asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the difficulties experienced by the Wolverhampton Town Council in obtaining competitive tenders for the supply of coal and that the total increase in the price of coal since the new marketing scheme was started is 4s. 2d. per ton at Cosford, 6s. per ton at Tettenhall, and 5s. 9d. at Dimmingsdale, percentage increases of 29 per cent., 46 per cent. and 62 per cent.; and whether he will take steps to enable alternative tenders to be obtained?

The control of the sale of coal by a central authority involves the absence of inter-colliery price competition, but in the cases quoted by the hon. Member I understand that the increases in price since 1st August, 1936, when the organised selling schemes came into operation are smaller than those suggested in the question. As regards the last part of the question, I would suggest that if this town council considers that it is being treated unfairly, it should complain to the committees of investigation for the districts in question.

Does not the Minister consider that these increases are beyond all reason?

I have just told the hon. Member that they are not the correct increases, and that the correct ones are smaller.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has given consideration to the report on the causes and circumstances of the Holditch, North Staffordshire, explosion; and what steps are being taken to carry out the recommendations made in the report by the Chief Inspector of Mines?

Yes, Sir. The three recommendations in regard to the danger of the ignition of firedamp by the sparking or heating sometimes produced by coalcutter picks are being dealt with as follow:

How many more of these terrible explosions are there to be before the Government take action in bringing forward new safety legislation?

The hon. Gentleman knows that, as regards safety legislation, we are awaiting the report of the Royal Commission set up to advise on this very point.

Is it not time that the Minister spoke in very strong language to the Commission, and told them it was time they were getting a move on? Let us have the report.

Is it not a fact that all the explosions of recent years have taken place where machinery was driven electrically and does not the Minister think the time has come for a drastic revision of the regulations governing the use of electricity in coal mines?

Those are all questions separate from that on the Paper. If the hon. Member wants a considered reply, perhaps he will put that question on the Paper.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman give an undertaking that he will expedite the publication of the report and the proceedings, and does not he agree that this is only part of the whole problem?

That question, again, is wide of the question on the Paper, but the evidence has been published, and as far as the report is concerned, that is a matter for the Royal Commission.

Will the Minister give an answer to my question as to when we may expect the report?

I thought I had already made that clear. I am in the hands of the Royal Commission, which is now considering its report. I cannot say more than that.

asked the Secretary for Mines the approximate annual consumption of coal used by the fleet of herring drifters working from the United Kingdom?

I am advised that the Herring Industry Board estimate that herring drifters working from the United Kingdom use approximately 150,000 tons of coal per annum.

Has my hon. and gallant Friend considered the statement recently issued by the Government that they were going to give a subsidy for herring drifters driven by motor power, and will not that be very serious to the coal industry?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any instructions have been issued to the representatives of the South African Protectorates on the recently created Joint Conference with the Union Government in South Africa to consider the well-being of these Territories; if so, what is their nature, and whether any consultations have been arranged with the natives concerned; and whether any methods have been worked out for ascertaining their wishes?

No special instructions of the nature referred to have been issued. It will naturally be the object of the Resident Commissioners, who represent the Territories on the Joint Advisory Conference, to promote the well-being of the Territories for the administration of which they are responsible. The Resident Commissioners will keep in close touch with the native chiefs in the Territories, with a view both to keeping them informed of progress in the Joint Advisory Conference's work and to discussing with them proposals which may come before the Conference.

If the ultimate purpose of this policy is that the Protectorates should form some part of the Union of South Africa, is it not desirable that definite instructions should be given by the Government to the Commissioners who are serving on this Conference, and should not some more direct contact be kept with the natives concerned?

The Conference has nothing whatever to do with the question of transfer. The Conference is simply concerned with co-operation between the Administrations and the Union Government on schemes which may be for the economic well-being of the Territories, without prejudice to the question of transfer or the attitude of the natives towards it.

Will the Conference inquire as to what is the attitude of the natives towards the question of transfer, and the conditions in which transfer might be accepted by them?

The Conference has nothing to do with the question of transfer, or the attitude of the natives towards transfer. That question is being dealt with quite separately, in another way altogether.

Is not this Conference intended to pave the way towards transfer?

The Conference is purely concerned, as has been announced, with considering schemes which may help the economic development of the Territories.

Is not this one of the rare cases where hurry is not desirable?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will supply statistics of wage rates, amounts annually earned, and proportions of adult male natives working for wages at any one time, in Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia, and Nyasaland?

