asked the Minister of Labour the maximum amount which can be allowed under the Regulations of the Unemployment Assistance Board to persons requiring to travel to enter a hospital in Cumberland; and the amount which may be allowed to a dependent relative when it is necessary for a person to be accompanied to hospital?

I am informed by the Board that they regard the arrangements for conveying patients and their attendants to hospital as properly forming part of the medical service provided in such a case. Where, however, the cost can be covered by some small addition to a current allowance and ordinary means of transport can be used they have not, up to the present, felt themselves debarred from making the necessary adjustment in particular cases. The amount of such an addition where made is not prescribed in the Regulations but is a matter for determination in the light of the circumstances of the individual case.

Am I to take it from that reply that there is no maximum figure fixed, in view of the fact that hospitals in some parts of West Cumberland have been closed down, and that patients have to be transported nearly 40 miles in some cases to enter hospitals? In those circumstances, will they be treated on their merits, and no maximum be fixed?

I think that generally the amount has been 2s. 6d., but in some cases it has been 6s. or 7s. 6d.

Would they have discretion to include the price of the vehicle in cases of emergency?

In cases of emergency, the matter is settled by telephoning at once.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of appeals to the tribunal under the Unemployment Assistance Board now outstanding in the Pontypool district; and whether he is aware that there is substantial delay in getting cases brought before the tribunal?

I am informed by the Board that for their Pontypool area there were on 12th July, 61 appeals in all which had not been heard but that arrangements had already been made to meet the position caused by a recent increase in the number of appeals.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, on instructions from the Unemployment Assistance Board to area and district officers, their powers of discretion in cases of special circumstances have been destroyed; and whether he will take immediate steps to restore to the officers concerned the powers they originally possessed?

I am informed by the Board that no instructions having such an effect have been issued.

Is it not a fact that instructions have been issued to the officers making it clear to them that they have no power themselves to determine what a man shall be given in a special case, but that they have to refer such cases to London?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will look at the first Annual Report, on page 39 of which he will find laid down what has always been the instruction. There has been no alteration.

Is it not a fact that some limits have been set—two or three shillings—and that in no case is the officer allowed to give anything in excess of that?

Perhaps the hon. Member will look at the instruction, of which I will send him a copy, and if he wishes to put a further question down, I shall be glad to look into the details.

asked the Minister of Labour how many people were unemployed, men and women separately, on the last available date in the area of the city of Salford, compared with the same period last year?

As the reply includes a table of figures, I will, if I may, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered a resolution from the Glasgow and Edinburgh Joint Trades Council protesting against the holiday pay restrictions imposed upon the unemployed; and what steps he proposes to take to suspend the regulations complained of?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply on this subject which I gave on 7th July to the hon. Members for Kirkcaldy (Mr. Kennedy) and Mary-hill (Mr. Davidson) of which I am sending him a copy.

Has the Minister no further information or report on this matter?

Perhaps the hon. Member will look at the answer. He will see that I have communicated with the council concerned.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that every decision on this matter of unemployment and holidays with pay seems to be increasing the confusion, and could he not deal with the matter either by quick legislation or by an Order-in-Council?

I do not agree with the hon. Gentleman's first statement. The last decision did away with a large number of uncertainties. As the House will remember, I promised to produce a memorandum of all past decisions, including this one, showing what the situation is. The major issue was put to the Statutory Committee some time ago, and we hope to have a report before long.

Is the Minister aware that at the present time men are being refused unemployment benefit on the strength of their getting holiday pay, and that the unemployment benefit would be more than the holiday pay?

I would like to have any cases of that sort brought to my notice, hut the resolution was concerned with particular cases, namely, engineers. The umpire's decision was a very long one, and I have already circulated it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the chairman of the Unemployment Assistance Board has communicated with the General Council of the Trades Union Congress, and that it has been stated that the decision makes the situation more confusing than ever?

asked the Minister of Labour what is the total of unemployed in Fife and the number of those unemployed under 25 years of age?

The total number of unemployed persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in the county of Fife at 13th June, 1938, was 9,499, of whom 1,847 were under 21 years of age. Figures showing the numbers between 21 and 25 years who were unemployed at that date are not available.

Have any special measures been taken by the Department for the purpose of finding suitable employment for these lads who are unemployed?

