asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the rapid increase in the import of manufactured goods from India in recent years, he will give an assurance that in any arrangements made in India regarding trade between the two countries after the expiration of the existing agreement on 31st March, steps will be taken to ensure the regulation of the imports of competitive manufactured goods from India into this country?

I can assure my hon. Friend that the question of competition from Indian manufactured goods in the United Kingdom has been kept in mind in the negotiations with the Government of India but, as he will appreciate, I cannot make any statement as to the contents of any agreement that may be concluded as the result of these negotiations.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether in seeking to help British firms to compete in the ex port markets, he has been able to persuade British manufacturers in any industry to agree among themselves to abolish non-essential variations in patterns, sizes, designs, and grades of quality so as to reduce production costs by the elimination of waste among individual firms competing between themselves, and, as an industry, when seeking overseas trade in competition with foreign firms?

The task of assisting industry in regard to standardisation is, with the approval of the Government, undertaken by the British Standards Institution, and I understand that under the institution's auspices many industries have reduced their costs by limiting the number of types, sizes and qualities of their products.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to give to the House the result of the ballot on the draft proposals for the Enabling Bill for the Lancashire cotton industry, and, in the event of the ballot being favourable, when does he propose to introduce the Bill?

No, Sir. The ballot does not close until 25th February. It is the intention to introduce legislation without avoidable delay if the result of the ballot is considered to justify that course.

asked the President of the Board of Trade on what date discussion of new victualling scales for seamen began and when the examination of these proposals will be completed?

The discussions to which I referred in the answer to the hon. and gallant Member's question on this subject on 10th February will, it is expected, begin early in March. It is not possible to say when they will be completed, but the matter will be expedited as much as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether adequate arrangements have yet been made for the distribution of milk and milk-products in this country in the event of an emergency; whether, in this connection, it is pro posed to take advantage of the Distributors' Board, which was to have been set up under the Milk Bill, and of the Milk Products Marketing Scheme, which he now proposes to bring forward independently; and whether he can make a statement with regard to these matters?

A plan has been prepared regarding the distribution of liquid milk in time of war, using the organisations set up by the Milk Marketing Boards and following as far as possible the normal channels of distribution through the wholesale and retail trade. Plans have similarly been prepared regarding butter and cheese. Until decisions as to setting up a Distributors' Board and putting into operation a Milk Products Marketing Scheme have been reached, I am not in a position to say how the emergency plans would be affected, but the matter will receive careful consideration at the appropriate time.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the fact that there are many insurance clubs, known as slate clubs, paying sick and death benefits to their members which, in the event of war, would have no reserves from which to meet additional claims, as it is the practice of these clubs to distribute the balance of their funds at the end of each year, and no reserves being accumulated their members would in time of war be without benefits for which they are now paying; and what action he proposes in the matter?

If any unforeseen contingency should arise it would be for clubs themselves, such as the hon. Member has in mind, to seek actuarial advice with a view to the adjustment of contributions or benefits or both to meet the altered circumstances. No action by the Government seems to be possible or to be required.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, when formulating his next Budget, he will take into consideration the great amount of unemployment there is at present in the theatrical and variety industry; and, with a view to assisting employment in these industries, will he consider making a readjustment of the Entertainments Duty so as to give these industries an opportunity of competing with cinematograph exhibitors' theatres by further reducing and/or exempting from taxation places of theatrical entertainment where performers or artistes, personally appear?

I would refer the hon. Member to the assurance given on 1st February in answer to the question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Central Newcastle (Mr. Denville).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an undertaking that any taxation for re armament shall not add to indirect taxation, which bears most heavily on working people and unemployed?

The hon. Member will not expect me to anticipate my Budget statement.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in order to reduce administration costs, and to facilitate their work under the Act of 1874, he will request the registrar to call a conference of the 977 building societies of various types operating in Great Britain; and endeavour to bring about amalgamations of building societies transacting business in adjoining counties, or even in more distant areas?

