asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the type of facilities available for the provision of capital by which a number of industrial undertakings have been attracted to the Special Areas on the North-east Coast?

In addition to normal market facilities, the promoters of new industrial undertakings in the Special Areas have been eligible to apply for financial assistance by way of loan either from the Special Areas Reconstruction Association, Limited, working under the Special Areas Reconstruction (Agreement) Act, 1936, or the Treasury under Section 6 of the Special Areas (Amendment) Act, 1937. I understand that Lord Nuffield's private trust has also been instrumental in providing capital assistance for a number of such undertakings.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any steps have been taken to implement the report of the Commissioner for Special Areas for 1936 to improve the amenities in distressed areas to attract new industries; and in what areas action has been taken in South Wales.

I assume that the hon. Member refers to the statement in paragraph 69 of the Commissioner's report of February, 1936 (Cmd. 5090), in which it is stated that the sites in South Wales, where there is scope for work of this type (clearance of sites and their development for industrial purposes), are mainly outside the Special Area. It will be appreciated that the Commissioner has no power to undertake such work outside the Special Areas. Under Section 5 of the Special Areas (Amendment) Act, 1937, however, provision is made for Government assistance towards the formation of a site company in suitable cases which as part of its activity would have power to clear sites for industrial development.The hon. Member will, of course, be aware that inside the Special Area in South Wales the Commissioner is doing a great deal of work in the direction of improving the amenities of the area.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the number of claims for benefit under the Agricultural Workers' Insurance Act in Glamorgan for the last complete year?

in pursuance of his reply (Official Report, 23rd February, 1939 col. 538, Vol. 344), supplied the following statement:The average number of insured persons, aged 16–64, with claims admitted for agricultural benefit at Employment Exchanges in Glamorganshire during the 12 months March, 1938, to February, 1939 (as indicated by the figures compiled for one date in each month) was 211.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that people from outside London are brought into the London district and employed as trainee-barmen, for the purpose of learning to serve alcoholic drinks, at a wage of 14s. per week, of which 7s. is a subsidy to the employer from the Government; and why this grant is given for this form of training?

I presume the reference is to the scheme conducted by the Restaurant Public House Association. My Department meets the travelling expenses of the trainees and pays the association a grant of 30s. in respect of each man after the first 50 trained and placed in employment during the year. Men during training are lodged on the licensee's premises and receive unemployment benefit or assistance allowances less an amount in respect of lodging and maintenance which leaves them with 7s. a week pocket money. I am satisfied that these arrangements are justified.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the sweated conditions in the licensed victualling trade, he will institute proceedings for the establishment of a trade board for the industry so that this trade may be compelled to pay adequate rates of wages and provide decent and proper conditions of employment?

An inquiry into the conditions in this trade was made by a committee of the trade, and I am in communication with the employers' organisation on the subject of the action to be taken.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that cheap bricks are being dumped into the Special Area of the North-East Coast, assisted by special low rates from the railway companies; and whether he will consider steps to prevent this unfair competition, which has the effect of increasing unemployment in the Special Area?

I have no authority to take any action in this matter.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now give any indication as to when he hopes to be able to set up the commodity council to deal with processed milk?

Discussions with the home and overseas interests concerned are still proceeding, but I hope that a statement on the subject will be possible in the comparatively near future.

asked the Minister of Agriculture (1) what further steps he proposes to take in order to remedy the present position in the bacon industry which is causing widespread unemployment, is greatly increasing the office costs of the factories without any return, and is causing great dissatisfaction;(2) whether he is aware that bacon curers are forbidden to buy the pigs of which they are short on contract to fulfil their bacon sales quota; and, as the Pig Marketing Board has failed to supply the pigs, will he take measures to allow curers to buy pigs for themselves for the purpose of curing?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a question on the subject which he asked on 13th February, and I would add that the question of permitting the purchase of pigs for curing purposes outside the long contract system is one for the Bacon Development Board and not for me. My hon. Friend will, I hope, appreciate that if curers were allowed to engage in a competitive scramble for pigs in the open market, the result could only be a recurrence of the conditions which brought about the collapse of the contract system in 1936. The difficulty, as my hon. Friend will appreciate, is two-fold; there is a shortage of pigs and a surplus of manufacturing capacity. The latter problem will, it is hoped, be remedied by means of the factory rationalisation scheme contemplated in the Bacon Industry Act. I understand that the Bacon Marketing Board will shortly submit such a scheme to the Bacon Development Board.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in formulating the Government's agricultural policy, he will include measures aimed at securing an increased production of flax within the United Kingdom?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a question asked on 2nd March by my hon. Friend the Member for Ormskirk (Sir T. Rosbotham).

