asked the Minister of Transport what are the rates charged for electricity supplied to consumers in each of the counties, cities, and towns in Scotland, showing in each case whether the supply is by a local authority or by a limited company or private firm; what steps are being taken to reduce the

The figures are given in the attached table.charges where these are high; and what proposals he has to make to reduce such high charges?

The prices charged for electricity are a matter for the undertakings concerned subject to the statutory maximum charges by which they are governed, and I am not in possession of the information for which the hon. Member asks. It is open to the local authority or to not less than 20 consumers to make application to me for a revision of the maximum prices chargeable.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has now been able to consider the resolutions passed at the conference of the National Farmers' Union of England, Scotland and Ulster, held at Edinburgh on 6th October, calling on the Government to assist the sheep industry with a subsidy on the same lines as that given in the case of cattle; and whether it has now been possible to work out a practical plan for such a subsidy?

I have been asked to reply. I have received and noted the views of the conference to which my hon. Friend refers. With regard to the possibility of financial assistance to the sheep industry, I have, however, nothing to add to the reply given to my hon. Friend on 25th July last.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the serious position of Scottish sheep farmers; whether he is aware that the largely increased imports of 1937 resulted in a price drop far below the cost of production of live or dead meat in this country and that, notwithstanding that fact, imports for the first nine months of this year show an increase of 90,000 cwts. on the corresponding period of 1937; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

With regard to the second part of the question, I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that home supplies were lower in 1937 than in the previous year, and in the current year various factors in addition to the volume of imports have influenced the price of sheep and lambs received by home producers. Some of these factors were indicated by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Agriculture, in the course of the Debate on the Address on 15th November, when figures were also quoted showing that there had been a decline of 110,000 cwts. in total imports of mutton and lamb during the first ten months of this year as compared with the corresponding period of 1937.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the proportion of firms engaged in sub-contracting work for air production in Scotland, compared with firms in other parts of the country; and whether he will take steps to see that Scotland has an adequate share of this work?

Sub-contracts are placed by main contractors and I regret therefore that the figures asked for by my hon. and learned Friend could not readily be made available. I have no doubt however that my right hon. Friend's recent request to airframe contractors to sub-contract a large proportion of their work, together with the other measures he is taking to broaden the basis of production as explained to the House on the 10th November, will give Scottish firms further opportunities for sub-contract work.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that there are now some 50,000 tractors in use on British farms, arrangements can be introduced to provide courses for farm-workers in the management and maintenance of the machinery involved?

A number of county authorities for agricultural education are providing, or are taking steps to provide, instruction of this nature. I have recently called the attention of all such authorities to the importance of this matter, and a special instructors' course has been arranged for members of their staffs.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the present estimated annual consumption of hydrocarbon oil by farm tractors in Great Britain; and whether he is satisfied that arrangements have been made to safeguard and increase these supplies in the event of an emergency, so that adequate supplies shall be available for this purpose?

The consumption of hydrocarbon oil by farm tractors in Great Britain is estimated at about 45 million gallons per annum. In the Government's plans for securing adequate supplies of oil for essential services in time of emergency account has been taken of the increased requirements of the agricultural industry.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the conclusion contained in the report of the Joint Committee of Inquiry into the Anglo-Argentine Meat Trade that from a study of the prices of cattle in Argentina and of beef in the United Kingdom it appears that the power of the packing companies to maintain substantial profit margins began to increase after 1929 and reached its height in 1934, he is satisfied that adequate steps have now been taken to protect the producers of British beef in this connection?

I am aware of the conclusions reached in the report referred to by my hon. Friend, but it does not appear that the matters under review therein have any direct bearing on the position of the producer of fat cattle in this country.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what amount has been paid out in respect of the beet sugar subsidy since the inception of the scheme; and what part of this sum is estimated to have reached the farmers growing sugar beet as opposed to the beet sugar factory interests?

The total amount of subsidy paid to the beet sugar industry in this country since 1924 is approximately £41,000,000. Any apportionment of the benefit of the subsidy between growers and factories would necessarily be highly speculative, since it would involve an estimate of what would have been the price of sugar beet had no direct Exchequer assistance been afforded to the industry.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what has been the approximate amount of capital made available to farmers on long-term loans during each of the past five years; and whether he will now give an assurance that legislation will be introduced at an early opportunity to revise the present inadequate arrangements for granting credit facilities to farmers?

