asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the fact that an Act has been passed by the Government of New South Wales giving effect to an exhibitors' quota of British films as defined in Part III of the Cinematograph Films Act passed in the United Kingdom in 1938, he will state, if possible, what are the intentions of other Dominion Governments on this subject?

The recent New South Wales legislation does not itself establish an exhibitors' quota for British films, but only provides that such a quota may be put into force by proclamation. As was stated in the reply given to the hon. Member on 21st February, no information is available as to the intentions of Governments in the Dominions elsewhere to introduce any new or amending legislation on this subject.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is the intention of New South Wales to put this Act into force by proclamation?

I have no information on that point at present.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in order to reduce difficulties connected with renewal of the Anglo-Argentine Trade Agreement and in the interests of Argentine pastoralists, Argentine transport undertakings, and British consumers, he will confer with the Argentine Government with a view to an agreed maximum of prices to consumers, and limitation of gross profits of firms controlling the Anglo-Argentine meat trade?

I presume that my hon. Friend has chiefly in mind the recommendations of the joint committee of inquiry into the Anglo-Argentine meat trade. As I have stated in reply to previous questions, the recommendations of this committee are in the main addressed to the Argentine Government. Any proposals that that Government might make would receive careful consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will arrange to place in the Library of the House of Commons copies of any reports in his possession giving particulars of the financial assistance supplied by the Governments of Germany and Japan to firms of shipbuilders in their respective countries?

I am arranging for such information as I have to be made available as soon as possible.

In the Library?

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many shipbuilding berths were vacant, and how many merchant vessels were under construction at the last available date in the Greenock area; how many of these vessels are due to be launched within the next three and six months, respectively; and how many orders are in hand to replace the vessels so launched?

I am informed that 18 ocean-going merchant ships are at present under construction in the Greenock and Port Glasgow area and that berths with capacity for 19 such vessels are vacant. It is expected that 10 merchant vessels will be launched in the next three months and a further six vessels in the succeeding three months. I understand that there are at present no orders in hand to replace these launches.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that state of affairs is causing very grave alarm in Greenock?

Yes, and I have informed the House on several occasions that we regard it as a matter of great urgency, although it is also a matter of considerable difficulty.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be in a position to make any statement with regard to the future of this matter?

Shortly, I hope.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether it is proposed to give legislative effect to all, or any, of the suggestions recently advanced by British ship owners for the assistance of the Mercantile Marine; and whether the reorganisation of the industry will be the fundamental condition to be complied with before State aid is given;

(2) whether his Department has arrived at any decisions for the reorganisation and strengthening of the British Mercantile Marine; and, if not, will he give an assurance that no reorganisation plan will be advanced without prior consultation with the accredited trade union representatives of officers and seamen;

(3) when he expects to be in a position to inform hon. Members of the Government's proposals for assistance to the Mercantile Marine and the shipbuilding industry?

The position of the shipping and shipbuilding industries is still under consideration by the Government, and a statement will be made as soon as possible, but I am afraid I am not yet in a position to indicate when this will be. I recognise the interest of officers and seamen in the matter. I have already received a deputation from the National Union of Seamen, the Navigat- ing and Engineer Officers' Union, and the Transport and General Workers Union, and the points raised will receive full consideration before any decision is reached.

As regards the last part of the first question, may I ask whether the question of a subsidy, that is to say, financial assistance, to the industry is the only matter under consideration, or whether the ship owners have furnished the right hon. Gentleman with proposals in respect of the reorganisation of the industry?

I think the shipowners' proposals have already been published, but as far as the Government are concerned, of course, the whole question is under consideration.

But is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in the proposals formulated by the shipowners nothing is said about reorganisation of the industry, putting their house in order, and are we to understand that all that is before the right hon. Gentleman is the question of whether the Government are to provide financial assistance?

No, Sir. I have already said that the proposals of the shipowners did not contain any proposals for the fundamental reorganisation of the industry, but, as far as the Government are concerned, they are considering the whole position.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps the Government are taking to adjust the balance between producer and consumer, which has been upset by the buying policy adopted by the milling combines?

I am not aware that the buying policy of the large millers has upset the balance between producer and consumer, and see no reason why the Government should intervene.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the provision made under the first report of the Royal Commission in 1925 on food prices as to the known existence of price-fixing associations? Why have not the Food Council inquired into this, and does he still stick to it that there is nothing to inquire into?

