asked the Minister of Health whether he can state the number of houses built in the six months ended 31st March 1938?

My right hon. Friend hopes to publish a return on this matter in the course of the next few days.

asked the Minister of Health how many overcrowded families are living in the Paddington Council area; how many houses have been built by the council and by private builders during the past five years; and how many working-class houses have been pulled down to make room for highly-rented flats?

About 2,000 families in Paddington are living in overcrowded conditions and the provision of housing accommodation for the abatement of this overcrowding is in the hands of the London County Council as part of the general problem of London overcrowding. The borough council have in the past five years built 66 dwellings in the borough and private enterprise has built about 1,370. My right hon. Friend regrets that he has no information relating to the last part of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now prepared to set up an immediate Government inquiry into the menace to fishing caused by basking and thresher sharks outside Campbeltown Loch off the island of Davaar?

My right hon. Friend is informed by the Fishery Board that so far relatively few sharks have been observed in the Firth of Clyde and that no complaints regarding them have been received from fishermen during the present year. The board's fishery officer is in close touch with the fishermen and my right hon. Friend sees no reason for taking action on the lines suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that all jurors cited to attend trials on indictment in Scotland do so without any payment from the Crown; and is he prepared to have such jurors paid on the same basis as jurors cited in respect of ordinary trials by jury and fatal accident inquiries?

I am aware that there is no provision for the payment of fees or expenses to jurors summoned in criminal cases. Any provision of this nature would require legislation and I am not in a position to make any statement as to legislation on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now prepared, after due investigation, to permit of judges in the Scottish inferior courts enlisting the services of psycho-analysts in cases where the treatment of juvenile delinquents arise?

The attention of courts in Scotland has already been drawn to their powers to require young offenders to be examined by properly qualified experts, and I have no reason to think that these powers are not exercised in all appropriate cases.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many of the new aerodromes being arranged for in connection with the expansion of the Royal Air Force are situated in Lancashire, in view of the fact that the Pennine Chain forms a useful protection against air-raids?

An auxiliary Air Force Squadron is already located at Speke, Liverpool and a Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Centre is located in Manchester.

asked the Secretary of State for Air (1) whether he will establish a separate technical and advisory staff to deal with the question of Scottish air defence;(2) whether all air squadrons established in Scotland are equipped with the latest type of fighter aeroplanes?

As the House has been previously informed the air defence of Scotland is treated as an integral and essential part of the general problem of the air defence of the United Kingdom, the siting of squadrons being based not upon local allotments for the protection of specific areas but on plans designed to permit the deployment of large forces which can be adjusted at short notice in accordance with the requirements of the situation. The establishment of a separate staff to deal with matters of Scottish air defence would under these circumstances serve no useful purpose. Of the four Royal Air Force Squadrons at present stationed in Scotland, two are bomber squadrons, one an army co-operation squadron, and one a general reconnaissance squadron.

asked the Secretary of State for Air when the enlargement of the Speke aircraft factory is to take place; and also what he estimates the full capacity of aircraft production will be when the factory is finally completed?

The extension of the shadow factory at Speke will be completed as quickly as possible, but I am unable to give the probable date of its completion. As regards the last part of the question, the proposed extension will increase the present capacity by more than 4o per cent., but it would not be in the public interest to say what its actual productive capacity will be.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what order of priority will be followed in providing balloon-barrage defence for other parts of the country after provision has been made for London?

I cannot add anything at present to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 22nd June.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has yet received a full report from His Majesty's Ambassador in China on the Japanese wool monopoly in North China?

