asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the number of persons registered as unemployed at the Sheffield and Attercliffe Exchanges has risen from 22,799 in December, 1938, to 28,823 in January, 1939; and whether he will indicate the employments in which the greater part of this increase occurs?

I am aware of the changes in the numbers unemployed to which the hon. Member refers. Part of the increase in January, 1939, was due to bad weather at the date of the count.The following table shows, for the industries which account for the greater part of the increases, the numbers of insured persons, aged 14–64, recorded as unemployed in the Sheffield and Attercliffe areas at 17th January, 1938, 12th December, 1938, and 16th January, 1939:

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will take steps at an early date, to increase the usefulness of vocational guidance to young people in this country; whether, in view of the continued decline of apprenticeship to the skilled trades, and the urgent necessity of preventing waste of young people's lives, and their drifting into unskilled occupations, he will cause increased attention to be given to the general question of the entry of young workers into industry; and to what extent he has found that long hours worked by young people interfere with technical education?

There is in existence, through the Juvenile Employment Offices of the Ministry of Labour and of local education authorities exercising choice of employment powers, in accordance with the local committees for juvenile employment, a comprehensive service for providing vocational guidance to young people in this country. The system is kept constantly under review, with a view to maintaining and improving its efficiency.With regard to the second part of the question, I have recently asked the National Advisory Councils for Juvenile Employment to undertake an inquiry into the supply and demand for juvenile labour and into blind alley employment.With regard to the third part of the question, I am informed by my Noble Friend, the President of the Board of Education, that interference with technical education has been observed mainly in connection with the working of overtime at certain seasons of the year.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any steps have been taken to ascertain the number of young people who have migrated from the Special Areas to the south in the hope of employment, and then have had to return home; and is his Department particularly instructed to take note of such cases?

Boys and girls under 18 are transferred through the machinery of the Department only to employment which is immediately available, and effective arrangements are made for transferring them to other employment, should this become necessary, or enabling them to return home. I have no means of ascertaining the movements of young persons who seek employment otherwise than through the official machinery but all practicable assistance is given to them if they find themselves unemployed in the new area and make application to the Employment Exchange.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the need for provision being made to enable unemployed workers at Larbert and Stenhousemuir to sign the unemployment register in their own towns instead of, as at present, having to travel to Falkirk; and what action he proposes to take?

Unemployed persons from Larbert and Stenhousemuir are required to attend the Falkirk Exchange twice weekly only. Good transport facilities are available and the number of unemployed has fallen substantially in recent years. I regret that I should not feel justified in providing separate facilities at these villages.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the maximum number of times on one day an unemployed person has to sign on; how many offices such a practice covers; and how many individuals have to comply with the rules as at the last available date?

Attendance is nowhere required more than twice a day. Exact statistics are not available but it is estimated that there are about 120,000 dock workers who would be required to attend twice daily if they were claiming benefit and that the practice covers about 70 offices.

Employment Exchange.			25th February, 1935.	24th February, 1936.	22nd February, 1937.	14th February, 1938.	16th January, 1939.
Stirlingshire:
Bonnybridge	…	…	518	426	299	307	524
Denny	…	…	362	421	221	263	375
Falkirk	…	…	4,576	3,587	2,792	4,506	4,528
Grangemouth	…	…	1,255	967	890	637	714
Kilsyth	…	…	968	1,030	847	733	963
Stirling	…	…	2,858	2,615	2,041	3,258	1,916
Clackmannanshire:
Alloa	…	…	1,896	1,853	1,303	1,627	1,595

asked the Minister of Labour how the ex gratia payments made to trainees who have met with accidents in the course of their training compare with corresponding payments made under the Workmen's Compensation Acts on the footing that the trainees were in receipt of the corresponding trade union rate of pay?

In general, ex gratia payments made to trainees who meet with accidents in the course of their training compare favourably with the amounts which would be paid if the principles governing payments under the Workmen's Compensation Acts were applied, being not less than the training and other allowances which they were receiving as trainees unless these exceed the maximum of 30s., payable under the Act.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that according to the last Census of Production the total value of the output of British factories and miscellaneous trades was £3,400,000,000, whilst the average value of British exports during

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the number of unemployed registered at each of the Employment Exchanges of Stirling-shire and Clackmannanshire in February in each of the years 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, and at the latest convenient date?

The following table shows the total numbers of unemployed persons, aged 14 and over, on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Stirlingshire and Clackmannanshire at the dates in question:recent years has been only £450,000,000, he can indicate what is the approximate proportion of the total number of insured persons employed in this country whose employment is considered to depend on the export trade, and on home trade, respectively?

