asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the insanitary housing conditions and unsatisfactory water facilities prevailing in the miners' houses at Middle Row, Canal Row, and Back Row, Hampstead Village, Great Barr; and whether he will take the matter up with the local authority concerned with a view to the necessary action being taken to improve these conditions?

I understand that the colliery company who own the houses in question will demolish them as soon as they have made their arrangements, which are already in an advanced stage, for the building of new houses sufficient to re-house the displaced tenants.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has any information as to the proposals to import many thousands of pre-fabricated timber houses from Sweden to Great Britain; and whether the proposals have the sanction of his Department?

I have no information with regard to the proposals to which the hon. Member refers. Proposals for importation would not require my approval.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to advertisements by the British Medical Association extolling the merits of pasteurised or half-boiled milk, and urging that all milk be compulsorily pasteurised or half-boiled; and whether he can assure the House that his Department will not give effect to such views?

I am aware of announcements by the British Medical Association with regard to the merits of pasteurisation. The proposals of the Government with regard to pasteurisation are set out in the White Paper on Milk Policy.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can expedite the West Sussex South Downs Planning Scheme?

This scheme has involved extensive negotiations with landowners. Most of the agreements have now been made, and I am in communication with the county council with a view to expediting the remainder.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that certain assessment committees regard the construction of a reinforced trench in a garden attached to a dwelling-house as an improvement and thereupon the occupier is compelled to pay heavier rates; and whether he will include this point in his consideration of this problem?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Home Secretary to what extent district councils and parish councils are empowered under airraid precautions schemes to spend money on meetings held or other expenses incurred for the enrolment of volunteers or otherwise in connection with such schemes?

These councils are local authorities within the meaning of the Air Raid Precautions Act, 1937, and are thus empowered by Section 7 (1) of the Act to incur expenditure on the purposes mentioned.

asked the Minister of Health what price was awarded for the acquisition by Exeter city, as the site of the city hall, of the property at No. 49, Paul Street, and certain land attached; whether he is aware that the owners, Messrs. A. J. and W. S. D. Force, were claiming 6s. 6d. a square foot; what use was being made of these premises with land attached; and what was the area and rateable value of the whole property in question?

I am informed that the price awarded for the acquisition of No. 49, Paul Street, with adjacent property in the same ownership, was £1,766, and that the total price claimed by the owners was equivalent to £1 8s. 10 ½d. per square foot. I understand that No. 49, Paul Street was formerly a shop and dwelling-house and that the remainder of the property consisted of three cottages and some vacant land, which had been the site of three other cottages. The total area was 2,790 square feet and the total rateable value £40.

asked the Minister of Health what was the price awarded to Mr. Arthur Thomas Young, of Hartburn, for his claim against the Stockton Corporation for the depreciation of three acres of potential building land by the registration for preservation by the corporation of 49 out of 115 trees on the estate; whether he is aware that in 1933 Mr. Young bought the land, including the house named Parkwood, for £1,300; and whether he can state the rateable value of this property at the time the claim was made?

I will make inquiries and communicate further with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is the intention of the Government to take steps for the protection of the home-grown mutton industry, similar to those already taken in the case of beef and veal?

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), and to my remarks during the Debate on the Motion for the Adjournment on nth May, to which I have at present nothing to add.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Government intend to take any action to raise the guaranteed minimum price of wheat, with a view to securing an increase in the production of home-grown wheat?

In connection with the proposed Bill to amend the Wheat Act, 1932, I am considering the desirability of providing for periodical reviews of the standard wheat price. I would also remind my hon. Friend that steps were taken in the Agriculture Act of last Session to encourage an increase in the production of home-grown wheat by increasing from 27,000,000 cwt. to 36,000,000 cwt. the quantity of wheat eligible for deficiency payments at the full rate in any cereal year.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Government are contemplating any action to guarantee a minimum price for home-produced eggs,, such price to be arranged with due regard to changes in the cost of poultry feeding stuffs?

The position of the poultry industry is being considered in all its aspects, and I hope shortly to make a statement on the matter, but there are grave practical objections to the suggestion of my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider amending the Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act to bring within the Act lime and basic slag, and thereby ensure that the Treasury and the farmers are receiving genuine quality for the money spent on these fertilisers?

The Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act already requires that every person who sells basic slag or the principal forms of lime that are used to increase the fertility of the soil shall deliver to the purchaser a statutory statement including prescribed particulars as to the quality of the article. The statutory statement has effect as a warranty, and" every purchaser has the right to have a sample of the article taken by an official sampler and analysed by the agricultural analyst, and to receive from the analyst a certificate of the result of his analysis. If the analysis discloses a deficiency or breach of warranty, it is open to the purchaser to decide whether to make a claim against the seller or not.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is proposed to issue regulations governing the grant of bonus in the case of attested herds engaged in the breeding of store cattle or in the production of beef; and, if so, when?

Yes, Sir. A scheme under Section 20 of the Agriculture Act, 1937, is in an advanced stage of preparation, and I hope that it will be possible to introduce it at an early date.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has considered a letter addressed to him relating to Stokehill allotments, Exeter, and whether he is prepared to take such steps to expedite the compulsory purchase order as will result in allotment holders being able to plant their winter plants before 24th June?

I am aware of the urgency of the matter and am in communication with the Exeter Town Council.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the complaints now being made by consumers of potatoes regarding the recent increase in potato prices; whether he has made inquiries into the matter; and whether he is satisfied that the increase in prices is justified?

No report has been received from the Consumers' Committee that any complaints have been made by the consumers regarding the recent increase in potato prices. At wholesale markets prices have on the whole been substantially lower this year than in the corresponding periods of the last two years, and although a rise has taken place since the commencement of the present month, the level reached is still below that in the corresponding week in 1937. Prices have been affected by several factors, notably by weather conditions, which have retarded the newly-planted crops and stimulated demand. The Potato Marketing Board reduced the size of the riddle as from 13th May, and they have also permitted the sale of seconds. The Market Supply Committee have also had the situation under close review, and on their recommendation the import quota of old crop potatoes for May has twice been raised and now stands at 12,000 tons for the month.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that several specimens of myopotamus coypu have recently been caught in this country and sent to the Natural History Museum; and, as these rodents are three feet long, weigh 15 pounds, and could do great damage to agriculture if allowed to multiply, will he take steps to put into operation against them the same organisation which disposed of the musk rat?

I am aware that specimens of this animal have been found at large from time to time, and the position has been kept under close observation by my Department. From the information in my possession as to damage done by escaped animals in this country and the practice in other European countries in regard to this animal, I have come to the conclusion that there is not, at present, sufficient evidence to justify action as regards nutria under the Destructive Imported Animals Act, 1932. The position will, however, continue to be closely watched.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many limited companies in the film industry were wound up in the past 10 years; what was the original paid-up capital of these companies; how much of that capital had been lost and how much of that paid-up capital was returned to shareholders after winding-up; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?

I regret that the information asked for by the hon. and learned Member is not available. The answer to the last part of the question is therefore in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the amount of foreign pearl barley imported into this country monthly since the beginning of the present year?

During the four months January to April, 1938, imports into the United Kingdom of pearled barley (including blocked, flaked, puffed and pot barley) registered as consigned from foreign countries amounted to 8,568 cwts., 6,844 cwts., 9,611 cwts., and 4,453 cwts., respectively.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that large supplies of cotton piece-goods are being imported into this country from Japan and re-exported marked made in England; and what steps are being taken by his Department to counteract this unfair method of trading?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 5th April to my hon. Friend the Member for Blackley (Mr. Lees-Jones).

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that subsidised foreign competition is having a serious effect on the sales of British motor cars both at home and abroad; and, as this is causing great loss to British workers and British capital, will he introduce emergency legislation at an early date to deal with this unfair competition?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given on 17th May to the hon. Member for Lambeth, North (Mr. G. Strauss). Information has now been received from the German Government that the export of Opel motor cars to the United Kingdom is not subsidised by the German Government and that such export assistance as is given by the German industry is no more than is required to offset the currency position. I have no information regarding subsidised exports of motor cars from other countries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the growing need for canned products in Great Britain, the supreme advantage of this industry to agriculture, and the security it affords in time of war, he can give an assurance that, when considering the details of the Anglo-American trade agreement, nothing will be done to impair the fruit and vegetable industry in this country or any such industries established, or the establishment of which is contemplated, in the Crown Colonies?

