asked the Parliament Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will issue a statement showing the local education authorities autonomous for elementary education which are providing conveyance for school children attending non-provided schools?

I will send to the hon. Member, as soon as the information is completed, a list showing the local education authorities for elementary education which include in their estimates a sum for the provision of transport facilities for school children under Section 88 (1) of the Education Act, 1921. The Board have no note that any of these authorities confine these facilities to children attending council schools.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will give the names of any education authority which, because of necessitous circumstances, finds itself unable to provide facilities for the conveyance of non-provided school children?

The Board's records do not show whether the decision of any local education authority not to provide, in any given case, facilities for the conveyance of school children was determined by its alleged inability to meet its share of the cost.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what is the present position with regard to the construction of a national college of physical training; when it is expected to be completed; when the first teachers from it will be available in the country; and whether, in view of the delay involved, arrangements can be made for the immediate enrolment and instruction of teachers in some temporary premises?

Plans showing the detailed accommodation and the layout of the National Physical Training College have now been formally approved. All possible steps are being taken to expedite the erection of the College, but it is not possible, in present circumstances, to say when it will be completed or when the first teachers will be available in the country. In the meantime, the training of such teachers has been stimulated, both in the Two-Year Training Colleges and in other institutions, and substantial grants have been given by the National Fitness Council to the Central Council of Recreative Physical Training to enable them to conduct special full-time and part-time courses. Many persons trained in these ways are now at work, not only in the schools, but also in post-school classes under local authorities and voluntary organisations.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when building will begin in connection with the housing scheme at Barrowfield, Glasgow; and whether steps will be taken to expedite progress in view of the serious overcrowding and terrible housing conditions in this part of the city?

I am informed by the corporation that they expect to begin building on the Barrowfield Scheme in about 10 weeks. I appreciate the desirability of the scheme being proceeded with as quickly as possible and I shall keep in touch with the corporation about it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the heavy increase in recent months of landings by foreign fishing vessels at Scottish ports; and whether any action is contemplated?

While, according to my information, the landings by foreign fishing vessels at Scottish ports during the last four months have been somewhat heavier than the landings in the corresponding months last year, the actual quantities are not heavy in comparison with the monthly average for the year and the total landings for the first ten months of this year are lower than those for last year. In these circumstances no special action appears to be called for.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the letter sent to him on 24th October, 1938, by the Joint Committee of the Scottish National Union of Allotment Holders and the Society of Friends urging Government support for the development of the allotment movement as a contribution to physical and mental fitness and to national service on a voluntary basis; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?

The communication referred to was received a few days ago, and I am considering it. I am not, however, in a position to make any statement on the subject at the moment.

asked the Attorney-General whether hon. Members who in to-day's Debate on Defence preparations offer questions or make statements can have his assurance that they will not in these connections be threatened with the use against them of the Official Secrets Acts?

It is no part of the duty of the Attorney-General to give assurances as to circumstances which have not arisen and may not arise. Moreover at the present moment a Select Committee of this House is considering the applicability of the Official Secrets Acts to Members of the House and it would not therefore be right for me to make any statement which might be regarded as a precedent or prejudge the issues which the Select Committee is considering.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Italian Government has given any guarantee that the 10,000 Italian troops now being withdrawn will not be replaced by other troops?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Italian Government has given any intimation or undertaking that the evacuation of Italian combatants and technicians from Spain will be continued until all such persons have been evacuated?

I would refer the hon. Members to the Prime Minister's statement on these points in the course of yesterday's Debate.

asked the Prime Minister whether all the signatory Powers to the 1925 Geneva Protocol now regard themselves as bound by its provisions regarding the use of gas in warfare?

The Protocol of 17th June, 1925, for the prohibition of the use in war of asphixiating, poisonous or other gases, and of bacteriological methods of warfare is still binding on all the States which have ratified or acceded to it.

asked the Prime Minister what assurance has been given to the Soviet Ambassador in London in reply to his protest against the view expressed by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster at Horsham concerning the role of the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in the recent crisis?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the detailed answer made by the Soviet Embassy in London on 11th October to the statement made by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster at Shoreham, and subsequently repeated by him at Horsham, that Russia did not offer help in the Czechoslovakia crisis but only made vague promises owing to her military weakness; and what reply does he propose to make to it?

asked the Prime Minister what reply he has given to the representations made on behalf of the Russian Government in connection with the statement made by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster at a meeting at Shoreham on the 10th October to the effect that the Russian Government did not offer help in the Czechoslovak dispute but only made very vague promises owing to her military weakness?

On 11th October the Soviet Ambassador called the attention of my Noble Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to the remarks of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and I understand that the latter has since had an opportunity of discussing the matter in person with M. Maisky. I hope that any misunderstandings that may have arisen have now been cleared up.

asked the Prime Minister what information he has as to whether the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics took any steps in the way of mobilisation of its army, navy, or air force prior to or during the recent crisis?

I am not in a position to make any statement on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the public statements made by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 10th October and again on 12th October that during the recent crisis the Russian Government only made vague promises and did not make clear their intentions in the event of the outbreak of war and of the Russian Government's public refutation thereof through their Embassy in London, he will now publish as a White Paper full details of the communications that passed between the Russian Government and His Majesty's Government during the period referred to?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Chatham (Captain Plugge) on 5th October, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give any information in connection with the decision to submit the dispute between Hungary and Czechoslovakia to the arbitration of Germany and Italy; and, as the Munich Agreement stated that if the problem of the Polish and Hungarian minorities could not be settled between the heads of the respective Governments it should be submitted to the four Powers, what action he intends taking in the matter?

