asked the President of the Board of Trade the total value in 1937 of exports to and of imports from the respective areas controlled by the Spanish Government and the Insurgent authorities, and the value in the same year of medical supplies shipped to each of those areas?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Cumberland, North (Mr. W. Roberts) on 21st June.

Does that include a reference to medical supplies?

If the hon. Member looks at the answer he will see that it is impossible to give this information, because separate particulars in regard to individual parts of Spain are not recorded.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what answer has been received from the Food Council to the proposal for an inquiry into the costs of retail or wholesale distribution of fruits which was passed on to them?

The Food Council, I understand, do not consider that the suggested inquiry would be likely to lead to any useful results.

Do the Food Council ever do anything active?

Yes, Sir; they do a number of active things.

asked the President of the Board of Trade particulars of the various complaints he has received owing to the shortage of foreign canned beef, caused by the voluntary arrangement for the limitation of imports of the same; and, in view of the fact that the price has increased, attributable to the quota, will he consider reviewing of same?

I have received no recent complaints of inadequate supplies of canned beef. I understand that the price of certain categories was increased on 1st July. The quantities of canned beef to be imported are now a matter for the consideration of the International Beef Conference, who have recommended in 1937 and the current year appreciable increases on the quotas compared with 1936.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that owing to the reduction of the quota the prices have gone up considerably to the poorest people, and that they have difficulty in obtaining supplies?

If the hon. Member had listened to the reply he would have heard that there has been no reduction of the quota. There has been an increase this year and last year in comparison with 1936.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now make any statement in regard to the agreement which has been signed by the Mexican Government for the sale of $10,000,000 worth of oil and the effects this agreement may have on British interests?

The only information I have concerning an agreement of the kind referred to is what has appeared in the Press. I am not, therefore, in a position to make any statement as to the effect which such an agreement might have on British interests.

In view of the possible serious repercussions on the trade between this country and Mexico, and the relationship between the two countries, does the right hon. Gentleman intend to consider this agreement, to make inquiries and to report to the House, or be prepared to answer questions on the matter?

I shall certainly try to get all the information I can, but the hon. Member must realise that our Minister is no longer in Mexico.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether any steps are contemplated to extend credits to any of the countries of the Balkans and South-eastern Europe on terms similar to those which were arranged in the recent Anglo-Turkish agreement?

The facilities provided by the Export Credits Guarantee Department are available to United Kingdom exporters for trade with any overseas country, provided that the business is judged to be sound and the security available to be adequate. It will be realised, however, that the arrangement of credit guarantees is a complicated matter and the same procedure may not always be applicable in different cases.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see to it that extra facilities are afforded to those countries in South-Eastern Europe which would really benefit from any exchange of trade between them and this country to the mutual advantage of both?

I said in the course of the recent Debate, that the question of those other countries was under consideration at the present time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state in hundredweights the total amount of milled flour imported into Great Britain during 1935, 1936, and 1937?

My hon. Friend will find particulars of the imports of products of the milling and allied industries during the years 1935, 1936, and 1937 on page II of the issue of the "Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom" for December last.

Can my right hon. Friend tell me in respect to these amounts whether the offals relating to the flour are also imported?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will look at page 11 of the Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation in the United Kingdom for December last, and if there is any information that he then requires, perhaps he will ask me again.

Why should not all the flour be milled in this country?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Departments concerned have given consideration to the report on Compulsory Insurance; and is it intended that legislation shall be introduced to implement the recommendations contained in the report?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to him on 21st June, to which I have nothing to add at present.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he proposes to hold inquiries into the accidents which occurred to the steamships "Quarrington Court," "Annagher" and "Ino," on, respectively, 7th December, 1937, 11th December, 1937, and 14th October, 1937; and what are the reasons for the delay in holding these inquiries?

In each case the statutory preliminary inquiry was begun immediately after the casualty occurred. As a result of the preliminary inquiries, formal public investigations were ordered, and these will be held as and when the necessary technical evidence is ready and as and when the essential witnesses are available. The public investigation into the loss of the steamship "Ino" will open at Bristol on 20th July, and it is expected that it will be possible for the other two cases to be heard early in September. There has been no avoidable delay in holding these inquiries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent there is now any shortage of skilled men, such as boatswains, qualified able-bodied seamen, junior engineers and merchant seamen; and what action he intends taking in the matter?