I regret that the available information is insufficient for the purpose of such an estimate.

asked the Minister of Labour why, in the Schedule of Reserved Occupations (Provisional), the restriction on age is 35 in the case of those employed in the retail distributive trades, as against 30, and under, in almost every other occupation?

The age-limit in this as in other cases was settled by reference to the estimated need for retaining essential personnel. I should mention that certain representations, relating particularly to the age-limits for women, are under consideration.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, seeing that the phraseology of departmental publications as to the national voluntary service scheme is unfamiliar to farmers and farm-workers, he will state in plain language what is the position of farm-workers under the scheme both as regards reservation and part-time service?

Under the provisional Schedule of Reserved Occupations, farmers and farm-workers are generally reserved at the age of 25: for certain types of worker, the age of reservation is 30: these include horse trainers, stud grooms and stallion men; ditchers, drainers, drowners and hedgers; hay-cutters, trussers, balers and strawbinders. This means in plain language that farm-workers below the ages indicated, may enrol for any form of national service even though it would become whole-time service in war. Those of, or above, the ages specified should not enrol for service which would become whole-time service in war, as their service on the land would be of vital importance to the country, but they are free to enrol for any form of part-time service which may be required in their several localities. It will be understood that the Schedule offers no bar to any man enlisting now in any of the Regular forces for which he may be eligible, and that it is not contemplated that persons employed in reserved occupations, who may already have entered into some obligation for full-time war service, for example, a Territorial, should now relinquish that obligation.

			Imports into the United Kingdom consigned from
Period,			Germany.		Czecho-Slovakia.		Other Countries.
			Quantity.	Declared Value.	Quantity.	Declared Value.	Quantity.	Declared Value.
			Dozen Pairs.	£	Dozen Pairs.	£	Dozen Pairs.	£
1938.
September	…	…	13,836	5,881	10,515	3,697	1,746	636
October	…	…	7,807	3,199	4,582	2,102	1,446	489
November	…	…	7,435	3,013	7,825	3,069	1,145	485
December	…	…	5,653	2,327	6,153	1,418	2,593	650
Year†	…	…	313,444	141,303	155,800	63,749	38,964	13,045
*The particulars relate to gloves wholly or partly cut out of fabric containing cotton, and sewn up (but not including gloves known as astrachan gloves or gloves in which the fabric containing cotton is present in the lining only, or gloves made partly of leather), and fabric containing cotton shaped for making into or lining gloves.
† Provisional figures.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will immediately introduce some modification of the reserved occupations list in industrial areas, such as Birmingham and Coventry, where a very high percentage of volunteers for the local Territorial and Auxiliary units is being rejected on grounds of occupation?

My attention has already been drawn to this matter, which will be carefully considered in consultation with my colleagues who are concerned. My hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that important considerations are involved of the proper allocation of man-power on which it would be most undesirable to reach any hasty decision.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the quantity and value of cotton fabric gloves imported into this country from Germany, Czecho-Slovakia, and from other countries during the months of September, October, November, and December, respectively; and for the whole of the year 1938?

The following statement shows the quantity and declared value of the imports into the United Kingdom of fabric gloves of cotton^* during the periods specified, registered as consigned from Germany, Czecho-Slovakia and other countries, respectively.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the quantity and value of artificial silk gloves imported into this country from Germany, Czecho-Slovakia, and from other countries during the months of September, October, November, and December, respectively; and for the whole of the year 1938?

I regret that the information asked for by my hon. Friend is not available, as imports of artificial silk gloves are not separately recorded in the trade returns of the United Kingdom.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the urgent necessity of removing some of the obstacles which stand in the way of the development of the export trade, he will consider the advisability of consulting the Dominion Governments as to whether the time has come for placing the bargaining power of the Empire on a more unified basis?

It is the constant endeavour of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to remove obstacles to the development of the export trade, and an example of valuable co-operation between members of the British Commonwealth for this object in trade negotiations with other countries is furnished by the recent concurrent negotiations with the United States on behalf of this country and of Canada respectively, with which certain other Dominions and India were also concerned. While the scope for any form of joint bargaining is necessarily circumscribed for a number of reasons, the possibilities of cooperation in future cases on the lines of the example I have mentioned will certainly be borne in mind.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will make suitable representations to the Staffordshire County Council, in view of the fact that only approximately one in 50 of the children on the registers of the elementary schools in the county are receiving secondary education free, or at reduced fees?

As I pointed out to the hon. Member in a previous answer the provision of secondary school places in the county of Staffordshire is comparatively low, though I might add that there are over 500 pupils from the county attending schools in the county boroughs, who pay partial fees or no fees at all. I have not the evidence of a demand for more secondary school provision, such as would justify the Board making special representations.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education how many local education authorities permit the employment of married women teachers, and how many do not; if he has under consideration the question of securing, in conjunction with the local education authorities, the removal of the ban on the employment of married women teachers where it exists; and if he has any statement to make on the subject?