I regret that the information asked for by my hon. Friend is not available. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Evesham (Mr. De la Bère) on 1st November.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the market for cow beef and ewe mutton is seriously affected by the continuous large imports of boneless meat; and whether he will take action in the matter?

I am aware of the increase in imports of boneless beef, to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. This class of beef is mainly consumed in Glasgow by the poorest section of the community and investigations undertaken in recent years by the Market Supply Committee and by the International Beef Conference indicated that these imports were essential for the class of trade concerned. Supplies of all classes of beef are regulated in accordance with the decisions of the International Beef Conference in the light of market requirements. The firm level of prices suggests that prevailing supplies of boneless beef are not in excess of demand.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what have been the figures of imports of lamb and mutton from New Zealand, Australia and South America, respectively, for the months of May, June, July, August and September, 1938; how far are these importations in excess of those for the same months in 1936 and 1937; and how far has the Minister's expectation been realised that quantities will average out in accordance with the understanding that the interests of British flock-masters would be the first consideration?

With regard to the first and second parts of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the monthly trade and navigation accounts. With regard to the third part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to my statement during the Debate on the Address on 15th November, when I indicated that total imports of mutton and lamb during the first ten months of this year had declined by some 110,000 cwts. as compared with the same period of 1937.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that the present low price received by farmers for milk is largely due to the fact that milk is sold for manufacturing purposes at less than 7d. per gallon and below the cost of production, he will take steps to protect the manufacturers of milk products to such an extent against foreign competition that they can pay a more adequate price for the milk which they obtain from British producers?

Provision is at present made under the Milk Acts, 1934 to 1938, for financial assistance to the milk industry if the price of milk used for manufacture into butter and cheese falls below certain levels. As regards future action, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the relevant provisions of the Milk Industry Bill, which was introduced yesterday.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is in a position to make any statement on the recommendations of the Royal Commission for the Report on Central Abattoirs; how far he is satisfied that there are adequate cold-storage facilities available throughout the country to receive home-grown car-cases, thus providing equal opportunities for the sale of home and overseas meat; and whether, in connection with the policy recommended of the provision of central abattoirs, he will consider the establishment of cold-storage facilities on such sites?

Part V of the Livestock Industry Act, 1937, provides for the establishment of three experimental central slaughterhouses, and the results shown by these will afford valuable guidance for the consideration in due course of future policy regarding the slaughtering of livestock. The Livestock Commission are at present considering a number of proposals which have been made to them by local authorities and other bodies for the establishment of the three central slaughterhouses in question.With respect to the question of cold storage, the Commission regard the provision of adequate mechanical cooling facilities at a central slaughterhouse as an essential feature for the purpose of conditioning the meat, but I understand that whilst these coolers could be used for storage for a limited period, the keeping of home-produced meat in cold store at a temperature below freezing point would have a detrimental effect on the prices obtained by the British farmer.

asked the Prime Minister whether British shipowners are still denied normal wharf facilities at Tsingtao; and whether merchandise and passengers have still to be conveyed by junks and sampans?

Yes, Sir, and the matter is being made the subject, of renewed representations to the Japanese Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is able to give specific information on the prevention of the export of wool, hides, and skins from North China arising from the monopoly of railway freights by the Japanese or from other causes?

The embargo on hides and skins has been partially lifted, and the export of goat skins, kid skins and kid plates, and certain categories of lamb skins and lamb plates is now permitted. A further embargo was recently imposed on the export of sheep and slink wool, and hemp, from Tientsin. The export of goat and camel hair remains unrestricted. Representations were made by His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo on 5th November, and I understand that similar representations have been made by his German and United States colleagues.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement on the burning of a Jewish synagogue at Zopgot, near Danzig; and on the arrest of a number of Jews in Danzig?

My Noble Friend has so far received no official confirmation of these reports.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Union of Soviet Socialist Rubublics is co-operating upon the Refugees Committee; and whether that Government has made any offer to receive Jewish refugees from Central Europe?

The Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics were not among the Governments invited by the United States to take part in the Evian Meeting. They are therefore not represented on the London Inter-governmental Committee. My Noble Friend has no information to show that the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics have made any offer to receive Jewish refugees from Central Europe.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to lay before the Intergovernmental Continuation Committee any immediate proposals for the reception of Jewish refugees from Germany within the British Commonwealth?

His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are urgently considering what further proposals they may be in a position to make in regard to the problem of involuntary emigration from Germany, and they will at once inform the Inter-governmental Committee of their conclusions. The admission of refugees into the Dominions is a matter for the Dominion Governments concerned.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give particulars of any compensation payments made to British shipowners for the damage and destruction of their vessels resulting from deliberate attack in Spanish waters?