I understand that there is at the present time no general shortage of the ratings to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether officers of the Territorial Army are upon the same footing as Regular officers as regards the £50 grant to officers successful in passing Army interpretership examinations; and, if not, whether, in view of his desire to give encouragement to the Territorial Army, he will remove any discrimination in this connection against Territorial officers?

For an officer to be selected for language study he must hold a permanent commission in the Regular Army. The object of the present system is to ensure an adequate number of regular Staff Officers with certain required language qualifications. A language award is not earned merely by passing an interpretership examination, but the officer concerned is sent abroad in his military capacity for a period of as much as three years in some cases.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider allowing this grant to Territorial officers who have to go abroad to study for these examinations?

I think my answer shows that it would be difficult in the case of Territorial officers, who only undertake to serve in their own localities, to send them abroad for as much as three years at a time.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the ruling by a senior Metropolitan stipendiary magistrate that an Army officer giving evidence in a court of law should not wear a sword; and whether, as the King's Regulations and dress regulations for the Army do not deal specifically with this point, he will amend them in this particular.

Paragraph 977, King's Regulations, requires uniform to be worn by all ranks when on duty. An officer detailed to attend a court of law is on duty, and in such circumstances he is bound to attend in military uniform, of which his sword forms a part. Its removal from the military point of view would be an act of discourtesy. Instructions have recently been issued for the guidance of military authorities in regard to the application of these regulations to the particular case of an officer detailed to attend a court of law.

Is the Minister aware that a sword is an implement to wound or take life? What use can a sword, therefore, be in a court of law? If an Army officer wishes to attend here in uniform, he can do so, but he must not wear a sword.

It is a long time since a sword in this country was used to wound anybody. I think speech more often wounds.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question? An officer who is a Member of this House may attend this House in uniform, but he must not wear a sword.

The Serjeant-at-Arms in this House wears a sword.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that swords are frequently used in Glasgow by religious factionists?

asked the Secretary of State for War the annual cost of the upkeep of each of the Household Cavalry regiments; and whether, in view of modem war conditions, consideration will be given to the advisability of disbanding one of these regiments as being superfluous and transferring officers and other ranks to other units?

The approximate annual effective cost of each of the two regiments is £86,000, exclusive of accommodation. Neither of these regiments is superfluous.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many permanent antiaircraft camps are at present in existence which meet the full requirements of the military and Royal Air Force authorities and also provide full facilities for training and firing practice; and are they sufficient to meet the Government's expanding branch of these defences for the purpose of training the additional units at present being raised, or contemplated being raised, in the near future by the Government?

The answer to the first part is five, and to the second part that additional camps will be established to meet expanding requirements.

Will these camps be capable of expansion if necessary?

It is proposed to add to them.

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to co-operate with Mr. Butlin in the establishment of these camps?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in placing the order with a Canadian company for the production of 5,000 Bren guns, he is satisfied that these guns are being obtained as cheaply as possible?

The order for Bren guns to be made in Canada was placed in association with the Canadian Government for the production of requirements for both Governments, and to provide an alternative source of supply. Having regard to this, the price finally agreed upon is satisfactory.

May I ask the prices of these Canadian Bren guns compared with the English prices? Are they higher, lower, or the same?

They are higher.

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect delivery?

I must ask for notice of that question.

Has any date been fixed for the delivery of the guns?

Yes, but I cannot say offhand. A date has been fixed.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of teachers in Fife who teach in both day school and night school; the number graduating from Fife each year for the past five years; and the number on the waiting list for employment?

The number asked for in the first part of the question is 303. As to the second part, the numbers of Fife students who qualified as teachers in each of the five years from 1933–34 to 1937–38, were 88, 81, 67, 64 and 81 respectively. The number on the waiting list for employment is 35.

