asked the Minister of Labour whether the town of Oldham, with 9,269 workers unemployed out of a total population of 130,000, will be able to take advantage of the loan facilities shortly to be provided by the Government for the establishment of new industries?

I cannot anticipate the proposed legislation. I would, however, remind my hon. Friend that the county borough of Oldham already forms part of an area to which Section 5 of the Special Areas (Amendment) Act, 1937, has been applied.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of undertakings established in the Parliamentary Division of Durham and for which financial assistance has been provided by the Commissioner of Special Areas; where such undertakings are established; the amount of money provided; and the number of men, women, young men, and young women provided with employment?

No application has so far been made to the Commissioner for financial assistance by any persons considering setting up new industrial undertakings in this area. Any such proposal would, however, receive sympathetic consideration.

May I suggest to the right hon. Gentleman that I wish to be fair to his Department, and to inform him that we did get a cemetery from the Commissioner, but will he consider giving us further facilities for a living organisation?

I certainly will, if the area is suitable for new enterprises.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the North-Eastern Development Board, upon which the Durham Division is represented, are conscious of the need for spreading out the areas?

I agree, but I have answered the specific question, that so far no applications have been received.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of insured persons in the administrative county of Durham and the county boroughs of Sunderland and South Shields over 5o years of age who are unemployed, and the duration of such unemployment?

The latest figures of this kind relate to 28th February, 1938. I am having these extracted and will send them to the hon. Member.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any plan for finding employment for these persons?

We are making a number of varied efforts, and I am happy to say that recent figures show that they are having effect.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any records showing the numbers of Irish unskilled manual workers who have been imported into this country from Southern Ireland for building, rearmament, air-raid precautions, or constructional work of all kinds; and whether any restrictions are placed upon their entry, in view of the large numbers of unemployed already in the country?

The figures relating to the number of persons from Eire entering insured employment in Great Britain, are collected on an industrial basis and do not distinguish between skilled and unskilled occupations. Since 1st July, 1937, the earliest date for which these figures are available, to 30th November, 1938, the number of such persons who obtained employment in the building and public works contracting industries was 11,560 and in the engineering, motor and metal industries, 1,552. I am unable to say what proportion of these workers have since returned to Eire. As regards the second part of the question, I would remind my hon. Friend that there is no power to restrict the entry of British subjects into the United Kingdom.

Is it not possible for the right hon. Gentleman to impose a condition upon contractors to the Government to employ persons who are unemployed on the very spot?

As the House knows, I have no power to do that. What is the custom? Vacancies are notified to the Exchange, and, subject to the fundamental principle of the Exchange work, which is to supply the best men for the jobs available, we always make the utmost effort to give the local men the preference.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that contractors in this country actually advertise in Irish newspapers in Ireland for this labour when they could get the labour on the spot?

I have no power to prevent that.

Does the right hon. Gentleman see the contracts in order to make sure that they pay trade union rates of wages?

The hon. Member knows that the Ministry of Labour is always available to do its very best to help those responsible, both on the employers' side and on the trade union side, for collective agreements to maintain the standard of wages.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take power to compel contractors for Government work to procure their labour from the Employment Exchanges on the Ministry of Labour scale?

I have no power to do that.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take power?

As the hon. Member knows, this is a debatable question which has been raised many times in the past 20 years, in the lifetime of all Govern- ments, and that from the contractors' point of view there are difficulties in doing it.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the inquiry regarding additional winter allowances in the Western Isles has yet been completed; and whether he will make a statement?

The number of assessments current on 21st November, 1938, for payment of unemployment allowances in the Western Isles in respect of which an additional allowance under the Unemployment Assistance (Winter Additions) Regulations, 1938, has been made was 567.

Does that number cover all the applications?

Yes, Sir. The answer that I promised the hon. Member is the the probable total live load in the whole area on the Board's register, which is 1,912, and that 567 are getting winter allowances.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement on the recent umpire's decision regarding the winter herring season in the Western Isles in relation to unemployed claims?

I will send the hon. Member a copy of the relevant decision, the effect of which is that the period of winter fishing in the Stornoway district is regarded by the statutory authorities as part of the off season for women fishworkers in the district.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the serious position in which these people will be placed this winter and in future winters if this decision stands? Is he aware that hundreds of people will be suffering not only from unemployment but from having no possible means of support of any kind, and can he do nothing at all about that?