I am advised that the Registrar has no power to call such a conference, nor would it be proper for him to make suggestions to individual societies that it would be in their interests to amalgamate with other societies.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many members of the Civil Service are administrative grade officials and how many belong to the executive grades, together with the respective numbers in Scottish Departments?

The number of civil servants in the administrative and general executive groups at 1st April, 1938, the latest date for which figures are avail able, was:

Administrative	…	2,036
General executive	…	4,817

Of these 93 administrative and 195 general executive officers were in Scottish Departments.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the average length of life of civil servants retiring at 60 years of age?

The average length of life of established civil servants retiring at age 60 is:

				Years.
Men	…	…	…	16
Women	…	…	…	18

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will state the amount of money advanced to new businesses and the conditions under which advances have been made during the last 12 months under Special Areas Reconstruction Association; and whether there is any intention of modifying the terms upon which these advances can be obtained?

In the last 12 months the Special Areas Reconstruction Association has agreed to advance to new businesses (as distinct from existing businesses) the sum of £184,050, bringing the total of advances of this kind to £633,200. In accordance with the terms of the association's constitution, advances are made by way of loan normally repayable within five years and not exceeding £10,000 in any one case; interest is payable at not more than 4½ per cent. There is no intention of modifying these arrangements.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that both the Milk Marketing Board and the London County Council refuse to give any information as to the terms of the contract recently concluded between them for milk supplies; and whether, in view of the anxiety of the milk distributive trade lest the Milk Marketing Board should in this case have quoted prices below the minimum ones which it imposes upon the distributive trade, he will take steps either to arrange that the information shall be published or to enable the whole subject to be examined by a committee of investigation in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1931?

I have no authority to obtain the information or to arrange that it shall be published, and I can only consider the reference to a committee of investigation of a formal complaint made to me under Section 9 of the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1931. No such complaint has been made.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is considering arrangements by which some adjustment can be made between the price of milk for manufacturing purposes and liquid milk for consumption?

No, Sir. The prices at which milk may be sold by registered producers in England and Wales are prescribed by the Milk Marketing Board after consultation with representatives of the wholesale purchasers. I have no power to intervene.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the recent falling in the price of eggs; and whether he proposes to take any steps to secure further control of the imports of eggs from abroad, pending such action as may be taken in the forthcoming Poultry Bill?

I am aware of the recent fall in egg prices. With regard to imports of eggs, there is at present no statutory authority under which regulation could be imposed but I am keeping the position under close review in consultation with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many veterinary surgeons are employed by the Ministry on full-time re search work into animal diseases; how many of these men were employed three years ago; and are the salaries and prospects such as to attract men of out standing ability?

Twelve veterinary surgeons are at present employed by the Ministry on full-time research work into animal diseases; of these officers eight were employed three years ago. As regards the last part of the question, the salaries and prospects of officers so employed have recently been substantially improved with this particular object in view.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state the number of cattle destroyed, and the total compensation paid, during the recent out breaks of foot-and-mouth disease in Glamorganshire and Monmouthshire, respectively?

In the outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease which have occurred in Glamorgan since the beginning of November last, the number of animals compulsorily slaughtered was 405 cattle, 1,252 sheep and 95 pigs, and the compensation paid amounted to £9,740 1s. The corresponding figures for Monmouth shire are 84 cattle, 233 sheep and 44 pigs slaughtered and £2,055 3s. Paid in compensation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state the total estimated acreage of agricultural land in Great Britain in 1914, 1930 and at the latest available date?

I regret that strictly comparable estimates of the acre age of land used for agriculture in Great Britain in the years mentioned are not available, but the following statement shows the acreage of land under crops and permanent grass (commonly known as cultivated land) and also such estimates as are available of the acreage of all land used for agricultural purposes, including rough grazing, both in sole occupation and used in common.

			Cultivated Land (Acres).	Total Agricultural Land (Acres).
1914	…	…	31,900,185	44,786,891
1930	…	…	30.021,165	44.815,385
1938	…	…	29,271,500	45,352,100*
* The figures for 1938 (which are subject to slight revision) include the area of deer forests in Scotland used or capable of being used for grazing, whilst prior to 1932 any acreage of deer forests which was included was only that acreage actually used for grazing.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state the total number of agricultural holdings in Great Britain at the latest available date, together with the number of holdings of 50 acres and less?

