asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, in regard to the granting of medical commissions in units of the Territorial Army, applications are considered only from medical men resident in the immediate vicinity of such units; and whether, as this method of selection deprives the Territorial Army of the services of many keen and able officers, he proposes to alter this system?

It is clearly in the interests of both that medical officers should reside as near as possible to the units to which they belong or are attached. The recruitment of officers for the Royal Army Medical Corps, Territorial Army, is proceeding very satisfactorily, but if my hon. Friend knows of any case in which the observance of this principle has had the effect of depriving a Territorial Army unit of the services of a medical officer, perhaps he will be good enough to give me particulars.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that 17s. a week is now being charged soldiers for rent of the same married quarters as were rented at 7s. a week before the grant of the recent increased allowance of 10s. a week; and what steps he proposes to take to remove the discontent this action has caused?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave yesterday to a similar question by the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams).

asked the Secretary of State for War what increased colonial allowances have recently been granted to officers and men, respectively?

Following is a statement showing the various rates of colonial allowance paid before and after 1st April:

COLONIAL ALLOWANCE.
COMPARISON OF RATES IN ISSUE PRIOR TO AND AS FROM IST APRIL, 1938.
Station and Rank.	Daily Rates prior to1st April, 1938.				Daily Rates as from1st April, 1938.
	Married.		Single.		Married.		Single.
	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.
BERMUDA—
Officer	14	3	4	0	15	0	4	3
Warrant Officer, Class 1	4	0		8	4	0	1	4
Warrant Officer, Class 11 and Staff Serjeant	3	2		7	3	2	1	1
Serjeant	2	4		6	2	4		10
Rank and file	1	7		5	1	7		7
Ceylon—	Rs.	Cents	Rs.	Cents	Rs.	Cents	Rs.	Cents
Officer	7	70	2	40	8	70	2	50
Warrant Officer, Class1	2	50		30	2	50		60
Warrant Officer, Class 11 and Staff Serjeant	2	10		20	2	15		45
Serjeant	1	70		15	1	70		30
Rank and file	1	30		10	1	30		15
Egypt—	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.
Officer	6	6	3	0	10	0	3	6
Warrant Officer, Class I	2	1	—		2	3		8
Warrant Officer, Class II and Staff Serjeant	1	4	—		1	9		7
Serjeant		10	—		1	3		6
Rank and file		5	—			10		4
GIBRALTER—	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.
Officer	4	3	—		6	0	1	4
Warrant Officer, Class I		7	—			7		5
Warrant Officer, Class II and Staff Serjeant		4	—			4		3
Serjeant		2	—			3	—
Rank and file	—		—		—		—
JAMAICA—	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.	s.	d.
Officer	1	6	—		3	0	—
Warrant Officer, Class I	—		—			10	—
Warrant Officer, Class II and Staff Serjeant	—		—			9	—
Serjeant	—		—			8	—
Rank and file	—		—			7		3
MALAYA—	$	Cents	$	Cents	$	Cents	$	Cents
Officer	4	20	1	30	5	40	1	50
Warrant Officer, Class I	1	00		20	1	20		25
Warrant Officer, Class II and Staff Serjeant		80		15	1	00		25
Serjeant		55		15		80		25
Rank and file		50		10		60		20
MALTA—	s.	d.	s.	d.	s	d.	s.	d.
Officer	4	6		7	6	0	1	0
Warrant Officer, Class I		5	—			6	—
Warrant Officer, Class II and Staff Serjeant		2	—			3	—
Serjeant		2	—			3	—
Rank and file	—		—		—

the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware of the great dissatisfaction of the staff of His Majesty "s inspector of taxes, 205, Station Road, Harrow, at the proposal of his Department to house 50 of them in one big room which will be only 10 feet in height and whose cubic capacity will be only 375 cubic feet per person, which is less than the minimum laid down by the National Institute of Industrial Pchychology in its Report on office accommodation in tax offices; and whether he will take steps to have the plans modified in order to obtain a reasonable floor area and height?

