asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state the number of complaints which have been made to his Department regarding the difficulties in obtaining adequate quantities of lime and also the lime content of supplies furnished to buyers; and whether any remedial action is to be taken?

No complaints of difficulty in obtaining adequate supplies of lime have been received during the current season by my Department or by the Land Fertility Committee. Since the scheme came into operation some 140 cases have been brought to the notice of the committee where analyses under the Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act, 1926, have shown that the calcium oxide content of samples of lime was less than that declared by the seller. In such cases the attention of the seller is drawn to the deficiency by the local authority concerned. In addition the committee have arranged for periodical inspections of the premises of all producers of lime approved under the scheme and for samples to be taken for analysis by the Government Chemist. In cases where analysis has

The particulars are as follows:revealed serious deficiencies representations have been made to the suppliers concerned which have resulted in some instances in reductions of approved prices.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that the recent reduced output of steel has produced a certain shortage in the supplies of basic slag, consideration can be given to extending the range of fertilisers which can be subsidised under the Government scheme?

I am aware that the position regarding supplies of basic slag is as stated by my hon. and gallant Friend. I am hopeful, however, that more basic slag may become available as a result of the anticipated increase of the output of steel. As regards extension of the Land Fertility Scheme I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the replies given by my predecessor on 5th December to questions on the subject by my hon. Friend the Member for Tonbridge (Sir A. Baillie) and my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Chatham (Captain Plugge).

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has considered the representations made to him during the past two years by the National Allotments Society; is he aware of the frequent disturbance of tenancies, and the effect of uncertainty of tenure; and if he intends to take action to improve the position of allotment holders, and extend the area of land under allotment cultivation?

My Department has had under consideration the representations and proposals made by the National Allotments Society, and I have arranged to receive a deputation from the society on the 17th of this

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give any information in connection with the charge of 55s. per pig for pigs sent by rail by the Pigs Marketing Board from Cornwall to London; and whether he has been in communication with the council of the Farmers' Union about the matter?

As my hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions stated in reply to a question asked by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Isle of Wight (Captain P. MacDonald) on 6th February, I have no detailed information about the journey of this particular pig, but I believe that the circumstances were exceptional. The matter is one for action by the industry, but I am informed that steps have now been taken which should prevent a recurrence.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, as a result of the collapse of prices brought about by the action of Dominion and Dutch importers, home manufacturers of milk products have been forced to approach the Milk Marketing Board for a further reduction in the price at which milk for manufacture is sold in this country; and whether in view of the unfortunate effect which such a reduction must have upon the development of milk production in this country, he will give an assurance that action will be taken in the near future to safeguard the interests of the home milk-products industry, upon which the dairy farmers are depending for so large a part of their market?

I am aware of the recent collapse of certain price agreements between home manufacturers of condensed milk and milk powder and the importing interests and of the resultant approach to the Milk Marketing Board to which my hon. Friend refers. The problem of regulating the market for such products, including the re-introduction of price agreements, is at present engaging the attention of the Departments concerned and I can assure my hon. Friend that there will be no avoidable delay in seeking a satisfactory solution.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give approximate figures as to the milk equivalent of the total volume of milk products imported into this country during 1938; and how this figure compares with the estimated production of milk in this country for the same period?

The fresh milk equivalent of all milk products imported into the United Kingdom in 1938 is estimated at approximately 2,870 million gallons. The production of milk (exclusive of that fed to livestock) in the United Kingdom for the year June, 1937, to May, 1938, is estimated at approximately 1,570 million gallons.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the unsatisfactory situation which has arisen with regard to the stability of the market for condensed milk and milk powder in this country as a result of the failure of the Dominions and Dutch importers to conform to prices fixed by home manufacturers; and whether, in view of the urgent necessity for expanding home milk production, and enabling the home manufacturers to be in a position to provide adequate returns to milk producers, he will take early steps to bring forward the Milk Products Marketing Scheme which passed the inquiry stage some 18 months ago?

I am aware of the unsatisfactory position with regard to the market for condensed milk and milk powder mentioned in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, the draft Milk Products Marketing Scheme was held in abeyance pending consideration by Parliament of the Milk Industry Bill. In view, however, of the recent withdrawal of the Bill my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I now propose to proceed with the draft scheme.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many draft orders for the better marketing of livestock have been submitted to him by the Livestock Commission under Clause 15 of the Livestock Industry Act, 1937?

No draft Livestock Markets Orders under Section 15 of the Livestock Industry Act, 1937, have as yet been submitted to me by the Livestock Commission. I understand, however, that at their last meeting the Commission decided that a Livestock Markets Order is desirable in respect of certain parts of Glamorganshire, and that bodies likely to be affected have been notified of the decision, as required by the provisions of this Section of the Act.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many schemes for the establishment of experimental slaughterhouses have been submitted to him by the Livestock Commission and if any of these schemes are being approved?