I could not accept the last part of the hon. Member's question. As he knows, for some years the seasonal workers' orders have applied to other ports, but the small landing of herring at Stornoway maintains a certain amount of work, and the statutory authorities consider there has been a winter season in the amending order until recently and have now found that that is not so.

Does not the present position arise out of the failure of the herring industry, and is not the failure of the Government to help the industry to blame for that?

I cannot argue that, and, as a matter of fact, the Act was passed in 1931 by the hon. Member's own party.

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons, registered at the Greenock Employment Exchange, have received employment at the Bishopton factory during the current year and the previous year, respectively?

I am having inquiries made and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Can the right hon. Gentleman bring to the notice of the unemployed at the Greenock Exchange work that is available at the Bishopton factory in respect that it is necessary for men working at that factory to travel?

The Employment Exchanges are always available for the unemployed, and I am happy to say that year by year they are getting more efficient.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the large additional numbers of persons for whom holidays with pay are now assured, he will take steps to encourage the provision, in various parts of the country, of rural camps, where persons can obtain cheap holiday accommodation; and whether, in this connection, he will cooperate with the Lord Privy Seal, in view of the fact that such camps might have great utility in the event of an emergency?

Considerable facilities of this kind already exist through various forms of organisation, and it may reasonably be expected that they will be expanded by similar methods in order to meet any further demand. I should welcome such an expansion, though I should make it clear that I have no funds that could be applied to that purpose. As regards the second part of the question, my hon. Friend may be assured that there will be no lack of co-operation between the Lord Privy Seal and myself.

Will funds be available to the Commissioners for the Special Areas?

If my hon. Friend will look at the report again, he will see that there is a passage in it about this matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that there is no lack of any cooperation, and can he say whether there has been any approach made to the Lord Privy Seal on the subject?

If the hon. Member wants any specific information about that, perhaps he will put a question down.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the general and legislative acceptance of the principle of holidays with pay, he can say when His Majesty's Government will ratify the convention concerning annual holidays with pay for seamen?

As I stated when introducing the Holidays with Pay Bill on 14th July of this year, the Government, in agreement with the recommendations of the Amulree Committee of Inquiry, propose to await the developments resulting from voluntary negotiations during the next two years before considering what legislation is necessary to make provision for holidays with pay in industry generally. Meanwhile the question of ratification of the Convention referred to must clearly be deferred.

Will not the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of bringing this country into line with other countries that have adopted the Convention policy on this matter?

No, Sir. The Amulree Committee was a most important committee, representing both sides in industry as well as impartial persons, and they found that the way recommended in the Convention was not the way for this country.

As other countries have ratified this Convention, is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied to lag behind those other countries in this respect?

I do not accept that suggestion. The House will know that as regards collective agreements and the relations in industry there is no superior to this country in the whole world.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Government propose to take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to secure that persons who improperly dispose of, or lose, or damage gas masks, which are public property, shall become liable to a penalty?

This point has not been overlooked: it has been noted for consideration in connection with forthcoming legislation.

In view of the fact that these gas masks were provided at the expense of the taxpayer and that it is well known that damage is being frequently done to them, would it not be better if the right hon. Gentleman announced now that he will introduce legislation which will secure that these gas masks are public property and that those who damage them will be punished, and also that he will make that legislation retrospective?

What is the relative cost of gas masks and suitable containers?

I cannot say.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can expedite the payment of grants for air-raid precautions work in regard to which local authorities have already made applications?

One thousand four hundred and thirty-five claims in respect of the current year have been received, and in 1,390 of these cases a payment of grant on account has already been made. There have also been received recently 292 claims in respect of the period prior to the current financial year. These claims require examination by the auditor, and this examination is being completed as rapidly as possible. Most of the latter claims are for small amounts.

Does that satisfactory answer represent the position in Scotland, where one understands the bulk of the authorities have so far received nothing?

It seems to be an extraordinary fact that Scotland has been backward in making application. So far as Fife is concerned the applications, both in respect of the current financial year and the last financial year, were received only last month.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether it is his intention to consult with local authorities before formulating complete schemes of evacuation, whether he proposes to meet separately the local authorities of Scotland; and whether, in order to co-ordinate and expedite efforts in air-raid precautions work, he will consider creating a separate office in Scotland which can act for his Department in all matters, including finance?