Are any special measures being taken in order to get these teachers jobs? Not only in Fife but all over Scotland teachers are finding great difficulty in getting jobs.

I find that 33 of the 35 teachers I mentioned have been given work for varying periods as interim teachers. The raising of the school-leaving age may increase the demand for teachers.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the average number of scholars attending night schools in Fife during the past five years and the numbers who complete the courses?

The average number of scholars attending continuation classes in Fife during the five years ended in 1937 was 9,425. Particulars as to the numbers of scholars who completed the courses are not immediately available, but I am making inquiry and will communicate the results to the hon. Member.

Will the right hon. Gentleman find out that as a result of the hard work they have to do in the day time many of these scholars do not complete the course at the night schools, and will he provide special means to lessen the amount of work they have to do in the day time?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of pupils in Fife schools leaving the schools this year and the average leaving the schools in Fife for the past five years?

The number of pupils leaving the schools in Fife this year is estimated to be 4,950. In the five years ended 31st July, 1937, the average annual number was 5,503.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of these lads and lassies who come out of school are going to be left without any occupation or simply go into blind-alley occupations, and will any special steps be taken to ensure a future for them?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the most recent overflowing of the River Kelvin flooded the public roads in the neighbourhood to such an extent that the water reached the top of the bonnet of a motor-car; and whether he can indicate what is the cause of the prolonged delay in applying the Scottish Land Drainage Act in the Kelvin Valley area?

I am aware that places in the valley of the River Kelvin, in common with a number of other parts of Scotland, experienced flooding in consequence of heavy rains which occurred in the latter part of June. As the right hon. Gentleman is aware, the Department of Agriculture for Scotland have, in terms of the Land Drainage (Scotland) Act, settled a scheme of land drainage for the River Kelvin valley and the statutory procedure in connection therewith is in course of being carried out.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have been asking questions on this matter for the past two years and can he indicate that this Act will be brought into operation before the dissolution of the present Parliament?

The measures necessary to carry out the statutory procedure under the Act of 1930, are as the right hon. Gentleman knows, outside the control of the Department, but I can assure him that as soon as possible the proposals will be laid before Parliament.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the heavy drain of permanent disablement benefit cases upon their funds prevent many approved societies from being in a position to provide supplementary benefits to their other members; and whether he will consider the advisability of providing for disablement cases from some central fund after disablement has continued for some fixed number of years?

I am aware that claims for disablement benefit have tended to increase in recent years. A comprehensive investigation into the causes of the increase is at present being carried out by the National Health Insurance Joint Committee, and pending the completion of that investigation it would be premature for me to consider the adoption of the suggestion made by the right hon. Gentleman.

In view of the valuable suggestion contained in the question, is it not possible for a centralised fund to be established and then for these cases to be centralised? Has that been considered?

I think I had better wait for the report of the investigation.

How long will that be?

I cannot say.

I take it that any investigation will not in any way interfere with the payment of disablement benefit?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that certain witnesses who handed their names and addresses to the authorities at the time of the fatal accident in the amusement park at Glasgow Exhibition were not cited as witnesses for the recent inquiry under the Fatal Accidents Act, and that one of these witnesses would have been a most important witness; why he was not cited; and whether the right hon. Gentleman will take steps to have the whole of the circumstances reviewed in the light of such evidence?

I am aware that certain of the persons whose names were given as witnesses of this accident were not cited to attend the inquiry; but, according to the information in my possession, none of those persons could have added anything to the evidence of the eye-witnesses and experts who were called as witnesses. If the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars regarding the important witness who was omitted, I shall be glad to cause further investigation to be made.

I will send the Lord Advocate the information.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of persons arrested in the Empire Exhibition grounds since the opening in May and the nature of the offences, respectively; whether he is aware that arrested persons are conveyed to Govan police station, where the officer in charge has no power to grant release on payment of bail; that the arrested persons are conveyed to the central police station during the early hours of the morning after the charge, thereby causing detention for many hours when they were due to be released on bail; that agents and friends are prevented from getting into communication with arrested persons; and whether he will, in conjunction with the authorities, secure the conveyance of prisoners to the central police station immediately they are arrested?