The considerations to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers are not overlooked, but he will understand that I cannot give assurances regarding the treatment of particular articles in negotiations for a trade agreement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to state the personnel of the Cinematograph Films Council which is to be appointed under the Cinematograph Films Act, 1938?

The membership of the Cinematograph Films Council is nearly complete, and I hope to be able to make an announcement before long. Meanwhile I am glad to say that Sir Frederick Whyte has agreed to serve as chairman.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is now in a position to make a statement concerning the progress made with the examination by his Department of the questionnaires and other evidence submitted by the British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association purporting to show the instability and inadequacy of the provisions made for disabled ex-service men who are not in employment?

Examination of the cases, numbering rather less than 500, submitted by the association referred to has now been completed, and I am communicating the'results to my hon. Friend in the course of the next few days.

asked the Attorney-General the names of the county boroughs and petty sessional divisions in which there are, at the present time, no women magistrates; and whether the Lord Chancellor will consider the advisability of makipg appointments himself direct?

As the hon. Gentleman knows, appointments are made by my noble Friend the Lord Chancellor in consultation with the Advisory Committees. It would be contrary to precedent to depart from this course. Women justices have not, up to date, been appointed in the following divisions:

—	County.	Borough.
Derby	Appletree.
	Repton.
	Wirksworth.
Lines (Lindsey)	Wragby.
Salop	Bishops Castle. Chin and Purslow.	Ludlow Wenlock.
Worcester	Evesham.
Yorks (East Riding).	Howdenshire. Middle Holderness.
	North Hunsley Beacon.
Yorks (West Riding).	KirkbyMalzard.
Cardigan	Lampeter.
	Llanilar.
	Tregaron.
Carmarthen	Llanboidy.
	St. Clears.
Denbighshire	Isaled.
	Uwchddulas.
Glamorgan	Gower.
Merioneth	Edeyrnion.
Montgomery	Mathrafal.
Radnor	Colwyn.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of insured persons on the register in the area served by the Middleton-in-Teesdale Employment Exchange, County Durham, on 31st January, 28th February, and 31st March, respectively, in 1938; and the corresponding number of persons signing on as unemployed?

At the July, 1937, exchange of unemployment books approximately 500 books were exchanged by insured persons, aged 16–64 (exclusive of persons within the agricultural scheme) at the Middleton-in-Teesdale Employment Exchange. The numbers of such persons recorded as unemployed at that Exchange in the first three months of 1938 were as follow:

17th January, 1938	…	191
14th February, 1938	…	211
14th March, 1938	…	198

asked the Minister of Labour whether any figures are available relating particularly to the employment or unemployment of ex-service men who have lost the right arm, the 35,500 men who have lost a limb or limbs, or the 148,000 who are 50 per cent, or more disabled as a direct result of war service?

No, Sir; I regret that such figures are not available. My hon. Friend may, however, be interested to refer to the figures of disabled ex-service men registered as unemployed and of those employed by enrolled firms which I gave the hon. Member for Rusholme (Mr. Radford) on 10th May, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons recruited from the Maesteg, Pontycymmer, Ogmore Vale, Bridgend and Aberkenfig Exchanges, respectively, for the Bridgend munitions works?

I am having the necessary inquiries made and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what purchases have been made of foreign aircraft within the last 12 months by any British air-line in receipt of national subsidy; whether attempts were made to secure British-made aircraft instead and what consultations were had with British constructors by the companies concerned; what percentages of machines in regular operation by each subsidised company, respectively, are now of foreign make; and whether any and what arrangements have been made or are contemplated in respect of any further replacements or purchases by such operating units?

Imperial Airways have no foreign aircraft in operation.Within the period named British Airways have purchased three Lockheed Electra and one Junker aircraft in supplement, and replacement, of the existing fleet used on their present routes. In addition four Lockheed 14's are on order and intended for use on the projected Lisbon route, in the circumstances explained by my predecessor on 4th May last in reply to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Accrington (Major Procter).British Airways' fleet consists of Junker and Lockheed aircraft because of the lack of suitable British commercial aircraft to suit the operational requirements of the company. The company have been in consultation with a large number of leading aircraft constructors, with a view to collaborating in the production of a suitable British aircraft to replace the foreign types at present in use.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will consider the advisability of making fuller use, for the purposes of Air Ministry work, of the available resources of skilled workmen, buildings, machinery, and experience of the smaller engineering factories, either by direct contracting for essential accessories or a system of group control?

