asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can make any statement as to the progress of experimental test drilling for oil in Scotland?

Two deep test boreholes have recently been put down in Midlothian by separate licensees under the Petroleum (Production) Act, 1934. A small quantity of oil has been encountered at one borehole and considerable quantities of natural gas at both of them. The gas is at present shut in at both boreholes pending the drilling of two more in the neighbourhood. In addition, exploratory work is taking place on the north side of the Firth of Forth.

Does my hon. and gallant Friend see a successful issue to these efforts?

I should not like to make any statement on that subject at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the serious condition of sheep farming; and what steps the Government propose to take to re-establish this essential branch of Scottish agriculture?

As indicated in replies to questions circulated on 17th November and in the statements made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries during the Debate on the Address on 15th November, my right hon. Friend and I are fully aware of the situation in the sheep farming industry and have the matter under close consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this state of things is becoming more serious, and that the replies up to date by the Government have failed completely to remedy it?

No doubt my hon. Friend will be aware that the problem is by no means easy to solve.

When is the Minister likely to be in a position to make a statement on this subject?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of my constituents was offered as little as 7s. for his black-faced sheep?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the report of the Departmental Committee on the Scottish Health Services, with special reference to the provision of a medical service for wives and dependants of national health insured persons; and what action does he propose to give effect to either the, majority or minority reports?

This matter has received careful consideration, but I regret that I cannot at present hold out any prospect of legislation for this purpose.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the section of the British Medical Association which represents Scotland is now unanimously of the opinion that some action should be taken in the interests of the health of the dependants of insured persons in Scotland?

I am aware of the importance of the question, but, as the hon. Member will recollect, the Committee found it difficult to agree on a solution. I cannot add anything to what I have said on the subject of legislation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in my question I gave him the opportunity of accepting either the majority or the minority report?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared favourably to consider the setting up of a Royal Commission to inquire into and report on the problems of administration arising out of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1929, and the problems of rating associated with local government?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to a question by the hon. Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Mathers) on 28th June last.

Is the Prime Minister aware that there is now a unanimous demand from the local authorities in Scotland for such a commission, whereas previously the County Councils Association were not so keenly interested in the problem?

I was not aware of that.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can give any information regarding the clinical inquiry being made by the Department of Health for Scotland into the problem of chronic incapacity of insured workers in Scotland?

This inquiry, the general lines of which were explained in the Department's Annual Report for 1937, is still proceeding. It is too early to give any indication of the conclusions which may be drawn. I might mention, however, that about 25,000 cases have now been reviewed, of which some 5,000 have undergone special clinical examination.

Does the inquiry into the disabilities of young people in industry cover the conditions of employment, the fact that they are subject to long spells of unemployment, and the conditions in their homes, particularly in cases where other members of the family are unemployed and are subject to the means test?

The inquiry covers a very wide range. If the hon. Lady would like me to do so, I will let her have further details as to the nature of the employments covered.

Do the figures bear out what has been referred to as the rise in the standard of living in the last seven years?

The figures only show that the Department has been carrying out its work.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the report of the medical officer of health for Glasgow contains the statement that the death rate from tuberculosis amongst girls from 15 to 25 years of age has increased, and that notifications of this disease amongst this age group has risen during the last five years; and will he inquire into the causes of this increase?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. While the general death rate from pulmonary tuberculosis has continued to decline, the relatively high mortality among young adults has been a matter of serious concern for many years. I understand that the rate among girls in Glasgow is receiving special consideration from the medical officer of health and his staff.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the medical officer gives, as the reason for the high death rate among this particular age group, fruity nutrition and fatigue, and does not that show that the wages and conditions of labour are not sufficiently good?

I know that the medical officer of health has this particular age group under his special examination now, and that he is concerned to get at the exact reasons. There are causes other than those which the hon. Lady has mentioned.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many headmasters or headmistresses there are in each of the cities and large burghs of Scotland, and how many of these have full-time and part-time clerical assistants, respectively; and whether he will consider extending the employment of such assistants, with a view to releasing headmasters or headmistresses for their ordinary functions of supervision and teaching?