Together with the Minister of Health and the Under-Secretary of State for Scotland I have already had a preliminary discussion with the associations of local authorities. Schemes of evacuation in Scotland are being worked out by the Department of Health for Scotland in consultation with the appropriate authorities. As regards the third part of the question an office of the Air-Raid Precautions Department is to be opened in Edinburgh early in the New Year. This office will be in the charge of a responsible administrative officer who will act on behalf of the Department, subject to general supervision from Headquarters on all matters arising on general air-raid precautions in the schemes of local-authorities in Scotland.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that that announcement will give great satisfaction to Scotland?

asked the Lord Privy Seal the number of public bomb-proof shelters that have been constructed in the United Kingdom, and the approximate number of persons to be accommodated therein, specifying separately the position in respect of the county of London area?

So far as I am aware, no public shelter which could truthfully be described as bomb-proof has been specially constructed.

In view of the fact that the Air Raid Precautions Act has been in operation for 12 months, does not the Minister consider this to be a very unsatisfactory state of affairs in relation to civilian defence?

Perhaps I might remind the hon. Gentleman that I have not been in operation myself for that period. I was asked for the fact, and I have given it.

In view of the inadequacy of the trenches and such surface shelters as have been made, and the proof in Spain of the adequacy of deep bombproof shelters, will the right hon. Gentleman give his early attention to their provision in this country?

I do not think I can add anything to what I said yesterday.

In order to relieve the pressure upon the local authorities for public bomb-proof shelters, will my right hon. Friend make one point clear in regard to private shelters, namely, that in every household where there are domestic servants the obligation is on the employer to find proper shelter for his staff?

I thought I made it clear yesterday that with regard to people in employment and their protection at their places of employment, the responsibility rests primarily on the employers. I did not intend to draw any distinction between one class of employer and another.

In cases where the private employer refuses to accept responsibility, what action does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take?

I said yesterday that the Government propose to deal with that matter in legislation to be introduced immediately after the Recess. We hope that employers will not wait for such legislation before proceeding to discharge their obligations in this matter.

asked the Lord Privy Seal the total numbers of persons now enrolled in each of the various air-raid precautions and auxiliary services; and what are the full numbers for each service at which he is aiming in the national voluntary service campaign?

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

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that Mr. Albert Stony, air-raid precautions officer, of the Ipswich Corporation electricity supply and transport departments, was sent by the corporation for anti-gas training at the civilian training centre, Easingwold, and on 26th August last, whilst wearing heavy decontamination clothing in the course of an anti-gas exercise, collapsed and died; that the cause of death was certified to be heart failure attributable to over-exertion; that there survives a widow and two children who were wholly dependent upon the deceased; that adequate compensation has not been paid; and whether any and what action will be taken in this case to give effect to the repeated declarations that adequate compensation will be provided in respect of death or injury to members of public air-raid precautions services undergoing peace-time training?

I have obtained information about this case. Mr. Stony, while undergoing a course of practical training and exerting himself with great energy, collapsed and, despite the attention immediately given, failed to rally and died shortly afterwards. Every sympathy must be felt for his family, and in view of the exceptional circumstances of the case I am anxious that, in addition to the grant which has—I understand—already been made by the local authority, there shall also be a suitable grant from the Exchequer. An announcement of the amount will be communicated without delay.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will consider issuing to all those who volunteer and are accepted for national service, men and women, including the exempted classes, a small badge or button which might be worn as a badge of distinction by those giving voluntary service to their country?

The object which my hon. Friend has in mind is, I think, largely met by the badges which are already issued under approved conditions to volunteers in the Air-Raid Precautions services and certain other branches of voluntary national service. I will, however, consider whether there is any call for the extension of this system.

Are these badges issued free to those who wear them?

Yes, Sir.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what will be the cost to the public funds in respect of these badges? What is the approximate cost of each badge?

About IS.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will state, according to the Board's statistics, the number of elementary schools in England and Wales in which no arrangements have been made for the supplying of milk to the children attending such schools?

On 31st March, 1938, the latest date for which figures are available, out of a total of 29,223 public elementary school departments in England and Wales 1,920 made no arrangements for the supply of milk. This represents 6.6 per cent. of the total number of departments, but the departments making no arrangements were for the most part small and contained less than 3 per cent. of the total number of public elementary school children.

Are any steps being taken to see whether it is possible to supply milk to children in these schools?

The hon. Gentleman will be glad to know that the figure is getting steadily less.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether any action has yet been taken under the Physical Fitness Act to build and equip holiday camps for young persons; and whether, in view of the useful purpose which such camps might serve in an emergency, he can arrange to expedite their development if necessary in conjunction with the Lord Privy Seal's Department?

