asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the resolution passed by the members of the Greenock Central Co-operative Society, Limited, at its general meeting on 22nd April, 1938, about the fiscal policy of the Government, a copy of which has been communicated to him by the hon. Member for Greenock; and what action he proposes to take in connection therewith?

I have received the resolution to which the hon. and learned Member refers. The statements made therein appear to me to be mostly without any serious foundation, and I cannot agree that the proposals in it would be practicable or, indeed, would have the effect desired.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give an assurance that, until a satisfactory settlement has been reached with the Mexican Government in regard to the seizure of British property in that country, no Mexican oil will be allowed to be included in any Government contract or purchase?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Home Secretary what progress has been made in the storage of gas-masks by local authorities for the counties of Northumberland and Durham, and when such provision will be completed?

The circular to local authorities on this question was only issued on 4th April. While I understand that both counties are making the necessary preparations, no proposals as a result of the circular have yet been submitted.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of duty collected from March, 1935, to March, 1938, on the capital of newly formed companies, and the total amount of capital involved?

The net receipt of Companies Capital Duty, including duty paid by companies already on the register as well as duty paid by new companies in the last three financial years, was as follows:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, in consequence of the case of Spilsbury v. Spofforth, the inspectors of taxes are asking those men who are under an obligation to pay alimony where the amount is free of tax to pay the duty at the full standard rate in force, even although the combined income of the husband and his former wife are both exempt from income tax or chargeable at the lower rate; that the tax has to be collected from the man and subsequently repaid to the former wife; and whether he will give further instructions to the revenue officers that this practice should cease?

The legal position, following the decision in the case mentioned, is as stated by my hon. and gallant Friend. The questions involved are complicated and technical, and if my hon. and gallant Friend will let me have particulars of any case that he has in mind, I will have inquiries made and communicate further with him.