asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the reconstruction of North Road Station, Plymouth, he has given consideration to the possibility of improving the method of transferring the mails from the trains to the sorting office?

Consideration has for some time been given to the possibility of improving the access between the Sorting Office, Plymouth, and the North Road Station in connection with the reconstruction of the station, and the matter has been the subject of discussion with the railway company. I am, however, not yet in a position to say what the future arrangements will be.

asked the Postmaster-General how many Englishmen or Englishwomen, respectively, below the age of 21 have been appointed to serve in his Department in Scotland?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to him yesterday.

asked the Postmaster-General what was the income received by his Department from the whole of Scotland and the Islands of Scotland, respectively, for the two monthly periods of July-August and October-November, respectively, for each of the last three years; what proportion of such July-August income is attributable to the Scottish tourist industry; and what special facilities his Department provides for tourists in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland?

I regret that it is impracticable to furnish figures under all the divisions mentioned in the question. The figures of revenue for the whole of Scotland for the periods named are as follow:

—		Postal Services.	Telegraph Services.	Telephone Services.	Wireless Licence Receipts.	Total
1935		£	£	£	£	£
July-August	…	629,496	55,721	523,544	22,323	1,231,084
October-November 1936.	…	664,022	45,338	526,462	89,303	1,325,125
July-August	…	638,863	59,564	559,914	24,136	1,282,477
October-November 1937	…	674,868	50,959	557,215	95,245	1,378,287
July-August	…	656,247	58,626	593,010	26,950	1,334,833
October-November	…	707,706	49,644	587,108	99,007	1,443,465

The figures represent the revenue collected in the periods and are subject to adjustments in respect of stamps used for non-postal purposes. In the case of telephones, they represent the actual collections in the periods in respect generally of quarterly accounts and the incidence of receipt is therefore uneven.It is impossible without lengthy investigation to give separate figures for the Islands, or to assess what proportion of the July-August revenue might be attributed to tourist traffic.It is the practice of the Post Office to provide for seasonal influx of business at tourist and holiday centres by appropriate additions to staff and augmentations of services.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state the results and the certificates obtained by the 31 lower-deck candidates who have taken the special course for sub-lieutenant in the seamanship and educational examinations and the final selection board; the number to be commissioned; when their commissions are to be announced; and the schools from which the successful candidates were entered?

Of the 31 candidates undergoing special training 9 obtained first class certificates in seamanship, 20 second class certificates and 2 third class certificates. Fifteen of the candidates qualified educationally under the old regulations, while 8 of the remaining 16 are regarded as having attained the necessary standard for commissioned rank at the recent examination. It has, however, been decided that all 31 shall appear before the final selection board, who will consider each man on his general merits.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state the number of vacancies for executive warrant officer, gunner, gunner (T), and boatswain, respectively, this year; the numbers so far promoted; the number of candidates at present; whether a shortage of candidates still persists in any branch; and what are the reasons for the recent appeal for candidates for boatswain to volunteer for gunner (T)?

Based on the estimated requirements for officers up to 31st March, 1939, the following shortages of active list officers exist at the moment:

Gunner Branch	42
Gunner (T) Branch	84
Boatswain Branch,	10

These shortages have been overcome in the gunner and boatswain branches by the re-employment of retired officers, but notwithstanding such re-employment there is still a shortage in the gunner (T) branch.The following shows (

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state the number of special entry cadets, executive and engineering, entered each year since the inception of the scheme in 1913 and the

Year of Entry as Cadet.			Number of Special Entry Cadets (common entry or Executive).		Number who have been promoted to Commander.	Number Who have been promoted to Captain.	Number of Special Entry Cadets (Engineering).	Number Who have been promoted to Commander (E).
1913	…	…	42	(5)	3	1	—	3
1914	…	…	62	(2)	6	3	—	1
1915	…	…	62	(2)	2	2	—	2
1916	…	…	83	(6)	2	1	—	5
1917	…	…	134	(4)	12	—	—	4
1918	…	…	124	(10)	22	1	—	8
1919	…	…	42	(5)	16	—	—	5
1920	…	…	15	(6)	1	—	—	5
1921	…	…	15	(5)	—	—	—	—
1922	…	…	10		—	—	4	—
1923	…	…	11		—	—	4	—
1924	…	…	15		—	—	6	—
1925	…	…	26		—	—	36	—
1926	…	…	28		—	—	47	—
1927	…	…	30		—	—	41	—
1928	…	…	18		—	—	19	—
1929	…	…	14		—	—	22	—
1930	…	…	11		—	—	23	—
1931	…	…	14		—	—	20	—
1932	…	…	16		—	—	16	—
1933	…	…	23		—	—	11	—
1934	…	…	25		—	—	13	—
1935	…	…	36		—	—	14	—
1936	…	…	61		—	—	24	—
1937	…	…	118		—	—	52	—
1938	…	…	69		—	—	41	—
NOTE.—Prior to 1922 Special Entry Cadets were entered on a common basis. The figures in parentheses in column 2 show the numbers who eventually became (E) Officers.
None of the officers promoted to Commander have passed out of the zone for promotion to Captain, whilst practically all the officers entered as Cadets since 1918 are still in or have not yet reached the zone for promotion to Commander.
Promotion in the Engineering Branch takes place at a later age than in the Executive Branch.
None of the officers promoted to Commander (E) have passed out of the zone to promotion to Captain (E), and none of the remaining officers have yet passed out of the zone for promotion to Commander (E).

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state the total receipts from all sources for Navy week last year and the total expenses which resulted in the net proceeds of £19,897; and, as the only accounts announced to the Press and the Navy show net instead of gross proceeds, whether he will arrange for a proper statement of accounts to be announced, showing gross receipts and detailed expenditure, observing that this money is provided by the public for whom complete accounts should be produced?

Following is the information:

I understand that the hon. Member has already received from the Senior Navy Week Managing Trustee copies of audited statements of the Navy Week Accounts for the years 1934 to 1937 inclusive. He will accordingly have seen that for 1937 the income was £28,281, and the expenditure £8,384. I will consult the managing trustees regarding the suggestion that accounts in greater detail than the summaries so far promulgated should be made available.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the large number of naval ratings below the age of 25 whose wives, receiving no marriage allowance, are compelled to apply for public assistance; whether he will endeavour to enumerate these cases; and whether he will consider measures to make unnecessary any recourse to public assistance by them?