There have been no such payments. This question, which has been discussed with the interests concerned, has been made the subject of an approach to the Burgos authorities.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what expenditure is contemplated upon the film illustrative of Great Britain that is to be shown at the New York fair next year; and what persons are to be responsible for its production?

The question of the films to be shown in the cinema theatre in the British Pavilion at the New York World's Fair is under consideration by my Department, which is in close consultation with the Joint Film Committee of the British Council and the Travel Association; the committee has undertaken to co-ordinate the selection of films for display. It is not possible at this stage to furnish an estimate of the expenditure involved.

asked the President of the Board if Trade whether he can give the yardage and value of re-exports from the United Kingdom to British Dominions and Colonies of Japanese cotton cloth imported for finishing purposes; and whether any steps have been taken to prevent such goods from being sold as British?

I regret that the information asked for in the first part of the question is not available. As regards the second part, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given on 2nd March, 1937, to the hon. Member for Burnley (Mr. Burke), of which I am sending him a copy. I should add that since that reply was given the minimum percentage of United Kingdom content has been raised in Canada in respect of certain varieties of cotton piece-goods.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make a statement on the proposed Anglo-American trading agreement?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which was made yesterday in answer to a question by the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken to place British exporters to Canada on equal terms with Canadian exporters to Britain whereby Canadian exporters do not have to declare the home market value for duty purposes, while British exporters are made to declare home market value?

Imports into Canada are assessed for duty purposes on value in the home market of the exporter, whereas in this country imports are assessed on their landed value. The system of valuation adopted is a matter entirely for the country concerned; and I do not think that any practical purpose would be served by representations to the Government of Canada on this subject by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Trinity House Commissioners have included the three shipbuilding firms of Aberdeen in their list of contractors for small vessels; and whether, having regard to the fact that large numbers of skilled workers and 15 slips are in danger of falling into desuetude, to the loss in that measure of our Defence resources, he will ensure that every opportunity is given to these firms by all departments under the Board to tender?

I understand from the Trinity House that each case is considered on its merits, the firms asked to tender being selected from those capable of doing the kind of work required. The Board satisfy themselves before approving the placing of contracts by the General Lighthouse Authorities that all reasonable steps have been taken to ensure an adequate field of competition.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will approach the London and North Eastern Railway Company with a view to expediting the proposed electrification of their railway between Manchester and Woodhead, as this work will tend to lead to the industrial development of North-east Cheshire, and consequently find employment for many people in the district?

I will convey my hon. Friend's suggestion to the London and North Eastern Railway Company. The electrification of this line is actively in hand.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that, in selecting executive officer civil servants from other Departments for transfer to the Air Ministry, junior men with no naval, military, or Air Force service are being selected in preference to senior men who served with the fighting forces during the Great War; and whether, in future transfers to Defence Departments, steps will be taken to ensure that ex-service men in possession of the necessary qualifications are given that preference to which their war service entitles them?

On two occasions in the last two years the Air Ministry have filled vacancies in the bottom grade of the executive class by transfer. Twenty officers have been so transferred, of whom nine are ex-service men. Inter-departmental transfers of this kind must necessarily be arranged primarily by reference to the duties to be performed, and the qualifications of the individuals. The question of age distribution must also be borne in mind.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the law requiring persons using silver plate and other household and personal effects bearing the heraldic emblems of former owners to obtain a licence and pay tax to the local authorities, is universally operated against all persons liable for the payment?

The local authorities who administer the armorial bearings licence duty and receive the revenue from it are not under my control and I regret that I cannot give the information required.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in view of the present depression in the price of Empire coffee, he will consider giving, in his next Budget, an increased preference to such products?

My hon. Friend's suggestion has been noted, but he will not, of course, expect me to anticipate the Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the fiduciary note issue is likely to be increased in the near future to meet seasonal demands for additional currency?

As the hon. Member is aware, the statutory position is that the Treasury is empowered to act in this matter on a request from the Bank of England. I have no doubt that this step will be taken should the need arise.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the advisability of setting up a committee of inquiry into the causes of rheumatism with a view to its cure and prevention?