The total number of agricultural holdings of over one acre for which returns were made by occupiers in Great Britain on 4th June, 1038, was 448,300, and the number of such holdings of 50 acres or less was 275,400.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has considered the possibility of recondition-

Number of Police Officers, presently serving, who are entitled to full pension.	Rank.			Age.		Length of service.		Compulsory age of retirement (subject to certain exceptions).
				years.	months.	years.	months.	Age.
6	Superintendent and Deputy Chief Constable.			61	5*	39	3	60
	Inspector	…	…	58	1	39	11	60
	Inspector	…	…	56.	9	33	0	60
	Constable	…	…	54	11	35	2	55
	Constable	…	…	55	6*	31	4	55
	Constable	…	…	51	11	31	8	55
* In these cases the Chief Constable has exercised the power conferred on him by Section 1 (1) of the Police Pensions Act, 1921, to extend the officer's service for a further period.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that on the night of 13th

The question of reconditioning derelict or semi-derelict land with the aid of the unemployed raises important matters of policy regarding the terms and conditions governing the acquisition of the land, transference, temporary housing, terms and conditions of employment and the economic results of such a project, which do not fall entirely within the ambit of my powers and duties, and with which it is not possible to deal by way of question and answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will state the number of officers of the Dumbartonshire Constabulary, presently serving, who are entitled to full pension; their respective ranks, ages and length of service; the compulsory age of retirement for the respective ranks and the reason for any non-compliance with the terms of the Police Pensions Act, 1931?

I have obtained the following information from the Dumbartonshire Police Authority. In no case has there been non-compliance with the terms of the Police Pensions Act, 1921.February, certain boats operating the ring-net overran the drift nets of three St. Monance vessels fishing for herring between the Fife coast and May Island, causing great damage to the nets, ropes, and other equipment of the drifters valued, in the case of one boat, at over £100, and in the case of another, causing the crew to be unemployed for four days; whether the Fishery Board for Scotland are taking any steps to prevent this obstruction to drift-net fishing; and whether, since the two types of fishing cannot operate together in the same waters without causing repeated clashes between the crews concerned, with serious loss of catch and gear, he will consider measures to prevent this?

I have been informed of the damage referred to and regret the loss the fishermen have sustained. There is, I understand, no direct evidence at present as to the manner in which the damage occurred but the Fishery Board for Scotland will continue their investigation of this question. I am instructing the Fishery Board to continue to take all possible measures by means of their patrol vessels to prevent the occurrence of damage to drift nets.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in many rural districts to which it is proposed to evacuate large numbers of the population, there are at present no adequate arrangements for a public water supply, and no adequate system of sewerage or sewage disposal sufficient for the needs of the present population; that there is a grave apprehension on the part of many local authorities in rural districts that the absence of these facilities is likely to have serious consequences, the risk of which will be accentuated by the removal of large numbers of the civil population from congested areas; and what steps the Government propose to take, by way of grant from national funds, to deal with these matters?

In the evacuation arrangements, steps will be taken to avoid areas where insuperable difficulties are likely to arise on account of water supply or drainage. It is not considered that the number of such areas will be large. I am not at present satisfied that there is a case for grant from national funds for the purpose of improving water supply or drainage in rural areas as part of the evacuation scheme. Representations, however, have been made to me in the matter by the County Councils and Rural District Councils Associations, and I am seeing a deputation from them on the 7th March.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give his reasons for choosing districts adjacent to Middles rough for evacuating Leeds in his air-raid precautions scheme?

The only area adjoining Middlesbrough which has been scheduled as a reception area for the purpose of the Government evacuation scheme is Stonefly Rural District. It is not proposed to evacuate persons from Leeds to the district. It may be that the hon. Member has other regions in mind and if so I should be glad if he would inform me further.

asked the Minister of Health how many persons have applied for, and, for any reason, failed to obtain contributory old age pensions during each year, from 1930 to 1938 inclusive?

