asked the Minister of Labour how many foreign cinema technicians are now working with permits in this country and the maximum and average length of time allowed by such permits; and how many British cinema technicians are at present unemployed?

According to the records of my Department, the number of foreign nationals under conditions as to their stay in the United Kingdom who have permission to be employed as technicians in film production is 24. This figure does not include producers, directors, scenario writers and specialists in other than technical work, of whom there are 23 with permission to be employed at the present time. Permits for the employment of foreign nationals from abroad are granted for varying periods, in no case exceeding 12 months in the first instance, and are frequently limited to the duration of a particular production. With regard to the last part of the question, cinema technicians are not separately distinguished in the statistics of unemployment which are compiled by my Department.

In view of the fact that there is undoubtedly a large number of cinema technicians unemployed, would the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that no permits will be issued for foreign technicians while we have technicians suitable for the jobs?

Of course, that it my normal duty under the law, and it is carried out always in terms of each individual case.

Is it not a fact that there are complaints regarding the number of foreign technicians?

There may be complaints, but complaints are not always well grounded, and those which receive most publicity are often the least well grounded.

Is not the spirit of the supplementary questions inconsistent with the best traditions of this country?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there is grave concern in regard to the low rates of wages that are being paid on the Pallion trading estate, Sunderland, girls of 17 years of age being paid as little as 8s. per week for a 10-hour day; and will he ensure that, before a factory is let to any employer of labour, that employer is prepared to observe the Fair-Wages Clause?

I am informed that in the only factory as yet actually in operation on the Pallion estate not less than trade board rates are being paid.

Would the right hon. Gentleman not look at evidence, if I were to send it to him, and ensure that controllers of these factories, which are erected out of the public purse, employ people at trade union rates, and are not allowed to exploit our young people?

If the hon. Member gets into touch with the firm, I think he will find that he is doing them an injustice. I have pointed out they are now paying trade board rates.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this factory is not yet in production, that most of the girls employed are learners undergoing training, that full trade board wages are being paid, and that only 42½ hours a week are being worked, spread over five days?

That is my information, and that is why I said that, if the hon. Member gets into touch with the firm, he will find that, whoever was responsible for this publicity—I have no doubt that he put down the question in good faith—he has really done the firm an injustice.

May I inform the right hon. Gentleman that I have in my pocket evidence to prove that this firm pays 8s.a week to girls of 17 for a 10-hour day?

I again suggest that the hon. Gentleman should discuss it with the firm, when he will find that my statement is accurate, and that trade board wages are being paid.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed

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

Would the right hon. Gentleman explain the significance of the figures?

I could not do that except at some length, but if the hon. Gentleman asks for the totals, they run like this: Between 17th January, 1938, and 13th June, 1938, in Sutton-in-Ashfield, 348 and 371—slightly up—and in Mansfield, 196 and 207.

Seeing that the protection given to this industry neither maintains the wages nor preserves the employment, and that the figures that the right hon. Gentleman has just given apply over the whole range of the industry, do the Government intend to take any action in the matter?

If the hon. Gentleman desires more protection, I could not debate that question now.

asked the Minister of Labour how many people were unemployed in the Stepney district in June; and how do the figures compare with those for the preceding month?

At 13th June, 1938, there were 10,225 insured persons, aged 16–64, resident in the Metropolitan borough of Stepney, recorded as unemployed, as compared with 8,709 at 16th May, 1938.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that that shows an increase of 25 per cent. in the unemployed in one month, and does he not consider that such a steep rise is a matter of deep concern?

Of course, it is a matter of deep concern, but the hon. Gentleman knows well enough that this area is one in which the turnover in jobs is more, perhaps, than in any other area, because of the peculiar nature of its industries.

asked the Minister of Labour the balance on the insurance account of the Unemployment Fund as at the last convenient date; the manner in which this amount is invested and the rate of interest received for same; the amount of the outstanding debt that was funded; and the average interest at present payable on this amount?

At 16th July, 1938, the total balance of the Unemployment Fund was about £46,141,000, invested in short-term securities suitable to the requirements of the Fund, having regard to the views of the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee. At the present time, the net rate of interest received on the sums invested, after allowing for profit or loss on redemption, is £1 18s. per cent. The amount of the debt now outstanding is £82, 246,000, on which interest is payable at the rate of 3⅛ per cent.