As the answer is a long one, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the Secretary of State say whether the answer gives any indication that prisoners in future will be taken direct to the Central prison and will be allowed bail at the earlier possible moment?

The answer goes fully into the point which the hon. Member raises. Perhaps he will look at it and then, if it is necessary, ask a further question.

Are these prisoners conducted in prison vans or marched through the streets?

In vans.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will instruct the Second Scottish Housing Company to reduce the house rents at Sandy-hills and Springboig steel-housing schemes, in view of the recent reductions of about £3 per year by the Glasgow Corporation on houses of a like size and type at the adjoining estates of Sandyhills and Carntyne and that previous Secretaries of State have laid it down that the rents must be regulated by the rents of houses of a similar type in the area?

In terms of their agreement with the Department of Health for Scotland the company are, as the hon. Member is aware, required to fix their ments by reference to the rents charged for similar accommodation in the district. I have no doubt that due consideration will be given to the proposed reduction referred to in the question which, I am informed, does not take place until 28th August next.

Is the Secretary of State aware that he is badly informed, as a £2 reduction has already taken place in my own house, and that a further reduction is to take place in August? As these steel houses are not up to the standard of brick houses will the right hon. Gentleman urge substantial reductions with a view to complying with the regulations laid down by the Secretary of State?

As I have said, by agreement with the Department this company is bound to take into account the rent of houses in the neighbourhood, and that reductions will be taken into account.

Will the Minister make representations on this point?

I have not undertaken to make representations but I can assure the hon. Member that the company will be made aware of these reductions.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the attention of local authorities in Scotland has been drawn to the need for special provisions in the rehousing of families which include one or more tuberculous members; and whether he is aware that at the present time many patients whose condition has been substantially improved in sanatoria rapidly lose all the ground they have gained when they return to houses which should be subjected to slum clearance?

I am aware that bad housing conditions may sometimes be responsible for a deterioration in the health of persons discharged from sanatoria and the Department of Health have advised local authorities in connexion with their rehousing operations to take account of the presence of tuberculous persons in particular households in view of the desirability of such persons having a room to themselves.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the fact that other members of the family are liable to infection when these people return from a sanatorium?

Will the Secretary of State circularise local authorities again on this matter in view of its importance?

Fairly recently this matter was brought to their notice, but I will look into it again.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what assistance is given by his Department towards giving injections to school children to immunise them against diphtheria; and whether, in view of the danger of epidemics of this disease, progress in this matter can be accelerated?

The Department of Health have stressed in their annual reports the value of immunisation of children against diphtheria. A number of local authorities, with the encouragement of the Department, have proceeded with the formulation of schemes for securing such immunisation, and the Department's Medical Officers have co-operated with medical officers of health to that end.

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly note that these injections are both dangerous and unreliable?

That is a matter of opinion.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of old age pensioners receiving relief in money or kind from Glasgow public assistance committee for the years ending May, 1936, 1937 and 1938, respectively?

The number of old age pensioners receiving relief in Glasgow at 15th May, 1936, was 13,428; at 15th May, 1937, 14,054; and at 15th May, 1938, 15,246.

In view of the continual increase year by year in the number of aged people who have to go to the local authority for assistance, will the Minister convene a conference of local authorities to discuss this question, which places such a terrible burden upon them?

The hon. Member's first question was one of fact, which I have answered. He is now raising a different question, which I am not in a position to answer.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider increasing the old age pension?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of classes in Glasgow schools with 50 or more pupils for the years ending March, 1937, and 1938, respectively?

In April, 1937, there were in Glasgow 267 classes with 50 pupils, and 114 with over 50 pupils, on the roll. The corresponding figures for April, 1938, were 165 and 42.

In view of this high figure will the Secretary of State take note of the recent statement of the Educational Institute of Scotland, that no teacher or professor, however capable and efficient, can educate people in these circumstances?

The hon. Member will notice the considerable decrease last year.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider in the near future assisting the Secretary of State for Scotland by the appointment of an additional Under-Secretary of State?

