asked the Secretary of State for Air the total number of men employed in connection with the construction of the aerodrome at Carlton Miniott, Thirsk; how many of these are Irishmen; and how many have been recruited from the local Employment Exchange?

I understand that 260 men are at present employed, most of whom were engaged locally, including 44 through the local Employment Exchange. I am informed that of the total number employed 40 are Irish.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the great disappointment in that district that these Irishmen are being preferred to local unemployed, of whom there are 250?

Government contractors are required to notify the appropriate Employment Exchanges as and when any additional labour is required to carry out a contract. They are requested to inform the Employment Exchanges without delay of any vacancies that are filled. As far as the other matter is concerned, there are no powers, as my hon. Friend knows, to restrict the entry of British subjects into the United Kingdom.

Is it not now time for the Government to seek powers to insist upon contractors employing local unemployed labour?

Will my right hon. Friend do what he can to secure that, when this work is ending, the Englishmen will be-kept on longer than the Irishmen?

That is another matter.

In view of the announcement with regard to Irishmen coming in, will the right hon. Gentleman make it clear that the British Army also requires Irishmen?

Will my right hon. Friend consider making representations to the Ministry of Labour?

asked the Secretary of State for Air what firm has obtained the contract for the construction of the aerodrome at Carlton Miniott, Thirsk; and where the firm has its head offices?

The contract for the construction of the Royal Air Force Station at Carlton Miniott has been placed after competitive tendering with Messrs. Stewart and Partners, Baker Street, London.

asked the Secretary of State for Air particulars of the number of officers and airmen of the Royal Air Force who have been attached to the Straits Settlements Volunteer Air Force for the purpose of training volunteers of that Air Force; and the present establishment of such Force?

The arrangements in regard to the Straits Settlements Volunteer Air Force provide for the attachment thereto of an establishment of two officers and 38 airmen of the Royal Air Force. The establishment for the Straits Settlements Volunteer Air Force personnel is 20 officers and 113 airmen.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider the increase in this Force satisfactory?

I have no reason to doubt that.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that Indian subjects are being made the victims of a colour bar at a number of flying clubs in this country; and whether he will take steps to see that no discrimination shall be made at any of these clubs on colour grounds against persons otherwise entitled to use them?

The question of membership of flying clubs is a matter for the clubs themselves, but I understand that a number of flying clubs in this country have Indian members.

Can the Minister use his influence to get these flying clubs to put an end to this discrimination and allow pilots coming from India to become members?

The arrangement between the Ministry and these clubs is governed by an agreement which does not expire until March, 1942, and in that agreement there is no discrimination against Indians, but they must conform to the same conditions as other members. They must be British subjects and normally resident in this country. It may be that some Indians have been refused admission to the clubs probably because they do not conform to the condition of being normally resident in this country.

In view of the fact that the Government subsidise these private flying clubs, will not the hon. and gallant Gentleman use his influence, if he finds that discrimination is taking place, to persuade them to stop it?

If any hon. Member has any particular case in mind and brings it to my notice, I will take it up.

Can the hon. and gallant Member say whether it is true that non-combatants are allowed to join the Moscow flying club?

In view of the great interest taken in this matter, cannot the Undersecretary take a rather wider view and make it understood that we do not wish Indians to be excluded on the ground that they are Indians?

I have already said that if hon. Members have any particular cases in mind I will look into them. The right hon. Gentleman has put a question which is entirely different from that on the Order Paper. If he will put it down I will answer it.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will take steps to prohibit the use of neon or other illuminated advertisements on the back and sides of all road vehicles?

I am not aware of any evidence which would justify action of the kind that the hon. Member has in mind.

Is it not plain that if vans travelling along the streets are illuminated with neon signs they constitute a danger? Some of these vans exist. I have seen them myself. Will not the right hon. Gentleman take some action to prevent this in the future?

I will certainly consider any information the hon. Member gives me, but in my answer I have said that I have no evidence which would justify my taking action.

As there have been no accidents because the number of the vehicles is small, will not the right hon. Gentleman take action before the accidents occur?

Nothing is clear without evidence. If the hon. Member will give me evidence I will look into it.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered complaints regarding what are described as obsolete Statutes, the provisions of which are seriously affecting the economic life of the railways in their competition with various forms of road transport; and whether he can now say what action the Government propose to take to unify the organisation of the road and rail transport services?

Until I have received and considered the report of the Transport Advisory Council upon the reference now before them, I would prefer not to make any statement on this subject.

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect to receive the report?