On 24th October the Hungarian Government suggested to the Czechoslovak Government that, failing other methods of reaching a settlement, the questions at issue between them should be submitted to arbitration. The Czechoslovak Government replied that they were prepared to submit the question of the Hungarian minority to arbitration. The two Governments agreed that the German and Italian Governments should be invited to act as arbitrators, and representatives of the Governments concerned met in Vienna on 2nd November for the purpose.His Majesty's Government can only welcome the agreement of the Czechoslovak and Hungarian Governments to submit their differences to a peaceful settlement by arbitration.

asked the Prime Minister the extent of Czechoslovakian territory with less than 50 per cent. of German-speaking population transferred to Germany under the Munich Agreement?

Direct negotiations are at present in progress between the German and Czechoslovak Governments for the settlement of the final frontier, and, pending their conclusion, it is not possible to state whether, and, if so, to what extent, territory with a present population which is less than 50 per cent. German-speaking will be transferred to Germany.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider making financial provision, whether by gift or loan, for the temporary maintenance of those refugees from Czechoslovakia who cannot safely return either to the ceded territories or to the German Reich, in order that the burden of their maintenance, pending their permanent settlement, may not be thrown wholly upon the voluntary relief funds?

It is a general principle that the maintenance of refugees in this country is a matter for voluntary contributions and is not an object to which it would be proper to appropriate public funds. I can hold out no hope of an exception to this principle being made in the present case. As regards the assistance of these emigrants from the advance placed at the disposal of the Czechoslovak Government by His Majesty's Government, I would refer to the statement made during the Debate on Tuesday by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is prepared to sanction grants made by local authorities to the appeal of the Lord Mayor of London for the refugees in Czechoslovakia?

No, Sir. I fully appreciate the feeling which prompts a desire to contribute for this purpose, but I do not think that I should be justified in authorising such contributions from the rates.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the heavy diminution in the export of cotton textiles to China; and what steps are being taken by the Government to ensure that, whatever the result of the hostilities between China and Japan, the British export trade in textiles shall be permitted without any unfair discrimination?

The answer to the first part of the question, so far as United Kingdom cotton textiles are concerned, is in the affirmative, though I should add that during the first nine months of this year—the period covered by the latest available statistics—the decline in exports of cotton piece goods shown as consigned to China as compared with the corresponding periods of 1936 and 1937 has been more than counterbalanced by increased exports to Hong Kong.With regard to the second part of the question, His Majesty's Government will watch the situation closely with a view to taking any appropriate steps that may at any time be called for in order to protect this country's export trade to China, whether in textiles or in other commodities.

asked the Prime Minister what steps are being taken to safeguard British trade with China and the continuance of the open door in China; and if the Government is consulting with America, France, and Russia on this subject?

Representations have been made to the Government concerned whenever British interests in China have been damaged or threatened. His Majesty's Government have, moreover, kept in close touch with other Governments whose interests have been or might be similarly affected.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that in the early part of October cinema news reels were being censored by the Foreign Office; whether this has his approval and what is the purpose of the practice; and if he has any statement to make as to the Government's intentions regarding the continuance of this practice?

There is no substance in the allegation in the first part of the question. The second and third parts of the question, therefore, do not arise.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now make an announcement as to the Government plan for payment of graduated premiums on the one hand and an undertaking to compensate in full on the other in connection with the insurance of the homes and property of the people of this country in time of war?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave him on 28th September.

asked the Chancellor of Exchequer whether he can give some information as regards the national rehabilitation loan for Yugoslavia?

No, Sir. I am not aware of any suggestion for the issue of a loan for Yugoslavia.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will be in a position to give the full extent of the credits given by this country to Turkey, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria and Rumania?

The House is already aware of the terms of the Anglo-Turkish Guarantee Agreement and the Armaments Credit Agreement of 27th May last, which have been published in Command Papers 5754 and 5755. Exports to all the countries named in the question are eligible for guarantees under the Export Credits Act, 1937; it is not the practice of the Export Credits Guarantee Department to publish information as to business done with individual countries. I am not aware of other credits given by this country to the countries referred to.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state in round figures the cost to the Exchequer of special measures taken in connection with recent events in Europe, including the credit to Czechoslovakia, the mobilisation of the Fleet, air-raid precautions, and other matters?

It is estimated that the cost to the Exchequer of the special measures directly attributable to the recent international crisis will be in the neighbourhood of £5,500,000, in addition to the £10,000,000 credit to Czechoslovakia.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the authorisation of the recent Woolworth issue involves a reduction in the gold resources of the Exchange Equalisation Fund of £6,000,000; and whether he can state the reason for this authorisation in view of the recent substantial decrease in the gold stock?

I would refer the hon. Member to the full statement which I made at the end of Questions on the 1st February last as to the policy to be followed in respect of applications to the Foreign Transactions Advisory Committee, falling within certain categories The operation in question fell within these categories.Our general policy as regards foreign lending is under constant review but so long as the statement to which I have referred governs the matter, I should find it difficult to single out any particular operation for unusual treatment.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will state the cost of production per ton of output of coal in the Yorkshire coalfield for the months of January, 1936, and January, 1938, as certified by the joint accountants acting for the owners and the men, respectively?

The total net cost per ton of coal disposable commercially in Yorkshire during January, 1936, was 12s. 2½d. per ton and during January, 1938, 14s. 8d. per ton.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the probable necessity of increasing expenditure on armaments, he will consider the desirability of setting up forthwith a committee or commission to examine all branches of national expenditure with a view to ascertaining in what directions economies are possible on a permanent or temporary basis?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Bilston (Mr. Hannah) on 28th July.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he has yet received the report of the Departmental Committee on pensions for unmarried women at 55 years of age; and, if not, whether he can state the approximate date by which it may be expected?