The question of appointing an additional Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland is, as the hon. Member is aware, referred to in the course of the Report of the Departmental Committee on Scottish Administration, though they made no specific recommendation on the matter. This report is now receiving consideration, and I am not at present in a position to make any statement.

In view of the fact that this report has been under consideration for a considerable time and that Scottish business, very evidently, is not being adequately dealt with as things are just now, will the Prime Minister at least hasten on this particular appointment apart from waiting for the full consideration of the report?

I do not think it can be considered apart from the other questions raised in the report.

Can the Prime Minister say when he will be able to inform the House of the result of the Government's consideration of this report, and whether a statement will be made before the House rises at the end of the month?

I could not say that without notice.

Will the Prime Minister bear in mind that there are already upwards of 100 Members in this House dependent on the Government, and that we do not want any additions to the number?

asked the Secretary for Mines what reports he has received from His Majesty's inspectors regarding the instructions sent them to the effect that young and inexperienced boys should not be given duties in connection with the working of cages; and whether he proposes to take any further action?

No cases of the kind have been reported to me since the instructions were issued.

Have colliery managers been circularised on this matter?

No, Sir, there has been no occasion to circularise them.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that thousands of children in Newfoundland are unable to attend school because they are without shoes and clothing fit to go in, and are also badly in need of food; and what is proposed to remedy this state of affairs?

I have been in communication with the Governor with regard to the suggestion in the hon. Member's question, and I am glad to have the opportunity of informing the House of the facts. The Governor informs me that there is no question of 40,000 children failing to attend school in Newfoundland as has been stated in recent Press reports. According to the 1935 Census returns some 14,000 children of school age (six to 14) did not attend school in that year, but since then the numbers of children enrolled on the school registers have been substantially increased as a result of an energetic campaign on the part of the supervisors and teachers. In the cases of children not attending school the main factors contributing to nonattendance have been found to be the withdrawal of children at an early age, the distance to the nearest school, and in certain instances deficiency of school accommodation. The Governor also reports that only in a few cases has nonattendance been attributable to lack of shoes or clothing, and that prompt steps are always taken, whenever such cases are brought to notice, to supply the needs of the children affected. He adds that the Commission of Government have no evidence of children being prevented from attending school because of conditions of lack of nourishment.

Am I to understand from the answer that the Press reports are absolutely unfounded and that everything in the island is lovely?

I think my answer shows that the Press reports are grossly exaggerated.

As the condition of a large portion of the population of Newfoundland is due to the depression in the fishing industry, will the Noble Lord consider sending someone from this country with an expert knowledge of the industry?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of Dominion citizens who have been killed and wounded by General Franco's forces while serving on British and Dominion merchant vessels?

I am not aware of any case of a Dominion citizen being killed or wounded in circumstances such as the hon. Member mentions.

asked the Prime Minister whether consultations have taken place, or are contemplated, with the Spanish Government on the subject of the proposals of General Franco with regard to the establishment of a special port for shipping at Almeria or elsewhere?

asked the Prime Minister whether General Franco's proposals concerning Almeria have been communicated to the Spanish Government?

The proposals concerning Almeria form part of the larger question on which the Prime Minister will make a statement as soon as he is in a position to do so.

Would the hon. Gentleman be good enough to answer the question as to whether any consultations have taken place with the Spanish Government who are so closely concerned in this matter? That is the question.

No consultations have yet taken place with the Spanish Government on this subject.

Has the hon. Gentleman observed that the port of Almeria is so unimportant that it is not one of those into which it is proposed to put observers?

I had observed that.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what steps have been taken in Bechuanaland since the Tagart Report to abolish the slavery of the Masarwa people; and whether there is evidence either that the number of slaves has been reduced or that the conditions of absolute dependence on the Bamangwato and other tribes have been modified?

Substantial progress has been made in the measures for carrying out the recommendations made by Mr. Tagart in his report. The position is set out in detail in a report by the officer who was allocated for special duty with the Masarwa which is reproduced in the last report of the League of Nations Advisory Committee of Experts on Slavery. It is there explained that the acting chief of the Bamangwato tribe has agreed to implement the policy of incorporating the Masarwa as ordinary tribesmen in the body politic of the Bamangwato enjoying the traditional rights and subject to the traditional obligations of tribesmen, and that is is now realised by the Bamangwato and by the Masarwa that compulsory service is a thing of the past.

