asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Railway Finance Corporation formed in December, 1935, has never issued any public profit-and-loss statement or statement as to how certain moneys have been expended; and whether, since this company has obtained a guarantee from the Treasury for £26,500,000 both as to principal and interest, he will take steps to ensure this being done?

The company to which my hon. Friend refers has issued its accounts up to the 31st December, 1937, a copy of which has been filed with the Registrar of Companies at Bush House, W.C.2, and can be inspected by any member of the public on payment of a fee of one shilling; The company was set up merely for the purpose of raising and lending to the railway companies money guaranteed by the Treasury and receiving and distributing money received from the railway companies in payment of their obligations. As stated in the report of the directors which is filed with the accounts, no profit or loss arises from the company's operations and for this reason the directors lay no profit-and-loss account before the shareholders.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the value of slipper cloth imported into Great Britain from Germany for the years 1936 and 1937, respectively?

I regret that the desired information is not available, as particu-

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that South and North American sausage casings are being imported into this country where they are remeasured and repacked, afterwards being exported to Germany as British casings, and that, in one case at least, American casings were so exported as British after being merely transferred from one ship to another while in dock; and, as such sales to German buyers represent grossly unfair competition with British casings manufacturers, will he take steps to protect this industry in Great Britain by prohibiting the import of these casings?

My right hon. Friend has no power to prohibit the importation of sausage casings from America. I would, however, remind the hon. Member that lars of imports of slipper cloth, as such, are not separately recorded in the trade returns of the United Kingdom.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the value of rugs and blankets, respectively, exported from Great Britain to Africa for the years 1935, 1936, and 1937, and the corresponding exports to Africa from Germany?

The following table shows the declared value of the undermentioned descriptions of rugs and blankets of United Kingdom manufacture consigned to certain countries in Africa during each of the years 1935, 1936 and 1937.the facilities provided by the Anglo-German Payments Agreement for payment for United Kingdom goods exported to Germany cannot be applied to foreign casings re-exported from the United Kingdom unless they have undergone some process of manufacture in this country.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has examined the claim to disability pension made by Mr. E. Ross, of 67, Stanhope Street, St. Helens, who, at the end of the War, was granted a pension in respect of a gunshot wound in the face, such pension being discontinued in 1921; and whether he will reconsider this case, as Mr. Ross still suffers from this wound and is likely to continue doing so?

Mr. Ross was recently examined by a Ministry Medical Officer and the opinion was formed that he should be admitted to hospital in order to determine whether operative treatment was necessary to remedy the condition. Mr. Ross, however, declined to enter hospital for the necessary investigation and, as matters stand, I am afraid no further action is possible, beyond reminding him that the offer of admission to hospital for investigation and treatment remains open.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the number of operatives employed in the Lancashire textile industry in each of the years 1918, 1928, and 1938, respectively, and the number unemployed for each of the last five years?

I am having the available information extracted and will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it has yet been decided to include in the King's Roll scheme men disabled on active service since the conclusion of the Great War; and, if not, whether any special steps are taken to provide for the employment of these disabled men?

The King's Roll National Council gave further careful consideration to this question at their meeting on the 10th May. They were fully sympathetic to the claims of men disabled on active service since the nth November, 1918, but felt that it would cause confusion if they were admitted to the King's Roll scheme which has always been concerned with men disabled during the Great War. The Council were satisfied that assistance in finding employment is given to these men by Regimental Associations and similar organisations. My hon. Friend may rest assured that Employment Exchanges also do their best to help them.

asked the Minister of Health whether arrangements can be made whereby, in connection with the next district audit of the Buxton Corporation accounts, a special report shall be made to him with regard to payment by the corporation for the services of the Old Vic company, showing in particular to what extent these payments are in accordance with the powers provided under the Buxton Corporation Act, 1927?

The payment in question does not come under review by the District Auditor. I regret, therefore, that, as indicated to my hon. and gallant Friend in my reply on 5th May and in correspondence with him, I have no powers to take the action which he suggests.

asked the Minister of Health how many days work were lost by insured men and women, respectively, owing to sickness and to disablement, respectively, in the calendar years 1935, 1936, and 1937?