The report in question has not yet been received. I understand that the Committee still has further evidence to hear, and I am not in a position to state when its report may be expected.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the amount spent on the Royal Air Force each year since 1931?

The following are the figures:

		£
1931	…	17,403,181
1932	…	16,595,066
1933	…	16,240,708
1934	…	17,161,763
1935	…	27,095,886
1936	…	49,393,821
1937 (Estimate)	…	54,575,100
		(80,575,100)*
1938 (Estimate)	…	70,575,000
		(123,475,000)*
* These figures indicate the net total of the estimated expenditure on the Royal Air Force before deduction of issues from the Consolidated Fund in accordance with the Defence Loans Act, 1937.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has now been able to give consideration to the recent statement of policy issued by the National Farmers' Union; and what action he intends to take in connection therewith?

The views and recommendations of the National Farmers' Union to which my hon. Friend refers are being examined by my Department, and I am not yet in a position to make any statement upon them.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the amount of milk allocated by the Milk Marketing Board to their own creameries during the first nine months of the current year; and what is the estimated amount of such milk which could have been absorbed by other creameries operated by private enterprise?

I am informed by the Milk Marketing Board that the quantity of milk allocated to their factories from other purchasers under the plan for allocating supplies was approximately 4,000 gallons per day during the first nine months of this year. I have no information which would enable me to answer the second part of the question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will take steps to arrange for the transference to the independent milk commission that is to be set up of the present powers possessed by the Milk Marketing Board to divert the milk supplies of creameries operated by private enterprise?

No, Sir. I think that the allocation of milk supplies to the most profitable market is an appropriate function of a producers' organisation which has been empowered by Parliament to regulate the sales of milk.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what proportion of tested milch cows in Great Britain show evidence of Brucella infection as manifested by agglutination blood tests; and what measures he has taken to allay the anxiety felt by certain local authorities at the failure of his Department materially to help in investigating this disease in animals and in preventing the sale and distribution of milk from farms in which Brucella infested cows are believed to exist?

No statistics are available as to the proportion of mulch cows submitted to the agglutination test which react, but the general view is that about 40 per cent. of dairy cows are infected. Where at a routine clinical inspection of a dairy herd, or at a special inspection made following a report from a local authority that suspicion attaches to certain milk, a milch cow is found by a veterinary inspector showing clinical signs of the disease, the sale of the milk of such animal is prohibited by Section 5 of the Milk and Dairies (Consolidation) Act, 1915.For the last few years the problem of contagious abortion in cattle has been under investigation at a number of institutions under the aegis of a Committee of the Agricultural Research Council appointed in consultation with the Medical Research Council. Any question with regard to the work of the committee should be addressed to the Lord President of the Council.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the losses of livestock producers in this country owing to the fact that Germany, which was until recently a large buyer of ox casings of raw gut, has now taken to the production of synthetic casing and prohibited all imports of the natural article; and whether, since such synthetic casings are now being imported into this country from Germany, it is proposed to take any steps to assist producers in this country?

I am aware that there has been a heavy decline this year in the export of sausage casings to Germany. I am not aware that this decline is due to the prohibition of imports by the German Government, but I am making inquiries, and will communicate with my hon. Friend. Aggregate imports of casings into this country from minor suppliers, which include Germany, have declined appreciably during the current year.The position of producers of fat cattle in this country is safeguarded by tariff and by subsidy, and also by the regulation of imports through the International Beef Conference. Casings represent only an insignificant fraction of the value of a fat beast. Both synthetic and animal casings are at present subject to the general 10 per cent. ad valorem duty, but it is open to the interests concerned to approach the Import Duties Advisory Committee if they consider that an increased duty is required.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the sale of a farm of 87 acres, including 14 acres of hop fields, at a total price of £5,500, £2,500 of which was specifically allocated as payment for the hop quota; and whether the amendment to the hops marketing scheme now under consideration will put an end to such transactions?

I have seen a newspaper article dealing with the sale referred to in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, the proposed amendments to the Hops Marketing Scheme seek, among other things, to continue the quota provisions of the scheme, and they are now under consideration in the light of the recommendations of the Reorganisation Commission for Hops, which has recently had these provisions under review.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what resolutions he has received from agricultural bodies appealing for an investigation into the extent and character of derelict land throughout the country, with a view to the establishment of national measures for its return to such productivity as is commercially practicable; and whether he is taking the steps suggested?

I have within the last few days received a resolution from the County Councils' Association in the terms indicated by my hon. and gallant Friend, but for the reasons stated in the reply I gave on the 4th July last to the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams) I do not think that an investigation on the lines proposed is necessary.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of fishermen and fishing vessels working from Scottish and English ports, respectively, at the last date for which figures are available, with the corresponding numbers at the same date last year?

The figures compiled by the Board of Trade give the number of fishing vessels registered in all ports in England and Wales on the 31st December, 1937, as 6,514, compared with 6,729 on the 31st December, 1936; the numbers of fishermen at the same dates were 30,567 and 31,734 respectively.For Scotland, statistics compiled by the Fishery Board for Scotland indicate that the number of Scottish fishing vessels in 1937 and 1936 were 5,217 and 5,512 respectively and the number of fishermen 19,364 and 21,480.Figures as to the numbers of men and vessels actually working from ports in the respective countries on any particular date are not available as vessels registered in one country frequently operate temporarily from ports in the other.

asked the Minister of Health the steps taken by his Department to deal with the public nuisance and danger arising from burning spoilbanks, the numbers in which remedial measures are in operation, and when it is anticipated that the whole of these will have been finally dealt with?