Yes, Sir.

Have the consumers of offals made any representations to the right hon. Gentleman's Department, and, if so, what steps have been taken to ascertain whether or not the charges levelled against the millers are correct?

As to whether they have made representations, perhaps the hon. Member will give me notice of that question, but, of course, I have been questioned on this matter, and it has been raised several times on the Adjournment, and I have given reasons why I consider the price of offals is governed by world prices.

What steps were taken to ascertain the point of view which the right hon. Gentleman has expressed before the House?

The price of offals is largely governed by world prices.

Is it not a fact that no steps were taken at all by the Board of Trade because they did not want an inquiry into this matter?

The price of offals is largely governed by the world price of feeding stuffs.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is satisfied that the powers and jurisdiction of the Food Council in connection with the milling industry enable them adequately to prevent and safeguard the public against abuses?

As my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary explained in the Debate on the Consumers' Council Bill on 10th February, I do not consider that the Food Council requires further powers to enable it to safeguard the public interest as regards products which fall within its province.

Can my right hon. Friend tell us why the Food Council have not intervened in view of the widespread dissatisfaction about this matter?

One of the reasons, of course, is that offal is not considered a food and does not come within their purview.

Has the milling industry now become Public Enemy No. 1 instead of the B.B.C.?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in connection with the quota of approximately 6s. per sack paid on flour and which the consumer is called upon to pay by the increased price of bread, he will consider introducing legislation to provide for additional taxation on the profits of the milling combines, seeing that at present they make no contribution in this respect?

No, Sir. The profits of all businesses are chargeable to income tax and National Defence Contribution and my right hon. Friend can see no good reason for singling out a particular industry for additional taxation on its profits.

Is it not a fact that flour is a national necessity, and why should it be exploited by certain monopolists who make enormous profits?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has now ascertained the result of the ballot on the Cotton Industry (Reorganisation) Bill; and whether he can now state what arrangements will be made to proceed with this matter?

I hope to be able to make a statement on the subject very soon.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the increasing importation of foreign silk, artificial silk, and cotton labels, ribbons, and bindings at prices below the manufacturing costs of British manufacturers; and whether he will take steps, by quota or otherwise, to protect British employment against this uneconomic competition?

I am aware that there has been some increase in the imports of ribbons of artificial silk mixed with other materials, but the imports of the other goods to which my hon. Friend refers appear, from the available statistics, to have declined. I have no power to impose a quota restriction on imports of such goods and any question of an increase in the rate of duty is a matter for consideration, in the first instance, by the Import Duties Advisory Committee.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the importation of these goods is affecting the production and sale of similar woollen goods in this country?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make an Order, under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, that all imported silk, artificial silk, or cotton labels shall be marked with indications of origin between each label, as is the case with such labels imported into France and the United States of America?

The Statutory Committee on Merchandise Marks considered and rejected the form of marking which my hon. and gallant Friend suggests, and unless new evidence can be produced that was not available to the Committee when they reported on this question, I should not feel justified in asking them to reconsider it.

Does my right hon. Friend not realise that the present system of marking enables imported goods to have that marking easily removed?

That is one of the questions the Statutory Committee considered when they rejected the proposal. If my hon. and gallant Friend has any new evidence I shall be glad to consider it.

Do the same considerations apply to woollen goods as to these goods?

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many prosecutions have been undertaken by his Department during the past five years to 31st December, 1938, against importers and merchants, respectively, for evasions of the provisions of Section 8 of the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, by the removal, alteration, or obliteration of indications of origin in the case of imported silk, artificial silk, or cotton labels, ribbons, and bindings?

Section 8 of the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, is not applicable to woven labels, as the Order applying to such labels does not require them to be marked on their importation or exposure for sale wholesale. There has been no prosecution by the Board of Trade for offences under this Section in respect of ribbons, but prosecutions under the Act may be, and usually are, taken by the trading interests concerned, and, in that event, the prosecution might not come to my notice. The Order applying to bindings came into force only at the end of last year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give an assurance that the interests of the herring industry and, in particular, the necessity of securing wider sales for British fresh and cured herring in European countries will form a part of the objects of the forthcoming talks between himself, the Department of Overseas Trade, and the representatives of the Governments of Germany, Russia, and the Northern States?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consult with the proper trade bodies before his projected visit to Russia and the Northern Capitals?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the depressed state of the herring industry, the interests of this industry will be borne in mind in the negotiations that are shortly to be opened by His Majesty's Government with various European countries, for improving the existing volume of international trade?