Is it not a fact that in 1933 we celebrated the centenary of the abolition of slavery?

In commenting on the report which I mentioned, the League of Nations Advisory Committee have stated that it seems possible to say that the status of the Masarwa is not one of slavery.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in reference to the possible transference of areas in South Africa to the Union of South Africa, he has made, or will make, direct inquiries of the native chiefs in the areas concerned with a view to ascertaining their own and the native opinion on the matter?

The position in regard to this matter remains as stated in my answer to the hon. Member's question on 14th June. When the memoranda by the Union Government are ready for issue it is contemplated that translations in the native languages should be made available in the territories. This will enable the chiefs and their people to judge what the position would be in the event of transfer.

Does that imply that steps will be taken to ascertain the opinion of the chiefs, and further, is the Noble Lord aware that many of these chiefs have expressed considerable dubiety concerning the possible transfer of these areas?

All that the chiefs will be asked to do is to consider documents and study the terms which the Union Government have in mind. There is at this juncture no question of formal consultation with the chiefs about transfer.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether his attention has been called to the gift of a farm in British Columbia to the Fair-bridge Farm School Society; and whether he will co-operate with the Association in the migration of boys to this new school?

I was glad to learn of this generous gift to the Fairbridge Society. I understand that the Society propose to use the estate in question for the purpose of giving practical mainland farming experience to the older boys from the Prince of Wales Fairbridge Farm School, situated on Vancouver Island, before they go to employment in the Province. There is thus no question of establishing a new farm school with the gift. The Government's financial cooperation and assistance in respect of the Vancouver School will, of course, continue as before.

Will there be room for more boys from this country as a result of this very generous gift?

I do not think I can answer that question without notice. I rather think it is a question of the extension of training rather than of taking more boys.

Is it not a fact that in Canada there are more than enough boys to fill the Fairbridge Farm School, and many more?

Will the Minister keep in mind that in Scotland more than 1,000,000 acres are available for reclaiming as farm land?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs when the report of the Commission appointed to inquire into the question of Irish immigration into Great Britain will be published?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my right hon. Friend the Member for South Molton (Mr. Lambert) on 3rd December last, of which I am sending him a copy. This contains the information obtained by the Inter-Departmental Committee which inquired into the question.

Can my Noble Friend say whether the report will deal with the obvious advantages hitherto to Great Britain through the immigration of Irishmen into this country?

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether, in view of the success achieved in the planting of trees in wind-swept peat land, the 'Commissioners will consider trying a similar experiment in the Shetland Isles?

The Forestry Commissioners are not prepared to undertake an experiment in the planting of trees in the Shetland Isles as they are convinced there would be no prospect of success.

Is it not the case that the planting of trees has been successful in the Western Isles, and therefore, why should it not be done in the Shetland Isles? Why have the Commissioners come to this conclusion? Have they made any experiment, or taken expert advice?

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the case tried recently before the Macclesfield borough magistrates where a lorry owner has paid duty applying to a 2½-ton lorry which actually weighed 2 tons 16 cwts.; that all chassis manufacturers are trying to keep their lorries, unladen weight, under 2½ tons; that the change of tyres even involves an alteration of this weight; that the whole objective is to keep the weight down to enable the vehicle to travel at 3o miles

We were advised by experts, and we came to this conclusion without any hesitation.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether he is aware that a part of the Kergord Estate, in Weisdale, Shetland, was planted with trees some years ago; and whether he will undertake to have the present state of this plantation reported upon by an expert?

The Forestry Commissioners are aware that a small plantation was made in Weisdale, Shetland, some years ago and they will arrange to have it inspected.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, the area owned by the Commission, the land already planted and plantable, and the number of forest workers' holdings in the constituencies of South-West Norfolk, South Norfolk and Bury St. Edmunds, respectively?