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the new potato regulation will allow the farmers to sell potatoes exceeding the 1 1b.-apiece limit?

The Potato Marketing Board modified on 2nd March the regulation prohibiting the sale by registered producers for human consumption of potatoes of over one pound in weight. Their new regulation prescribes a limit of one and a quarter pounds.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what machinery he proposes to devise to apply the Immature Sea Fish Order; whether it will be made effective against holiday-makers indulging in fishing; and what penalties he proposes to impose?

The Order in question was made under Section 4 of the Sea-Fishing Industry Act, 1933, as amended by the Sea Fish Industry Act, 1938. This section gives powers of enforcement to various persons including officers of the Ministry or of local Fisheries Committees, and also provides that offenders shall be liable on summary conviction to fines not exceeding £50.I do not propose to take any special measures in regard to holiday-makers who indulge in fishing. While the Act does not contain any exemption in their favour, I have no doubt that the appropriate officers will exercise discretion in the case of any undersized fish which may be taken by amateur anglers, provided that any such fish are returned to the sea without delay.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether he is aware that the Spanish Nationalist courts, which are to exact retribution from anti-Nationalist elements, are composed of an army officer, a judicial functionary, and a member of the State party; that they will have jurisdiction to denounce or accuse as well as try; and whether he will endeavour to secure from General Franco a more specific differentiation between criminal and political offences than he has yet given;(2) whether he can state, having in mind the undertakings in regard to political offences given by General Franco, if he has received any assurances that the National Tribunal of Political Responsibilities, recently set up by the Spanish Caudillo, will not extend to political offences?

The information contained in the first part of this question is, according to a summary of this law which I have received, substantially correct. It will be observed that sentences to be passed under the provisions of the decree do not include the death penalty, but I am making further inquiries in regard to the exact scope and proposed application of the law in question and I am unable to make any further statement prior to the receipt of this information.

asked the Prime Minister what alterations are to be made in the Non-intervention Committee following the changed circumstances in Spain?

I understand that the Nonintervention Committee has not yet taken any decision in this matter, but meanwhile considerable economies have been made.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Ambassador in Spain is accredited to General Franco in person, or in his capacity as the head of the Nationalist Army, or as the head of a civil Government?

It is not the usual practice to address letters of credence to foreign heads of State by their personal names and no exception has been made in this particular case. His Majesty's Ambassador will, therefore, be accredited to the chief of the Spanish State.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that all British trade in Chefoo and Wei-hai-wei is at a standstill owing to the Japanese refusal to permit cargoes to be exported unless financed through the Yokohama Specie Bank; and what he proposes to do for the protection of British rights?

Yes, Sir, and my Noble Friend is in communication with His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo in regard to the whole question of the trade and exchange control measures introduced at North China ports.

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many schemes for the protection of the civil population from air attack have been submitted from local authorities on the North-East Coast; and how many of these schemes are regarded as being efficient and workable at the present time?

No complete general scheme has been formally submitted in this area, but all the scheme-making authorities have submitted parts of schemes dealing with particular aspects of air-raid precautions, and informal approval has been given to many such parts of schemes. This method of procedure was recommended to scheme-making authorities generally in August last as a convenient method of expediting progress with schemes, and it has worked satisfactorily; and, while the degree of preparation differs in the various areas, generally speaking a reasonable degree of progress has been made by the majority of authorities in this area.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of the uncertainty as to financial aid that can be anticipated to enable firms engaged in the production of material of national importance to maintain the output of the factories in times of emergency, he will consider informing such firms that they are placed in a special class so that immediate steps may be taken to provide the necessary shelter protection over and above that which is normally considered essential in cases where the good employer standard is all that is required?

