asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he will consider introducing legislation to ensure that all offals relating to imported flour are also imported;

I am afraid that I cannot accept either of my hon. Friend's suggestions.

If not, why not? Does not my right hon. Friend realise that some inquiry is needed to enable the home producer to ascertain the reason for the price of offals; and is he aware that since 1925 there has been no inquiry on this subject?

I was not asked about an inquiry; I was asked about two specific pieces of legislation. If my hon. Friend wishes to know why I reject his suggestions, it is, first, because I believe they would be impracticable, and, secondly, because I believe they would be ineffective.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in respect of the 30,000 truckloads of wheat from Rumania, purchased by the Government whole, any portion of this will be available for the country millers?

No, Sir. As I explained to the House on 2nd June last, all wheat in the Government reserve, when it becomes due for milling to prevent deterioration, is taken by the three large concerns which are assisting the Government in the administration of the wheat storage scheme.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that the country millers are entitled to some consideration, if a monopoly of milling combines is to be avoided?

I think that the House was satisfied with the explanation I gave as to the arrangements made for turning over Government wheat. I am satisfied that, if it were pot dealt with in this way, the only alternative would be, when the wheat became due for milling, to throw it on to the open market, which would have a very bad effect on prices.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see to it that precautions are taken so that, in the even of a war or something of that kind occurring, it will be made possible for the poor to have an equal opportunity of getting the flour produced from this wheat?

That is rather a different question, but it is present to my mind.

I beg to give notice that, in view of the extremely unsatisfactory nature of the replies to questions 1, 2 and 3, I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

On a point of Order. Is an hon. Member entitled to give notice of that kind about ten minutes or a quarter of an hour after his questions have been put?

I think not.

Is not the hon. Member entitled to think the matter over before he gives notice?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the average delay involved between receipt of shipping documents in Italy for British shipments to that country and payment of the corresponding sterling to such exporters; whether he is aware that the delay is causing distress amongst the fishermen and loss to the exporters of pilchards to Italy and also to exporters of china clay and other commodities; and what action he is taking?

I regret that information is not available which would enable me to answer the first part of the question. I can, however, state that the delay between the deposit of lire in Italy in respect of United Kingdom exports and the release of the sterling to the exporters through the clearing account concerned is at present about 21 weeks. I have received certain representations on this subject. The question of the steps to be taken to reduce the delay in transfer is at present under discussion with the Italian authorities.

With regard to the Italian pilchard payments, will my right hon. Friend consider making arrangements whereby, on payment of a suitable commission, the Government will advance to the exporters the sterling equivalent of the purchase price as soon as that price is deposited with the appropriate bank by the Italian firms?

That raises a wider question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the British East African Colonies are included in the terms of the Congo Basin Treaty of 1885 and the Anglo-Japanese Agreement of 1919, in respect of trading facilities?

I assume that my hon. and learned Friend, when he refers to the Anglo-Japanese Agreement of 1919, has in mind the Convention of St. Germain-en-Laye relating to the Congo Basin, to which Japan is a party. The British Colonial Dependencies to which the instruments of 1885 and 1919 apply are Kenya, Uganda, Tanganyika, Zanzibar, Nyasaland and part of Northern Rhodesia.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the great dissatisfaction that exists in Lancashire over the critical effects of these treaties and conventions as regards the export of textiles to our own Colonies in Africa?

I have already explained on many occasions that we have been advised by the Law Officers that we have no power to denounce these treaties. My right hon. Friend the Secretary to the Department of Overseas Trade has explained that the total import of cotton goods into all the Colonies mentioned amounted in 1937 to about £1,000,000.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has had any discussions with representatives of the German Government in reference to the methods adopted by them to expand their export trade, with a view to reaching an agreement between the two countries to avoid the intense competition for markets that is now taking place?

No formal discussions with representatives of the German Government have taken place on trade matters since the Anglo-German Payments (Amendment) Agreement was signed on 1st July. Informal conversations have, however, taken place between officials when opportunity has offered.

Will advantage be taken of Dr. Schacht's visit to this country to discuss these problems with him; and is it an official visit?

That is a question for another Department to answer. We do take the opportunity of having informal talks as and when it is possible, in the hope that they will develop into formal negotiations later on, but I feel that the value of these informal talks would be very much diminished if all the occasions and subjects discussed were made public.

