asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that during the year 1937, out of 354 test samples of milk taken by the health authorities in the city of Aberdeen, 95 were found to be adulterated; whether this adulteration is the highest percentage in the large burghs of Scotland; and that similar test samples of milk taken in the county of Aberdeen disclosed adulteration of over 56 per cent. of the samples taken; whether this is the highest ratio of adulteration among the counties of Scotland; and whether he can give any reason for this state of affairs?

In the case of the city of Aberdeen, the 354 test samples referred to—which are not formal samples taken for the purposes of the Food and Drugs Acts—included 208 samples taken from a single herd at its owner's request; and 87 out of the total of 95 samples found to be under standard were from this herd. In the case of the county of Aberdeen, the test samples in question were taken with the object of securing improvement in the quality of the milk from byres where formal samples already taken for the purposes of the Acts had been found to be under standard. In neither case, therefore, can a valid comparison with other areas be made.

Does not the Secretary of State think that there is something seriously wrong when, in a county area, suppliers of milk are discovered to have 56 per cent. of the samples taken adulterated? Is not that the highest percentage in all Scotland?

My answer indicates that there are special circumstances attaching to this case.

Could my right hon. and gallant Friend give the figures for the official samples, as distinguished from the informal samples?

Not without notice.

Has the Secretary of State any reason to suppose that adulteration of milk is prevalent throughout Scotland to an extent such as this?

No, Sir; I do not think there is any information to support that general statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why, during the year 1937, no test samples of milk were taken for analysis in the counties of Bute, Caithness, Orkney, Renfrew, Ross and Cromarty, and Zetland or in the burghs of Ayr, Coatbridge, and Dumfries; and whether he is satisfied that there was no occasion or necessity for causing any test samples of milk to be taken in these areas?

Although no test samples were taken in areas referred to, formal sampling under the Food and Drugs Acts was carried out. The Food and Drugs Acts do not impose on local authorities any duty to take test samples, although most local authorities take such samples as a means of ascertaining where formal sampling is called for, or of assisting producers to detect the reasons why their milk is not up to the standard. An examination of the sampling reports for 1937 is being made by the Department of Health with a view to asking local authorities to increase their sampling activities where this appears necessary.

Cannot that be made more definite, so that it shall be a requirement that local authorities shall test milk?

When the examination to which I have referred is finished, we shall see whether further steps are desirable in that direction.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the health administrative area in Scotland where, during the year 1937, certain farmers were in the habit of sending their diseased fowls to the market irrespective of condition or probable use; and whether, when these fowls were discovered and seized under Section 43 of the Public Health (Scotland) Act, 1897, the vendors were prosecuted, and with what results?

In order to control the condition of fowls offered for sale in Ayr, the town council have standing arrangements for the inspection of fowls at the Ayr cattle market. Under these arrangements, fowls offered for sale for human consumption may be traced, and, if found to be diseased, are seized and destroyed, and when the evidence is sufficient the owners are prosecuted. It is understood that there were no prosecutions in 1937.

Are we to understand, from that reply, that Ayrshire is the only health administrative area in Scotland where these precautions are taken; and why is it specially indicated in the annual report of the Department of Health for Scotland that these fowls were sent into the market in a diseased condition?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the terms of prison rule No. 153 governing the duties of the Governor, and the extent to which this rule is complied with in Barlinnie Prison?

The Prison Rule referred to reads as follows:

" The Governor shall arrange that male prisoners who are physically fit shall be exercised in physical drill."

Owing to the large number of prisoners in Barlinnie Prison, and the limited space available, it is not practicable to extend daily physical drill to all prisoners who are fit. In fact, a substantial number of prisoners receive physical drill, and those who do not receive such drill have physical exercise for three-quarters of an hour each day.

In view of the fact that this rule and many other rules are not complied with, has the Secretary of State any proposals to make whereby the rules shall be carried out and physical training given?

I have explained the administrative difficulty of carrying out the rules fully in this case, but I am looking into the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the cause of the accident at the sports ground of the Empire Exhibition at Bellahouston Park, Glasgow, when a number of persons were injured, one of whom has since died; whether the sports machines were passed after inspection; the cause of the accident; and whether all these machines are regularly inspected and by whom are they inspected?

I am informed that the facts have been reported to the Crown authorities, and, pending their consideration of the matter, I am not in a position to make any statement as to the circumstances of the accident. I may add that, with the object of avoiding similar accidents in future, an additional safety device has been fitted to each carriage on the machine, at the direction of the Master of Works of the City of Glasgow.

