigades for use in connection with their emergency measures. About 600 more machines of these types have been ordered, together with about 3,000 light trailer pumps. It is hoped that most of these machines will have been delivered by the end of this year. It is not possible to say, at present, how many additional machines may be required.

asked the Home Secretary whether any embargo is being placed by his Department on the construction of air-raid shelters until the surveys have been completed and a complete scheme planned and approved?

asked the Home Secretary whether, pending the results of the surveys to be conducted into the need for air-raid shelters by local authorities, he will consider the advisability of initiating work forthwith upon the construction of some shelters in those areas in which it is clear that some shelters will be needed?

No definite practice of the kind mentioned by my hon. Friend the Member for Huddersfield (Mr. Mabane) has been laid down. I think, however, that as indicated in the circular of 28th March it is to be preferred that surveys should be carried out before the question of special construction is considered.

Can my hon. Friend give an assurance that where new buildings are being erected in particular areas, his Department will raise no objection to air-raid shelters being included if the expenditure is not excessive, and will such expenditure be eligible for grant?

It will depend upon whether they fit in with the scheme of the local authority in the light of their survey.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that delay in making provision for travelling expenses of air-raid precautions volunteers is being excused by local authorities on the ground that Home Office approval is still being awaited; whether there is any justification for this excuse; and whether an immediate instruction will be sent to all local authorities to make the necessary provision forthwith?

My right hon. Friend does not consider that any general instruction is necessary, but if my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind and will let me know, I will make inquiries.

asked the Home Secretary when it is proposed to issue the householder's handbook generally to all householders?

As stated in the answer given on 3rd February to a question by the hon. Member for North Islington (Dr. Guest), the present distribution of the book to local authorities was made in order to decide in what form printed advice to each householder could most effectively be given and how and when it should be distributed. The copies asked for by local authorities, totalling some 700,000 in all, were in the main distributed last month. My right hon. Friend does not think the time has yet come when he can properly invite them to let him have their considered views. Meanwhile the book is available for air-raid wardens and others to use in giving advice to householders and the general public.

asked the Home Secretary when it is proposed to issue the structural handbook relating to air-raid precautions?

asked the Home Secretary how soon it is proposed to issue, as promised, notes indicating the standards of construction which are regarded as desirable from the point of view of air-raid protection; and whether he is satisfied that this will be sufficient without legislation to enforce their observance?

Guidance on structural measures will be issued in the near future, though I am not in a position at the moment to give a precise date. I am glad to say that the leading architectural and engineering bodies are prepared to collaborate in disseminating technical advice on this matter, and it would be premature at this stage to express any definite opinion on the need for legislation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that unofficially these expert bodies have for the past 12 months been advising their own people on these questions, and that matters are technically well in hand as between the technical authorities and their advisers?

Yes, I think that these bodies have been doing very valuable work indeed.

asked the Home Secretary what system at present exists for rapidly warning the population of London of the approach of an air raid?

My right hon. Friend is about to issue a circular to local authorities generally regarding the means of giving public air-raid warnings in towns. Special consideration is being given to the arrangements required in London, in most parts of which special instruments will have to be installed.

Will my hon. Friend answer the question as to the system which at present exists? Surely some system exists at the moment?

Yes, we have been carrying out experiments to find the best instruments for this purpose. There are a good many technical difficulties, but in an emergency the system of maroon warnings could be applied at short notice.

Do the local authorities and the public know about this system?

I do not think there would be any difficulty in making such a system known at short notice if necessary.

If the hon. Gentleman is sending out a circular on the method of warning, will he also send a statement to hon. Members showing the system that will operate for evacuation?

asked the Home Secretary by what method it is proposed that air-raid wardens should communicate to the appropriate authorities regarding the bombs which may have fallen or casualties which may have occurred in the streets for which they are responsible and, if by telephone, whether a system of priority calls has been arranged?

It is proposed that air-raid wardens should make their reports by telephone where possible. For this purpose a system of priority calls should not be necessary, seeing that in most cases the call would be simply by the warden's line to the exchange and from the exchange to the report centre by direct line, without the use of junction lines between exchanges. The warden would control the availability of the line from him to the exchange and it is intended that report centres should have sufficient lines to carry the probable number of incoming calls. I would also point out that where there is automatic telephone working no system of priority calls is possible. As air raids would in any case impose a heavy burden on the telephone system, it will have to be an instruction to the public to avoid using the telephone during and immediately after a raid for any but vitally urgent calls.