The hon. Member knows that there are a great many facilities with regard to training, and the Government arc always doing their best to see that the young men are given an opportunity to take advantage of them.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give the number of youths employed in the distributive trades in Fife and the number employed in or about the mines?

The latest figures available, regarding the numbers of insured persons in the various industries, relate to July, 1937. It is estimated that at that date the numbers of insured young men and boys, aged 14 and under 21 years, in the distributive trades and in the coal-mining industry in the county of Fife were 2,080 and 3,880, respectively. The numbers recorded as unemployed at 13th June, 1938, were 162 and 87 respectively.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has now received reports from the other Departments concerned regarding the suggestions put forward by the Llanelly employment committee for work in West Wales; and whether he can now make a statement?

The observations of the Departments concerned have now been received and I shall be sending a reply to the chairman of the committee in the next day or two.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that unemployment is increasing in that area, and is it possible for him to take any steps to have it decreased?

I have seen a deputation, of which I think the hon. Member was a member, on this subject. The questions raised are too numerous to be dealt with in supplementary questions and answers.

Will the reply which the right hon. Gentleman will be sending to the committee indicate the steps which the Government propose to take to deal with the situation?

I will send a copy of the reply to the hon. Member.

If the right hon. Gentleman is able to give that indication to that committee, will he also be able to do so in the case of other districts?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered a letter from Atherton Trades Council asking that better facilities be made for the unemployed men who at present have to go to Tyldesley to sign; and will he have the position examined to see whether the request can be granted?

The question of providing further premises is under consideration. Meanwhile, I think the present arrangements are the best that can be devised.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of knitwear operatives now unemployed and working on short time in Scotland?

The numbers of insured persons, aged 16–64, in the hosiery industry recorded as unemployed in Scotland at 13th June, 1938, were 1,876 wholly unemployed and 1,438 temporarily stopped, whether under short time working or otherwise. There were also 103 juveniles, aged 14 and 15, recorded as unemployed.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any details of the districts where that unemployment exists?

I will see whether I can get the information in that form.

asked the Minister of Labour the total expenditure from public funds, to the most recent date, in connection with the Treforest Trading Estate, and the total number of persons now employed in the factories and workshops erected on the estate?

The total amount advanced to date to the South Wales and Monmouthshire Trading Estates, Limited, for the acquisition and development of the Treforest Trading Estate is £673,273. On 30th June, 1938, approximately 400 persons were employed in the factories then in production on the estate.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that glassmakers employed by firms in Brierley Hill, Staffordshire, are restricted to working three days in the week and, although they sign on three days at the local Employment Exchange, they are only allowed two days' benefit per week; and whether he will take steps to ensure that they are allowed to draw three days' benefit per week in such circumstances?

The decisions in these cases are given by the statutory authorities in the light of the particular circumstances and I have no authority to interfere with them. There are, as the hon. Member doubtless knows, the usual rights of appeal.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons wholly and partially unemployed in Dewsbury and Batley, respectively, for the months of June, 1937, and 1938?

As the reply includes a number of figures, I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour what information the Government have on the general scale of fees charged by employment agencies conducted with a view to private profit; and whether the Government are yet in a position to ratify the Convention of 1933, providing for the abolition of fee-charging employment agencies conducted with a view to private profit?

The information asked for in the first part of the question is not available. The hon. Member will realise that the fees charged by private employment agencies vary according to the type of agency and the type of employment, and I am not aware of any general scale. The answer to the second part of the question is "No, Sir."

What powers have local authorities to limit these fees which are, in many cases, extortionate and an exploitation of the unemployed persons; and why not ratify the convention which would abolish these agencies within a period of three years?

The first part of the hon. Member's question should be addressed to the Secretary of State for the Home Department.

Is the Minister aware that in many instances these agencies advertise people whom they have not got available in order to collect fees, and in other instances, where there is a surplus of employés, they charge most extortionate fees; and should not this matter be looked into?

The question is really one for the Home Office. There is a great variety of these agencies, and there has been a great deal of conflict of evidence about them.

Is it not a fact that many of them charge as a booking fee?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can name any date for the publication of the results of the inquiry into working-class budgets now being completed?