Exact information of the number of naval ratings under the age of 25 whose wives have applied for public assistance would be difficult to obtain, but such information as is available to me does not suggest that the number is large. The Admiralty have arranged that cases of real distress will he assisted by the Admiralty Family Welfare Sections at the home ports, either direct or through the medium of the Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association, if necessary with the help of the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust.

asked the Home Secretary whether a decision has now been reached as to whether it will be possible, in connection with the forthcoming legislation dealing with bogus clubs, to include any provision to prevent the present unfair competition of bottle-parties with other licensed premises such as hotels and restaurants; and, if not, whether he will take steps to recommend other action to remedy this competition?

England and Wales. Year ended 31st December, 1937.
—		Dangerous or Reckless Driving.	Driving under the influence of drink or drugs.
1.	Proceedings in Courts of Summary Jurisdiction.
	(i) Charges	9,425	3,036
	(ii) Charges withdrawn or dismissed*	3,786	318
	(iii) Percentage of charges withdrawn or dismissed to charges heard.	40	10
II.	Proceedings in Courts of Assize or Quarter Sessions.
	(i) Charges	206	148
	(ii) Acquittals	98	104
	(iii) Percentage of acquittals to charges heard	48	70
*Separate figures of dismissals are not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the increasing anxiety among industrial leaders about the rapidly mounting national expenditure; and will he consider

My hon. Friend's suggestion will not be overlooked, but he will appreciate that I am not in a position to forecast the provisions of any Bill which may be introduced on this subject.

asked the chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is satisfied that the organised bottle-parties make adequate pro rata contributions to therevenue in comparison with other licensed premises, such as hotels and restaurants; and, if not, whether he will review this matter in connection with the next Budget?

I would refer to the reply which my right hon. and gallant Friend the Treasury gave on 1st June to my hon. and gallant Friend the member for South Cardiff (Captain A. Evans), to which I can nothing at present.

asked the Home Secretary what is the proportion of acquittals to cases heard, for the year ended 31st December, 1937, in charges of driving and of driving under the influence of drink or drugs, respectively, tried by magistrates and by juries, respectively?

Following is the in formation:the appointment of a commission or committee to explore possibilities of economy?

The growth of public expenditure is a matter of constant concern to His Majesty's Government and in particular to me as Chancellor of the Exchequer, no less than to representatives of industry. In the discussion on the Third Reading of the Finance Bill on the 15th July, I drew attention to certain factors which must be borne in mind in considering the present level of expenditure, and I gave certain assurances as to the steps which are constantly taken to maintain effective control within the limits of the policy approved by Parliament. As I indicated in the Budget discussion on 28th April, I am not satisfied that this system of control would be effectively supplemented by the appointment of a commission or committee as suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the amount of profit allowed to firms carrying out Government contracts in cases where the price cannot be fixed; and what methods are adopted to check the costs?

As stated by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in reply to the hon. Member for Central Southwark (Mr. Day) on 28th January, 1937, the policy of His Majesty's Government is that, in cases where it is impossible to secure effective competitive tendering, contracts should be settled on the basis of allowing a fair and reasonable profit, having regard to the circumstances of each case, including such factors as the extent of the orders and a reasonable return on the capital assets directly employed. The information necessary to determine a fair price is obtained by such methods as examination of contractors' books by the Defence Departments' Accountants or by the preparation of technical estimates of costs.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether all firms or associations of manufacturers carrying out contracts for any State Department have accepted the contract terms and the Government system of costing; and will he give particulars of any exceptions?

The Government system of costing has been applied in numerous cases and to a wide range of articles, and where it has been proposed that system and the contract terms have been generally accepted. A few firms and associations of manufacturers have, however, declined to agree to costing, and other methods of checking their prices have had to be adopted.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what steps have been taken to put into operation Recommendation 7, page 54, of the Report, Cmd. 5292, being the Royal Commission on the Private Manufacture of and Trading in Arms Report?

I would refer the hon. Member to paragraph 24 of the statement relating to the report of the Royal Commission (Command Paper 5451).

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how much duty has been paid on imported fertilisers and their ingredients since 1931?

The total amount of duty collected on goods classified in the trade returns as fertilisers from the 1st March, 1932, the date of the coming into force of the general tariff, to the 31st March, 1938, was £184,000. It is not possible to give particulars of the total amount of duty paid on goods capable of use as fertilisers which are included under other headings in the trade returns.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the authority for setting aside the regulation that women civil servants must retire on marriage in favour of the secretary to the Director-General of the Post Office?

The regulations of 12th June, 1934, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy, made under the Order in Council of 22nd July, 1920, provide that, upon application by the woman concerned, exception may be made to the regulation requiring resignation on marriage in a case where the head of the Department and the Treasury are satisfied after joint consideration that the employment in the public service of a married woman is advisable in the light of her special qualifications, or special experience in relation to the duties required of her, or of the special requirements of the Department in which she is serving. The case to which I presume the hon. Member is referring was dealt with in accordance with the provisions of these regulations.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will state the number of promotions from serving members of the general clerical class in the Customs and Excise to the junior executive grade of that Department for the period 1st April, 1932, to 30th June, 1938, and of that total what number were ex-service men, non-service men, women, and ex-minor and manipulative grades, respectively?

The total number of promotions from serving members of the general clerical class in the Customs and Excise to the junior executive grade in that Department during the period referred to was 72. This total is made up as follows:

Ex-service men	44
Non-service men	9
Women	10
Ex-minor and manipulative grades	9

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that in January, 1938, his Department agreed to take steps to remedy the working conditions at the office of His Majesty's Inspector of Taxes, 2A, Rundell Crescent, Hendon Central, London, N.W.4, but that no step has yet been taken to put the work in hand; and whether he will take steps to have conditions at the office remedied immediately?

My Department has agreed to carry out certain improvements in the tax office referred to and an offer of additional accommodation on the ground floor of the present premises has already been accepted. The works of adaptation will be commenced at the beginning of September and will take about five weeks to complete.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will give an estimate of the total numbers of children aged 5 to 10, 11 to 14, 15, and 16 on the registers of public elementary schools in England and Wales in each of the years 1938 to 1948, inclusive, on the assumption that no exemptions from school attendance are granted under Sections 2 and 5 of the Education Act, 1936?

I would refer the hon. Member to Circular 1426 issued by the Board in April, 1933. This circular contains a report by the Government Actuary reviewing the estimate of the numbers of children in schools given by him in 1928 and carrying that estimate to 1948. The additional age group between 14 and 15 years of age is estimated to be approximately 500,000 for the first complete year after the Appointed Day under the Education Act, 1936, declining subsequently as indicated in the report.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether there has been any communication between the Board and the War Office regarding the visits of officers to elementary or secondary schools for the purpose of urging the formation of officers' training corps?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he will state the industries which, within the last 18 months, have been assisted by export credits and the extent to which such assistance has been given in each case?

