asked the Secretary for Mines the policy of His Majesty's Government in relation to the proposal laid before him in the joint deputation of the miners and mineowners he received on 13th July?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, having regard to the fall of over 1,000,000 tons in our coal exports in the first six months of 1938 as compared with the first six months of 1937, he is taking any steps, in consultation with the representatives of the industry, to prevent a further fall in the coal export trade?

The proposal laid before me was that the Central Scheme in force under the Coal Mines Act, 1930, should

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of fatal and disablement cases of certifiable industrial diseases among coal miners in 1937; and

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will give, separately, the total quantity of saleable coal raised in Great Britain for the two years ended to the last convenient date, and state the quantity exported from this country, either to countries in the British Empire or to foreign countries, during that period?

As the reply involves a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is it not the fact that the figures show a constant decrease, and are the Government, doing anything to improve the position?

The hon. Gentleman must look at the figures when he gets them, and also remember what I said in reply to the first question.

As the reply includes a statistical table I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. In reply to the last part of the question, there are substantially fewer cases of nystagmus, there is some increase in the other diseases and a substantial increase in the cases of beat knee.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether any cases have been brought to his attention in which men employed in mechanised coal faces have been disabled by diseases of the nervous system, attributed to the effects of machine-mining; and whether there has been any special investigation of this problem and with what result?

No evidence of cases of this kind has been brought to my notice, and, so far as I am aware, the only special investigation is one being made by the Safety in Mines Research Board into the question of noise, and the means by which it can be reduced.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the Denby Grange Collieries, Limited, Yorkshire, have notified one of their employes of their intention to deduct one-sixth of his holiday payment on account of his being absent from work for two days

Is my hon. and gallant Friend considering the report of the Home Office on this matter of nystagmus?

Yes, Sir. It is the practice of all Government Departments to consider the reports of other Government Departments.

May we have an early answer?

Holidays with pay at the colliery referred to result from an agreement between the West Yorkshire Coal Owners' Association and the Yorkshire Mineworkers' Association. The agreement provides machinery for dealing with disputes as to its application.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs how many natives and coloured people, respectively, are employed in Government service in Southern Rhodesia; in what grades are they employed; and what pensions are payable in each case?

I am not in possession of separate figures of native and coloured persons respectively employed in Government service in Southern Rhodesia, but the number of the non-European staff provided for in the Southern Rhodesia Estimates for the current year (excluding casual employés) amounts to 3,684. These include members of the British South Africa Native Police, messengers, interpreters, prison guards and other natives employed on miscellaneous duties. The grant of pensions and gratuities is governed by regulations issued in Government Notice No. 385 of 1932, which provide, on the usual conditions, for a pension at the rate of one-sixtieth of pay for each completed year of continuous service.

Are both types covered in the same way?

The types mentioned in the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, seeing there are no secondary schools for coloured children in Southern Rhodesia, such children are admitted into secondary schools along with children of Europeans?

I understand from the Governor of Southern Rhodesia that the schools for coloured children at Salisbury and Bulawayo provide secondary education to standard 7 which is equivalent to three years before matriculation standard, and that Government grants, covering the total cost of board and tuition, are also awarded to promising coloured children for further secondary education at Kimberley or Cape Town.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state the age to which coloured children are kept at school? Is it an elementary school or a secondary school?

It is an elementary school.

Can they not provide some form of secondary education in Southern Rhodesia?

I will call the attention of the Government of Southern Rhodesia to that point, but they meet it by sending promising coloured children to these schools at Kimberley and Cape Town.

That is not much good.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what is the old age pension rate for white people, coloured people, and natives, respectively, in Southern Rhodesia; and whether the coloured wife of a white man obtains the pension on the basis of her husband's qualification and race?

The maximum rate of old age pension which may be granted to a white pensioner under the Southern Rhodesia Old Age Pensions Act is £48 per annum. The corresponding rate in the case of a coloured pensioner is £24 per annum. The Act does not provide for the grant of old age pensions to natives. I have no information in regard to the point raised in the second part of the question, but I am informed that it may be assumed that such a case is seldom, if ever, likely to arise.