Is the right hon. Gentleman's Department likely to be in touch with Dr. Schacht this time?

No formal negotiations are contemplated.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is having consultations with the trades and industries concerned as to the most effective ways of maintaining our export trade in face of the methods adopted by certain competing countries; what organisations are being consulted; and whether he will lay before the House the plans he proposes to adopt to maintain our export trade?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken by His Majesty's Government to procure a greater degree of organisation in those industries whose products are exported so that this country may compete on fair terms with totalitarian countries?

As my right hon. Friend the Secretary to the Department of Overseas Trade said yesterday, in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Burnley (Mr. Burke), discussions have already taken place with a number of industries on the possibility of meeting the difficulties they encounter in export trade by a greater co-ordination of effort. These discussions are being continued, and I am ready to consider representations on the subject from any exporting industry. The problems involved differ from industry to industry, and the method of treatment can generally best be considered in the first place by the industry concerned.

May we take it from the right hon. Gentleman's answer that these are not the maximum measures that the Government are prepared to take to deal with this important matter?

The measures, of course, deal with rather a different aspect of helping our export trades. They deal with the possibility of their helping themselves by co-ordination of their efforts.

Is it the intention of the Government in all cases to await representations from trading interests, rather than to approach those trading interests themselves?

Both my right hon. Friend and myself have taken every opportunity in speeches to bring to the notice of exporting industries the possibility, and, indeed, the desirability, of taking action of this kind. As my right hon. Friend said in reply to a question, the response has been very encouraging, and a number of discussions have been going on.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the industries concerned recognise that this is the only method by which they can combat the throat-cutting competition of totalitarian countries?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the engineering industry is perhaps the most hurt at the moment; and will he get into touch with that industry as early as possible?

"The engineering industry" is a rather wide term. Probably an organisation of this kind would be better carried out by sections of the industry, rather than by the industry itself.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has made or intends to make any order regulating the import of livestock or meat into the United Kingdom under Section if of the Livestock Industry Act, 1937?

An order regulating imports of fresh and frozen pork from foreign countries, which was originally made under the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1933, is now in force under the Section to which the right hon. Gentleman refers. No other Order has so far been made under the Section, but imports of beef and mutton and lamb from foreign countries are regulated under the Ottawa Agreements Act. I cannot at present say whether it will be necessary in the future to make further use of the powers under the Livestock Industry Act.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the volume, in tons, of bulbs and of flowers imported into the United Kingdom in 1929, 1937, and the first nine months of 1938, respectively?

As the answer involves a table of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Do not the Dutch bulb growers obtain an unfair advantage over British bulb growers by employing the device of making free gifts of old or unwanted bulbs to the Government and to public authorities, and so obtaining cheap and valuable publicity?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the memorandum submitted to him by the deputation representing the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, in which it was suggested that action should be taken to improve the Lancashire trade with Argentina; and what action has been taken or is contemplated?

I understand that the Argentine Government are taking action to afford further protection to their own textile industries against the increasing competition of low-priced foreign goods in Argentina. Such action, in so far as it is successful in its object, may be expected also to benefit the United Kingdom export trade to that market. The deputation to which the hon. Member refers represented, however, that there is a danger that the proposed measures might be to some extent evaded by the diversion of foreign goods to this country for finishing and re-exportation as United Kingdom goods. His Majesty's Ambassador at Buenos Aires has accordingly been instructed to suggest to the Argentine Government certain specific measures which would have the effect of hindering any such diversion.

Are these specific measures to introduce the woven and finished formula undertaking with regard

I should have thought that, if the bulbs were unwanted, they would not be likely to produce good results, and so would not produce a very favourable impression.

My representations referred to the formula called "spun, woven, and finished."

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fall in price during the past year of British timber used for pit-props; and whether he proposes to take any action?

I am aware that the price both of home grown and of imported pit-props has fallen substantially below the abnormally high level which was reached last year, but my information is that present prices are not lower than those ruling in earlier years.

Is it possible for the Forestry Commission as well as private growers to appear before the Import Duties Advisory Committee to put their case?

No, Sir. They have a pre-emptive guarantee under certain trade agreements.

Is it not a fact that very little British timber is used for pit-props?

Yes, Sir; I think it is about 5 per cent.

If that is so, would it not be a good thing to encourage it, so that we get more than 5 per cent.?