In view of the difference between those rates, does the Minister contemplate any change?

No. The change was made in the law recently, with the result that the committee has complete freedom in this matter. I would point out that there is all difference in the world between interest on money invested and interest on debt.

Does not the Minister think that the amount of interest on the debt is very large?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the branch managers of Employment Exchanges in seaside resorts suffer considerable reductions in their incomes during the season when the numbers of unemployed on their registers begin to shrink; and whether, in view of the fact that this system does not encourage the branch managers to give their best endeavours towards obtaining employment for the seasonal workers involved, he will review the present arrangements and consider their reform?

The terms of remuneration of branch managers necessarily take account of substantial variations of the volume of work, but I do not think that there is any foundation for the suggestion that the effect is to discourage them from endeavouring to find employment for applicants on the register. On the contrary, in assessing the volume of work, account is taken of the manager's efforts to fill vacancies. The present arrangements are based upon a recent agreement, to which the Branch Managers' Federation is a party.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to introduce legislation prolonging the operation of the Special Areas Acts after 31st March, 1939; and, if so, whether it is proposed further to amend those Acts?

No decision has yet been taken in this matter.

In view of the fact that these Acts have now only eight months to run, can the Minister say when he will be in a position to give the House some information?

Certainly not until the House reassembles.

asked the Minister of Labour the total increase or decrease of registered unemployed in Scotland for the years 1937 and 1938, respectively?

I have had some little difficulty in deciding precisely what figures the hon. Member is seeking, but perhaps the following will give him the information he desires: Between 25th January and 21st June, 1937, the total number of unemployed persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Scotland fell by 56,376 from 271,342 to 214,966. Between 17th January and 13th June, 1938, the number fell by 30,152, from 269,999 to 239,847.

In view of the fact that the increase and decrease of unemployment in Scotland are so regular as to indicate that after a period of five years the problem is still the same, has the Minister any special plan for dealing with this question so far as Scotland is concerned?

It is true that the figures are very similar, but I could not agree that it is the same problem at all. At 21st June, 1937, there were 15,100 temporarily stopped, whereas on 13th June, 1938, there were 37,299 temporarily stopped. That is an increase of more than 22,000 in the number temporarily stopped. It would be a mistake to regard the problem as being the same, though the figures on paper may seem to be the same.

Do not the figures which the Minister has given indicate that in the period of eight years from 1930 there has been an increase; and does not he think it is time he had some special plans for this distressed area?

Certainly I could not accept that way of stating the problem, because we have also to observe the figures of employment, which would tell quite another story.

Cannot the Minister use the same plan that the Socialist party used in order to solve this problem when they were in office?

I think that that was quite unreal.

If we were given the same term of office, we would succeed.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of unemployed iron and steel workers in Scotland for the years ended March, 1936, 1937, and 1938, respectively?

The average numbers of insured persons, aged 14–64, in the pig iron, steel melting, iron and steel rolling, etc., industry classifications recorded as unemployed in Scotland during the years ended March, 1936, 1937 and 1938 were 5,599, 4,086, and 3,781 respectively.

Does the Minister think that this indicates that Scotland is getting its proper share of work in connection with the rearmament programme of the Government?

It indicates a drop of 1,800.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is an increase in the case of agricultural workers?

The hon. Member must recollect that the figures are for one month only in each year.

asked the Minister of Labour whether investigations have been instituted into the conditions of employment in the licensed trades?

Yes, Sir, and I am in consultation with the organisations concerned with a view to the framing of a scheme for the regulation of the wages and conditions of employés.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for what he is doing, may I ask him whether the results of the investigations will be published?

I should like notice of that question. I do not know quite how far the consultations with the organisations have gone yet.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his Department will give a detailed report on the court accommodation at the Town Hall, Bradford; and what prospect there is of the present congestion being eliminated?

The responsibility for providing court accommodation rests with the local authority, and I have no powers in the matter. I understand that the existing accommodation is admitted to be inadequate, and that the question of improving it is still under consideration. I hope that the local authority may be able to reach a satisfactory solution without undue delay.

Could the right hon. Gentleman send an officer to see that at any rate a retiring room for female witnesses is provided? This is becoming a scandal.

I must be very careful how I interfere with the responsibilities of the local authority. I hope that the answer I have given to the hon. Member will call the attention of the local authority to the fact that I regard this question as urgent.