The Board's powers under the Physical Training and Recreation Act to make grants in aid of the building and equipment of holiday camps extend only to projects put forward by local authorities and local voluntary organisations. A number of applications for grants under the Act have been received and, except in a few cases, offers of grant have been made. My hon. Friend will no doubt have seen references in the Press to a scheme of holiday camps now under consideration by the local committee for London and Middlesex, and the National Fitness Council is actively considering the question of holiday camp provision in consultation with certain national bodies. My hon. Friend can be assured that in this matter there will be no lack of cooperation between the Lord Privy Seal and my Noble Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education when the Consultative Committee's report on Secondary and Junior Technical Education will be published?

The report of the Consultative Committee will be published on Friday, 30th December.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what is the number of applications received by the respective physical training committees in England and Wales for grants in respect of social centres since the physical training committees, appointed under the Act of 1937 were constituted; how such applications were dealt with; and the number and amount of the grants actually paid or passed for payment?

I am unable to state the number of applications for grant towards the provision or development of social centres received by the local committees under the Physical Training and Recreation Act. Up to the present 62 such applications have been transmitted by the local committees and of these 42 have been considered in the usual way by the Grants Committee and the Board of Education. In the case of 30 applications offers of grant have been made to a total of £275,735.

Is the Minister aware that it is considered that too little is being done in this respect? Is nothing being done by his Department to increase the value of what is obtainable under this Act?

I should have thought that the figure I quoted of nearly £300,000 as having been offered in respect of these centres, which include youth centres and recreational centres of all kinds, is a substantial thing in one year.

asked the Minister of Health whether be is prepared to authorise a survey of all farm buildings at present in use as cow-sheds for producing milk for human consumption, with a view to scheduling for the necessary reconstruction in a reasonable period of time such premises as may be found unsuitable?

No authorisation by me of such a survey as is suggested by the hon. Member is required. The enforcement of the provisions of the Milk and Dairies Orders in relation to farm buildings is a matter for the appropriate local sanitary authorities.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that only 22,000 farmers out of 120,000 have been able to get up to the standard laid down by the Milk Board for their accredited scheme, and that the board are now satisfied that farm premises are responsible for this?

It is for the local sanitary authorities to enforce the regulations.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman draw the attention of the local authorities to the necessity of improving the national milk supply in this respect?

Local authorities have certain duties entrusted to them by Parliament, and they are a little jealous of inroads on their duties and privileges by the central authority.

Has the right hon. Gentleman no responsibility if he finds that local authorities are not carrying out their duties?

Yes, but that is a general responsibility.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this is a serious matter in view of the extraordinary steps the Minister of Agriculture is taking by premium payments to get a good milk supply, at a cost of millions of pounds to the taxpayer?

Yes, it is important, and so are a great many other steps.

asked the Minister of Health the infantile mortality rates for Durham and Northumberland and the averages for that of England and Wales from 1932 and up to the latest date for which figures are available?

As the answer includes a tabular statement, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Health the nature of the food-testing now being undertaken by the National Food Test Board on behalf of his Department?

I have no information as to the nature of the food-testing undertaken by this body. It is entirely unofficial and any tests which it may be making are certainly not undertaken on behalf of my Department.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this board is carried on from an accommodation address in Holborn and that it is issuing circulars which appear to be almost of a blackmailing nature, and in the interests of the general community and the health of the community will he make further inquiries into its activities, which appear to be most undesirable?

I do not think it comes within my province to make further inquiries. It is an entirely unofficial body, and it is for others to take such steps.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that two Commissioners of the Board of Control who visited Park Prewett mental hospital in July, 1937, made an entry in the visitors' book to the effect that they had been disappointed at the progress made in occupational therapy and that little appeared to be done for those patients who were in need of occupational treatment; whether he is satisfied that the defect referred to in this entry either had not existed or has now been remedied; and how often and on what dates has Park Prewett hospital been inspected since the date when this complaint was made?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Two Commissioners of the Board of Control visited the hospital again on 14th October of the present year and reported that, since the previous visit, a welcome advance had been made in the development of occupational therapy, though there were certain directions in which they suggested the possibility of further advance.

asked the Minister of Health what are the terms on which the London County Council has arranged to obtain its milk supplies direct from the Milk Marketing Board; and why the contracts were not put out to tender?

asked the Minister of Health under what conditions the London County Council has arranged to obtain its milk supplies direct from the Milk Marketing Board; and whether he is satisfied with the reason why these contracts have not been put out to tender in the normal way?