In so far as direct contracts for essential accessories are concerned, full consideration is given to all firms with suitable facilities who apply to be placed on the Air Ministry trade lists.As regards sub-contracts, it is, I think, in general, necessary that the main contractor should retain freedom to make his own sub-contracting arrangements, but the Air Ministry keep closely in touch with sub-contracting by the main aircraft firms. My right hon. Friend proposes, however, to give attention to the question whether the resources of smaller units of production can be further utilised, and I shall be glad to receive any suggestion which the hon. Member would care to let me have.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the representations as to the inadequacy of the accommodation provided at Walsall drill hall for the 5th Battalion (Territorials) of the South Staffordshire Regiment; whether he is aware that the training of the battalion is being interfered with on that account; and whether he will take immediate steps to have the premises enlarged and modernised or replaced by more suitable premises?

I am advised that enlargement of this headquarters is not practicable. The inconvenience that has been felt arises from the presence of two vehicles in the drill hall, and the Territorial Association concerned has been authorised to put forward proposals, on lines which have been agreed to by my Department, in order to improve the situation.

asked the Home Secretary the respective qualifications of the members of the Stewart Committee, 1935; whether the evidence given before the Committee was confidential and, if not, is he prepared to order a fully copy of the evidence to be placed in the Library of the House of Commons for Members; and when it is contemplated that steps will be taken to meet the demand for amendment of the law relative to workmen's compensation?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 13th April to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Hitchin (Sir A. Wilson). The members of the Committee not mentioned in that answer were His Honour Judge Stewart (chairman), representatives of the Home Office and other Departments, and Mr. Joseph Jones, President of the Mine-workers' Federation. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer to the answer given to the Member for Hitchin, on 24th February. As regards the last part, I am afraid I cannot add anything at present to the reply given to the hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths) last Thursday.

asked the Home Secretary whether political processions or propaganda marches are proscribed by the Commissioner of Police in the centre of the West End of London?

No order has been made under the Public Order Act prohibiting political processions or propaganda marches in the West End of London.

asked the Home Secretary how many persons have been granted naturalisation during the past two months compared with the same period last year; and how many applied for naturalisation during the same periods?

The figures for the months of March and April are:1938—grants, 340; applications, 586.1937—grants, 290; applications, 371.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give the names of those licensing districts which at the recent licensing sessions were granted an extension to 10.30 p.m. on week-days, specifying which were for the whole year and which for a lesser period, the names of districts in which last year the permitted terminal hour on week-days was 10.30 p.m. during the summer months but which have this year reverted to 10 p.m. closing, and also a complete list of licensing districts where the justices have extended permitted hours on weekdays to 10.30 p.m., either for the whole year or part of the year?

I am sending my hon. Friend the particulars asked for: they are too lengthy for circulation in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the board of management of Ayr county hospital, which has urgent need for accommodation, have achieved any definite results in their efforts to obtain ground for an extension; what land has been offered; of what area and at what price; and why difficulties have arisen?

I understand that the directors have not yet obtained land for an extension of the hospital. Some time ago they discussed with the town council and the county council a suggestion that certain land owned jointly by the councils in connexion with the Kyle Home should be given to the hospital free, but they have since intimated to the councils that they have abandoned this proposal. I do not know what other proposals the directors may have in view, but if they feel that a meeting with the Department of Health to discuss their difficulties would be useful, my right hon. Friend will be glad to arrange for this.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Bute County Council have been able to secure any of the following sites for the new county buildings, namely: Nos. 61 to 67, High Street, Rothesay, on which the present buildings are of no great value; and the Old Mill property, King Street, which is in a ruinous and derelict state; what prices were demanded for these properties; what is their present rateable value; and whether the county council have had to advertise for sites and what success they have had?