I regret that I have no information which would enable me to answer the first part of the question. The matter lies within the discretion of local education authorities, and my Noble Friend sees no occasion for intervention on his part.

asked the Postmaster-General how many telephones placed out of use in the storm of 1st February are still not operating; and what is the reason for the continuous delay?

Over 70,000 subscribers telephones were placed out of service by the recent snowstorm, but the position is now practically normal. The work of repair has been carried out with all possible expedition, but has been seriously hampered by the deflection and collapse of poles and the damage to underground cables by the subsequent floods.

asked the Postmaster-General whether there is in existence any agreement or understanding between the official and staff side of the Whitley Council whereby a male officer has the privilege of declining a transfer to what, before aggregation, was termed a woman's branch in the Savings Bank Department?

There is no specific agreement or understanding at the Savings Bank in the sense suggested, but it is the practice to pay regard to the wishes of officers who object to being transferred to a branch formerly staffed by the opposite sex, on the understanding that they may, if their wishes are met, thereby limit their prospects of promotion.

asked the Lord Privy Seal which authority is responsible for the provision of fire-fighting appliances afloat and ashore, in and about the Thames estuary; how many specially-constructed vessels are available; and whether, having regard to the large storage and transport of oil and other commodities in this zone, he is satisfied that the personnel and equipment provided is adequate for effective defence against incendiary attack?

This matter is one which primarily falls to be dealt with by the respective fire authorities in their air-raid fire precautions schemes. Three emergency fire boats have been provided by the London County Council. In view of the special risks, of which I am fully aware, I have under consideration, in consultation with the London County Council, the question of further augmenting the river fire-fighting service for the protection of property on and adjacent to the river below as well as within the county area.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can now state the rates of pay which it is proposed to offer to volunteers serving whole-time during war in the services of civil defence?

It is at present contemplated that there should be a flat rate of pay for whole-time service in war for all air-raid precautions volunteers and for auxiliary firemen, the rate for men being 60s. a week and for women 40s. a week. It will be understood that this proposal must be subject to any later decisions of the Government of the day, should the occasion for whole-time service arise.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether his attention has been drawn to methods used in China against high explosive bombs, particularly those involving light additional roofs built above existing roofs; and whether he proposes to develop or introduce any such methods in this country?

I understand that in China the erection of a series of bamboo roofs over the roofs of buildings was found to be of some value in intercepting and detonating bombs of moderate size but that their use was subsequently prohibited by the Chinese authorities because of the added fire risk.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the proposed 12 regional directors are to be full-time servants of the Government and what salary they are to receive?

The peace-time duties of Regional Commissioners will be restricted to effecting such contacts with the local authorities and others as will enable them to function effectively in war time and they will not be engaged whole time on their duties except in the event of war. No question of remuneration will arise in peace time, but it is contemplated that remuneration might be paid though possibly not in all cases in time of war. No rates have been fixed.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that instructions have been given to air-raid precautions organisers in all parts of the country, to make certain arrangements in the event of an emergency; and what is the nature of the arrangements made to ensure that an official indication will be broadcast by the Government when such a state exists, or is considered to be developing, so that air-raid precautions departments of local authorities will be able to put their plans into operation simultaneously, and will not be left to use their own discretion as to whether an emergency exists, or may be said to be developing; and is he now prepared to define the term emergency?

I am not aware of the issue of instructions of the character to which my hon. Friend refers. If and when circumstances require, the Air-Raid Precautions Department would instruct each scheme-making authority to put its plans into operation. In regard to the last part of the question, I am afraid it is not possible to give any short definition of the circumstances which might justify a decision to give these instructions to the authorities concerned.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether it is proposed to make a grant to grammar schools, public schools, and universities for the protection of scholars during air-raids; and what action is being taken in the case of elementary and private schools?

Institutions which are not maintained or aided by local education authorities, and also universities, would be expected themselves to take such protective measures as might be necessary. As regards elementary and other schools which are so maintained or aided I am at present in communication with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Education.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of the fact that only deep underground shelters provide certain safety in case of air-raid bombardment, and of the further fact that sloping land and railway tunnelling are available at Greenock, what provision is proposed there for protection against air attack; and whether he has any statement to make, and recommendation to give thereon?

I am aware of the fact that the authorities in Greenock have been giving thought to the possibilities referred to by the hon. Member; and I shall, of course, be ready to give my consideration to any proposals which they may submit.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will inquire into the question of the danger to the area of West Islington in the event of air attack in view of the proximity of important London railway termini, electricity stations, and large gasworks, the highly congested nature of most of the district, the absence of adequate backyards or gardens in many instances, and of parks and squares; and whether he will consider these facts with a view to the urgent evacuation and shelter policy required?