Complete and up-to-date particulars in regard to these points are not available here, but the Governments of the territories concerned are being asked for the information, and I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as replies are received.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will particularly request the Commission about to visit East Africa to ensure that, should any amalgamation be recommended, the earning capacity and opportunities of natives in particular districts shall not be endangered or reduced?

I would remind the hon. Member that under their terms of reference the Royal Commission, which is proceeding to Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, are to have due regard to the interests of all the inhabitants, irrespective of race, of the territories concerned, and to the special responsibility of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom for the interests of the native inhabitants.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the heavy subsidies to Newfoundland from this country, substantial social and economic progress is being made to warrant this cost and absence of democratic institutions; whether any steps are being taken to create some channels for expressing public opinion on the Island to the Commission of Government; and how soon will representative government be restored in this British Dominion?

As regards the first and third parts of the question, there is certainly no doubt as to the substantial social and economic progress which has been made in Newfoundland under the Commission of Government, but the process of recovery must necessarily be gradual and the Island cannot be expected to be self-supporting for some considerable time to come: in the circumstances there is no present prospect of restoration of the previous form of Constitution. As regards the second part of the question, It is the aim of the Commission to keep in close touch with local opinion both in day to day administration and on major questions of policy, and the best methods of securing this are constantly under review. A variety of contacts have already been developed for this purpose, both through standing bodies andad hocconferences, and through trade, labour and charitable organisations.

Are we to understand from that reply that it will now be a principle of government that the test for the preservation of democratic institutions will be the ability of the Territory to balance its budget or to pay its way?

We are now considering the particular question of Newfoundland, and we are working in accordance with the wishes of the people of the Island as expressed at the time when this new form of government was established.

Will the Minister consider setting up some advisory committee whereby the people of Newfoundland can express themselves to the Commission?

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied from the representations he has had from the Island itself that this form of government is, in the circumstances, meeting the need of the people there?

I think the answer which I gave to the original question really covers that point. I think that, generally speaking, the good government which is being given by the Commission is appreciated throughout the Island. With regard to the question by the hon. Member opposite, as I have said, the question of the most appropriate form of consultation with the local population is constantly under review, and at present I am satisfied that the methods which are being adopted are the most satisfactory in all the circumstances. Certainly, I have not recently had any complaints on this point from the Island itself.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs particulars of the advances made to the Swaziland tobacco growers, including native growers, in respect of the annual crop delivered by them to the local co-operative tobacco society for disposal for the 12 months ended at the last convenient date; the amount of the funds for these advances that have been provided by loans from the administration; and also of the terms of the appointment of one of the directors of the society who is appointed by the resident commissioner?

I have not the details referred to in the first and last parts of the question, but I am asking the High Commissioner for the desired information. As to the second part, it has been the practice during recent years for the administration to advance to the Swaziland Cooperative Tobacco Company a seasonal loan of £8,000 to finance the annual crop when ready for delivery.

Has any application been made by the native chief or his council for an increase in the grant to tobacco growers?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to allow delivery in the United Kingdom of any Mexican petroleum for sale here to the public as a result of an arrangement by a British subject to purchase Mexican petroleum at a time when His Majesty's Government are protesting against the confiscation of British-owned property; and will he prevent delivery on principle, in the interests of British investors whose property is now being subjected to unfair treatment by the Mexican authorities?

I would refer to the answer given on 27th April by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to a question by the hon. and learned Member for Greenock (Mr. R. Gibson) which intimated that

asked the President of the Board of Trade what information is in the possession of his Department as to the subsidies paid by the German Government in respect of motor-cars exported to this country?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will inquire from the German Government what export subsidy is paid in respect of Opel cars imported into this country?

Up to the present I have been unable to obtain any definite information as to the payment of subsidies by the German Government in respect of motor-cars exported to this country, but I am making further inquiries. the marketing of oil from the expropriated properties would be a matter of embarrassment to His Majesty's Government. I have nothing to add to that reply.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity of oil imported into this country from Mexico during each of the last three years, together with the imports for the first quarter of this year; and whether there is any interference by the Government with such oil being imported into this country at the present time?

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving the desired particulars of imports. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to-day to the hon. Member for Lincoln (Mr. Liddall).

Can my right hon. Friend say why certain classes of motor cars manufactured in Germany are offered for sale in this country at substantially lower prices than those at which they are offered for sale in Germany?

The hon. Member will, of course, realise the difference between a direct Government subsidy to an industry and a subsidy which takes the form of an industrial pool which may subsidise exports. It is difficult to get any definite information on a point of this kind, but I am trying to get what further information I can.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's Department made inquiries from our commercial counsellor in Berlin who is usually well informed on these matters?