I understand that the procedure adopted was in accordance with the Standing Orders of the London County Council. I am in communication with the council and will inform my hon. Friends of the result in due course.

Is it not a fact that this authority has one of the finest purchasing organisations of the whole of the United Kingdom and cannot it be relied upon to carry out its duties properly?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether it is desirable that such local authorities should undertake organised under-cutting?

Is it not a fact that the London County Council are buying 10,000 gallons of this milk per day, and that the medical officer of health has informed the authority that they are now getting better milk than ever before?

Now the hon. Member is asking me not to interfere with a local authority, which is in direct contrast with the suggestion he was making in a previous question.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give a list of the names of the local authorities which have built houses by direct labour under the Housing Acts from 1st October, 1935, to date; and the number of houses so built in each case?

I am sending the hon. Member the detailed information for which he has asked.

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons in receipt of Poor Law relief and the amount of rates levied for public assistance purposes by the West Riding of Yorkshire County Council in each year since 1931; and what amount of the rates so levied has been to assist injured workmen in receipt of workmen's compensation and old age pensioners in the same years, giving the number of persons so affected in each year?

As the answer contains a number of figures in tabular form, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of male and female prisoners who were certified as insane after their conviction and reception into prison for the three years ended the last convenient date?

As the answer is in the form of a tabular statement I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Would it not be better if the right hon. Gentleman endeavoured to get these persons certified before their conviction?

That is another question.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in connection with the lift accident at the Midland Bank, Poultry, E.C., on Wednesday, 14th December, when two men were badly hurt when scaffolding and steel girders 25 feet long fell; and what protection is provided for the passers-by when girders are being hoisted?

I understand that no girders were being hoisted, but that a steel gantry, which had been used for some building operations, was being dismantled, and that owing to some misunderstanding too many of the nuts securing part of the framework were removed, with the result that the framework fell and injured three workmen and two members of the public. The precautions required by the regulations for building operations, though primarily for the protection of the workpeople, would incidentally protect the public against such accidents as falls of cranes or girders, but there does not appear to have been any breach of the regulations in this instance.

asked the Home Secretary whether the inquiry which is being held by the Cinematograph Advisory Committee into the question of noninflammable films will deal with the possibility of imposing any form of political censorship or control officially or un-officially?

I should regard any form of censorship exercised for political purposes as out of the question. The point for consideration by the Advisory Committee is whether slow burning films should be differentiated from other films in respect of the control exercised by local authorities, and this necessarily involves the question whether there should be differentiation as regards the control exercised both for safety purposes and for the prevention of offensive exhibitions.

Is there any question of bringing these films under the British Board of Film Censors? Is that one of the matters to be considered?

The hon. Member will see from the answer that that is one of the questions which this Committee is considering.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in connection with the accident at a flat in Lowndes Street, S.W., where a boy was killed; and was the lift in proper condition?

This lift is not subject to the Factory Acts and the accident was not investigated by my Department. I understand, however, that this unfortunate boy, who was only four years old, went ahead of his nurse and attempted to operate the lift by himself; and that the coroner said he was satisfied that the lift was in proper condition and fool-proof so far as such lifts can be for adults. I should like to take this opportunity of expressing my deep sympathy for the boy's parents.

Does the Home Secretary think there is a possibility of private lifts coming under the supervision of local authorities for examination and control?

I understand that the London County Council are considering that question with a view to possible legislation.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the Motion on increase in old age pensions, standing on the Order Paper in the name of the hon. Member for Leigh and other hon. Members; and whether he will consider granting a day of parliamentary time for its discussion when the House reassembles after Christmas and to allow the issue to be decided by a free vote of the House?

I regret that I can hold out no hope of a special opportunity being afforded to discuss the Motion standing in the name of the hon. Member. I would, however, remind him that facilities already exist for discussion of Private Members' Motions under the Standing Orders.

We all know the burden which the Prime Minister has to carry, but does he realise the gravity of this situation? The latest figure I have is that 230,000 old age pensioners have to apply for relief. In view of that, could I ask him to reconsider the answer which he has given?

I cannot argue the matter now. The question I was asked was whether I could find time for the consideration of this Motion and my answer, I regret to say, is in the negative.