The number of persons who applied for and failed to obtain old age pensions under the Contributory Pensions Acts in each year from 1930 to 1938 was as follows:

1930–21,684	1935–15,083.
1931–17,056	1936–13,630.
1932–15,971.	1937–15,469.
1933–15,195.	1938–13,935.
1934–13,882.

asked the Minister of Health how many widows have ceased to qualify for pension benefit, for the reason that there are no dependent children, during each year, from 1930 to 1938 inclusive?

The number of widows whose pensions ceased in each of the years 1931 to 1937 on the youngest child attaining 16, or on the 31st July thereafter if the child remained under fulltime instruction in a day-school, was as follows:

asked the Minister of Health whether he can stale the number of able-bodied men, women and children in the administrative county of Durham who were in receipt of Poor Law relief; and the amount paid for the years 1936, 1937, and 1938, respectively?

Statistical information in the exact form desired by the hon. Member is not available, but during the year ending 31st December, 1938, the average number of persons (including dependants) in the administrative county of Durham ordinarily engaged in some regular occupation who were in receipt of out-relief in money and kind was 22,278, and the cost of such relief during the year to those persons was £421,012. The corresponding figures for the year ending in December, 1937, were 24,225 and £430,417 and for the year ending in December, 1936, 30,953 and £549,405 respectively. These figures are largely in respect of persons ordinarily engaged in some regular occupation who were in receipt of relief on account of causes other than unemployment—for example, sickness of a dependant or their own sickness. In the year ending in December, 1938, 94·7 per cent. of the numbers and 93·9 per cent. of the cost was in respect of such persons. Corresponding percentages are not available for the years 1936 and 1937.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the number of ex-service men suffering from disability in consequence of their service who are receiving; public assistance; and how many of such men are 50 years of age or over?

I regret that the information desired is not available, as the returns rendered to my Department do not distinguish ex-service men from other recipients of poor relief.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has yet decided to make an investigation into the very high rate of lapse in approved societies managed by industrial assurance companies, to which the Government actuary drew attention in 1937 in his Report on the Fourth Valuation (Cmd. 5496); and whether he will give full publicity to the results of any inquiry made?

I have received from the Government Actuary a statement as to the nature and scope of an investigation into the matter referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend. Any investigation of real value would involve my Department in much additional work and it would be difficult to undertake this under present conditions. I have noted the matter for further consideration when the pressure on my staff abates.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Statutes, Regulations, and Orders relating to National Health Insurance last issued in 1924 are now wholly out of date, consequent upon the National Health Insurance Act of 1936; and whether and, if so, when a new edition will be forthcoming?

The various Regulations and Orders made under the National Health Insurance Act, 1924, have been revised as necessitated by the coming into operation of the Act of 1936. They are now in force, and copies are available. It is intended to issue them in a single volume as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received details of the extensive experiments carried out at Stuttgart in curing whooping cough in children by flights at high altitudes; and whether it is proposed to make similar experiments in low-pressure air cabinets in this country, in view of the fact that whooping cough was responsible in 1936, in England and Wales, for three times as much infant mortality as all forms of tuberculosis?

I am aware of these experiments, the progress of which is being followed with interest in my Department. With regard to the second part of the question, I am not aware that any experiments in the treatment of whooping cough by means of low pressure air cabinets have been undertaken, and I am advised that such experiments would be attended by considerable risks.

asked the Minister of Health how many local authorities have forwarded to him resolutions in favour of granting to local authorities powers to rate land values?

I have received 30 communications of the kind referred to by the hon. Member, 16 of them being from London.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state, by boroughs and counties in England, the nature of the replies he has received to date from local authorities to his circular requesting details on the contemplated five-year programme of public work; and what are the financial amounts involved in each case?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for King's Norton (Mr. Cartland) on Monday last.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Bradfield Rural District Council have sanctioned plans for the Imperial Tobacco Company to build a factory in their rural area on good agricultural land; and whether he will withhold his consent to the proposal until he is satisfied that it will not interfere with the plans for a green belt round Reading, and the amenities of the people who live there where unemployment hardly exists?