Yes, my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, in answer to a question the other day, referred to information we have got from our commercial counsellor which had been put in the form of a report.

Does the right hon. Gentleman notice that the second question asks whether he will inquire from the German Government? Has he made such direct inquiries, and, if so, has there been a refusal to reply?

I have said that I am making further inquiries, and it was in answer to the question about inquiries of the German Government that I put that in.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the extent of the information in his possession as to the export of fabric gloves from Germany to this country being in any way subsidised?

I have no evidence that exports of fabric gloves from Germany to this country are subsidised. I would add that imports of fabric gloves from Germany have declined considerably in recent years.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the date of the last decision of the Import Duties Advisory Committee with reference to the application of the British fabric glove industry for an increased protective duty; whether, since then, he has received any representations with regard to the importation into this country of subsidised foreign-made fabric gloves; and what action it is now proposed to take for the protection of all interests of this British industry?

An application for an increased duty on fabric gloves was rejected by the Import Duties Advisory Committee in December, 1936, and the rejection was confirmed by the Committee in February, 1937. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the reply I gave to him on 2nd November. I would add that total imports of fabric gloves in the first three months of this year were substantially less than in the corresponding period of last year.

Would my right hon. Friend consider, in view of the difficulties which this industry is now facing, referring the whole question to the Import Duties Advisory Committee and letting them investigate the conditions and make a report such as they did in the case of the iron and steel industry?

The Import Duties Advisory Committee have considered the application of this industry on two occasions within the last 18 months and have rejected the application for additional duties.

Would my right hon. Friend ask the committee in this special case to tell the industry the reasons for the rejection so that the industry may take such steps as may be available to put itself in a position to make a subsequent application?

I referred in previous answers to one of the reasons for earlier rejections. If the hon. Gentleman will study the figures of the imports of these goods and see how they have fallen steadily over the last four or five years, and fallen even more rapidly in the first few months of this year, he will see that the major part of the problem is not that of increasing competition from abroad.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that one of the difficulties of the Lancashire fine spinning trade is that these gloves are riot being made and imported to this country? If any inquiry is made, will he see that their interests are taken into consideration?

The Import Duties Advisory Committee on one occasion called particular attention to that and to the effect on the Lancashire cotton industry of any abnormal restriction of imports.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has had any consultations with representatives of the tinplate and steelsheet trades in reference to the present depression affecting them and resulting in the widespread stoppage of works, with consequent unemployment; and whether he is taking any steps to assist in the recovery of these trades?

I have had no representations recently from these trades on the subject; but any proposals they wish to put before me will, of course, receive consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this trade is more depressed than it has been at any time since the end of the War, and will he make inquiries of representatives of the workers and employers in the trade to see what can be done to assist it?

I understand that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour is this week receiving a deputation which will deal largely with this subject.

Will my right hon. Friend consider asking the Import Duties Advisory Committee to inquire into this particular difficulty?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the growing concern among those engaged in the exporting trades of the country at the loss of markets to foreign competitors and to the increasing difficulties encountered in maintaining our export trade by the growth of impediments to trade such as quota restrictions, by the uncertainties created by currency fluctuations, and the impossibility of maintaining markets against the subsidised competition of foreign traders; and whether he can indicate whether the Government contemplate taking comprehensive measures to assist the export trade to overcome these difficulties?

The problems referred to in this question are hardly susceptible of being dealt with within the compass of a Parliamentary answer. I am, however, well aware of the various restrictions and uncertainties which confront United Kingdom exporters at the present time, and His Majesty's Government constantly endeavour to remove or mitigate these difficulties. In particular, it is their policy to stimulate the export trade by appropriate methods, and especially by the negotiation of bilateral trade agreements.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the export trade during the first five months of this year has met with continual new difficulties, that there is a serious decline in coal and tin exports particularly, and in all the export trades, and does he realise it is becoming a serious matter in the areas which are dependent on those trades and that it will eventually become a serious matter for the country; and will he say what he can do to assist?

The hon. Member asked in his question for comprehensive measures. I do not believe that you can devise a comprehensive measure which will deal with the difficulties of various export trades under quite different conditions to various countries. It seems to me that the right method of approach is to try to deal with individual cases and individual countries.

In view of the fact that we cannot force British goods into foreign markets, will my right hon. Friend consider replacing foreign markets by increasing the British home market by higher tariffs?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to state whether, and, if so, when, he will be prepared to introduce an Enabling Bill for the cotton industry?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the representations made to him by organisations in the Lancashire cotton trade regarding possible legislation; and whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding the Government's intentions in this connection?