I fully appreciate the anxiety of vital industrial undertakings to be given an early indication of what is expected of them and whether any financial assistance will be forthcoming, and I hope to make very shortly a comprehensive statement dealing with the position of industry in general in relation to this matter.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can state, for public guidance, whether a complete record is to be kept of people to whom sectional steel shelters are supplied; if a written record is kept of those who are entitled to them, but do not want them; what is the position of landlords who refuse to allow these shelters to be installed; and whether it has been brought to his notice that local authorities are asserting that if the shelters are used for any household purposes other than shelters against air raids, they will be rated?

A record is kept of the householders to whom these shelters are issued, but not at present of those who could have them but do not choose to take them. The difficulties to which my hon. Friend refers in the third part of his question are at present under my consideration in connection with contemplated legislation. As regards the last part of the question, I was not aware that this suggestion had been made, and should be glad if my hon. Friend would supply me with details.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that certain landlords have forbidden their tenants to erect Government steel air-raid precautions shelters where fitting them means taking up concrete yards at their houses; and whether he will consider introducing legislation to enable them to erect their shelters as instructed by the Government?

Yes, Sir, I have this matter under consideration.

asked the Lord Privy Seal at which places he has heard of threats of air-raid wardens going on strike because of a proposal to take them away from the control of the chief constable, and at which places, because of a proposal to bring them under the control of the chief officer of police; and further, in view of the fact that no air-raid warden is under any contract of service of any kind, what form of action is referred to in these cases?

It is the case that in some areas, including areas in which the wardens' service is now under the control of the chief officer of police as well as areas in which it is not, proposals for a change of control have not been welcomed, but I would suggest to my hon. Friend that it would be invidious at this juncture to be more specific. It is common knowledge that there has been talk of resignation, but I should be reluctant to think that persons who have shown their public spirit by voluntarily accepting a liability for service in protecting their own locality would seriously contemplate such action merely because they are not personally sympathetic to a sug- gested change in the organisation of their service.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will state the name of the firm or firms supplying the air-raid shelters for households; the total cost per shelter; and the cost per ton of steel?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can give the names of the companies controlling the industry providing steel for steel shelters; and what steps he is taking to prevent monopoly prices being charged for this material?

The orders for these shelters have been placed through the British Iron and Steel Corporation. About 90 firms are taking part in the manufacture of the various components. As regards the price, I have already informed the House that special arrangements have been made, and these arrangements include variations in price according to the size of the order. I hope to be able to make a full statement in due course, but at the moment it would be premature to give the particulars for which the hon. Member asks.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the ordinary civilian gas mask which is being distributed is any less efficacious in resisting a gas attack than the duty civilian gas mask?

A full description of these respirators and the differing conditions and purposes for which they have been designed will be found in A.R.P. Handbook No. 1. The basic design of both types of respirator is the same, and each will give efficient protection against any of the known war gases in such concentrations and during such periods as the wearer of them is in practice likely to be exposed to the gas.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is in a position to indicate when it is intended to introduce legislation placing certain obligations on employers to make provision for the protection of their employés against air raids in view of the damaging effects of uncertainty in this matter?

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that a number of schemes which have been prepared by employers to provide adequate shelters for their workpeople in case of attack from the air are being held up until they have information of the nature of the statutory obligations which, will be placed upon them; and if he can now state when he hopes to introduce a Bill for this purpose?

This is among the matters included in the Bill dealing with air-raid precautions, which I hope to be able to introduce shortly. I regret that at the moment I cannot give a precise date for the introduction of this Bill.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware of the desire for adequate bomb-proof and gas protection in the congested areas of Liverpool; and whether he is prepared to consider schemes for underground shelters in the centre of blocks of tenement dwellings and non-traffic streets where possible, giving necessary and immediate security instead of evacuation?

From consultations between my Department and the City Authorities I am generally aware of the position in Liverpool, and I am in fact considering proposals of the kind described by the hon. Member, though up to the present they have been submitted only in tentative form.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what sum has been allocated by his Department for advertising air-raid precautions activities through the medium of the Press; how this money has been allotted as between the London and provincial dailies; and whether any payment has been made to any weekly local paper?