Yes, Sir. The circumstances of this and other vulnerable areas will be duly considered in the further development of evacuation and shelter policy.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what is the position of sub-tenants in respect of houses inhabited by people with incomes over the free supply of individual shelters limit; whether expense and protection are in such instances to be shared between all tenants; and how is the arrangement to be effected?

I am not quite sure as to the precise case that the hon. Member has in mind, but I would point out that a householder who satisfies the other conditions will not be excluded merely because he is a sub-tenant.

asked the Lord Privy Seal when he expects to be in a position to deliver to the county borough of Birkenhead the fire-fighting equipment promised in September last?

Two large trailer pumps will be delivered in the course of the next few days, and the promised light trailers I hope, in two or three weeks.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether his Department is prepared to give information and advice with regard to the physical protection of workpeople in industrial establishments from air attack?

Yes, Sir. Some guidance on this matter has already been given in A.R.P. Handbook No. 6. Additional information is being prepared in the Department and will, I hope, be available to employers shortly.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of the number of questions being asked by all sections of the community upon matters relating to evacuation, billeting, and air-raid precautions, he will consider arranging with the British Broadcasting Corporation some special time for the next few weeks when many of these answers may be broadcast?

The British Broadcasting Corporation were good enough to give facilities on Tuesday last for a series of such questions to be answered, and similar facilities have been arranged for next Tuesday.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, apart from local authority efforts, his own Department is taking the initiative in seeking out effective schemes for air-raid shelters; and whether he can assure the House that decision upon bomb-proof shelters does not depend solely upon the result of examination of proposals submitted by local authorities?

My hon. Friend may rest assured that I am making inquiry into the possibilities of all forms of air-raid shelter, independently of the submission of proposals by local authorities.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether Birkenhead is included in the same category for the receipt of steel shelters as Liverpool; and, if not, whether he will state the reasons for the decison?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether Bootle is placed in the same position as Liverpool for the supply of street shelters for the protection of the public against air raids?

I assume my hon. Friend the Member for Bootle (Mr. Errington) has in mind the steel shelters which are being distributed to householders in vulnerable areas. The answer in the case of both Birkenhead and Bootle is in the affirmative.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether local authorities in the Greater London area which are in the danger zone and where steel shelters are now being supplied are given any discretion in regard to supplying free shelters to persons whose income is above £250 per annum; and what is the limit of such discretionary power?

The initial distribution of steel shelters will be limited to those persons who, on what in the view of the Government is a generous interpretation, are not in a position to provide protection at their own expense. Border-line cases will be dealt with later when the needs of the poorer classes have been met. Local authorities will confine this initial distribution to the classes of persons indicated in the circular which has been issued to them; but I would point out that these classes are not limited solely to persons with an income of under £250. All manual workers are within the scope of the free distribution, and other individuals who are mainly dependent on earnings exceeding £250 may come within its scope if they have more than two children of school age.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can indicate which of the boroughs, or parts thereof, in the East End of London are regarded as being in a special danger zone; and whether special arrangements have been made for the evacuation of their population?

The Administrative County of London and the Boroughs of East and West Ham, Barking, Waltham-stow, Ilford and Leyton, have been classified as vulnerable areas for the purposes of the Government's plans with regard to evacuation and air-raid shelters.

asked the Lord Privy Seal (1) whether he will consider the claims of the West of Durham County for sites of proposed safety camps, as that area has a high proportion of unemployed, and the secluded valleys possess a great measure of invulnerability;(2) whether he will ensure that unemployed persons shall have preference for work, wherever such preference is feasible, in the construction of camps for the evacuation of children and adults in wartime, and to establish some of the camps in the Special Areas where there is immunity from air attack, plentiful safe sites, and capable workmen awaiting employment?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the 50 evacuation camps which the Government is helping to finance will be distributed on the basis of at least one camp per county, which is mainly reserved for billeting purposes; and whether he is aware that such a distribution will afford a useful guide to communities who would like to construct similar or smaller camps?

asked the Lord Privy Seal why the 50 camps to be established are to be constructed of wood; how many men will be employed on the work, and for how long a period?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will undertake that the proposed evacuation camps will be used solely for that purpose, and will not be competitive to the existing interests catering for holiday-makers?

A Bill will be introduced shortly to give effect to the Government's proposals with regard to camps, to which I referred in an answer given on 13th February in reply to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Epsom (Sir A. Southby) and there will be opportunities for discussion of these and other questions during the proceedings on that Bill.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what steps were taken to discover the adequacy of the existing accommodation in resorts in safe areas before deciding on the building of camps?