Will the Secretary of State take into consideration the daring and dangerous character of many of these machines, and see that they are inspected regularly?

The hon. Member has now raised a rather wider question. So far as this case is concerned, the matter is now in the hands of the Crown authorities.

The last part of my hon. Friend's question does raise the wider point. Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say specifically whether amusement machines of this description are inspected by anyone at any time?

I cannot say that that is so in the case of all the devices in the entertainment parks. I shall, however, look into the point that the hon. Member has raised.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total amount of fines imposed in the High Court, Sheriff Courts, Police Courts, and other courts, respectively, in Scotland, collated for counties in which they were imposed, for each of the last three years; what amount of these fines in each county was discharged by the persons sentenced undergoing imprisonment and the number of persons concerned; and how much of the remaining amount of fines is still outstanding?

I regret that the information desired by the hon. and learned Member is not available, but, with his permission, I propose to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT statements showing, for each of the years 1934, 1935, and 1936, particulars of the total amounts received by way of fines imposed by summary courts and of the numbers of persons who underwent imprisonment for non-payment of fines imposed by summary courts.

Are these figures not available for the year 1937?

No, Sir, not yet; I can only give them up to the end of 1936 at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what local authorities in Scotland have, during the current year, made alterations in the hours of work per week for the nursing staffs of mental institutions in their respective jurisdictions; what institutions are affected, and what is the nature of the respective alterations; and what local authorities still have a working week of over 55 hours for such workers, and what are the institutions affected?

Steps have been taken to obtain from local authorities the particulars desired. A statement will be published in the OFFICIAL REPORT as soon as the information is received.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the sentence of 12 months passed on Mrs. Laurie, 43, Denbeck Street, Shettleston, for the murder of her son and attempted suicide; whether he is aware that she was confined to the Royal Infirmary for one month and Duke Street prison for two months; and whether he will inquire further into her case with a view to exercising his right of clemency to Mrs. Laurie in view of her serious mental and financial position previous to her grave act?

As regards the first two parts of the question, I am aware that the woman referred to was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment for culpable homicide on 5th April, and that prior to her conviction she was detained in the Glasgow Royal Infirmary and Duke Street Prison for about one month and two months, respectively. A medical report obtained by me shows that Mrs. Laurie's mental and physical condition have improved under the treatment which she is receiving in prison, and, after careful consideration, I have reached the conclusion that I would not be justified in advising her release at the present time The case will, however, be reviewed periodically.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman review this case again, and take into consideration the fact that this woman is suffering from a very severe mental and financial strain which brought about the tragedy; that she has six young children in the home; and that one of these children is lying in hospital with tuberculosis? Are not these circumstances sufficient to give the right hon. and gallant Gentleman reason for an act of clemency?

I have said that on the information before me I do not think I am justified in advising her release at the present time, but I shall review the case periodically, and shall bear in mind, in that review, the point that the hon. Member has raised and other relevant circumstances.

Will the Secretary of State be prepared to discuss with me privately some points in relation to the case?

indicated assent.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of air-raid protection schemes submitted by Scottish local authorities up to date, and the number accepted and rejected by his Department?

The Air-Raid Precautions Department are constantly engaged in considering and authorising arrangements on particular matters which are submitted to them by local authorities, and considerable progress is being made in the preparation of air raid general precautions schemes. No complete schemes have yet been formally submitted. As regards air-raid fire precautions schemes, 33 Scottish local authorities have submitted schemes either separately or in combination. 14 schemes have been approved in principle, though not in every case in complete detail. None has been rejected, but many are the subject of correspondence.

In view of the lapse of time since air-raid precautions were introduced, and of the fact that up to the present no complete schemes have been submitted, is the Minister satisfied that adequate progress is being made?

We are doing our best to push on. The hon. Member will appreciate that the full scheme is an elaborate affair. My answer indicates progress in a number of directions.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of gas-mask distributive centres now established in Scotland?

No local respirator stores have yet been established in Scotland, but proposals for such stores have been submitted by several local authorities, and are under consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that is the answer that has been given to this question for many months? In view of the fact that only one store has been established in Scotland after all these years, can he indicate when local centres will be established in the various parts of Scotland?

Not much time has elapsed since local authorities had an opportunity of making proposals. Certain local authorities, including Glasgow, have made proposals, and no time will be lost in considering them with a view to setting up stores.

Is there any dissatisfaction among the Scottish local authorities with regard to the setting up of these stores?