The systematic investigation of burning spoilbanks by my Alkali Inspectors is proceeding. 151 out of a total of 266 reported to me have been visited. Further visits will be necessary in some cases to ascertain the practicability of remedial measures. Wherever remedial measures have been recommended by the inspectors further visits are being undertaken to determine the efficacy of the measures. I estimate that the completion of the survey will take approximately another 18 months.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the number of single persons, widows, and widowers in receipt of pensions under the contributory schemes, and the number of married couples receiving pensions under the contributory schemes?

On 30th September, 1938, there were 811,051 widows in Great Britain who were in receipt of widows' pensions under the Contributory Pensions Act. On the same date the number of persons between the ages of 65 and 70 in receipt of old age pensions under the same Act was 517,534 men, 216,220 wives entitled on their husbands' insurance and 95,791 single women, married women and widows entitled on their own insurance. I regret that it is not possible on the information available to make the further sub-division for which the hon. Member asks.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state the number of cases of infantile paralysis notified in each of the counties of South Wales; and what measures are being taken by his Department, in co-operation with the local authorities, to deal with the position?

Notifications of Infantile Paralysis (Acute Poliomyelitis and Acute Polioencephalitis) in Counties of South Wales.
Period	Monmouth (including the County Borough of Newport).	Glamorgan (including the County Boroughs of Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil and Swansea).	Carmarthen.	Brecknock.	Pembroke.
13 weeks ended 2nd April, 1938	1	—	—	—	—
13 weeks ended 2nd July, 1938	2	3	1	—	—
13 weeks ended 1st October, 1938	2	40*	17	1	1
Week ended 8th October, 1938	—	2	6	—	—
Week ended 15th October, 1938	—	4	4	1	—
Week ended 22nd October, 1938	—	6	4	—	—
Week ended 29th October, 1938	—	5	1	—	—
Total for period 1st January-29th October, 1938.	5	60	33	2	1
* Including 35 cases of Acute Poliomyelitis in Swansea County Borough.

As regards the second part a medical officer of my Department has visited all the areas in which cases have occurred and is keeping in close touch with the medical officers of health.

asked the Minister of Health the amount paid by the public assistance committee of the county of Durham to supplement the income of those receiving old age pension according to the most recent annual estimate?

I regret that this information is not available, as the returns received in my Department do not distinguish the cost of poor relief to old age pensioners.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the number of old age pensioners who are in receipt of public assistance?

On the 1st January, 1938, the latest date for which figures are available, 230,852 old age pensioners were in receipt of poor relief.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consider introducing at an early date legislation having for its object the raising of the amount of old age, widows', and orphans' pensions to such an extent as will make the recipients independent of public assistance and charity?

The answer to the first part of the question is as follows:

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 1st March last to the hon. Member for Houghton-le-Spring (Mr. W. Joseph Stewart). I am afraid that the Government cannot see their way to introduce legislation for this purpose.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the numbers who have hitherto availed themselves of the voluntary pensions insurance scheme; the total number of contributors on whom the finance of the scheme was actuarially based; and whether he proposes once again to bring the scheme to the notice of the public?

As regards the first part of the question the number of persons who had become voluntary contributors under the Contributory Pensions (Voluntary Contributors) Act, 1937, up to the 19th October last, the latest date for which the figures are available was 233,025. As regards the second part, the Government Actuary in his report on the Financial Provisions of the Bill pointed out that it was entirely a matter of conjecture what proportion of the persons eligible would elect to enter the scheme and gave alternative estimates of the charge which would be imposed on the Exchequer (1) if the number of entrants were 350,000 and (2) if that number were doubled. As regards the third part, a new illustrated booklet and poster, stressing the importance of early application, are being displayed and distributed through the Post Office and through other channels. Attention is also being drawn to the scheme through the Press and the wireless as also by a stand at Olympia this month. My Inspectors are taking every opportunity to make the scheme more widely known. Copies of the booklet and poster have been sent to hon. Members for English and Welsh constituencies and I am sure I can rely on hon. Members to do all they can to see that their constituents do not delay their applications until it is too late.

asked the Home Secretary whether the acute shortage of suction hoses for fire-engine pumps revealed during the recent crisis has been put right?

Production of suction hose is rapidly overtaking issue of pumps, and I have no reason to doubt that any deficiencies which may still exist will have been made good at an early date.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he was consulted by the British Broadcasting Corporation in regard to the recent speeches by the right hon. Member for Epping and the right hon. Member for Carnarvon Boroughs which were broadcast to the United States of America?

No, Sir. The broadcasts in question were arranged between Broadcasting Companies in the United States and the speakers concerned. The speeches were not broadcast by any of the British Broadcasting Corporation's stations, and the corporation did no more than provide necessary studio and other technical facilities at the request of the American companies. The provision of such facilities is in accordance with established daily practice between the broadcasting authorities in the two countries. The Post Office arranged in normal course for the use of the Transatlantic Telephone Service for the transmission of the speeches to the United States.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the troubles in the West African market arising out of the cocoa pool buying, whereby the textile trade was seriously affected, have now been overcome and the normal conditions of cotton goods purchasing restored?

So far as I am aware, the present cocoa crop is being marketed without difficulty and normal conditions prevail in regard to the import trade, though inevitably the present low price of cocoa affects the volume of imports.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action it is proposed to take in consequence of the recent report on the cocoa marketing problem in the West African Colonies; and whether, having regard to the fact that the exports of cotton manufactures to British West Africa for the first nine months of this year are less than one-third of those for the same period of 1937, he will do everything possible to ensure an early and amicable settlement?

Some of the Commission's recommendations are of a far-reaching nature and will require careful examination. I have asked the Governors of the Gold Coast and Nigeria to send me their observations on the report as soon as they are in a position to formulate their views. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the information sent by him to the hon. Member for Greenock on 28th July, 1938, regarding the extent to which the public use the telephone kiosks on certain islands off the west coast of Scotland?