I understand that the price is still about 10s. over that of 1936, but that it has fallen from the high level of 1937.

asked the President of the Board of Trade particulars of the undertakings received from foreign countries to which licences are granted for the export of mines, torpedoes and depth charges, and/or any kind of under-water weapons, to ensure that the same shall not be re-exported to countries that may be at war?

I would refer the hon. Member to my answer on 15th March last in reply to the hon. Member for Shore-ditch (Mr. Thurtle), of which I am sending him a copy.

Can the Minister say whether full inquiries are made as to the ultimate

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to say whether, and when, he proposes to introduce an Enabling Bill for the cotton industry?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the agreed terms of the cotton organisations having been sent to him, he can now say when the Enabling Bill for that industry will be submitted to this House?

I understand that a revised, and, it is hoped, final form of the proposals will be considered by the Joint Committee of Cotton Trade Organisations this week. I hope I shall then be in a position to give final instructions for the completion of a draft Bill, with which those affected will have an opportunity of expressing their agreement and which the destinations of these vessels before licences are granted?

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the declared value of raw cotton and unmanufactured cotton-waste exported from the United Kingdom for the two years ended the last convenient date and registered during that period as consigned to Germany and Italy?

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

Is it not a fact that they have increased 10 or 12 times since 1933?

No, Sir.

Before bringing in such a Bill, would my right hon. Friend bear in mind the unlamented decease of the Milk Bill?

It does not seem to be at all relevant. One Bill deals with milk, and the other with cotton.

Will there be an opportunity for those interests concerned with the Bill and not on the committee to have a sight of the draft Bill before it is adopted by Parliament?

The intention is to circulate, not the draft Bill, but suggested Clauses of the Bill, at the earliest possible date, in order to enable the industries to express formal disagreement or agreement, and to enable any other interests to submit their views to the Board of Trade.

Is this not to be a further example of rationalisation?

Will my right hon. Friend do his best to see that this legislation has an early place?

Will this be an agreed Measure?

I am afraid it is a Lancashire Bill, and it is rather early to expect an agreed Measure.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the resolution adopted at a meeting of members of the Cotton Yarn Price Agreement held in Manchester on 6th December, 1938, requesting His Majesty's Government to interest itself more keenly in the problems of the Lancashire textile industry; and whether he has any observations to make on this matter?

I cannot accept the implication that His Majesty's Government has not taken the keenest interest in the problems of the Lancashire textile industry. As regards export markets, the resolution to which the hon. Member refers disregards the action which has been taken in connection with quotas imposed in the colonies on foreign cotton piece-goods, the Trade Agreements con-chided with the Dominions, and the Trade Agreement just concluded with the United States. In addition I am answering questions to-day by the hon. Member for Burnley (Mr. Burke) on the negotiations -with India and by the hon. Member for Oldham (Mr. Kerr) on other trade negotiations in prospect. With regard to proposals for the reorganisation of the cotton industry, I would refer to the answer I have just given to the hon. Members for Farnworth (Mr. Tomlinson) and Bury (Mr. Chorlton).

Is it not the fact that, in spite of all that the right hon. Gentleman and his Government have been trying to do, this industry is still declining?

After considerable improvement last year, it is quite true that during the last months the industry has been going through a bad period, and I hope that some of the measures now proposed will assist the industry to emerge from it.

Is it not true to say that the decline is outside the control either of the industry or of the Department concerned?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what trade agreements are now under negotiation or contemplation which may bring benefit of any kind to the cotton textile trade?

Negotiations are proceeding with India, Burma and Switzerland for new or revised trade agreements: with Chile, for a new Commercial Treaty, and with Colombia, for a Commercial Treaty to replace the existing treaty, which the Colombian Government have given notice to terminate. I cannot at present say how far these various negotiations are likely to bring benefit to the cotton industry, but this is an object which His Majesty's Government are keeping well in mind in these, as in all other negotiations.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the South American countries purchase a certain number of Japanese cotton goods but sell very little in return to Japan?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give an assurance that the Government are prepared to give financial or other assistance to the cotton export trade of this country, in order to enable it to meet recently developed forms of foreign competition, provided that the industry is so organised that Government assistance can be given to it as a unit?