Will the right hon. Gentleman send a copy of this to the city council?

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that Durham is the nearest point to which a Scottish prisoner can be transferred from a penal settlement in the south of England to a penal settlement nearer home for the purpose of receiving a visit from his relatives; and will he consider making arrangements between the English and Scottish prison commissioners for the transfer of such prisoners to a Scottish prison for the purpose of such visits?

The existing law makes provision for the transfer from England to Scotland and vice versa of persons sentenced to penal servitude and persons sentenced to detention in a Borstal Institution, but there is no statutory provision empowering the transfer from one jurisdiction to another of persons sentenced to imprisonment. I realise that in some cases hardship may result from the lack of power to transfer freely from England to Scotland, and the point has been noted for legislation at the first convenient opportunity.

Would it not be possible to arrive at some method of bringing about this very desirable reform? At present, prisoners in the south of England cannot go beyond Durham, and their relatives, who may live in the north of Scotland, have to travel right down to Durham to see them?

I have said that the point will be dealt with at the first convenient opportunity.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the presentation of mock air raids and air-raid precaution displays in conjunction with carnivals and similar functions; and whether, in view of the undesirability of staging air-raid precaution demonstrations in circumstances likely to divert public attention from the serious nature of air-raid precautions, he will advise air-raid precaution committees to avoid such methods?

My right hon. Friend is aware that air-raid precautions displays have been staged at public functions of various kinds. If a local authority thinks it desirable to bring home the need for air-raid precautions in this way, my right hon. Friend would not feel justified in advising that advantage should not be taken of such opportunities.

Does the hon. Gentleman appreciate the fact that these air-raid precautions demonstrations are carried out in an atmosphere of hilarity and frivolity, despite their significance?

I think that the local authorities are very good judges of the reactions of their own people.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give instructions that any refugee arriving at a British port who can prove that he is escaping from religious or political persecution shall be admitted to this country?

I am anxious, as I have stated on several occasions in the House, that our traditional hospitality should be extended so far as is compatible with our social and economic conditions to persons who are obliged to leave their own country on political, racial or religious grounds, but I have made it clear that there can be no indiscriminate admission, and individuals who wish to come here must be carefully selected. To enable this policy to be properly carried out, a visa requirement has been imposed on all Austrians and Germans, so that applicants can be examined before they start on their journey and the risk of rejection at our ports is minimised. It is necessary, however, to insist that persons who wish to enter this country shall enter in a proper manner, as otherwise the control which has been set up would be defeated. This policy has the support of the refugee organisations, with whom the Home Office is closely collaborating.

While appreciating the generous terms of the right hon. Gentleman's reply, may I ask whether he will be very careful to see that the right of asylum is not impaired?

My answer shows that that is very much in my mind. I assure the hon. Member that I am in the closest touch with the refugee organisations, and we try to deal sympathetically with individual cases as they come.

Does not this show that, bad as this country is, it is the best country in the world?

asked the Home Secretary whether probation officers attached to matrimonial and domestic courts in the Metropolitan Police area are required to have knowledge and training in the medico-psychological aspects of cases with which they may have to deal; and whether, in view of the importance of probation officers possessing this qualification, he will offer some guidance to the courts respecting the selection and appointment of probation officers?

The Central Training Board which has been set up on the recommendation of the Departmental Committee on the Social Services in Courts of Summary Jurisdiction is aware of the need for giving some guidance to probation officers on the matters referred to, so as to enable them to decide when to seek expert assistance. The candidates trained under this scheme are available for appointment in London as well as in other probation areas in England and Wales.

May I take it that probation officers in the future will have this requisite knowledge, in view of the very intimate nature of some of the matrimonial tangles that have to be solved?

It is very difficult to say of anyone that he will have the requisite knowledge for anything. We do try to provide that the candidates for the probation service shall have enough knowledge to know when treatment of this kind is likely to be useful.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that the career of ex-Inspector John Syme was brought to an end through circumstances arising out of an adverse report of a superior officer, which was subsequently admitted by his Department to be unfounded, and that the ex-inspector in question, although subsequently granted a pension of £72 per annum and awarded certain arrears of pension, was never paid any compensation in respect of the premature termination of his career as a police officer, he will consider the possibility of making some payment to ex-Inspector Syme by way of compensation for the premature ending of his career?