Are the Telephone lines being laid yet?

Yes, we are carrying out extensive experiments in some of the air-raid precautions exercises to test the actual working of the scheme.

Are all these lines laid underground?

Some of them are.

Is it not a fact that there is no effective air-raid precautions organisation and that the local authorities are continually going backwards and forwards but get no proper information from the Home Office?

That is quite untrue. The organisation of air-raid precautions is making great progress all over the country.

Is it not a fact that the book which the Home Office has issued has most of the pages blank, indicating that later information will be supplied?

I do not understand what the hon. Gentleman means when he refers to a book, because the Home Office has been issuing a series of elaborate and technical instructions.

asked the Home Secretary in what manner the services of doctors are being enlisted for duty in connection with air raids; and whether those who have offered their services for this work have been allocated to specific districts?

Doctors will be required in connection with air-raid precautions primarily for supplementing hospital staffs, and my right hon. Friend is in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health on the whole question of hospital provision. In the meantime the scheme for the training of doctors in anti-gas measures is proceeding steadily.

asked the Home Secretary whether the contemplated survey of air-raid shelter accommodation is to include accommodation in private houses for the use of their occupants; and whether it is intended that local authorities shall provide special shelters for all those for whom existing shelters are not available?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Norwood (Mr. Sandys) on 7th April.

asked the Home Secretary whether he notified the local authorities of his intention to make a broadcast appeal for air-raid volunteers on 14th March, and, if so, when?

My right hon. Friend's intention was published in the Press in advance of the broadcast, but no formal communication was made to the local authorities.

asked the Home Secretary how many local authorities have completed schemes for the evacuation in case of war of school children from dangerous to less dangerous areas, in accordance with paragraph 6 of the Board of Education's Circular 1461; and which authorities have been informed by the Home Office that their area is ranked as dangerous?

The question of the most appropriate means of providing protection for school children, whether by evacuation or by other means, is being closely examined in the light of local circumstances by all those concerned. Advice is being made available by the Department as required in order that proper decisions may be taken.

Is it not a fact that in this circular local authorities have been told that in dangerous areas they will have to prepare schemes, and how are the local authorities to know which areas are to be regarded as dangerous?

The whole question of evacuation is now being considered by my right hon. Friend.

Does that mean that this circular will have no effect until another circular comes out explaining it?

I think that, while certain plans can be made by local authorities, my hon. Friend is right in thinking that no definite steps can be taken until my right hon. Friend has considered the matter.

Do we understand that no areas have been warned that they may be dangerous areas?

asked the Home Secretary whether it is proposed to send a proportion of hospital patients from the more vulnerable areas to other parts of the country; and, if so, what arrangements have been made in the case of London?

This is one of the matters in connection with hospitals generally about which my right hon. Friend is in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

Have no arrangements yet been made in London?

I informed the House yesterday that we hope the survey of London will be completed in the next few weeks.

But no definite arrangements have yet been made?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that hospital accommodation in provincial towns is already overtaxed, and that if anything is to be done in this matter serious attention should be given to that fact?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Sheffield Corporation Rating Committee, in reply to a question by property owners, has intimated that any shelters for air-raid protection would automatically increase the value of the property; and whether he proposes to take any steps to prevent assessments being increased in respect of the construction of shelters?

I am making inquiries as to the case mentioned.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received a report from the Chief Commissioner of Police as to the estimated number of persons present at the meeting in Hyde Park on Sunday, l0th April?

Yes, Sir. The Commissioner of Police estimates that about 3,000 people were present when the meeting began at 3.30 p.m., and that by 5 p.m. about 7,000 people were present.

Did my hon. Friend see the report in the "Daily Herald" that 120,000 were present?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any statement to make with reference to the proposed application by the German Government of the German Registration Act of 3rd February, 1938, to Germans and former Austrians in this country; whether, so far as the British Government is concerned, such persons are free to take whatever action they think fit as regards registration; and whether the German plan is in accordance with the usual international practice?