As the answer is long and contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. and learned Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether he can now state the date of publication of the report of the Highlands and Islands Committee of the Scottish National Development Council;

(2) whether he will introduce legislation to assist Highland reconstruction by setting up a Highland Development Board with power to acquire land, fishing, and other sporting rights, to control waterpower development, and conduct afforestation, agriculture, and research, with financial powers and special funds?

As stated in the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 1st November, I am informed that the report of the Highlands and Islands Sub-Committee of the Scottish Development Council will be available about the beginning of next month. As he will appreciate, the terms of that report will require very careful study by the various departments concerned. I am not in a position to make any further statement at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the grave injury to Scottish agriculture arising from the present unremunerative price of oats; and whether he will consider increasing the guaranteed price and raising the quota per acre in order to give to Scottish farmers the security in respect of their stable cereal crop which is now enjoyed by the growers of wheat?

I am aware of the recent fall in the price of oats, which will, of course, mean that the sums payable next year to oat growers under the Agriculture Act, 1937, will be substantially higher than those paid this year. I cannot make any statement with regard to the suggestions made in the second part of the question, but, as my right. hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture indicated during the Debate on 15th November, the Government will continue to give consideration to the position of the growers of oats and barley.

Is the Secretary of State aware that the sums which are about to be paid are quite insufficient to secure a remunerative price to growers of oats? Does he not regard this matter as one of great urgency, and will he give an undertaking that the Government will look into it without any delay?

I have already indicated that I will look into the position of oat growers, but the sums which will be payable on the crop grown this year will be very much greater than those paid this year on the crop grown last year.

They are not enough.

Will the Secretary of State bear in mind the fact that Scottish farmers find it very difficult to understand why these payments should be based on only two quarters an acre, instead of the considerably larger quantity per acre which is the basis in the case of wheat?

That point has been put to me already, but it must also be remembered that in the case of wheat very large quantities are imported from abroad, whereas the imports of oats are very small. The remedy cannot be applied in quite the same way.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has received any report on a fire which took place recently at the Forthview Hotel, Aberdour; whether he is aware that the only means of access to the hotel is by means of a dark and narrow path round the old harbour, which makes a sudden night-time evacuation extremely dangerous; and whether he will consider the building of a roadway in this part of Aberdour?

I have no information about the circumstances of the fire referred to in the question, but I am making inquiries, and I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take care to find out the full facts concerning the danger, not only from fire, but from the bad road, which makes it difficult for visitors to escape?

I am making inquiries into the matter. If the hon. Member has any other points to put before me, I shall be happy to take them into consideration.

As the reply includes a table of figures, I propose, with my hon. Friend's permission, to circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that, arising out of the wrongful arrest of Mr. Hunter Sandison, of 86, King Harold Street, Lerwick, on 15th July, 1937, the Zetland County Council has considered the circumstances of the arrest, including the action of the police authorities, and decided that Mr. Sandison had no justifiable ground for complaint, and that this decision was based on an investigation by the Lord Advocate's Department; whether he will state the nature and scope of this investigation; whether Mr. Sandison was communicated with by the Department; and what evidence other than that of the sheriff-substitute and the police concerned was taken?

The Zetland County Council's decision was not based on the inquiries made by the criminal authorities, no report of which was communicated to the council.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of applications received from Scottish ports, and from which ports, for grants towards the cost of building new motor-boats under Section 4 of the Herring Industry Act, 1938?

I would refer to the reply given yesterday to the hon. Member by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. No formal applications have been made, though a few tentative inquiries have been received from Scottish ports.

How many tentative inquiries have been received?

They have been received from Buckle, Wick, Hopeman, Helmsdale, Lossiemouth, Leith and Carradale. There has been one inquiry from each port.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a statement regarding the proposed causeway at Bernera Island, Isle of Lewis?