Does the Minister recognise that here is a possible refutation of the claim by the Dominions Office and the Colonial Office that there is no colour bar in British territory?

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has any legislative authority with regard to old age pensions in Southern Rhodesia?

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the amount paid to old age pensioners in Southern Rhodesia is about double what is paid to old age pensioners in this country?

On a point of Order. May I ask the extent to which we are entitled to ask questions on matters which are within the competence of the Government of Southern Rhodesia and not within the competence of the Secreteary of State for Dominion Affairs?

The question on the Order Paper asked for information, but the supplementary questions have encroached upon questions which are solely the responsibility of Southern Rhodesia.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether his attention has been called to the criticisms of the work of missionaries among the natives of South-West Africa contained in the recent report of the Union Government to the League of Nations which states that the economic conditions of Christianised natives is inferior to that of the others, and that the last two famines have proved conclusively that the Christians' kraals are the first to need assistance; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I assume that the hon. Member refers to an expression of opinion by an official of the South-West Africa Administration in relation to a particular Reserve in the Territory which is quoted in the report recently submitted to the Council of the League of Nations by His Majesty's Government in the Union of South Africa. The question what action if any is required is one for His Majesty's Government in the Union of South Africa who exercise the mandate in respect of South-West Africa.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that it is clear from this report that Christianity has decided disadvantages for these unfortunate natives?

I would call the attention of the House to the fact that that is an expression of the opinion of an individual.

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly consider where Africa would have been but for the work of David Livingstone and his successors, and will he consider, also, whether this question and report are not actuated by malice against Christianity?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what transfers of shipping have taken place to and from the British register during the last six months?

The reports received by the Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen show that, during the six months ended 30th June last, 207 ships purchased from foreign countries were registered as British ships, and 141 ships sold to foreign countries were removed from the register.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what ports were involved in the matter?

I cannot do so without notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there are any regulations to prevent British ships being transferred to foreign ownership; and whether the foreign ships which have recently been transferred to the British flag can with equal facility be re-transferred to foreign ownership?

There are in peace no regulations which prevent any British ship, whether or not she has previously been in foreign ownership, from being transferred to foreign owners.

Does it not seem to be likely that a number of ships will be transferred to the flags of countries which are giving protection to their shipping?

Can my right hon. Friend say which countries are giving their ships protection?

Except this country, I do not know of any.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the circumstances of a recent voyage of the steamship "Knowlgrove" from Sunderland to Lerwick; that this vessel, with a load of coal, took six days over a passage which normally occupies from 36 to 40 hours and was out of communication when anxiety arose as to its safety and during bad weather and fog had been steaming around for four days with no definite knowledge of its bearings, which were only established after contact had been made with a German trawler: and that Lerwick was eventually reached after directional assistance had been given by two other vessels; and whether, in the interests of maritime efficiency and safety, he will state whether the ship in question was commanded by a certificated officer or otherwise?

I understand that the facts are generally as stated. The master of the vessel has been in the employ of his present company for 25 years and has acted as master for 10 years. He is not certificated. The delay was caused through the master not securing charts to cover the whole of the voyage. Being unable to fix his position, partly owing to fog, he preferred not to risk his vessel and consequently lost a good deal of time in reaching his destination safety.

Is the Minister aware of the fact that he accosted three other ships and asked for directional assistance before he got to Lerwick, and will the right hon. Gentleman insist that all coast-wise ships shall carry certificated masters?

I do not know whether the word "accost" is a correct term; but the fact is that this delay occurred because the master acted in the interests of safety, and there was nothing to lead one to believe that because he was not certificated he endangered the safety of his vessel.

Is it not the case that in the weather which is described in the question it would not have made the slightest difference whether a certificated officer had been there or not?