No schemes for the establishment of central slaughterhouses have as yet been submitted by the Livestock Commission. In connection with the provision made in Part V of the Livestock Industry Act for the operation of not more than three experimental central slaughterhouses, the Commission announced in October last that detailed proposals should be submitted to them not later than 31st December. I understand that the Commission have received, and are now considering, 12 specific proposals for the establishment of central slaughterhouses and that a selection will be made from among these proposals for the purposes of the experimental schemes.

asked the Minister of Agriculture (1) whether his attention has been drawn to the enormous losses suffered by the agricultural industry as the result of diseases in livestock; and whether it is proposed that the recommendations on this subject made by the Inter-Departmental Committee on Veterinary Education should be implemented without delay;(2) whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Inter-Departmental Committee on Veterinary Education estimate the losses associated with diseases of farm stock at£19,000,000 per annum for the United Kingdom alone; and whether he can give an assurance that veterinary education and research will be encouraged in the future by more liberal assistance from his Department than has been forthcoming in the past;(3) whether, as a step towards the effective control and eradication of diseases of animals, he will arrange without delay to set up the special inquiry on unqualified veterinary practitioners recommended in the report of the Inter-Departmental Committee on Veterinary Education?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, to questions asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Hitchin (Sir A. Wilson) on 1st February.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how much it would cost in a normal year to supplement prices received by growers, including any subsidies, deficiency payments, or levy payments, by sufficient margins to guarantee standard prices to cover the costs of efficient production for all agricultural commodities; and if he will state the sum required in respect of each commodity, separately, and the prices received by growers in a normal year, on which his calculations are based?

I regret that the information asked for by my hon. Friend is not available. As I stated in the House on 1st February during the Debate on the motion proposed by the hon. Member for Devizes (Sir P. Hurd) it is far from easy to determine the costs of production of agricultural commodities. Nor is it practicable to indicate by precise figures the costs of "efficient "production.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have occurred in attested herds during the past six months?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether pending the presentation of his long-term policy for the reorganisation of agriculture, he is prepared to remove the restriction which excludes from the barley subsidy any farmer who also happens to have land under wheat?

The provision to which the hon. Member refers applies to those farmers who elect to receive wheat deficiency payments. The question whether this provision, which was an important feature of Part 11 of the Agriculture Act, 1937, should be modified, is one which could not appropriately be considered apart from the general review which is now taking place.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is yet in a position to make any statement on the suggested application to the sheep industry of the principle adopted in the levy subsidy scheme of the cattle industry?

No, Sir. Pending the completion of the review of the agricultural situation announced by my predecessor on 22nd December last and the discussions at present in progress with the English and Scottish National Farmers' Unions, I am unable to make any statement with regard to the sheep industry.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether since Germany is completely rebuilding her deep-sea fishing fleet, he will take steps to assist our deep-sea fishing fleet so that the British trawlers may be equally efficient?

The present trawling fleet includes a considerable proportion of efficient modern vessels of large size and its total catching power is such that the industry has already found it necessary to regulate landings by the larger vessels. In these circumstances it is difficult to see any adequate grounds for financial assistance from the State towards a rebuilding scheme.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the plan prepared by the Sussex Sea Fisheries Committee to create a reserve of untrained men and women to help the older fishermen at sea and on shore in time of emergency; whether the Admiralty is inquiring as to the possibility of the general adoption of a similar scheme; and whether he can make any statement on the subject?

I have received from the Sussex Sea Fisheries Committee a copy of proposals relating to the organisation of the inshore fisheries of their district in time of emergency. Any such scheme involving Government action would, of course, have to be capable of application to inshore fisheries generally and would, moreover, have to be considered in relation to wider schemes dealing with the organisation of the whole fishing industry and associated activities under war conditions. In particular, the Government's scheme for the compilation of a voluntary national register has been announced since the Sussex proposals were prepared.I understand that, with these points in view, the Sussex scheme is to be considered at an early date by the Association of Sea Fisheries Committees, and I am now awaiting the result of their deliberations.

asked the Minister of Health whether any estimate has been made of the amount paid by local authorities in England to supplement old age pensions and contributory pensions?

I regret that the information in my Department does not enable me to give any estimate of the amount paid by local authorities, by way of relief, in supplementation of old age and contributory pensions.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will request all public assistance committees to ascertain and furnish details of the number of applicants for out-door relief who are in receipt of weekly payments under the Workmen's Compensation Act, as declared under Section 1 (1) (b) of the Transitional Payments (Determination of Need) Act, 1932. the total amounts paid in order to supplement the amount of weekly payments at present admissible under the Workmen's Compensation Act, showing the numbers partially or wholly incapacitated, their age groups, marital status, and number of dependants, the period over which payments were made during 1938, and the number of cases in which public assistance committees, by virtue of the discretion vested in them under Section 1 (2) of the Act of 1932, did not enforce Section 1 (1) (b) of that Act?