I hope it will not be delayed. The matter is, obviously, one of great public interest, and I wish to deal with it.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he recognises that a large proportion of road accidents occur as the result of drivers of motor-vehicles drinking intoxicating liquor, though they are not so affected as to be described as under the influence of drink; whether he will arrange to have the number of such cases shown in accident returns; and whether he proposes to take steps to ensure that persons partaking of alcoholic drinks shall not drive a motor-vehicle within a certain stipulated time thereafter?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the chairmen of the licensing justices at York, Leicester, and elsewhere made public comment at the annual licensing sessions last week on the large number of persons proceeded against during the year for being under the influence of drink while driving a motor-car; and whether he will seek to secure some improvement in the method of collecting statistics of road accidents so as to show the number of cases in which, on the admission of the persons involved, or in the opinion of the police, alcoholic beverages had been consumed by the driver shortly before the accident?

I am not inclined to believe that a large proportion of road accidents can be attributed to drink. The extent to which the consumption of alcoholic liquor by drivers of motor vehicles may have been the contributory cause of accidents is, I am afraid, not susceptible of demonstration by statistics, nor do I think that trustworthy information on the point would be obtainable in the manner suggested. In the special investigation made in 1936–37 it was found that out of nearly 200,000 accidents 1,307 were attributable to drink or drugs as a primary cause, and in 567 cases the driver was the person affected. As at present advised I am not prepared to introduce legislation under which it would be an offence to drive a motor vehicle within a specified period after the consumption of intoxicating liquor.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman rather transgressing the point he made on a previous question—that it required evidence? Is he not now expressing an opinion without adequate evidence? Is not the real snag in many of these cases that in order to bring home an offence to motor drivers who are under the influence of drink, they are charged with the minor offence of careless driving. because there is a fear in the minds of those who bring the charge that a conviction for the major offence would not be secured before a jury?

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the evidence given before the committee which was set up by the late Minister of Transport, and also the recommendations of the medical committee which looked into this question and said that something should be done? Will he also bear in mind that 31,000 children under 15 years of age are injured on the roads every years?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the evidence submitted by the Scottish Sheriffs during the last two years as to the great preponderance of serious accidents caused by drunken drivers?

I hope the House will not think from anything I have said that I desire in any way to condone the offence of driving under the influence of drink. I wish it to be as seriously punished as possible. But what I am endeavouring to deal with is a much wider problem, whether there is a large and growing proportion of accidents due to drink. The evidence does not support that statement. I will willingly examine information and statistics from any quarter because it is a real problem, and if we can solve it, so much the better.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of having one fixed penalty for all cases of this kind?

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the large number of accidents which have taken place recently at the junction of Kingsland Road, Harman Street, and Pearson Street, Shoreditch; and whether he will take steps, in conjunction with the local authority, to have traffic lights set up at this point at the earliest possible moment?

I am aware of the accidents which have occurred at this junction recently, and am giving consideration to the local authority's suggestion that traffic lights should be installed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to reach a decision fairly promptly?

Yes, Sir. The renewal application reached me on the 18th of this month.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of road accidents in the city and county of Lincoln, respectively, both fatal and non-fatal, for the year 1938?

As the answer contains a number of figures I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the Official Report.

asked the Minister of Transport how many fatal and non-fatal accidents, respectively, have occurred on the Kingstanding Road during the year ended 31st December, 1938; what is preventing the completion of the dual carriageway on this road; and will he take steps to get the Birmingham City Council to proceed with this work during the present year?

During the year ending 31st December, 1938, the total number of accidents of all kinds on this road was 94. One person was killed. I understand that the Birmingham Corporation do not consider that the present traffic on this road is sufficient to warrant the large expenditure which would be involved in the construction of a second carriageway throughout its length, but consider that priority should be given to other more urgent improvement schemes in the city.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can now say how many miles of inland waterways, including canals, navigations, and open rivers, are navigable by loaded commercial craft?

As I have already informed the hon. Member, the figure for which he asks is not readily available. I do not think that the value of the information would be commensurate with the work involved in obtaining it.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, I beg to give notice that if I can I shall raise this subject in the Debate on unemployment to-day.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that many small and large ports are controlled entirely by railway interests to the exclusion of coastal trade, road transport, and urgent local trade interests; and what steps he is taking to lead to a fair adjustment in the general national interests?

I am not quite sure that I appreciate the point raised in my hon. and gallant Friend's question, but if he will furnish me with particulars I will make inquiries.