The sum so far allocated for this purpose is £20,000. The allocation as between London and Provincial dailies is not made on a money basis. The advertisements already planned occupy approximately 2,000 column inches in the London dailies and about 1,800 column inches in the provincial dailies. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative; but I should make it clear that the figures I have given do not include any grant towards approved expenditure on local advertising by local authorities.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether any decision has been taken to issue steel helmets to any section of the civilian population in the event of war emergency?

It is not contemplated that steel helmets shall be issued by the Government to any sections of the civil population other than members of the local authorities' air-raid precautions services, the police services and the auxiliary fire services.

asked the Lord Privy Seal why a circular was issued to public authorities who are potential purchasers of air-raid precautions sirens that a certain firm manufacturing one variety of such siren had recently lowered its prices; and whether he will take steps to see that public funds are not in future employed merely to further the interests of one such firm to the detriment of its commercial rivals?

It is necessary that local authorities should be kept informed of the current prices which will be allowed to rank for Government grant for the particular article in question; and I cannot accept the implication in the last part of the question.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what steps have been taken to ensure that an adequate supply of bleaching powder would be available to the civilian population for the various purposes it would be required for in the event of widespread attack upon civilians by means of mustard gas and/or similar dangerous substances?

The Government are accumulating as rapidly as possible a large stock of bleaching powder for both military and civil purposes. A proportion of this stock will be distributed to local authorities, and would be available for the purposes mentioned in the question.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the chairman of the Women's Voluntary Services movement receives any remuneration, salary or allowance, and whether her staff are remunerated for their services?

No remuneration of any kind is paid to the chairman of Women's Voluntary Services; she receives the usual Civil Service allowances when travelling on the business of the organisation. Apart from a small nucleus of permanent civil servants, and of temporary officers engaged on Civil Service conditions, none of those who are giving their services, to the organisation receives any remuneration.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can give the number of volunteers who have responded to the appeal for recruits for the voluntary coastguard branch of National Service?

Up to the 25th February 517 volunteers had been enrolled for this branch of National Service, and nearly 300 further applications were under consideration.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the large number of advertisements in the national Press which are appealing for voluntary service for air-raid precautions are being inserted free of charge or at any reduction of the normal rates for the spaces taken?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will state the total number of local education authorities which are understaffed according to the Board's regulations; the total number of such authorities which are overstaffed; the Board's required establishment for England and Wales; the actual establishment at present in England and Wales; the school population in the same; and the total number of unemployed trained teachers, with details of the length of unemployment of these?

The Board's regulations do not prescribe any particular scale or scales of staffing and their method of dealing with the teaching establishment of local education authorities under Article 11 of the Code does not lend itself to classification of authorities as under or over-staffed. I may, however, say that the present establishments of many local education authorities contain a number of redundant teachers owing to the impossibility of immediate and continuous adjustment of the staff in relation to the fall in the number of children in the schools, without the dismissal of teachers—which the Board and the local education authorities do not consider proper. The total of the establishments approved by the Board for the year ended 31st March, 1938, was 170,131 and the number of full-time teachers employed on 31st March, 1938, was 169,034.The number of children on the books of public elementary schools maintained by local education authorities on the same date was 5,035,276.As regards unemployed teachers, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths) on 9th February, 1939.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether the Board has given its approval to the acquisition by the Luton Borough Council, under compulsory powers, of 2,397 square yards for school purposes in New Town Street; 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 2,604 square yards of land (in five portions) in New Town Street, Luton, was confirmed by the Board in November, 1937, and the land is now in the possession of the local education authority. The total price paid for the land was £4,375. It was previously occupied by a house and shop, nine cottages, and off-licence premises. Information as to its rateable value is not available.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education which of the local education authorities employ women as school attendance officers; and whether, in view of the fact that the duties of these officers bring them constantly in touch with the mothers and children in their homes and include much that is of the nature of welfare work, he will recommend all local authorities to throw open these posts to women?