I am informed that the county council have ascertained that the owner of the subjects referred to in the first and second parts of the question is not prepared to make either of them available for the purpose indicated, and that no price for these subjects, the present rateable values of which are £42 and £12 5s., respectively, has been demanded or mentioned. I am further informed that the county council have advertised for sites, and that the replies received are at present under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the terms of prison rule No. 225 governing the duties of the medical officer, and the extent to which this rule is complied with in Barlinnie prison?

The terms of Prison Rule No. 225 are as follow:

" The Medical Officer shall see every prisoner at least once a week, so as to ascertain his general state of health, physical and mental, and whether he is clean in his person, and free from disease, and if his clothing and bedding are sufficient, and shall record the result of his inspection in his journal."

The medical officer sees every prisoner once a week and makes inquiry as to his condition. If the state or appearance of any prisoner renders any action necessary or if the prisoner makes any request or complaint which inquiry proves to be justified, action is duly taken. The medical officer records the result of his inspections in his journal.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the terms of prison rule No. 227 governing the duties of the medical officer, and the extent to which this rule is complied with in Barlinnie prison?

The terms of prison rule No. 227 are:

" The medical officer shall from time to time examine the prisoners during the time of their being employed at labour, and shall record the name of any prisoner whose health he thinks to be endangered by a continuance at labour of any particular kind, and report the same to the Governor; and thereupon such prisoner shall not again be employed at such labour until the medical officer certifies that he is fit for such employment."

The medical officer inspects prisoners once a week when they are proceeding to work, and he frequently visits the places where they are employed in order to see them at work, and the remaining terms of the rule are complied with whenever necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the terms of prison rule No. 291 governing visits to prisoners, and the extent to which this rule is complied with in Barlinnie prison?

The terms of Rule No. 291 which relates to untried prisoners, are as follow:

" Every endeavour shall be made to provide that such prisoners shall not, when being visited, be exposed to the view of the friends of other prisoners, and to prevent the friends of one prisoner from coming into contact with the friends of another while in the prison."

No prisoner at Barlinnie prison when being visited is exposed to the view of the friends of any other prisoner. A waiting room is provided inside the prison boundaries for the convenience of friends who are about to visit prisoners, and, although a prison officer is present, some measure of contact between visitors is inevitable.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, what action he has taken or proposes to take in response to consumers' complaints addressed to him regarding the recent increase in potato prices in Scotland?

My right hon. Friend does not himself appear to have received any complaint from a consumer or body of consumers on this subject, but I understand that a general representation from an agricultural organisation regarding the effect of the operation of the Potato Marketing Scheme has been made to the Consumers' Committee for Great Britain. Should that Committee decide to make any report on the subject, its terms will of course receive the consideration of the Ministers concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total number of serviceable herring drifters in each of the years 1933 and 1937; and what number of drifters does he estimate as likely to be withdrawn from service through old age or general inability to follow the fishing during the next six years?

The number of Scottish steam drifters on the register in 1933 and 1937 were 733 and 459 respectively. Information is not available as to the number of vessels which were not fully serviceable in these years.In regard to the second part of the question, the useful life of a steam drifter depends so largely on a variety of factors, including maintenance and periodical repair, that it is not possible to give any reliable estimate of the number of vessels likely to be withdrawn from service during the period specified.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the state of disrepair into which the harbour of Dunbar has fallen; and whether, in view of its importance as the only deep-water harbour between Leith and Blyth, he can hold out any hope of assistance being given towards its restoration?

I am aware that the Town Council of Dunbar, who own the harbour, have made application from time to time to the Fishery Board for Scotland for financial assistance towards the cost of repairing the harbour. The Fishery Board have been unable to sanction a grant having regard to the limited resources at their disposal and to the requirements of other harbours of greater importance from the fisheries point of view. I can see no reason for departing from this decision.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether any decision has now been reached with regard to the establishment of elevators for the storage of essential wheat supplies?

I would ask my hon. and learned Friend to await the introduction of the Bill which, as my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer stated on 26th April, will be introduced shortly.

asked the Minister for the Coordination of Defence whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the measures the Government propose to recommend for the protection of stores of oil under conditions of national emergency?

Active steps are being taken by several methods to afford protection to the storage of oil in this country, but it would not be in the public interest to publish particulars.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence the number, nature and situation of the factories now in course of erection by or for the Government in South Wales and Monmouthshire?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which was given on 14th of April, 1938, by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour in answer to a question by the hon. Member for Merthyr Tydfil (Mr. S. O. Davies).