On the 1st February, I issued to public assistance authorities a circular, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend, asking them to supply certain information regarding out-door relief and workmen's compensation.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can devise some method of bringing within the scope of the new voluntary pensions scheme persons who would have qualified for inclusion but for the fact that they have been absent from this country as wives of British soldiers stationed in overseas parts of the British Empire?

I am afraid that I could not undertake to introduce amending legislation for the purpose of giving preferential treatment to particular applicants for admission to the new voluntary pensions scheme, but I would point out that absence abroad in the circumstances indicated in the question would not necessarily render the applicant ineligible for admission. The question of eligibility depends upon the facts of the particular case.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the extensive demand, he is prepared to introduce legislation which will enable persons whose salaries do not exceed£500 per annum to be eligible for all benefits under the Contributory Pensions Act?

No, Sir. The Government are not prepared to introduce such legislation.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that Middlesbrough's share in the Poole Sanatorium scheme is in the region of£55,000, for which no Government grant-in-aid was received, although four of the other five constituent authorities received grants ranging from 75 to 30 per cent. because they were in the Special Areas; and whether he will take special steps to relieve Middlesbrough of an equitable part of this burden?

I am aware that the position is as stated in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, I have no power to give any such financial assistance as the hon. Member suggests.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the recent breakdowns of electric power stations causing inconvenience and danger to life in hospitals, he will state what steps, if any, he proposes to take to see that emergency lighting sets are provided in all such buildings?

I am not aware of the existence of circumstances which call for any action on my part, but if my hon. Friend has any particular cases in mind, perhaps he will communicate with me and I will have inquiry made.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the campaign against diphtheria immunisation; and whether he will issue some statement in support of local health authorities who invite the public to accept this effective protection against a dangerous disease?

I am aware that there is a body of opinion in the country which is opposed to inoculation in all forms. A memorandum on the production of artificial immunity against diphtheria was issued by my Department in 1932, and the question of its re-issue in a revised form is receiving consideration. Attention has also been drawn to the value of diphtheria immunisation in recent reports of the Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will instruct His Majesty's Ambassador in Rome to call the attention of the Italian Government to the fact that the retention of Italian troops in Spain until the victory of General Franco is complete politically as well as military would directly contravene the terms of the Anglo-Italian Agreement?

If the hon. and gallant Member is referring to an article which appeared in the Italian Press on 5th February, His Majesty's Ambassador in Rome has already been informed by the Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs that the article was not inspired by the Italian Government and merely expressed the personal views of the writer.

asked the Prime Minister whether, during the Rome conversations, the head of the Italian Government defined the objectives which had led to Italian intervention in Spain?

No, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what provision is made in the Government's scheme for compensation to property owners for persons buying houses through building societies having to continue these payments in the event of the total destruction or irreparable damage of their houses in the event of war?

The hon. Member will find that the sort of event he has in mind is dealt with in paragraphs 25 and 31 of the report of the committee on the responsibility for the repair of premises damaged by hostilities (Command Paper No. 5934).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a statement showing the number of new industries which have been assisted by grants from the Special Areas Reconstruction Association, the Nuffield Trust, or by Government grant, and the location of these industries, together with the amount of assistance given, and the total capital of each enterprise, with the kind of trade to be carried on in each case?

So far as the Treasury and the Special Areas Reconstruction Association are concerned, it would, I think, be contrary to the interests of assisted undertakings to publish a detailed list such as my hon. Friend desires, since it might be possible from such a list to infer the financial circumstances of individual businesses. I am not in a position to give any information as to the work of Lord Nuffield's private trust.The scope of the work done in establishing new undertakings in the Special Areas may however be judged from the following particulars:The Treasury and the association have so far agreed to lend respectively£1,272,000 and£633,000 to assist 109 new businesses (as distinct from the extension of existing businesses, for which purpose the association has made a number of loans). The total share and loan capital of these new businesses (including the sums provided by the Treasury and the association) amounts to£5,670,680. The undertakings cover a wide range of types of manufacture, including the following:

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state the estimated amounts in customs and excise revenue per head of the population for the year ended March, 1938, in respect of food, drink, and tobacco?

The estimated amounts of taxation in Customs and Excise revenue per head of the population of Great Britain for the year ended the 31st March, 1938, in respect of food, drink and tobacco were as follow:

	£	s.	d.
Food (including tea, coffee and cocoa)		18	0
Drink (alcoholic liquors, table waters and fruit juices)	2	8	2
Tobacco	1	15	4

The Excise duties incidental to the manufacture and retail of articles included in the above-mentioned categories have been taken into account in framing these estimates. Items falling under Group B (namely feeding-stuffs for animals) of Class I of the Official Trade Accounts have been excluded. Some of the items in other groups in this class (e.g., wheat, barley, oats) have been included in full, although an unknown quantity is used as feeding-stuffs for animals.

asked the Lord Privy Seal how soon residents in the borough of St. Pancras are likely to be supplied with suitable containers in which to keep their gas masks?