Statistical information showing broadly the maximum accommodation of all kinds that could be made available in reception areas was submitted to the Committee on Evacuation. The survey now being carried out by local authorities at the request of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health is designed to provide the further data necessary for a detailed scheme. As stated in reply to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Epsom (Sir A. Southby) on 13th February, the primary peace-time use of the camps will be for schoolchildren.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can now make any statement as to the proposed electrification of the Enfield branch line of the London and North Eastern Railway?

I am informed by the railway company that until further progress has been made with their extensive programme of improvements in the London Passenger Transport area, it is impossible for them to contemplate further schemes of electrification.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the amount of money which has been paid from the Road Fund in the last five years towards the cost of eliminating or avoiding level crossings, especially in the crowded industrial districts; how many level crossings still remain in the county of Middlesex; and whether he can expedite their removal in the interests of smoother traffic working?

Since the 1st April, 1934, grants totalling £1,147,555 have been made towards the cost of eliminating or avoiding 33 level crossings. There are 24 level crossings remaining in Middlesex, five being on classified roads. The county council are aware that grants of 75 per cent. of the approved costs are available for the elimination of level crossings on roads of definite traffic value and I have no reason to suppose that they do not recognise the importance of the matter.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can supply a list of the by-pass roads which have been authorised, indicating which of these are already in the course of construction and those on which construction is likely to be commenced during 1939?

A list of the more important road schemes, which include a number of by-passes and diversions, on which expenditure from the Road Fund is likely to be incurred during the current year will be found in the Appendix to the Roads, etc., Vote for 1938–39. In addition, highway authorities have taken steps in a large number of cases to protect the line of future by-passes although there may be no intention to construct them immediately. The compilation of a complete list (running into many hundreds) would involve an undue amount of labour and I hope my hon. and gallant Friend will not press his request, although I should be happy to furnish him with such information as I may possess in regard to any particular locality.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) what is the annual expenditure on the maintenance, improvement and construction of roads and bridges; and how much of this is provided by the Road Fund and the local authorities, respectively;(2) what is the amount expended annually on major road improvements and new road construction; and how much is expended on road maintenance and minor improvements?

The hon. Member will find the information he seeks in Appendix 4 to the Report on the Administration of the Road Fund for 1937–38.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the ordinary single fare from Becontree to Bromley is 6d., and to Bow Road, a further half-mile, 9½d., whereas persons booking to Bromley and getting out at Bow Road have only to pay 1½d. excess fare; and whether he can bring this anomaly which is reflected in all inclusive fares on the line passing Bow Road, to the attention of the relevant authorities with a view to its removal?

I am inquiring into the matter and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the need for two jetties in Bernera, Isle of Harris, in order to assist the local fishermen; and whether, in view of the present lack of any safe or convenient landing places, he will take early action with the county council of Inverness or directly through the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries?

I am informed that there are two jetties in Bernera, Isle of Harris, but no application for assistance towards their improvement has been received from the county council concerned. If the council submit proposals to this end the Department of Agriculture will consider the possibility of making a grant in aid of any necessary work.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the continually recurrent spring floodings and damage in the Fens and Thames Valley, and frequent shortages of water in dry summers, can be prevented either by canalisation or by controls as used on the Nile and in the Punjab; and why he has not utilised the obvious engineering correctives while there is available unemployed labour unsuited to rearmament work?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his staff includes experts accustomed to deal with the prevention of winter flooding and summer shortage of water; and has he considered asking the Government of India to lend him some of their irrigation department experts to advise him in co-operation with the local authorities concerned, in the preparation of schemes for ending the public annoyance caused nearly every year in the Thames Valley and Fen districts, by flooding or drought?

I do not think that conditions in this country are comparable with those on the Nile or in the Punjab, but in any case I have no power to carry out works of river control. The responsibility for such works in the case of the Thames and the rivers of the Fens rests with the various Catchment Boards concerned.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that if one-half of the present importation of milk products into this country could be manufactured in this country from home-produced milk it would he possible to double the number of dairy cows which we now maintain; and whether in these circumstances, he will consider in the forthcoming milk legislation providing for a very substantial increase in the manufacture of milk products in this country?

While all relevant factors are being considered in connection with the re-examination of the milk problem that is now proceeding, I should point out that in the view of the Government the best hope for the future prosperity of the milk industry in this country lies in an expanding market for milk for liquid consumption rather than for milk for manufacture into milk products. At the same time I am fully aware of the unsatisfactory position which has recently arisen in the market for condensed milk and milk powder, and as I informed the hon. and gallant Member for Ayr Burghs (Sir T. Moore) on 13th February, a conference of the interests concerned has now been called to discuss the situation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is now able to state what changes he proposes to introduce in the agricultural policy of the Government?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions to the question asked by the hon. Member for Barnstaple (Mr. Acland) on 31st January. The discussions to which my hon. Friend referred on that occasion are now in progress, but I am not yet in a position to make any further statement.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware, that at the present time, bacon pigs are being procured for curers on the open market at figures above the long contract prices of the pig scheme; and whether he proposes to take steps to see that the intention of the Bacon Industry Act is carried out?