This unfortunate case was most carefully considered by my predecessor, the right hon. Member for Platting (Mr. Clynes) in 1931, and, after reviewing the facts, I am satisfied that there are no grounds for reopening the questions on which a decision was then taken. The settlement of the case announced in this House by my predecessor on 21st May, 1931, in a statement of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy, must be regarded as final. This settlement and the terms in which it was announced were accepted by Mr. Syme.

If the right hon. Gentleman, on further examination, should find that ex-Inspector Syme did not accept that settlement of 1931 as complete and final, and that he has constantly urged his case for compensation in respect of the ending of his career, will he agree to reconsider the matter?

No, Sir. I am afraid I could not deal with a hypothetical question of that kind. The case has been considered over and over again. I do regard this settlement as final.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there was no compensation paid to ex-Inspector Syme in respect of the loss of his career?

I think the hon. Gentleman had better look at the communication I am sending him. He will then see as far as I can judge, that ex-Inspector Syme did accept compensation in settlement.

asked the Home Secretary the number of Metropolitan police officers relieved of traffic duty to date following the provision by local authorities of the electric traffic lights, and the approximate yearly saving in wages and other police charges through the introduction of same; and what notice is generally given by local authorities of their intention in instal these lights, which relieve the police from traffic duty?

The number of police actually withdrawn from traffic duty consequent on the installation of signals is 662. The cost of these police is approximately£180,000 a year. No public notice is required to be given of proposals to instal these signals, and the prime motion for this installation may come from the local authorities, the Ministry of Transport or the police. The time occupied by the preliminary consideration of and arrangement for any particular installation varies considerably with the circumstances of each individual case.

As there is such a substantial reduction and saving, will the Minister suggest that there should be a reduction in the police rate for the ratepayers of London?

Obviously that is a different question.

I would like to point out that I made a mistake about the date in the question.

I presume the hon. Member refers to the accident about which he asked me a question on the 6th instant. I understand that there was in fact no hoarding between the building and the footway at the point at which the accident happened, and that the contractor who undertook the demolition of the building has been brought before the magistrates on a charge of manslaughter, but that the bench discharged him, expressing the view that there had been negligence but no evidence of culpable negligence sufficient to justify his committal for trial.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is able to announce the name of the chairman of the new advisory committee to be appointed under the terms of the Cinematograph Act, 1935?

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the Cinematograph Act, 1909. I am happy to be able to say that Lord Stonehaven has accepted the invitation of the Secretary of State for Scotland and myself to become chairman of the advisory committee.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that persons in receipt of workmen's compensation have to seek help from the Poor Law authorities; and will he consider this particular aspect as urgent and introduce legislation at an early date so as to remove this hardship by increasing the rates of compensation?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on Thursday last to the question asked by the hon. Member for Stoke (Mr. E. Smith) on the same point.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister, in dealing with this matter, said that certain aspects should be dealt with before the commission reported? Is this not one aspect, and a serious one, which might be dealt with before the commission report?

I could not give an explicit answer to that question before it is put down. I should have said that a question of this kind raised just the sort of issues that have to be considered.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask for representations from the local authorities?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement on the Royal Commission that is to consider the Workmen's Compensation Act and the effect of accidents and industrial diseases on the lives of the people; and whether he can announce the names of the commission and their terms of reference?

I regret that I am unable at present to add to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member on 30th June last.

Will the Prime Minister be in a position to make a statement before the House rises for the Recess?

I hope so, but I am not sure.

Is the Prime Minister able to inform the House as to the precise terms of reference of the proposed Royal Commission?

No, Sir, not yet.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in fixing the terms of reference of the Royal Commission, bear in mind the importance of investigating the system by which employers insure their work-people for workmen's compensation, and, in particular, into the enormous profits made by insurance companies in this connection?

asked the Home Secretary the number of cases in which the power of inspecting the brakes on motor vehicles given to the police by Section 95 of the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations, 1937, has led to prosecutions; and in how many of such cases the decelerometer has been relied on as evidence?

I regret that the information asked for is not available.

Do the inquiries my right hon. Friend has made lead him to think that benches of magistrates are tending to accept the evidence of these machines?

I think my hon. and gallant Friend had better put that question down.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware that some local education authorities are refusing to release girls from attendance at school at 14 years of age, in order to assist their mothers at home, on the ground that such help to a mother is not beneficial employment within the meaning of the Education Act, 1936; and whether he will give a ruling on this point in order to assist local education authorities?