My Department are in constant touch with trade organisations and are always ready to receive representations, but the conversations to be undertaken in the capitals referred to are intended to be of a general and exploratory character.

Does my right hon. Friend mean us to understand that he will receive representations, particularly from the herring trade, now on this matter?

Yes. My right hon. Friend and I will be glad, if there is any information, to have it sent to us, but I would like it to be understood that in the main the conversations are of a general character.

When the right hon. Gentleman refers to the visit to Russia and the Northern Capitals as being of an exploratory nature, do we understand that he means that it will be connected only with trade questions and that no other aspects of our international policy will come under discussion?

Oh, yes, these are trade matters.

In view of the fact that the herring industry was a very fine market before the War in these countries, will special consideration be given to the possibility of restoring such relations as will ensure the rebuilding of that industry?

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we are fully alive both to the importance and to the difficulties of the herring industry.

Is it not a fact that the standard of life of the people of Russia has been lowered to such an extent that they cannot afford to buy our herring?

On a point of Order. Is it to be recognised as permissible in this House that every time Russia is mentioned hon. Gentlemen at the back are to make the most offensive references to it?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, during his forthcoming visit, to Berlin, he will represent to the German Government the undesirability of the German trade department requiring a statutory declaration which has to be registered with the German Embassy here, by any British firm seeking to export goods to Germany to the effect that the control of the firm is non-Jewish, that there are no Jewish employés, and that there is no Jewish-owned capital in the firm?

I am not aware of the procedure referred to and have received no complaints in regard to it, but if the hon. Member will supply me with the information upon which the question is based, I will consider the matter further. I can say at once, however, that I would deprecate any requests addressed to firms in the United Kingdom by any foreign Government or its agents for information of this character.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether new twill jute sacks are being purchased for the conveyance of Government wheat from the ports of arrival to destination for storage and, if so, what happens to such sacks when the journey has been completed; and whether he is aware that there is an efficient system for the hiring of sacks available at all ports at a low rate which would show a considerable saving over the purchase of new sacks specially for that purpose?

Apart from certain wheats which are shipped from the country of origin in sacks, no sacks are used in this country for the transportation of Government wheat. A very small part of the Government reserve is stored in jute sacks which were bought for the purpose and remain the property of the Government. The question of hire was considered but, as the sacks will continue to be used for storage, it was decided, on the advice of the committee assisting the Food (Defence Plans) Department that it was more economical to purchase outright.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the India Trade Agreement will be completed; and if no agreement is reached on satisfactory deductions in the tariffs on textile cottons, will he take action to withdraw the great advantages at present enjoyed by India?

Substantial progress is being made towards the conclusion of the trade negotiations with India, and I hope that it will be possible to conclude them before the existing agreement is due to expire.

Can my right hon. Friend say any date?

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, under what authority machines are used instead of a yard-stick for the measurement of material in drapers' shops; whether these measuring machines are inspected and tested regularly by his inspectors; and whether they test the machines with material of varying thickness and texture?

The Weights and Measures Acts do not require a yard-stick to be used for the measurement of drapers' materials. Measuring machines or instruments are among the methods of measurement that may legally be adopted. Certain patterns of measuring instruments have been approved by the Board of Trade for the measurement of "cloth or other textile materials of firm substance and surface," and instruments of these patterns may be, and are, tested with such materials and stamped by inspectors of weights and measures. Verification and inspection of these machines is not at present compulsory, but the question of making Regulations under the Weights and Measures Acts to that effect will be considered in connection with the general examination of the Regulations that is now taking place.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in the case of material being of a thick or stretching nature the purchaser is actually cheated out of two inches per yard?

How frequently are these machines inspected?

I could not say without notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity of sulphate of ammonia exported in a form suitable for use as an agricultural fertiliser during 1938 and at what average f.o.b. price?