I have no precise information that infringements of the Bacon Industry Act of the character suggested are taking place, but if any such infringements occur it is the duty of the Bacon Development Board and of the Marketing Boards acting under its directions, to take steps to stop them.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the report of the Bacon Marketing Board in which it is stated that only 1,479,226 pigs were contracted for delivery by producers last year, and that the production of home bacon showed a slight reduction as against that of the previous year whilst imports of bacon increased substantially; and what action it is proposed to take in these circumstances to ensure a rapid development of home bacon production?

I have received a copy of the report referred to. There has been a comparative shortage of pigs this winter and therefore pig producers were not in a position to contract to supply, and cannot now supply, as many pigs for bacon curing as in preceding years when pigs were more plentiful. There was some increase in 1938 in the production in this country of bacon from imported pigs and carcases, but imports of bacon and hams were less in that year than in the previous year. As to the last part of the question, the Bacon Industry Act, as my hon. and gallant Friend will be aware, provides assistance to the industry for a period of three years to enable reorganisation to be effected. The maximum numbers of pigs which may be sold on long contracts to bacon curers during these three years are considerably more than the number offered by pig producers this year, and the question of increasing the supply of pigs for bacon curing is therefore a matter for the industry itself.

asked the Minister of Agriculture when the proposed Poultry Industry Bill will be presented?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now give any information as to the Government's intentions towards the recommendations of the Poultry Commission?

I regret that I am not at present in a position to add anything to the reply given on 31st January to the hon. Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Mathers) by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has now any statement to make relative to the short-term credit scheme submitted to the Government last year?

I have nothing to add to the reply given by my predecessor to my hon. Friend the Member for Gravesend (Sir I. Albery) on 8th December.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he proposes to take any action with regard to the further development of the allotment system as this has brought so many advantages to unemployed persons in the past in this country?

As I indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for Leyton West (Mr. Sorensen) on 13th February, I look to local authorities to make the fullest use of the powers entrusted to them by Parliament for the purpose of providing allotments for residents in their areas; and I have arranged to discuss matters relating to the allotments movement with representatives of the National Allotments Society on Friday next.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the number of old age pensioners in receipt of public assistance, he is prepared to introduce legislation enabling the wife of an old age pensioner to receive the old age pension though she has not attained 65 years of age?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 13th December last to the hon. Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Batey).

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give the figures for 1938 showing the number of old age pensioners who are getting public assistance money in addition to their pensions; and will he state what is the percentage of the total number who are getting old age pensions?

On the 1st January, 1938, 230,652 old age pensioners out of a total number of 2,296,908 were in receipt of poor relief, representing 10.04 per cent.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether statutory deductions from parliamentary salaries of Members will be allowable as deductions for the purpose of computing liability to Income Tax?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply given at the end of the debate on 2nd February, that the question whether such contributions would be allowable as deductions for Income Tax purposes is essentially a matter to be considered during the discussion of the Bill.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will state the number of days recorded as sick leave among the staffs of centralised collection areas during the month of January 1939; and whether adequate relief was available and allocated in each case of sickness reported?

Sick leave in collection offices in England and Wales and Northern Ireland was recorded in the four weeks ended 28th January to the amount, approximately, of 3,200 days, or one day per head of staff. Reasonable provision is made for such contingencies, and I am satisfied that all due steps were taken where necessary to make good the effect of sick absences.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will give the average age of retirement of police officers, based upon the Metropolitan figures, civil servants, teachers, men, and teachers, women; and will he give the average duration for which State pension is paid and, if possible, the minimum pension paid for the recognised length of service?

It is estimated that for persons retired on age grounds (or in the case of the police on completion of 25 years approved service or upwards) the figures are approximately as follow:

—	Average age on retirement (or in the case of teachers on commencement of pension).	Average duration of pension.
Metropolitan Police	48	24 years.
Civil Servants (men)	61	15½ years.
Civil Servants (women).	60	18 years.
Teachers (men)	62	14 years.
Teachers (women)	61	17½ years.

The average age on retirement for ill-health is about seven years less for Metropolitan Police and about 10 years less for civil servants and teachers. In all services the average duration of ill-health pensions is somewhat below the average for age cases. There is in none of these services a fixed minimum amount of pension. The minimum period which qualifies for a normal ill-health pension is 10 years and the pension is the appropriate fraction, under the scale applicable in each case, of the pensionable pay.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any progress is being made by the Lancashire Site Company?