Following an application by the county council, the Department of Agriculture for Scotland offered a grant in aid of the construction of boatslips on either side of Bernera Sound. The county council subsequently indicated that they desired to consider the construction of a causeway across the Sound; and while, so far as I am aware, they have not formally adopted this suggestion, the matter is now the subject of correspondence and discussion.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter has been a subject of correspondence and discussion for a great number of years, and that in the meantime people are being inconvenienced? Will he not urge that some more definite action than mere discussion shall be taken; and will he not initiate that action himself?

I am looking into the matter personally, but the hon. Member will realise that the Department offered to make a grant for a certain purpose, and that the county council expressed the view that they would like it done in another way.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that, after making special inquiries, I have myself had a unanimous request from the district for a causeway and not for slips?

I will bear that point in mind; but, of course, the hon. Member must realise the position of the local authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of electors entitled to vote in county council elections in Scotland?

I regret that I am not in possession of the figures asked for in the question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that he does not get supplied with these figures annually after the lists have been made up? Is it not possible to provide this information, in order that it may be complementary to the information about the number of electors which he gave last week?

I do not get that information supplied to me. I can only get it by a special request to all the separate registration officers. Perhaps the hon. Member will be good enough to have a word with me on the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of single-apartment houses in Glasgow at present occupied and the average number of persons residing in each house; and similar figures for two-apartment houses?

At 15th May, 1938, there were 34,996 occupied houses of one apartment, and 110,894 occupied houses of two apartments in Glasgow. No information is available as to the average number of persons occupying such houses at a current date, but the overcrowding survey in 1935 showed that at that time the average number of persons occupying one-apartment houses was 2.4 and the average number occupying two-apartment houses was 3·4.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of dwelling houses in the city of Glasgow at the present time; and the estimated wastage each year?

There are at the present time approximately 280,000 houses in Glasgow. The average annual number of houses which have been closed and demolished during the last nine years is 1,438: but the total number of houses actually becoming unfit each year probably exceeds this figure by a number estimated at from 500 to 1,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether it is his intention, at an early date, to make any changes in the prison system in Scotland; and, if so, the nature of any such changes?

Yes, Sir. As the answer is a long one, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will at once make arrangements for the Department of Agriculture to have exact information as to the rent per acre per annum of each acre of arable land belonging to the Department?

I have information of the rents payable by all tenants on the 350,000 acres belonging to the Department of Agriculture for Scotland; but these rents are fixed in relation to each holding as a whole. My hon. Friend's suggestion would involve estimating separately the value and acreage of the arable portion of each holding, which would involve a very large expenditure of time. I regret, therefore, that I cannot agree to his proposal.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not consider that it would be of great value if the information about the price of arable land in Scotland were given? It will be impossible to deal with the agricultural situation effectively unless the Government know whether the value of land in Scotland is going up or down. How can they say that their costings are correct if they do not know the value of the land as a whole?

The inquiry my hon. Friend suggests would really be an impossible one. He will realise that the holdings are not merely arable, but include pasture and grazing land as well; and to get the information for which he asks would involve an enormous inquiry.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he intends to take any action with regard to the recommendations made by the Departmental Committee on the compulsory use of automatic gas detectors underground?

Yes, Sir. I had decided in May last to give effect to the recommendations regarding automatic firedamp detectors made by the majority of the Committee on the Firedamp Detector Regulations. Before action had been taken the explosion occurred at Markham Colliery, where automatic detectors were extensively used, and I decided to defer action until the report on the explosion had become available. From the Commissioner's report, which has now been published, it is apparent that the fact that automatic detectors were in use at this colliery had no bearing upon the occurrence of the explosion. Draft regulations requiring, among other things, the compulsory use of automatic detectors in certain circumstances will be formally issued to the industry in the course of the next two weeks.

Can the Minister say when the regulations are likely to come into operation?

No, Sir. The draft regulations have to be published, and then, of course, there is an opportunity for people to make objections. One has to await them; there is a period laid down.

What are the "certain circumstances" of which the Minister speaks?

I think the hon. Member had better wait till the draft regulations are published.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will make a statement on the proposed utilisation of pithead baths in the scheme of air-raid precautions; and whether it is proposed to consult the pithead bath committees at the respective collieries on the matter?