The answer contains a table of figures. The hon. Member will, therefore, perhaps allow me to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

My attention had not been called to this particular case. My hon. Friend will, however, be glad to know that regulations are now being drafted to implement recommendations recently made by the Transport Advisory Council with regard to the overloading of goods vehicles.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has yet received any reply to his communication about the Jarrow Ferry; and whether he is now in a position to deal with the increasing difficulties of the situation at this crossing?

My right hon. Friend has not yet received a reply to his last letter to the county councils, and I regret, therefore, that I am not in a position to add to his statement of 31st May.

In view of the fact that the statement on 31st May foreshadowed that there must be unanimity among the Tyneside authorities, and that that will mean a great deal of delay, however quickly they reply, and in view of the fact that the ferry will close down at the end of the year, is something going to be done before the ferry is closed?

We are hoping that the county councils will reply to our letter.

Has not the hon. and gallant Gentleman been making that reply for months and months? He knows what the facts are and he knows that the ferry is to be closed—is he going to do something?

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been directed to the fact that third-party claims against motorists are becoming much more costly; and will he investigate the matter with the object of regulating the amount of compensation payable?

I am aware of the tendency to which my hon. Friend refers. The question, however, of any amendment of the law designed to limit compensation for accidents raises wide issues which would extend beyond the scope of my Department.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman trying to arrange for something to be done to limit the number of accidents?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that gas masks are being offered for sale at l0s. each; and whether these gas masks have been approved by the Home Office; and whether it is part of the policy of the Government to encourage people to buy their own gas masks?

I am aware that respirators are being offered for sale: but no such respirator has been approved by the Home Office unless it bears the Home Office certification mark. The object of the mark system is to meet any special demand at home or overseas; it is the Government's policy to supply respirators for the whole of the civilian population free of charge.

Does the hon. Gentleman think it well that there should be this gross exploitation of the fears of the people, seeing that there are already millions of official gas masks available?

:The more it is known that these gas masks are being kept available by the Government, the better.

In that case, is it desirable to allow commercial exploitation of gas masks?

My right hon. Friend has no power to alter that.

In view of the danger of uncontrolled sale, will the Minister consider the prohibition of the sale of gas masks without Government approval?

Answer.

Is the Minister's refusal due to the fact that people in more comfortable circumstances hope to get better quality gas masks at a higher price?

asked the Home Secretary whether he will make a statement regarding the visit of the Under-Secretary of State to certain London boroughs to inspect the progress of air-raid precautions schemes; and whether he is satisfied with that progress?

I visited Islington, BethnaI Green, Stepney, Wandsworth and Westminster and saw various aspects of the air-raid precautions activities in each borough. The results achieved in the London boroughs vary. No one would seek to disguise the fact that there is still a great deal to the done, but steady progress is being made, and I am confident that all concerned are anxious to see that progress accelerated.

If it is true, as was stated in the "Times" last week, that London is behind the provinces, will my hon. Friend do everything he can to co-operate with the London boroughs to see that London is brought up to standard?

I think the London local authorities do wish to make progress now as quickly as possible.

Has it not always been true that what Manchester thinks to-day, London thinks tomorrow?

In view of the special difficulty and danger in the case of London, does not my hon. Friend think it really essential to have more centralisation in authority and in initiative for the whole London area?

asked the Home Secretary how many and which London boroughs have now gas-mask stores in working order; and whether he will urge all those that have not, the necessity of providing them, in view of the large number of gas-masks now available for distribution to such stores?

In a circular addressed to local authorities last week, my right hon. Friend expressed the hope that arrangements for the local storage of respirators would be so expedited as to enable supplies for all the larger centres of population to be accepted before the end of August. Two boroughs in London already have a fully stocked store and in a number of other boroughs steps are being taken which should enable delivery of respirators to be accepted within the period mentioned in the circular.

asked the Home Secretary how often the Committee investigating the question of competition between the taximeter-cab industry and the private motor-hire firms will meet; and whether arrangements can be made for a separate report regarding the London area to be made available before Parliament rises for the Summer Recess?