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is aware that, during 1937, of 6,664 vessels subjected to sanitary inspection by the Hull and Goole port health authority 1,67o were found to have defects; and whether, in view of the fact that in only 423 instances were the defects rectified, he will consider the advisability of strengthening existing powers for ensuring proper standards of maritime hygiene;

(2) whether he is aware that of 597 British ships inspected by the Hull and Goole port health authority during 1937 and found to have defects in their crews' quarters as regards bad ventilation, insufficient lighting, both natural and artificial, the absence of flanges for stove pipes, the unsatisfactory arrangement of bunks, insufficiency of heating, and water-closets without water supply, only 43 of such defects were remedied; and whether he will initiate measures to secure a more rigid compliance on the part of shipowners with the rulings of responsible medical authorities;

(3) whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that during 1937, as the result of inspections undertaken by the Hull and Goole port health authority, 869 British vessels were found to have defects of dirt, vermin, and other conditions prejudicial to health, and that in 91 instances the conditions remained unchanged; and whether he will take such steps as will secure the observation of essential standards of cleanliness on all British ships?

The port health authorities have full powers under the Public Health Acts to require the abatement or themselves abate on ships within their districts insanitary conditions or other nuisances injurious to health. The duty of seeing that crews' quarters are kept in a fit condition falls primarily upon the master as representative of the owners, and in this connection I would refer the hon. Member to paragraph 30 of the Crew Space Instructions of 1937, of which I am sending him a copy. I may add that the Shipping Federation and the National Union of Seamen have recently set up a joint committee to consider methods of improving the standard of comfort and cleanliness in crews' accommodation. As regards structural defects, close co-operation is maintained between officers of port health authorities and Board of Trade surveyors, and in appropriate cases suitable measures are taken under the Merchant Shipping Acts.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that under the Act ships can be detained until such work as is essential for the health of the crew has been completed, and having regard to the stupendous number of ships allowed to proceed to sea under unhealthy conditions will he see that this is remedied?

As I have pointed out, port authorities have these powers, and I would call attention to the fact that this report was made by the health authority of the port.

Will the right hon. Gentleman notify the health authorities of these powers, and then find out what it means to have 3,000 ships held up in the course of a year?

Will the right hon. Gentleman impress upon port authorities that it is their duty to hold up ships until conditions are satisfactory? The whole country is aroused by the appalling conditions on some of our ships.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also impress on shipowners that it is their duty to see that the rules are carried out?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will note to include in any amendment of the 1929 Companies Act a clause to forbid a director of a limited liability company acting also as a trustee for the debenture holders in the same company; and will he ask the committee of the London Stock Exchange whether they can discourage this practice pending legislation?

The point referred to by my hon. Friend has been noted for consideration when amendment of the Companies Act is under review, and I think we must await the results of the examination of the subject which will then be made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations have been made to him by any section of the cotton trade to reduce the importations of yarn, made-up garments, and textile piece goods into Great Britain in view of the recent increase in these imports.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has given any consideration to the possibility of quantitative restriction upon the imports of cotton textile manufactures entering this country; and whether, in view of the recent increase in such imports, he will investigate this method of dealing with the problem at the earliest opportunity?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the widespread anxiety felt by producers in the textile industry, as well as by makers-up, at the rapid growth of the imports of piece goods and made-up garments; and whether he will consider the possibility of some form of restriction upon the quantities of such goods to be imported?

My attention has recently been drawn to this matter by the Joint Committee of Cotton Trade Organisations in conjunction with certain other textile interests. As I have pointed out on previous occasions, it is always open to the interests affected to apply to the Import Duties Advisory Committee for increased measures of protection. I have no power to impose quantitative limitation on these imports; but with regard to certain of them I understand that proposals are under consideration for conversations between the industrial interests concerned in the various countries with a view to arranging for the better regulation of the market. I know of instances in other industries where such arrangements have been successful, and I hope it will be found possible in this way to avoid the need for other action.

May I ask whether any representation has been made to the Import Duties Advisory Committee, and, if not, can my right hon. Friend explain the foolishness of the cotton trade in not using the means that the Government have provided to help the cotton trade?

On several occasions, in answer to questions on this subject, I have pointed out the possibility of application to the Import Duties Advisory Committee; but, as far as I am aware, no application has yet been made by the industry to that body.

Is my right hon. Friend ready to encourage these talks between importers and manufacturers through his Department?

Yes, most ready. If there is any way in which I or my Department can be of any assistance I shall be only too glad to offer it.