Is the right, hon. Gentleman aware that on the East coast and on the South coast there are a number of ports which are derelict in consequence of railway companies having bought up a number of interests?

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in order to further assist motorists and, at the same time preserve, in part, the amenities of all main roads by the abolition of the figures denoting the 30 mile per hour limit, he will cause a red, or red and white line, instead of an all white line, to be painted along the centre of the road in all built-up areas?

No, Sir. In my view the present method of indicating the existence of the 30 mile per hour speed limit, which was settled after consultation with representatives of road users, is to be preferred to the use of a coloured line on the carriageway, which might easily be obscured and would not be readily visible at night.

Is not a white line just as easily, if not more easily, obscured in certain circumstances, such as in a snow storm, and does not the Minister agree that the suggestion in the question is the best suggestion he has had put before him?

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to a regulation, recently issued by the London and North Eastern Railway Company, that passengers, notwithstanding that they are in possession of a recognised ticket for the transport of dogs, are not allowed to travel their animals by certain passenger trains, even in the guard's van; and whether he will inquire whether it is the intention of any other railway companies to introduce similar regulations?

Although I have no jurisdiction in this matter I have communicated with the railway companies and will let the hon. Member know the result.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this is the first time for nearly 100 years that such a ban has been introduced on the railways?

Not from personal knowledge, at any rate.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the unsatisfactory time conditions applying to public parking places in London, whereby persons unaware of the regulations and leaving their motor cars for more than two hours are liable to be proceeded against; whether he will cause instructions to be given that parking attendants shall give notice of the time limit to motor car drivers leaving their motor cars; and whether, in view of the shortage of garage accommodation, and the average length of time of theatrical and other entertainments, he will consider extending the period to three hours?

The maximum period during which vehicles may be left upon an authorised parking place in London is laid down in the appropriate Regulations and is also indicated clearly on notices at the parking places. The attendants at parking places are instructed to hand a card setting out the conditions governing the use of the parking place to the driver if possible or, if not, to leave it on the car. I am not prepared to extend the maximum period.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why he is averse to extending the period?

Because I think it is unreasonable to provide space in the centre of the Metropolitan area for people to leave their cars.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the rolling stock on a number of the London and North Eastern Railway Company's main line expresses to and from the North is Pullman stock, for seats in which the public is called upon to pay heavy seat charges, and that much of this stock is 11 years old; and whether, in view of the fact that other main line companies provide up to date stock for which no supplementary charge is made, he will make suitable representations to the London and North Eastern Railway Company for the removal of this charge?

The company inform me that on their main line express services to and from the North there are only three trains in each direction (two on weekdays and one on Sundays) composed exclusively of Pullman stock. These trains are additional to trains made up of the company's standard stock, of which there are alternative services. As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, a supplementary charge is made for the use of Pullman cars on other lines also, to cover the cost of this special service. I can see no justification for asking for the discontinuance of these charges.

asked the Minister of Transport whether in conjunction with the city of Birmingham and the Staffordshire County Council, he will take steps to secure the completion of the dual carriageway on the Walsall Road, in view of the fact that the Walsall Borough Council have performed this work up to their boundary?

The Staffordshire County Council have agreed as my agents to improve the trunk road between the Birmingham city boundary and the Walsall county borough boundary, by the construction of a second carriageway, and the necessary land is being acquired. Negotiations are proceeding with the Birmingham City Council for the improvement, on similar lines, of the road within that city.

asked the Minister of Transport what action he proposes to take to encourage goods transport by canal, with special reference to the Forth and Clyde Canal, and to avoid its complete destruction by the railway companies?

The Forth and Clyde Canal is the property of the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company. I am informed by the company that the condition of this canal is satisfactory throughout its entire length. My power to revise the authorised tolls on this canal is exercisable only upon application. A formal application concerning the tolls on petrol barges between Grange-mouth and Glasgow on the Forth and Clyde Canal is now sub judice.

Can the Minister say whether the transport of goods on this canal has increased or decreased during the past two years?

I could not without notice. I have not the figures before me, but I shall be happy to obtain the information if the hon. Member desires it.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the position with regard to the postponed legislation for amalgamation of electrical undertakings; and in what respects the policy outlined in the Departmental Paper of 1937 has been modified?

I cannot add to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 10th November last. In these circumstances, it would be premature for me to attempt to summarise the result of discussions on the Departmental Paper referred to.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can give any information in connection with the accident at Chatham Dockyard on Thursday last, when a mart was killed; and whether he can say what was the cause of the accident?