I can add nothing at present to the reply which I gave on 22nd March to my hon. Friend the Member for Bury (Mr. Chorlton).

The answer given then was that this matter was being considered. I would like to ask the Minister whether he is aware that while this consideration is taking place, and being long-drawn-out, the feeling of despair in Lancashire is growing at the continuous decline in the staple industry there; and, if he is aware of that, will he expedite either this enabling Bill or something else to take its place?

In his consideration of this matter will my right hon. Friend take cognisance of the large number of people in Lancashire and Cheshire who are violently opposed to anything of the kind?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, owing to the loss of the markets in the Far East, Egypt, India and West Africa, there has been a staggering increase in the number of unemployed in the cotton trade in the last few months, and that it is in a worse position than any other trade in the country; and does he realise that if anything is to be done it is worth doing it quickly.

I realise all those factors, and I am in touch with the joint committee of the Cotton Trade Organisation. As I informed the House on a previous occasion, very important matters require to be considered as to the effect of what is proposed as a remedy for Lancashire cotton upon other textile industries outside the area. That is a question which cannot be hurried over.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that shoes imported into the United Kingdom from Canada, so obtaining advantage of imperial preference, are in many cases only finished in Canada, the actual process of manufacture having been carried on in the United States of America; and what action is being taken in the matter?

No, Sir. Shoes consigned from Canada are charged with duty unless at least 50 per cent. of their value is derived from prescribed expenditure in the British Empire. There is no evidence of evasion of this condition.

In view of the unemployment in the boot and shoe trade in this country, will my right hon. Friend consider the disparity that exists between the position of the exporter sending from this country to Canada and the Canadian manufacturer sending boots and shoes to this country?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of ships that have been granted provisional certificates of registry since the issue of instructions, at the end of August last, to His Majesty's Consuls that all applications for provisional certificates should undergo special scrutiny?

During the period from the end of August, 1937, to 30th April, 1938, 73 ships were granted provisional certificates of British registry.

Can the Minister say whether any could not comply with the requirements as to title?

In a number of cases the ships were, in fact, foreign-owned before their provisional registration.

asked the Secretary of State for War the total weight and value of home-produced beef, mutton, butter and cheese, respectively, issued to the Army for the years 1935, 1936 and 1937, respectively; and corresponding information as to other than home-produced foods?

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the figures indicate that the farmers of this country will be satisfied that the National Government are encouraging agriculture by feeding our troops upon British agricultural produce?

Following is the statement:

1. Beef and Mutton.
(a) Home killed.
		Approximate Weight.	Approximate Value.
		lbs.	£
1935–36	…	14,300	250
1936–37	…	6,000	160
1937–38	…	6,900	210
(b)Other than home killed(at least 99 per cent. of Dominion origin).
		Approximate Weight.	Approximate Value.
		lbs.	£
1935–36	…	39,415,000	567,000
1936–37	…	44,461,000	683,000
1937–38	…	39,639,000	661,000

The above figures include purchases made at home for the Army and Royal Air Force at home and abroad, and a small quantity for certain naval requirements abroad. Separate figures are not available for beef and mutton, or for purchases at overseas stations.

In addition, foreign preserved meat is issued, in lieu of ordinary meat, for the purpose of maintaining the Army and Royal Air Force reserves at home and abroad, the cost of Dominion supplies being prohibitive.

2. Butter and cheese, all of Dominion origin, are purchased by units at home from the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes out of a cash allowance, and details of weight and value are not available. For units abroad the following purchases of cheese of Dominion origin were made at home:

		Approximate Weight.	Approximate Value.
		lbs.	£
1935–36	‖	610,000	14,600
1936–37	‖	492,000	14, 400
1937–38	‖	341,000	10,600

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any decision has now been arrived at in regard to the disposal of the site of the Duke of York's Headquarters, King's Road, Chelsea?

There is no intention at present of disposing of any part of the site in question.

Can the Minister say how he reconciles that answer with the answer given by one of his predecessors that it was intended to dispose of this site?

Will my right hon. Friend undertake that there shall be no disposal of this very important site without the approval of Parliament?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Sapper James Matthews, 5,044,786, 41st Anti-Aircraft Battalion 5th North Staffords, met with an accident while training with the Territorial Army in July, 1937; that prior to his accident he received a wage of £4 a week and that he has a wife and two children; and when is compensation to be paid?