During the year 1938, exports from the United Kingdom of sulphate of ammonia amounted to 313,000 tons, of an average declared value (f.o.b.) of £6 11s. 1d. per ton. I understand that all the sulphate of ammonia exported is in a state suitable for use as an agricultural fertiliser.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information which indicates the comparative price at which sulphate of ammonia is sold to the farmers?

I could not answer without notice.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is satisfied that the Sugar Refining Act is being satisfactorily observed by the refiners, and to what monetary extent increases have occurred in the refining margin agreed upon during the past 12 months?

The hon. Member is presumably referring to the assurance given by the refiners to the Chancellor of the Exchequer in July, 1935. This assurance was to the effect that it was not the intention of the refiners in the circumstances then existing to raise the refining margin above the then existing level of approximately 13s. per cwt., except in so far as was necessitated by a general rise in the cost of labour and materials. The average refining margin for the last six months calculated in the manner prescribed in the Sugar Refining Agreement was 13s. 2½d. per cwt., being a farthing per cwt. higher than for the corresponding period 12 months ago. I am informed by Messrs. Tate and Lyle that they estimate the rise in the cost of labour and materials since 1935 at not less than 2½d. per cwt.

Assuming that this country consumes 2,000,000 tons of sugar a year, is not this a very considerable advance, amounting to about £500,000 a year, and is the Financial Secretary to the Treasury satisfied that that is an authorised advance?

If the hon. Gentleman will read my answer he will see the position.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the serious developments with regard to the competition of Italian woollen manufacturers with exports of Bradford woollen goods; and whether he proposes to take any action in this matter?

I am aware that the competition of Italian woollen manufactures in certain export markets has lately become increasingly severe. His Majesty's Government are watching developments with a view to taking any action that may be possible to assist the British trade where necessary. If my hon. Friend has any special market in mind, perhaps he will send me particulars.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the cost price of manufacturing first-class cement as supplied in Government contracts, and whether he is satisfied that a fair price is being charged to the Government and other consumers?

I am not in a position to give the information asked for in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, a report by the Inter-departmental committee on the prices of building materials is, as my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health informed the hon. Member for Pontypool (Mr. Jenkins) yesterday, at present under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any decision has yet been reached with regard to the representations which have been made by various bodies representative of the Mercantile Marine with regard to the desirability of permitting British Mercantile Marine vessels to fly the Union Jack?

A decision has not yet been reached, but I am considering the matter in consultation with my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty.

Has it not been found in practice much safer to fly the Stars and Stripes?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any action has been taken to give effect to the recommendation of the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee, that masters should receive express instructions from shipowners to take a personal interest in all questions relating to crews' accommodation, and thus encourage co-operation between the crew and the officers on this important question?

Yes, Sir. This recommendation was reproduced as an Introductory Note to the Crew Space Instructions of 1937, and paragraph 30 of the instructions provides that a master of a ship should frequently and regularly inspect the crew's quarters and record the results at least once a week in the official log. Copies of the instructions were circulated by the shipowners' organisations to their members, with a request that they should provide each of their masters with a copy and call special attention to the introductory note and paragraph 30. In addition, the Board's marine superintendents affix a copy of paragraph 30 to all new copies of official log books.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are taken to ensure that repairs and disinfestation of crews' accommodation in coasting vessels, which cannot be carried out at ports of call while the men are still on board, are attended to at the home or terminal port?

As regards outstanding repairs, Board of Trade surveyors make reports to their colleagues at other ports where such repairs can be effected. Any question with regard to disinfestation should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the surveyors attached to his Department are required to supply him with particulars of serious defects to structure and defects of original construction reported to them by port medical officers of health or their inspectors engaged in examining crews' accommodation; and what action is taken in the light of such reports?

Board of Trade surveyors are instructed to take appropriate action in regard to any structural defects brought to their notice. Where material structural alterations are involved the case is reported to headquarters for consideration. All such cases are dealt with on their merits in the light of the current Crew Space Instructions.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of men enrolled as recruits in the Regular and Territorial Armies in the 12 months ended, to the last convenient date; whether he is satisfied with the numbers in relation to the shortage to be made good; and whether he is at present considering a further review of the conditions now offered to recruits?