The last of the four collections of weekly budgets which are being obtained at quarterly intervals is being taken during the present month. In the case of expenditure on clothing it has been necessary to arrange for the collection of particulars of such expenditure, week by week, from a large number of households for a period of 12 months, ending in October next. Satistics summarising the information obtained will be published as soon as possible after the completion of the inquiry, but I am not at present in a position to state by what date publication may be expected. The House will realise that the work involves the examination and tabulation of some 50,000 budgets, and 150,000 weekly returns of expenditure on clothing.

Will those budgets include the average amount of rent?

It is not a question of the average amount, but the actual amount in each case.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of hours the Ministry of Labour Pavilion at the Glasgow Empire Exhibition is open per week, and the number of employés at this pavilion?

The Ministry of Labour Pavilion at the Empire Exhibition at Glasgow is open for 73½ hours per week. The number of staff employed is three, and they work on a relay system.

Can the Minister assure us that the relay system keeps any of these employés from working more than 48 hours a week?

I understand that each individual works about 44 hours a week, but I shall be glad to make special inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department which of the recommendations contained in the Departmental Committee's reports on workmen's compensation it is intended to implement pending the report of the Royal Commission that is to investigate the question of compensation?

asked the Home Secretary what steps the Government intend to take to implement the report of the Departmental Committee arising under the Workmen's Compensation Act which reported last January on miners' nystagmus, medical examination and certification by medical referees and certifying surgeons, and also lump-sum settlements?

I am not in a position to add anything to the answers which the Prime Minister gave to questions on this subject on 22nd June.

Does that mean that the valuable work of the Departmental Committee is to be ignored until the Royal Commission has reported?

No, Sir, that is not necessarily the case. The hon. Member will recall that the Prime Minister said:

"I think it is obvious that, if we set up a Royal Commission, it would not be proper to introduce any legislation which affected the general system until we had its report. I should not consider, on the other hand, that we should be debarred from introducing legislation dealing with particular aspects of the question.''—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 22nd June, 1938; col. 1065, Vol. 337.]

Will the right hon. Gentleman do all he can to implement the last part of the Prime Minister's statement in view of the serious situation as regards compensation in the country?

Does the Prime Minister's reference to particular matters with which we are not debarred from dealing, include the three matters mentioned in my question, namely, miners' nystagmus, medical examinations and lump-sum payments? Can we not deal with them?

I think that question had better be addressed to the Prime Minister. Speaking generally, it seems to me to be the case that those particular questions come within the Prime Minister's undertaking, and that it would be possible to deal with them.

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect the Commission to be set up?

That question should be addressed to the Prime Minister.

asked the Home Secretary whether, having regard to the fact that the maximum payment of 30s. a week in respect of workmen's compensation is too small and that, owing to the method of computing average weekly earnings, very much less than the maximum is paid, he will introduce legislation to remedy the matter pending the Royal Commission's report?

The scales of compensation and method of computation are among the most important matters to be investigated by the Royal Commission, and they could not, I think, properly be dealt with by legislation in advance of the report.

In view of the unanimity that prevails among all interests in industry regarding the need of some reform in this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman consult the Prime Minister with a view to dealing with the matter within its limits prior to the report of the Royal Commission?

Will the right hon. Gentleman not consider the position taken up during the War and adopt it before the report comes to finality?

No, Sir; I do not think I could go beyond the answer I have given. It is one of the chief subjects to be investigated by the Royal Commission.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that during the period from 1920 to 1930 many highly-skilled engineers migrated to the United States of America and took out American naturalisation papers; and can facilities be arranged to enable men who desire to return to this country in cases where employment can be found owing to their high degree of skill?

Yes, Sir. Special consideration is given to any application for a visa to return to this country by any British-born person falling within the class mentioned.

Is it not a fact that difficulties are created on the other side with regard to this matter; and, if so, cannot consultations take place between the right hon. Gentleman's representatives and the United States Government with a view to eliminating those difficulties?

I do not know about that. That, I think, would be a question for the Foreign Office.

asked the Home Secretary whether plans have been prepared for the protection of coal mines against the danger of attacks from the air; and whether he can indicate what measlres are proposed?

A memorandum on air-raid precautions for collieries was distributed on the 7th instant to owners and managers of all coal mines in Great Britain.

In connection with the drawing up of this memorandum have there been any consultations with the representatives of the men; and, if not, will the right hon. Gentleman take an opportunity of discussing the memorandum with the representatives of those who are so vitally concerned?

I think I had better send a copy of the memorandum to the hon. Member and he will be in a better position to judge whether further discussion is necessary.