Research into the problem of rheumatism is already being undertaken by the Medical Research Council as part of their general activities. Investigations are also in progress by the Empire Rheumatism Council. I think it would be undesirable at present to institute another inquiry.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that the medical facilities afforded by the London County Council on the recently-built housing estates in the London area are satisfactory; and will he inquire into the case of Mr. Broadstock, of 86, Comber House, Camberwell, S.E.5, who was unable to obtain either medical assistance from the nearest London County Council hospital or an ambulance from the London County Council medical authority at County Hall, when his child was dangerously ill, because he could not find a doctor from whom to get a medical certificate, as a result of which the infant died before the assistance could be obtained?

As regards the first part of the question, I have no reason to suppose that the medical facilities on new housing estates in the London area are unsatisfactory. As regards the second part of the question, I am in communication with the London County Council, and I will inform my hon. and gallant Friend of the result when my inquiries are complete.

asked the Minister of Health the dates of the notification as cases of smallpox of the two smallpox cases from Wigan and of the two contacts from Irlam?

I am making inquiries from the local authorities concerned and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health how many children have been immunised in Portsmouth since immunisation started in that town; and whether any immunised or partially immunised child has developed diphtheria?

I am making inquiries from the local authority and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in connection with trading estates established by the Government, or in course of preparation, the question of the planning satellite towns in connection therewith has received his consideration; and with what result?

In view of the proximity of the trading estates which the hon. Member has in mind to existing centres of population, I do not think that the consideration of this question arises, but, as the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the Town and Country Planning Act, 1932, contains powers under which local authorities can develop garden cities where necessary.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has yet received from the Gloucestershire County Council a statement of the capital expenditure contemplated in the next five years; and, if so, what is the anticipated total cost thereof?

Yes, Sir. The total estimated capital cost of the works, as given in the programme, is £2,691,600.

asked the Minister of committees connected with his Department are now in being; and if he will state in each case the name of the committee, whether it is classified as Departmental, advisory or otherwise; whether it is a statutory committee or

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in the case of imported boneless meat reliable tests for the detection of tubercle and other defects, depending upon examination of the internal organs, are impossible; whether he is further aware that much of such meat is unfit for human consumption according to British standards; and will he take steps to have this matter

The following is a list of committees connected with my Department which are now in being. All of these either consist of, or include, representatives of interests concerned.examined with a view to keeping any such unhealthy food out of the British markets?

All boneless meat imported into this country must bear a certificate of proper inspection of the whole carcase on slaughter and of its fitness for human consumption. A standard of inspection equal to that in operation in this country has been required of all exporting countries. The meat is also inspected at the ports of entry.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Government intend to take powers to see that all new houses are provided, when built, with air-raid shelters adequate for their inhabitants?

I am not in a position at the moment to make a statement on this subject.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will provide facilities for unemployed men who have qualified as air-raid wardens to attend a course of training in order further to equip themselves for employment in the air-raid precautions service?

I presume that by facilities the hon. Member means the right to continue to draw unemployment benefit while undergoing training. This must depend on the circumstances and the governing provisions of the Unemployment Insurance Acts, but I have the matter under consideration.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Government intend to license all builders of air-raid shelters; and, if not, what steps they propose to take to see that all such shelters are suitably constructed?

I think we must rely upon the general dissemination of knowledge of the standards and methods of construction considered necessary. This is being achieved by the issue of handbooks and memoranda and by the co-operation of the professional bodies of architects and engineers.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider introducing legislation to prohibit the attaching of dogs to fast-moving vehicles, in view of the suffering often thereby caused?

I am advised that the existing law in the Protection of Animals Act, 1911, would cover any such practice as that referred to by my hon. Friend if it involves suffering to the animal.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has yet received a report from the chief constable of Manchester concerning certain sixpence-in-the-slot automatic machines installed in that city?

I have received a report from the chief constable, and will send my hon. and learned Friend a copy.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will facilitate the setting up of an unemployed social centre in Dukinfield; and whether he will support any efforts made to assist financially the two social centres for unemployed men in Stalybridge and Hyde?

The Ministry of Labour make a grant in aid of the National Council of Social Service to enable the Council to assist and stimulate voluntary efforts to provide occupation for unemployed persons. Applications for assistance should be made to the Council through the appropriate Regional organisation which in the case of Dukinfield, Stalybridge and Hyde is the Lancashire and Cheshire Community Council, Selnec House, Wynnstay Grove, Fallow-field, Manchester.

asked the Minister of Labour what number of persons signing on at the Romford Employment Exchange at the beginning of November, 1938, were resident in Hornchurch; and what percentage this was of the total?