The numbers of recruits finally approved for the Regular and Territorial Armies during the year ended 31st December, 1938, were 38,827 and 77,142 respectively, as against 26,094 and 45,320 for the preceding year. The strength of the Territorial Army is greater than at any time since the War, and the shortage in the Regular Army is being progressively reduced. With regard to the last part of the question, I would ask the hon. Member to await my right hon. Friend's speech on Army Estimates for 1939.

Do we understand that the conditions are constantly under review?

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of applications for enlistment in the fighting forces in Scotland during 1939; and the number enlisted in the county of Fife in the same period?

During January, 1939, the number of applicants for enlistment in Scotland into the Regular Army and Supplementary Reserve was 899, of whom 533 were finally approved. Records of applicants for enlistment into the Territorial Army are not collated, but, during the same period, 857 recruits in Scotland were finally approved for the Territorial Army. If the right hon. Member wishes to have the figures for 1938, there were 7,899 applicants for enlistment into the Regular Army and Supplementary Reserve, of whom 4,639 were finally approved, and the number finally approved for the Territorial Army was 8,628. I regret that separate figures for the county of Fife are not available.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Edwin Homer, a corporal in the 15th Company, Royal Army Service Corps, stationed at York, was on 17th February fined £5, ordered to pay £2 7s. costs, and had his licence suspended for a year for being in charge of a motor car while under the influence of drink, and that on the following day application was made for him to drive military vehicles, when a letter from the commanding officer stated that unless the application was granted the man's services would be lost to the Army; and whether he is satisfied that no work can be found for this man except that in which he has been convicted for driving to the public danger?

The facts are as stated in the question, and the justices have granted the soldier permission to drive military vehicles. It has, however, been decided to employ him on duties which will not normally involve driving.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is intended that Regular or Territorial soldiers should be taken from their own normal duties, should war break out, in order to fill the gaps in the air-raid pre cautions services?

No, Sir, but, in the event of air attack, one of the normal duties of the troops in this country would be to give such assistance as might be required.

Does that mean that the Territorial Army and Regular Army will be used on the out-break of war as special constables, and is it not a rather dangerous policy if the Army is not available for training as an Army at the beginning of a war?

It does not mean that. My right hon. Friend in his Estimates speech last year said there might be many ways in which the organised forces might help the civil population, and all troops, whether Regular or Territorial, will be practised in that. That does not mean that their military training will be interfered with in any sense.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the matter of the future Army uniform is to be settled?

My right hon. Friend may be able to refer to this matter in his Estimates speech.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider increasing the rate of pensions paid to officers' widows in view of the fact that the cost of living has considerably increased since this rate was fixed, and that many widows of officers who served their country honourably for many years are now living in very straitened circumstances?

My hon. Friend is, I think, under a misapprehension. The rates of officers' widows' pensions were last reviewed in 1920, when the cost of living was considerably higher than it is to-day.

asked the Secretary of State for War, how many Members of both Houses of Parliament and others availed themselves of the opportunity of seeing the modern weapons and equipment at Aldershot on Wednesday, 22nd February?

160 Members of both Houses of Parliament accepted the invitation. Altogether there were about 200 persons present.

Will the hon. Gentleman ask the Secretary of State to convey to the General Officer Commanding at Aldershot and to all ranks our deep appreciation of all the arrangements which were made for our convenience and all the courtesy which was shown to us during our visit?

I should like to ask the Minister whether it would not be more sensible if ⁁—

That is not a proper supplementary question.

May I tell my hon. and gallant Friend that my right hon. Friend will, I am sure, pass on that expression of thanks with great pleasure. As a matter of fact, steps have already been taken to convey an expression of appreciation on the same lines to the military authorities at Aldershot.

While agreeing that hon. Members were very well satisfied with what they saw, may I ask whether the hon. Gentleman can guarantee that there is a sufficient supply of all the equipment for the service of the troops?

As the hon. Member knows, much of the equipment which was shown to Members of this House was the very latest equipment, and, that being so, it cannot be expected, obviously, that it should be issued to the fullest extent at the present time. Except for those items which are on the newest list, production is going along very well.

Is the War Office aware of the desire of members of the public to have some access to the information and to see the equipment that was shown to Members of Parliament, and is consideration being given to that aspect of the matter?

Will foreign nations also be kept informed?

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the rules in the Territorial Army cadet force regarding the association of individual cadets with any youth organisation of a political party?