Does the right hon. Gentleman visualise the difficulties of these people on 10s. a week in the terrible cold which we have been experiencing?

Has the Prime Minister seen the undertaking given at the National Labour Group Conference held a few weeks ago, and have representations arising out of that been made to the Prime Minister by members of that body?

That is another question.

I beg to give notice that I shall call attention to this matter when we resume our business in January.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the resolution passed by the city council of Stoke-on-Trent, and forwarded to him by the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, asking the Government to introduce legislation to provide that, if the wife of an insured worker is junior in age to her husband, her pension shall become payable as soon as her husband becomes entitled to his pension; and what action does he propose to take?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In reply to the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on the 13th of this month to the hon. Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Batey).

Are there any prospects of anything being done for old age pensioners?

I am afraid I cannot go into that point in answer to the question which I was asked.

asked the Home Secretary what is the present staff of the aliens section of his Department; how this compares with the staff employed in the same section at a similar date last year; what is the approximate number of aliens cases now in hand; and whether he is satisfied that the staff is now sufficient to deal with these cases with reasonable expedition?

The present staff of the aliens division numbers 141. This represents an increase of 55 as compared with December, 1937. The number of cases which are in hand at any one moment cannot be precisely stated as the communications and requests with which the division has to deal relate not only to the admission of particular individuals but to numerous other questions arising out of the position of aliens already in this country. The large additions of staff made in recent weeks have greatly ameliorated the position and, as I have already stated in reply to previous questions, the staff is being expanded as rapidly as the necessity for teaching newcomers their duties permits.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered whether some acceleration could not be produced by giving rather more authority to our consular representatives abroad, so as to prevent the terrible delays in the granting of visas, a difficulty which we recognise that they cannot very quickly overcome with their present staffs?

I will look into that point, but it appears to be one which should be raised with the Foreign Office.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered assisting the staffs of those voluntary bodies which are now offering so much useful help to his Department?

That, obviously, is another question, but I can tell my hon. Friend that we are in the closest cooperation with the two bodies, and I will keep in mind his suggestion.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Medical Board under the various industries, silicosis, scheme, have refused a certificate that death was caused by silicosis in the case of the late Mr. Rees Roberts, Raven Colliery, Garnant; whether, in view of the fact that the deceased had worked for 59 years at coal mines in the anthracite coalfield and had been certified partially disabled by silicosis since 1937, he can state the reasons for the refusal to certify silicosis as the cause of death; and whether the Medical Board were satisfied that death was not accelerated by silicosis?

I understand that the post-mortem examination showed extensive cardiovascular disease and only slight silicosis, and that the board were satisfied that the silicosis could not be held to have accelerated death. The workman was 66 years old and was found last year to be suffering from silicosis in an early stage such as to cause only slight disability, but to be totally disabled owing to other physical conditions.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the report of the inquest which appeared in the South Wales newspapers it was stated that the doctors present at the post-mortem examination, who included a medical representative of the colliery company, agreed that the death was caused by silicosis; and may I ask whether the Medical Board is permitted under the regulations to certify that death is accelerated by silicosis and whether a claim would rest in such a case?

The board can take the view that death is accelerated by silicosis, and in a case of that kind they would bear that fact very much in mind, but in this case they came very definitely to the conclusion that death was due to heart disease and arterio-sclerosis was not accelerated by silicosis.

May I ask whether it is not possible under the general provisions of the Workmen's Compensation Acts to claim compensation even though death be not caused by an accident but is accelerated by it; whether the Medical Board can certify that though death was not caused by silicosis it was accelerated by it; and, if the board have such powers whether the hon. Gentleman will take such steps to alter the certificate so that the board can certify that death was accelerated by silicosis and thus make possible a claim for compensation?

I should not like to make a considered statement on that point to-day, but I will look into it.

Will the hon. Gentleman let me know?

Yes, Sir, I will.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the existence in England of a branch of the German Workers' Front extensively organised and compelling every German subject in this country to belong to it; and whether he will take steps to deport the persons responsible for this system which is contrary to the interests of this country?

I am aware that there is a branch of this organisation in this country. There can be, of course, no question that German nationals have under our laws complete freedom of choice in this matter and the use of intimidation with a view to compelling them to join against their will would be a punishable offence. If in any case there were evidence that intimidation had been used, appropriate action would be taken.