The proposals for the reorganisation of the cotton industry which are being put forward by the Joint Committee of Cotton Trade Organisations will contain various provisions designed to assist the export trade and also provide for financial assistance being available to the industry for certain purposes from Exchequer funds. As I said in reply to the hon. Members for Farnworth (Mr. Tomlinson) and Bury (Mr. Chorlton), the final form of these proposals will receive urgent consideration by the Government.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in connection with the recent bulk purchases of wheat from Rumania, any suggestion was made to Rumania that she should arrange in return to increase her imports of British textile goods; and whether he can give an assurance that whenever any further bulk purchases are made, consideration will be given to the desirability of obtaining some compensatory advantage for the British cotton textile industry?

Under the terms of the Anglo-Rumanian Payments Agreement of 2nd September, 1938, which was issued as a Command Paper (Cmd. 5840), the effect of the purchase referred to is to increase considerably the amount of exchange available to pay for Rumanian imports of United Kingdom textiles and other goods.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what representations have been made by any section of the cotton trade to the Import Duties Advisory Committee; by whom; and with what result?

I presume the hon. Member is referring to representations for changes in duties. The practice of the Import Duties Advisory Committee is not to disclose what applications are before them until a stage is reached at which other interests besides those of the applicants require to be considered, when the case is advertised. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of advertised applications made by organisations related with the cotton trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total weight and total value of calcium carbide imported into the United Kingdom for each of the last three years?

In 1935, 1,105,000 cwts. of calcium carbide, valued at £606,000, were imported into the United Kingdom; in 1936, 1,112,000 cwts., valued at £613,000; and in 1937, 1,270,000 cwts., valued at £690,000.

Realising that the raw materials for the manufacture of calcium carbide exist in abundance in Durham and South Wales, and that the manpower is there waiting the opportunity to work, are not the Government prepared to do something to set up manufacture in this country?

We have made repeated efforts to set up manufacture in this country, but they have not met with the approval of this House.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the present position regarding the negotiations between the United Kingdom and India on the question of the import duties placed upon cotton goods exported from this country to India?

It was stated in the Indian Assembly on 5th December that the Ottawa Agreement would not be continued beyond the next Budget Session of the Assembly. This decision does not imply any breakdown in the negotiations and, as stated in the answer I gave to my hon. and gallant Friends, the Members for Hulme (Sir J. Nall) and Accrington (Major Procter) on 22nd November, the whole matter is at the moment under the consideration of the Government of India.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any idea when I might put the question down again?

No, Sir; I am afraid not. We are waiting until we receive notification of the decision of the Indian Government.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the need for an early decision on this matter, in view of the denunciation of the Ottawa Agreement by India?

Yes, Sir, I am only too anxious to have an early decision if possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he, or any other Minister will visit foreign countries in the near future for the purpose of trade negotiations or the investigation of possibilities of increasing British export trade?

His Majesty's Government make constant use of the existing machinery for surveying oversea markets with a view to the creation of new openings for United Kingdom export trade and the widening of existing outlets. As part of this machinery Ministerial tours of foreign countries, whether formal or informal, are undertaken when desirable. No such arrangements are at present under contemplation.

Has the right hon. Gentleman noted the success which has attended the commercial travels of another trade minister abroad; and does he not, therefore, think that the time has arrived when more energetic action should be taken by his Department to increase the British export trade?

I hope that the action taken by my Department will not only be energetic but appropriate. I would point out to the hon. Gentleman that the minister to whom he refers, being the minister for commerce in a totalitarian State, is in a rather different position from that of the President of the Board of Trade in this country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of prepared plate glass imported during the first six months of 1937 and of 1938, respectively?

Imports into the United Kingdom of prepared plate glass, including glass shelves, etc., as well as bevelled or silvered plate glass, were valued at £143,000 during the first six months of 1937 and at £126,000 in the corresponding period of 1938.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to ensure that while British shipping is finding it difficult to obtain freights, cargoes ordered or bought for the British Government shall be carried in British bottoms?

As I have stated before in reply to questions in the House, it is the rule that only in exceptional conditions are ships other than British to be used for carrying Government cargoes.

Is it the view of the right hon. Gentleman that, if cargoes bought on Government account are carried in foreign bottoms, that is because British shipowners have had the chance of obtaining the charter and have not availed themselves of it?

That was the case with regard to the Rumanian wheat, but it would be unfair not to point out that in many cases, although preferential rates were offered, owing to the fact that the British-owned ships were inconveniently placed, or were laid up, it would not have been economic for them to undertake just this one specific voyage.