Guarantees have been given by the Export Credits Guarantee Department for the benefit of United Kingdom exporters in connection with a very large number of different industries during the past 18 months. It is not the practice, however, to state the amount of the Department's commitments in respect of any particular trade or industry.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any aircraft manufactured in Great Britain are exported to Germany?

During the 18 months ended 3oth June, 1938, one aircraft constructed in the United Kingdom was exported to Germany.

Description.	Quantity (in centals of 100 Ibs.)				Declared value.
	1913.	1917.	1927.	1937.	1913.	1917.	1927.	1937.
Raw wool—					£	£	£	£
Sheep's and lambs' wool.	23,164	1,614	4,010	1,883	88,259	12,504	28,658	11,327
Camels' hair	33,773	26,079	55,770	17,469	188,058	283,259	601,018	217,898
Mohair (Angora goats' hair).	1,561	134	5,585	—	9,194	979	62,891	—
NOTES.—(1) The figures for 1913 and 1917 relate to imports into the British Isles as a whole, whereas the figures for the subsequent years relate to imports into Great Britain and Northern Ireland only.
(2) The 1937 figures are provisional.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether wide-range experiments, with native or imported stock, have yet been initiated by the Commissioners with Juglans regia and Juglans nigra; and what progress has been made towards recreating the culture of walnut trees for timber and fruit, so as to revive a former rural industry?

The Forestry Commissioners have been experimenting for some years on the raising of walnut trees. Results appear promising but until a few more growing seasons have elapsed and more definite information is available it would be unwise to create walnut plantations.

asked the Minister of Health whether, since superannuated

asked the President of the Board of Trade what were the quantities and values of the wool imported into the United Kingdom from China for the years 1913, 1917, 1927, and 1937, respectively?

The following table shows the quantity and declared value of the imports of the undermentioned descriptions of raw wool into the United Kingdom during each of the years specified, consigned from China (excluding Hong Kong, Macao and leased territories).police officers and others whose pensions and retired pay die with them, and their wives separately, are held to be ineligible for membership of the contributory widows and orphans pensions scheme, he will cause this matter to be reviewed and steps taken to prevent the widows and dependants of such persons being left destitute?

I think my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension in this matter. Persons whose pensions and retired pay die with them are ordinarily required to be insured for widows' and orphans' pensions under the Contributory Pensions Act, 1936, so long as their remuneration does not exceed £250 a year, and they can maintain their insurance on a voluntary basis when their remuneration rises above that amount. Persons in this class who had failed to become voluntary contributors were given a further opportunity under the new voluntary pensions scheme to make provision for their widows if they satisfied the income and age conditions laid down by the Act. Policemen are excluded from the Contributory Pensions Acts because ordinarily pensions are provided for themselves and their widows under the Police Pensions Act. In the exceptional case where marriage took place after the officer's retirement from the police service, a widow's pension is not payable on his death under the Police Pensions Act. It was not found possible to provide for this exceptional case in the new voluntary scheme.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the number of patients in the mental hospitals in Lancashire in each of the last five years, giving separate figures for males and females and stating the number sufficiently recovered to be discharged?

The following statement contains the information desired by the hon. Member:

Number of patients under care on the 3ist December.
	Males.	Females.	Total.
1933	6,174	7,532	13,706
1934	6,310	7,618	13,928
1935	6,294	7,589	13,883
1936	6,368	7,707	14,075
1937	6,444	7,895	14,339

Number of patients who recovered sufficiently during those years to be discharged.
	Males.	Females.	Total.
1933	395	519	914
1934	384	558	942
1935	379	526	905
1936	353	507	860
1937	311	462	773
Total	1,822	2,572	4,394

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to a statement by the Walsall medical officer of health in his latest annual report that, while great efforts had been made to deal with as many unfit houses as possible during the year, these were largely frustrated by the long interval which elapsed after the date of representation, the declaration of clearance areas, and the holding of a public inquiry by the Ministry of Health; whether he is aware that, although in some areas official representations were made in January and March, 1937, and public inquiries were held in September and October, the confirmation of the order was not received until May, 1938; and whether he will take immediate steps to expedite matters in this and other cases in view of the extreme urgency of slum clearance?

My attention has been drawn to the statement to which my hon. Friend refers. The orders in question numbered 38 and the work involved in the detailed examination of the large number of houses included was considerable. I regret the delay which occurred in this particular case and can assure my hon. Friend that every effort is made to give decisions on orders of this kind as quickly as possible, consistent with the proper carrying out of the review.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will print the report of the Board of Control for England and Wales as a Parliamentary Paper, in view of the fact that the report of the Board of Control for Scotland is a Command Paper?

I will look into this matter and give the proposal sympathetic consideration.

asked the Minister of Health whether the land has yet been acquired for the following schemes of the Portsmouth City Council: the erection of a new mental hospital on a site over the hill near Southwick, the establishment in the same area of a mental colony, the new police and fire brigade headquarters, new indoor baths and medical baths, Lumps Fort scheme, abbatoir, nurses home and maternity home at St. Mary's Hospital, old people's home at St. Mary's Institution, and the Eastern Road scheme; and if he will say for each case what is the area, the price paid or agreed, and the previous rateable value?

The following table gives the information asked for by the hon. Member so far as it is available:

Name of Scheme.		Whether land has yet been acquired.	Area	Price paid or agreed
			Acres
1.	Erection of New Mental Hospital "over the Hill near Southwick."	No	—	—
2.	Establishment of a Mental Colony in the same area.	No	—	—
3.	New Police and Fire Brigade Headquarters.	Approximately one acre was acquired prior to 1895. The remainder, comprising about 1/7th of an acre, is scheduled under the Portsmouth Fire Brigade Extension (Compulsory Purchase) Order, 1936, and includes nine dwelling-houses and a public house; nine of these premises, the aggregate rateable value of i which at the time of purchase was £106, have been purchased for approximately £3,200.
4.	New Indoor Baths and Medical Baths.	Yes	1	This land forms part of approximately nine acres purchased from the War Department in 1933 tor £5,750.
5.	Lumps Fort Scheme	Yes	14½	£25,000. Purchased from War Department.
6.	Abattoir	Yes	319⅕	Part of 185⅗ acres purchased from the War Department in 1930 for £12,000.
7.	Nurses' Home and Maternity Home at St. Mary's Hospital	Yes	4½	Part of a larger area Purchased prior to 1889
8.	Old People's Home at St. Mary's Institution.	Yes	3
9.	Eastern Road Scheme	Approximately 4½ acres have been acquired for the first section of this scheme at a cost of £1,548.
Rateable Values.—The rateable value of the property purchased from the War Department cannot be given as the Government made a contribution in lieu of rates; it is not possible to give the rateable values of other sites which formed part of larger areas assessed as a whole.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will provide a list of the compulsory acquisitions of land for public purposes made with the authority of his Department during the years 1934, 1935, 1936, and 1937, together with the area and price paid in each instance?