Supplies have been delivered this week.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether all arrangements for air-raid precautions are on a basis dependent on existing population; and, if so, what provision is being made now for a large increase in the number of the population in those areas scheduled as receiving areas during an emergency?

In estimating the requirements of the various local authorities, the fact that the population in reception areas may be increased as a result of evacuation schemes has not been overlooked. In framing the estimates regard was necessarily paid, not only to population, but to the degree of risk of attack and to the extent and character of the area.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what is the minimum number of full-time or part-time auxiliary firemen required in the city of Liverpool; how many have been enrolled; how many have completed their training; and what action he proposes to take, in view of the refusal of the Liverpool City Council on the ground of economy, to carry out the proposals necessary to effectuate the training required?

I am informed that the estimated total number of auxiliary firemen required for the city of Liverpool is 10,000, and the number enrolled is 1,125, of whom 318 have completed their training. As regards the last part of the question, I understand that a proposal for the augmentation of the fire brigade establishment to assist with the training of auxiliary firemen is due to come up shortly for further consideration by the appropriate committee of the local authority, and I hope that suitable provision will then be made.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of the difficulties experienced by Metropolitan borough councils during the crisis in securing the necessary accommodation for the purpose of fitting and distributing gas masks, he will consider introducing legislation to enable such councils to make use of schools in any future similar emergency?

I am informed that the London County Council are prepared to permit schools under their control to be used for the fitting and distribution of gas masks should the necessity arise. Legislation for the purpose is not therefore required.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of the shortage of small-size gas masks during the crisis experienced by Metropolitan boroughs in genera], and Southwark in particular, he will give particulars of the manner in which arrangements have been made for the immediate supply of small face-pieces in the event of any future emergency; in what manner precautions have been taken to provide on any future occasion an equal number of face-pieces for the purpose of assembling into them the respirator components, including filter containers; and will he also give particulars of whether it is his Department's intention in future to supply cardboard containers for use as receptacles for respirators?

Contracts for the supply of further quantities of small size face-pieces have been placed and supplies to meet deficiencies notified by local authorities are being made. Face-pieces and niters, and also the component rubber bands and inlet valves, which make up the complete respirator, are being supplied together. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether any particular type of stretcher has been approved and given the official description of Home Office airraid precautions stretcher; whether he is aware that a Birmingham firm are advertising this stretcher at prices five or six times higher than the cost of production and that, although the firm offer a 50 per cent. reduction, the price is still exorbitant; and whether it is proposed to take any steps to prevent the making of undue profits out of a national emergency?

A rigid type of stretcher has been designed by His Majesty's Office of Works, in consultation with the Ministry of Health and the Air-Raid Precautions Department, for issue to local authorities, and I understand that certain firms are offering stretchers of this type for sale generally. I understand that all requirements of Government Departments for issue to local authorities have hitherto been met at a satisfactory price. I have received no complaint as to the prices charged to the public, but if the hon. Member will be good enough to let me have the information on which his question is based, I shall be glad to look into the matter.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that the provision of underground railways in many evacuation areas would promote employment and furnish shelter from air attack; and whether he is prepared to offer financial assistance to any local authorities which may be willing to pursue such development?

The part which underground railways could and could not play as air-raid shelters can hardly be discussed within the limits of a question and answer; with regard to the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to a question by the hon. Member for Duddeston (Mr. Simmonds) on 2nd February.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether any local authority has yet completed the permanent lining of the trenches dug during the emergency of September, 1938?

A circular was sent by my Department to all local authorities concerned on the 20th January last, asking how far this work had progressed; but replies have not yet been received from all areas.

asked the Lord Privy Seal when he has arranged to commence test warnings of air raids, so that the public shall be conversant with the method locally employed?

The responsibility for making adequate tests of the sirens to be used for giving public warning of air raids rests upon the local authorities. I know that a number of tests have already been carried out, and I have no reason to think that authorities are not fully alive to the importance of this matter.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that, owing to a recent circular from his Department, large numbers of persons who have qualified as air-raid wardens in rural areas will not receive equipment in an emergency and will become redundant; and whether they are consequently to be regarded as being no longer wanted in those areas and, if so, are they likely to be wanted in other areas?

I should be sorry if the figures of personnel given to local authorities have given rise to any feeling among individual volunteers that they are no longer needed. Men and women trained as wardens are wanted beyond the precise numbers laid down, as a reserve to take the places of others temporarily not available and when doing so will use the equipment provided. The duties of wardens are such that it would be difficult for them to serve as wardens away from their own areas, but there may be other duties of national importance which they could undertake.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in connection with the plans for evacuation of population in time of war, the necessary arrangements for food supply have been made?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether volunteers for national service injured in course of training and/or during practice will be compensated; and on whom will fall the liability for such compensation?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether a voluntary fireman in training for air-raid precaution service is killed or injured during training will he or his dependants get compensation, and on what conditions?