I understand that the accident was not reported at the time, but in August, 1937, Sapper Matthews reported that he was unable to work owing to injuries to his back, sustained at the beginning of annual training in the previous July. He was asked to produce a certificate from his doctor of incapacity to work and as to the nature, duration and history of the disability for which he had attended him. This has not been produced to date, although it has been repeatedly asked for. In its absence it is difficult to deal with the claim for compensation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses have been completed in Aberdeen in each month of 1938, including April; and the numbers estimated to be completed in the remaining months of 1938?

As the reply involves a table of figures, I propose, with the hon. Baronet's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

Statement showing the number of houses completed by the corporation of Aberdeen during the months of January to April, 1938, and the number estimated by the corporation to be completed in each of the remaining months of the year.

Month	Number of houses completed.	Total
January	46
February	50
March	90
April	66
		252
	Number of houses estimated to be completed.
May	64
June	64
July	66
August	66
September	70
October	74
November	70
December	74
		548
		800

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is informed of the average housing output in Scotland and its relation to the output required to meet the present problems of overcrowding and housing shortage; and whether any steps are being taken to ensure the provision of an adequate supply of building materials to meet the shortage?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I would refer the right hon. Member to the reply given by the Lord Advocate to his question of 3rd May.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that answer does not show what the Government are doing in order to assure an adequate supply of materials for building, which is the main cause of tilt present housing shortage?

That point has been debated three or four times in the House in the last few months, and I do not think it will be possible to do justice to the subject at Question Time.

In the last Debate did not the Secretary of State for Scotland promise that steps would be taken further to the steps which had already been taken, and will the hon. Gentleman answer the question as to whether any further steps have been taken?

If the hon. Member will read the speech of my right hon. Friend on 29th March, when this subject was last debated, I think he will find a full statement on the policy which is being pursued.

Has the Minister taken any steps to remove the "floating factor" of £70 which bears so heavily on the building of working-class houses?

That is another question which has been debated many times in this House.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the conclusions arrived at by his Department which favour motor herring drifters as against steam drifters also indicate that motor trawlers would be more economical than steam trawlers for near or middle water fishing; and whether, in arriving at these conclusions, the effect of the change on the coal industry of the country was considered?

My right hon. Friend had no occasion to examine the relative economy of different types of vessel for purposes of trawling when he was considering the proposals relating to the herring fleet announced in his reply on 14th April. As regards the second part of the question, the effect on the coal industry has been borne in mind, but the problem had to be decided with regard to the present circumstances of the herring industry.

In view of the fact that this change-over will take some time, was it not considered to be in the interests of both the coal industry and the herring industry that some consideration should be given to assisting coal-burning drifters?

The herring proposals are based upon the view that large motor boats are more economical than steam drifters for herring fishing in present circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the statement of the Temple Tenants' Association, sent to him by the hon. Member for Maryhill asserting that the children of that area are terrorised by the police; and will he make inquiry into the charges in that statement?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. From inquiries made there appears to be no foundation for the allegations that children have been terrorised by the police.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in this particular area juvenile crime charges and convictions are three times more than in any other area, although the people there are just ordinary, decent citizens?

The hon. Member's letter was sent to the chief constable, and inquiries were made from the six magistrates who sit at Maryhill police court, and five of them have informed us by letter that there is no foundation for this charge, and the sixth states that he is not familiar with the Temple district.

Can the hon. Gentleman get the names of the magistrates?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total amount of poor relief paid in Scotland for the years ended March, 193o and 1938, respectively?

The total for the year ended May, 1930, was £3,725,057. The expenditure for the year ended May, 1938, cannot be ascertained until abstracts of accounts for the financial year have been received from the local authorities. This will not be for some months yet.

Does the figure for 1938 show an appreciable increase over the figure for 1930?

The only figures I have are for the able-bodied poor, which, of course, show a large decrease by reason of the operation of Part II of the Unemployment Act. If the ordinary poor figures were brought in, certainly there would be a considerable increase in the total figure over 1930.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this increase bears more heavily on the local authorities than on the Government, and will he ask his right hon. Friend to take steps to relieve Scottish local authorities of this burden?

That is another question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that a Return of Persons in Receipt of Poor Relief in England and Wales of 1st January, which analyses nationally and for each public assistance authority the causes of destitution, is published annually; whether he is aware that there is no such publication, covering similar ground, for Scotland, why Scotland is so far behind England and Wales in this matter; and whether he will give an undertaking that a similar annual statement for Scotland will be published?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to a similar question which he addressed to my right hon. Friend on 26th April.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the date when Francis Healy was transferred from Gartloch asylum to Perth prison; whether he was then certified as sane; the date of his removal from Perth prison to Woodilee asylum; the circumstances surrounding his removal and certification; and who were the medical men who again certified him as insane?