Are not many of these applications to the Import Duties Advisory Committee hampered by our trade agreements and the most-favoured-nation treaties?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what discussions have taken place between representatives of His Majesty's Government and representatives of the Egyptian Government now in this country regarding the recently increased tariffs on cotton exports from this country, and with what result?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to make any further statement with regard to the Anglo-Egyptian conversations on the subject of British cotton exports to Egypt?

Discussions with the Egyptian Government are still proceeding, and I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Did the right hon. Gentleman hear the statement of his colleague the Secretary for Mines on a previous question to the effect that the Government would stand behind the coal industry in its attempt to secure a share of the markets of the world? Cannot the right hon. Gentleman endorse that statement in regard to the cotton trade?

The fact that we have done for the cotton trade what we have not done for any other, that is, to impose a quota on the Colonial Empire, is an earnest of the desire of the Government to help the cotton export trade.

Will the same earnest desire be expressed with regard to the jute trade?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the monthly average, in yards, of grey cotton piece-goods imported into this country in 1936, 1937 and the monthly average for the present year; and what percentage of these averages came from Japan?

The average monthly imports into this country of grey cotton piece-goods during the years 1936 and 1937 and the six months ended June, 1938, amounted to 1,884, 1,748 and 2,208 thousand square yards, respectively; the proportion consigned from Japan (including Formosa) was 79, 89 and 87 per cent., respectively.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of grey rayon cloth imported from Japan in 1936 and 1937, together with the average price per yard of this cloth compared with the average price of grey rayon cloth imported from other countries?

The precise information desired by the hon. Member is not available, but I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing such particulars as can be obtained.

Is the statement with regard to grey rayon cloth similar to the one with regard to piece goods, which shows that the price of finished grey cloth is 7d. from Japan as compared with is. 8d. from other countries?

Obviously it is not the same price, but it also shows that the prices of Japanese goods are lower than those of other countries.

Has there not been a considerable revival in the first two months of this year of the exports of grey goods from Japan, and that out of 23,000,000 square yards, 2,200,000 were from Japan; and that they have captured a considerable margin of trade in various parts of the world, where their goods are going as finished goods?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers I have given to other hon. Members.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that these goods which are printed in this country are not permitted to go to the Colonial Empire as British goods?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the serious position of sheep producers, owing partly to the increase in the number of ewes, by 500,000 and to the fact that farmers have been forced by the shortage of grass to throw their stock on the market, he will consider the possibility of the purchase of British mutton to place in cold storage for an emergency?

As I have explained on previous occasions, I am unable to give any indication, in advance, of purchases of commodities under the Essential Commodities Reserves Bill. I might mention, however, that owng to the cost of storage and turnover, mutton is not entirely suitable for inclusion in the Government's scheme of food reserves.

Would not the adoption of the suggestion give the Board of Trade an opportunity at long last of doing a good turn to British agriculture?

I must remember that my primary duty is to use the money entrusted to me under this Act to the best possible advantage for building up reserves of commodities in this country.

Will the right hon Gentleman remind the sheep producers that the Prime Minister is of opinion that more food should not be grown in this country, and then we should not have all these troubles?

I need not remind the sheep farmers of that, because it is not the opinion of the Prime Minister or of the Government.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the serious adverse balance of this country's trade, to which the Federation of British Industries has recently called the Government's attention, steps will be taken to negotiate a new trade agreement with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, under which the object of the 1934 trade agreement, namely, the increase of the purchase by Russia of British-manufactured goods, will be accomplished in place of being evaded by Russia as at present?

I would refer to the answer which I gave the hon. and gallant Member for Peebles (Captain Ramsay) on 21st June.

On a point of Order. May I direct your attention, Mr. Speaker, to the end of the question and to ask whether it is in order for an accusation of that sort to be levelled at a country with whom we are on friendly terms?

I wish the House would always conform to the rule not to do so.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement respecting the recently concluded Anglo-Australian trade talks; and whether he contemplates a further revision of the Ottawa articles?

I would refer the hon. Member to the White Paper (Cmd. 5805) issued on 20th July setting out the conclusions reached in the trade discussions between representatives of His Majesty's Governments in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Australia. The position is that the Ottawa Agreement will remain in force for the time being.

Does the right hon. Gentleman believe that the fact was implied in the progress of these talks, that the Ottawa Agreements would be under revision?