The particulars requested are given in the following table:

Name of Island.		Telephone Exchange No. of Kiosk.		Date Connected.	Amount Collected.												Remarks.
					1 April-31 March, 1934–35.			1 April-31 March, 1935–36.			1 April-31 March, 1936–37.			1 April-31 March, 1937–38.
					£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.
Skye	…	Borreraig 1	…	25. 3.36		—			—		5	11	7	8	1	10
		Ardvasar 20	…	27. 3.35		—		4	10	3	7	10	2	7	15	2
		Kylerhea 1	…	8. 5.36		—			—		4	1	8	4	14	11
		Sconser 1	…	25. 3.36		—			—		11	15	3	13	7	11½
		Mugary 1	…	8. 1.37		—			—			—		3	6	0
		Portree 62	…	7. 8.36		—			—		16	17	6	45	10	2
		Heaste 1	…	3. 3.37		—			—			—		3	8	3
Lewis	…	Stornoway 96	…	16.10.34	8	11	4	40	0	7	50	17	4	52	17	3
		Stornoway 127	…	2. 7.36		—			—		12	16	1	30	18	5
Harris	…	Harris 1	…	19. 6.37		—			—			—		19	18	0
Bute	…	Kilchattan Bay 33	…	*	22	18	11	10	3	1	13	16	5	17	9	7
		do. 20	…	*	6	13	6	9	3	1	7	2	2	7	11	8
		Straad 1	…	*	8	3	2	10	1	10	11	13	1	13	19	0
		Rothesay 149	…	1. 5.33	17	2	0	17	13	10	20	8	10	25	18	8
		do. 203	…	*	97	2	1	103	13	10	120	9	1	133	7	8
		do. 222	…	*	13	8	1	8	6	0	8	8	9	8	12	9
		do. 224	…	*	6	19	8	8	4	11	6	18	4	8	7	11
		do. 241	…	*	16	4	10	20	16	2	20	5	11	25	6	8
		do. 268	…	*	10	4	7	15	10	3	16	18	8	22	16	10
		do. 271	…	*	28	2	1	29	6	3	27	19	4	31	3	8
		do. 331	…	*	25	13	8	31	5	10	34	13	3	39	7	11
		do. 389	…	*	41	3	5	51	1	1	59	11	7	66	18	8
		do. 393	…	*	41	1	8	42	3	4	43	6	8	46	3	4
		do. 401	…	*	29	0	1	31	11	0	31	3	1	35	19	7
		Ettrick Bay 1	…	6. 7.32	13	16	5	15	5	0	17	17	2	13	6	0
Islay	…	Port Askaig 201	…	3. 2.37		—			—		1	1	5	16	11	10
		do. 209	…	3. 2.37		—			—		3	17	5	10	15	0½
		Port Charlotte 200	…	2. 2.37		—			—		2	16	4	25	4	5
		do. 220	…	2. 2.37		—			—		4	18	8	19	13	1
		Port Ellen 1	…	19. 9.35		—		21	13	1	52	11	9	39	5	11
		Portnahaven 200	…	2. 2.37		—			—		1	6	3	10	9	7
		Kildalton 200	…	24. 9.36		—			—		5	8	7	9	5	3
		Gruinart 1	…	4.12.36		—			—		2	5	4	6	7	1
		Bonahaven 1	…	3. 2.37		—			—		3	16	2	21	11	11
		Bowmore 200	…	23. 9.36		—			—		23	14	3½	38	11	4
		do. 220	…	23. 9.36		—			—		17	1	8½	26	18	1
* Connected prior to 1st January, 1933.

Name of Island.		Telephone Exchange No. of Kiosk.		Date Connected.	Amount Collected.												Remarks.
					1 April-31 March, 1934–35.			1 April-31 March, 1935–36.			1 April-31 March, 1936–37.			1 April-31 March, 1937–38.
					£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.
Mull	…	Aros 20	…	12. 1.35		19	11	15	12	3½	17	10	4½	17	4	6
		Craignure 2	…	1.10.34	1	15	11	13	8	3	13	10	9	9	3	11
		Carsaig 209	…	8. 3.38		—			—			—		† 1	0	3	†Period from 8.3.38 to 30.6.38
		Pennyghael 1	…	8. 3.38		—			—			—		† 4	7	4	† do.
		Craignure	…	15. 4.38		—			—			—		† 3	16	5	†Period from 15.4.38 to 30.6.38.
		Fionphort 201	…	21. 5.36		—			—		6	9	1	8	2	10
		Gribun 1	…	4.12.36		—			—			6	2	4	8	2
		Tobermory	…	*	24	16	6	43	8	8	47	13	10	58	10	3
		Tiroran 209	…	4.11.37		—			—			—		2	6	2
		Bunessan 1	…	3. 5.38		—			—			—		† 3	4	0	†Period from 3.5.38 to 30.6.38.
		Dervaig 20	…	1.12.34		19	11	5	19	10	8	3	11	5	9	11
Iona	…	Iona 20	…	18.6.35		—		36	8	2	53	6	8	49	2	7
Arran	…	Bordick 43	…	*	39	10	0	40	2	2	53	9	3	62	2	6
		Lochranza 20	…	*	43	7	9	41	11	0	39	1	4½	38	6	6
		Lamlash 241	…	*	24	14	7	74	17	10	62	11	0	62	8	2
		Kildonan 200	…	14. 5.37		—			—			—		14	5	0	From date of connection.
		Corrie 200	…	17. 5.37		—			—			—		28	5	8
		Shiskine 201	…	20. 5.37		—			—			—		6	16	11
		do. 215	…	20. 5.37		—			—			—		14	6	10
		Whiting Bay 200	…	*	60	14	1	56	4	2	64	7	1	73	17	0
		Pirnmill 20	…	*	14	6	5	17	0	8	19	1	4	18	2	6
		Whiting Bay 238	…	*	24	19	10	22	19	3	36	11	9	24	8	10
		Machrie 20	…	*	5	2	0	8	17	9	9	18	2	8	2	11
		Sliddery 20	…	*	21	16	4	17	5	6	18	1	4	10	1	1
		do. 32	…	*	11	19	11	17	0	1	20	7	7	13	12	1
* Connected prior to 1st January, 1933.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will state the number of his staff who were called up for active service during the recent crisis; and what was the method adopted by his Department for the purpose of adjusting the difference in wages or salaries received by these men?