I regret that the information for which the hon. Member asks is not available and could only be obtained by throwing a very heavy task on all Approved Societies and branches. Any attempt to measure the number of days sickness by reference to the amount paid in sickness and disablement benefits would be unsatisfactory in view of the variations in the rates of additional benefit increases, and the changes in arrears schemes during the years in question.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will introduce legislation to provide that Government auditors, similar to those who audit the accounts of local authorities, shall audit the professional accounts of solicitors every six months, in view of the experience that the regulations under the Solicitors Act, after having had five years of trial have failed to protect clients' property against fraudulent conversion, as disclosed recently in the criminal courts?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer made to his previous question on Wednesday, 4th May, 1938, to which I have nothing to add, except to remind him that the Solicitors' Accounts Rules made under the Solicitors Act, 1933, did not come into operation until the 1st January, 1935, and consequently that they have not been in force for five years as stated. The Law Society have reason to believe that the rules have been of use though further steps are under consideration.

asked the Secretary pf State for War whether he is aware that 18 years qualifying service are necessary in the Army to obtain the good-conduct medal and that, at the conclusion of 21 and in some cases 25 years of service, a gratuity of £5 is paid, whereas, in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, a good-conduct medal is issued after 15 years qualifying service, together with a gratuity of £15, plus £1 a year whilst serving, a total of £22, with an extra 3d. a day for life; and whether he will arrange for similar treatment for the Army in this matter?

The Army and Navy codes differ in various ways. While the Naval code provides for increases of pension on account of good conduct, the Army code has the advantage in the larger additions made on account of rank.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the ration allowance for the Army, despite the recent increases, is still lower than that of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines?

I cannot accept the implication contained in the hon. Member's question. The allowance for seamen and marines, known as provision allowance, is a flat rate of 2s. 2d. a day which applies under all conditions at home and, with few exceptions, abroad, and has remained at that figure for some years. Army ration allowance is a variable rate which differs according to circumstances at home and abroad, and is subject to review, on the basis of prices, at frequent intervals. As ane would expect, the Army rate of ration allowance is, in certain circumstances, above the Naval flat rate, and in others below it. For men on leave the rates are equal at 2s. 2d. a day.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received the report of the Transport Advisory Council; and whether it will be made available for Members?

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the inquiry which the Transport Advisory Council has been conducting into the subject of accidents to cyclists. I have now received the council's report and I propose to publish it at an early date.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been directed to the evidence given by a lorry driver named Albert Henry Peake, of Watson Road, Leicester, at the inquest on Hubert Aubrey Smith, of Friern Barnet, that he fell asleep at the wheel owing to lack of rest, having driven from Leicester to London and started on the return journey after only 2½ hours rest; and will he consider taking steps to find out whether the lorry driver or his employer was responsible for these long hours of labour, with a view to prosecution?

The licensing authority is making inquiries in this case with a view to seeing whether there are grounds on which action could properly be taken under the Road Traffic Act.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has yet received the report of his inspector on the inquiry into his proposal to by-pass Borough-bridge and Kirby Hill?."

Yes, Sir; I propose in due course to make the order in the terms of the draft served upon the County Councils of the North and West Ridings, subject to a possible slight modification as regards the point at which the road crosses the Ure.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the evidence of the witnesses called by the objectors at the inquiry into the proposed Boroughbridge and Kirby Hill by-pass was permitted to be tested by examination and cross-examination, and in what respect the procedure with regard to the calling and the giving of evidence by witnesses at this inquiry differed from the practice laid down in the High Court of Justice?

One of my technical officers was present at the inquiry to explain the details and implications of my proposal. No formal cross-examination took place but I understand that he both asked and answered questions. My hon. and learned Friend will no doubt recognise that an inquiry of this nature is not analogous to an action in the High Court. I am empowered to hold the inquiry only when I am satisfied that it is expedient to construct a by-pass to a Trunk Road; accordingly, the purpose of the inquiry is to acquaint myself, before I am committed to the proposal, with the views of those who may be affected by it.

asked the Minister of Transport what standard he will adopt in deciding if the railways are providing adequate facilities for holiday traffic; and whether the restrictions on duplication of motor-coach services will be reconsidered in order to enable road transport to relieve the railway services at these times?

In considering any appeal which reaches me under Section 81 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, it has been and will continue to be my duty to give careful consideration to all the facts and evidence and to decide each case on its merits.

asked the Minister of Transport how many by-passes for the improvement of traffic conditions on the Great North Road are now under consideration; and how many of the schemes are in respect of towns less than 100, 200, and 300 miles out of London, respectively?

Following is the answer:I have served formal notice of my intention to make Orders under Section 1 (3) of the Trunk Roads Act, 1936, in respect of the following by-passes and diversions at points on the London— Edinburgh—Thurso road:

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to an inquest recently held in Sheffield, where the jury recommended the use of steel bars for the towing of broken-down motor cars; and whether he proposes to take any action?

Yes, Sir, but I do not think that a general requirement of the nature proposed is called for, nor would it in my view be practicable.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will give particulars of the results, following the consultation held by his Department with the motor traders and motor manufacturers, into the requirements necessary to the design of motor vehicles in relation to the cause of accidents?

My Department is in frequent contact with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, and with individual manufacturers, on questions of vehicle design affecting public safety. If the hon. Member has in mind the question of visibility for drivers I am glad to say that as a result of discussion between my Department and the Society certain minimum standards have been accepted, which should result in improvements in a number of next year's models.

asked the Minister of Transport whether discussions are still proceeding on the lengthening of the aqueduct over Maryhill Road; and when the alterations will start?