I do not understand the hon. Member's question, but the course of the negotiations and the results are fully set out in the White Paper.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the wholesale and retail prices, respectively, in London, of first quality English lamb and first quality Canterbury lamb, respectively, at the latest available date as compared with the corresponding date of last year?

The average wholesale price of first quality English lamb in London during the week ended 20th July, 1938, was 10d. per lb., as compared with 0½d. per 1b. in the corresponding week of 1937. The average wholesale price of first quality New Zealand lamb was 8d. per 1b. in both weeks. There are no official quotations of retail prices of lamb, but retail prices of English lamb at certain London stores last week ranged from 6 per cent. to 3o per cent. lower than in the corresponding week of 1937, while there was little change in the retail prices of Canterbury lamb.

Has the attention of the Food Council been called to the curious discrepancies which arise?

I will bring the matter to their notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether experience has shown that officers and non-commissioned officers have difficulty in issuing words of command, when wearing a gas mask, which would be distinctly audible at a reasonable distance under war conditions?

The wearing of gas masks is not the only condition in war which makes verbal commands inaudible at relatively short distances. In cases where commands cannot be conveyed by word of mouth they are conveyed by signal.

Will the right hon. Gentleman discuss this question with the Home Secretary, because under air-raid precautions conditions it may not be possible to instruct a large public on these signals? Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman would answer a few questions in this House in a gas mask? He would then see what I mean.

asked the Secretary of State for War what developments have occurred in the device known as the Rocket as a means of defence against air attack?

All known devices which promise protection against air attack will continue to be the subject of research and experiment and, where desirable, of development.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many soldiers on the unauthorised married establishment are now serving at home; what is the average sum these men receive weekly; and what rent they are actually compelled to pay?

There is no unauthorised married establishment. The number of soldiers under 26 years of age serving at home and known to be married was under 3,500 on 1st April last. Their emoluments varied, of course, according to their rank and qualifications. They were all entitled to accommodation and subsistence for themselves. I am not in a position to answer the last part of the question.

Are we to understand that these 3,000 young soldiers have no accommodation for their wives?

The hon. and gallant Member knows that from the question he has put.

Surely it would be better not to accept these young married men in view of the terrible conditions under which they are living, some of them being without sufficient food?

These young men, for the most part, have married since they joined the Army.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the scandalous conditions under which these men's wives live? Is he aware of the level which the scandal has reached around Aldershot, where they have to pay the most exorbitant rents?

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of applicants for enlistment in the Army this year who were unemployed at the date of their application for enlistment?

Of the 32,555 applicants for enlistment during the first six months of this year, 8,916 were unemployed at the time of their application.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with a method of enlistment which depends to a certain extent on industrial needs?

I think the figures show the contrary.

asked the Secretary of State for War the total number of applicants for enlistment and of acceptances in the quarter ended 30th June, 1938; how these numbers compare with the figures for the same quarter of 1937; and whether it is anticipated that the estimated shortage of 62,000 will be made up by 31st March, 1939?

In the June quarter of this year there were 15,584 applicants for enlistment. The corresponding figure for the same quarter of last year was 11,663. 10,233 recruits were finally approved in the June quarter this year, as compared with 5,517 in the same period last year. Never before in a June quarter has such a high total been reached. If this rate of intake were roughly maintained for the rest of the year, the shortage remaining on the 31st March next would be under 20,000, and not 62,000 as mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend.

Is it not a fact that on 31st March last, there was a shortage of 22,000 and that it was estimated that 32,000 men go on to the Reserve this year? Will there not therefore still be a shortage next year?

I would ask my hon. and gallant Friend to consider the answer, which is perhaps more satisfactory than he realises.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give the strength of the British forces at present in China and the particulars he has of the Volunteer Force in Shanghai?

The strength of the British, including Indian and Colonial, troops in the Shanghai, Tientsin and Hong Kong areas on 1st July was 445 officers and 8,083 other ranks. I understand that on 1st September last the strength of the Shanghai Volunteer Corps was 214 officers and 2,267 other ranks.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the percentage of British volunteers in that Force?