The Board have no records which would enable me to answer the first part of the question. The matter is entirely within the discretion of the local education authorities and my Noble Friend sees no ground for intervening as suggested.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether the Board has given its approval to the acquisition by the York County Borough Council, under compulsory powers, of the site of 3.20 acres for school purposes adjoining Queen Anne secondary school; 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 site was confirmed by the Board in August, 1937. After a public inquiry, the official arbitrator fixed the price at £1,200, and on 7th September, 1938, the Board approved the purchase. I understand that the purchase was completed in October last year, and that the property consisted of the buildings and part of the land of a farm, but information as to its rateable value is not available.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether the Board has given its approval to the acquisition by the Cornwall County Council under compulsory powers of 2.109 acres for school purposes, on the north side of St. Hilary Trelease county school; 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 order for the acquisition of this land was confirmed by the Board in October, 1936. I understand that the arbitrator has fixed the price at £174 to the landlord for the freehold and £16 compensation to the tenant, the local education authority to have possession on Lady Day next, but that the purchase has not yet been finally completed. The land has been used for agricultural purposes, and presumably was not rated.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether the Board has given its approval to the acquisition by the Surrey County Council, under compulsory powers, of the site of 6.433 acres for school purposes at Chobham; 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?

A compulsory purchase order for the acquisition of this land was confirmed by the Board in December, 1937. The land has not yet been acquired, but I understand that the agreed price is £1,352. The land, but for a garage on one allotment, was used for allotments and as pasture. The garage was assessed for rates at £7 gross and £4 net; the allotments and the pasture were hot assessed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education why permission has been withdrawn for scholars at central schools who have reached the age of 16 before the expiration of a holiday to return to school; and whether, especially in the light of the large amount of unemployment in many districts, the Board will reconsider its decision?

The hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension. The retention of pupils in public elementary schools beyond the end of the term in which they reach the age of 16 can, under Section 26 of the Education Act, 1921, be permitted only if justified by special circumstances, and the Board consider each case on its merits. They have given no decision of general application such as is suggested in the question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education how many small private nursery schools in the country have been closed during the last three years; will he state for what purposes they were closed; whether he is aware that many parents, well-intentioned and anxious to give their children good education, are being defrauded by people financing and operating private schools, not in the interests either of education or the children; and will he institute an inquiry into the matter?

I regret that I have no information which would enable me to answer the first two parts of the question. As I stated in the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for South Shields (Mr. Ede) on the 2nd February, the inspection of private schools is one of the matters which the Board propose to discuss with representatives of the local education authorities.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what is the financial relationship for the purpose of higher education between The local authority and the person or body who has undertaken the responsibility for the care and maintenance of a refugee child who is qualified for higher education but whose parents have not come to this country?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for the Park Division of Sheffield (Mr. Lathan) on 13th February last, a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give an assurance that he will not prevent any foreign student from acting in the capacity of voluntary editor or unpaid assistant in a student newspaper or other journal?

As was made clear in the replies given on Tuesday, it is the duty of the Home Office to see that persons admitted to this country as students do not take employment for which a permit would not be granted to a foreigner, but there is no intention of preventing a foreign student from engaging in any of the voluntary activities associated with the university or institution of which he is a member.

asked the Postmaster-General whether letters addressed to members of the Royal Air Force stationed in Iraq, and to His Majesty's ships at ports in Iraq, may be prepaid at the smaller imperial rate of postage; and if not, will he consider granting this privilege to all members of the forces while serving in Iraq?

Letters addressed to members of the Royal Air Force stationed in Iraq are delivered through the Civil Post Office of that country and are therefore subject to the same rates of postage as civil correspondence, namely, 2½d. for the first ounce and 1½d. for each additional ounce; and I regret that I am not in a position to arrange for any reduction in those rates. Under international postal regulations letters for His Majesty's ships outside Home Waters, including ports in Iraq, are forwarded in closed mails for the ships concerned, and the lower rate of 1½d. for the first ounce and 1d. for each additional ounce is already applicable to these letters.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the continued increase in the number of unemployed mineworkers in South Wales, he will consider taking more active steps to recapture the coal export markets lost to foreign competitors, whose exports are heavily subsidised?

As I have frequently explained to the House, efforts are being made to solve the difficulties of the coal export trade by agreement between the coal producing industries of European countries, and negotiations to this end are still proceeding,

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to a decision of the Court of Appeal in 1935 in Gaskell versus St. Helen's Colliery, 1934, 27 B.W.C.C. 32; that an injury befalling a workman in a pit-head bath did not arise out of and in the course of his employment, and was therefore outside the scope of the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1925; and whether he will insert an amendment in the Mining Industry Welfare Fund Bill to alter the law on this subject?