I think that there must be some misapprehension as to the legal position. The considerations to which local education authorities must have regard before permitting the withdrawal of children of 14 to enable them to give assistance in the home are entirely different from those to which they must have regard in determining whether any employment will be beneficial. Moreover, the sections of the Education Act, 1936, which deal with exemptions for beneficial employment and the withdrawal of children from school to enable them to give assistance in the home do not come into operation until 1st September, 1939.

Is not assisting the mother at home the most beneficial of all employments?

That is one of the reasons why it is provided for.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the number of technical schools and technical colleges in England and Wales in 1921, 1930 and 1937, giving England and Wales separately; and the

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what number of applications has been received for technical schools; and what was the number granted and what was the number refused in England and Wales from 1930 up to the present date by local authorities?

I assume that the hon. Member refers to applications submitted by local education authorities for approval of proposals to provide new buildings for technical schools. As the answer involves

As the answer consists of a tabular statement I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will that report give the distinction between senior and junior technical schools?

It will not in its present form, but I might be able to make it do so.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education how much the new technical school at present under construction in Bury, Lancashire, is expected to cost; what grant his Department will make; also, with the declining trade, what number of students are allowed for ten years ahead; and whether any attempt has been made to obtain the necessary education required with other education authorities, and so save the cost of the new school and its effect on the rates?

The cost of the new technical college at Bury is expected to amount to about £120,000, half of which will be met by grant from the Board. My Noble Friend is satisfied that the proposed accommodation is no more than is required to meet the needs of the future, as the college will be the centre for technical and commercial education for an important industrial area, with some 200,000 inhabitants. In formulating their proposals, the local education authority have had regard to the need for co-operation with other authorities, and for avoiding any overlap in the provision of technical education.

asked the Minister of Health what steps the London County Council have taken to ensure that offices within their jurisdiction are investigated to ensure that the provisions of the Public Health Act, 1936, are applied?

On a point of Order. Am I entitled to put a supplementary on Question 33?

Not now.

Further to that point of Order. Not being able to hear what was said, am I entitled to put a supplementary question?

We have passed over it now, and are on the next question.

The Public Health Act, 1936, does not in general apply to London. I am informed that the Metropolitan borough councils, the responsible sanitary authorities, are advised that there is some doubt whether offices come within the scope of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936, which was private legislation, and that they are considering, in conjunction with the London County Council, whether amendments of the Act should be introduced to remove this doubt.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we were given a very definite pledge by one of his predecessors that the London County Council would bring itself into conformity with this Act?

I understand the London County Council is considering it, in conjunction with the boroughs.

asked the Minister of Health (1) the number of local authorities which have appointed special inspectors to investigate the conditions of offices to ensure that the provisions of the Public Health Act, 1936, are applied;

(2) how many offices have been visited by inspectors of local authorities to see that the provisions of the Public Health Act, 1936, are being applied; and how many prosecutions have taken place?

asked the Minister of Health whether he will take steps to obtain information from local authorities, from time to time, as to action taken by these authorities to investigate working conditions in offices under the provisions of the Public Health Act?

The Act came into force on 1st October, 1937, and it was not considered desirable to call for reports until it had been working for a full year. I am not, therefore, in a position to give the information asked for, but I have asked that it shall be included in the annual reports of medical officers of health for the year ending 31st December next.

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons suffering from diabetes who are dependants of State insurance contributors; and what would be the estimated cost to the fund if the dependants were given insulin free?

I regret that the information desired by the hon. Member is not available.

Will it be possible for the Minister to get this information when it is a Supply Day on the Minister's work?

I do not think I shall be able to supply it.

The right hon. Gentleman will be able to manage it easily.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can indicate when the report into the causes and the methods of prevention of tuberculosis in Wales will be completed; and whether it is intended to publish the report?

I understand that the committee hope to complete their report within the next few weeks, and I will consider the question of publication as soon as I receive it.

asked the Minister of Health why the Inland Water Survey Committee, set up by the Minister of Health and the Secretary of State for Scotland in January, 1935, has adjourned its deliberations sine die?

The committee adjourned pending a decision on the question whether grants should be made available to catchment boards for the installation of gauges for measuring the flows of their rivers. The matter is under consideration, and it is hoped to announce a decision shortly.