Francis Healy was discharged from Gartloch Mental Hospital on 7th February, 1938, the medical superintendent being of the opinion that he had recovered from the mental condition from which he had been suffering. He was taken on that date to Perth Prison. Healy's mental condition subsequently gave rise to anxiety and he was kept under observation. On 17th April, 1938, Healy was certified insane by the medical officer and assistant medical officer of Perth Prison. On the following day he was removed under sheriff's warrant to the Glasgow District Mental Hospital, Woodilee. Healy refused to leave the car in which he was taken to the mental hospital, although every effort was made to induce him to do so. He had, therefore, to be forcibly removed.

Is it not the case that, according to the experts in Scotland, instead of this man's case being looked into by two official doctors of the asylum, there ought to have been an independent doctor; and will the hon. Gentleman tell the House why no independent doctor was brought in in order to assist the official doctors in dealing with this case?

He was certified by the assistant medical officer and the medical officer of the prison under Section 6 of the Act, which provides that:

" When in relation to any person confined in a local prison…it is certified, on soul and conscience, by two medical persons that they have visited and examined such prisoner, and that in their opinion he is insane, it shall be lawful for the sheriff, on summary application at the instance of the administrators of such prison. by a warrant under his hand, to order such prisoner to be removed to a lunatic asylum."

Which Act is that?

That is Section 6 of the Criminal and Dangerous Lunatics (Scotland) Amendment Act, 1871.

Is it not the case that an Act passed only four years ago abrogated that particular Section, and laid it down that one of the two doctors examining anyone alleged to be insane must be an independent doctor?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that question down.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has considered the resolution forwarded to him by the Scottish Daily Newspaper Society with regard to the Official Secrets Act; and has he any statement to make?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which the Under-Secretary gave to a question by the hon. Member for Kirkcaldy (Mr. Kennedy) on 2nd May, to which I am not yet in a position to add.

Can the Home Secretary indicate when he will be in a position to make a statement to the House on this question?

I hope to be in a position to make a statement on Thursday.

asked the Home Secretary the circumstances in which British visas are in future only to be given to former Austrian subjects who can show that they are in no danger of losing their German nationality?

An applicant for a visa who wishes to pay a temporary visit to this country is ordinarily required to be in possession of a passport valid for return to his country, but I have issued instructions that an application by the holder of an Austrian passport who wishes to emigrate and settle in this country will be considered on its merits without regard to the fact that the holder may not be able to return to Austria.

Is the present sympathetic policy in this matter to be continued unchanged?

Yes, Sir, certainly.

Will my right hon. Friend always have regard to the fact that there is still very heavy unemployment in this country?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he has made any provision yet for the political refugee from Spen Valley?

asked the Minister of Labour the position with regard to the trade dispute at Marley Brothers, Wellhead Lane, Birmingham, where a strike has been declared by the National Union of Lock and Metal Workers owing to the unwillingness of the firm to adhere to a recent agreement with regard to wages, overtime, and holidays; and what action he is taking to secure a settlement resulting in the decisions of the Joint Industrial Council being carried out?

According to my information, 13 members of the union ceased work on 30th April owing to the alleged failure of the firm to put into operation an increase in wages agreed by the Joint Industrial Council, to which they are not a party, and to accept the conditions laid down in the agreement. I understand that the firm would be willing to discuss the position with the men concerned but are not prepared to recognise the union. My Department will continue to keep in touch with the parties.

Do we understand that the firm are refusing to recognise trade union representation and to meet their men through the union representatives?

I have said in my answer that they are not prepared to recognise the union.

Is it not the case that they will not be eligible for any Government contracts unless they conform to the House of Commons Fair Wages Clause?

That raises another issue.

Is not that perfectly true?

Will the Minister not take steps to deal with the situation?

I have pointed out in my answer that my Department will get into touch and that we shall do all we can.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state, in age groups, the number of persons that have been transferred from Durham County during the years 1937 and 1938, respectively?

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

asked the Minister of Labour how many ex-service men in receipt of disability pensions are unemployed and registering at Employment Exchanges for employment; how many such men receive unemployment benefit or assistance; and how many such men are classified as suitable for normal occupations, light employment, and sympathetic employment, respectively?

On 4th April, 1938, 29,512 disabled ex-service men were registered at Employment Exchanges as claimants for unemployment benefit or applicants for unemployment assistance allowances, and 1,821 other disabled ex-service men were also registered. Of the total of 31,333, 17,440 were men whose disabilities do not prevent them from following their usual occupations under ordinary industrial conditions, 13,608 were men who are regarded as suitable for employment on work of a light nature, and the remaining 285 were men who were suffering from disabilities which render it difficult for them to secure employment except with some institution specially designed for severely disabled ex-service men, or otherwise by special arrangement. Figures are not available to show the number of those men who are actually in receipt of disability pension or unemployment benefit or assistance.