Does what I said in my supplementary question apply generally, and not only in the case of the Rumanian wheat?

As far as I am aware, there has been no other case, certainly this year, in which any other than a British ship has been chartered.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the announcement that 44 fast ships are to be built for the Italian mercantile marine by 1941; that 37 of these vessels are designed for rapid cargo carrying while seven are to operate as passenger liners; that the ships are to be employed on almost all the recognised trade routes of the world; and whether he has any statement to make on the matter, having regard to the competition to which British shipping is already subjected?

I have seen reports of the plans for the construction of vessels for the Italian merchant fleet, to which the hon. Member refers. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative, but I have no doubt that these developments will be taken into account in the comprehensive investigation which the shipowners' organisations are now making into the position of the shipping industry in relation to foreign competition.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to whether these vessels are armed?

No, Sir. I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman could get the information if he put the question down to the appropriate Ministry.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he is considering to prevent the laying-up of merchant shipping, in view of the fact that the interests of national defence and trade demand an augmented Mercantile Marine with an increased personnel?

As the hon. Member is aware, I am awaiting a report from the shipowners' organisations on the position of the British shipping industry in relation to foreign competition. As soon as I have received the proposals of the shipping industry I shall consider them with a view to improving the competitive position of British shipping.

Could the right hon. Gentleman tell the House when he expects the report from this body?

I cannot say when, but I understand they are making very satisfactory progress.

In order to assist British shipping, will my right hon. Friend consider, when chartering ships for Government cargoes, offering rates which will be economic for British shipping?

No, Sir. I will do as I have done before, and consider offering them preferential rates, but no one could defend the action of the Government in offering British shipowners any rate that they choose to ask.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether a register of British coastal shipping has been compiled; and whether, before agreeing to any scheme for the reconditioning or augmentation of the coastal shipping service, he will undertake to consult trade union representatives of the men engaged in the service?

A register of British coastal shipping has been prepared for emergency purposes. As I have previously stated, the position of the shipping industry is the subject of an inquiry by the shipowners' organisations at the present time. If the seamen's organisations concerned with coastal shipping desire to submit a report to me on the question, I shall be glad to consider it.

Do the terms of reference embrace coastal shipping?

I understand so. There are no formal terms of reference, but I understand that one section of the inquiry will be devoted to it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to ensure that ships built in Holland for British owners will pay a tariff duty on arrival in United Kingdom ports?

Ships coming here in the way of trade as actual or prospective carriers of goods or passengers overseas are not regarded as goods liable to duty, but ships which are being added to the commodities of this country would be so regarded. I do not consider that the imposition of a duty on all ships built abroad for British owners would be either practicable or desirable.

In which class would my right hon. Friend place a ship which is built by the Scottish Wholesale Co-operative Society?

I have not any idea of the character of the ship which is being built. Unless it is something in the nature of a river tug, it is probably for the carriage of goods.

Will my right hon. Friend see that the men on the ship will not have to belong to the Labour party before they get a job?

Does my right hon. Friend realise that the steel plates, of which a great many of these ships that are coming from Holland are made, are free of duty when they come in ships, and that they would have to pay a duty otherwise; and is not this a way in which duties are being avoided?

Now that the price of steel plates has been reduced for the next six months, there will be less incentive to do that.

Would not the shipbuilders in this country be worse off if they were to retaliate on other countries?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that the majority of foreign countries demand heavy deposits from insurance companies of other nationalities established in their countries to transact insurance business, he will consider introducing legislation adopting similar principles in Great Britain?

The countries which impose onerous conditions on the operations of British insurance companies are not, in general, those whose nationals are engaged in insurance business in this country. The proposed action would, therefore, be inappropriate, and to impose larger deposits on all companies operating in the United Kingdom would be contrary to the recommendations on the subject of deposits made by the Departmental Committee on the Assurance Companies Act, 1909, which reported in 1927, and to those of the Departmental Committee on Compulsory Insurance, which reported in 1937.

Is it not a fact that most of the foreign countries impose these deposits?

Yes; many of the foreign countries impose these deposits.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of trawler owners who have received the approval of his Department to some alternative method of making the net value account available for inspection by any member of the crew under Part IV of the Sea Fish Industry Act, 1938?