It is for the local authorities to submit proposals.

When the right hon. Gentleman is considering the possibility of creating gas-mask distribution centres will he bear in mind the necessity for a gas school?

That is a separate question.

When the right hon. Gentleman is considering all this, will he remember that Scotland is considerably further from the danger centre, that the danger in Scotland is much less, and that a lot of money might be wasted?

asked the Secretary for Mines at how many of the pits where explosions have occurred since 1930 was the strip method of packing adopted, and at how many was the method of complete tight-packing adopted?

So far as information is available, it indicates that at 48 of the 91 collieries at which explosions involving loss of life occurred between the beginning of 1930 and the end of 1937, and in the district of the mine involved in the explosion, either strip packs were used or the wastes were not packed. Solid packing was practised in two of the districts involved. A number of the explosions occurred in bord and pillar workings or narrow places, where the question of packing did not arise.

In view of the figures which have been given, have any recommendations been made to impose tight packs upon those collieries where explosions have occurred?

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of explosions that have occurred in the coal mines of the country from 1930 to date; and at how many of the pits where these explosions occurred electrically driven coal-cutting and/or coal-conveying machines were in use; and at how many of these pits such machinery was operated by compressed air?

Between the beginning of 1930 and the end of 1937, 91 explosions involving loss of life occurred. Of these, 45 took place at mines in which all the coal-cutting or conveying machinery was electrically driven, 15 at mines in which all such machinery was driven by compressed air, 12 at mines in which both electricity and compressed air were used for the purpose, and 19 at mines in which neither was used. In many instances where coal-cutting or conveying machinery was installed at the mine, there was none at the place where the explosion occurred, and in a number of other instances where such machinery was installed at that place it was not in use at the time of the explosion.

Do the figures reveal that, since there has been a general adoption of electrically-driven cutters in this country, the number of explosions and ignitions has been increasing?

I shall have to refresh my memory from the statistics before I can answer that.

Will the Minister, when appointing inspectors, consider the advisability, with so much mechanisation going on in the mines, of appointing individuals with practical engineering experience?

Is the Minister aware that the number of explosions from 1930 to date in this country compare unfavourably with those in every other mining country in the world, and has the time not come to take some fundamental action?

The hon. Member raises a much bigger question than that on the Paper.

May I have an answer to my question?

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of mining districts in which agreements have been concluded for holidays with pay; the approximate number of workers covered by such agreements; and how many are to operate this year?

Agreements for holidays with pay affecting the main classes of workpeople have been concluded in South Wales and Monmouthshire, Durham, Lancashire and Cheshire, Nottinghamshire, North Derbyshire, North Staffordshire, Cannock Chase, North Wales, Cumberland, and Forest of Dean. These agreements all operate wholly or partially this year and approximately 443,000 workpeople are affected. Negotiations are in progress in the other districts.

Are there any special difficulties in the way of settlements in the other districts?

No, Sir, not that I know of. Negotiations are in progress.

Does the Minister know that the cost of all the holidays with pay comes out of the wages ascertainments?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is now in a position to give a reply to the suggestion made to him by the hon. Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Batey) asking that an independent person be appointed to conduct the inquiry to be made into the cause of the disaster which occurred at Markham Colliery, Chesterfield, on 10th May?

I have directed that a formal investigation into the causes of this explosion shall be held in pursuance of Section 83 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911. In selecting the Commissioner the suggestion of the hon. Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Batey) and all other relevant considerations will be borne in mind; and a public announcement of the appointment will be made as soon as possible.

The answer is hardly satisfactory. Could I get further information if I put the question down again next week?

Yes. I said that I wanted to make a public announcement as soon as possible. If the hon. Member will consult me as to the day, I will do so.

Will the Minister bear in mind that, after searching inquiries of this kind, there was a general demand that there should be an inquiry which was more in the nature of a public inquiry, with an independent chairman; and does not the Minister regard it as being very essential that public confidence in these matters should be maintained?

Perhaps the hon. Member will see what I said in reply to the question which the hon. Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Batey) asked the other day.

Will the Minister, prior to the appointment of the investigators, consult the Miners' Federation of Great Britain?

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of persons killed and seriously injured above and below ground during 1938, and the causes thereof?

The total number killed this year up to 30th April was 283, and the number seriously injured was 1,098. I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate the details in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Am I to take it that those figures do not include the latest explosions?

They are correct up to 30th April.