I regret that statistics giving the information desired are not available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the treatment of Mr. L. Keppel, of Southend-on-Sea, by the Unemployment Assistance Board under which he received no allowance for three weeks as a result of taking employment for a week, and was, therefore, financially much worse off than if he had not worked at all; and as this policy of the Unemployment Assistance Board will have the result of deterring unemployed persons from taking short-time employment he will take steps to alter a policy with such undesirable consequences?

I am informed by the Board that Mr. Keppel received 60s. for employment for the seven days ending 21st August. His allowance of 15s. was withheld on 19th and 26th August so that he received 30s. more in wages than he would have received from the Board if he had done no work at all. In the circumstances I cannot agree that any question of deterring a person from taking work arises.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has now investigated the position regarding the figures for unemployed persons registered at the Employment Exchange, Greenock, at 30th September, 1938, and 31st October, 1938; and whether he can account for the rise of 700 over that period of one month?

My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary has written to the hon. Member explaining that the figures on which this question is based were not supplied officially by the Department. In these circumstances I cannot take any responsibility for their accuracy. It was pointed out in a previous answer that there was a drop in unemployment at Greenock between 12th September and 17th October. If there was a rise between 30th September and 31st October this may be accounted for by special demands for labour at the docks and elsewhere at the earlier date, and bad weather temporarily affecting the building trades at the later date.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, with a view to increasing the reserves of petrol in this country, he can arrange for steps to be taken which will provide an inducement to every petrol filling station in the country to maintain much larger reserve tanks than it now possesses?

There are several important considerations to which regard must be had in deciding the best disposition of the stocks of petroleum products held in this country. My hon. and gallant Friend may be assured that, subject to these, all possibilities of improving the stocks position have been fully examined and suitable action is being taken.

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether, since under the present system of production nothing can guarantee appreciable acceleration or enlargement of output of armaments, he has any alternative proposals for meeting the serious deficiencies in Defence?

I suggest that my hon. Friend should await the statements to be made on behalf of the Government to-day on an Amendment to be moved to the Address.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether, in view of the special circumstances at Bridgend and district, he will authorise the building of the girls' secondary school; the plans of which have been before the board for two years, and which is listed first for construction by the Glamorgan Education Committee?

The authority have been asked to defer this building project for the time being so that they may make as much progress as possible before 1940 with the work which will be required in connection with the reorganisation of the elementary schools. It will be open to the authority when submitting next year's building programme to call attention to any special circumstances which appear to justify the approval of any particular project under the terms of Circular 1464, a copy of which I am sending the hon. Member.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he has considered the copy of a resolution from the Oxfordshire County Council, drawing attention to the necessity for devising means for alleviating the present heavy burden on the county ratepayers and suggesting various means by which this might be achieved; and whether he anticipates that it will be possible to proceed with any of the detailed suggestions made?

My Noble Friend has considered the resolution in question. The period of the special grant of 50 per cent. on capital expenditure on educational re-organisation and development has already been extended, as announced in Circular 1464, of which I am sending the hon. Baronet a copy. My Noble Friend does not see his way to propose legislation to amend the Education Act of 1936 in the manner suggested in the resolution.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the recent refusal to allow naval ratings to proceed on leave to certain districts in Lancashire, unless they had been successfully vaccinated or re-vaccinated within the last five years, is to be taken as indicating that the Navy medical officers do not consider vaccination to be of any protective value after a period of five years has elapsed?

The regulations prescribe that naval personnel should be re-vaccinated after five years, experience having shown that in some men the immunity obtained from vaccination may gradually diminish with passage of time.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, having regard to the increasing importance of air work in the Fleet, he will consider the possibility of instituting an air branch of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve?

I am happy to inform my hon. and gallant Friend that the institution of an air branch of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve has already been approved, and the detailed regulations concerning conditions of service and training will be published in a day or two.

asked the Postmaster-General the reason for the promotion to the assistant postmastership at Leeds of an officer from Wakefield who, less than a year ago, was a junior officer at Leeds; and whether he is aware that the promotion has involved the passing over of three grades, and has caused dissatisfaction and disappointment amongst the officers concerned?

I am aware of the circumstances. The officer in question was selected because there was no fully qualified local officer available, and after careful consideration of various candidates from outside he was found to be the best qualified.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has decided upon the reference for the Royal Commission on Compensation; and whether he can now state who are the members comprising the Commission?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given yesterday in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent (Mr. E. Smith).