I am aware that injuries befalling workmen whilst using pit-head baths erected by the Miners' Welfare Committee are outside the scope of the Workmen's Compensation Act. Policies of insurance which the trustees of all such baths are required by the Miners' Welfare Committee to take out provide for the payment of compensation in such cases on the same basis as would be payable by employers under the Work-ment's Compensation Act in the case of injuries arising out of or in the course of employment.I understand this arrangement has proved to be quite satisfactory, and there are no grounds for any amendment of the law on the subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now able to give an undertaking that he will not, in his coming Budget, add to direct taxation, which bears most heavily on working people and unemployed?

I rather suspect that the word "direct" in the hon. Member's question should be "indirect," but in any case I can only refer him to the answer I gave him to his question on 23rd February.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give a list of new urban and rural districts which have been formed or will be formed shortly, and those which have been abolished, since his reply to a similar question on 17th February, 1938?

Following are the particulars:

asked the Minister of Health whether he will investigate, or request the Medical Research Committee to investigate, the diphtheria records of other countries besides the United States of America and Canada, and particularly those of Sweden and Switzerland, in view of the fact that diphtheria has practically disappeared from those countries without immunisation?

I am having such diphtheria records as are available for European countries examined with a view to ascertaining what light they throw on the value of artificial immunisation, and I will communicate the result to the hon. Member. As artificial immunisation against diphtheria has been more extensively practised in North America than elsewhere, the records of those countries are clearly the most useful for a study of its effects.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the number of cases of diphtheria which have occurred in England in the last available year among persons who have been immunised from this disease, and the number of cases of diphtheria which have occurred among persons who have received no immunity; and whether he will also state the numbers of deaths in each category?

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Minister of Health how many cases of diphtheria have occurred in immunised or Schick-negative persons in Manchester during the year 1938, with the ages of such cases; and how many deaths have been recorded amongst these?

I am making inquiries from the local authority and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the average anticipated duration of effective use of council houses now being built with State subsidies?

The period of repayment of the capital cost of these houses has been fixed at 60 years, and it is confidently expected by my advisers that, subject to reasonable care and proper maintenance, the effective life of the houses will be considerably longer.

asked the Minister of Health what are regarded by his Department as essential conditions in the selection of sites for the establishment of evacuation camps?

Apart from the normal requirements for a satisfactory camp of any kind, the dual purpose which the Government have in mind for the 50 camps proposed to be erected, namely, to serve as school camps in peace time and to be available for evacuation purposes in war time, implies that the sites must be within reasonable distance of the large urban centres and of adequate water supplies and drainage systems, and be capable of being so developed as to be inconspicuous from the air.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the proportion of male members of approved societies conducted by industrial assurance and collecting societies, whose insurances cease otherwise than by death or on attainment of 65 years of age, is double the corresponding figure for males of friendly societies with branches and employers' provident funds taken together, and almost double in the case of women; and whether, in view of the fact that the industrial assurance and friendly collecting societies embrace over 40 per cent, of the whole membership of approved societies, he will initiate without delay, a special inquiry into a state of affairs which was reported by the Government actuary in July, 1937, and will, unless remedied, involve eventual loss of contributory pensions to some hundreds of thousands of men and women?

As stated in my reply to my hon. and gallant Friend on 23rd February, the question of an investigation into the matter to which he refers cannot be considered until the present exceptional pressure on my Department abates. As regards title to contributory pensions I must explain that whenever a claim to pension appears to fail on the ground that the person on whose insurance the claim is based has lapsed from insurance full inquiries are made before the claim is rejected to ensure that the insurance has not been wrongly terminated. I would also point out that, since insurance is resumed on re-entry into employment, a great many persons do, in fact, complete the qualifying periods for contributory pension on their new insurance.