Approximately 5,600 Post Office servants were called up for service with the Forces during the recent crisis. The men concerned whose civil pay exceeded their service emoluments were eligible to receive the balance of their civil pay. As the amount of the service emoluments was not known at the outset in addition to service pay, civil pay was provisionally allowed in full on the understanding that there would be a subsequent adjustment. Arrangements have since been made for this adjustment, where substantial, to be spread over a period of four weeks.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the nature of the special concessions granted to the officers who resigned from the Army Council; and if these concessions have, in fact, been paid?

The special concession granted to the officers referred to was the issue of their full emoluments for a period of 61 days beyond the date on which they vacated their appointments. These emoluments have been issued.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has given any further consideration to the regulation which prevents the dependants of a serving soldier under 26 years of age receiving the ordinary married soldiers' allowance; and what steps does he intend to take to have the regulation altered?

This is a question which affects all three Services, and I am unable to add anything to the reply given on 4th July last by my hon. and gallant Friend, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, to a question on the subject by the hon. Member for Southwark, Central (Mr. Day).

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Middle East Command is to be a permanent position; and, if so, what area will it cover?

I think there must be some misapprehension. There is no Middle East Command, and the second part of the question therefore does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War, what is the total establishment, on a war footing, of the Territorial Force; what is its present strength; and how many officers and other ranks, respectively, joined during the month of September last?

The present authorised establishment of the Territorial Army is 10,257 officers and 191,450 other ranks. The strength on 1st October last was 10,113 officers and 176,576 other ranks. The numbers who joined during September were 89 officers and 2,610 other ranks.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the amount spent on the armed forces under his control each year since 1931?

The net cash expenditure from Army Votes for the years in question is as follows:

		£
1931	…	38,445,496
1932	…	35,978,239
1933	…	37,468,970
1934	…	39,603,545
1935	…	44,515,872
1936	…	54,195,080
1937 (Estimate)	…	63,120,000
		(82,174,000)*
1938 (Estimate)	…	85,357,000
		(106,500,000)*
* These figures indicate the net cash estimated expenditure before deduction of issues from the Consolidated Fund under the Defence Loans Act, 1937 (1 Edw. VIII and 1 Geo. VI c. 13).

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make any statement as to the supply of anti-aircraft guns within the last six months?

Deliveries of 3.7-inch guns are now coming forward at three times the rate at which they were being delivered six months ago. The rate of delivery is still increasing.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now arranged for large photographs of the principal war memorials erected in France, Flanders, and elsewhere, to be exhibited in the Tea Room?

My right hon. Friend has gladly availed himself of Mr. Speaker's permission to arrange such an exhibition, and a selection of photographs will be placed on view in the Tea Room next Tuesday, 8th November.

asked the Secretary of State for War what progress has been made with the issue of Territorial lapel-badges to serving Territorials?

Some 200,000 badges have been issued.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many titled women have received commissions in the Auxiliary Territorial Service; and what is the proportion of wage-earning women or officials of their organisations who have received similar commissions?

The number of women who have so far been finally selected for appointment as officers in the Auxiliary Territorial Service is 296, of whom 26 are titled. It is not possible, from the records of my Department, to indicate what proportion of the former figure are wage-earning women or officials of their organisations.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has had any communication with the South African Government explaining the purpose of Mr. Pirow's projected visit to the German Chancellor?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any information to give the House in regard to the visit to this country of the South African Minister of Defence?

Mr. Pirow arrived in this country on Tuesday, 1st November. The object of his visit is to discuss with the appropriate authorities of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom certain technical aspects of the defence programme of the Union of South Africa.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the South African subsidy for Italian shipping is due to end in February, any steps, and, if so, of what nature, are to be taken to ensure that henceforward British companies will have an opportunity of tendering for the services in question?

In announcing the decision of the Union Government not to renew the payment to the Italian Shipping Lines, the Minister of Commerce and Industries stated in the Union House of Assembly on 15th February, that should the Union Government become convinced that assistance was necessary to maintain and develop the trade which had been established, they would not be prepared to consider further payment without giving all shipping lines which might be interested an opportunity to tender for the service. The attention of United Kingdom shipowners was drawn to this statement at the time.

asked the Minister of Transport on what grounds the application of Acton Borough Council for the installation of traffic lights at the junction of Perryn Road and Western Avenue has been refused, seeing that the local authority made the application to enable local residents to cross the road in safety at this point?

Having regard to the relatively small volume of traffic using the side roads, I am advised that traffic control signals are not desirble at the junction of Western Avenue and Perryn Road. A temporary footbridge has been provided for pedestrians as a more positive measure of safety while the possibility of constructing a permanent subway is under investigation.

asked the Minister of Transport whether a census has been taken of the number of persons using the road bridges for pedestrians erected on the Kingston by-pass road; and has he come to any conclusion as to their efficiency as a means of reducing road accidents?

asked the Minister of Transport what safety measures he proposes to suggest for the purpose of meeting the grievances of the East Acton residents regarding the dangers to their families and themselves arising from traffic conditions on Western Avenue about which they have been demonstrating for the past three months?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has any statement to make about the change of policy shown by the erection of road bridges for pedestrians on Western Avenue; what the results have been; and whether it is proposed to adopt this policy on other roads?