Not without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of recruits who have enlisted into the Army during the three years ended on the last convenient date whose ages, subsequent to their enlistment, have been proved to be under 18 years; and the number of these who have been released, either on compassionate grounds or by purchase?

May I send the hon. Member a copy of the answer I gave to the hon. Member for the Attercliffe division of Sheffield (Mr. C. Wilson) on 7th July which contains the fullest information possessed by my Department.

What amount do the parents have to pay to obtain the release of their sons who have joined the Forces by giving a false age?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information in connection with the death of Lance-corporal Cecil Langton, who was killed on the training grounds of the Royal Tank Corps at Catterick, Yorkshire; and whether any other soldiers were injured?

During an exercise with troops on 20th July, a tracked training vehicle overturned, involving most regrettably the death of Lance-Corporal C. J. Langton. The other occupant, Private H. Bailey, sustained minor injuries.

asked the Secretary of State for War, in view of the fact that the purchase price of the Bren guns ordered in Canada will be £76 each, and that the profit on the manufacture of the guns will be £53,400, what steps were taken to safeguard the interests of the British taxpayer when the contract was made?

The figures given in the question relate to an order placed by the Canadian Government, not to an order placed by the United Kingdom Government. As regards the latter, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to his question on 21st July.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any figures regarding the order for Bren guns for this country placed in Canada to show how they compare with the prices of Bren guns manufactured in this country?

On that general question, I understand that there is a question addressed to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer for Thursday next, which involves general policy.

What system will be adopted for checking the cost of these Bren machine guns? Will the same procedure be adopted as is adopted in this country with regard to British manufactures?

It is the usual form of contact with the usual safeguard.

Have steps been taken to ensure that the profit on the Bren guns ordered by the British Government in Canada will be less than the very high profit on Bren guns ordered by the Canadian Government for their own purposes?

I think all these figures are open to the Public Accounts Committee. It is very difficult to enter into details regarding the contracts.

asked the Secretary of State for War in what circumstances a grant is made from Army funds towards the funeral expenses of a disability pensioner?

As from 30th April last provision, I am glad to say, is made for the payment of a grant up to £7 10s. towards the funeral expenses of an Army disability pensioner whose death is due to a disability attributable to military service. If, in such a case, the pensioner dies while undergoing authorised hospital treatment, his funeral, if the relatives so desire, can be arranged by the military authorities in the same way as if he had died while serving.

rose—

I must point out that we are behindhand with questions, and ask hon. Members as far as possible to limit their supplementary questions.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there is at present some difficulty in persuading the authorities to accept as recruits youths who are on probation; and whether he can arrange that in future youths who are on probation should be permitted to enrol, in all suitable cases, in order that they may have an opportunity of rehabilitating themselves?

Account is taken of the nature of the offence for which each applicant was put on probation and of the report of the probation officer.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number and percentage of ex-service men employed by the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institute?

Exclusive of the senior administrative and supervisory staff, I understand that about 1,200 men, being some 45 per cent. of the adult male staff, are ex-service men. Negotiations are in progress with a view to increasing the number of ex-service men employed by this corporation.

In view of the fact that this institute caters for ex-service men entirely, surely it is time that the percentage of ex-service men employed should be 100 per cent.?

That is the purpose of the negotiations which I have initiated, and which seem to promise well.

asked the Secretary of State for War the countries of origin of the howitzer and other heavy guns which have been installed since July, 1936, in the vicinity of Algeciras and on the African coast opposite Gibraltar?

The guns are of various countries of origin, but my information is not of a kind which could be made the basis of an authoritative and detailed statement.

Is the Minister aware that the Spanish Government have officially stated that many of these guns are of German origin?

The Spanish Government may officially state something about guns that are not in their possession, but I should not like to take the same risk.

Is it not very desirable that the House should have information about the nationality and place of origin of these guns, in view of the threat which many of us believe is offered to Gibraltar and our communications through the Straits? Why can we not have a straight answer?

Any information which I give must presumably be authoritative, and I do not wish to commit myself to statements which may not be authoritative.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to the nationality of the engineers, officers and personnel who mounted these guns?

