asked the Secretary for Mines whether there has been an increase or decrease in overtime below ground; and whether he can submit a report to the House on this matter?

Particulars of colliery overtime are not normally collected by my Department, and the task of compiling a return from the overtime registers would be one of some magnitude. The number of complaints received and investigated in the last two or three years and the results of the investigation do not suggest that there has been any increase. I do not think any information of value would be secured by calling for a return. If the hon. Member has any particular cases in mind, I shall be pleased to have them investigated.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, owing to the increased mechanisation of the mines, overtime is growing, and that what we desire is that the Mines Department should try to prevent this, or, if they cannot, that they should amend the Act of Parliament?

Is the Minister aware that his predecessor held two inquiries, one in Lancashire and one in Scotland; and will he take steps to hold further inquiries?

If there is any evidence brought to my notice indicating that there would be any purpose in further investigation, I shall be glad to consider it.

Is the investigation by officers of the Department made through the books and statistics at the pit, or through the men at the pit? The books at the pit are not reliable on overtime, as the Minister knows. Is is no good the Minister shaking his head.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many lascars were employed in the British Mercantile Marine in the last full year for which figures are available?

The census of seamen employed on 15th June, 1937, shows that 43,900 lascars were then recorded as employed on sea-trading vessels registered at ports in the United Kingdom. Taking account, however, of vessels which were in employment at some time during 1937, but not on the censal date, the total of lascars so employed during the year 1937 was 48,700.

Would these men be signed on outside England or in England?

I could not say. I have given what information I have on the subject.

Will this have a prejudicial effect on British seamen's employment?

That is a difficult question. There are divided views on the whole problem. The majority of these men are employed under conditions which would not be suitable for British seamen.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many British ships employing lascars received a share of the recent tramp-shipping subsidy?

I regret that the information is not available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, as the cotton reorganisation legislation will provide an organisation which will enable the industry to speak with a united voice, he will undertake that all the available assistance of the Government, including, if necessary, the assistance of a subsidy, will be used to prevent the further decline of the cotton export trade?

His Majesty's Government have the interests of the cotton export trade constantly before them, and take every available opportunity in their negotiations with foreign countries to secure benefits for it. If and when the organisation referred to by my hon. Friend is set up, the Government would naturally give careful consideration to any representations from it regarding the export trade.

Are we to understand from that, that if the necessity arises subsidies are not ruled out?

I cannot answer a hypothetical question, but certainly if the organisation which is set up speaks with a united voice, the Government are likely to pay more attention to its views than to the very conflicting opinions expressed now.

Will my right hon. Friend give consideration also to the question of the St. Germain-en-Laye Convention, which stands in the way of the export trade of the textile industry?

That is a question which I have answered on innumerable occasions. On the advice of the highest legal authorities, that treaty is not capable of being evaded.

How is it possible for the French authorities to have evaded it in the case of French West Africa?

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put that question down. But I would point out that two blacks do not make a white.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now state the result of the ballot taken in the cotton trade; and what steps he proposes to take regarding legislation for the industry?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now make a statement about the Cotton Industry (Reorganisation) Bill?

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT particulars of the result of the ballot of the producing sections of the cotton industry, and of the observations received from other interests concerned with the proposals. The position is now under consideration by the Government, and I hope to be able to make a statement on the subject shortly.

Is there any possibility of legislation before the Easter Recess?

I hope to make a statement on the subject very shortly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the coming negotiations with foreign countries, he will say what attitude he is proposing to take up with regard to the protection of British agriculture?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will arrange for a representative of the agricultural industry to accompany the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department on his visit to foreign capitals?

As I have already explained, the visit of my right hon. Friend to certain northern capitals is for the purpose of discussions of an exploratory and general character, and it is consequently unnecessary for him to be accompanied by representatives of individual interests. My hon. and gallant Friends may rest assured, however, that the interests of British agriculture will be kept well in mind.

Will the interests of British consumers be kept in mind at the same time?