Has that memorandum been sent to the workmen's association?

I think that, up to the present, it has been sent to the owners and managers of pits, but there is no reason why it should not have a wider circulation.

May I ask whether consultations took place, before the memorandum was drafted, with the owners and managers?

I could not answer that question without notice.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any statement to make with reference to the information received by the Air-Raid Precautions Department from the Spanish Catalan Government, as a result of the experience of the bombing of Barcelona, with respect to the nature of wounds received; percentages of amputations; percentages of deaths; and information concerning cases of gas-gangrene and tetanus, the number of bombs dropped, and their type and effects?

The Air-Raid Precautions Department receives from various sources information on these and other points, all of which is being carefully studied.

Is it not the case that the Catalan Government have given very valuable information from their firsthand knowledge, for which we are very grateful?

Yes, Sir. I think we have received information from several sources in Spain, and we are grateful to all who have given it.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the large number of additional motor ambulances required by the various local authorities to meet the provisional requirements for air-raid precautions work, which they are finding difficulty in obtaining at reasonable prices, he will consider recommending that local authorities may in case of necessity use, attached to motor cars, trailer ambulances which can be purchased at moderate prices?

It is not proposed that local authorities should purchase in time of peace any ambulances, of whatever type, over and above their normal peacetime requirements. Emergency ambulance equirements can be provided by fitting suitable commercial vehicles, individually earmarked in advance, with a simple wooden fitment, capable of carrying four stretchers.

Is it not a fact that local authorities have been asked to supply emergency ambulances?

No, Sir, I do not think so.

Have not the London County Council received such a request?

asked the Home Secretary how many Germans and Italians were resident in this country at the end of March, 1938, and how many have been naturalised?

The number of persons of German and Italian nationality registered with the police on 30th May last was as follows:

• Germans—9,939 males and 11,932 females.
• Italians—12,173 males and 8,116 females.

There is no relation between these figures and figures of naturalisations, since most of these people are only here temporarily, while naturalisation is only granted to permanent residents who have been here at least five years. The number of naturalisation certificates granted in the year ended 30th May was 253 to persons who were formerly of German nationality, and 210 to persons who were formerly of Italian nationality.

Is it not the case that these Germans and Italians are entitled to the same rights and privileges as the ordinary Britisher in this country and that there is no distinction?

I could not give a general answer to a question of that kind. Obviously a foreigner in this country is in a different position from a British citizen.

If he is naturalised, has he not the same rights and privileges?

Are the records of these individuals kept in such a way as to show which are refugees and unable to return to their country, and which are not refugees and are able to return

I should say, speaking generally, that we know which of these are refugees.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will make inquiries into possible reforms with regard to the ways in which information as to an accused person's career is laid before the courts at trials, with a view to ensuring that something more than a mere list of previous convictions shall be guaranteed?

There is no foundation for the suggestion that the police, when asked by a court for information as to the antecedents of a convicted person, confine themselves to giving a list of his previous convictions. It is the recognised practice of the police to do their best to assist the court by giving all such information as is relevant and reliable, and it is part of their standing instructions to omit nothing that may tell in the prisoner's favour.

Will the light hon. Gentleman again look into this matter; and is he aware that there have been complaints in some cases recently in South Wales and elsewhere that records given by the police have been balanced against defendants and have not been fair to the defendants?

The only cases brought to my notice do not bear out that suggestion, but I am willing to consider any individual case.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it has been stated that evidence of this kind against a convicted person in some cases has not been impartial?

I have just said that I have no evidence to that effect.

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether he will recommend that in every case of an accused person on trial a confidential report should be obtained from prison officers who have had charge of the accused person if he has ever served a previous sentence, seeing that such prison officers have a greater knowledge of such a person's character than can be obtained from other sources;

(2) whether steps will be taken to ensure a close collaboration between the prison service and the courts in this country, with a view to obtaining the expert advice of prison officers before the passing of any sentence of imprisonment, as prison officers are, in many cases, the only people who know whether a prison sentence will be of use in reclaiming any accused person, especially if they have had previous experience of that person in prison?