My Noble Friend has instructed His Majesty's Ambassador in China to keep him fully informed of developments in this matter. In the meantime the Ambassador has reported that, while there appears to be a tendency towards Japanese monopolistic practice in North China, there is as yet little evidence of damage to British trade on this account.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the serious fall in the Shanghai dollar; and whether he will ask the economic adviser to His Majesty's Government to pay special attention to the dislocation of British trade caused thereby

My hon. Friend may rest assured that His Majesty's Government are fully aware of the effect on British trade of the present situation in China, including the fall in the Shanghai dollar.

asked the Prime Minister what representations have been made to the French Government concerning the anti-British activities which the Mufti directs from Beyrout; and whether, in view of the intensive terrorism now in progress in Palestine, it is proposed to renew such representations?

I understand that Haj Amin is still being kept under surveillance by the French authorities in the Lebanon. Close contact has been and is being maintained with the French Government regarding his alleged political activities.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the ex-Mufti is still at Beyrout carrying on propaganda and stimulating Arab terrorism in Palestine; and what action is being taken by the French authorities to prevent this and maintain good relations between the two mandated territories?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave this afternoon to the hon. and gallant Member for Nuneaton (Lieut.-Commander Fletcher).

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state the average daily wages paid to ordinary unskilled labour in the tropical colonies of the principal foreign countries producing sugar which are signatories to the International Sugar Convention, and how they compare with the corresponding wages paid in the British West Indies?

I have been asked to reply. I regret that information in regard to foreign colonies is not readily available, but I will endeavour to obtain the necessary statistics.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the large increase in the quantity of silk piece goods imported into this country from Japan during the first four months of this year as compared with the corresponding period in 1937; and whether he will take effective steps to prevent the unfair competition British manufacturers have to meet from the Far East?

The quantity of silk piece goods imported into this country from Japan during the first four months of the current year only exceeded the quantity imported during the corresponding period of 1937 by about 1 per cent. It was less than the quantity imported during the corresponding period of 1936. The question of foreign competition in silk tissues is under consideration but I am not at present in a position to make any statement on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the percentage of world trade of the United Kingdom in 1937 in respect of imports and exports, respectively?

According to statistics published by the League of Nations, the United Kingdom's share, by value, of world imports in 1937 was 18.1 per cent. and of world exports 10.4 per cent.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what were the number of vessels engaged in coastwise trade in the United Kingdom, the average tonnage of each vessel, and the average number of crew and officers therein, for the years 1913 and 1938, respectively?

The precise information asked for is not available, but on 3rd April, 1911, when the last pre-War census of seamen was held, the number of vessels registered at ports in the United Kingdom and engaged in the coasting trade of the British Isles was 3,433, averaging 126 tons net, with a complement of two officers and five crew per vessel. The corresponding particulars, but relating to the coasting trade of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, ascertained at the census held on the 15th June, 1937, were 904 vessels, averaging 269 tons net, with three officers and eight crew per vessel. The principal cause of the decline in the number of vessels from 3,433 to 904 has been the substantial reduction in the number of sailing vessels, from 1,868 to 194.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Board of Trade rules as regards manning, equipment, and pay which are rigidly enforced in the case of British coasters are also enforced of foreign vessels regularly carrying goods from one United Kingdom port to another?

The Board of Trade have no power to deal with manning except on grounds of safety, but any ship, British or foreign, found to be unsafe by reason of undermanning would be detained. The requirements as to lifesaving equipment apply equally to British and foreign ships, subject to the provisions of certain agreements with other countries as to the mutual recognition of national standards. Rates of pay in the Mercantile Marine are governed by decisions of the National Maritime Board and apply only to vessels of which the crews are engaged in the United Kingdom on ordinary Board of Trade Articles.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will consider legislation to strengthen the Official Secrets Acts so as to avoid leakages of information in matters of vital national importance?

The question of strengthening the Official Secrets Acts has not been considered. If my hon. and learned Friend has any suggestions to make with regard to the Acts I will certainly consider them.

asked the Attorney-General on how many occasions since the passing of the Official Secrets Act hon. Members of this House have been approached with a suggestion that information known, or thought, to be in their possession had come to them in contravention of the Act?