I am informed that the Lancashire Industrial Sites Company has now agreed in several cases to provide factories for applicants and only awaits final approval of the arrangements by the applicants before commencing building. Further inquiries continue to be received

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will expediate the inquiries in connection with the application for pension, under the contributory scheme, of Mrs. Ada J. Jenkin, 29, Edith Road, Stratford, E.15?

I have been asked to reply. Mrs. Jenkin has been awarded an old age pension and the necessary form for obtaining her pension order book was issued to her on the 14th February. As a notification has been received from the local authority that they propose to claim against the arrears of pension in respect of advances of out-door relief made by them pending the settlement of the claim for pension, the arrears of pension from 12th January have not yet been paid over. When the claim of the local authority has been settled, the balance, if any, of the arrears will be paid to Mrs. Jenkin.

asked the Minister of Health whether the conference about to be held under his aegis, between the London County Council and the voluntary hospitals of London, is to work on the basis of preparing recommendations applicable to hospital systems through-

Method of Certification per 100 Deaths from Cancer.
		By Registered Medical Practitioner.	By Coroners		Not medically certified but considered by Coroner before registration.	Total.
—			After Inquest.	After Post Mortem Examination without Inquest.
1928	…	98.9	.7	.3	.1	100
1933	…	98.9	.6	.4	.1	100

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the case of 25 children attending the Irish College at Ring, Waterford, who contracted tuberculosis, from which one has since died, as the result of inoculation against diphtheria by a prophylactic supplied by the Wellcome Foundation, of Snow Hill Buildings, London; if this prophylactic is the same as that freely used in this country; and out the country; and what progress has been made in the carrying out of Lord Sankey's recommendation that the voluntary hospitals of the country should form themselves into an association, regionally organised, for the purposes of joint action?

The conference which was held recently between representatives of the King Edward VII Hospital Fund, the Voluntary Hospitals Committee for the County of London, and the London County Council, was of an exploratory character and no decisions were taken. It did not cover hospitals outside London. A Committee of the British Hospitals Association is now actively engaged in formulating a scheme of regional organisation which, I understand, is meeting with general approval. According to my information, the Committee hope to issue a statement in about six months' time.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the proportion per 100 deaths from cancer certified by registered medical practitioners during each year for the past 10 years?

These figures are tabulated at quinquennial intervals only. The most recent available figures are as follow:what steps he is taking to prevent a similar occurence here?

The reply to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. The outbreak in Ireland took place in November, 1936, and, as the hon. Member was informed in reply to a question on the 24th June, 1937, careful inquiry concerning the prophylactic used was made by medical officers of my Department as soon as the matter was brought to my notice. As regards the last part, the manufacture for sale in, and the importation into, this country of diphtheria prophylactic are strictly controlled under the Therapeutic Substances Act, 1925.

asked the Minister of Health when he expects to be able to state the result of the national survey dealing with evacuation together with the final adjustments he proposes to make; and whether he is aware that many local authorities are awaiting such adjustments before making their own preparations?

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether he has considered the protest from the Erith Borough Council owing to the district being placed in the list of neutral areas, although it is adjacent to the River Thames and likely to be vulnerable to aerial attack; and whether he has now reconsidered the matter so as to permit of the arrangements being made for the evacuation of aged and young persons in the event of hostilities;(2) whether he has considered the resolution passed by the Bexley Borough Council, which reaffirms their objection to being classified as a neutral area, in view of the proximity of this district to other areas likely to be objectives in the event of aerial attack and to areas scheduled for evacuation with its large population which includes about 12,000 school children and their request for the maximum possible evacuation of the population; and whether he is now prepared to reconsider this matter, in view of the representations made to him;(3) whether he has considered representations from the Crayford Urban District Council in their opposition to the district being regarded as a neutral zone in the event of hostilities arising; and, in view of the concern due to certain military objectives being likely to increase the possibility of attack, he is prepared to give further consideration to the matter?

I am aware of the representations made by these local authorities. Priority must be given in an evacuation plan to the claims of children in the congested areas where the effects of air attack would be most serious and the list of evacuable areas has been based on that view. The local authorities in the reception areas have been asked to submit the results of their survey of accommodation by the 28th February and when this has been done the Government will be in a position to consider whether any extension of the present list of evacuable areas is feasible The claims of the authorities who have made the representations referred to will be considered in this connection together with those of other districts. A decision will be reached as rapidly as possible in order that local authorities may be in no uncertainty in making their preparations.

asked the Minister of Health when the survey of accommodation for the evacuation of children will be completed and what steps the Government contemplate for the utilisation of collective buildings in addition to private accommodation?