It is open to the courts to consult the governor or medical officer of the prison whenever they think such consultation is desirable before deciding whether or not a sentence of imprisonment is the appropriate method of dealing with any individual offender, and it is already the practice for the prison authorities to make reports about certain young offenders and about persons whose physical or mental condition presents features of which the court should be informed. I fully recognise that there is a number of cases in which the prison authorities may be able to furnish information which may be useful to courts, but I could not accept the suggestion that such reports should be made in all the cases to which the hon. Member refers. It must be remembered that the courts have to bear in mind—especially in cases of serious crime—the effect of a sentence not merely on the individual offender but on other potential offenders.

Does the Minister not agree that closer co-operation between the prison service and the courts would be very desirable?

I think I would prefer to put it that I should like to see as close co-operation as possible.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the representations of the Scottish Hosiery and Knitwear Manufacturers Association regarding the proposed establishment of foreign hosiery factories in Scotland; and whether he has given the association the assurances asked for?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on Monday to a question by the hon. and learned Member for Greenock (Mr. R. Gibson).

asked the Home Secretary whether he is granting permits to all alien refugees coming to this country who are qualified doctors or dentists to practise their profession and is also granting permits to all such refugees who are desirous of studying for these professions?

It has always been recognised that a policy of unrestricted admission would be out of the question. Only a small number of foreign practitioners can be absorbed into the medical and dental professions, and it will be necessary to select this number with care. To assist me in making this selection, it is proposed that applications shall be examined by a committee on which there will be representatives of the medical and dental professions and of the refugee organisations.

Is it not a fact that there is a shortage of qualified practitioners in this country, and if that is the case, will the right hon. Gentleman give consideration to this matter?

No, Sir. I am not informed that there is a shortage of medical practitioners in the country.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received intimation of the concern of doctors practising in this country about the numbers who have already been admitted to practise here?

I have had discussions with representatives of the principal medical organisations, and we both agree that discrimination must be exercised. I think it will be found that we shall be able to admit a limited number and at the same time maintain effective discrimination.

Do we not want to take up as generous an attitude as we can on this matter, in accordance with our long national tradition?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has arrived at any decision in regard to the number of medical practitioners of Austrian nationality who may be admitted to this country; and what restrictions, if any, are imposed upon them in connection with the practice of their profession?

I have been in consultation with representatives of the medical profession, and I agree with them that the number of Austrian doctors who can be absorbed into the profession is limited. Before coming to a decision as to a precise figure I should wish to wait until there has been further opportunity of ascertaining how many of the applicants are persons possessing special qualifications or having special claims to consideration. In reviewing applications consideration will also be given to such questions as what arrangements the applicant proposes to make for acquiring the necessary qualification to practise in this country and in what part of the country he proposes to settle.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind in his contact with this committee that many of the foreign practitioners are able to practice in this country after a very short period of study, whereas those already in this country have to have a long and expensive course, and some of them might be penalised on that account?

Yes, certainly; that is a factor that must be taken into account.

Do the figures of the doctors of foreign nationality who have come to this country justify the anxiety which is felt in some quarters with regard to these doctors being allowed here, the majority of whom come because of religious or political persecution?

I believe that with co-operation between the medical profession, the refugees committees and the Home Office we can reconcile the two needs and afford a refuge to a certain number of refugees without flooding the profession here with doctors who are not required in the country.

Is it not a fact that many doctors in this country believe that the Austrian doctors can make a helpful contribution to medical knowledge in this country?

Yes, I think that is the fact, and it shows how necessary it is to deal with these applications case by case on their merits.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that if an application were made to the German Government, they would allow these doctors to stop in their own country?

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give details of expenditure against loan in respect of sums borrowed by the Receiver for the Metropolitan Police district from the Public Works Loan Commissioners under the Metropolitan Police (Borrowing Powers) Act, 1935?

I would refer the hon. Member to the information given on this matter in the accounts of the Metropolitan Police Fund presented annually to Parliament, and I will send him copies of these accounts for the last three years.

In view of the fact that the question arose because there appears to be an amount of £3,300,000, which has not been expended, cannot I have an answer to the question on the Paper?

No, Sir. I think it would be for the convenience of the House if questions of this kind, which deal with a number of figures, were dealt with as I have suggested, namely, that the hon. Member should see a copy of the report, in which all these details are contained.

In view of the fact that I have already examined the report and that I cannot find the details, will the right hon. Gentleman show me where they are?