I regret to inform the hon. Member that a labourer was killed in Chatham Dockyard on Wednesday last, as the result of his being crushed between a travelling crane and a stanchion during his employment in a machine shop.

Will the relatives be compensated under the Workmen's Compensation Act?

Yes, Sir; certainly. We have sent our sympathy to the relatives, and they will also get compensation under the scheme.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what progress is being made with the re-arming of older cruisers and destroyers for convoy purposes; how many ships of this type are scheduled for conversion; and whether the delivery of equipment for such vessels is up to schedule?

The programme for re-arming older cruisers and destroyers is proceeding satisfactorily. The necessary equipment for such conversion is being delivered according to plan. We hope in due course to convert the majority of these vessels.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say what is meant by "in due course "?

The work is proceeding as quickly as possible, and we have several vessels in hand at the moment.

May we be informed whether it is the policy of the Government not to scrap anything connected with the Navy, but to lay-up instead? Is it a policy of "lay-up and build," instead of "scrap and build"?

That, of course, is a much wider question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many men have made application to join the Navy in the last 12 months for which figures are available; how many were accepted, and how many rejected on medical grounds?

The number of candidates who applied to enter the Royal Navy or Royal Marines, during the year ended 31st December, 1938, is 65,240. Of these, 15,428 were accepted for entry and 25,794 were rejected on medical grounds. A further 1,162 candidates were entered during this period mainly as a result of competitive examination, but figures are not available as to the number who applied to compete at these examinations.

Has any inquiry been made as to why such a large number of young men should be rejected on medical grounds?

Yes, I can give some approximate figures to the House. Some 45 per cent. of the rejections were on grounds of eyesight, including colour blindness, 15 per cent. were on account of teeth, and 7½ per cent. for ear trouble.

May I take it that none have been refused on account of Irish nationality?

None, Sir. We get some very good recruits for the Royal Navy both from North and South Ireland.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman refer that question of eyesight to the Minister of Education?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the importance of the shipping and fishing industries to the national safety and prosperity, and the steady growth of agriculture as a vital national industry, he will consider the separation of shipping from the Board of Trade and Fisheries from the Ministry of Agriculture, and establish at an early date a Ministry of Shipping and Fisheries?

As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, there are many considerations involved in this suggestion besides those referred to in the question, and as at present advised the Prime Minister does not think that the establishment of the proposed new Ministry would be desirable.

Will my right hon. Friend convey to the Prime Minister the fact that when the Ministry of Agriculture was created, agriculture was in very low water, and that at the present time fishing and shipping are in very much the same condition?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the widespread demand from fishing and shipping circles for a separate Ministry?

Will my right hon. Friend ask the Prime Minister to consult the late Minister of Agriculture and ask him whether he did not find it was too much to attend to both agriculture and fisheries?

The suggestion in the question is for the creation of a Ministry of Shipping, and for taking away shipping from the Board of Trade. That raises a very important question, in view of the fact that shipping is very closely connected with trade questions and agreements. All I am answering is that there are many considerations involved; but I will certainly report to the Prime Minister.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he now has information as to the country of origin of the arms taken from Arab terrorist gangs in Palestine?

Yes, Sir. An analysis made by the Palestine Government of arms seized by troops and police between July and November of last year has shown that they came almost wholly from stocks which had remained in the Middle East since the Great War.

Has not information been brought to the attention of the Government showing that some of the arms that have been brought in to the terrorist gangs have come definitely from Germany?

That is the case in a very few instances.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now able to make a statement with regard to the admission of 10,000 German-Jewish refugee children to Palestine, and old persons, relatives to Jews now in that country; and whether the matter has formed the subject of any conversations at the Palestine Conference?

No, Sir. I am not yet in a position to add anything to the statements that I have already made on this subject.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that he would take the opportunity of the conference to hold conversations on the subject?

The conference has not yet finished.

In view of the strong humanitarian claims for the admission of these children, will the right hon. Gentleman take immediate steps to make an appeal on humanitarian grounds to the persons now assembled in London?

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the introduction of 292,000 Jews is a pretty fair contribution on humanitarian grounds made by Palestine?

Has the possibility of admitting these 10,000 children to Palestine been raised with the delegates to the conference?

The question of immigration has been considered, and in connection with the refugee problem. Beyond this, I cannot make any statement at the present time.

Has the scheme for 10,000 children been considered?

In view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman promised that he would raise the question of the 10,000 children, as distinct from the general immigration question, has the question of the 10,000 children been raised, apart from the general question?