Local authorities have been asked to send in their returns not later than the end of this month. The return is designed to cover not only private unoccupied houses, but also other accommodation, including, for example, empty houses, hostels and camps. A review of the best possible use of available accommodation will be carried out as soon as the returns are completed.

asked the Minister of Health to what extent the towns and villages on the Norfolk coast are regarded as situated in a vulnerable district in relation to schemes for billeting and evacuation?

Local authorities in all areas in which dispersal of the population can be secured have been invited to make a survey of housing accommodation in connection with the Government scheme. Accordingly all the authorities on the Norfolk coast with the exception of the Great Yarmouth County Borough Council have been included.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state the number of persons drawing pensions in Sheffield on the last date in 1938, and the number of applications under the 1937 Act?

I regret that the information asked for by the hon. Member is not available, as it has been found desirable for efficiency of working to adopt an arrangement of the records by reference to age, sex, and insurance qualifications. This arrangement does not bring together those persons who live in the same locality.

asked the Home Secretary when it is proposed to carry out the promise to introduce a Clubs Bill made over two and a-half years ago?

This question depends on Parliamentary time, and I regret I am not at present in a position to make a statement.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is contemplated to introduce at an early date legislation to deal with undesirable registered clubs?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, West (Mr. V. Adams) on 16th February.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will send appropriate Government representatives to France to discuss the question of Spanish combatant refugees with the French authorities concerned; and whether he will also consider sending one of the hospital ships stationed in the Mediterranean to a suitable port near the Franco-Spanish frontier for the assistance of Spanish refugees in general?

His Majesty's Government are in consultation with the French Government regarding this question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that National Defence Corps were promised button-hole badges last December, and that up to the present they have not been issued; and whether he will expedite their issue?

I cannot trace any such promise, but certain proposals are under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent, when British cavalry regiments were mechanised recently and the remounts were for sale, the buyers of these trained horses were Germans, who found that mechanised transport was not wholly satisfactory; and can he state the number of horses so disposed of to foreign countries?

I regret the information asked for is not available, but, with regard to mechanised transport, information is that there has been an increase in mechanisation in the Germany Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any decision has yet been reached regarding the location of the new tank range?

Yes, Sir. The finding of a site has presented more than usual difficulty because of the size of the area required, coupled with the topographical characteristics which are indispensable for such a range. The whole of the United Kingdom has been exhaustively surveyed and 25 different sites have been closely reconnoitred. None of these has been found to provide the essential facilities, with the exception of a site in the neighbourhood of Linney Head in Pembrokeshire, and it has accordingly been decided to purchase this area.In reaching this decision His Majesty's Government, who have been most anxious to safeguard agricultural interests and amenity values, have been compelled to have regard to the over-riding needs of defence. It is intended to allow the public access to the site as far as possible when the range is not in use.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the establishment in the Special Areas of reconditioning centres, on the lines of those at Scarborough and Aldershot, so as to enable young men unemployed but willing to join the Army to have the opportunity of becoming physically qualified to pass the required medical standards; and whether he will consult with the Ministry of Labour as to the best means of making it known that these facilities will be made available?

Any man in a distressed area offering himself for enlistment, if he is below standard and the examining medical officer considers that he is likely to respond to the training, is sent to one of the existing Recruits' Physical Development Depots at Canterbury and Scarborough, where there is ample accommodation. Both depots have been established in healthy places, where the recruits can benefit by the fresh air.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the difficulties of the British West Indian sugar producers as a result of the low world price for sugar and the increased wages they are now obliged to pay; and whether he proposes to take any steps in the near future to press for an increase in the volume of the British Colonial quotas under the International Sugar Agreement?

I am fully aware of the difficulties of sugar producers in the British West Indies, and have had this proposal under consideration. But I do not feel that any useful purpose would be served by inviting the other parties to the International Sugar Agreement to agree to its amendment at the present time.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will give the approximate number of important monumental statues that have been erected in the Metropolitan Police District since the Royal Fine Art Commission was insti- tuted; and which of these designs have been withheld from the Commission for its comment?

So far as can be ascertained the number of important statues which have been erected in the Metropolitan Police District since the Royal Fine Art Commission was instituted is 11 and in all these cases the Commission were consulted at some stage of the scheme. In six cases their advice was sought in regard to both site and design; in the remaining cases they were consulted only as regards the site.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will announce when the model of the King George V Memorial will be exhibited in the Tea Room; and for how long it will remain there?

The model in question is now on exhibition in the Tea Room and, with the agreement of the Executive Committee, it is proposed to leave it there for one week.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is now in a position to state what progress has been made with the negotiations for the amalgamation of Imperial Airways and British Airways and when the necessary legislation is to be presented to Parliament?

Negotiations with the two companies are still in progress, and at the moment I cannot indicate when the necessary legislation will be introduced.