Certainly, I will try to send the hon. Member a marked copy.

asked the Home Secretary where the four new section houses to be taken into occupation during 1938, in addition to the one at Putney, are situated; will he state the total number of unmarried men that will be accommodated in these five section houses; and what will be the total cost of land, buildings, furniture and equipment?

The four section houses which it is hoped to take into occupation in 1938 are situated at Compton Place, W.C.1, Kennington Lane, S.E.11, Crawford Place, W.1, and Shadwell, E.1. The total number of unmarried men to be accommodated in these section houses and that at Putney is 664 and the total cost of land, buildings, furniture, and equipment is estimated at £482,464.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the most modem blocks of workmen's flats are being built by local authorities in London at 1s. 7d. to 1s. 8d. per foot cube; that first-class residential flats in London are costing from 1s. 9d. to 2S. 3d. per foot cube; that blocks of flats for married police officers cost 1s. 7d. per foot cube and that new section houses for unmarried police officers at Putney, Judd Street, and Kennington Lane cost, respectively, 2s. 2d., 2s. 4.55d., and 2s. 5.92d. per foot cube; and will he cause inquiry to be made as to the excessive cost of the section houses?

The accommodation provided in a section house includes much that is not provided and is unnecessary in married quarters, such as common and recreation rooms, gymnasia, canteens, etc. Much of the general accommodation in a section house is for the use not merely of the residents but for all the local police. Moreover, as regards the three section houses mentioned, account must be taken of the recent increase in building costs which was reflected in the tenders for these schemes. If account is taken of all the factors there is no reason for regarding the cost of the section houses in question as excessive.

In view of the fact that all the figures in my question are very recent, how can the right hon. Gentleman account for the very serious difference, and will he consider, as a matter of economy, having these young men boarded out at first-class West End hotels?

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in connection with the escape of ammonia fumes at the Eldorado ice-cream factory, Stamford Street, S.E., on 12th July; and how many persons were taken to the hospitals with severe burns?

From a preliminary report which I have received, it appears that this accident was due to a defective joint on one of the machines. Further investigations are being made. I have no precise figures as to the numbers taken to hospital, but I understand that 13 are still in-patients suffering from burns and that 25 are attending as out-patients. I regret to say that one of the women has since died from her injuries, and I understand that the inquest will be held next week.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will extend the area in which political processions in the East End of London are prohibited, in order to include the Sandringham Road, Hackney, district?

The intention of Parliament as expressed in Section 3 of the Public Order Act is that processions should be allowed as far as practicable and should only be subject to prohibition if in some area there are "particular circumstances" rendering this step necessary for the prevention of serious public disorder. The question of the area in which such prohibition must be regarded as necessary was very carefully considered before the present Order was made: and after consultation with the Commissioner of Police I regret that I do not feel justified in agreeing with the hon. Member's suggestion that there are sufficient grounds for an extension of that area.

Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider that decision, in view of the fact that this road is exclusively, or almost exclusively, filled with Jewish residents and that the passage of processions of an extremely provocative character is constantly occurring in it? Is he aware that I have received a request signed by practically every resident in the road asking that such processions shall be prohibited, and may I appeal to the right hon. Gentleman to look into the matter again?

I am afraid that, wherever the boundary is made in an Order of this kind, there will be difficulties, but if the hon. Member has any further information which he can send to me, certainly I will look into it.

asked the Home Secretary on what points the International Labour Convention of 1932, which lays down a minimum age for non-industrial employment, goes beyond the Children and Young Persons Act, 1933, relating to the employment of school children in this country?

The main points on which the Convention of 1932 goes beyond the provisions of the Children and Young Persons Act, 1933, and the by-laws made thereunder regarding the employment of children, are the prohibition of all employment of school children except light work for children over 12, no employment even in such light work on Sundays or public holidays or before 8 a.m. on either school days or holidays, and the limitation of such employment during school holidays to two hours a day.

Did not the Government in November, 1934, state that they would after a period see how the 1933 Act worked and consider the question of ratification, and is not the time ripe to consider that question?

I understand that at that period inquiries were made from the local authorities. They then agreed with the line that was taken by the Government. I am now making further inquiries of the local authorities to see whether and, if so, how far, the position has changed since that time.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the functions of the Minister of Transport, in his capacity as the highway authority for the trunk roads, in some cases conflict with his responsibility for the electric supply industry, he will consider the desirability of the responsibility for electric supply being transferred to another Department of State where such a conflict will not arise?