The question as a whole will be kept in mind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will publish in the Board of Trade Journal the amount of the stand-still short-term indebtedness of Germany to British creditors, with a rough analysis of the purposes for which the larger portions were originally lent or granted, and by whom; and will he refuse to discuss, in the coming trade negotiations, any proposals about short-term obligations which might worsen the position of the British subjects who invested in long-term obligations of German public authorities to assist post-war reconstruction and appeasement prior to 1931?

The so-called stand-still agreements in regard to the short-term indebtedness of Germany to British creditors are not inter-Governmental agreements, and I am not in possession of the detailed information referred to by my hon. Friend. As I have already explained, any conversations which may take place when I am in Berlin are intended to be of a general character, and I am not aware that there is any suggestion that proposals about Germany's short-term indebtedness should be discussed. The second part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the object of his proposed visit to Berlin, in view of the fact that trading relations between this country and Germany are to be settled by agreements between the different industries represented by the Federation of British Industries and the Reichsgruppe-industrie?

I am going to Berlin in response to an invitation, which I have been glad to accept, to attend a dinner which is being given by the Reichsgruppe-industriein connection with the discussions with the Federation of British Industries regarding competition between individual industries of the two countries. I hope to have the opportunity of making contacts and of surveying the general problems of Anglo-German trade relations with those prominent in German economic life.

May we assume from that answer that the right hon. Gentleman's visit will deal only with trade matters, and that matters of a political nature will be excluded?

Yes, Sir, I have already said in this House that my concern is economic, and the people I hope to see are those who are prominent in the economic life of Germany.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in addition to the luncheon or dinner he is going to attend, he will make inquiries about the deep bomb-proof shelters in Berlin?

That hardly seems to come under the heading of economic matters.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is proposed that any return visits shall be paid by German Ministers to this country, by Field-Marshal Goering or Dr. Goebbels, for example?

I should certainly be glad to see my opposite number Dr. Funk come over here at any time.

Is it not in the interests of this country that British Ministers should make every contact they can?

Is it not the fact that this proposed visit rejoices the hearts of everybody interested in the export trade?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with a view to safeguarding the national political and economic interests, His Majesty's Government will insist on being consulted before any binding agreements are entered into by the representativs of British industries about to negotiate with representatives of German interests?

His Majesty's Government will keep in touch with the progress of the negotiations to which the hon. Member refers and must clearly be con- sulted on any question involving Government action. Agreements and understandings which do not require Government sanction are frequently made between British industries and the industries of other countries.

In view of the fact that the German Government will, obviously, be consulted in the event of any such agreement being arrived at, will not His Majesty's Government be consulted in view of the important political consequences that might follow?

We have been, and shall remain, in very close touch with the appropriate industries concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to ensure that the superintendence, analysis, and arbitration of all security-stock wheat shall be carried out under the authority of the Port Corn Trade Association of the area in which such wheat is discharged?

In view of the importance of maintaining a common standard in the supervision of the Government reserves of wheat which are held at a number of centres, I do not consider that it would be practicable to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion. Arbitrations and analysis are provided for, in accordance with the general practice of the trade, under the rules of the London Corn Trade Association, and I am satisfied with the present arrangements.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the Port Corn Trade Association are a thoroughly competent body to carry out this work, and that they would be absolutely impartial?

Yes, Sir. I have no doubt that the Association at the ports would be efficient, but there are a number of different ports concerned.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that complete impartiality prevails to-day?

Yes, Sir.

Can my right hon. Friend say what is meant by "all security-stock wheat"?

I think that the hon. Gentleman means by that phrase, the wheat purchased by the Government under the Essential Commodities Act.

asked the President of the Board of Trade by what method the superintendents who are supervising the Government's stocks of wheat are appointed?

The firm of Cargo Superintendents who oversee the condition of the wheat in store were appointed by the Food (Defence Plans) Department, on the advice of the Committee assisting the Department.

Can we have an assurance that these two superintendents who do this work are not in any way connected with one of the largest combines?