The Kingston By-Pass and Western Avenue are being provided with dual carriageways and service roads or cycle tracks so that they may be adequate for the traffic using them. I recognise fully the need for positive safety measures in the interests of pedestrians and the temporary footbridges have been erected pending the provision of permanent means of crossing the road. No census of persons using the bridges has been taken.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the Jarrow Ferries Committee have given notice to the ferry employÉs to terminate their employment on 31st December, as the town is no longer able to bear its share of the cost of maintaining and operating the ferry; and whether, in view of the serious interruption to much Tyne traffic and the inconvenience to men working at Wallsend if the ferry is closed, he will consider a further grant in aid to enable the ferry to be carried on until some decision is reached regarding the Tyne Tunnel or alternative services?

I am aware of the circumstances referred to by the hon. Member. I am already making the maximum grant possible towards the maintenance of the ferry and have offered a grant on similar terms to any necessary repairs, etc., and I would remind the hon. Member that the county councils, although they are the responsible highway authorities for the classified roads served by the ferry, have contributed nothing.I may add that I propose to visit the Tyneside area on 18th November, when I hope to have an opportunity of discussing with the various interests concerned the general questions of cross-Tyne communications.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he can give the number of applications for enlistment to His Majesty's Forces that have been rejected on the grounds of physical unfitness during the 12 months ended to the last convenient date?

The number of applications for enlistment to His Majesty's Forces that were rejected on medical and physical grounds during the year ended 30th September, 1938, was as follows:

Royal Navy and Royal Marines	24,613
Army	9,851
Royal Air Force	7,456
Total	41,920

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in the event of the mobilisation of the Defence Forces for active service in war time, the rate of separation allowances for the wives of members of the forces would be the same as those laid down in January, 1919, or if it is proposed to increase those allowances in view of the great increase in house rents since 1919?

The rate of family allowance to be issued in the event of mobilisation of the Defence Forces would be decided by the Government of the day in the light of circumstances then obtaining.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the urgent need for recruits in the three fighting services and the need to encourage such recruitment, he will consider introducing legislation whereby the parents or other dependants of unmarried recruits may be paid suitable allowances to prevent their recourse to public assistance during the service of the men concerned?

Facilities are already available under which men of the three Defence Services can make allotments from their pay to parents or dependants. The proposal of the hon. Member would involve heavy additional expenditure which I do not consider would be justified.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty when it was decided by the Admiralty to take over Ardrossan Harbour, and what is the service to which it is to be put; and whether he will consider entering into negotiations with the appropriate bodies for the taking over by the Admiralty of Princes Pier and the old Caird shipyard, Greenock?

No proposal has been made for taking over Ardrossan Harbour nor are there any requirements at present for which Princes Pier or the old Caird shipyard could be utilized by the Admiralty.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will state the number of men and women employed in the home dockyards in October, 1937, and October, 1938?

The number of workmen and workpeople borne at the home yards on these dates are:

• Workmen: 39,455 and 41,517 respectively.
• Workwomen: 317 and 331 respectively.

These numbers relate to dockyard employment proper, that is shipbuilding and ship repairing work, etc.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give the equivalent in sterling of the value in 1937 of the exports of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to and of the imports by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics from the following countries: Great Britain, Germany, and the United States of America?

The following table shows the value of imports into and exports frm the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in trade with the undermentioned countries during the year 1937.

Country of origin or final destination.			Imports into U.S.S.R.	Exports from U.S.S.R.
			£'000.	£'000.
Great Britain	…	…	7,421	21,884
Germany	…	…	7,750	4,161
United States	…	…	9,444	5,196

asked the President of the Board of Trade what compensatory arrangements, by quota or otherwise, are being made to help the Lancashire cotton trade from the effects of competition experienced in the African market; and whether the Congo Basin Treaty will be modified accordingly?

Quotas regulating the importation of foreign cotton piece goods are in operation over the greater part of the market in British Colonial territories in Africa except the territories covered by the Congo Basin Treaties. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Withington (Mr. Fleming) on 31st May last.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the Cotton Enabling Bill will be brought in?

The proposals for this measure are at present under discussion between the Joint Committee of Cotton Trade Organisations and various interests that are likely to be affected by it. When the proposals have reached a final form and a Bill has been drafted, it is proposed to afford those affected an opportunity of expressing their views on the proposals. I am not yet able to say when it will be possible to do this, but I can assure my hon. Friend that there will be no avoidable delay on my part.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the present position with regard to negotiations with Egypt about the tariff imposed on cotton goods imported into that country; and whether, in view of the recent heavy reductions in the imports of British cotton goods into Egypt, he can indicate from what alternative sources their requirements of such goods have been obtained?