The effect of the new German law to which the hon. Member refers is that every German national residing for longer than three months in the district of the same German Consulate is under an obligation to report to that Consulate, and to keep the Consulate informed of every change in his personal status and every change of address within the district. I believe that other States encourage their nationals while abroad to register with their local Consul, but it is, I think, unusual for them to require such detailed particulars. So far as His Majesty's Government are concerned, individual aliens who are resident in this country and are affected by the new law are entirely free to choose whether or not they will comply with its requirements.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the questions that are being asked at the German Consulate are of a very searching nature, and that considerable apprehension exists among Germans over here? Will he make it clear that German aliens in this country are subject to British, and not German law?

My right hon. Friend made that clear the other day.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that we are now in a position to take from Germany some of her finest citizens?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the decision of the Liverpool City Council, of 6th April, not to make grants to non-provided schools; has the council sent in schemes to meet the requirements of the Education Act, 1936; is he aware that a suggested scheme to build council schools to meet the full demands under the Acts will be most expensive to the ratepayers and, if built, will not be used by the denominational bodies; and, in view of the costly expenditure in this city on council schools and the necessity for modern non-provided schools, what action does he intend to take to see that the provisions of the Education Act, 1936, are put into operation in Liverpool?

The Board have been informed by the Liverpool local education authority that they have decided to make no grants towards the provision of new or the enlargement of existing non-provided schools and that they have instructed the education committee to take all steps necessary to provide such additional school accommodation as may be required to comply with the provisions of the Education Acts. My Noble Friend is aware that the provision of council schools will involve the authority in heavier expenditure than would have resulted from the exercise of their powers to make grants under Section 8 of the Education Act, 1936, and is likely to give rise to other difficulties. But as the hon. Member has already been informed, the Board are not in a position to compel the authority to make grants for non-provided schools. They are, however, in a position to require the authority to carry out the duty imposed upon them by Section 17 of the Education Act, 1921, to provide a sufficient amount of elementary school accommodation, and this they propose to do.

Is the hon. Member not aware that through the Government an agreement was arrived at which was adopted by this House, which was a national compromise unique in the history of the House; and, in view of the possibility that sectarian differences may arise in Liverpool, is it not possible for the grant which is made by the Treasury to be altered and deductions made seeing that the local authority seems to avoid its responsibility in this matter? Is he not also aware that in the past sectarian differences have created great difficulty and that we are anxious to get rid of them and that might be possible if this solution could be applied by the Treasury?

I am aware of some of the points raised by the hon. Member, but such a grant is not permissible under the Education Act. I may add, for my hon. Friend's information, that since we have been informed of the authority's decision my Noble Friend has called upon them for a statement of their alternative proposals. As a member of the education committee he will be aware of that.

If I bring the matter up after the Recess will the hon. Member be able to give a further reply?

Possibly I may have some further information by then.

Can the hon. Gentleman say why there is always trouble in Liverpool when we do not get it in any other part of the country?

asked the Minister of Health whether, having regard to the divergence of opinions upon matters of fact that are expressed by various authorities upon bovine tuberculosis, pasteurisation and other matters affecting the supply and consumption of milk, he will appoint a committee to investigate and to report upon these problems?

I am advised that the facts with regard to bovine tuberculosis and pasteurisation in relation to the milk supply are sufficiently well established by inquiries such as that of the Committee of the Economic Advisory Council on Cattle Diseases, of which I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that sufficient research has not in fact been done to enable authorities, notably the Ministry of Agriculture, to issue regulations that are not hotly contested by eminent medical and veterinary authorities; and if I bring such information to his notice will he give this matter further consideration, inquiry and action?

I rather gather that my hon. and gallant Friend ought to communicate with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture.

Is the Minister going to do anything to discourage biased propaganda on the question of pasteurisation by the medical authorities?

That is a different matter.

Is the Minister aware that there has been no publication of any of the evidence submitted to the Cattle Disease Committee, which did not apply its mind to the question of human tuberculosis but to cattle diseases, and that there has been no evidence before us except this——

The hon. Member is giving information.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been directed to the economy that is being made in many areas at the cost of poor people, as evidenced in the proposed action of the Salford City Council in closing down two wards in the Hope Hospital, the issuing of instructions to the doctors not to use certain medicines unless absolutely necessary, and the low allowances made to cover the cost of the maintenance of the nursing staff; and, in view of this, will he take action to improve the financial position of the local authorities, where rates are 15s. or more in the £?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. My attention, however, has been drawn to a newspaper report which indicates that the Salford City Council have under consideration certain proposals in regard to the Hope Hospital. I am in communication with the Council in the matter, and will inform the hon. Member of the result.