I am unable to answer this question. There are no records of any such cases, but records would not in the ordinary course be made unless there were some subsequent proceedings or steps taken. I have not myself had any such case prior to that raised in the House on 27th June.

asked the Attorney-General whether he intends to institute proceedings against those persons stated to have bribed an agent of the Crown who pleaded guilty to having accepted bribes and was sentenced to three months' imprisonment at Bow Street on 18th June last?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has considered the application of the Ouse (Yorkshire) Catchment Board to have included in their area as a main river the 3¾ miles of the River Rye, from its junction with the River Severn to its junction with the River Riccal; and whether he will expedite his decision, in view of the urgent nature of the work required in this district and the extent of the present burdens of the Rye Drainage Board?

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend has considered this application for an addition to the main river of the Yorkshire Ouse Catchment Area, and has given the required notice of his intention to vary the map of the catchment area to give effect to it. My right hon. Friend cannot give any final decision in the matter until he has considered any representations that may be made to him within a period of one month.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the nature of the advice received from the Livestock Commission with regard to the present serious position in the sheep industry?

The Livestock Commission are aware, and it will be within the knowledge of my hon. Friend, that the sheep situation is engaging the close attention of my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Minister, who are fully informed of the facts, and have had the advantage of direct consultation on the subject with representatives of the livestock industry in both parts of Great Britain. In these circumstances, my right hon. Friends have not thought it necessary to seek the advice of the Commission, and the Commission accordingly have not tendered any advice, but they have brought to the notice of my right hon. Friends the views expressed at recent meetings of the Livestock Advisory Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many anti-aircraft batteries there are ready to defend London and other parts of the country?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given by my right hon. Friend to a question on 21st June by the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland (Mr. Dalton).

asked the Secretary of State for War how many skilled men have left the Nottingham Royal Ordnance Factory during the last six months; and whether he has any information which would indicate that some of these men have been induced to transfer to private firms by the offer of special bonuses?

The answer to the first part of the question is 143. As regards the second part, I have no information to the effect that special inducements are being offered to men at the Royal Ordnance Factory, Nottingham, in particular, to transfer to private firms.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he expects to receive a report from Major Orde Browne on his investigation of labour conditions in Northern Rhodesia?

I have received a report by Major Orde Browne, on labour conditions in Northern Rhodesia and arrangements are being made for its publication.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any further statement to make concerning the disturbances in British Guiana?

Yes, Sir. I regret to say that there have been further labour troubles in the Berbice District involving stoppage of work on three estates. On one of these estates some cane fields were set on fire and on all three telephone wires were cut. In view of the situation generally, the Governor has applied to these three estates the special provisions of the British Guiana Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Ordinance relating to disturbed districts. I am hopeful that the measures which have been taken will produce a calmer atmosphere in which further negotiations for a peaceful settlement of the matters under dispute can be undertaken.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether consideration has been given to bringing under the direct control of the Government the pilots engaged in the harbour of Malta?

An Ordinance has been enacted in Malta to bring pilots under the control of a board to be appointed by the Governor. The operation of the Ordinance has been deferred to allow of the drafting of the necessary regulations, but I anticipate that it will be possible shortly to bring the Ordinance into force.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the proposals for health insurance and unemployment insurance for workpeople in Malta are to be made known?

I would refer the hon. Member to the last part of my reply to his question on a similar subject on 15th June. As I then stated, the Malta Government is not in a position, for financial reasons, to introduce health or unemployment insurance schemes.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what report the officer in charge of the warships sent to search for floating mines off the Cornish coast gave as to the position, origin, and course of those mines; and what steps he has taken, and proposes to take, to protect l3ritish shipping and British ports and coasts from this menace?

I assume the hon. Member refers to reports of floating mines sighted off Land's End on 20th and 21st May. It is believed that there were two British practice mines laid off Portland in February last and not recovered. Further search for them has proved unsuccessful but as these mines are not dangerous to shipping the last part of the question does not arise.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state the individual ranks and pensions of the retired officers employed all the year, and partly, at the Home ports and the Admiralty for the seven days Navy Week organisation and publicity, and the salaries of each officer from Navy Week funds?