I have already said that the chairman of this Committee is an independent miller, and I have no doubt that he is satisfied with these appointments.

Does either of these superintendents live in Brussels?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give some assurance to the House that the price paid by the Government for the stocks of wheat which have been accumulated was approximately the market price at the time they were purchased; and whether he will say if, at the present time, these stocks, on realisation, would show profit or loss to the Government?

All Government wheat has been purchased at the market prices current at the time of purchase. World prices of wheat have fallen by about 40 per cent. since April, 1938, when the initial purchases were made. It follows that if the reserve were sold at to-day's prices, there would be a loss. There is, however, no such intention.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give any information regarding the negotiations for anew agreement with the Indian Government regarding tariffs on cotton goods?

I would refer to the answer which I gave on 28th February to my hon. Friend the Member for Bury (Mr. Chorlton).

Can the right hon. Gentleman say, in view of the importance and urgency of this matter to Lancashire, what is the earliest date upon which I might put down a question and get an informative reply?

I cannot possibly tell the hon. Member. This is a matter of negotiation between ourselves and India, but, as I have already pointed out to the House, the existing agreement expires at the end of the month, and, therefore, it is a matter, which, one way or the other, has to be settled very quickly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what precise steps he proposes to take to obtain the approval of the British cotton textile industry to the terms of the draft Indian trade agreement before submitting it for the final approval of the Government and Parliament?

Close contact with the cotton textile industry has been maintained throughout the negotiations, but the responsibility for the terms of any trade agreement which may emerge must remain with the Government.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can assure the House that His Majesty's Government will not approve of the establishment of any international cartels, which include representatives of British industries, if such cartels involve any reduction in British trade with South- Eastern Europe?

The conditions governing international cartels differ widely in different industries, and I think it would be unwise to attempt to apply the same formula to all of them; but I will certainly bear in mind the point which the hon. Member raises in considering any such cartel for which my approval may be sought.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in order to assist Anglo-Chilean trade, he will ascertain if it is possible to set up a barter-exchange of Chilean chilled meat for British exports, or to accept a stipulated amount of Chilean meat in substitution for Argentine meat, for the service of Chilean defaulted loans raised in London?

I am not satisfied that a barter scheme of the kind suggested would be in the interests of United Kingdom export trade to Chile. As regards the suggestion that purchases of meat should be diverted from Argentina to Chile, I would remind my hon. Friend of our undertakings to Argentina in the Anglo-Argentine Trade Agreement, 1936.

Would it not be better to produce more English beef instead of importing foreign beef?

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what countries his Department are not prepared to coverunder the export guarantees system?

The facilities provided by the Export Credits Guarantee Department are normally available for exports from the United Kingdom to any overseas country, provided the Department's Advisory Council considers the business to be sound and the risk involved to be reasonable.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what organisations representing owners of fishing vessels were consulted before the new rules with respect to the life-saving appliances to be carried on fishing vessels were made?

The following organisations representing owners of fishing vessels were consulted: the Aberdeen Steam Fishing Vessels Owners' Association, the English Herring Catchers' Association, and the British Trawlers' Federation, as well as several constituent bodies of the Federation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that progress has been made?

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with a view to ensuring that every possible pre caution is taken to avoid the loss of valuable lives from fishing vessels, he will instruct his surveyors to consult with representatives of the appropriate fishermen's organisation before recommending in the case of any vessel an exemption from any of the requirements of the new rules regarding life-saving appliances?

The new rules were drawn up in consultation with representatives of both owners and men, and exemption from any requirement in them is only granted when the Board of Trade are satisfied that that requirement is either impracticable or unreasonable in the case of the vessel concerned. It is the practice of the Board's surveyors to keep in touch with local opinion, and the Board are happy at all times to consider representations from any responsible body. Beyond this I do not think it is possible to go.

In the case of any dispute arising between employers and fishermen, will there be an independent survey before the right hon. Gentleman comes to a decision?