Discussions are still proceeding but it is hoped that the arrangements between the Glasgow Corporation and the London Midland and Scottish Railway will be completed and the contract documents and plans prepared in time for the works to be begun early in 1939.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the fact that more persons were killed on the roads in 1937 than in 1936 and that more were killed in April this year than in April last year, he has any further proposals calculated to reduce the death rate on the roads; and has he any statement to make?

I am employing and encouraging every known method which I consider practicable for dealing with this problem. I am ready at all times and from all quarters to welcome any new suggestions and in particular I am looking forward with interest to the views of the Select Committee now sitting in another place as to any further steps which might be taken to reduce road accidents.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the general approval of the proposal to extend, both as to age-limit and scope, Army staff training, he will give consideration to introducing a similar reform in the Royal Navy, particularly having regard to the neglect that wider training has hitherto suffered from in that arm and the increasing interdependence of the three Services?

I cannot agree that there is any foundation for the insinuation in the last part of the question. The changes that are being made in Army staff training will, of course, be carefully studied in the Admiralty and full consideration will be given to the possibility of improving methods that are now in practice.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the position of the Fleet Air Arm and how far its transfer to the Navy has progressed?

The reorganisation of the Fleet Air Arm in accordance with the Government's decision of last July is progressing satisfactorily along the lines indicated by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary in his speech introducing the Navy Estimates on 17th March. Amongst recent developments of interest, I would mention that the first group of short service officers for the Air Branch and the first group of rating pilots have commenced their training.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now able to state to what extent it is proposed to apply the League of Nations Convention concerning the status of refugees coming from Germany, signed on 10th February, 1938, at Geneva, to protectorates, and colonial and mandated areas?

The Governments of the Colonial Dependencies will be consulted regarding the application of the Convention to their territories as soon as it has been ratified by His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the opinion held by many informed persons, including a former governor-in-chief of Jamaica, that the economic condition of the West Indies can only be improved by an increase in the price of sugar; and whether he will consider this point in connection with the various recommendations made to him for improving the economic conditions of the people in that island?

I am aware of the opinion stated. An increase in the price of sugar is chiefly dependent on the International Sugar Council achieving their object of bringing about a better relation between the supply of and demand for sugar.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any survey has been made on the possibilities of constructing a railway to open up the interior of British Guiana; if so, whether such survey has disclosed the possibility of settlement in the interior; and whether any further steps are being taken to investigate these possibilities in greater detail?

Yes, Sir. The question of the construction of a railway into the interior was the subject of a report by an engineer specially appointed for that purpose in 1927. He came to the conclusion that there was no demonstrable need or justification for a railway at that time or in the immediate future. As regards the second and third parts of the question, the possibility of the development of the interior of British Guiana has been considered on more than one occasion in the past. I would invite the hon. Member's attention to paragraph 335 of the Report of the West Indian Sugar Commission of 1930, where it is stated that sufficiently comprehensive surveys of the interior have been made to enable competent and responsible witnesses to assert with confidence that, except in certain areas for the production of cattle, the interior of British Guiana nowhere offers any encouraging prospect for agricultural settlement.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can now state the complete arrangement that has resulted from the discussions between the representatives of the Air Ministry and the Renfrew Town Council; and whether this is now accepted as satisfactory for the continuation of the Renfrew aerodrome by the town council?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has any further statement to make with reference to the Renfrew aerodrome?

I am glad to say that it has now been arranged with the town council that Renfrew shall continue to be recognised as the civil aerodrome for South-West Scotland for a further period of three years, and that the licence of the aerodrome shall, subject to its being suitably maintained, be renewed for a period of five years for purposes of the Scottish Flying Club. An air traffic control organisation is to be established by the Air Ministry as soon as possible.The Air Ministry will continue to explore the possibility of finding an alternative civil aerodrome for this area, and in the meantime, the Royal Air Force aerodrome at Abbotsinch will be made available as a stand-by when conditions render it undesirable for aircraft to use Renfrew. If, at the end of three years, a more suitable aerodrome is not available, the question of extending the period of recognition of Renfrew will be considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the reason for the practice of the Air Ministry in consulting Imperial Airways, Limited, before making grants to any other air company?

The Agreement between the Air Ministry and Imperial Airways, Limited, dated 9th March, 1929 (which does not expire until 31st March, 1939) provides that during its continuance no subsidy in cash or kind shall be granted in respect of any transport service with heavier-than-air machines in any part of Europe or on certain specified routes to any other undertaking. Before grants can be made to any other air company in respect of services affected by this Agreement the consent of Imperial Airways, Limited, to the waiver of their rights must, therefore, be obtained.

asked the Secretary of State for Air when the report of the Rae Committee of Inquiry may be expected?