Is it the case that the Scottish side of this committee has had grants up to the extent of something like £500 and no grants have been made on the English side, and is not that the reason why the committee has reached a deadlock; and will the right hon. Gentleman see that legislative power is obtained in order that the English side of this committee may be able to get contribution in proportion to that on the Scottish side?

I think the hon. and learned Gentleman is under a misapprehension. The question of catchment boards is different in the two countries, there being no catchment board in Scotland.

Is it not the case that the Scottish side has been financing the committee and is it not time that the English side should do its share?

That is a very rash assumption.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the inadequate water supply which exists in the villages of Armscote, Blackwell, and Darlingscott, in the Evesham division of Worcestershire; and what steps he proposes to take to rectify this condition?

As my hon. Friend will be aware, the responsibility for promoting a scheme for these villages rests with the Rural District Council of Skipton-on-Stour which, I understand, is dealing with several of its parishes separately. I am prepared to entertain an application from them for consent to a loan for the purpose.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether he will realise the importance of the health and comfort of all the dwellers in the division of Evesham?

Have they ever considered the possibility of boring for water, as there is water under the surface everywhere?

asked the Minister of Health whether he can supply a translation of the text of the recent French law regarding diphtheria immunisation?

Yes, Sir. I am sending the hon. Member a translation of this law.

asked the Minister of Health how many county or county borough councils have applied for his consent to subscribe to the maintenance of voluntary nursing associations, as provided for under Section 67 of the Poor Law Act, 1930, and the number of such councils that have failed to take advantage of this section?

The relevant provision in Section 67 of the Poor Law Act, 1930, was replaced on 1st October, 1937, by Section 178 of the Public Health Act, 1936. My sanction is not required to expenditure under this section. The Public Health (London) Act, 1936, contains no similar provision and the London County Council subscribe to voluntary nursing associations with my consent under Section 67 of the Poor Law Act, 1930.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of the councils have adopted the provisions of the new Act?

I am afraid that I cannot, because they do not need to have my Consent.

asked the Minister of Health the number of applications he has received from Yorkshire as a whole and from Bradford, respectively, for pensions under the new Pensions (Voluntary Contributions) Act?

I regret that the information asked for by my hon. Friend is not available, as applications for admission to the new voluntary pensions scheme are not arranged on a territorial basis.

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether he is aware of the increasing practice of fixing ground-rent charges on the purchase of houses; and will he consider taking steps to deal with this problem;

(2) whether he is aware of the effect on house purchasers of ground rents, road charges, and the relatively high interest charges; and whether he will consider taking early legislative action to deal with this matter?

The general question of the terms upon which house property is bought and sold is not a matter within the scope of my Department, but if the hon. Member wishes to bring to my notice any particular case arising under the Housing Acts I shall be glad to examine the matter.

The Ministry of Health are bound to be aware of the trend of events in connection with the issues raised in these questions. In view of the relatively high rate of interest charged by the companies, will the Minister consider action with a view to seeing that the burden on people who have purchased their houses is reduced?

It is not actually within the scope of my Department, but if any case is brought to my notice I will examine it and do my best to advise the hon. Member.

Is this not one of the questions which ought to be brought within the scope of the right hon. Gentleman's Department?

asked the Minister of Health what steps have been taken to deal with the housing conditions in Carmarthenshire consequent upon the investigation made by his officers in the county last year?

Most of the local authorities in the county are now taking active steps to remedy the unsatisfactory housing conditions reported upon by my inspectors, and I can assure the hon. Member that I am keeping in close touch with the local authorities in this matter.

Will the Minister promise to do better in Carmarthenshire than he did in Scotland?

I hope he will.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider amending the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts so as to cover, in addition, the purchase of small holdings on which houses could be erected by those who occupy and work on such holdings?

The scope of the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts is restricted to the acquisition of small houses but I understand that advances for the purchase of small holdings can already be obtained under Section 13 of the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1926. A person who had acquired a holding in this way could then apply for an advance for the erection of a house under Section 91 of the Housing Act, 1936.

Is this generally applicable to those who have spent years getting the land into good heart and are then dispossessed by those who have no sympathy with the holdings at all? Is it generally applicable?

Generally applicable, yes.

If a person wishes to purchase a holding upon which a house is already erected, will not the right hon. Gentleman make some provision for that?