The right hon. Gentleman is student of local affairs and is bound to be aware of the economy which is being made at the expense of the poorest of the poor in the North of England, and, in view of that state of affairs, will he not use the same initiative in dealing with it as he showed in the conduct of affairs when he was at the Post Office?

asked the Minister of Health the number of voluntary contributors for national health insurance pensions in England and Wales as at the last convenient date; and the number of applications that have been refused for widows' pensions, including allowances for dependent children, under the Contributory Pensions Acts since the commencement of same, giving the principal reasons for disallowance?

On 31st December, 1937, the number of voluntary contributors in England and Wales under the national health insurance and contributory pensions schemes was approximately 674,300. In the 12 years from the commencement of the scheme to 31st December, 1937, the total number of rejected claims for widows' and orphans' pensions whether in respect of voluntary or compulsory contributors was 207,358, the principal reasons for rejection being that the husband was not insured at death or that 104 contributions had not been paid in respect of his insurance.

Have there been many objections put forward to these regulations?

That ought to be the subject of another question after the Recess.

asked the Prime Minister when the cable and wireless agreement will be submitted to Parliament for approval; and whether ample time will be given for the consideration of the position of the staffs affected?

Legislation will be required to implement the agreement, and when it is brought forward there will be an opportunity for full discussion to take place. I have no reason to suppose that the agreement will have any adverse effect on the staffs concerned.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea of when this legislation is likely to be brought forward?

I cannot give any exact date, but I think it will not be long after the Recess.

asked the Prime Minister what is the purpose of the approaching visit of the Secretary of State for War to the head of the Italian Government, and what matters will be discussed between them?

My right hon. Friend has left for Malta to-day, and on his return through Rome will pay a courtesy visit to the head of the Italian Government.

Is it the case that this visit really has no political significance whatsoever?

That is so.

Has it any publicity value?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, since the recent increase of the duty upon imported lager beer, Danish brewers have borne the duty themselves rather than pass it on to the consumer in this country; and whether, in view of the fact that this action has rendered the increased duty valueless as regards protection for the British producer of lager beer, he will review the matter in connection with his forthcoming Budget?

I am aware of the allegation referred to. There are a number of facts to be considered, but, with regard to the second part of the question, I cannot anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget statement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the reasons for the increase in the number and value of motor cars imported into this country from Germany from 35 cars, to the value of £8,815, in the first two months of 1936, to 2,339 cars, to the value of £200,384, in the first two months of this year; the average import duty levied on these cars; and whether their export to this country is subsidised from any source in Germany?

The rate of duty chargeable on foreign motor cars on importation into this country is 33⅓ per cent. ad valorem. I have heard the opinion expressed that the export of motor cars from Germany to this country is subsidised, but I have no official information on the subject.

Do not those figures prove either that the export of these cars is subsidised or, considering the price at which they are sold in this country, that British cars are sold at exorbitant prices?

If the German Government like to give presents to buyers of motor cars in this country, that system, provided that it is not overdone, is not altogether bad from our point of view.

Is it not now common knowledge that a very large number of exporters to this country are subsidised, and that the subsidies are causing very great inconvenience to many branches of British industry; and cannot His Majesty's Government decide to take some action?

If we find that the subsidy is causing a disturbance we shall have to consider it, but what I said was that we had no official information of that kind.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman take steps to ascertain what is going on, or is he content to have no information and to do nothing?

The Board of Trade take every step they can to obtain information relative to the welfare of British industry.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that German exporters of coal are subsidised to the extent of 7s. per ton, and will not the Government and the Board of Trade consider a matter which is putting a large number of British workers on to the road?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the depression now prevailing in the tinplate industry, as is revealed in the fact that there are 97 less mills operating in the industry at the present time than at the corresponding period of last year, he will give consideration to the possibilities of an extension of the food-canning industry of the country, so as to relieve the depression in the tinplate industry and also assist in the storage of food in preparation for a possible national emergency?

I regret that there is at present nothing to add to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member on 14th December last.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the heavy increases in the import duties on cotton goods announced by the Egyptian Government on 11th April; whether he has considered the effect of these new impositions upon the cotton trade in Lancashire; and what steps the Government contemplate taking to counteract the effect of these measures upon Lancashire's staple industry?