The new building at Harrow is being specially designed to meet Inland Revenue needs. The height of the room in question will be II feet and not 10 feet. I think there must be some misapprehension about the cubic capacity per person, as it will be greatly in excess of that mentioned by the hon. Member. I do not accordingly see any reason to modify the plans which provide adequate and suitable accommodation for this staff.

the Home Secretary whether he will state the number of appeals against convictions for motoring offences which came before the appeals committee of the London sessions during the year 1937; the number of such appeals which were dismissed; the number of cases in which the penalties were reduced; and the number in which the penalties were increased?

The appeals to the County of London Quarter Sessional Court during 1937 against convictions for motoring offences numbered 53. The results were as follow:

Conviction affirmed—
without modification of sentence	…	19
penalty increased	…	6
penalty reduced	…	19
Conviction quashed	…	3
Appeal abandoned	…	6
		…

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the number of convictions for motoring offences in England and Wales during the year 1937 in which suspension of licence was ordered by the court for a period exceeding six months, the number of applications for removal of disqualification after the expiration of six months, the number of these applications granted, and the number refused?

During 1937 12,152 persons, found guilty of motoring offences by Courts of Summary Jurisdiction in England and Wales, were disqualified from holding a driving licence. I regret that information as to the periods of disqualification and as to applications made for the removal of disqualification is not available.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the case of Mr. James Mclntee, 5, Comely Park Terrace, Glasgow, who was sent home from France with shell-shock in 1916, when only 16½ years of age, and on his return to France was taken prisoner in March, 1918, when almost 19 years of age, and for a year as prisoner of war suffered great privations, and has suffered from stomach trouble since his release necessitating hospital treatment on many occasions in recent years; why this man has been refused a pension for his disability; and whether he will have the case reconsidered, in view of the obvious connection of the man's present physical condition with the sufferings which he experienced during the war, with a view to granting suitable pension and treatment?

As I have already informed the hon. Member, this case has been exhaustively reviewed by the Ministry in the light of all the evidence, but my medical advisers are quite unable to find that the condition from which the man has suffered in recent years can be connected with his war service. I should, however, be glad to discuss the case with the hon. Member.

asked the Home Secretary whether any inquiries have been made by his Department recently into the marriages contracted between alien women and Englishmen with the main object of providing these alien women with English nationality; and whether any steps will be taken to ensure that British nationality is not, by these means, acquired by undesirable aliens?

Yes, Sir. For some years past steps have been taken to prevent undesirable foreign women coming to this country and contracting marriages of convenience for the purpose solely of obtaining British nationality. The steps taken have restricted the mischief and I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that such cases as have recently come to notice have mostly been cases of women who have contracted marriages abroad with British subjects. To prevent foreign women acquiring British nationality on marriage to a British subject would involve a far-reaching amendment of the law of nationality.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that last year the Prison Commissioners asked for tenders for veneer millboards for use in Maidstone prison; that a foreign firm sent in a tender which was successful for the supply of an article which was not mill-board veneer but Swedish leather board; whether he will investigate the circumstance under which this order was lost to a British firm which did tender in the belief that a genuine millboard veneer was required; and why the Prison Commissioners should use foreign-made board instead of British board for Post Office stamp-books and thus contribute to the loss of British trade?

I have made inquiry and understand that in November last tenders and samples of the veneer required were issued by the Prison Commissioners to six British firms, of whom only three replied. One of the firms represented that the sample veneer issued with the tender was a machine-made article and of foreign origin and offered to submit a machine-made millboard of a competitive quality and price. They were given an opportunity to submit a further quotation but the sample they supplied did not comply with the requirements of the Prison Commissioners. In these circumstances the Commissioners accepted the lowest tender for the supply of material which met their requirements. The firm from which the tender was accepted is a British firm though I understand that the material is of Swedish manufacture. It is the policy to give preference to articles of British manufacture, but financial and other considerations make it impracticable to limit supplies entirely to home manufactures.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will favourably consider taking steps to amend the Official Secrets Act, 1920, with a view to protecting journalists engaged in the bona-fide practice of their profession?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement which I made in reply to questions to-day.

asked the Home Secretary whether representations have been made to factory owners in munition areas as to the necessity of the provision of bomb-proof shelters for their workpeople; if so, whether any date has been mentioned for the completion of such work; and what has been the response?