The Prime Minister is not aware that any practical difficulties have arisen as a result of the dual responsibility of my right hon. Friend.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will instruct the Committee of Imperial Defence to review the whole question of the defence of Gibraltar in the light of recent events in Spain and the Straits of Gibraltar which have affected the strategical position there?

The Committee of Imperial Defence already has under review the whole question of the strategical position of Gibraltar and of its defence in the light of recent events in Spain and the Straits of Gibraltar. The question of issuing any further instructions to the Committee of Imperial Defence, therefore, does not arise.

Is it not the case that, apart from party feeling or prejudice about the two sides in Spain, there is widespread anxiety that Italy and Germany are establishing strategical positions in Spain which menace our interests and security, and would it not reassure public opinion here, and have a steadying effect abroad, if it were known that the Committee of Imperial Defence had been ordered to make an ad hoc study of the situation?

My original answer was that the Committee of Imperial Defence had already been making the review.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bring to the attention of the Committee of Imperial Defence the lecture recently given by General von Reichenau, a leading general staff officer, on this subject, which no doubt the right hon. Gentleman has read?

Can the House take it that the Committee of Imperial Defence is taking into consideration the allegations that German guns have been placed on the North African Frontier and opposite Gibraltar?

I think we may safely assume that the Committee of Imperial Defence not only acts without any partisan feeling, but takes into account all relevant considerations.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will grant facilities for the consideration of the Lords Amendments to the Architects Registration Bill, which are of a purely drafting nature?

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend hopes to be able to afford facilities for the consideration of the Lords Amendments to this Bill.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware that the London County Council education committee has recently recommended the spread-over of school holidays and that they have this year relaxed their regulations respecting the attendance of scholars during the summer term in anticipation of a spread-over principle being adopted; whether he has any information respecting similar action by other education authorities; and whether he is considering issuing recommendations and/or calling a conference of education authorities to consider the question of spread-over holidays and problems arising therefrom?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the report of a sub-committee of the London County Council education committee recommending the spread-over of holidays; and what steps his Department is taking to co-ordinate the views of all parties concerned with the spread-over of school holidays?

I have seen the report on this matter of a sub-committee of the London County Council education committee. I have no information that any other education authority has considered the question. Meetings of representatives of the Board of Education, universities, local education authorities and teachers have already been held, and further meetings have been arranged, to consider the spread-over of school holidays and problems arising therefrom.

Can we take it that the hon. Gentleman will issue a report in due course and make it available to the House?

I would not like to commit myself. Discussions are going on between the various authorities.

Will my hon. Friend consider schemes for the spread-over of holidays which are put forward by education authorities, and will he consult those engaged in the holiday industry to see how far these schemes are practicable?

At the present moment the Board is concerned with the relations between the secondary schools and the universities, and that is quite big enough a job at the moment.

Does the Board favour the scheme?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what progress has been made in his negotiations with the Secondary School Examinations Council and the universities, with a view to securing alterations in the dates of school and higher school certificate examinations, in order to facilitate the spread-over of holidays.

The Board have received from the Secondary School Examinations Council considered recommendations for an alteration in the dates of the examinations, should any change be found necessary in consequence of the report on Holidays with Pay. The Board are at present investigating the whole question and they have already had discussions with representatives of university bodies, local education authorities and teachers. It is not yet possible to say whether, as a result of these investigations, any change will be found desirable and, if so, what arrangements will be found most convenient.

Can my hon. Friend say what other date is being considered by the examinations council for school examinations?

Recommendations have been made for a date towards the end of the autumn term.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he can now give any information in connection with two boys that have been expelled from the Poole Grammar School for smoking out of school hours; and what action he intends taking about the matter?

I understand that the boys broke a school rule against smoking in public and preferred expulsion to the alternative of receiving light corporal punishment and giving a promise to observe the rule in future. In view of the flagrant and open defiance of school rules, the governors decided to exclude the boys from the school.

Is it a fact that the rules and regulations of this school deal not only with the time the boys are in the school, but with the whole of their private life outside?

Will my hon. Friend make sure that the governors of the school do not themselves practice this unpleasant habit of smoking?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether his Department has at any time since the passing of the Act of 1936 threatened to withhold from any local education authority any of the grant normally due to it on the ground that it has adopted a scheme under the Act too favourable to the church schools?