The answer is in the affirmative. Hitherto the matter has been dealt with under policies of insurance taken out by local authorities; but the basis on which the risk should in future be borne is under consideration and I hope to be in a position to give full details of the scheme at a very early date.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can make an interim statement as to the response to the voluntary National Service Scheme?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for East Fife (Mr. Henderson Stewart).

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he can state the approximate cost of the concessions to disability pensioners through the Unemployment Insurance and Assistance Acts and the Poor Law Act, 1934, which are claimed to be, in effect, a direct subsidy in favour of the disabled men who are industrially handicapped or incapacitated?

I am informed by my right hon. Friends the Ministers of Health and Labour, within whose, sphere the Acts referred to lie, that no figures as to the cost are available, and could not be obtained without detailed investigation of a very large number of individual cases.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many copies of his circular letter on the subject of the Voluntary Contributory Pension Scheme were actually sent to disability pensioners, other ranks; how many replies were received in conjunction therewith; and how many of the applicants were found to be ineligible for admission to the scheme on the ground of age, excessive income, and other reasons, respectively?

The circular letter referred to, which related generally to the man's position in National Insurance as well as to the new Voluntary Contributory Pension Scheme was sent to approximately 365,000 of the disability pensioners mentioned. Thirty-three thousand requests for further information or advice were received, of which 12,500 related to the new Voluntary Contributory Scheme. Of the cases so far determined by the Ministry of Health, 1,909 have been accepted. Of the 425 applications rejected to date, 264 were on account of age, 34 by reason of excessive income, 119 because of existing insurance or excepted employment, and eight were found to be lacking the necessary residential qualification.

asked the Attorney-General how many prosecutions have been made under Section 6 of the Official Secrets Act, 1920, in respect of refusal to give information relating to an offence or suspected offence; and what was the nature of such prosecutions?

There have been two prosecutions under Section 6 of the Official Secrets Act, 1920, in respect of refusal to give information. The first was in 1926. The offence or suspected offence related to certain Naval plans. The second was in 1937. The offence or suspected offence related to a police document.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. Peter Beveridge, Sea View, Torrey-bum, who has been dismissed from the Admiralty depoôt at Crombie at the age of 60 years without pension; that this man is strong, active, and quite fit for the job on which he was employed; and, in view of the Government's policy of giving special attention to the problem of unemployed persons between 45 and 65, will he take steps to have this man re-employed and stop the practice of Admiralty departments adding to this problem?

The general rule (which is not peculiar to the Admiralty service) is that no Government employe has the right to be retained beyond the age of 60. In no case is a man retained in Admiralty service beyond the age of 60 unless he can be certified as in all respects fit for further retention, and such retention is considered to be in the interests of the public service. In Beveridge's case his officers were of opinion that this certificate could not properly be given. The Admiralty must necessarily be guided by this opinion.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that a questionnaire has been sent to tenants of houses in Rosyth asking, amongst other things, the nature of their employment, with the result that tenants not in Admiralty employment fear that they will be required to remove from their houses; and can he give an assurance that the Admiralty, through the Scottish National Housing Company, is taking the necessary steps to ensure adequate housing accommodation for the increased number of dockyard workers without displacing the present tenants?

I am aware that a questionnaire including the question referred to has been addressed to the tenants of the Rosyth Garden City. The object of the questionnaire is to enable disturbance of present tenants to be reduced to a minimum should it prove necessary to make some of the houses available for the purpose for which they were originally built, namely the accommodation of Admiralty employeés. The Admiralty and the Scottish National Housing Company are considering whether steps are necessary to increase housing accommodation at Rosyth.

asked the Postmaster-General how many male and female retirements, respectively, are expected to occur in 1939–40 in the Savings Bank Department above the grade of clerical officer; and whether the proportion of male to female will be retained in the filling of these vacancies in order to safeguard the interest of ex-service employeés?

Twenty men and nine women are expected to retire in 1939 and 27 men and seven women in 1940. Under an agreement with the staff, members of both sexes are now equally eligible for promotion on their merits to fill these vacancies, and it is not practicable therefore to give any undertaking that the present proportions between the sexes will be maintained.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been called to the shortage of skilled aeronautical engineers in the British aircraft industry; and what steps are being taken to meet this?

I am aware that the rapid expansion of the aircraft industry has entailed a shortage of these skilled men as compared with the large numbers required. In order to meet the deficiency men are being trained as rapidly as possible at the various contractors' works as well as at the Ministry of Labour Training Centres.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware of the periodical dismissal of men at the Bridgend Arsenal, and the employment of other persons to proceed with the same work; and whether he will make inquiries?