No, Sir. But I have no reason to think that owners of such factories are not fully aware of the Government's view that it is their duty to take such steps as are reasonable and necessary to protect their personnel.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is proposed, in view of his announcement that air-raid precautions should have priority in local authorities' schemes, to take any steps to ensure that other loans from the Ministry are deferred or otherwise made conditional upon the undertaking of air-raid precautions schemes?

No, Sir. I have no reason to suppose that any such action as is suggested will be necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses have been built in the Mile End ward of Camlachie Parliamentary Division, Glasgow, in the last three years; the number of overcrowded houses in this ward; and when building will take place in the Borrowfield district of the ward?

No houses have been erected in the Mile End ward during the last three years. The latest available information with regard to the number of overcrowded houses in the ward was obtained as a result of the overcrowding survey at the end of 1935, when the number was 2,357. With regard to the last part of the question I am informed that the housing committee of the corporation have approved a lay-out plan for the erection of 480 houses in the Borrowfield district of the city and are negotiating for the acquisition of land for about 90 additional houses there. I understand that the site presents considerable difficulties with regard to levelling and road-making and that it may be some time before actual building can begin. My right hon. Friend will, however, keep in touch with the corporation as he is anxious for the scheme to proceed with the utmost possible expedition.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, what was the approximate amount of customs duties collected on foodstuffs, including feeding-stuffs for animals, and tea, coffee, and cocoa, for the financial year ended March, 1938?

The figures for the full year are not yet available. The approximate amount of Customs duties collected during the nine months, 1st April to 31st December, 1937, on foodstuffs, including feeding stuffs for animals and tea, coffee and cocoa, was £30,976,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, despite the changes announced in the Budget, power alcohol will continue to receive in effect an allowance of 8¾d. per gallon; and, if so, what are the reasons for continuing this allowance?

An allowance of 5d. per proof gallon is payable under Section 15 of the Finance Act, 1921, in respect of home-produced spirits used in the manufacture of industrial methylated spirits, power methylated spirits and spirits used duty-free in arts and manufactures under Section 8 of the Finance Act, 1902, and this allowance is not affected by the changes proposed in my Budget statement; as at present advised, I am not satisfied that grounds for introducing amending legislation exist.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on the present military situation in China?

Since their success at Taierchwang early in April, during which the Chinese Army claim to have captured large numbers of prisoners and material, fighting in South Shantung has continued, but apart from local Japanese gains there has since been no appreciable change in the situation. The Japanese have reinforced their troops on the southern sector of the Tientsin-Pukow railway front and have made some progress northward. At the same time, a Japanese force has been making its way up the centre of Kiangsu Province towards the port of Haichow, where it appears that preparations for evacuation are being made by the Chinese.Chinese guerilla activities have recently been intensified, notably round Peking and along the northern section of the Peking-Hankow railway. Sections of the line were destroyed at various points and train traffic was suspended for about three days at the end of April.On 10th May the Japanese, after an air and naval bombardment, landed on Amoy Island, where the town of Amoy is situated; pamphlets were dropped by Japanese aeroplanes requesting foreign residents to leave. The situation on the Island of Kulangsu (where the great majority of British subjects reside) is quiet.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the recent negotiations with Japan for the allocation of the China customs revenue, any understanding was reached that no change was contemplated in the international character of the Chinese customs service?