I am ascertaining the exact position and will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Prime Minister what are the duties of the Lord President of the Council; who will perform these duties during his absence; and how long it is anticipated that the Lord President will be away?

As I explained in my reply to a similar question on 15th June, 1937, the Lord President of the Council is in charge of the work of the Privy Council Office. He presides over the Research Committees of the Privy Council on Science and Industry, Medicine, and Agriculture, and is responsible for the administration of the Departments under those Committees. He is also Chairman of the National Radium Trust. In addition, the present holder of the office is a member of the Cabinet and takes part in the work of several Cabinet Committees. Lord Zetland will act in the absence of Lord Runciman who is expected back in May next.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that representatives of voluntary relief organisations are not permitted to have access to the refugee camps in France; and whether he will make representations to the French Government that such facilities be allowed?

My Noble Friend has received certain reports to this effect. As the Prime Minister informed the hon. and gallant Member for Nuneaton (Lieut.-Commander Fletcher) on 20th February, discussions are still in progress with the French Government on the general question of these refugees, and I regret that I cannot make any further statement at the moment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he has considered a communication from the Rhondda education authority indicating that in recent weeks 616 children absented themselves from school owing to lack of suitable footwear; that 3,078 children attend school badly shod; and whether he will consider taking steps to afford some assistance so that this condition can be remedied?

No communication from the Rhondda local education authority has been received by the Board. The policy of the Board in this matter is set out in paragraph 10 of their Circular 1450, of which I am sending a copy to the hon. Member. Under the existing law the Board have no power to authorise expenditure by local education authorities on the purchase of footwear for necessitous school children or to pay grant in respect of such expenditure. I am, however, making immediate inquiries of the Unemployment Assistance Board as to the position.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether the Board has yet given its approval to the acquisition by the London County Council under compulsory powers of the site of 6,118 square yards, with house and garden, for school purposes at 44, Haverstock Hill, St. Pancreas; whether the site has been acquired; what was the price paid; for what purpose the land had been used; and what was its rateable value previous to acquisition?

A compulsory purchase order in respect of this property was confirmed by the Board on 17th December, 1937, and the property was acquired by the council on 9th February, 1939, at a cost of £2,500. It was previously used as a clergy house for St. Silas's Church and its rateable value was £90 gross and £68 net.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether the Board has given its approval to the acquisition by the Lincoln (Lindsey) County Council under compulsory powers of the site of 20,150 square yards for school purposes at Skegness; whether the site has been acquired, and, if so, what was the price paid; for what purpose the land had been used, and what was its rateable value previous to acquisition?

A compulsory purchase order for the acquisition of this land was confirmed by the Board on 30th December, 1937. I have not yet been informed that the acquisition has been completed or of the price. The properly is said to have been used in the summer months as a camping ground and in the winter as a football ground. I have no information as to its rateable value.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether the Board has given its approval to the acquisition by the Kent County Council under compulsory powers of 4·75 acres for school purposes off Apple Avenue, Baxley; whether the site has been acquired; and, if so, what was the price paid; for what purpose the land had been used; and what was its rateable value previous to acquisition?

The Board confirmed in December, 1936, a compulsory purchase order for the acquisition of a site of 4.712 acres for school purposes off Apple Avenue, Bexley. The land was acquired on 13th December, 1938, at a price of £4,665. The land had previously been used for agricultural purposes and was not assessed for rates.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether the Board has given its approval to the acquisition by the Beckenham Borough Council, under compulsory powers, of the site of 1.85 acres for school purposes at the junction of Kingswood and May's Hill roads, Short-lands; whether the site has been acquired; if so, what was the price paid; for what purpose the land had been used; and what was its rateable value previous to acquisition?

The Board confirmed a compulsory purchase order for the acquisition of this site on 17th August, 1937. The site was, however, acquired by agreement on 15th February, 1939, the price paid being £3,250. The land had previously formed part of a private estate and consisted of lawns, stabling, tennis courts and kitchen gardens. The rateable value was £30 gross, £22 net.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the condition of the father, mother, and sister of Albert Ross, who was killed as the result of a bomb explosion in Manchester on 16th January, 1939; and, in view of the fact that the three persons alluded to were almost wholly dependent on Ross's earnings as a casual porter, in the Manchester fish market, whether he will consider making a grant to these dependants?