There are no rules on the matter.

If I bring to the attention of the hon. Member a case where a cadet has been penalised for his political activities, will he take some action in the matter?

I would rather like to see the case. The War Department is

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any conference has been held between the Department of Agriculture for Scotland and the Association of County Councils in Scotland, on the desirability of amendment of the Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act, 1926; whether proposals have been considered for speedy amendment of the foregoing Act, with special reference to the supply of lime; whether he is aware that the County Councils Association are desirous of this; and what action does he propose to meet the desires of the Association?

A meeting has taken place between representatives of the Department of Agriculture for Scotland and the Association of County Councils in Scotland, and I am fully aware of the association's proposals for amendment of the Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act. As the hon. Member is aware, I am at present in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries as to whether a committee should be set up to inquire into the whole matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that, as a result of a scheme for the standardisation of rents operated by the Renfrew County Council, some tenants are being compelled to pay an increase of from 50 to 105 per cent. in their rents; and whether he will take steps to intervene, as was done recently with the Glasgow House owners' Association to prevent this additional burden being placed upon the people of Renfrewshire?

I am aware that the county council's scheme involves increases of rent in certain cases. As, however, an action challenging the validity of the scheme is at present before the Court of Session, I am not in a position to make any statement.

Apart from the fact that there is a case in court, is it not possible for the Minister to get in touch with the authorities? It is always possible for the proceedings to be withdrawn.

As the matter is sub judice I cannot say anything at the moment.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that during the past 18 months, the students in some 4,800 schools in Eire have been encouraged to collect folk-lore, proverbs and local history, and that as a result, the Irish Folk-Lore Commission has been placed in possession of a vast amount of valuable historical and philological material; and whether he will take steps through the Scottish Education Department, or otherwise, to organise a similar collection and preservation of folk-lore and history in Scotland?

I appreciate the value of the collection and preservation of folklore and local history and I am making inquiries about the arrangement to which the right hon. Gentleman refers in the first part of his question. As regards the second part, it is open to the managers of any school to submit for approval revised schemes of work in any subject of the curriculum. Should any school submit proposals for the inclusion in its curriculum of work such as is described in the question, they will be sympathetically considered on their merits. I may add that a memorandum on the teaching of history, which the Scottish Education Department hope to issue in the course of the year, will draw attention to the claims of local history as an important element in historical teaching.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great cultural effect that such research work would have upon the students concerned, and is he aware that it is highly desirable, if this matter is to be dealt with at all, that it should not be dealt with only by isolated local effort but organised by the Education Department?

I think my answer indicated my interest in the subject.

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep in view the possibility of making use of the National Library in collating all that material?

I will keep that point in view.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the Fife County Council are unable to erect much-needed new houses at Gowkhall to accommodate families from Carnock owing to the absence of drainage facilities; and, as the low rateable value of Carnock makes it impossible to find the necessary money to institute the required drainage, will he enter into negotiations with the county council for the purpose of giving the necessary assistance?

I am informed by the county council that in their view the housing needs of this locality can best be met by building at Comrie and that they do not, therefore, propose to build at Gowkhall.

Is it not very undesirable that through lack of drainage villages should be left to decay and the inhabitants drafted to another village at some distance away from where they have been accustomed to live? Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not make a special effort to get the necessary finance to secure drainage for villages which require it?

The selection of housing sites is primarily a matter for the local authority, and they have expressed to me the view that the case could be better dealt with at Comrie.

Is not the reason this, that it would cost too much to put in drainage where the people are at the present time?

That is not the reason given to me by the local authority.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what local authorities in Scotland have made complaints to his Department when asked for information arising out of Parliamentary Questions since January, 1938?

I do not think that I would be justified in particularising the local authorities who have indicated difficulty in complying, often at short notice, with requests for information asked for in Parliamentary Questions. Such requests may on occasion involve considerable labour and research; and, as the hon. Member is no doubt aware, Scottish local authorities, both individually and through their associations, have from time to time made representations about the heavy burden placed on their staffs by demands for complicated statistical information.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recollect that last week he stated in answer to a question that certain local authorities resented making inquiries arising from Parliamentary Questions, and does he now withdraw that charge against local authorities?