In view of the fact that many inspectors have stated that machine-mining increases the risk of explosions, do not the Department contemplate getting statistics showing the number of accidents in hand-got places and on machine faces?

I would like notice of that question.

asked the Secretary for Mines the date of the appointment of the Royal Commission on safety legislation for coal mines; and when he expects to receive the Commission's report?

The answer to the first part of the question is 14th December, 1935; and to the second, that I have communicated again with the Commission but cannot add anything at present to the answer given on 5th April last to the hon. Member for Ince (Mr. G. Macdonald), a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member.

Seeing that it is nearly three years since the Commission were appointed, does the Minister not consider that it is time to urge them to let him have the report, in view of the need for safety regulations?

Yes, Sir. I am quite satisfied that the Commission are only too anxious to send their report in as soon as possible. They are working to that end.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, without waiting longer for the report of the Royal Commission, he will take steps to make it illegal to use electricity to drive machines in coal mines?

No, Sir.

Is the Minister aware that the Deputy Chief Inspector of Mines made an investigation into the incidence of explosions in France, and said in his report that, while there had been 17 explosions, causing 86 deaths, over a certain period here, due to electricity, there had been only one explosion, causing one death, over the same period in France? Does that not show the need for making electricity illegal in connection with this machinery?

It does not necessarily follow. As the hon. Member knows, this is one of the most important questions which the Royal Commission are now considering. Having arranged for such a Commission to be set up, it would be obviously wrong for action of such a fundamental nature to be taken without full consideration having been given by the Commissioners to the evidence put before them.

In view of the latest explosion, is there not urgent need for something to be done without waiting for the Commission's report? In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary for Mines what increase has been made, or is contemplated, in the number of His Majesty's inspectors of mines; to what divisions these additional inspectors will be allocated; and whether he is satisfied that the increased inspectorate will be able to make an adequate number of inspections of the mines in the afternoon and night as well as the day shifts?

Ten of the 16 additional posts in the Mines Inspectorate, the creation of which I announced in July last, have been filled, and have been allocated as follows: two to the No. 1, or Scotland Division, two to the No. 6, or Cardiff and Forest of Dean Division, and one to each of the remaining six divisions. A selection board is now engaged in interviewing candidates for sub-inspectorships from among whom some of the six remaining posts may be filled. The allocation of these posts among the divisions will fall to be decided when the final selections have been made. As regards the last part of the question, I am satisfied that this addition to the inspectorate will be sufficient substantially to increase the amount of inspection on the night and afternoon shifts.

Is the Minister satisfied now that the additional appointments that are being made will enable the inspectors to make regular inspections on the afternoon and night shifts? Is he satisfied that they will enable more inspections to be made?

It certainly will enable more inspections to be made, and, of course, the whole point of the inspections is that they should not be regular.

In view of the mechanisation of the mines, will the Minister see that he appoints inspectors who have engineering and practical experience, which they have not had up to the present?

There is a selection board, on which a variety of important persons sit, to consider these matters, and they will, no doubt, take note of the question of the hon. Gentleman.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that more shots are being fired between midnight and 6 a.m. than at any other time, in the mines, and that it is essential that more inspections should take place between those hours?

I said that the object of this is to increase the number.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has received copies of the proceedings of the first meeting of the Natives Representation Council set up under the Union Representation of Natives Act, 1936, which was held at Pretoria at the end of last year; and, if so, whether copies could be made available?

In the unavoidable absence of my Noble Friend, I have been asked to reply. Yes, Sir. My Noble Friend is arranging for a copy of the report to be placed in the Library of the House.

Does that mean that the copies are to be limited to one copy, and cannot hon. Members obtain copies from the Vote Office?

I do not know how many copies may be available in the Dominions Office, but I will let my Noble Friend know what the hon. Member has said.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has now received any report from the Government of Southern Rhodesia concerning the arrests of native women in Salisbury on the ground that they have come to the township to do shopping without the permit required under the Native Registration Act?

Yes, Sir. The Government of Southern Rhodesia have informed my Noble Friend that no arrests have been made of native women going to Salisbury to do their shopping, and that there has been a steady decline since 1934 in the number of women prosecuted under the Natives Registration legislation.

Is it necessary that these women should have a pass when doing their shopping?

They have been informed of the requirements of the Act which necessitates passes in these cases.

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence to induce the Government of Southern Rhodesia to remove the limitations of reasonable liberty on these people?

I am aware that the Government of Southern Rhodesia are administering this legislation as sympathetically as possible.