The duties of Navy Week Liaison Officer at the Admiralty occupy part of the time of a retired Commander. His pension is £407 10s. per annum and his salary from Navy Week Funds £400 per annum. The three retired officers employed by the Navy Week Committee at the Home Ports hold the ranks of Lieut.-Commander, Commander, and Paymaster Captain. They receive retired pay ranging from £97 10s. to £543 per annum and salaries from Navy Week Funds ranging from £275 to £470 per annum. They are all employed continuously, but two of them are on only a part-time basis.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, observing that the Admiralty has twice published the appeal in Admiralty Fleet Orders for £23,000 to build one of the missing hostels at the Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, and some time ago announced the amount collected, he will now obtain and state the amount collected from the public and the Navy after two years of the appeal?

Information has been obtained from the Honorary Appeal Secretary of the Jellicoe Memorial Fund that the total amount subscribed from all sources is £14,800 of which approximately £825 has been received from His Majesty's Ships and Naval Establishments.

asked the Minister of Transport how many accidents, specifying deaths and injuries, occurred during the years 1933, 1935, 1936 and 1937, respectively, in the city of Stoke-on-Trent, and the number of children affected under 14 years of age?

The numbers of persons killed or injured in road accidents in the city of Stoke-on-Trent during the years 1933, 1935, 1936 and 1937, were:

asked the Minister of Transport whether some additional powers can be taken to control the noise made by another cycles, which cause more disturbance after 11.30 p.m. than t he hooting of motor car horns?

The manufacturers of motor cycles have given an undertaking to do everything possible to reduce noise on their new vehicles and have instituted research at the National Physical Laboratory for this purpose. I am not in a position at present to make further Regulations on this subject which could be enforced.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is now able to promise a grant towards the building of the Forth Bridge?

No, Sir. I am not yet in a position to add to the reply which I gave to questions on this subject in February last.

asked the Minister of Transport whether any further developments have resulted from his Department's moves regarding the ferry at Jarrow?

I am still in correspondence with the county councils of Durham and Northumberland, but I am unable at present to add to my statement of 31st May.

asked the Minister of Transport why the bridge at Pontardulais jointly between Glamorgan and Carmarthen counties, which is a main trunk road, is not being proceeded with, and is now at a standstill when half the work has been done; and will he take steps to expedite the completion?

The bridge over the river Loughor has been completed; but work on the approaches is in abeyance pending completion of negotiations with the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company and property owners. The interests of the latter may have to be acquired under compulsory powers. Meanwhile arrangements are being made to provide pedestrian access to the new bridge and the old bridge will continue to be available for vehicles until the new bridge is open to traffic.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps he proposes to take to carry out the recommendations of the Transport Advisory Council about cyclists?

I am giving these important recommendations, some of which would involve legislation, the full and careful consideration that they require. I am not prepared to make any statement at present.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has any further statement to make regarding the urgent need of the people of the southern isles of the Outer Hebrides, from Barra to Harris, for a more frequent steamer service?

No, Sir. The representations which I have received on this subject will be borne in mind and considered together with other relevant factors in connection with the negotiations for a renewal of the existing steamer services contract.

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made with the roads coming under the five-year plan and 100 per cent. grants; what roads are being constructed at present or will be at an early date; and what are the estimates of cost?

I assume that the hon. Member refers to road construction in the Crofter Counties of Scotland. Work upon 369 miles has been either completed, or is in progress, or will shortly be commenced.The following sections of road are being reconstructed or will be at an early date:

asked the Minister of Transport what would be the estimated cost of reconstructing the road from Edinburgh to Kincardine Bridge in order to make it suitable for modern traffic?