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware of a recent decision by the Court of Appeal in the case of Mr. Prinst Marrison versus Mr. John Bell, under which an employer, in order to protect himself against the liability to pay wages during the illness of an employé who is in receipt of health insurance benefit, and also to pay at the same time double wages by the provision of a substitute to do the work of the sick man, will be compelled to give the man formal notice to terminate his engagement; and, as this action would be repugnant to employers as causing extra anxiety, by reason of losing his employment, to the worker during his illness, will he take steps to remove this necessity by bringing the law in conformity with the principle of the Workmen's Compensation Act during the period of incapacity, or in some other manner?

I have been asked to reply. I am aware of the decision of the Court of Appeal in the case to which my hon. Friend refers. I would, however, point out that there is a clear distinction between the benefits payable under the Health Insurance Acts and compensation payable under the Workmen's Compensation Acts. The provisions of the Health Insurance Acts in no way modify the terms of a worker's contract of service and the rates of benefit payable under the Acts are in no way related to the wages received, whereas the Workmen's Compensation Acts are treated as introducing a modification of the worker's contract of service, with the effect that the workman in receipt of compensation cannot claim full wages in respect of the same period. I do not think that any amendment of law is necessary, since the decision does not preclude the inclusion in the terms of a contract of employment of express provisions enabling an employer to make deductions from wages during periods when the employé is absent from work owing to sickness.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has any information regarding smallpox on the British freighter "Rugeley," at Victoria, British Columbia; how many cases have occurred; and whether they were vaccinated and re-vaccinated persons?

I have seen references in the Press to this matter, but I have no detailed information of the kind requested by the hon. Member. I will, however, make inquiries and communicate with him.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in future, he will arrange for the annual return of the Electricity Commissioners to give an estimate as to the percentage of increased consumption in the year due to new users, as compared with old users, transferring to the grid supply?

In view of the additional work which would be involved the Electricity Commissioners do not feel themselves justified in asking the undertakings to furnish the return of consumption by new consumers for which the hon. Member asks. The net increase in the number of consumers in the year 1936–37 was 852,000.

asked the Minister of Transport on what date the municipal borough council of Ealing applied for sanction to a loan for the purchase of a part of the Uxbridge Electricity Supply Company's undertaking; and when a decision is likely to be reached?

I am informed by the Electricity Commissioners that no formal application for a loan sanction for such purpose has been received by them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he proposes to introduce a Bill for the reorganisation of the cotton industry?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, as a result of the ballot of the industry, it is the intention of his Department to introduce the Cotton Enabling Bill in the House of Commons?

It has been decided to proceed with a Bill embodying the proposals of the Joint Committee of Cotton Trade Organisations. The Bill will follow closely the draft which was published in Cmd. 5935, and I hope to introduce it next week.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the number of gallons of crude oil, motor spirit, and lubricating oil imported into this country during 1937 and 1938?

The desired information is set out on pages 56 and 95 of the issue of the "Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom" for December last.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the intention of the German Government to reconstruct the Kiel Canal; and, in view of the time that must elapse before this work is completed, can he say whether this work will have any effect on British shipping or other interests?

Yes, Sir, but as I have no detailed information on the subject, I am not in a position to reply to the second part of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, with reference to a recent Army order, authorising the appointment of 20 temporary officers in the Corps of Royal Engineers for a period of five years, he would be pre- pared to recommend such temporary officers, if in all respects suitable, for permanent commissions?

A limited number of these officers may be selected for permanent commissions.

asked the Secretary of State for War how much a captain of a line regiment received on promotion to captain prior to the new regulation for promotion; and what the rate is to-day?

Under the new conditions of service, an officer of a line regiment is promoted to captain at eight years' service, if qualified and recommended, and is entitled to daily rates of pay of 16s. 6d., 19s., and £1 3s. 6d., after 8, 11 and 14 years' service respectively. Previously, such an officer, on promotion to captain, received pay at the rate of 19s. a day, but might have had to wait much longer for promotion. He received pay of £1 3s. 6d. a day after 15 years' service.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that on mobilisation, a married private soldier in the Territorial Army, after the deduction of the compulsory allowance for his wife, will only have 6d. per diem Army pay; and whether he will take steps to improve this rate of pay, which is inadequate and unjust?