No application has been received for the Board of Trade's approval of any alternative method of making the net value account available for inspection by members of the crew.

Are they unanimous in accepting?

There have been no objections so far, although I understand that at a later stage some objections may be made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is his intention to set up a committee at an early date to inquire into the working of the present company law?

I think that it would be desirable to defer an inquiry into the working of the present company law at least until the Prevention of Fraud (Investments) Bill has been enacted and some experience has been gained of its working.

May we take that answer to mean that the right hon. Gentleman gives an undertaking that, when that Bill has been passed into law, an inquiry will be set in motion?

I added that we had better wait until more experience had been gained of its working.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recall the Motion which was passed by this House nearly a year ago which the Government accepted deeming it to be wise to start this inquiry at soon as possible?

I think it will be as soon as possible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that it will take three years from the time of the setting up of the inquiry before it is in a position to report, and that meanwhile there are some flaws in the present law?

I am aware of the desire of hon. Members in all parts of the House, and I will certainly press on with this inquiry as soon as practicable, but the hon. Member will realise that we have been busily engaged for some months on the Prevention of Fraud Bill, but we still have before us the extremely important Bill dealing with certain aspects of the insurance law which we should like to pass as soon as possible, and these company problems are, on the whole, less urgent than those two with which we are now dealing.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that members of the Officers Emergency Reserve are given monetary grants to cover travelling and messing expenses when attending 14 days' training courses with anti-aircraft units, but that members are expected to meet all such expenses out of their own pockets when attending courses with other units, such as the Corps of Military Police; why this distinction is made; and whether, in order to encourage keenness and efficiency in all branches of the service, he will consider extending the offer of expenses grants for all approved training courses undertaken voluntarily by members of the Officers Emergency Reserve?

The training at public expense of officers of the Emergency Reserve affiliated to anti-aircraft units was specially approved because of the degree of readiness which is required of them. I will consider the proposals made.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many married members of the forces were not in receipt of married allowances at the last convenient date?

On 1st April, 1938. there were some 5,000 soldiers.

In view of this large number and the fact that many of the dependants of these soldiers are now a charge upon the public assistance authorities, will not the Minister consider lowering the age at which these men will go on to the married pay roll?

Answer.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of the wives of these married soldiers are in receipt of public assistance?

Answer.

He cannot do so without notice.

I am asking whether the right hon. Gentleman will consider that aspect of the case, and surely he can say "Yes" or "No."

Yes, Sir, I am always ready to consider any proposal that is made, but the hon. Gentleman is well aware of the argument.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the whole of the married quarters accommodation at Lich-field Barracks is owned by his Department; if not, who are the owners; and what charge is made for this accommodation?

The married quarters accommodation at Lichfield is owned by the War Department, with the exception of 3o married soldiers' quarters which are hired from the Commercial Union Assurance Company, Limited, at a rental of £249 a year.

Would it be correct to assume that those who occupy these quarters are called upon to pay a rental of 17s. 6d. a week, and does the right hon. Gentleman not think that this is an imposition upon the soldiers who are called upon to make this payment, and that it results in very great hardship; and will he consider getting suitable accommodation under the control of his Department and making it available for people to occupy them at a reasonable rental?

I cannot accept those figures without notice, but if the hon. Member has any matter to which he wishes to draw my attention in connection with these lodgings, I shall be very happy if he will communicate with me.

Does not the question simply ask what is the charge for accommodation and not what charge is made for the whole of these buildings?

If I had so understood it I should have answered that.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the War Office grant for light-horse breeding will be continued next year at the same figure as has been given since 1934?

There would appear to be no military justification for a further grant from Army funds.

In view of the fact that the Racecourse Betting Control Board is spending enormous sums of money, and in view of the urgency of the problem, does my right hon. Friend not think that light horse breeding would be much better discussed before Christmas rather than pensions for Members of Parliament?

The Control Board has been making increased grants, and so also has the Army.

Does my right hon. Friend not realise that the Racecourse Betting Control Board have had to increase their grants because he has been putting grants down?

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that the rearing of light horses is more important than the wellbeing of the widows and wives of soldiers?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether in order to encourage recruiting in the Territorial Army and, in particular, to enable ex-service men to satisfy their desire to serve their country at this time, he will consider the further dispersion of Territorial battalions so that units may be established in all suitable towns, thus avoiding long journeys to attend drills; and whether, in order to suit the convenience of summer resorts, he will examine the possibility of holding annual training camps during the autumn months and billeting the men in halls rather than in tents?