Is it not a sad commentary on our ideas of government that native women have to obtain passes to move about freely in the towns of their own country?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what steps the Government of Southern Rhodesia are contemplating to secure compensation to the interests of native businesses in Salisbury which may suffer injury under the new scheme for the expropriation of such businesses and their establishment in a location outside the city?

Section 32 of the Southern Rhodesia Land Apportionment Act, 1930, provides that the Governor-in-Council may, on the setting aside of any area by a local authority for native occupation, expropriate existing native rights outside that area, and that the amount of compensation, if not mutually agreed, must be fixed by arbitration. The Southern Rhodesia Government consider that this provision amply safeguards the interests of native businesses at present established in Salisbury.

In view of the discrimination and the injustice which are done to large numbers of native people by moving them from their own property into native locations, will the right hon. Gentleman make representations that adequate compensation for goodwill in respect of their businesses and their land should be given?

The provision of the Act allows compensation to be paid, and no doubt every relevant consideration is taken into account. I would point out that these provisions were drawn up at the time when there was a Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs belonging to the hon. Member's party in office.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will inform the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia that the recent failure of the flotation of a loan indicates that investors are of the opinion that a proportion of the existing Australian loans issued in London should be repatriated to Australia, and that, until this is done, it would not be advisable to attempt to float another loan in London?

No, Sir.

Is it not obvious that investors are looking at this question from that point of view?

Will not the right hon. Gentleman try to get the same kind of row with Australia as you have got going with Mexico?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can give any information as to the present negotiations between His Majesty's Government and the Dominion of Australia concerning emigration

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 9th March to the hon. Member for Normanton (Mr. T. Smith) regarding the renewal of the grant of assisted passages to Australia in respect of two classes of migrants. since that date, as a result of consultation between the United Kingdom Government and Commonwealth Government, it has been announced by the latter that a third class may be considered for the grant of assisted passages to Australia, namely, persons who have not been nominated by friends or relatives in Australia, but which would be in possession on arrival there of certain specified minimum amounts of capital. It was indicated in the announcement that possession of the amount of capital stated would not, of itself, entitle the persons concerned to receive assisted passages, but that careful investigation would be made into each case by the Commonwealth migration authorities in London with a view to determining whether applicants were likely to become successfully established in Australia.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether there has been any recent revival of emigration to Australia?

I understand that a good many applicants have come forward to the Australian authorities in London, and that the whole question is now being actively considered there.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that shiploads of Italian emigrants are now landing in Australia, and would he not suggest to Signor Mussolini to send them to his own newly acquired colonies instead?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs particulars of the latest figures he has received of the number of persons receiving relief during the last winter in Newfoundland; and whether, according to his reports, the conditions for marketing codfish and other products in the foreign markets have recently shown any improvement?

The total number of persons in Newfoundland, including women and children, in receipt of relief in March was 63,778, which is considerably lower than the figure for some years past. As regards the second part of the question, conditions for the marketing of codfish have been adversely affected for some time past by the civil war in Spain, which has led not only to a considerable reduction in exports to the Spanish market, but also to increased competition in other markets. The difficulties experienced on this account have of late been further accentuated by the imposition in Brazil of new taxes on fish products which, although recently reduced in part, are still so high as to have a crippling effect on imports. Representations with a view to the further reduction of these taxes have been made to the Brazilian Government. As regards other products, the paper industry has shown a decline in recent months and the Paper Mills in the Island are at present working on part time. Activity in the mining industry continues unchecked, and both the iron-ore and the lead and zinc mines are working to capacity.

Do the recent reports show whether the economic position has improved?

The answer contains a very comprehensive statement of the general position.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any decision has yet been reached as to a scheme for compensation to property owners for damage caused by enemy action in time of war?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the recent decision of the British insurance companies and underwriters that they are unable to cover private property against damage or destruction as the result of enemy action in war time, he is now able to say what progress has been made in the inauguration of a Government scheme to cover this risk?

As I explained in my answer to the hon. and gallant Member for Wandsworth Central (Colonel Nathan) and the hon. Member for Dudley (Mr. Joel) on 2nd November last, the question of putting into operation any scheme of compensation, should the contingency arise, would be one for the Government of the day to decide in the light of the circumstances of the time. Such preparatory work as can usefully be undertaken in time of peace to facilitate the eventual application of a scheme of compensation is well in hand.

In considering the possibility of having a scheme to compensate the owners of property in the event of damage and destruction caused by air raids, will the Government also consider the possibility of having a scheme to provide compensation for the loss of breadwinners who are killed as the result of air raids?