It has not been found possible to secure any definite undertaking of the nature indicated but the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs has given an oral assurance that the Japanese Government has every intention of maintaining the integrity of the Customs to the full extent to which the present abnormal situation permitted.At the same time I wish to take this opportunity of making it clear that there is nothing in the arrangement recently negotiated at Tokyo to justify the suggestion put out in some quarters that His Majesty's Government have acquiesced in any interference with the Customs service and its present international personnel. On the contrary His Majesty's Government have repeatedly impressed upon the Japanese Government the interest which they take in maintaining in every respect the authority and integrity of the Maritime Customs service in its present form, and the administration of a uniform tariff for all China applied impartially to the trade of all nations.

asked the Prime Minister whether the promise of the Italian Government to recall all troops and war material from Spain when the war is over refers to regular divisions, aeroplane squadrons, tank corps, and artillery detachments; and whether these are at present controlled and directed by the Italian Government?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, it is not possible for me to say to what extent these units are under the control of the Italian Government at present.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to agree that forces conducting warlike operations shall have the right to drop bombs in the neighbourhood of military objectives from a height that makes it certain that many non-combatants must be struck and in circumstances that make it probable or possible that British lives may be lost and British property injured?

As has previously been stated, attacks on non-combatants are contrary to international law. It must in each case be a matter for determination whether a given action amounts in the circumstances to an attack of this nature.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can expedite the proposed supply of water to certain villages in the area of the Driffield Rural District Council in the East Riding, where difficulties have arisen; and if temporary measures can be applied to relieve the situation?

A scheme for the whole rural district is being carried out with the aid of Exchequer grant. I am in communication with the council on the possibility of expediting the works and of providing temporary relief measures pending the completion of the works.

asked the Minister of Health what was the outcome of the Ministry's inquiry on 7th December into the application by the Manchester Corporation for compulsory powers to purchase 824 acres of land at Wythenshawe; why compulsory powers were sought; whether any price has been named for this land; and what is its present rate-able value?

My decision on the appplication of the corporation is deferred pending the outcome of negotiations between the corporation and certain objectors. Compulsory powers are sought because the corporation did not think it practicable to secure by agreement all the land they required. The price of the land, if the Compulsory Purchase Order is confirmed, will be fixed by an arbitrator. I have no information about the rateable value of the land, but I will make inquiries and communicate further with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Corporation of Liverpool have notified him of their intention to close certain day nurseries in the city; whether he is aware that such action would be widely deplored and might lead to the mothers of the children affected having to relinquish necessary wage-earning employment in order to care for their children at home; and, to avoid causing these mothers to seek public assistance, will he take steps to investigate fully any proposal to reduce the number of day nurseries in Liverpool?

I have not received any such notification from the corporation. I am, however, in communication with them with regard to two complaints I have received in the matter, and I will inform the hon. Member of the result.

asked the Minister of Health whether the preparation of a plan of capital works for the next five years which he has asked local authorities to undertake is to be compulsory at any given date?

I have asked the authorities to let me have their plans within the next six months and I have no doubt that I can rely on their co-operation in the matter.

asked the Minister of Health what has been the average cost per foot cube of working-class blocks of flats in the London area during the past three years?

I regret that the information desired by the hon. Member is not available.

asked the Minister of Health how many cottages for agricultural labourers have been built by farmers or landowners without State subsidy in each of the last 10 years; and how many there are which have been built with the subsidy?

I regret that the information desired by my hon. Friend is not available in my Department.

asked the Minister of Health what steps he proposes to take to make all owners of house property acquainted with the registration provisions in the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Bill and the limited time in which action has to be taken?

Local authorities already have power to publish information for the assistance of landlords and tenants as to their rights and duties under the Acts, and as soon as the Bill becomes law I propose to issue to local authorities a circular drawing attention to the new provisions and to the importance of getting them widely known.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to two new Orders dealing with slum clearance in St. Helens which have now been put forward as supplementary to that corporation's original five-year plan; whether he is aware that the site proposed closely adjoins land through which the Rivington water mains of the Liverpool Corporation pass and that no main sewer exists on this site; and whether he will consider sympathetically the proposal of the St. Helens Property Owners' Association that the Orders should be suspended until the property owners concerned and the corporation can explore the possibility of an agreed scheme?