The majority of units of the Territorial Army have already been dispersed to the fullest extent compatible with training efficiency. The Territorial Army necessarily go to camp during the summer months in which the maximum of training can be obtained and the men can best be spared from their civil employment, and living in camp forms a valuable part of the training of every soldier.

Will my right hon. Friend consider the case of the minority of the Territorial battalions where the conditions set out in my question undoubtedly apply, and is he aware that without some change in the position of that minority he is actually discouraging many entrants for the Territorial Army?

If the hon. Member is referring to some particular unit and he will communicate with me, I shall be most happy to go into the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of persons medically examined for the Army in the county borough of West Ham during 1937 and 1938, and the number rejected as medically unfit?

I regret that separate figures for the county borough of West Ham are not available.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the application for financial assistance towards the erection of a recreation centre for war department employés at Bath; and what were the grounds given for the application, and the nature of his reply?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information in connection with the refusal of the War Office to make a grant towards providing a social centre in Bath for Government workers?

The War Department has provided a recreation centre and three welfare officers for its employés at Corsham, and some part of their daily travelling expenses in addition. These advantages have been highly appreciated by the men's representatives. The Mayor of Bath has complained that those of the Corsham employés who live in his borough are obliged to walk about the streets, and that there has been increasing drunkenness. These general charges are very much resented and, in so far as they are due to the lack of proper housing conditions and facilities for recreation in Bath, I sincerely hope that steps will be taken to improve the conditions. I have informed the Mayor that I shall be interested to hear of the outcome of his efforts.

Does not the bulk of the War Department's employés who work at Corsham migrate to Bath for residence, and has the right hon. Gentleman made any practical suggestions to the city of Bath for dealing with the recreation problem affecting his employés in Bath?

There has been correspondence with the Mayor of Bath and I have made certain suggestions to him.

Did the right hon. Gentleman suggest that they should apply to the "Keep Fit" fund, knowing perfectly well that they are not in a position to make grants to temporary employés?

I should not have made a proposal if I knew that it was not practicable. The Mayor of Bath made that proposal to me.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that a soldier is as temperate as the Mayor of Bath?

Will my right hon. Friend communicate with me before he goes any further in this matter?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement as to the present position of the absorption of Jewish refugees; whether as, with the exception of Australia, the Dominions have undertaken little, it is his intention again to make an appeal to them; and whether he is aware that the area suggested in British Guiana is totally unsuitable climatically for such immigration?

It is not possible to give any accurate figures for the absorption of Jewish refugees in countries of refuge and settlement. In August last it was estimated by the High Commissioner of the League of Nations for Refugees that roughly 120,000 refugees from Germany of all categories had reached countries of permanent settlement. It may be assumed that several thousand more have done so in the last few months. As regards the second part of the question, the answer is in the negative, since the admission of refugees into any Dominion is a matter for the Dominion Government concerned, but recent statements by Dominion Ministers indicate that they are fully alive to the importance and urgency of the question. With regard to the third part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a question by the hon. Member for Central Bradford (Mr. Leach) on 28th November.

Does the Prime Minister not think it desirable to approach the Dominions again in view of the fact that we have already done so?

I think the fact that we have already done so makes it unnecessary to do so again.

Will the Prime Minister consider the possibility of making a practical reality of the offer of British Guiana by appointing a suitable person to make a definite and detailed scheme for refugee emigrants into that Colony, including financial provision?

The hon. Member knows that an offer has been made that someone on behalf of the refugees should go to British Guiana to see whether the country is suitable. That, surely, will be the first thing to do, and then migration of refugees might come afterwards.

If I send the Prime Minister certain considerations showing how greatly the chances would be facilitated if someone appointed by the British Government were really made responsible for drawing out a definite scheme, will he consider the matter?

I should be much obliged to the hon. Member if he would send me the scheme he has in mind.

Has anyone asked whether Russia would help with this question of refugees? Is it true that no offer has come from them to help in any way?

Is the Prime Minister aware that the organisations dealing with refugees in Great Britain are very anxious that His Majesty's Government should at an early date make a declaration of policy, as their work is being greatly hampered by the absence of such a statement?