It is for the Committee to decide when and how often they shall meet, and I understand that arrangements for the first few meetings have already been made. As my right hon. Friend stated in his reply to the hon. Member for Rotherhithe (Mr. Benjamin Smith) on 4th July, the Committee have been specifically asked to deal first with the position in London and to consider whether it is practicable to make any recommendation as regards London in advance of their other recommendations. My right hon. Friend must leave it to the Committee to decide whether and when such an interim report can be furnished.

Can the Minister say whether any meetings have in fact taken place?

Not without notice.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has now decided to refer to the King's Roll National Council the suggestion as to the further employment of ex-service men; and what the Council intend to do in the matter?

Yes, Sir. My hon. Friend's suggestion will come before the Council at its next meeting.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding the position in Greenock arising out of the holiday pay credit deductions from unemployment benefit payments and Unemployment Assistance Board allowances, as set out in the letter sent to him by the hon. Member for Greenock?

Claims for unemployment benefit made at Greenock during the recent holiday period were determined by the statutory authorities in accordance with the leading decisions of the Umpire and, in particular, Decision No. 2569/38, a copy of which I circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT for 7th July, 1938. As regards unemployment assistance I would refer the hon. and learned Member to my reply to him on 30th June last.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will find time for the consideration of the Motion standing in the name of the hon. Member for Evesham in connection with the home production of feeding stuffs?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave him on 4th May last.

In view of the fact that no time has been found in which to debate this Motion, will the Prime Minister give an assurance to the House that the land will no longer be forgotten and that never again shall the countryside be neglected?

Did not the Prime Minister answer the hon. Member at Kettering the other day?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent the Treasury exercises control over proposed borrowings by local authorities?

Subject to minor exceptions, local authorities cannot borrow money except with the express approval of Parliament or of a Minister or Government Department acting under statutory powers. In no such case is the Treasury itself the sanctioning authority although it has certain special functions, as under Standing Orders 207 and 208, in relation to London County Council Money Bills. When a local authority has received authority for a scheme it may borrow itself from the public or if it is eligible to borrow from the Local Loans Fund and wishes to do so it may apply to the Public Works Loan Commissioners. The Treasury has certain duties in connection with the Local Loans Fund including the duty of submitting to Parliament periodically Public Works Loan Bills which settle the total amounts that the fund may lend.

In view of the very great increase in borrowing by local authorities, would it not be wise if these regulations were tightened up?

My right hon. Friend will recall that the Select Committee on Estimates in 1932 went into this question of the control exercised by Government Departments over borrowing by local authorities and they came to the conclusion that central control was not needed. It is not really borrowing by local authorities which is the main element in the annual capital issues in this country.

Would the right hon. Gentleman agree that there is no evidence that local authorities abuse their present powers in this matter?

Is not the money spent by local authorities the best-spent money of all?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether authority has yet been given to the Inland Revenue Department to pay arrears of overtime pay due to the staff in the office of collectors of taxes under the award of the Civil Service Arbitration Tribunal; and whether, in view of the award being dated 12th May, 1938, he will state the reason for the delay in the issue of Treasury authority for the payment?

Yes, Sir. The delay was due to the fact that difficulties arose with regard to the application of the award to certain classes of officers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what types of armaments are to be exported from this country under the provisions of the Anglo-Turkish (Armaments Credit) Agreement Bill?

The agreement applies only to such contracts as are concluded with the prior approval of His Majesty's Government and up to the present no contracts have been submitted by the Turkish Government for such approval. I understand, however, that the contracts which the Turkish Government have in mind are mainly for their naval requirements.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that latter piece of information, may I ask him to give me, in a little more detail, of what these naval armaments consist? Are they guns or ships?

I could not answer that question. I do not think anybody could answer it. I do not think that the proposals have yet been put forward in detail, but the condition that no agreement can be made except with the authority of His Majesty's Government is, of course, a very effective security that it will not be to the prejudice or disadvantage of our own rearmament programme.

While not disagreeing with the last part of the right hon. Gentleman's answer, may I ask him to indicate to the House whether it will be possible, and how it will be possible, to find out how the taxpayers' money is being spent on these armaments that are being financed?