I have received these Orders and a local inquiry into them will be held by one of my inspectors on the 24th of this month. I have also received the rehousing proposals of the corporation and am aware that the site concerned is traversed by the Rivington water mains. The proposals include provision for the sewering of the site. I will give careful consideration to any representations which may be made to me before I give my decision upon the proposals.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state, by counties, the number of ancient cottages of natural attractiveness which he has saved from destruction under clearance schemes on the understanding that they are reconditioned?

I am sending my hon. Friend a statement of the number of houses in each county which I have excluded from Clearance Orders since May, 1936, upon being satisfied with the reconditioning undertakings of the owners. I cannot say how many of these houses were of the kind referred to in the question.

asked the Postmaster-General if, having regard to the admitted exhaustion of the telephone exchange at Aldeburgh, Suffolk, as a result of which the needs of would-be subscribers in the area served by the exchange cannot be met, he will cause deficiencies to be made good with the least possible delay?

I am glad to be able to inform my hon. Friend that all outstanding applications for telephone service at Aldeburgh have now been met. Additional exchange equipment is being provided to meet future growth, and will I hope, be available in two to three months' time.

asked the Postmaster-General, how many schools in Scotland, England and Wales, respectively, are provided with Post Office telephones; and what steps his Department is taking to interest school authorities in the desirability of day schools being provided with telephones?

The information asked for in the first part of the question is not readily available and cannot be obtained without extensive inquiry. Apart from the ordinary measures taken to popularise the telephone and secure additional subscribers throughout the country, no special steps are at present being taken as regards schools.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the increasing tendency to use allotment land for housing, he can take steps to improve the tenure of allotments and to provide the Allotments Association with adequate funds at low interest to enable them to solve this problem which, under present circumstances, is preventing the development of the allotment movement?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Henley (Sir G. Fox) on 5th May.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many allotment holders have been displaced from the site in Portsmouth on which the Admiralty intend to build a signal school?

The number of allotment holders displaced from the North End Allotments at Portsmouth acquired by the Admiralty for a signal school, was 639.

asked the Minister of Agriculture for how long the Livestock Commission has had under consideration schemes submitted by local authorities and other bodies for the establishment of central slaughter-houses; and whether, as pending a decision in this matter no approval can be given for the building of any new slaughter-house in this country, steps can be taken to expedite a decision on the part of the Livestock Commission?

I am informed that, after informal consultation with the Livestock Commission, a number of local authorities and other bodies are now preparing proposals which might form the basis of slaughter-house schemes under the Livestock Industry Act; but no detailed arrangements have yet been completed or submitted to the Commission for consideration. The provision of an experimental central slaughter-house under the Act is an undertaking which necessarily involves very careful consideration by the body concerned, and in these circumstances, I understand, the Commission feel that adequate time should be allowed for the preparation of proposals.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the practice adopted by large poultry hatcheries in this country of subletting to the smaller hatcheries the Japanese chick-sexers whose services they have obtained for the season for a lump sum; whether he is aware of the profits which are made in these transactions; and what steps are being taken to train an adequate supply of British chick-sexers to perform this work?

I am aware of the existence of the practice referred to, but I have no information as to the terms of the arrangements made with the smaller hatcheries. As regards the third part of the question, I understand that the encouragement of proficiency in chick-sexing has been considered on several occasions by the National Poultry Council; that one examination in this subject has already been held by the Council; and that a further one may be held in the near future.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps are to be taken to provide for the shortage of agricultural products which is being created by the long continued drought?

It is too early to judge the ultimate effect on home agricultural production of the continued drought. Adequate rainfall within the next two weeks would materially affect the situation, although hay crops will no doubt be light.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can make any statement as to the extent of foot-and-mouth disease during the last three months; whether there are signs that its virulence has abated; and whether, in that case, its decline here coincides with a similar decline on the Continent?