I regret that such a list, which would comprise nearly 2,000 separate items, is not available.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that recently blind persons claiming pensions under the Old Age Pensions Act of 1936, and the Blind Persons Act of 1938, have had those claims disallowed or existing pensions stopped or reduced on the ground that a compassionate augmentation allowance paid to such claimants by the Exeter City Council, through the West of England Institution for the Blind, is to be considered as earned income; under what authority this is done; and what instructions he proposes to give in the matter?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I have given to-day to the hon. Member for Birkenhead, East (Mr. White), a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the present position with regard to the town-planning schemes concerning Dovedale under the Derbyshire and Staffordshire counties authorities and the Leek Rural District Council?

These authorities are now engaged in preparing their draft schemes. I have recently been in touch with all of them.

asked the Minister of Health whether his Department receives periodic reports as to the suitability for bathing purposes of rivers traversing thickly populated districts: and whether these are ever issued?

No Sir.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the copies sent to him of documents containing numerous specific allegations of public corruption on the part of named officials and managers of Park Prewett Mental Hospital; and whether, as the said officials and managers have taken no steps to answer these allegations, he will take steps to set up an open inquiry into the matter?

I have seen a document circulated by a former assistant medical officer of this hospital whose service was terminated in October, 1927. My predecessors have on a number of occasions refused to hold a public inquiry into the allegations made by this officer with regard to the administration of this hospital, and I fear it would be quite impossible for me to re-open the matter at this date.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will make regulations permitting boys at the pits to be relieved from their work to attend safety classes and to make payment to such boys for loss of remunerative time?

It seems doubtful if there is power under the Coal Mines Act to make such regulations, and in any case I should not feel justified in proposing any far-reaching regulations on the subject, until I have received and considered the report of the Royal Commission to which other important proposals have been submitted in evidence.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can state the result of experiments with mist projectors for the purpose of allaying dust and explosive fumes in tin mines; and whether there is a prospect of such projectors being generally used in the tin mines in Cornwall?

Mist projectors have for some time past been in regular use in the three largest tin mines in Cornwall for the purpose of allaying dust and explosive fumes after blasting in fast ends and other confined places underground and the results have been very satisfactory. At the remaining tin mines, little development work is in progress, but if and when conditions arise which necessitate the use of mist projectors, the matter will be further considered.

asked the Prime Minister if he can state when he expects the report of the Royal Commission on the distribution of the population and the location of industry?

No, Sir. I cannot add to what I have already said in reply to previous questions on this subject.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the number of persons registered for unemployment in the hosiery and underwear trades who were unemployed wholly or in part, in the whole country and in the city of Leicester, respectively, at the latest convenient date?

The following table shows the numbers of insured persons in the hosiery (including hosiery underwear) industry recorded as unemployed in Great Britain and at Leicester at 13th June, 1938:

—	Great Britain.	Leicester.
Aged 16–64 years:
Wholly unemployed	6,158	1,236
Temporarily stopped	8,970	2,343
Aged 14 and 15 years*	200	8
*Separate statistics of the numbers wholly unemployed and temporarily stopped are not available for juveniles under 16 years of age.

asked the Minister of Labour in cases where young men and/or young women of 18 years of age and over are offered employment necessitating their removal from home, what responsibility is undertaken by the Ministry in regard to lodging accommodation and for what period such responsibility continues to be exercised, and with whom, if there is a complaint about the accommodation or employment, such young persons are able to communicate?

Before offering employment to young persons which necessitates removal from home, the Employment Exchanges ascertain, as far as practicable, that suitable lodging accommodation is available, and advise them to apply to the exchange in case of difficulty. Although my Department can take no responsibility as regards accommodation, the exchanges are at all times prepared to assist any applicant who seeks their advice about accommodation or employment.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to give any information about the establishment of a munition factory in Merthyr Tydfil?

As I stated in my reply to the hon. Members for Aberdare (Mr. G. Hall) and Merthyr (Mr. S. O. Davies) on 14th April, it has been decided to establish a Government factory in the Merthyr Tydfil area. The actual site of the factory has not, however, yet been determined.

asked the Minister of Labour how many civilians are employed in the building or maintenance of aerodromes who were previously in agricultural employment; and how many are likely to be released for agricultural work when the present or planned aerodrome construction is completed and how many retained?

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

asked the Minister of Labour at what period boys and girls attending juvenile unemployment centres are medically examined; what is the result of the medical examinations; and how many are suffering from malnutrition and what is the percentage?

In England and Wales the majority of local education authorities who are conducting courses of instruction for unemployed boys and girls, have made arrangements for medical inspection, either monthly or at more frequent intervals.In Scotland, until the passage of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1938, the powers of education authorities with regard to medical services at courses of instruction were limited to a general power to provide medical supervision. It has not yet been possible for any authorities in Scotland to make arrangements under the new Act.I regret that the information asked for in the second part of the question is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of an arrangement made between the Staffordshire County Council public assistance committee and the Unemployment Assistance Board to send applicants for unemployment assistance to public assistance institutions to perform test work, subject to the Board agreeing to pay the county council 1s. per week in respect of each applicant at the institution and to the payment of the full cost of maintenance when the applicant became an inmate of the institution; under what specific regulations the public assistance committee through the Unemployment Assistance Board are acting in respect of this arrangement, and if the same has received his approval?

Yes, Sir. These arrangements have been made under Section 40 of the Unemployment Act, 1934, which expressly empowers the Board to enter into arrangements of this kind for dealing with cases of special difficulty.

asked the Attorney-General what was the ratio, during the past five years, of convictions in the criminal courts for fraudulent conversion of client's property of solicitors in single-partner firms as compared with firms having two or more partners?

The number of convictions of solicitors in the criminal courts for fraudulent conversion during the five years ending the 31st December, 1937, was 45. Of these, six solicitors were members of a firm and 39 were practising alone or had ceased to practise at the date of their conviction. Of these 39, seven were practising in partnership approximately two years before their conviction.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will take powers to introduce pensions for judges' clerks?