The design and equipment of pithead baths makes these buildings specially suitable for the purposes of local air-raid precautions schemes. The responsibility for these schemes, however, falls upon the local authorities, and the question of using and adapting any particular baths installation is a matter for arrangement between the authority and the trustees and management committee of the installation.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what progress is being made in the investigation into the problem of silicosis in the anthracite coalfield of South Wales; and whether he can give any indication as to when the investigation will be completed?

The investigation into chronic pulmonary disease among coal-miners in Sown Wales is making good progress. The analysis of the large amount of evidence collected at the Ammanford No. 2 Colliery has been completed. As a result, it has been decided not to make another comprehensive study of this kind, but to make more limited and rapid inquiries at a number of different pits which are now being selected. It is hoped to complete these further inquiries within six months, but as the results cannot be foreseen it is not yet possible to say when the investigation as a whole will be concluded.

Is it intended, in addition to examining certain selected workmen at these other collieries, to conduct an investigation into the conditions under which the men are employed at these collieries?

I think a full investigation is being made by these investigators, who include men of the greatest scientific eminence. I will call the attention of my right hon. Friend to the point which has been put by the hon. Gentleman, but I think these people may be trusted to make the fullest possible investigation.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs when His Majesty's Government intend to make proposals to restore Dominion status to Newfoundland?

The Address from the Newfoundland Legislature, to which effect was given by the Newfoundland Act, 1933, asked for the suspension of the then existing form of government until such time as the island might become self-supporting again. I fear that the island cannot be expected to be self-supporting for some considerable time to come. It would be premature, therefore, to consider the change suggested by my hon. Friend.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the islanders are more nearly self-supporting now than they were when self-government was taken away from them?

At the moment the trade depression and the going back of some of the most important markets have had a serious effect on the revenues of the country. At the moment conditions are rather bad.

Is it proposed that some advisory machinery should be created for maintaining a liaison between the population on the one side and the Commission Government on the other? Are there any means allowed for collecting public opinion?

The Commission are very careful to keep a liaison with a number of bodies as well as individuals in the island.

Would the Minister tell us what would really happen to the British Empire if economic misfortunes deprived the people of self-governing rights?

The changes that have taken place in Newfoundland have been at the request of the people of Newfoundland itself.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how many times he has had requests for their democratic rights to be restored to the people?

Not without notice, but I have not had many requests from official bodies or individuals.

You have had them, have you not?

Some, but only a few.

When may the House expect another report from the Commissioners to be laid on the Table?

The annual report will be circulated in May.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has yet received from His Majesty's Government in the Union of South Africa the memoranda setting out the terms upon which they propose that the High Commission Territories should be transferred to the Union of South Africa?

I understand that the terms of the proposed memoranda which are to be issued by the Union Government have not yet been finally settled. As explained by my predecessor in reply to a question by the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 14th June, the object of the memoranda is to enable the inhabitants of the territories to judge what the position would be in the event of transfer.

Are we to take it that His Majesty's Government are not committed to transfer? What has been the subject of the discussions with Mr. Pirow?

The matter has not been the subject of discussions with Mr. Pirow. With regard to the first part of the question, there is no change in the situation whatever.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will make a statement on the recent visit of Mr. Pirow, the South African Defence Minister, to this country?

The object of Mr. Pirow's visit to this country has been 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. These discussions have now taken place, and the questions involved have been settled. Mr. Pirow has left for a visit to the Continent, but he will be returning to this country for a short time before he sails for South Africa.

May the House take it that Mr. Pirow, when he was in London, was not authorised by His Majesty's Government to commit this country in any conversations that he might have with the German Government in respect to the German Colonial claims?

Yes, Sir.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether, among the other objects of Mr. Pirow's visit here, one has been to discuss with His Majesty's Government the German Colonial claims?

Naturally, when any distinguished statesman from a Dominion comes to this country, we take the opportunity of discussing informally all sorts of international questions. Beyond that and beyond the official purpose of Mr. Pirow's visit, no significance attaches to the visit.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether Mr. Pirow has been entrusted with any mission from the British Government on his visit to Berlin?