Month.				Great Britain.	Belgium.	France.	Germany.	Netherlands	Switzerland.
1937
November	…	…	…	64	22,331	47,657	11,739	31,230	101
December	…	…	…	87	22,419	45,085	21,604	13,410	153
1938
January	…	…	…	75	6,653	26,743	18,573	5,348	148
February	…	…	…	26	2,111	14,565	13,462	1,622	42
March	…	…	…	12	1,996	12,934	25,119	not yet received	36
April	…	…	…	35	770 (1st–15th)	—	12,471(1st–15th)		19 (to 17th)
May	…	…	…	1		Not yet available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will otbain from local authorities a return as to the effect of measures taken under the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act of 1919, during the years 1937 and 1936; and whether he will at the same time inquire as to which methods have proved most sucecssful?

In connection with the organisation of the Annual Rat Week Campaign, my Department already calls for returns each year from those local authorities to whom powers under the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act of 1919 have been delegated. From these returns, which frequently give information as to the activities of the authority throughout the year, and from other sources, my Department has a good deal of information as to the extent of the action taken under the Act in different areas and as to the efficiency of different methods of destruction. I doubt, therefore, whether a special return such as is suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend would serve any useful purpose.

Only one outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease has occurred in Great Britain during the past 14 days, namely on the 4th May, in Bedfordshire, an existing infected area. During the three months, February to April, the number of outbreaks was 73 compared with 226 during the preceding period of three months, November to January. The character of the disease during the latter period appears to have been less virulent than in the autumn and winter. The figures in the following table indicate the extent of the decline in the number of outbreaks recorded in the official bulletins, relating to certain countries of Western Europe, which have so far been received by the Ministry.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the numbers of agricultural workers employed for the years 1931 to 1937, respectively; and what further steps he proposes to take to induce agricultural workers to remain on or return to the land?

The number of agricultural workers, excluding the occupier, his wife and domestic servants, employed in England and Wales, on holdings exceeding one acre, as returned by the occupiers, on the 4th June in each of the years mentioned, is as follows:

Year.				No. of Workers.
1931	…	…	…	716,607
1932	…	…	…	697,481
1933	…	…	…	715,546
1934	…	…	…	687,972
1935	…	…	…	673,203
1936	…	…	…	640,573
1937	…	…	…	631,657

In reply to the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave on the 19th January, 1937, to a similar question asked by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Salford, South (Mr. Stourton).

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the present position of the market for mutton and lamb in this country; and whether, in the light of the decision reached at the Empire Producers' Conference at Sydney, any steps can be taken to regulate supplies of mutton and lamb from the Empire to this country in order to ensure more remunerative prices to the home producer?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 9th May to my hon. and gallant Friends the Members for Buckrose (Major Braithwaite) and for Tiverton (Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte). With regard to the resolution adopted by the recent Empire Producers' Conference at Sydney, I am prepared to consider sympathetically any representations that may be made to me on this subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, in order to strengthen the Air Ministry Committee of Supply, he will co-opt on to this committee a member of the Cadman Committee?

No, Sir. I do not consider that any useful purpose would be served by adopting my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether the Director of Production, Air Ministry, is a member of the Committee of Supply?

No, Sir, the Director of Aeronautical Production is an officer of the Department of the Air Member for Supply and Organisation who is himself a member of the Sub-Committee on Supply and who arranges for the attendance of the Director of Aeronautical Production at its meetings as and when required.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that two aircraft factories, recently in full production, have been closed through lack of orders; and what steps it is proposed to take in order to bring these factories back into production?

No, Sir. As regards the first part of the question no aircraft factories working on direct Air Ministry contracts have been closed through lack of orders. Perhaps my hon. Friend will supply me with particulars of the other firms which he has in mind. I shall be dealing with this matter fully in the Debate this afternoon.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will direct a public inquiry, under Section 10 of the several Railway (Air Transport) Acts of 1929, as to the booking ban imposed by the railway companies in respect of certain air transport companies?

No, Sir. My Noble Friend has made provision for dealing with this matter in the draft Order in Council which has been laid before the House for the setting up of a Licensing Authority for air transport.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that 011ey Air Service, Limited, are holders of the Cumberbatch trophy for all-round efficiency of its pilots for the year 1937; and will he consider granting a subsidy to this company in respect of its London-Dublin service?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As to the second part I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Barkston Ash (Colonel Ropner) on 27th April.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the additional money that will shortly be available for the encouragement of civil aviation, he will now take steps, whether by devoting some part of the increased civil aviation subsidy to this purpose or otherwise, to establish British air services in the West Indies which are served only by foreign air companies?