There are difficulties connected with this question which were referred to in the recent Debate. My Noble Friend the Lord Chancellor will have inquiries made but I am unable to make any statement at present.

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that a charge of manslaughter from Gloucestershire at the recent summer assizes at Birmingham was put into the list for hearing on Thursday, 21st July, although the judge had announced that the preceding case, Rex versus Thornton, would last until late on the 22nd, and that this involved counsel, solicitors, witnesses, and the accused coming long distances; and whether, as the same occurrence had taken place before, he will take steps to prevent unnecessary waste of time and money to litigants in this way?

I am making inquiries into this matter and will communicate with the hon. Member later.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will reconsider the decision given and grant a pension in the case of D. J. Davis, late of 16a, Davies Row, Hirwain, South Wales, who served a long period in the Army before 1914, was recalled at the outbreak of the Great War and served until 1917, when he was discharged owing to a disability, for which he was paid a pension which was afterwards discontinued; and is he aware that Davis is still suffering from this disability and is totally disabled and unable to work?

This case has been fully reviewed on more than one ccasion, but I regret that, as I have previously informed the hon. Member, my medical advisers are unable to ascribe the man's present condition to his war service.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the minimum pension of a class-4 corporal under Article 1,675 of the Pay Warrant, 1909, with 21 years' adult service; and what the corresponding figures would be for the period of the last War and for to-day?

Under the Pay Warrant of 1909 and the regulations in force up to 1919, the minimum pension for a corporal with 21 years' adult service was is. 3d. a day, if he had served his last three years in the rank of corporal. If he had less than three years in the rank, his pension was at the private's rate of is. id. a day. Under the regulations now in force, a soldier with 21 years' adult service and three years in the rank of corporal receives a pension of 2s. 9d. a day, if he last enlisted before 1st April, 1930, or 2s. 1½d. a day if he enlisted subsequently.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has considered the case of Mr. E. Wilson, of 30, Aston View, Bramley, Leeds, who is suffering from a disability arising out of war service; whether he is aware that Mr. Wilson is dissatisfied with the decision of the Ministry to disallow his war pension; and whether there is any tribunal to which he can make an appeal?

As I have already informed the hon. Member, this case has been exhaustively reviewed, but after the fullest medical examination my advisers are quite unable to find that the generalised rheumatic condition from which Mr. Wilson now suffers can be connected with his war service. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative, but if Mr. Wilson can produce any fresh material evidence in support of his case, I am quite prepared to have it further considered.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what it would cost to supplement the weighted average prices received by growers for each of the following commodities during the last 12 months by sufficient margins to yield the following prices: wheat 50s. per quarter, beef 50s. per cwt., barley 36s. per quarter, sugar-beet 43s. per ton, mutton Is. per lb., butter Is. 6d. per pound, and potatoes £6 per ton; and if he will state the weighted average prices on which his calculations are based?

The sum required to make up, in respect of the output in England and Wales of each of the commodities to which my hon. Friend refers, the difference between the prices he has suggested and the weighted average prices, that is prices received by growers (excluding subsidy, except in the case of sugar-beet) for the 12 months ended 3oth June, 1938, may, on certain broad assumptions, be approximately estimated at a total of £15 millions. In the case of sugar-beet it is not practicable to calculate a price exclusive of subsidy, and in the case of barley the average price exceeded the price specified in the question, but no deduction has been made on that account.The weighted prices on which the calculations have been based are as follows:Wheat: Average price as ascertained under the Corn Returns Act, 1882, and the Corn Sales Act, 1921, 38s. 7d. per quarter of 504 lbs.Barley: Average price for home-grown barley of all descriptions as ascertained under the Corn Returns Act, 1882, and the Corn Sales Act, 1921, 50s. 8d. per quarter of 448 lbs.Beef: Average of first and second quality fat cattle (all breeds) at reported markets, 42s. 5d. per live cwt.Mutton: Mean of unweighted monthly averages of first and second quality fat sheep (all breeds) at reported markets, 10¼d. per lb. estimated dressed carcase weight; data are not available on which to calculate a weighted average.Sugar-Beet: Average price for sugar-beet delivered at factory, 40s. 6d. per ton.Potatoes: Average of first and second quality at reported growers' markets, earlies £5 13s. 6d. and main crop £4 11s. per ton.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what schemes have been put forward by the Witham and Steeping Rivers Catchment Board and approved by him since the board came into being; and whether he will give the locality of each scheme, the estimated or actual cost, and the amount of each grant made by him?

The particulars desired are as follow:

Description and Location of Scheme.		Approved. Estimated Cost.	Grant Approved.
		£
1.	Improvement of River Till.	13,710	331/3; percent, of net cost.
2.	Improvement of the majority of water courses forming the main river of the Catchment area, together with two new pumping stations on the Steeping River.	167,000	60 percent of loan charges.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any effective protection has been devised against the contamination of crops by spraying from the air in war time?

I do not think it would be practicable to protect growing crops against the possibility of contamination by spraying from the air, but I am advised that it would not be difficult to check the spread of contamination.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the damage done to agricultural land, and the consequent losses to farmers, by moles and rabbits; and will he consult with the Poisons Board with a view to relaxing or amending the rule controlling the sales of strychnine for use in agriculture?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now make a statement indicating, approximately, when he proposes to introduce the promised amending legislation to the Land Drainage Act of 1930?

I am not yet in a position to add to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member on 16th May last.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider setting up a land corporation with power to acquire, recondition, and cultivate land?

No, Sir, this is not a proposal which the Government is prepared to recommend to Parliament.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has evidence to the effect that home-produced basic slag is insufficient to meet the demands of farmers; and whether the subsidy can be extended to imported basic slag and also to phosphate which is ground in this country?

I am aware that the response to the Land Fertility Scheme has led to some difficulty in meeting farmers' demands for basic slag, but the suggestion to extend the scheme to cover imported basic slag and ground phosphate raises issues which would require careful examination. In any case, the inclusion of phosphate in the scheme would require fresh legislation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will announce the names of the persons who are to serve upon the committee inquiring into the imposition of penalties by marketing boards; and whether it is intended that the committee shall hold its sittings in public?

The following is the membership of the Departmental Committee, which has now been appointed by Treasury Minute:

• The Right Hon. The Viscount Falmouth (Chairman).
• John Cameron, Esq., K.C.
• The Hon. and Gallant Member for Petersfield (Sir R. Dorman-Smith).
• Sir Henry Fountain, K.C.M.G., C.B.
• The Hon. Member for the Park Division of Sheffield (Mr. Lathan).
• Richard O'Sullivan, Esq., K.C.
• The Hon. and Gallant Member for Caernarvonshire (Major Owen).