No, I cannot do that, because it is my responsibility to administer the law, but I am always willing to receive representations from those who think that an exemption in a particular case should not be granted.

Surely if the two parties sitting in conference cannot come to an agreement as to whether an exemption should or should not be given, the right hon. Gentleman will not object to some other body being called in to give an impartial decision?

The hon. Member, apparently, believes that the two sides meet to discuss these matters. They meet to discuss certain rules, and it is my responsibility as to whether exemption should be given. At the same time I welcome any representations in regard to the way in which these exemptions should be granted.

asked the Secretary of State for war what number of men applied to enlist in the Army in the borough of West Ham for the last 12 months or the latest available date; what percentage were rejected on medical grounds; and what was the percentage of the applicants for enlistment rejected on the grounds of defective vision?

I regret that separate figures for the borough of West Ham are not available.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Monmouthshire Territorial Force Association have occupied for some years in the borough of Newport two drill halls and four houses upon which no rates or contribution in lieu of rates have been paid to the local authority; and, further, in order to meet the present expansion of the Territorial Army, additional property has recently been taken over by the association, comprising warehouse, garage, and five houses, involving a further direct loss to local rates resulting in an indirect discouragement to local enthusiasm for the Territorial Army, and whether he will consider making use of Regular Army property for the purposes of the Territorial Army?

The facts are as stated. There is no suitable surplus War Department accommodation at Newport. It would be a pity if localities were to feel that it was a burden to make the small contribution involved in accommodating their own citizen soldiers.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that something should be done to remedy the very unfortunate situation which applies throughout the whole country to some extent?

I am not prepared to admit that it is unfortunate. I think it is fortunate that Newport should have its Territorials.

asked the Secretary of State for War what quantities of serge for service dress have been ordered since 1st January, and what proportion of this order has been placed with Scottish mills?

Since 1st January last, 1,700,000 yards of serge for service dress have been ordered. As a result of the tendering for this order, all Scottish firms except one were excluded on price, and the one exception was so far behind schedule on a trial order which had already been placed with it, that it was not considered that a further order could be given to it. In some cases, such as that of Highland tartan, Scottish firms supply the whole requirements.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether consideration was given to the fact that unemployment in the Scottish mills is very high, and that the quality of the stuff which they turn out is rather higher than that produced in Yorkshire?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any of the firms which tendered from Scotland were excluded on the ground that they were not in depressed areas, and whether the difference in the estimates sent in was due to the extra carriage from Scotland to England?

This is merely a question of price.

Does not freight enter into price? Will the right hon. Gentleman go into the matter, because he does not seem to know what enters into an estimate?

The freight per yard is quite negligible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any orders for clothing material, other than serge, have been recently placed with woollen mills; and what proportion of them has been placed with Scottish mills?

Orders for 3,230,585 yards of clothing material, other than serge, have recently been placed with woollen mills, of which 49,500 yards were placed with Scottish mills.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the question of unemployment in Scottish mills is really very grave, and see whether he cannot make some allowance, and not merely look at this matter from the point of view of pounds, shillings and pence?

I will willingly go into the question with the utmost sympathy, and consider any facts which the hon. and gallant Member will lay before me.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also bear in mind that Yorkshire can do with all the orders he can give?

Will the Secretary of State keep in mind that in all these matters the chief consideration must be the public interest?

That is the prevailing consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state from records kept by the War Office the amount of contracts and/or sub-contracts placed during the last two years, respectively, which went to the distressed areas?

The total value of contracts placed by the War Office with firms in distressed areas (including Special Areas) during the 12 months from 1st March, 1937, to 28th February, 1938, was £9,218,766, and for the corresponding period 1938–39, £17,858,626.

Is it hoped to increase these orders during the coming year because the unemployed in these areas are greatly dissatisfied?

If there is the same ratio of increase they will be doubled again.

Can the right hon. Gentleman indicate what proportion of this sum has gone to Scotland?