The possibility of establishing a British air service in the West Indies is at present under examination.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether it is proposed to allow K.L.M. to operate air services in this country; and, if so, between which towns?

K.L.M. in common with other foreign air lines are permitted to operate air services to and from specified air-ports in this country to places abroad. It is not proposed to allow them to operate any air service dealing with internal traffic in this country.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has considered the hardship caused to the inhabitants of Scotland by the announcement that private commercial flying firms in Scotland are to abandon certain routine services; whether he has any proposals to make to organise flying services in Scotland on a basis of direction and control by a board with statutory powers; or what other proposals he has to make to safeguard and develop the existing flying facilities in Scotland in the interests of persons residing both in thickly populated centres and in the Islands and Highlands?

It is understood that operating companies in Scotland have prepared schedules of services covering a large number of centres, and I am not aware of which announcement the hon. and learned Member has in mind. If he will supply me with further details I will endeavour to give him a more precise reply.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the number of factories that have been opened in North-East England and the Greater London area, respectively, during 1937 and 1938, and the number of persons that have been employed?

Following are provisional figures compiled for the purpose of the Survey of Industrial Development for the year 1937. Particulars in respect of the current year are not available, as the survey is compiled only on an annual basis.The statement shows, in respect of the regions specified, the provisional figures compiled for the purpose of the Survey of Industrial Development, 1937; these particulars relate only to factories employing 25 or more workpeople. Particulars in respect of the current year are not available, as the survey is compiled only on an annual basis.

—		Factories opened during 1937.
		Number of factories.	Employment provided therein (in December, 1937).
North-East England.	61	4,150
Greater London.	233	13,750

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the British Iron and Steel Federation have announced that the prices ruling on 9th November, 1937, would be maintained until 31st December, 1938, and that the promise has been broken by the rebate agreement, which increases the price by 15s. per ton, only recoverable if certain conditions are complied with; and what action he proposes to take to safeguard the users of iron and steel?

I assume that my hon. Friend refers to the recent arrangement under which the National Association for Rolled and Re-Rolled Steel Products extended its rebate scheme covering angles, tees, channels and joists to include all other steel products of qualities coming within the purview of the Association. Schemes of this kind are discussed in paragraphs 95 to 99 of the Report of the Import Duties Advisory Committee on the iron and steel industry (Cmd. 5507); and the recent arrangement was made with the concurrence of the Committee, who inform me that they regard it as being desirable in the interests of organisation. I understand that the scheme has been readily accepted by the great majority of consumers; and in view of the provision for refund of the increase of 15s. per ton to consumers who participate in the scheme, I do not think that it can be regarded as a net increase in prices.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that, owing to the devaluation of the franc, silk ribbons are being to-day sold at greatly reduced prices in competition with British-made ribbons; that on 18th March, 1937, two qualities of ribbon were sold at 55s. 4d. and 68s. 10d., respectively, excluding duty, whilst to-day these same ribbons are quoted at 38s. 6d. and 49s.; and whether, as there is a proviso in the trade agreement with France that duties can be altered in the event of depreciation of the franc, he intends to take any action?

I am informed that there has been a fall in the prices of French silk manufactures since the devaluation of the franc. As was indicated by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in reply to the hon. Member for Bassetlaw on the 5th May, the French Government have given assurances that it is their intention to achieve, as the eventual result of their policy, a rate for the franc corresponding to the economic position and giving to France no competitive trade advantage. His Majesty's Government will keep the effect of the devaluation of the franc on our trade under the closest consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any products from the Dominions are allowed to be imported into the United Kingdom free of duty or with a substantial preference, when similar products exported from the United Kingdom to the Dominions concerned are subject to import or other duties by that Dominion?