As regards the second part of the question, it will be for the Committee to decide whether any of its sittings shall be held in public.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state what is the present composition of the Milk Distributors' Consultative Committee; what proportion of the membership of this committee represents the interests of small creameries; and what steps are taken by the Milk Marketing Board to consult and obtain the approval of this committee before new creameries are established by the board or before supplies are diverted from existing creameries operated by private enterprise?

I assume that my hon. Friend has in mind the Central Milk Distributive Committee, which is a voluntary organisation consisting of 31 members nominated by associations or bodies representing milk distributors and manufacturers of milk products. I am sending my hon. Friend particulars of the present composition of this committee. I understand that the National Association of Creamery Proprietors and Wholesale Dairymen and the manufacturing section of the National Dairymen's Association represent the interests of all types of creameries, but I have no knowledge of the extent to which small creameries are represented. The Milk Marketing Board are not required to consult the Central Milk Distributive Committee before establishing factories, and do not in fact do so. Consultation as to the diversion of supplies takes place through the medium of a joint committee consisting of representatives of the board and of the Central Milk Distributive Committee.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps were taken by the Milk Marketing Board before establishing a creamery at Newbury to ascertain whether the requisite milk supplies for that creamery would not disturb the supplies to other creameries in the same area; and what means haw been taken by the board to overcome the difficulties of supply which obliged them previously to lay down that no new creameries of any kind were to be established within 150 miles of the London consuming area?

I am informed by the Milk Marketing Board that before deciding to establish a creamery at Newbury to meet the marketing needs of their producers in the southern region, they ascertained that supplies were likely to be available in that area without undue disturbance of supplies to other creameries. I am also informed that there has not been any requirement by the board that no new creameries should be established within 150 miles of London.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the growing uneasiness of allotment holders owing to the insecurity of tenure; and whether he will consider reviewing the powers given to local authorities, with a view to giving allotment holders more encouragement and better security?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 16th May last to my hon. Friends the Members for St. Albans (Sir F. Fremantle) and Pudsey and Otley (Sir C. G. Gibson) and to the hon. Member for the Stoke Division of Stoke-on-Trent (Mr. E. Smith).

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that Richards Ironworks, Lowestoft, are receiving inquiries regarding the building of new Diesel trawlers and drifter trawlers, but that orders are hung up owing to the difficulties in ascertaining whether licences for fishing will be granted; and whether, in view of the fact that this delay is causing increased unemployment, he will take steps to expedite inquiry and decision on applications for licences for new fishing boats?s

I am aware of the inquiries referred to by my hon. Friend, but unless and until a producers' marketing scheme is submitted to Ministers and confirmed, it is not possible to say whether any particular vessels intended to be used for fishing for white fish will come within the scope of such a scheme. Under Section 9 (2) (b) (ii) of the Sea Fish Industry Act, 1938, a producers' marketing board would have the power to refuse a licence to new vessels coming within the scope of a producers' marketing scheme and constructed or contracted for after 3rd November, 1937. Any such scheme must, however, make provision for enabling any person aggrieved by the refusal of the producers' board to grant a licence in respect of a boat, to appeal to the White Fish Commission.

asked the First Commissioner of Works for what purpose pictures of the Speaker's procession were taken last Friday; and will Members be given the opportunity of seeing them within the precincts of the House?

I understand that this forms an incident in one of a series of films designed to illustrate, for teaching purposes, the work of democratic institutions, especially the Parliamentary system. I also understand that the film is not at present in a suitable condition for exhibition, but that facilities for seeing it could be made available to Members, if desired, in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the recent successful use of cavalry in the Badajoz Province in connection with the Spanish civil war; and whether, before permitting any further reductions in the horsed strength of the British Army, he will have regard to the valuable part which has been played by cavalry in the civil war in question?

From the information at present available there is no reason to suppose that the operations in question could not have been carried out even more successfully by well trained and equipped mechanised forces. As regards the second part of the question, no further reductions in the horsed strength of the British Army beyond those already announced are at present in contemplation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is able to make any announcement as regards the conditions of service and the prospects of promotion of officers in the Army?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement I made this afternoon.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will provide a list of the compulsory acquisitions of land made by his Department during the years 1934, 1935, 1936, and 1937, together with the area concerned and the price paid in each instance and, whenever possible, the rateable value before acquisition?

The following table gives the desired information except that I have no information regarding the rateable value of the land:

Year.	Place.	Acreage.	Price paid.
			£
1934–35	—	Nil	—
1935–36	—	Nil	—
1936–37	Bouldnor	165	625
1937–38	Bridgend	1	468
I937–38	Chorley	56	7,305
1937–38	Bishopton	115	6,986
1937–38	Chesterfield	3½	1,865

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any further negotiations with the Union of South Africa on the subject of the High Commissioner's territories have taken place; whether he has anything to report on the progress made by the Union as to the conditions which would govern the territories in the event of transfer; what results have accrued from the discussions of the joint committee on economic relations; whether it is still the policy of His Majesty's Government to exclude direct African representatives from service on the committee; and whether he is aware of the gathering fears of the African people of the territories of a drift into a policy of transfer, and will he allay their fears?

As regards the first two and last two parts of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 14th June.As to the third part, the Joint Advisory Conference held a preliminary meeting on the 6th May, when matters of procedure were dealt with. It was arranged that the study of openings for closer co-operation between the Territories and the Union Government, on the lines indicated by the joint statement of the 29th March, would be undertaken at the next meeting, which will probably be held after members of the conference have visited the territories.As to the fourth part, my predecessor has already explained to the House the reasons for his view, with which I agree, that the interests of the territories can best be represented on the Conference by the three resident Commissioners.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will, in consultation with the Secretary of State for the Colonies, give favourable consideration to the revival of the film section of the late Empire Marketing Board, in view of the importance of making known the attractions and potentialities of the Empire to the people of Great Britain?

The film unit of the Empire Marketing Board was transferred to the service of the Post Office in 1933, and the Empire Film Library organised by the board is now controlled by the Imperial Institute. As regards the latter part of the question, I am glad to say that the Imperial Institute circulates Empire films without any charge save the recovery of postal expenses, to schools and societies of the United Kingdom possessing projectors.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the serious economic and social evils brought to light by the report of the inquiry into the disturbances in Barbados last year are being tackled by the local government; whether short-term and long-term policies have been evolved; and what progress has been made?