That question raises rather a different point, and perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put it down.

I will.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the maximum rates of duty conceded to Germany under the Trade Agreement of 1933 are affording, when subsidy is taken into consideration, the same amount of protection as that which they were designed to afford when the Agreement was signed?

The duties to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers are, with one exception, ad valorem duties. The extent to which such duties may have been offset to the German manufacturer by payment of subsidy is not a matter on which any detailed information is available, but I would point out that the average value of imports from Germany of certain goods covered by the Trade Agreement of 1933 is now higher than when that Agreement was made.

That may be so in one or two cases, but would it not be possible for my right hon. Friend to see that the spirit of the Agreement is carried out?

The hon. and gallant Member has asked me a specific question. In these cases the duties are ad valorem duties, and the effect of an increase in price means that the duty is increased accordingly and, therefore, there is the same amount of protection as previously.

Would it not be wise to have a specific duty and an ad valorem duty so that whichever suited better could be used in cases of this kind?

Quite clearly in cases of this kind where fears are expressed of dumping in this country, the matter would have to be considered if prices fell, but, as I have pointed out, the price has been rising and, therefore, an ad valorem duty has a greater effect than a specific duty.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that not only in Germany but as regards the imports from many other countries, there is a subsidy which is sufficient to nullify the import duties, and that the dumping which takes place is very harmful to the industries of this country?

I agree that the situation wants continual watching, but I should not like the impression to get abroad from questions of this kind that there has been a sudden and alarming increase of German imports into this country. As a matter of fact, German imports in the first quarter of this year show a substantial decrease on that of the preceding quarter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has now received information as to the subsidy paid on the export of Opel motor cars from Germany to this country?

Inquiries are in progress, but I regret I am not yet in a position to make a statement. In the meantime, General Motors, Limited, the importers of the Opel cars, have informed me that the statistics of imports during the early months of this year give a false impression of the sales of their cars. These sales are smaller this year than last; and the imports in the early months of the year are intended to cover sales for some time ahead and to allow for re-exports. I may add that only 13 cars were imported from Germany in April.

Will the Minister bear in mind, in pursuing this investigation further, that the export subsidy on Opel motor cars and other cars is mainly imposed in order to get more foreign currency into Germany to facilitate their armament manufactures?

Is it not very damaging to allow any subsidised articles to come in in these circumstances?

I agree that the situation wants careful watching as do all trade matters concerning the totalitarian countries, where the system is not the same as ours, but I am satisfied from the information I have at present that there is no reason whatever to anticipate during the year any large increase in the sale of German motor cars in this country.

But is there not a subsidy?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that exporters of German goods to England are now permitted by the German authorities to use blocked marks in part payment in order to reduce the sterling price of the goods; and whether he will take steps to prevent the money of British nationals being thus used as a concealed subsidy to increase the import of German goods into this country?

I understand that as a concession to United Kingdom holders of blocked marks, the German authorities have occasionally allowed part of the price of imports from Germany to be paid with these marks, but I understand that this practice is not encouraged by the German authorities, as it deprives them of free foreign exchange.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he has any information of the number of spindles and looms in the cotton trade the owners of which are opposed to the proposed Cotton Enabling Bill; and what percentage of the total they represent;

(2) whether he has satisfied himself as to the method taken by the promoters of the proposed Cotton Industry Enabling Bill to ascertain the opinions of the trade; and whether he is aware that the cotton condensor spinning and weaving section, with over 10,000 employés, has not been consulted by the promoters?

I have no exact information on the extent of agreement or disagreement by the cotton industry with the proposals for an Enabling Bill, but the Government would in any case require further information on this subject before any legislation based on the proposals was proceeded with.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that more accurate information will be obtained on this question before any Bill is introduced than was obtained in connection with the Cotton Spindles Bill, on which we could never get the truth?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total amount of molasses imported into the United Kingdom in 1937 from Empire and non-Empire resources, respectively?

During the year 1937 the imports of molasses and invert sugar into the United Kingdom consigned from British countries amounted to 2,063,000 cwts. and from foreign countries to 7,797,000 cwts.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of tankers registered under the British flag engaged in the transport of molasses and oil, respectively?

The number of steam and motor oil tankers of 1,000 tons gross and over registered under the British flag, as recorded in the 1937–38 edition of Lloyd's Register Book, is 454. Of this number, 21 are shown in the register book as carrying molasses or petroleum in bulk.