Is the Home Secretary aware that many of these German nationals feel afraid not to belong to this organisation because of what might happen to their relatives in Germany, and will the right hon. Gentleman seriously consider closing down the whole organisation?

That is another question, but I can tell the hon. Gentleman that in any case brought to my attention in which intimidation has been proved appropriate action will at once be taken.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that it is in the national interest that German servants employed in this country should be compelled to go to this organisation and to give information of what they have heard in the houses where they are employed?

That is also another question, but I should certainly disapprove of any action of that kind.

Would the right hon. Gentleman take action if it were a case of a Russian Bolshevik workers' front?

I should take action if the law were broken, no matter by whom.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that if the law is broken and action is taken by his Department, the effect on the persons' relatives in Germany may, none the less, be very serious indeed? That is the real difficulty.

Much as I should deplore a situation of that kind, it is obviously one for which I am not responsible.

asked the Home Secretary the total amount paid for full, partial, and fatal accident compensation, respectively, in the county of York under the Workmen's Compensation Act, showing the amounts paid in the respective trades during the last five years?

I would refer to the reply given by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary on Tuesday last to the hon. Members for Morpeth (Mr. R. J. Taylor) and Blaydon (Mr. Whiteley) when it was explained that such figures are not available for particular counties.

Are the figures available for the whole country? If so, and I put a question down, will the right hon. Gentleman reply?

Certainly. If they are available I will give the hon. Gentleman the figures for which he asks.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the action of Schenkers, Limited, of 134, Queen Victoria Street, in dismissing certain employés on account of their Jewish faith; and what action he proposes to take to discourage German firms in this country from discriminating amongst their staffs on racial or religious grounds?

I am much obliged to the hon. and gallant Member for bringing the particulars of this case to my notice. I am causing immediate inquiry to be made and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that a useful purpose would be served if British firms and British customers who have relations with German firms were to convey to them an expression of their disapproval of such dismissals as being quite contrary to the spirit of religious toleration in this country?

I am sure that any reputable British firm would highly disapprove of any action of that kind, and the more that fact can be known, certainly from my point of view the better.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the delays consequent on the existing arrangements for the immigration of adults from Germany, he will institute an inquiry into the possibility of organising closed areas, similar to Ellis Island in the United States, to which refugees might have recourse, pending any appeals as to their claims or any communication with their friends in this country?

Such examination as I have been able to make of the practical working of the arrangements for the admission of selected refugees to this country does not suggest that anything would be gained by instituting such a system as the hon. Member suggests. The system by which a German seeking admission to this country must first obtain a visa from a British Consulate was instituted in order to avoid the difficulties which would inevitably arise if persons were to arrive at our ports before the question whether they could be admitted under the arrangements for refugees had been considered; and I should deprecate any arrangement which would encourage people to come to a United Kingdom port on the chance of securing admission and which would involve detaining them under some form of custody while their applications are being considered, and ultimately sending back those whose applications could not be accepted.

Did not the Home Secretary promise some time ago to look into the matter with a view to expediting it? In view of the fact that there are tremendously long delays before people get over here, can we have an assurance that the position is likely to be better in the next few weeks so that people can get away in a reasonably short time?

Perhaps the hon. Member did not hear the reply which I gave on this subject a few minutes ago.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not reconsider the matter with a view to seeing whether some arrangement could be made equivalent, perhaps, to Ellis Island, but limited by granting some sort of temporary permission from Germany? Is he aware that hundreds of refugees have finally been compelled to commit suicide?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether His Majesty's Government have yet prepared plans for the settlement of refugees in Tanganyika?

The Government of Tanganyika have ordered surveys to be carried out of the areas which offer the best possibility of settlement, and I am awaiting the results of those surveys. It will necessarily be some little time before the reports are received. As soon as those reports are available, the voluntary refugee organisations will be invited to send representatives to inspect any areas which the Governor may suggest for examination.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered whether it would be advisable that no refugees from Germany should be settled in Tanganyika?

That is another matter altogether.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he proposes to seek the assent of this House to the Czechoslovak loan; and whether there is any recent precedent for such pledging of public money on the private assurances of Ministers?

I am sorry that it has not been possible to introduce this legislation before Christmas as I had hoped. I propose to introduce it as soon as possible after the Recess. I cannot, of course, accept the implication contained in the second part of the question. The only assurance given by Ministers, which was immediately communicated to the House, was that legislation would be introduced.

Does the right hon. Gentleman contend that the House has given its assent in any form to this legislation?