Since the reply which I gave on the 18th May, I have received a further report from the Acting Governor of Barbados which shows that further progress has been made.The Minimum Wage-Fixing Machinery Act has been passed and, according to the most recent information in my possession, the Bill providing for the appointment of a labour officer has passed the House of Assembly and was recently laid before the Legislative Council. Legislation is also at various stages of consideration to amend the Bridgetown Housing Act; to protect the interests of peasants when their canes are being weighed; to provide for the appointment of a food watch committee; to require owners of plantations to plant annually 5 per cent. of their arable acreage in vegetables; and to increase the licence fees for the sale of spirits, malt, liquors, wines at hotels.The Commission's recommendation for the provision of facilities for recreation and their proposal that the central Government should relieve landowners of the financial burden of expenditure on roads, sanitation and social services in their parishes are under consideration with the vestries of the various parishes.The recommendation that wages of wharf labourers and porters should be paid direct has been adopted, but the similar recommendation in regard to longshoremen has been rejected by the firms concerned, who claim that it would involve the addition of another branch to their businesses. The lightermen and certain of the stevedores have stated that they do not wish any change made in the present system.Wages for apprentices in the foundries have been revised, the revised wages up to the third year being now in accordance with the Commission's report, though for the fourth and fifth years they are fixed at 4 and 5 cents an hour respectively instead of 5 and 6, while the minimum wage for qualified artisans is 6 cents instead of 7 cents as recommended. The proposal that the workmen should be represented by one of their number in the management of the Workmen's Relief and Bonus Fund was rejected at a meeting of the workmen.No further relief works are contemplated at present, but the position will be reviewed in a few months' time.It will be clear from the above statement that the Colonial Government is proceeding with its short-term policy. As regards the long-term policy, the principal problem to which the Commission drew attention was that of over-population, which may have to be solved largely by emigration. The scheme of settlement for 475 Barbadian families in St. Lucia has started well, but no further schemes have been embarked upon yet. Any long-term policy involving emigration will require a study of conditions in the West Indian area generally, and this will no doubt be taken into account by the Royal Commission which has been appointed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will indicate what portions of the issue of the African Sentinel, prohibited from entry into Sierra Leone, are deemed to be seditious?

Action was taken under the Customs Ordinance in view of the terms of the article on page 3 of the issue in question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to an advertisement for a doctor born in the United Kingdom and of European parentage to serve in Government medical service in Jamaica; whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government that discrimination should be established in this and other appointments in the West Indian colonial services; and on what grounds this discrimination is advertised when the state of opinion in Jamaica is already seriously disturbed?

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the advertisement for a Health Officer in the Government Medical Service in Jamaica which appeared in the British Medical Journal and the Lancet of the 28th May, 1938. That advertisement stated that candidates must be British subjects of European parentage, because the Governor in reporting the vacancy stated that there was no suitable qualified officer available in the Colony. It was assumed, therefore, that no useful purpose would be served by inviting applications from Jamaicans.Far from there being any discrimination against the appointment of West Indians in the local government services in the West Indies, it is the settled policy to utilise the services of local persons for appointments for which they are suitable and qualified.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colones whether he will take advantage of the centenary, on 1st August, of the abolition of all forms of slavery in the West Indies to make a public pronouncement of policy on behalf of His Majesty's Government?

I made a full statement of the main lines of His Majesty's Government's policy for improving conditions in the West Indies in the course of the Debate on the 14th June, and I do not think that there is anything that I can add to it at present. As the House is aware, it was proposed to advise His Majesty to appoint a Royal Commission to the West Indies to assist the Government in formulating a long-term policy. I hope that the names of the members of this Commission, which I shall be announcing later this afternoon, will in themselves be an assurance to the people of the Colonies which they are to visit that His Majesty's Government are serious in their efforts to grapple with their problems in an adequate way. So far as various immediate measures, such as the improvement of housing conditions, are practicable, the Colonial Governments have authority to proceed with these without any avoidable delay.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the average monthly rates of wages paid to coloured artisans and clerks in the Government service in Northern Rhodesia, and the approximate rates paid to Europeans doing corresponding work?

Rates of wages of artisans and clerks in the Government service in Northern Rhodesia vary from 15s. to £7 per month, with rations. Europeans in the Government service do not perform comparable duties; the second part of the question does not therefore arise.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there has been any substantial progress in the past year or so in the condition of health of African workers in the Gold Coast Colony?

Separate figures for African workers are not on record; but I think that it is fair to say, on the information before me, that there has been a definite improvement in the health of the African population.For 1935 and 1936 the birth and death rate figures for the population in the districts in which registration applies were as follow:

	1935.	1936.
Births	10,106	11,222
Birth-rate	33.0	34.5
Deaths	7,831	8,002
Death-rate	25·5	24·5

The statistics for 1937 are not yet available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Mr. B. M. Fuller, formerly of Southend, has been dismissed the Civil Service in Kenya after 15 years' service without a pension or gratuity, although his health and that of his wife has been impaired owing to illness contracted during his employment, and that his personal belongings are still in Kenya; and will he go into the matter or give some assurance that Mr. Fuller's claims will be investigated and his belongings returned to him?

It is not the case that Mr. Fuller has been dismissed from a post in which he was eligible for a pension or gratuity. Mr. Fuller, who was then residing in Kenya, was engaged on probation as a forester in 1928. Since that date Mr. Fuller's engagement has been renewed from time to time on a temporary non-pensionable basis partly to afford him an opportunity of showing his suitability for more permanent employment, but I regret to say that the Governor has now reported that Mr. Fuller's services did not justify him in offering Mr. Fuller further employment.Mr. and Mrs. Fuller contracted sleeping sickness in 1929, but after treatment in this country they were reported to have made a complete recovery. In March last Mr. Fuller was again examined by one of the Consulting Physicians to the Colonial Office from whose report it was clear that Mr. Fuller was still physically fit for employment.As regards the last part of the question the Governor has reported that Mr. Fuller had ample time in which to arrange for the disposal of his effects before leaving Kenya, and that he accordingly saw no justification for arranging for them to be sent home at Government expense.I have given the most careful consideration to Mr. Fuller's case in all its aspects, but I regret that I can see no ground on which I should be justified in overriding the Governor's conclusions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how soon he will be able to consider the re-establishment of some form of representative government in Cyprus?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher) on 29th June, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the number of instances where, in Lancashire, the police proposed traffic lights and the council did not permit the fixing of such lights?