This route is made up of part of A. 9 which is a trunk road, and part of A. 905 which is a county road. The following major works on the trunk road are contemplated for early execution:

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will give particulars of the reports he has received as to the progress that has been made in lengthening the station platforms on the Morden underground line in order to allow longer trains to be run; and can he say whether the necessary rolling stock has been provided or is under construction?

I am informed by the London Passenger Transport Board that new rolling stock for the Morden-Edgware line is under construction and that delivery has already begun. The new trains will have 15 per cent. more accommodation and their greater power of acceleration and deceleration is expected to increase the capacity of the line still further. In these circumstances it is not proposed to lengthen the platforms at present.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the fact that at least eight children have been fatally injured by coming into contact with the live rail on the Southern Railway in the last 12 months, he will introduce legislation to compel railway companies to erect new protective fencing at once, and not allow them to electrify new areas in country districts until the proper fencing has been erected?

In accordance with the statement which I made in reply to my hon. and gallant Friend on 3rd November, 1937, the Southern Railway Company are providing special fencing in places where trespassing by children is prevalent or is likely to occur. This fencing is, so far as practicable, provided before services are introduced on newly electrified lines. It would not be correct to assume that all the eight children referred to in the question got on to the line owing to inadequate fencing. In the circumstances I see no justification for introducing legislation.

asked the Minister of Transport what road improvement schemes in the County of Carmarthen are under consideration by his Department; and whether, in view of the heavy unemployment in the eastern portion of the county he can expedite the work on these schemes?

I have under consideration trunk road improvements in the County of Carmarthen which are estimated to cost about £50,000. I hope that work on all these schemes will begin either this or next financial year. In addition, proposals are now before me for the improvement of other roads in the county at an estimated cost of about £56,000. I can assure the hon. Member that I am sparing no effort to expedite these schemes.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the inconvenience and waste of time, energy, and money caused by the frequent excavation of public highways for the purpose of attending to drains, water-pipes, and cables; and whether, with a view to minimising this, he will recommend to local authorities the construction wherever possible of a permanent trench with detachable covering in which these drains, water-pipes, and cables can be more expeditiously laid and reached?

I am aware of the inconvenience to which the hon. Member refers, but in view of the essential public services afforded by the pipes and cables I am afraid that the inconvenience is largely unavoidable. Attempts are made to synchronise road repairs with subsurface works wherever possible. The suggestion contained in the second part of the question could be of only limited application, and I have already reminded highway authorities that on new roads adequate verge accommodation should be provided for the laying of drains, pipes and cables, and their relative positions determined at the outset.

asked the Minister of Transport on what grounds all road accidents affecting children under seven years of age, when unaccompanied or inadequately supervised, are included in the tables attributing the blame of the accident to pedestrians in the report on road accidents for the year ended 3rst March, 1937; and, in view of the fact that children under seven years are the victims in 23.9 per cent, of all accidents for which pedestrians are blamed, will he see that future statistics attributing blame to pedestrians are not unduly weighted in this way?

The table to which the hon. Member refers only deals with accidents attributed to pedestrians and the separate figures relating to children under seven years of age only include those cases where the sole or main cause of the accident was considered to be some action on the part of the child. I cannot agree, therefore, that the number of accidents shown in the table as being attributable to pedestrians is unduly weighted.

asked the Minister of Health whether His Majesty's Government has under consideration a scheme for extending the provision of cheap milk to nursing mothers and children under school age?

Yes, Sir. I would refer to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture in the course of a reply to the hon. Member for Hillsborough (Mr. Alexander) on the 22nd instant.

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?

pursuant to his reply (OFFICIAL REPORT, 18th May, 1938; Vol. 334, col. 411), supplied the following statement:Statistics of the number of insured persons in the textile industries are not available for any year earlier than 1923. The table below shows for the cotton, the textile bleaching, printing, dyeing, etc., industries and for all other textile industries in Lancashire, the estimated numbers of insured persons (employed and unemployed) at July of the years