Has my. right hon. Friend any evidence to show to what extent the degree of disability does prevent these men being engaged?

Following is the reply:

The table below shows the number of men and women over 18 years of age and of boys and girls between 14 and 18 years of age who were transferred by the Department from Durham (excluding Darlington) during 1937 and the first three months of 1938.

I would like to see that on the Order Paper.

Is it not a fact that when an employer is looking for some new hands he naturally looks for men 100 per cent. fit?

I would not say that. The answer to the next question will show the number employed, and if my hon. and learned Friend will consider the two answers together he will see that a lot of disabled men are now employed by employers not on the King's Roll.

asked the Minister of Labour how many ex-service men in receipt of disability pensions are employed under the King's National Roll scheme; and how many such men who are 50 per cent. or more disabled are employed under the King's National Roll scheme?

At the beginning of April, 1938, 316,776 disabled ex-service men were employed by members of the King's National Roll. There are no figures available to show how many of these men were 50 per cent. or more disabled.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what steps have been taken to put into practical effect the general recommendation of the Cadman Report with regard to pilots' representation?

As regards Imperial Airways, I am informed that a ballot of the pilots is to be held very shortly to determine what form of representation the pilots of the company prefer. As regards British Airways, I am informed that satisfactory arrangements for the representation of the pilots have already been completed, by which a joint committee consisting of three representatives of the management and three representatives of the pilots has been set up.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air who is the new full-time chairman of Imperial Airways, Limited?

The new chairman of Imperial Airways, Limited, has not yet been appointed.

Can the hon. and gallant Member tell the House when the new chairman will be appointed, in view of the fact that the Cadman Report was published a few months ago?

I am afraid that I could not give the hon. Member a date, but I can say that both the Government and the company are extremely anxious to obtain a new full-time chairman, but that is not always a very easy thing to do. I am sure that the hon. Member will be prepared to wait until we can get the proper man.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman suggesting that there is not one man in the country capable of taking this job?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether it was proposed to run an air service as from 29th April, 1938, from London to Budapest; and whether this service is in operation?

I understand that at the date of issue of the time tables for the service referred to, it was the intention of Imperial Airways to run this service as from 2nd May. The company subsequently decided that it was unable to carry out its intention without a further subsidy. In the light of the recommendations of the Cadman Committee, the grant of a subsidy for the proposed service raises a number of questions which are now under consideration. In the meantime, I understand that the service is not in operation.

Surely the hon. and gallant Member realises that the Cadman Committee recommended that this service should be run by British Airways and not by Imperial Airways?

Yes, but the whole question of European services is being reconsidered, in the light of the Cadman Committee's Report. The service was previously run by Imperial Airways.

When services like Olley Air Services manage to run financially sound companies, without any subsidy, how is it that these subsidised companies are so inefficient?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of additional moneys to be made available for the development of civil aviation, any immediate steps are being taken, in conjunction with other Governments interested, to arrange for the establishment of a service between Australia and New Zealand; and when it is contemplated that such a service is likely to commence operation?

Yes, Sir. A preliminary meeting to discuss this question will take place shortly in Australia between representatives of the companies nominated by the interested Governments. It is not yet possible to say when a service is likely to commence.

May we take it that this proposal will be one of the first services to be established?

We are anxious to get the service established as quickly as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of British-Pacific interests, it is proposed to establish art air service from Canada to New Zealand and Australia; and whether any and what steps have been taken in the matter?

Tentative discussions have taken place with the Dominion Governments concerned, and preliminary surveys have been made of a number of Pacific islands which might be suitable for air bases. The matter will receive further consideration in connection with the development of air routes of Imperial interest.

Can my hon. and gallant Friend say whether these conversations will be resumed forthwith?

A good number of things are being investigated with which the Dominion Governments and the Government of the United States are concerned, and the matter is intimately bound up with the question of the ownership of certain islands in the Pacific, as to which conversations are taking place.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has given further consideration to the necessity for continuing the Renfrew aerodrome in view of the purposes it serves; whether he has agreed to the proposal of the Renfrew Town Council for a continuation for a further five years; and whether, if no agreement has been arrived at, he can make a statement of his intentions on this matter?