The scale of compulsory allotments from pay was modified in September, 1938, in the case of married soldiers in receipt of low rates of pay, to such an extent as was necessary to allow the soldier to retain a sum of is a day after the deduction of the allotment.

asked the Secretary of State for Air, whether all radial engines now in regular use in the Royal Air Force are equipped with any apparatus to prevent ice forming in the carburettor?

Yes, Sir. All such engines are equipped with oil heated carburettors or heated air intakes or with both.

asked the Secretary of State for Air on what basis are the Air Ministry nominating pilots for advanced air-line training in the school run by British Airways?

The capacity of the school established by British Airways is at present fully utilised for the training of members of their own staff, apart from two Royal Air Force instructors who were sent to the school to obtain experience of the Lockheed air craft which have been ordered for the Royal Air Force.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he proposes to publish the report of the chief inspector of accidents on the accident to the flying-boat "Cavalier"?

Yes, Sir. I am proposing to arrange for this report to be published in full.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the post of publicity officer for the Scottish Office was filled without full opportunity being given to qualified persons to apply; why this post was not publicly advertised; whether more than one person was interviewed; and by what means those interviewed and the selected applicant were chosen?

I understand that the question relates to the appointment of the Press officer for the Scottish Departments in Edinburgh. This appointment was made in August last after candidates obtained as a result of inquiries in various quarters had been interviewed by a Selection Board and after full consideration of the Board's views.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will state the number of commissions as engineer officer offered to the universities last year, and the dates; the numbers of applicants and the numbers accepted; the number of engine-room artificers commissioned as sub-lieutenant (E) in 1938; the number of commissions to be offered to the universities this year; the number of artificers at present recommended for commissioned rank; the number qualified educationally and professionally; and whether, in view of the difficulty of obtaining engineer officers from the universities, a large number of artificers will be commissioned this year?

There is some difficulty in meeting the increasing requirements of officers of the engineer branch, and the scheme which was announced in 1937 for the entry of officers from the universities did not produce as many officers as anticipated; the possibility of amending the scheme is under consideration. The number of special entry cadets entered in the engineer branch in the calendar year 1938 was 61; the total number for 1939 has not yet been finally decided. The number of cadetships awarded to artificer apprentices in 1938 was four, two in January and two in September.The numbers of artificer apprentices to be awarded cadetships this year will depend on the numbers of suitable candidates

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the earliest age at which boys are accepted for training for various branches of the Royal Navy?

The lowest ages at which boys are accepted are:

asked the Attorney-General what provision is made to enable poor persons, who are appellants to the House of Lords, to print the necessary papers; and, if there be no such provision, whether he has any proposals to make for that purpose?

No special provision is made for the cost of printing. I am making inquiries as to how the matter has been dealt with in the past, and will let the hon. Member know.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he can give immediate instructions that the re-housing of the office of His Majesty's Inspector of Taxes, 27–28, George Street, Richmond, Surrey, should take place at once, in view of the fact that a scheme has been already agreed as satisfactory and the work is at the moment being unnecessarily held up?

The office of His Majesty's Inspector of Taxes will be transferred from 27–28, George Street, Richmond, as soon as arrangements, which are now under consideration, can be satisfactorily completed. I am giving instructions for the mattter to be dealt with as expeditiously as possible.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether Messrs. Sunleys, contractors, have ceased operations at the Bridgend Royal Arsenal; if he can state the number of workmen affected; and whether there is immediate prospect of their resuming employment?

Messrs. B. Suniey & Company, Limited, who were carrying out civil engineering work as sub-contractors to one of the main contractors at the Royal Ordnance Factory at Bridgend, suspended work on Friday last. Of the 716 men employed by them at that date, 500 have already been re-engaged by the main contractors, and arrangements are being made for a further 156 to be taken back immediately.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will state the total number, and the total original cost, of any properties in that part of Germany which was formerly Austria and Czecho-Slovakia, respectively, which are the property of this country; and whether he will consider, in the event of such properties being sold, the advisability of transferring the proceeds of sale to Berlin in order to use the same for maintaining the British Embassy there, thus avoiding transferring the funds to this country?

No land or buildings are owned by the British Government in that part of Germany which was formerly Austria and Czecho-Slovakia. The second part of the question, therefore, does not arise.