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether, in the letting of the contracts for the Government aerodrome and factory at Pembrey, Carmarthenshire, provision has been made to give preference of employment to the unemployed workmen in the area; and whether such preference is being observed?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour to a similar question by the hon. Gentleman to-day. Work has not yet started on either undertaking, and the last part of the question does not therefore arise.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the relative strength of our naval air service and how this compares with those of the United States, Japan and Germany?

The strength of the Fleet Air Arm is 214 aircraft. The figures for the foreign countries are:

United States	…	…	705*
Japan	…	…	271
Germany	…	…	16

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the relative strength of the Fleet Air Army of the Navy at the present time and the strength of the arm at the same time in 1937?

The first-line strength of the Fleet Air Arm is at present 214 aircraft; the corresponding strength last year was 204 aircraft. No material increase in the first-line strength of the Fleet Air Arm can, of course, be made until the new aircraft carriers and other warships carrying aircraft, are completed.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can give particulars of colonial allowances in the Navy?

A full statement of these particulars cannot be given within the normal scope of an answer to a question. I will send the hon. Member the information he requires.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the supplementary Navy Estimate for the 1938 new construction programme is to be introduced and the reasons for the delay?

The Supplementary Estimate, in which the House will be asked to approve the necessary provision for commencing the new shipbuilding programme for 1938, will be presented before the Whitsun Recess.I am not aware of any grounds for the suggestion that there has been delay in presenting this Estimate.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is satisfied with the present progress of the national fitness campaign; and whether it is proposed to adopt any measures in the near future to accelerate and revitalise the programme?

The objects of the national fitness campaign are to stimulate a desire for physical fitness and to afford financial assistance towards the provision of additional facilities for physical training and recreation. The large and enthusiastic attendance at meetings and demonstrations arranged throughout the country and the rapidly increasing demand for additional facilities of many kinds show that the first object is being attained. As regards the second, the volume of local schemes for assistance which are now being submitted is a sure indication that a serious effort is being made by local authorities and voluntary organisations to overcome the shortage of existing facilities. Proposals involving capital expenditure amounting in the aggregate to over £1,500,000 have been submitted, and these are being dealt with as expeditiously as possible. Moreover, arrangements have been made for the grant of £200,000 to universities towards the capital cost of the provision of increased facilities and, as I shall indicate in reply to a later question, the provision of the National College for Physical Training is now under way. In these circumstances, my Noble Friend sees no cause for dissatisfaction with the progress of the campaign or for special measures to accelerate it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what sum has been lost to the Exchequer since petrol consumed by Imperial Airways, Limited, was exempt from duty?

Petrol used on inland flights is not exempt from duty. The company referred to is treated in matters of taxation like any other consumer of petrol, and if the hon. Member has in mind the drawback of duty which is allowable on petrol shipped on all aircraft proceeding to foreign destinations, it would be contrary to Revenue practice to disclose particulars relating to the business of an individual concern.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any illumination, or improved illumination, has yet been undertaken by virtue of the provisions of Section 6 (4) of the Trunk Roads Act, 1936; and whether he will specify the authorities and areas in respect of which he has received proposals in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. In reply to the second part, I have received proposals in some detail for new or improved lighting of trunk roads in Nuneaton, Romford and Staines. I have also received a number of preliminary inquiries elsewhere.

asked the Minister of Transport how many casualties have occurred on the Southern Railway owing to the electrification of the live rail since the beginning of this year; and how many miles of the new protective fencing, which they promised him to put up, has been completed?

No one has been killed by contact with the live rail of the Southern Railway Company's lines since the beginning of the year, and the only member of the public injured in this way was a child who gained access to the line from a level crossing.

asked the Minister of Transport when the Order will be confirmed regarding one-way traffic, Five Ways, Birmingham; and, in view of the long delay that has occurred before put- ting this scheme in force, will he permit the trial period of two years to date from 23rd September, 1937, the date of his inquiry?

The Order to which my hon. Friend refers has already been modified so that it will remain operative, unless previously revoked, for two years from 9th May, 1938, the date on which it was confirmed.