As I explained to the hon. Member in an answer on 3rd May, the difficulty in recognising Renfrew aerodrome permanently as the civil aerodrome for South-West Scotland arises from the fact that the aerodrome suffers from certain disabilities. With a view to meeting the wishes of the town council of Renfrew as far as possible, my Noble Friend has approved of arrangements under which the Royal Air Force aerodrome at Abbotsinch may be used temporarily as a standby aerodrome for Renfrew aerodrome when conditions render it undesirable for aircraft to use the latter aerodrome. Subject to agreement being reached on arrangements for supplementing the resources of Renfrew aerodrome on these lines, he has agreed to undertake that Renfrew shall continue to be recognised as the civil aerodrome for South-West Scotland for a further period of three years. If on the expiration of this period a more suitable aerodrome is not available for the purpose, the question of extending the period of recognition will be considered. The town council has been informed accordingly, and representatives of my Department are visiting Renfrew to-day in order to explain in greater detail to the town council the arrangements proposed.

Does the Minister indicate that three years is the maximum term? I recognise that it is an advance of a year since the last statement, and that is so much to the good, but is the period of three years a reasonable one to offer to a place which has been steadily developed and is expending money in development? Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman recognise that this is the air port for the West of Scotland and has been so for the last five years, that it has never had an accident and fully satisfies the air lines that have been using it; and does he think that three years is an adequate period in the circumstances?

As I explained to the hon. Member the other day, the Government have to keep in mind the public interest before they give anything like a permanent guarantee that any particular aerodrome should be the aerodrome for a particular part of the country. There are certain disabilities in regard to the Renfrew aerodrome which I understand—

What are they?

With regard to surface, site and surroundings—which, I understand, are difficult to overcome. It is therefore not easy to give anything like a permanent guarantee. Since last I answered a question on this subject, Renfrew Town Council and the Air Ministry have been in correspondence, and a representative of the Ministry is now going to the aerodrome to discuss the matter. I believe that these arrangements will be satisfactorily concluded.

Will the results of the conversations and discussions that are to ensue between the representatives of the Air Ministry and of Renfrew Town Council be made known to the House after they have been completed and reported to the Minister?

If the hon. Gentleman wishes for further information I should be glad if he would put down a question on the subject.

Will the Minister visit the aerodrome himself to see how completely he has been misinformed in this matter, and to realise that this aerodrome compares very favourably with Croydon and Speke, and is superior to any other civil aerodrome in the country?

I have already told the hon. Member that representatives of the Air Ministry are at Renfrew discussing the matter with the town council. If he has any further information, we shall be glad to consider it.

asked the Prime Minister the names of the present trustees of the Imperial Relations Trust set up to administer the sum of £250,000 placed anonymously at the disposal of the then Prime Minister for the purpose of endowing any object best calculated to strengthen the ties between the Dominions and the United Kingdom on the understanding that India should be included; how often the trustees meet; and whether it is intended to publish any report on the work of this trust?

This question has, I think, been put down under a misapprehension. The Government are in no way concerned with the appointment of the trustees of this trust or with the frequency of their meetings or their intentions as to publication of reports. These are entirely matters for the trustees, and I cannot undertake to answer questions on these matters.

Was this granted on the understanding that the Government would have some control over the disbursement of the funds of the trustees, and are not the funds being allowed to slip out of the control of the Government?

No, Sir; the hon. Member is mistaken.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in order to prevent loss of tax revenue on British savings already invested in foreign countries for the extension of Anglo-foreign trade, he has considered the official statement of the President of Brazil that payment of interest upon the Brazilian debt borrowed in London will be resumed when it shall suit Brazil's economy, with the alternative suggestion that this sterling debt shall be replaced by Brazilian currency bonds; and will he say what the attitude of His Majesty's Government is towards this statement?

I can assure my hon. Friend that His Majesty's Government attach the greatest importance to the resumption of payments on the Brazilian External Debt in the currencies provided for in the Loan Contracts, and that they have given, and will continue to give, the fullest support to the Council of Foreign Bondholders in the matter.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the selling price to the public of the minutes of evidence of the Royal Commission on the geographical distribution of the industrial population so far as yet published; and whether, in view of the importance of arousing public interest, he will arrange for publication at a lower figure?

Up to the present time 14 parts, covering 16 days' evidence, have been published, 12 of them at prices varying between 1s. 6d. and 3s., and two, each covering two days' evidence, at 5s. and 10s., respectively. The selling price is fixed under the pricing scale for Government publications according to the amount of matter contained in the document. It is undesirable to vary the pricing scale in favour of particular documents, and I do not consider that departure from the normal practice would be justified in this case.