No, Sir. What I say is that I do not think I should be justified in particularising the local authorities who have complained about the amount of work involved. So far as I know, no local authority has refused any information, but many local authorities have hoped that the demand for it may be lessened.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that many local authorities controlled by Moderate councillors are using this argument to discourage any criticism of their administration by Members of Parliament, even where it concerns housing and health?

I can assure hon. Members that the complaints which I have heard do not come solely from councils which have Moderate majorities.

May I ask the Minister not to make such charges in future unless he is prepared to back them up?

The hon. Member may rest assured that I make no charge at all, but I must say, in the interests of the local authorities, that some questions require a great deal of research, and that some questions are of very much less public value than others.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) when the Claigan Farm, Dunvegan, Syke, small landholders' settlement was constituted; how many holdings were formed; what was the total compensation paid to the landowner; whether such compensation covered the claim for extra factoring; and how many holdings are now vacant;

(2) whether tenants who vacated their holdings on the Claigan Farm, Dunvegan, Skye, landholders' settlement, have received settlement of their claims for permanent improvements and respective shares of the club sheep stock; who paid such claims; whether State loans to former tenants of vacated holdings have been repaid and, if so, by whom; and what arrangements are being made for future tenants and continuation of the settlement?

The settlement at Claigan, which forms part of a private estate, was constituted at Whitsunday, 1926, and comprised 14 holdings. The total compensation paid to the landowner was £2,350, which covered any claim for additional factoring. Nine holdings are temporarily vacant, but I am not in possession of particulars as to the settlement of the claims of the former tenants in respect of permanent improvements. Payment of compensation for such improvements is a landlord's obligation. As regards the sheep stock club, the responsibility for paying the valuations of outgoing tenants has been assumed temporarily by the Department of Agriculture and the obligations of former tenants in respect of shares so taken over have accordingly been extinguished. Repayment of outstanding balances of building loans made to the former tenants has not yet been arranged. As to the future of the holdings, the owner has agreed to consider a revision of the scheme, and the Department are about to make proposals on this subject.

What is the total amount that was paid to the owner in compensation at the beginning of this settlement scheme, and has any immediate scheme been brought forward for the resettlement of those who have vacated their holdings?

I think my answer gives the figure of the total amount paid to the landowner at the outset and, as I have said, we are bringing forward proposals for a new scheme and I hope to be able to make a statement about it in a short time.

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep in mind that many answers from the Government Front Bench are more satisfactory than others?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can account for the alarming fall in population and agricultural resources disclosed in the report of the Highlands and Islands Committee; and whether any action is contemplated for the extension of marketing facilities, means of transport, electric power, forestry, quarrying, and other industries through the use of available water power as a means of providing supplementary incomes for the crofting population?

The right hon. Gentleman will be aware that the report of the Highlands and Islands Committee indicated that the fall in the Highland population has been very small in recent years. As regards action on the report, I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the reply which I gave on 7th of February to a question by the hon. Member for East Fife (Mr. Henderson Stewart).

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered a resolution from the Skye District Council regarding the recent visit of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State to the Island of Skye; and what reply has been sent?

I have not received any resolution from the Skye District Council on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can make available the results of the investigations recently conducted into land settlement, crofting, and fishing in Skye?

I assume that the hon. Member has in mind the inquiries carried out in Skye by the Highlands and Islands Committee of the Scottish Economic Committee. The report of the Committee has been published, and deals with the Highlands and Islands as a whole.

Did not the Undersecretary recently take a five days' tour of the Island of Skye, and, if so, will he say whether he gathered any information in the course of his investigation?

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the investigation that was carried out by the Highlands and Islands Committee. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State was recently on the fisheries patrol ship for two or three days while it was carrying out the patrol.

I endeavoured to make quite clear the object of the question, but I could not get it passed by the Table.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the apprehension that exists in Scotland among the town and county councillors who are tenants of municipally-owned dwelling-houses as a result of the decision given in the Aberdeen sheriff court that any such councillor who has taken part in a decision relating to any municipal housing matter is in contravention of Section 107 of the Housing Act of 1925 and is liable to be fined; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he proposes to take any steps to ensure that town and county councillors who are members of co-operative societies registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts will not be prejudiced in comparison with their colleagues who are shareholders in companies incorporated under the Companies Acts?

I am aware of the difficulties referred to, and I have the position under review.