I regret that the information desired by the hon. Member is not available in my Department. Perhaps the hon. Member will be good enough to furnish me with any information in his possession to enable me to make inquiries.

asked the Minister of Transport whether in order that all relevant facts may be placed before the Traffic Commissioners when they are taking into consideration the suitability of a route which includes the use of additional roads by public service vehicles, he will exercise his power of making regulations, under Section 94 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, giving residents on the proposed additional roads and other persons affected the right to notice of the proposal with ample time to lodge objection before the granting of the licence if they so desire; and will he demand proof from the local authority in the area concerned that such notice has been given by the local authority to residents and other persons affected before the proposal to grant a licence for an additional road may be considered by the Traffic Commissioners?

I am advised that I have no power under the Road Traffic Act, 1930 to make the regulations which my hon. Friend suggests. In any case, it is for the local authorities, who are notified of all applications for road service licences, to safeguard local interests by the exercise of their right to make representations to the Traffic Commissioners.

asked the Minister of Transport whether in view of the Exhibition, he proposes to grant additional coach duplications to Glasgow?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 21st July to the hon. Member for Tradeston (Mr. T. Henderson), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is satisfied that the licensing authorities and the appeal tribunal, appointed under the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933, have found it possible, in the absence of power to fix or impose rates and charges for goods transport by road, to give effect to the licensing system in so far as its object is the prevention of wasteful competition; and, if not, will he amend the Act?

I am satisfied that the machinery set up under the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933, is satisfactorily fulfilling the main purpose of the Act, which is to regulate the carriage of goods on roads by motor vehicles. As I announced in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for North St. Pancras (Mr. Grant-Ferris) on 9th February last, it is the Government's intention in due course to introduce legislation dealing with the question of rates for goods transport by road.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the death of a child, Denver Duff Chisholm, who was electrocuted on the Southern Railway between Haydon's Road, Wimbledon, and Tooting Junction station, due to the alleged insufficient guarding of the electric railway tracks; and will he see that the recommendation of the coroner's jury that the company should take steps to make it impossible for a child to get on the line is carried into effect?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave yesterday to a question on the same subject by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Wellingborough Division of Northamptonshire (Wing-Commander James).

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he is aware of the strong feeling against the transfer of engineering workers from one area to another; and whether he will endeavour to avoid such transfers by a greater spreadover of armament work and a greater use of existing facilities?

I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that contracting departments are fully alive to the importance of spreading armament work in order to avoid the necessity for workers moving from one area to another as well as for other reasons, though there are, as he will appreciate, limitations to the extent to which this can be done.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence what steps are being taken to make use of the unrivalled engineering experience and facilities available in the city of Leeds for the production of armaments; and will he consider making greater use of existing facilities and establishing a shadow factory in the area?

The hon. and gallant Member may rest assured that the Service Departments are well aware of the engineering experience and facilities available in the city of Leeds and considerable use is being made of them. As regards the employment by the Service Departments of engineering firms in Leeds in connection with the rearmament programme, I would refer him to the statement on this matter which I gave to the House on the 15th June last. These facilities will no doubt be taken into full consideration if and when the siting of further shadow factories is under discussion.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether any steps have been taken to carry out the undertaking given to the Government to establish a calium carbide works in South Wales; and whether any action is being taken by any other company to establish works for the same purpose in any other part of the country?

The undertaking given by the British Oxygen Company to which the hon. Member no doubt refers was to proceed with the Port Talbot part of their scheme without awaiting the decision of the House on the Caledonian Power Bill. In pursuance of this undertaking they actually acquired a site at Port Talbot and entered into covenants as to building on the site. They also set op foot various negotiations for supply of the necessary limestone and other materials. The Government had informed the House on the 18th November, 1937, that they regarded as satisfactory the proposals of the British Oxygen Company which were for a combined scheme to produce calcium carbide at Port Talbot and Corpach. The Corpach part of this scheme was rejected by the House in circumstances which are no doubt within the recollection of the hon. Member. The decision of the House was not unreasonably regarded by the British Oxygen Company as creating a new situation, and I am now advised by them that, after full consideration of that situation, and especially of the present commercial possibilities for production of calcium carbide, they do not feel justified in proceeding with the Port Talbot part of the scheme. I am not aware of any such other proposals as are referred to in the last part of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is in a position to announce the result of the Government's consideration of the report of the recent Departmental Committee on Scottish Administration?

Yes, Sir. The Committee, of which my right hon. Friend the Member for the Pollok Division was chairman, recommended that there should be four main Scottish Departments—the Departments of Agriculture, Education, and Health and the Scottish Home Department. Each Department would be in charge of a secretary directly responsible to the Secretary of State. In addition, the Secretary of State would have to assist him a permanent Under-Secretary of State who would be outside the Departmental organisation. The functions of the Departments would be vested in the Secretary of State, and the separate statutory existence of certain Departments, and of the Committee of the Privy Council on Scottish Education, would cease.The proposed Home Department would discharge the functions presently exercised by the Scottish Office, the Fishery Board for Scotland, and the Prisons Department for Scotland. In dealing with fishery matters the Secretary of State would be assisted by a statutory advisory council representative of fishing interests. The Board of Control would be reconstituted with a full-time in place of a part-time chairman, and its work, as well as that of the Registrar-General, brought more closely into relation with the Department of Health. The day-to-day administration of these Departments would be conducted from Edinburgh, adequate arrangements being made for the performance of necessary work in London.The Government are in general agreement with these recommendations. The legislation necessary to give effect to certain of them will be introduced early next Session in order to ensure its passage at as early a date as may be practicable so that the reorganisation of the Scottish Departments may be carried out before the completion of the new Government buildings in Edinburgh in August, 1939.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in the case of Provisional Orders under the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act, 1936, on which an inquiry is held by commissioners in Scotland, he will arrange for a copy of the proceedings before the commissioners to be placed in the Library of the House?

Yes, Sir. My Department will arrange in all future cases to place a copy of the proceedings in the Library, to be retained there during the Session in which the Confirmation Bill is introduced.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether it is the intention of the Air Ministry to accept the offer made by North Eastern Airways to run a service to Switzerland, using the latest D.C. 3 aircraft, as from January, 1939?

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend does not feel able to accept the offer referred to, as the proposed service would be operating in the European area which, in accordance with the recommendation of the Cadman Committee as regards confining the limited subsidies to two chosen instruments, will in due course be served by British Airways. At the present time a service to Switzerland is being run by Imperial Airways, and one service to this country by the Swiss Air Line. North Eastern Airways have already been informed of this decision.