I have made inquiries and can find no evidence in support of the hon. Member's suggestion. The engagement and discharge of labour is the contractor's responsibility who adjusts the number of men to accord with the progress necessary on the various sections of the works.The size of the work necessitates the contract being divided into groups in which labour is engaged separately for each group. Before discharging men from any group every effort is made to transfer them to other groups where their services are required.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will ask the Unemployment Assistance Board to ascertain and furnish details of the number of applicants for unemployment assistance allowances who are in receipt of weekly payments under the Workmen's Compensation Act, as set forth in Appendix V of their last annual report, Cmd. 5752, showing the numbers partially or wholly incapacitated, their age groups, marital status, number of dependants, the periods over which payment was made during 1938, and the total amount paid in order to supplement the amount of weekly payments at present admissible under the Workmen's Compensation Act?

The number of applicants whose compensation payments are included in the sum of£101,300 referred to in Appendix V of the Board's report for 1937 was 3,080. No analysis of this figure can be given without special inquiry which it would not be practicable to undertake. The Board, however, are collecting certain information relating to a more recent date which will cover some of the points mentioned by the hon. Member and I will communicate with him when this information is available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give particulars of men engaged from England for tunnelling in the Orkneys; is he aware that men so engaged must pay all travelling expenses by deduction from wages, with a refund only after 12 months' service; how many have been engaged and how many have left within the 12 months; is he aware that many leave within a few days and, in consequence, their families are refused public assistance; and whether he will take measures to provide temporary homesteads for men and their families engaged for long periods on this work or arrange that labour for such periods is not engaged from England or great distances from the Orkneys?

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

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is satisfied that Team Valley Trading Estate is assisting distressed areas within the Special Areas to obtain new industries?

I am glad to be able to testify to the success of this estate in attracting a large number of new industrial undertakings and so afford a convincing demonstration of the suitability of the Special Areas for light industries.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the amount borrowed from the Post Office Savings Bank for unemployment insurance purposes as at 31st July, 1931, and 31st July, 1938, respectively?

Moneys from the Post Office Savings Bank invested by the National Debt Commissioners in advances to the Unemployment Fund under the Unemployment Insurance Acts amounted to about£64,500,000 at 31st July, 1931, and£53,200,000 at 31st July, 1938.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the average or /and highest additional winter allowance made to Unemployment Assistance Board applicants in the Western Isles this winter; and at what date the additional allowances will be discontinued?

On 21st November last the average additional winter allowance made to applicants for unemployment assistance in the Western Isles in cases where such an allowance was granted was between 1s. 2d. and 1s. 3d. per week, the highest allowance being 3s. per week. As stated in the Board's instruction, a copy of which was placed in the Library, the last payment of winter allowances will be made in respect of the pay week which expires in the week ending 15th April next.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the application for unemployment benefit made by John Meek, 25, Castle View, Haggs, Stirlingshire, on 4th November last; whether it is established that although premiums were deducted from his wages his late employers failed to see that his cards were properly stamped; and whether he will now give instructions for a decision in this case to be expedited?

The right hon. Member has written to me about this case, which is now under urgent inquiry, and I will write to him as early as possible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the possibilities of using existing television services in connection with educational work in the schools; and whether, in any case, he will make some inquiries as to the cost and utility of this service?

Yes, Sir. I understand that the Central Council for School Broadcasting are watching developments in television with a view to its educational possibilities.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will state the result of his further representations to the British Broadcasting Corporation of the need for early morning physical fitness broadcasts?

I regret that the further inquiries which I undertook to make do not yet enable me to modify the information which I gave to my hon. Friend on the 1st December last that it had not been found possible to arrange for such broadcasts.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether be is aware of the unsatisfactory position which still exists in connection with the education of Highworth children; and whether he has yet had the opportunity to carry out his undertaking of a personal investigation?

I have kept myself informed on the position at Highworth. After very careful reconsideration of all the circumstances, I have come to the conclusion that this dispute between the people of Highworth and the Wiltshire local education authority is not one in which I should intervene.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education by what date it is expected that the universities will have overcome their difficulties in the way of altering the dates of their examinations with a view to pupils being able to share summer holidays with their families; and what is the nature of the serious difficulties which now appear to be encountered by the universities in coming into line on the question of staggered holidays?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool (Mr. Robinson) on 1st December last. The decision not to press for any change in the date of school examinations in 1940 was taken by the Board after considering not only the administrative and financial difficulties involved to university examining bodies, but also the views of the teachers and other interested parties. The whole question will be reviewed within the next few months by the Secondary School Examination Council in the light of further experience of the problem.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the number of children on the register of the elementary schools of Staffordshire; how many free places are available in secondary schools in the area of the county; and whether he is satisfied that this number is adequate?