While I have the deepest sympathy for the relatives, I regret that there are no funds at my disposal out of which any grant could be paid to the relatives of Mr. Ross.

asked the Home Secretary whether the two people killed and the three injured were working on the job when a wall in the course of demolition collapsed in Cannon Street, Manchester, on Tuesday 14th February, or whether they were pedestrians; and what precautions were taken to prevent the wall collapsing?

I understand that the two persons killed and two of those injured were employed by the demolition contractor, and were at the time of the collapse in the street, near a lorry which was being loaded. A passing motorist was also injured. It appears that no question arose of special precautions to prevent the collapse of the two walls in question, as they were regarded as safe, and the coroner said that no blame could be attached to the contractor or the foreman.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the general desire for legislation dealing with bogus clubs, and of the fact that progress in this matter depends on Parliamentary time, he can state the attitude of the Government towards the two clubs Bills which have already been introduced during the current Session?

I must ask my hon. and gallant Friend to await the statements which will be made on behalf of the Government in the course of the Debates on the Second Reading of these Bills early next month.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of two men who, at the West London police court on 27th September, 1938, were charged with stealing bags of flour, when one of them was sentenced to three months' hard labour but was released on appeal, while the other was remanded in custody but subsequently granted a free pardon; and whether, seeing that these men were incarcerated for 15 and 14 days, respectively, he will recommend that compensation be granted to them in view of the ignominy and loss of wages which they have suffered?

I recommended a free pardon because, the two men having been convicted of a joint offence and the conviction of one of them having been quashed on appeal, it was equitable to cancel the conviction of the other who had not appealed; but apart from this circumstance there is nothing to differentiate this case from others in which convictions are quashed on appeal, and there were no grounds for any payment from public funds.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has given consideration to the report of the Departmental Committee on Compensation for Card Room Workers; and whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to implement the report forthwith?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a similar question on 22nd February by my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton (Sir. J. Haslam).

asked the Home Secretary when it is proposed to issue regulations prescribing a standard of sufficient and suitable lighting for factories as required by Part I, Clause 4, of the Factories Act, 1937?

I have appointed an expert committee to assist me in considering what standards can properly be prescribed, and they submitted last autumn an interim report recommending various principles for securing good general lighting. As the next step in getting these principles translated into practice, a leaflet has been drawn up and will shortly be issued to factory occupiers throughout the country summarising the committee's recommendations and urging them to have the lighting arrangements in their factories reviewed with reference to the principles indicated. As soon as employers have had reasonable time to go into the matter I would propose to follow it up by issuing draft regulations on the subject. This procedure is, I am advised, more likely to achieve satisfactory practical results than the formulation of a draft legal code at this stage.

asked the Postmaster-General what are the grounds for his notice to the Press on 16th February to the effect that the service of letters and parcels to Government Spain was suspended; by what routes has that service been carried on; and have efforts been made to find alternative routes by which delivery can be effected?

Letters and parcels for Government Spain were despatched via France, and the services were suspended in consequence of the receipt of information from the French Post Office that that administration was no longer able to undertake the onward transmission of the mails. I am not at present aware of any suitable alternative route but inquiries in the matter are being continued.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make a statement regarding the causes of and present position of the strike of African civilians in the War Department at Sierra Leone?

Out of 1,600 War Department employés at Sierra Leone, some 320 ceased work oh 30th January. The strike was reported on 7th February as having concluded. As regards the causes, there is nothing to add to the information which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member in his letter of 8th February.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether crimes committed by soldiers or recruits who are stationed at Fort George are dealt with by the civil courts in Inverness; and, if so, whether he can state the numbers that have been tried there during the last five years?

I am making inquiries, and will communicate with the hon. Member in due course. As a general rule, soldiers who are charged with offences under the Army Act are dealt with by the military authorities, and those who are charged with offences by the civil authorities are tried by civil courts.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the hardship imposed on the soldiers and recruits at Fort George in having to pay omnibus fares to Inverness; and whether he will consider placing free conveyance there at the disposal of the men?