The answer is in the negative. In some cases where unsatisfactory schemes of reorganisation have been suggested, the Board have indicated to the local education authorities concerned that they would not feel justified in recognising for grant any expenditure which the authorities might incur on such schemes.

May I take it that there can be no scheme which is so generous to the church schools as to bring down upon it the disapproval of the Board of Education?

I do not think that point arises.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education why his Department is proposing to stop £180,000 annually from the grant due to the Liverpool education authority; whether he is aware that this action is regarded locally as a measure of coercion designed to compel the authority to acquiesce in sectarian demands for public funds; and whether he is aware that the Act of 1936 gives the local authority freedom of choice in the matter under dispute?

The action of the Board in withholding £15,000 from each of the monthly instalments of grant which, in view of the fact that three months of the financial year have elapsed, is not tantamount to withholding £180,000 a year, is due to the failure of the authority to perform their duties under the Education Act, 1921. Judging from the Press reports which I have seen, there is at least as much local support as there is criticism of the Board's action. I am aware that the making of grants by local education authorities for voluntary schools is a power and not a duty, but this does not absolve authorities from discharging their obligations under the Education Act, 1921.

Is the hon. Member aware that, although this action is not claimed to be coercion on the local authorities, it is in effect coercion because it is compelling the local authority concerned to yield to the extortionate demands of the churches?

The hon. Member is raising an argument.

On a point of Order. Surely one is entitled in a supplementary question to draw an inference from a reply which has been given?

It is too much like an argument.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the decision to refuse grants for Roman Catholic schools was a decision taken by the Conservative majority in the Liverpool City Council and was opposed by the Labour opposition, and that it resulted in the Conservatives gaining nine seats at the municipal elections?

Is the Minister aware that the failure of the Liverpool City Council to carry out the scheme, which has incurred the displeasure of the Education Department, is due to the fact that the Church has made extortionate demands upon the city council?

Is the hon. Member aware that a good deal of local support—

rose—

On a point of Order. I do not know whether you can give me guidance, Mr. Speaker, as to whether, in circumstances where the facts have been wrongly given in the question, a Member is entitled to put a supplementary question in order to make the facts clear?

We have already had three or four supplementary questions, and I appealed to the House the other day to assist me in getting through questions more expeditiously.

Further to that point of Order. In this case the question refers to a particular locality and no supplementary questions have come from Members either residing in or representing that locality.

I cannot go into all those points.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether the names of those persons who signed the appeal to the Board of Education against the proposed Church central school for the Tilford area, in Surrey, were disclosed to be promoters of the scheme or to any other persons supporting the proposal; and, if so, on what date and to what persons was such disclosure made?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and, therefore, the second part does not arise.

Is the hon. Member aware that this scheme is of such a nature that no hardship is imposed upon parents who do not desire their children to have religious instruction, and that local opposition to this scheme is negligible?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will consider leaving out of account classes of less than 15 children in small rural schools, or similar classes in senior schools in other areas, due to reorganisation, when he is computing the average per class for the purpose of deciding the reasonableness, or otherwise, of the establishment schemes of local education authorities?

The average number of scholars per class in an authority's area is not the criterion by which the reasonableness of the authority's proposed establishment of teachers is judged by the Board; and in considering these establishments the inevitability of exceptionally small classes in particular cases is recognised.

Can the hon. Gentleman inform me how it is that in dealing with the establishment the Department always quotes the average, and how is it possible to obtain an average which is under 30 without having classes of over 50, if classes of 15 are taken into computation?

Perhaps the hon. Member will see me afterwards, when I will give him further information.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware that the managers of the Church of England schools in Liverpool, namely, St. Margaret's, Anfield, St. George's, Everton, and St. Margaret's, Princes Road, do not propose, in the absence of grants from the Liverpool authority, to proceed with their schemes for the provision of senior school accommodation; and how is the Liverpool authority prepared to implement the 1936 Education Act?

The Liverpool authority have informed the Board that the managers of St. Margaret's School, Anfield, and St. George's School, Everton, do not propose, in the absence of grants from the authority, to proceed with their schemes for the provision of senior school accommodation. The authority stated that they were still in communication with the managers of St. Margaret's School, Princes Road. The authority have not yet informed the Board whether, and, if so, in what way, their proposals for the provision of accommodation for senior children are to be modified in the light of these decisions.