The number of children on the registers of public elementary schools in Staffordshire, excluding the county boroughs, on 31st March, 1938, was 102,754. The number of pupils in secondary schools in the same area on 1st October last who were totally or partially exempt from payment of fees was 2,057. The percentage of assisted pupils to the number of children in public elementary schools is lower in Staffordshire than in some comparable areas, but I should not be prepared to express an opinion as to the adequacy of such provision in any area in the absence of evidence as to the extent of the demand for secondary education in that area.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education, what action the board propose to take on the recommendation of the Consultative Committee's Report on Secondary Education that compulsory inspection of all private schools should be introduced without delay?

As I stated in the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 2nd of this month, this is one of the matters which the board propose to discuss with representatives of the local education authorities.

		Number of Local Education Authorities.
Days per week on which meals were provided.		Counties.	Non-County Boroughs.	Urban Districts.	County Boroughs.
Seven days and holidays	…	—	3	1	6
Six days and holidays	…	—	12	5	22
Six days excluding holidays	…	—	1	—	—
Five days and holidays	…	8	25	8	33
Five days excluding holidays	…	36	74	6	19
Miscellaneous cases*	…	1	3	1	—
* These include:
One county which provides milk on five days a week during term time only. Dinners five days a week (one district six days a week) during term time and holidays. (In one district, however, dinners are provided in term time only.)
One borough which provides ordinary meals on five or seven days a week, according to the feeding centre, during term time and holidays. (Milk on five days a week during term time only.)
One borough which provides ordinary meals on five days a week during term time and approximately half the major holidays, and milk during term time and holidays on seven days a week.
One borough which provides milk during five days a week during term time and seven days a week during holidays. Ordinary meals on six days a week during term time and holidays.
One urban district which provides milk and ordinary meals on five days a week during term time and holidays (except during the summer holidays).

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education, what is the number of black-listed schools in

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what action the board propose to take on the recommendation of the Consultative Committee that a Departmental Committee should be set up to report on the problem of the Part III authorities?

Before reaching a decision on this recommendation, my Noble Friend proposes that it should be discussed with representatives of the local education authorities.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will give for the year ended 31st March, 1938, information in regard to the period during which school meals are provided?

The following table gives a summary, by types of local education authority, of the periods during which free meals and/or milk were provided in different areas during the year ended 31st March, 1938, under Sections 82 to 84 of the Education Act, 1921.each county in Wales, giving separately the numbers of council, non-provided, and Roman Catholic schools, and in what category they were at the last available date; and what were the numbers in 1931 and 1935, respectively?

Number of Provided and Non-Provided Elementary Schools in Wales on the Black List in the years 1931, 1935 and 1938.
L.E.A.	31st December, 1931.						31st December, 1935.						31st December, 1938.
	Provided.		Non-provided.				Provided.		Non-provided.				Provided		Non-provided.
			R.C.		Others.				R.C.		Others.				R.C.		Others.
Anglesey	1		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Brecknockshire	3		1		1		2		1		1		2		1		1
Caernarvonshire	—		—		8		—		—		3		—		—		3
Cardiganshire	5		—		8		5		—		7		5		—		7
Carmarthenshire	5	8	—		7	7	5	8	—		6	6	3	6	—		5	5
Carmarthen	1		—		—		1		—		—		1		—		—
Llanelly	2		—		—		2		—		—		2		—		—
Denbighshire	2		—		6		2		—		6		1		—		6
Flintshire	3		—		8		3		—		5		2		—		5
Glamorgan	9	35	—	3	1	6	6	29	—	3	1	2	6	24	—	3	1	1
Neath	4		1		—		4		1		—		4		1		—
Aberdare	2		—		2		2		—		—		2		—		—
Pontypridd	—		1		—		—		1		—		—		1		—
Rhondda	7		—		—		7		—		—		4		—		—
Cardiff	—		1		2		—		1		—		—		1		—
Merthyr Tydfil	1		—		—		1		—		—		—		—		—
Swansea	12		—		1		9		—		1		8		—		—
Monmouthshire	16	25	2	4	10	11	16	24	2	4	8	9	14	22	2	3	7	8
Abertillery	4		—		1		4		—		1		4		—		1
Ebbw Vale	4		1		—		4		1		—		4		1		—
Newport	1		1		—		—		1		—		—		—		—
Montgomeryshire	—		—		2		—		—		1		—		—		1
Pembrokeshire	5		—		15		4		—		14		2		—		13
Radnor	—		—		2		—		—		2		—		—		2
Totals	87		8		74		77		8		56		64		7		52
Notes.—
(a) These figures include two Provided Schools, one R.C. School and two Other Non-Provided Schools which are not classified under category A, B or C of the Black List.
(b) In the case of 11 Provided Schools and three "Other" Non-Provided Schools plans have been approved which will—on completion of the work—enable the Schools to be removed from the List.
(c) In some cases the most urgently needed improvements have been carried out, but the schools have been retained on the List until the outstanding defects have been remedied.
(d) In many cases conditions have been improved considerably by substantial decreases in the number of children in attendance.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the names of the local authorities which provide health centres which cater for preschool children as well as for those of school age; the numbers of these clinics; whether any cater also for maternity welfare; and, if so, which?