The committee is still prosecuting its inquiries and I am not yet in a position to say when the report may be expected.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the tests of the Mayo composite aircraft of Imperial Airways, Limited, have shown completely satisfactory results; and what further tests it is intended to carry out during the summer of this year?

The tests have not yet been completed but those carried out so far have shown satisfactory results and more extensive trials are contemplated, which include experimental flights across the North Atlantic this summer.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will disclose the extent of the permission granted to the Dutch Air Lines and Pan-American Airways, respectively, to operate air services through British possessions in the West Indies; and what reciprocity has been obtained for British enterprises?

The Dutch Air Lines have been granted facilities at Trinidad and Barbados on the understanding that reciprocal rights will be accorded to a British service to Netherlands territory in the West Indies.Pan-American Airways have been granted operating facilities at Antigua (Leeward Islands), Nassau (Bahamas), Kingstown (Jamaica), and Port of Spain (Trinidad). In each case, the permission is covered by an agreement with the Colonial Government concerned. Permission in these cases was not conditioned by reciprocity.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what progress has been made on the establishment of an Empire flying-boat base in England; and whether it is proposed to proceed with development of the Langstone harbour site as the most suitable proposal?

I am not yet in a position to add to the reply which was given to my hon. and learned Friend on 30th March last.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he proposes to encourage the establishment of a British air service to encircle the South China Sea, and an extension of the present England-Hong Kong service to Shanghai as soon as conditions permit?

Both these projects will be given due consideration in connection with the planning of British air services overseas.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, as a result of the increased civil aviation grant, he will hasten the plans for British air services across the Tasman Sea and across the Pacific, particularly in view of the importance of establishing such services before similar difficulties to those faced by the shipping companies arise for air services?

As I informed my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Leicester East (Mr. Lyons) on 10th May, the establishment of air services across the Tasman Sea and Pacific is being considered by the Governments concerned. My right hon. Friend hopes to be in a position to confer with representatives of those Governments at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will state the number of cases in which the Air Ministry has refused permission to local authorities to establish aerodromes during the last three years; and how many local authorities have applied for the necessary meteorological, wireless, and control facilities for aerodromes and been refused?

In no case has the Air Ministry refused permission to a local authority to establish an aerodrome, but in one case involving compulsory purchase of the land required, local opposition at the public inquiry rendered it impracticable to give approval for the projected site.As regards the last part of the question it has not been possible in four or five cases to accede to the requests received, generally because the requirements of the area in question have already been met by the provision of wireless and other facilities at nearby centres; and the erection of further radio installations in the same region is technically inadmissible. In such cases the existing facilities are made available by means of direct land-line connections between the two centres.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether any British-controlled air-line is operating services between London and Switzerland; what is the nationality of the present operating companies; and whether any and, if so, what British-controlled air lines have indicated their willingness to provide a service between London and Geneva?

The answer to the first part of the question is Imperial Airways; to the second, British, French, and Swiss; and to the last, that Alp Air Line, Limited, have applied to operate a service but that the Swiss Government have not yet given their consent.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been drawn to the low rate of wages paid to Air Ministry warders; and whether, in view of the fact that these ex-non-commissioned officers, with a minimum of 21 years' service with the forces, are called upon to perform numerous and responsible duties, he will consider the advisability of increasing their remuneration to a level in keeping with such duties?

The pay of these warders is now under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can now advise when the shadow aircraft factory at Speke is to be opened?

The position is that the buildings are now substantially complete but it is not yet possible to forecast the date at which deliveries of aircraft will begin.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will give particulars of the reports received from His Majesty's representative on the results of the experiments made by the Soviet air force on the transportation of small tanks by aircraft?

I regret that I am unable to give any information regarding the results of the experiments referred to.

asked the Secretary of State for Air, what progress has taken place with the heavy-oil compression ignition aero-engine; and whether any engines of this nature are in service?

Research on the heavy-oil compression ignition engine is continuing and recent progress has been encouraging. But the results so far attained still show a marked disparity in performance as compared with petrol engines. No engines of the compression ignition type are in use in service air craft but flight development trials of one such engine are taking place.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, whether he will investigate the circumstances attending the fact that Eric T. Phipps, 173, Odessa Road, Forest Gate, E.7, joined the Royal Air Force on the 1st May after medical examination at Kingsway and that this necessitated his retirement from his situation; whether he is aware that at Drayton he was dismissed on medical grounds; and whether, as this young man has lost a situation in civilian life owing to the medical dismissal, he will compensate the man accordingly?

This candidate was rejected at West Drayton prior to final acceptance for enlistment on account of a disability of a spasmodic nature which was manifested there but not during his medical examination at Kingsway. I regret that the circumstances are not such as to entitle the candidate to any payment of compensation from public funds.