I promised to keep the matter in mind. So far we have not got down to particulars of this nature. We have only got as far as genera] discussions on immigration, with special reference to the refugee problem.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether or not the specific question of these 10,000 children has been mentioned to any of the delegates in London, or whether it will be?

I have just answered that question. We have not got down to particular details yet.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action he proposes to take on the report of the Department of Health for Palestine, which shows that the medical inspection of Government schools is inadequate, and that the scheme for hospital and sanatorium and out-patients, tuberculosis, clinics has been postponed?

The matters to which the hon. Member refers are, no doubt, being taken into consideration by the Palestine Government in connection with the draft Estimates for 1939–40. I would point out, however, that the provision of new, or the expansion of existing, services has necessarily had to be deferred owing to the serious effect of the prolonged disturbances on the financial position of the Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will consider improving the total exports of textile goods by suitably proportioning the particular quota provided by the various Colonies?

The object of the quota system was to limit the expansion of imports from certain low-cost producers of textiles into certain colonial dependencies. That object has been largely achieved, but the whole position is still being kept under observation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give any estimate of the number of lepers in Uganda and in Tanganyika; and what steps are being taken for the treatment and cure of leprosy in these Colonies?

The number of inmates in the five leper settlements in Uganda is approximately 1,600. In addition, 391 lepers were treated at Govern- ment hospitals during 1937. In Tanganyika there are 31 leper settlements with a total of about 3,400 inmates. The medical secretary of the British Empire Leprosy Relief Association visited certain of the East African Dependencies, including Uganda and Tanganyika last year to study this problem. His reports are now being considered by the Governments concerned. I am glad to add that during recent years there have been notable improvements in housing and public health which should in time lessen the incidence of leprosy.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the report to which he referred, which is now being considered by the Governments of Uganda and Tanganyika, will be available to hon. Members?

I should require notice of that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make any further statement regarding measures to improve conditions in St. Helena?

Yes, Sir. I have arranged for Sir Frank Stockdale, my Agricultural Adviser, and Mr. J. B. Side-botham, a member of the administrative staff of the Colonial Office, to proceed to the Colony shortly to confer with the Governor on further measures for improving conditions in the island.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make a statement in connection with the recent serious labour troubles in Jamaica?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement respecting the strike now taking place in Jamaica, the nature of the grievances and demands of the strikers; and what action is being taken to remove those grievances?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has a statement to make as to the position in Jamaica?

On 15th February the Governor of Jamaica reported that Mr. Bustamante, the labour leader, had issued without warning on the previous day island-wide orders for a general strike. The immediate cause appears to have been a dispute between members of his union and those of a rival union in Montego Bay. Mr. Bustamante requested the United Fruit Company to dismiss certain employés, and on their refusal to do so he took this further action. As a result, the wharves at Kingston were temporarily paralysed and labour on many estates obeyed the call. The Governor did not anticipate disorder but, as a precautionary measure and to reassure willing workers, considered it desirable to declare a state of emergency and to call up the local forces and special constables. In a later message the Governor stated that as a result of the action taken, which was fully supported by the Elected Members of the Legislative Council, the island was quiet and no disorders had occurred. While the strike was maintained in places, it was generally losing ground and public opinion was against it. In a telegram dated 20th February the Governor has informed me that the strike notices have been unconditionally withdrawn and that in consequence the emergency regulations ceased to operate as from midnight on the 20th.

Can the Minister say whether the quarrel between two rival unions was on account of a line of demarcation in regard to labour?

I am not certain what was the exact cause of the quarrel. I understand it was about the employment of a member of one union when the other union thought that one of their members ought to have been employed.

Does not the Minister agree that it would be impossible for these disturbances to arise unless the working conditions in Jamaica were thoroughly unsatisfactory?

There have been recent improvements in the working conditions and this dispute was not on account of working conditions.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Moyne Commission is likely to issue a report?

I am afraid I cannot. They are still examining the problem in Trinidad.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give the date and particulars of the last report received from the Governor of Nyasaland on the recruitment of native labour for mines in Southern Rhodesia and the Union of South Africa?

The last published document on the subject is Mr. Abraham's report published for the Nyasaland Government in 1937. My subsequent information consists of a series of despatches and other unpublished papers dealing in detail with the various aspects of the subject. These reports cover many subjects, but on the whole they show a steady improvement in the state of affairs. For example, the mortality rate from all causes amongst Nyasaland labourers on the Rand has fallen in the last two years from approximately 24 to 12 per thousand.