With a few exceptions, goods grown, produced or manufactured in the Dominions and consigned from any part of the Empire are imported into the United Kingdom either free of duty or at a preferential rate of duty, provided they conform to the Imperial Preference regulations. United Kingdom goods are subjected to duty or admitted free of duty in the Dominions without reference to the treatment which similar Dominion goods receive in this country. In many cases, duties are charged in the Dominions on goods from this country which, had they been imported here from the Dominions, would have enjoyed free entry. A large proportion of United Kingdom goods enjoy preferences in the Dominions and many kinds of United Kingdom goods are admitted to the various Dominions free of duty.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether all shoes imported from Canada are admitted into the United Kingdom free of duty; and what duty is paid on United Kingdom shoes imported into Canada?

Unless they are liable to duty in respect of any silk or artificial silk content, shoes manufactured in and consigned from Canada, provided they comply with the preference regulations, are exempt from duty on importation into the United Kingdom. Leather boots and shoes of United Kingdom origin are subject to a duty of 20¼ per cent. ad valorem on importation into Canada. Boots and shoes wholly of rubber enter free of duty.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that, on 1st July, 1937, the Lowestoft drifter-trawler "Willing Boys," while fishing near the Glass Norman bank off the Irish coast, was fired at by the Irish Free State fishery-cruiser "Muirchu," first with a blank shot and then with two live shells which struck the water close to the "Willing Boys," which was afterwards arrested and then taken to Dunlaog-haire harbour, arriving there at 10.15 p.m.; that the skipper, Russel James Gower, was not allowed that evening to get in touch with the owners of his boat but was confined in a cell for the night; that the next morning, after communicating with the owners, he appeared before a court in Dublin charged with illegal trawling in territorial waters; that he did not understand he could have the case adjourned in order to obtain legal assistance; and that he was fined £50 and had the gear confiscated; and whether he will cause representations to be made to the Government of Eire on this matter and endeavour to obtain the treatment of skippers arrested by their authorities similar to that accorded by the authorities in this and other European countries to boats arrested for illegal trawling?

Representations were received by the Minister of Agriculture in July last from the skipper of the trawler "Willing Boys "in which the allegations set out in my hon. Friend's question were made. So far as I am aware, the statements in the first, third and fifth parts of the question are not disputed, but there is a conflict of opinion as to those referred to in the second and fourth parts of the question. At the instance of the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries a communication was addressed in August last to the Government of the Irish Free State on the subject, and I am sending to my hon. Friend a copy of that communication and of the reply received from the Government of the Irish Free State, the substance of which was, I understand, communicated at the time to the skipper's solicitor.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will consult with the Government of Jamaica to ensure that the trade unions in Jamaica shall enjoy the same rights as in this country, that the existing restrictions on the right of combination and the penal clauses in master and servant legislation should be removed; and full rights of assembly and free meeting be conceded to the working people?

The trade union law in force in Jamaica is Law No. 37 of 1919. This law is substantially the same as the United Kingdom Trade Union Acts of 1871 and 1876. The question of the elimination of the penal clauses from the masters and servants legislation of this colony is at present under consideration by the Jamaica Government. My Noble Friend is unaware of any special restriction on the right of assembly.

asked the Minister of Transport when the Western Avenue will be completed through to Denham; whether he is aware of the serious inconvenience caused to motorists proceeding along the Oxford road at week-ends through the new bridge being constructed at Uxbridge; and what steps he is taking to remedy this state of affairs?

I expect that the Western Avenue will be completed within the next two and a half years. The reconstruction of the two bridges at Uxbridge will, I hope, be completed within the next six months. In the meantime, in order to minimise the inconvenience to road users, traffic is being controlled by light signals operated by the police.

asked the Minister of Labour the circumstances under which 21 coppersmiths at Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft, Limited, Coventry, have been on strike since the 14th April?

I understand that this dispute arose in connection with the installation of a pipe-bending machine and the class of labour to be employed on its operation. The dispute has been dealt with in accordance with the recognised procedure in the engineering industry. I am informed that a settlement has now been reached and that work was to be resumed this morning.