No, Sir.

Do we understand the Minister to say that, neither directly nor indirectly is Mr. Pirow entitled to express the views of His Majesty's Government on these Colonial questions?

Yes, that is the position.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the recorded imports of German wines by Great Britain, the British Empire apart from Great Britain, France, and the United States of America, respectively; and whether these wines are trade-marked or otherwise made easily identifiable by consumers?

With the right hon. Gentleman's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the reply to the first part of the question. I am advised by the trade that the reply to the second part is in the affirmative.

Could the right hon. Gentleman indicate whether this is an appropriate avenue through which consumers of these liquors in democratic and humanitarian countries could express their disapproval of recent and current events in Germany?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any trade negotiations are being conducted, or are contemplated, in order to provide facilities for the export to this country of goods from Czechoslovakia in a mutual trade agreement?

No trade negotiations with Czechoslovakia are in progress or in contemplation.

But is not this one of the methods by which we might help the people of Czechoslovakia, and will not the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of entering into such negotiations?

If it had been likely that we could have come to a special treaty with Czechoslovakia, no doubt we should have entered into negotiations some time ago, as we have done with many other countries, but I do not think there is any basis for a special treaty.

Should we not have to ask both Germany and Czechoslovakia?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is taking any steps to safeguard British trade against special subsidised exports from certain countries; and is he now in a position to make a statement on this problem?

Our tariff system is designed to safeguard British trade in the home market against excessive competition of any kind. The problems presented to British trade by such competition in other markets are varied and require varied methods of treatment, which can generally best be considered in the first place by the industry concerned. I am ready to give what help I can in any particular case.

Do I take it that the Board of Trade are taking the initiative in this matter, with a view to calling conferences of the industries mostly affected?

I did refer to this matter in a speech which I made recently in the House, and I can assure hon. Members that we are pressing on with it in whatever ways we consider best.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether in connection with the purchases which the British Government have recently made from the state agricultural co-operative department of Rumania, the wheat will be imported whole, or whether it will be de-offalised before arriving in the United Kingdom?

The wheat which my hon. Friend refers to will be imported whole.

Will my right hon. Friend consult with the Minister of Agriculture with a view to seeing whether some reduction in the price of wheat offal can be effected?

That is rather a wider question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will abrogate the Most-Favoured-Nation Clause in all treaties, with a view to leaving him freer to make bargains with other countries?

No, Sir. The view of His Majesty's Government, which has previously been stated on numerous occasions in this House, is that the general maintenance of the principle of most-favoured-nation treatment is essential for the stability of commercial relations. His Majesty's Government would not, however, propose that such treatment should be accorded indefinitely to any country which is not prepared to meet the reasonable requirements of this country with regard to the treatment of United Kingdom goods.

Would it not be a benefit to my right hon. Friend in making bi-lateral treaties if this clause were modified?

I do not think that that would be the case. Hon. Members should realise that it would make little change in the situation if we were to abolish the most-favoured-nation system unless countries with which we were bargaining were prepared to do the same.

Is there not some case for modifying the clause in cases where goods are heavily subsidised by certain foreign countries?

As I have said, if we thought goods were being discriminated against by a particular country, we would consider the possibility.

Does my right hon. Friend know anyone outside the Board of Trade who believes in this clause?

I am sure they would not be among the circle of my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to terminate the Congo Basin Treaty, in view of its disastrous effect on the textile trade?

I would refer to the answer which I gave to my hon. and learned Friend, the Member for Withington (Mr. Fleming) on 31st May last, to which I have nothing to add.

Does that mean that nothing can be done, and that the Treaty must go on for ever until one of the signatories find that it is disadvantageous to them, as it is to us?