Free conveyance of military personnel, otherwise than on duty journeys, is not admissible under Army Regulations, and it would not be practicable to grant special facilities to the troops stationed at Fort George, which is not the only station where the same considerations apply.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will define more closely the degree of power of Regional Commissioners over local authorities in a time of national emergency; what functions, apart from the levying of rates, those local authorities will be able freely to exercise without liability to interference, curtailment, or virtual abolition by the Regional Commissioners; and whether, in any respect, the powers to be vested in the Commissioners will temporarily abrogate the authority of Parliament?

As was explained by the Prime Minister on the 7th February last in answer to a question by the hon. Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Garro Jones) a Regional Commissioner would, in the event of a breakdown of communications in time of war, exercise the powers vested in His Majesty's Government, until communications had been satisfactorily re-established. These arrangements do not in themselves affect in any way the functions of local authorities in the matter of civil defence. Nor do they affect the powers of Parliament.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that, notwithstanding the fact that his Department has approved both steel and concrete construction for the permanent lining of the trenches dug during the emergency, many local authorities have precluded the use of steel and have invited tenders in concrete only, thus restricting competition; and whether he is prepared to issue any instructions in the matter?

The method of carrying out this work, within the recommendations issued by my Department, is a matter for the various local authorities concerned, and detailed statistical information of the action taken is not available. Those recommendations, as my hon. Friend points out, allow a free choice between steel and concrete, and designs in steel as well as in concrete have been approved by my Department for the use of local authorities. I do not think that there is occasion for further instructions.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that persons in the Greenock area in receipt of allowances from the Unemployment Assistance Board and being under the necessity of applying for additional assistance in cases of sickness are required to produce a doctor's certificate which, if unobtainable from the public assistance committee, necessitates an expenditure of about 3s.; and whether he will take steps to ensure that in such cases the cost of the medical certificate will be borne by the Public Assistance Board and not by the applicant?

The position in regard to medical certificates was explained in the answer given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for Whitehaven (Mr. F. Anderson) on 11th November, 1937. I am sending the hon. and learned Member a copy.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the total number of unemployed in the Greenock area at the last available date; and how many of these had been unemployed for three months, six months, nine months, one year, two years, three years, and over three years, respectively?

At 16th January, 1939, there were 6,750 unemployed persons aged 14 and over on the registers of the Greenock Employment Exchange, including 6,261 applicants for benefit or unemployment allowances.An analysis of these applicants according to the length of the current spell of unemployment is given below:

Less than 3 months	2,603
3 months but less than 6 months	1,074
6 months but less than 9 months	481
9 months but less than 12 months	279
1 year but less than 2 years	716
2 years but less than 3 years	393
3 years or more	710

Of the persons who had been on the register for extended periods a proportion will have had one or more short spells of employment, lasting not more than three days each, during such periods.Corresponding particulars are not available in respect of unemployed persons who are not applicants for benefit or allowances.

asked the Minister of Labour how many applicants in Kingston-on-Hull are now in receipt of winter allowance relief; and what percentage are applications for benefit?

The latest date in respect of which information is avaliable is 21st November last. On that date, in the Board's administrative areas of Hull (1) and (2), the boundaries of which extend beyond the County Borough of Kingston-upon-Hull, the number of winter additions authorised was 2,651, equivalent to 43 per cent. of the number of assessments for unemployment allowances then current.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the number of new factories, other than those at Team Valley, that have been attracted to the Special Areas on the north-east coast since the Team Valley Estate was begun?

The number of new industrial undertakings established or in the course of being established in the Special Areas of Durham and Tyneside outside the Team Valley Estate with assistance from the Commissioner for the Special Areas under the Special Areas (Amendment) Act, 1937, is 19. Negotiations are proceeding in other cases. In addition a number of new industrial undertakings have been attracted to the area by reason of the facilities available for the provision of capital.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state as on the last convenient date the number of cases awaiting decision by the Umpire and the number which have been outstanding for more than one month, or two months, respectively?