In view of the urgency of this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman give the House indication as to when, he proposes to take any steps to deal with it? Is he aware that a town councillor has already been fined in the sheriff's court for supportinga resolution which actually involved an increase in his own rent?

I appreciate that the question is one of considerable urgency, and I hope to be able to make a statement about it at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the serious encroachment of bracken: on Scottish hill grazings and the consequent decline of stock-carrying capacity in these areas; and whether, in view of the ineffectiveness of the existing assistance offered owing to the steep and rough nature of much of the ground, he will consider measures of assistance in respect of bracken cut by hand labour?

I am aware of the bracken problem to which my hon. Friend refers. As he is no doubt aware the object of the present scheme of assistance has been to encourage the development of machine cutting. Since 1936, grants have been paid in respect of the purchase of 136 machines capable of cutting over 17,000 acres twice a year (at the proper seasons). The total subsidies paid amount to £2,407. I am keeping the question under review.

Will this matter be considered by the Minister of Agriculture in preparing his long-term policy for agriculture?

The matter is predominantly a Scottish question. I am examining it carefully in the light of my hon. Friend's question and of other information.

Is it not the case that in many part of Scotland it is impossible to cut the bracken by machinery?

What is the total amount provided in the Estimates for research work into bracken? Ten pounds?

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman had better give me notice of the question regarding the exact amount. In answer to the other supplementary questions, I am aware that it is difficult, if not impossible, for machines to work in certain country. The matter presents difficulties, but I am examining the whole problem.

Is the Minister keeping in view the possibility of reducing bracken by increasing the number of stock on the land?

Yes, Sir.

Is not the bracken peril increasing and not diminishing in Scotland, and will the Minister not take instant steps to have it dealt with?

I have indicated that I am concerned about the growth of bracken.

What are you doing about it?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can make any statement as to the future organisation and functions of the Scottish Special Areas Housing Association?

Yes, Sir. The Council of the Scottish Special Areas Housing Association, with the concurrence of the Commissioner for the Special Areas in Scotland and myself, have invited Viscount Traprain to be Chairman of the Association in succession to Sir David Allen Hay, who has expressed his desire to relinquish the post shortly on account of the claims of other work. As regards the Association's functions, the authority of the Court of Session is at present being sought to an amendment of its constitution to enable it to undertake the building of houses for experimental or demonstration purposes outside the Special Areas. The Association has also, at the request of the Government, and subject to the passing of the necessary legislation, agreed to act as the public corporation for Scotland for the construction of the camps that are to be erected in pursuance of the policy recently announced by the Lord Privy Seal. Arrangements are under active consideration for the strengthening of the executive and technical staff of the Association to enable it to carry out its wider duties.

What are Lord Traprain's qualifications for this post?

I think it is usual in such cases to publish a notice in the Press, and I propose to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that in December last the Aberdeen Ice Rink, Limited, published an invitation to subscribe capital on the basis that their offer to feu a certain site had been accepted by the town council; that the land had not then been advertised for public roup in accordance with statutory requirements; that when it was so advertised prospective bidders of a higher feu-duty found that the articles of roup contained a condition that the site could be used only for an ice rink; and whether, in view of the fact that by this condition the statutory safeguard for the ratepayers was rendered illusory, he will take steps to annul this transaction or otherwise to safeguard the public interest?

I have no information with regard to the first part of the question. As regards the remainder of the question, I am informed by the corporation that, on receipt of an offer by the company to purchase a piece of land forming part of the common good of the city, they indicated that they were prepared to dispose of the land in accordance with the statutory procedure. The land was subsequently advertised for public roup on three successive weeks, as required by Statute, under conditions allowing a building to be erected for use as an ice rink or for such other purposes as the town council might approve. As I have already indicated to the hon. Member, the matter is not one in regard to which I have any jurisdiction.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that, by the sale of this land with a label attached to it indicating that it was for an ice rink, the only persons who were prepared to pay a much higher price for the land were dissuaded from buying it, and that the council thereby evaded the statutory safeguards laid down by this House?

My information is that the town council of Aberdeen indicated that it was to be used for an ice rink or such other purposes as the council might approve.

Having regard to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, and to the fact that it will be necessary to give fuller details of this transaction, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter at the first opportunity on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House.