Yes, Sir. The increases in question have been brought to the notice of His Majesty's Government, who are considering the position in consultation with the interests affected.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consult with the Minister of Labour so that plans can be got forward for the rehabilitation of Lancashire as well as South Wales, while this process is going on?

That is a different question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether with a view to extending aid to China, as recommended by the Assembly of the League in the resolution of 5th October. 1937, he will facilitate the granting of long-term credits to the Chinese Government so as enable them to maintain effectively their resistance to Japanese aggression?

If in present circumstances the Chinese Government found it possible to obtain long-term credits from British financial institutions, any request for my right hon. Friend's consent to such an operation would be sympathetically considered.

Will the Prime Minister say whether His Majesty's Government will encourage the financial agencies of this country to grant those credits, in view of the statement made by Dr. Sun Foo, the President of the Chinese Legislative Assembly, only the day before yesterday, that financial aid from other countries would enable China to shorten the war?

That appears to be a matter of opinion. As a matter of fact, I think the question is under the consideration of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

If necessary, will the Government consider giving Government guarantees for this purpose in pursuance of their obligations under the Covenant of the League?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make concerning an attack by a Japanese soldier at Peking on 7th April upon a British officer and sergeant arriving from Tientsin?

This incident is at present under investigation by the local British and Japanese authorities, and I am not in a position to make any definite statement for the moment.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the growing resentment among civil servants generally at the employment by the Govenment in paid posts of men already in receipt of good pensions awarded in non-Civil Service work outside; and whether he will take steps to have this policy changed?

I am not aware that any such feeling exists, but if the lion. Member will let me have particulars of any cases which he has in mind, I will see that they are examined.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman really consider the point I make in this question, that it is better to have promotion from the existing ranks rather than to bring in people from outside to fill these vacancies?

If the hon. Member will let me have particulars of any cases which he has in mind I will have them looked into.

asked the Postmaster-General, why an ex-criminal investigation department officer has been appointed as an inspector of doorkeepers at the Post Office; and whether he can state his police pension and his salary as inspector of doorkeepers?

None of the existing doorkeepers or sergeants of doorkeepers possesses the personality, power of control or organising ability required for the post of inspector. The officer selected for the appointment has been attached to the Post Office Investigation Department for over 15 years, and has shown that he possesses these qualities. He has also an intimate knowledge of the Post Office. He has a police pension of £276 11s. per annum, and the appointment carries a wage of 80s. per week (rising to 95s.).

In view of the large number of men unemployed, is it good policy that a man in receipt of a pension of that extent should have it supplemented by 80s. a week?

The Appointments Board selected this gentleman as the most suitable candidate for the position that was vacant. As regards policy, I will discuss that with my right hon. and gallant Friend the Postmaster-General.

Has any special examination to be passed before a man becomes an inspector of doorkeepers?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that the Sea Fish Industry Commission is not permitted to purchase and sell white fish wholesale, he can state whether he has given consideration to the recent action of the Potato Marketing Board in buying and selling potatoes fit for human consumption with a view to similar prohibition?

As I explained in reply to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Cardiff, South (Captain A. Evans) on Monday last, the Potato Marketing Board's powers to buy and sell potatoes are limited under their scheme to potatoes which are surplus to the needs of human consumption. I do not think that there is any analogy between the position of the board and that of the commission it is proposed to set up under the Sea Fish Industry Bill.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, before the House rises, he can make any statement as to the Government's policy with regard to the poultry industry?

No, Sir. I am afraid that I am not in a position to make a statement to-day.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the average price of eggs produced and sold in this country during the year ended 31st March, 1938, or during the latest year for which figures are available, when the average is weighted for the number of eggs sold at each price?

The necessary information is not available to enable the weighted average price of eggs in general to be calculated. It is estimated, however, that the weighted average price of English National Mark Standard eggs during the year ended 28th February, 1938, the latest period for which information is available, was is. 6¼d. per dozen.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that about 400 Scotsmen committed to prison during the last 12 months for various offences were unable to read or write; whether he can indicate the districts in Scotland in which the offences mainly took place; and whether he can offer any explanation of the high rate of illiteracy in this class of the population?