According to the Board's records there were, on 31st December, 1938, 837 clinics in England and Wales providing jointly for the treatment of school children and for work under maternity and child welfare schemes. The number of local education authorities con-

Following are the particulars asked for:cerned was 228, and I am sending the hon. Member a list of these authorities. I understand that the records of the Ministry of Health do not enable them to say in how many of these clinics provision is made for ante-natal work as well as for pre-school children.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what number of classes there are in each county in Wales with over 40 children in each class, over 50, and over 60, provided and non-provided; and what progress has been made in making prepara- tion for the raising of the school age in each county?

WALES.
Number of classes with over 40 pupils on Registers in Provided and Non-Provided Schools on 31st March, 1938.
Area.		Over 40 but not over 50				Over 50 but not over 60.				61 and over.
		Provided.		Non-provided.		Provided.		Non-provided.		Provided.		Non-provided.
Anglesey	…	1		1		—		—		—		—
Brecknockshire	…	2		—		—		—		—		—
Caernarvonshire	…	20		4		—		—		—		—
Cardiganshire	…	1		—		—		—		—		—
Carmarthenshire	…	22	61	—	3	—		—		—		—
Carmarthen B.	…	7		—		—		—		—		—
Llanelly B.	…	32		3		—		—		—		—
Denbighshire	…	12	24	8	13	—		1	1	—		—
Wrexham B.	…	12		5		—		—		—		—
Flintshire	…	52		28		8		2		—		—
Glamorgan	…	163	633	1	85	4	6	—	3	—	1	—
Neath B.	…	13		9		—		—		—		—
Port Talbot B.	…	35		11		—		—		—		—
Aberdare U.D.	…	8		1		—		—		—		—
Barry U.D.	…	24		—		—		—		—		—
Mountain Ash U.D.	…	16		—		—		—		—		—
Pontypridd U.D.	…	15		1		—		—		—		—
Rhondda U.D.	…	22		—		—		—		—		—
Cardiff C.B.	…	153		48		2		2		—		—
Merthyr Tydfil C.B.	…	22		6		—		1		—		—
Swansea C.B.	…	162		8		—		—		—		—
Merionethshire	…	4		—		—		—		—		—
Monmouthshire	…	78	201	7	28	3	3	—		—		—
Abertillery U.D.	…	4		—		—		—		—		—
Ebbw Vale U.D.	…	10		—		—		—		—		—
Newport C.B.	…	109		21		—		—		—		—
Montgomeryshire	…	—		1		—		—		—		—
Pembrokeshire	…	13	20	1	1	—		—		—		—
Pembroke B.	…	7		—		—		—		—		—
Radnorshire	…	—		—		—		—		—		—

I regret that it is not possible to deal adequately with the last part of the question by means of question and answer. At the present time the great majority of the local education authorities in Wales are either in process of carrying out schemes of reorganisation or have schemes under consideration. The rate of progress varies from authority to authority, but in some areas, particularly those which are sparsely populated, a good deal remains to be done before adequate provision for senior pupils in reorganised departments will have been made.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he has considered further the granting of permission to the Glamorgan Education Committee to construct a

Following are the particulars:secondary school for girls at Bridgend, in view of its extreme urgency?

Proposals involving substantial alterations and additions to this school are at present under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the number of fully-qualified teachers who are unemployed at present; what are the prospects of their being placed in positions in the near future; and whether his Department is taking any steps to assist in securing posts for these unemployed teachers?

The Board have no means of ascertaining the number of teachers who are unemployed at any particular time, and they have no evidence to suggest that the amount of unemployment is such as would justify them in taking special steps with local education authorities or governing bodies to create additional teaching posts. The position will be affected by the raising of the school-leaving age on 1st September next.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what action he proposes to take to prevent the circulation of a version of "Mein Kampf" in India?

The introduction of "Mein Kampf" into India has not hitherto been prohibited and my Noble Friend sees no reason to suppose that any action by him in the matter is likely to be called for.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is prepared to recommend that the 12-journey omnibus tickets be made valid for six months; that the unused part of the tickets be subject to refund; and that the public using these tickets be not required to sign them?

No, Sir. The Traffic Commissioners for the Northern Traffic Area decided to attach certain conditions to road service licences in regard to the issue of 12-journey tickets. One local authority appealed to me under Section 81 of the Road Traffic Act of 1930, against this decision. After causing a local Inquiry to be held, I decided to uphold the Commissioners' decision. Having given my decision, I have no power to re-open the matter.