That does not arise.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the answer, I beg to give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the serious situation in Europe, Palestine and the Far East, he contemplates consultation with the Opposition parties with a view to united action in the realm of Defence and foreign policy?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies which I gave him on 18th November and 16th March last, to which I have nothing to add.

Would not the best contribution to national unity be the resignation of the Prime Minister himself?

asked the Prime Minister whether the House will have an opportunity to discuss the report of the Rae Committee?

Until the report of the Committee has been received, I am not in a position to make any statement.

May I ask whether, in the event of this Committee reporting during the Recess and executive action being taken on the report, the House will nevertheless have an opportunity to debate the report in due course?

I cannot give a pledge about that. I have not considered it.

asked the Prime Minister whether he now intends to set up a Royal Commission to investigate and report on the economic and agricultural development of Scotland?

No, Sir. As at present advised, I am not satisfied that there are sufficient grounds for the appointment of a Royal Commission such as is suggested by the hon. Member.

Is the Prime Minister aware that the Secretary of State for Scotland is advised by 14 different kinds of committees in Scotland, that the last Royal Commission on Scottish affairs was in 1892, and that the Under-Secretary of State for Scotland is still under that Gladstonian atmosphere?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has now received the report of the Sub-Committee of the Economic Committee of the Scottish Development Council; and has he any statement to make?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the report of the Highlands and Islands Committee will be published this Session and at what date?

I am informed that the report of the Highlands and Islands Sub-Committee of the Scottish Economic Committee is at present being finally adjusted and will be submitted to the Committee at an early date.

Can we expect a statement from the Minister on this question early in the next Session?

I should expect so.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can now make a statement on the Government's policy with regard to the Gilmour Committee's report?

I hope to be in a position to make a statement on this subject on Thursday next.

In view of the fact that the Scottish "Daily Herald" indicates that this is Home Rule for Scotland, will the right hon. Gentleman take the first opportunity of denying it?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether he will consider giving subsidies to local authorities which will enable them to utilise old but reconditioned buildings with a view to housing the working classes in the neighbourhood in which they are accustomed to live; and, in the event of wider powers being necessary to enable him to grant such subsidies, will he take steps to get increased powers;

(2) whether he is willing to give subsidies to recondition houses condemned in their present state and to establish the same principle under which subsidies are given or are to be given in rural neighbourhoods either for building new houses or for reconditioning old ones?

The Associations of Local Authorities have submitted representations on this subject which are now being considered in connection with the negotiations now proceeding with regard to the revision of housing subsidies.

In giving consideration to this question, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the natural preference of people who are affected by these demolition schemes, to be rehoused wherever practicable in the area in which they have been accustomed to live?

I think that certainly is being borne in mind.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also keep in mind the fact that, very often, this reconditioning is to meet a temporary need only?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the circumstances which brought about the decision not to proceed with the case against a publican in Miltown of Balgonie after a summons had been issued for a breach of regulations; and whether the breach of regulations is still being persisted in?

A report was made to the local Justice of the Peace Fiscal in March, 1938, of an alleged contravention of Section 65 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act, 1903, by the occupier of this public house. Investigations failed to disclose sufficient evidence to justify proceedings, and the charge had, therefore, to be dropped. I have no reason to believe that any breach of the licensing laws is still taking place.

Is the Minister aware that there is considerable uneasiness in regard to this affair, and a feeling that some wires are being pulled somewhere, and will he take steps to ensure that nothing of that sort is happening?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland over how many of the 439,252 acres of land held by the Department of Agriculture for Scotland sporting facilities are let to third parties; what safeguards are provided to protect agricultural tenants thereon against depredations and / or the results of depredations by game; and whether, in particular, such tenants are accorded the right to destroy deer found on their land doing damage there?

Sporting facilities over 421,685 acres owned by the Department of Agriculture for Scotland are let to third parties. The interest of the Department's agricultural tenants in regard to destruction of game and compensation for damage are protected by the Ground Game Act, the Agricultural Holdings Act. and the Small Landholders (Scotland) Act. With regard to the last part of the question, where deemed necessary and practicable the rights to destroy deer on their holdings have been conferred upon tenants on the Department's estates.

To what extent has the power last referred to by the right hon. Gentleman been made operative?