I cannot improvise an answer to that question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also find out if any proportion has gone to Northern Ireland?

asked the Secretary of State for War what facilities, if any, are provided to enable serving Army officers to learn to fly; whether it is the policy of the Army Council that serving officers should become pilots; and whether he will approach the Civil Air Guard Commissioners with the object of allowing serving officers to join the Civil Air Guard?

Fifty-four officers are at the present moment seconded to the Royal Air Force for this purpose. These officers serve as pilots in Army co-operation squadrons. A number of Army officers also join civilian flying clubs, which receive subsidies from public funds. It is not in accordance with the Civil Air Guard scheme to enrol personnel who, in time of emergency, will be under a prior obligation to serve in the Naval, Military or Air Forces.

Is it the wish of the right hon. Gentleman that the maximum number of serving officers should become pilots?

Yes, Sir. That is my decided wish.

Can my right hon. Friend say how many officers are being trained as observers?

I cannot say without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has further considered the question of payment for the necessary clerical work of the Auxiliary Territorial Service; and whether he can make any statement on the matter?

The provision of necessary clerical assistance to Auxiliary Territorial Service Companies is the responsibility of Territorial Army Associations, which receive grants for the purpose An increase in these grants is being considered.

Do I understand that that increased grant will be sufficient for them to pay for this necessary clerical work? Is that the idea?

I trust so. Perhaps the hon. Lady will await the additions which we propose.

If the right hon. Gentleman will forgive me, I do not trust him, and that is why I am asking him.

asked the Prime Minister what reply he has sent to the letter addressed to him on the subject of National Service on behalf of the National Youth Pilgrims, 2,500 of whom came to London on 19th February?

The organisers of the pilgrimage were informed on 1st February that it would not be possible for me to receive a deputation from the various sections of the pilgrimage on 20th February. They renewed their request in a letter dated 17th February, which did not reach me until the 20th of that month, but I was unable to alter my decision.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the great importance which these young people of military age attach to the question of policy in connection with National Service?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take steps to increase the pay and allowances of serving ranks of all His Majesty's Forces in order to obviate any of their dependants being compelled to have recourse to public assistance?

The conditions of service of men in His Majesty's Forces have been considerably improved in recent times, and I cannot accept the implication in the question that they are inadequate. If the hon. Member is referring to the men who marry before they are entitled under the regulations to marriage or family allowance, I am not in a position to add to the replies to previous questions on this subject.

Will the right hon. Gentleman cause an inquiry to be made so that he can be satisfied that this inflicts very considerable expense upon the local authorities of the country, and an exceptionally heavy burden on the depressed areas?

That question, I think, is always under consideration.

Shall we have a statement from the Secretary of State for War to-morrow that the age will be lowered?

The hon. Member had better put that question on the Paper.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the report on Spinsters' Pensions will be available to hon. Members?

I hope to receive the report before the end of this month.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is with his approval that old age pensioners, with an earned income of £125 per year, are being charged Income Tax on their income of £26 per year derived from the old age pension as unearned income?

The hon. Baronet is, I think, misinformed. A contributory pension paid under the provisions of the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act is not treated as unearned income. If the hon. Baronet will give me particulars of the case he has in mind, I shall be happy to cause inquiries to be made.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, taking the full total of non-industrial civil servants,

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that property occupied by the Territorial Army not only pays nothing by way of local rates to the local authority but also makes no contribution granted by the Treasury in lieu of rates which is the case of property occupied by the Regular Army; and on what grounds this discrimination is based?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 21st February to the hon. Member for East Ham, South (Mr. Barnes).

As the answer involves a statistical table I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that that is not an answer to the question? Will he be good enough to receive a deputation of hon. Members on this matter?

That is an entirely different question. But I think the answer referred to was an answer to the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the Committee on Rivers Pollution in Scotland last met; and when he expects its next report?

The last formal meeting of the committee was on 15th October, 1937. A draft report is being prepared and every effort will be made to expedite its publication.

In view of the importance of this matter, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that a year and a-half is too long a period to elapse before this committee reports?