Have any exclusive rights been given to any private company to recruit these natives?

I do not think so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered a petition from Mr. J. D. Butler, of Trinidad, respecting his allegations of unjustifiable degradation, and as this appears to infringe the existing education regulations and considerable public disquiet has been expressed concerning the case, whether he proposes to take any action in the matter; and whether he will take steps to protect teachers against arbitrary action taken by Sebval management boards?

I have received the petition in question, but have not yet had an opportunity of considering it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that adequate attention is given to this petition?

The petition has only just come in, and it may take a little time to give it the adequate consideration for which the hon. Member asks. Perhaps he will get in touch with me later, and I may be able to let him know when there will be a suitable opportunity for putting down another question.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will consider the removal of the railings round those London parks in which trenches have been constructed so as to allow easy access to the trenches on the occasion of an air raid in time of war?

I agree with my hon. Friend that this is a question that will have to be considered so that action can, if necessary, be taken in the event of a state of emergency arising.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not consider that in existing circumstances if an air-raid warning occurred after the park closing time, there would be great congestion and delay?

I am looking into it.

Is it not a fact that in the event of an air raid one would be just as safe lying on one's face on the road outside the railings, as one would be inside?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will state, in the event of an emergency, and to avoid panic and congestion on the roads, what organisation will be set up to cover those persons who have their own transport, and are entitled to leave vulnerable areas for safer places in the country and have made arrangements for billeting; and when will he issue these instructions?

Attention has been given by the police to the question of special arrangements for facilitating the flow of traffic by road from vulnerable areas; but the matter, which depends for its treatment primarily upon local circumstances, is not one on which it is proposed to issue any public announcement at the present juncture.

asked the Home Secretary how many applications he has had from local authorities or private hospitals to grant permits to foreign nurses to work in hospitals in Great Britain; how many permits have been granted during the past year; and how many are awaiting decision?

The Ministry of Labour issued 224 permits during 1938 to hospitals to employ foreign nurses, and in addition made 98 favourable recommendations to the Home Office in respect of persons already in the United Kingdom who wished to enter hospital posts. In 89 cases the Ministry of Labour was unable either to issue a permit or to make a favourable recommendation to the Home Office. Fifty cases are outstanding. In addition to the cases dealt with under the normal procedure, arrangements were made in October with the Nursing Sub-Committee of the Co-ordinating Committee for Refugees to allow German women to undertake work as nurses in hospitals in this country, and visas were authorised in 63 cases up to the end of 1938.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will introduce a Measure granting compensation to those persons proved to be suffering from diseases caused by excessive dust in cotton mills, particularly card-room workers?

The Report of the Departmental Committee on this subject has only just been published, and I would ask my hon. Friend to allow me to defer making a statement until those concerned have been given time to consider it.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that we have been agitating for this for three years; that these people are suffering untold agony and that the matter is very urgent indeed?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is possible to deal with this matter by extending the schedule of industrial diseases rather than by legislation?

I could not say that, but there is an actual scheme in the report.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many capital ships were built by the various naval Powers between 1918 and 1935; and what is the present definition of a capital ship?

Between 1918 and 1935 Great Britain completed three capital ships, the United States seven, Germany two, and Japan three. No other naval Power built capital ships during these years. For the present definition of a capital ship, as embodied in Article 1 of the London Naval Treaty of 1936, I would refer the hon. Member to page 2 of the current copy of "Fleets."

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the amount of Government work in connection with rearmament, and the value of such work that has been placed with firms in the administrative county of Durham, and the county boroughs of South Shields and Sunderland, during the years 1935, 1936, 1937 and 1938, respectively?

In answer to the first part of the question, I am obtaining the figures, and, with the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate them in the Official Report in the course of the next few days. With regard to the second part of the question, I regret that it is not possible, without an undue amount of labour, to ascertain the value of orders placed under the rearmament scheme in any county or any Special Area. To obtain the information asked for by the hon. Member would require an amount of work which I would not willingly impose on the Service Departments under existing conditions of pressure. It would, moreover, not be possible to collect information about these particular areas and to refuse to collect it about other places. The resultant work would be overwhelming.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether the first call upon his services is not in connection with the Duchy about which he gets his title and sits on that bench, and whether he will bear Lancashire in mind?

Is it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman has most of his work provided for him from our county of Yorkshire?

asked the Minister of Labour when he hopes to open the new preparatory training centre in Liverpool?

My right hon. Friend hopes that training will begin at the Liverpool centre about the middle of March.