It has been explained on many occasions that the opinion of the Law Officers is that this Treaty can only be changed by general agreement among the parties to it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he proposes to take with regard to the fact, reported by the joint committee of inquiry into the Anglo-Argentine meat trade, that the meat producers and packers of the Argentine are now developing a local market for the better qualities of beef which have hitherto been available for the people of Great Britain; and whether, in view of the fact that this local Argentine market is being supplied at a heavy loss which has to be made up by the prices charged to British consumers, he will take steps to produce some modification of import restrictions to assist the health and nutrition of the people of England by remedying these tendencies?

The hon. Member will realise that His Majesty's Government cannot control the market for beef in Argentina. So far as the United Kingdom is concerned, the quantity of beef imported is regulated by the International Beef Conference having regard to the general supply situation.

Does the Minister not agree to the proposition in the question that the better qualities of Argentine beef are now being retained for Argentine consumption, and that some differentiation in the import regulations might remedy that state of affairs in our interests?

If the hon. Gentleman is right about the better qualities of Argentine beef being retained for Argentine consumption, it would be an argument in favour of the people of this country eating British beef.

Do I understand that the Minister will use his influence with the Cabinet to have the standard of life generally in this country raised, so that the people will be able to purchase British beef?

The Cabinet does not need my influence in that respect. It has raised the standard of life of the people very considerably.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he proposes to take, in conjunction with the Government of the Argentine, to carry out the recommendations of the joint committee of inquiry into the Anglo-Argentine meat trade, and that standardised systems of accounting and similar devices should be adopted covering the whole of the operations from the purchase of live stock to the wholesale distribution of the product, with a view to ensuring that the companies engaged in this trade, enjoying as they do considerable security owing to Government regulations, shall render the service of supplying the public with an essential element in its food supply at no more than a reasonable charge?

The committee's recommendations are primarily directed to ensuring that the Argentine cattle producer obtains a reasonable share of the proceeds of the sale of his product in this country. The recommendation to which the hon. Member particularly refers is one which will clearly require careful and lengthy consideration, and I should prefer to await the views of the Argentine Government.

Then I take it that steps will be taken under this new standardised system to have reasonable prices, and not excessive prices, charged to the people of this country?

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade particulars of the number of cases brought to his notice for the 12 months ended the last convenient date in which food of any description fit for human consumption has been destroyed?

The only cases which I recall are the waste of skimmed milk mentioned in the report of the Food Council on Cream and the occasional destruction of herrings mentioned in the Third Annual Report of the Herring Industry Board (Cmd. 5762). Copies of these reports are in the Library.

Does the Minister propose to seek any further powers to prevent the destruction of food?

No, Sir, it seems quite unnecessary in view of the fact that these are the only two cases which have come to my notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the grave dissatisfaction of county councils with the whole framework of the weights and measures legislation, on the grounds that it is incomplete and imperfect and that it provides inadequate protection for shopkeepers, farmers, and the general public; and is he prepared to set up a Departmental Committee to consider and report as to what amendments and extension of the existing weights and measures legislation are desirable for the better protection of the public?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider setting up a committee of inquiry into the working of existing weights and measures legislation?

On my present information, I do not agree that the protection given by existing weights and measures legislation is, in general, inadequate. I am, however, arranging for an examination of the existing regulations, and when this has been completed I shall be in a better position to consider whether amending legislation or a committee of inquiry is necessary.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is practically the unanimous opinion of the associations of county councils both in Scotland and in England, and also of the associations of inspectors of weights and measures, that the present law is quite inadequate, and will he be prepared, before deciding not to set up a Departmental Committee, to receive deputations from the associations of county councils and these inspectors?

I know that we have received from the associations certain proposals for legislation, but it would appear that a great many of the points they raise can be met by an alteration of the regulations, and that is why I said that I would prefer to await an examination of the whole of the regulations to see what can be done by their amendment before deciding whether it is necessary to amend the legislation as well.

Can the Minister say how long it will take to carry through the investigation?

No, Sir.

Have there been any changes in the regulations since automatic scales have come into general use?

I could not say without notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Most-Favoured-Nation Clause will apply to the revisions in the United Kingdom and United States of America tariff on all articles included in the Anglo-American Trade Agreement; and what is the estimated effect?