The number of cases awaiting decision by the Umpire at 22nd February, 1939, was 425. Of these 47 had been awaiting decision for more than one month and nine for more than two months, respectively.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state, as on the last convenient date, the number of persons in receipt of allowances from the Unemployment Assistance Board in each divisional area?

The information desired is given on page 62 of the February, 1939, issue of the Ministry of Labour Gazette, a copy of which is in the Library.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is now able to state the result of his deliberations concerning traffic congestion caused by the waiting vehicle?

I have received a number of representations against the proposed "No Waiting" regulations and these are now being considered. I am not yet in a position to make any announcement on the matter.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the number of hours per week worked by the Ministry of Transport examiners for motor-driving licences; what is the remuneration paid, and if such posts are established or on a temporary basis?

The normal weekly hours on duty of the driving examining staff are 48, less a weekly half holiday when the work permits. These hours, however, vary according to the requirements of the work which is to an appreciable extent seasonal in character. The rates of pay for the driving test staff are set out on page 141 of the Ministry of Transport Estimates for 1938, Class VI, Vote 15. The posts are at present on a temporary basis but the question of the establishment of a proportion of these officers is now under discussion with the appropriate staff association.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the number of accidents on and at level crossings during the year 1938?

Provisional figures for 1938 show that there were 166 accidents at public road level crossings in which trains were involved. In 140 of these accidents there were no casualties but there were casualties in 26, 17 persons being killed and 28 injured. I am unable to state the number of accidents at level crossings during 1938 involving road vehicles only.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the food controller for London finds it quicker to fly to London from Brussels than from the West Country to London; and what steps does he propose to take to expedite the service to the West Country?

The establishment of air routes and the organisation of their schedules is a matter for the operating companies subject to the Licensing control of the Air Transport Licensing Authority. No applications have been received by the Licensing Authority for the establishment of services from the West Country to London. There is in consequence no direct regular air service from the West Country to London.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has now received the Report of the Gorell Committee on the control of flying; and what arrangements are being made for its publication?

I have received the report of the Gorell Committee and have issued instructions for its publication as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Air for what length of time during the last 12 months has the Lorenz system at Heston Airport been unavailable for the use of pilots in conditions of bad visibility?

Owing to interference from some outside source the elimination of which has involved the re-siting of the beacon and to the necessity of enlarging the landing area before the beacon can be safely used in conditions of bad visibility, the Lorenz system at Heston has not been available during the past 12 months for use by pilots in such conditions. It has, however, been available since November, 1938, for practice purposes in good visibility, and it is hoped that it will be available for use in all weathers in the near future.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will inquire into all cases of acquisition of land for aerodrome extension or construction which involve the destruction of open spaces used for purposes of recreation, and in each case arrange for a local inquiry before making use of compulsory powers in order to ascertain whether other suitable land could be used, and, if this is not the case, that any amenities and facilities for recreation should be reinstated on a suitable site without cost to the community?

Royal Air Force aerodromes are so situated that interference with public recreational grounds is extremely unlikely to occur. So far as can be ascertained, there has been only one case in which the Air Ministry has acquired such land under statutory powers, and on that occasion the public was not only provided with other land for its use, but allowed to retain certain rights over the land purchased. I should add that compulsory powers are never used until local investigations have failed to discover a suitable alternative to the site selected.When land is acquired by the Air Ministry for civil aviation purposes, a public local inquiry must be held if objections are raised. In the case of compulsory acquisition by a local authority, the orders made by the authority require confirmation by the Secretary of State, and a public inquiry is normally held if objections are raised which cannot otherwise be disposed of.The present procedure would seem to afford adequate safeguards of the kind which the hon. and gallant Baronet has in mind.

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware of the absence of any index of private and local Acts; and whether, in the public interest, he can arrange that such an index is prepared at the earliest opportunity on the same lines as the index of public Statutes?

An index of private and local Acts up to date is in active preparation under direction of the Statute Law Committee; it will be on the same lines as the existing index of private and local Acts.