As I stated on 1st November in reply to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Hulme Division of Manchester (Sir J. Nall) a Lancashire mission is now in Cairo discussing with the Egyptian authorities the difficulties surrounding the export of cotton textiles to Egypt: officials of the Board of Trade are accompanying this mission in an advisory capacity. As regards the second part of the question, the Egyptian statistics show that the decline in imports of cotton piece goods from the United Kingdom in the first eight months of this year as compared with the corresponding period of 1937 has been slightly less,

Description.	1934.	1935.	1936.	1937.
	£	£	£	£
Arms	627,802	928,027	7l6,312	809,991
Ammunition	2,022,566	2,057,561	2,337,787	2,700,615
Torpedoes and submarine mine appliances and military, naval and ordnance stores and appliances, not elsewhere specified.	532,702	702,284	631,612	977,201
Total of arms, ammunition and military and naval stores.	3,183,070	3,687,872	3,685,711	4,487,807
NOTE.—The above figures include sporting arms and ammunition and explosives for industrial use, the aggregate value of which cannot be precisely stated.

asked the President of the Board of Trade Whether he will state the

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the recent Report of the British Chamber of Commerce delegation to Finland, indicating that the balance of trade in Finland's favour had been steadily increasing during recent years and amounted to over £16,000,000 in 1937; and whether, in these circumstances, he proposes to take any steps to improve the position or to modify the provisions of the Anglo-Finnish Trade Agreement?

Yes, Sir. Since the report referred to by my hon. Friend was issued, the views of the delegation have been amplified by a deputation which was recently received in my Department, and the question of trade relations between this country and Finland is now under active consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the total value of arms and munitions, respectively, exported from Great Britain during the years 1934, 1935, 1936, and 1937, respectively?

The following table shows the total declared value of arms, ammunition and military and naval stores of United Kingdom manufacture exported to British and foreign countries during each of the years 1934, 1935, 1936 and 1937.number of aeroplanes exported from Great Britain during the years 1934, 1935, 1936, and 1937, respectively?

The total number of complete aeroplanes of United Kingdom manufacture exported from this country was 298 in 1934, 453 in 1935, 448 in 1936, and 506 in 1937.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the values of exports and imports between Britain and the Union of

—	Declared Value.	Proportion carried in vessels of
		British Nationality.	Soviet Union Nationality.
	£'000	Per cent.	Per cent.
Imports into the United Kingdom consigned from the Soviet Union.	29,124	16.0	48.6
Exports from the United Kingdom consigned to the Soviet Union—
Produce and manufactures of the United Kingdom.	3,085	4.7	82.0
Imported merchandise	16,420	2.2	55.7

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, what is the liability of the Government at the present time owing to the guarantee in July, 1936, of £10,000,000 promissory notes to the Russian trade representative; and when the liability will expire?

Up to the present date Promissory Notes to the value of £3,770,000 have been guaranteed by the Export Credits Guarantee Department and the total liability, including interest, amounts to £4,725,075. Orders for the full £10,000,000 provided under the Agreement have been placed with United Kingdom manufacturers and further Promissory Notes will be issued when payments for these goods become due. The Department's liability will expire after the last payments of principal and interest which fall due five years after the date of issue of the last Promissory Note.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether debts due by British traders to Jewish manufacturers in Austria and the Sudeten areas, whose businesses have now been confiscated, should be paid to the original proprietors of the business or to the Government which has absorbed them?

The following table shows the total declared value of merchandise imported into and exported from the United Kingdom in trade with the Soviet Union during the year 1937 and the proportions carried in vessels of British and Soviet Union nationality, respectively:

Questions of German as well as English law as applied to the facts of each particular case, are involved, and these can only be authoritatively pronounced upon by a competent court. The debtors concerned therefore should in case of doubt, consult their legal advisers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is anticipated that the Anglo-American trade agreement can be concluded by the end of the current year; and whether he can give an assurance that the recent orders which have been placed for military aircraft in America, and the continued favourable conditions secured for the entry of American films into this country under the Cinematograph Films Act, will be taken into account in this connection?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on the 1st November to questions by the hon. Members for St. Pancras, South-West (Sir G. Mitcheson) and Birkenhead, East (Mr. White). As regards the second part of the question, I can assure my hon. Friend that all relevant considerations will be taken into account.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether he will state the reasons why the forest workers continue to be refused payment of their wages in weekly rather than fortnightly periods?

Fortnightly pay periods were adopted as forest workers are often employed over very scattered areas, and weekly payments would involve a serious loss of time on the part of the forester. Moreover employment is often on a piece-work basis and weekly checking of quantities of work performed would entail a further loss of time. Although these difficulties may not arise in a few forests it is advisable, for administrative purposes, to standardise pay periods in a large concern such as the Forestry Commission. In cases of hardship, however, advances on account of wages are made before the end of the pay period.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the total tonnage of coastwise traffic in the United Kingdom for the last year and what proportion was carried in Dutch shipping; and what were the corresponding figures for Dutch coastwise shipping and the proportion of such traffic carried in British shipping?

Particulars of the total tonnage of cargoes carried coastwise between ports in the United Kingdom or of the proportions carried in vessels of different nationalities are not available. The total net tonnage of all vessels, in cluding their repeated voyages, that arrived and departed with cargo coastwise at United Kingdom ports in 1937 was 58.4 million tons, of which Dutch vessels represented 0.9 per cent. I have no corresponding official figures of Dutch coasting traffic.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Islington Borough Council have been informed that unemployed men who had been given work digging trenches in the open spaces of the borough during the recent emergency, on ceasing work and being again unemployed, suffered considerable reductions in their unemployment assistance allowances or unemployment insurance benefit; and that consequently a number of the men were very little in pocket, whilst owing to the extra demands made on them in performing work of such a strenuous nature, some may have suffered actual loss; and whether he intends to take any steps to remedy this grievance?

Unemployment benefit is not payable in respect of days on which claimants are employed. As regards unemployment assistance, the Board informs me that the earnings of the men referred to were taken into account in accordance with the Regulations under which a certain proportion of the earnings were allowed for the personal requirements of the wage earner. The Board's officers also gave consideration to any case in which the applicant represented that the normal allowance for personal requirements was inadequate having regard to the special circumstances of his case, and where it was justifiable to do so increased the allowance by an exercise of discretion.