Concessions accorded by this country to the United States of America will be extended equally to all other foreign countries. I understand that concessions accorded by the United States of America to this country will be extended equally to all other foreign countries except Germany.

In view of the suggested modification of the Most-Favoured-Nation Clause in certain exceptional circumstances, and because of the highly complicated nature of the Agreement in that respect, is the right hon. Gentleman considering the issue of a White Paper on the subject, so that hon. Members may be informed?

I have to answer another question on that point in the name of the hon. Baronet the Member for South-West Bethnal Green (Sir P. Harris).

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider publishing a White Paper explaining the effect of the concessions in the Anglo-American Trade Agreement both on imports from and exports to America?

I propose to publish next Thursday in the "Board of Trade Journal" a statement showing in parallel columns the present rates of duty and the new rates which will come into force in the United States of America in all cases where a change in the rate of duty will result from the coming into force of the Agreement. A similar statement as regards changes made by the Canada-United States of America Agreement will be published as soon as full particulars of that Agreement are received. Changes in the United Kingdom tariff will be effected by means of Treasury Orders which will he laid before the House shortly, and I am considering the question of publishing at the same time a statement explaining these changes.

Would the right hon. Gentleman be good enough, in publishing the statement to which he referred, to give information with regard to the possible effect of the multiplication of the Most-Favoured-Nation Clause in certain circumstances and the effect upon the exchange rates?

I should certainly like to consult hon. Members of all parties as to any information I could give them, but of course I am very anxious not to give in a Command Paper, which is an official document, something which must be a matter of opinion on the part of the person who writes it. If hon. Members of all parties will give me their ideas as to the sort of information they would like, I will see whether it is possible to give it to them.

While appreciating the desire of the right hon. Gentleman to satisfy hon. Members on these matters, may I ask him whether he is aware that considerable mystification exists as to the operation of the exchange rates and the effects of the modification in certain circumstances of the Most-Favoured-Nation Clause, and that it is desirable that we should have information on those matters?

I think a much more practical course would be if I were to have a consultation with some hon. Members. I am only too anxious to give the House the fullest information possible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman's statement be in the form of a White Paper?

Orders will be laid.

The right hon. Gentleman referred to a statement by the Board of Trade: will that be in the form of a White Paper?

I referred to Orders which would be laid and accompanied by an explanatory note.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of German-made cars imported into the United Kingdom and British countries overseas, respectively, in the last 12 months; and whether it is proposed to take any action to prevent the excessive importation of these cars where export is heavily subsidised?

With the hon. Member's permission. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing, so far as the information is available from the German statistics the number of motor cars exported from Germany to the United Kingdom and other British countries during the 12 months ended September, 1938. If the British manufacturers consider that there is a case for further protection of the United Kingdom home market against foreign imports of motor cars of less than 25 horse-power, it is open to them to apply to the Import Duties Advisory Committee for an increase in the rate of duty.

Have any representations on this matter been made to the right hon. Gentleman?

There is no need to make representations to me. Owing to the action of the Government in the summer in transferring these duties from the Budget, bringing them under the purview of the Import Duties Advisory Committee, manufacturers make their applications direct to the committee.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the amount of the German subsidy on these cars?

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total number of British merchant ships, excluding tankers, available in 1914 for the carriage of food, raw materials and men; and the corresponding number at present?

According to the best estimates that can be made, vessels of 1000 tons gross and over registered in the United Kingdom, excluding sailing ships, tankers and non-trading ships, numbered in 1914, 4,282 vessels of 16,812,000 tons gross and in 1938, 2,659 vessels of 13,729,000 tons gross.

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that this country regards the falling off as extremely grave? Can he indicate whether the Government are taking any steps now to meet the demands of the situation?

Yes, Sir. I answered a question on this very point a week ago, and I told the House that, with regard to the shipping industry, I was awaiting a report from them which I hoped to receive soon, and that I was in communication at the same time with the shipbuilding industry to see what could be done.

Would there not be many more ships available for carrying food if it had not been for the activities of the Italian bombers?

Is this decline in numbers and tonnage compensated by higher average speeds?