asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now announce the Government's policy regarding shipping and shipbuilding?

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to be in a position to make a statement relative to the intentions of the Government as to assistance to British shipping?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, before coming to a decision on the nature of the assistance to be afforded British shipping, he will satisfy himself that the internal organisation of the Mercantile Marine is satisfactory; and whether, preceding the construction of more tonnage, he will take steps to prevent a rise in shipbuilding costs?

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the proposals of the Government to deal with depression in the shipbuilding industry will be announced?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is yet in a position to announce the Government's proposals for the relief of the British shipbuilding industry; whether, in finally framing these proposals, he will bear in mind the advisability of encouraging owners not to scrap old ships but to lay them up in order to have an ample reserve of tonnage for any emergency; and whether he will take all possible steps to secure that British shipbuilders in future get the orders to build the millions of tons of merchant ships that are now being built abroad?

With the permission of the House, I will make a statement at the end of Questions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is satisfied that the claims of Scottish shipbuilding ports, such as Aberdeen, have now been fully and firmly pressed upon the Government in that inquiry of which the result is about to be published?

The Government have taken into account the position in the shipbuilding industry as a whole, including the yards in Scotland, and I would suggest that the hon. Member awaits the statement which I am making later.

I need not apologise to the House for taking the earliest possible opportunity of informing it of the decisions the Government have reached regarding the shipping and shipbuilding industries. The importance of these industries does not only rest on the contribution they make to the economic resources of the country and the volume of skilled employment which they give; they are also an essential part of our national defences. It is in the light of these considerations that the Government have examined the representations which have been made to them, and I am now able to give an outline of the proposals which the Government will put before Parliament. The details of the proposals will require further discussion with the interests concerned before the necessary legislation can be drafted, but, in present circumstances, it is essential that the industries should know at the earliest possible moment what action the Government are prepared to take. The measures of assistance proposed apply to ships registered in the United Kingdom.

It is proposed to make available a sum of £2,750,000 a year for a period of five years by way of subsidy for tramp shipping including vessels in the deep sea and near trades but not the coasting trade. The subsidy scheme will follow the general lines of that which was in operation under the British Shipping (Assistance) Acts, 1935–37, but with some alterations mainly as the result of adopting a five-year period instead of an annual basis. In each year the amount of subsidy will be subject to an arrangement for determining by reference to the index number of shipping freights whether subsidy should be paid in full or paid at a reduced rate or not paid. Conditions will be attached to the subsidy, similar to those attaching to the previous subsidy, regarding employment of British crews, compliance with National Maritime Board Agreements where applicable, and maintenance of co-operation.

As a condition of making the subsidy available, the Government will expect the industry to do its utmost to promote international measures tending to adjust the supply of tramp tonnage to the demand so as to safeguard the level of freight rates. The industry will also be expected to organise itself so as to satisfy the Government that at the end of the subsidy period it will be in a better position than it now is to maintain itself without Government financal assistance.

It is proposed to appoint an Advisory Committee for an experimental period of two years to examine and advise the Government regarding requests for assistance from liner companies whose services are endangered by foreign competition which derives its strength from Government financial aid or some other similar cause. The decision whether to give assistance or not would rest with the Government. Parliament will be asked to make financial provision to enable the Government to grant financial assistance promptly in cases where the Government decide that such assistance is necessary. As a condition of establishing this Committee, the Government will expect the liner section of the industry so to organise itself as to be in a better position to defend itself without Government financial assistance.

As regards cases in which other parts of the British Commonwealth are concerned, the United Kingdom Government will bear in mind the recommendation adopted by the Imperial Conference in 1937 that where undue assistance is given by a foreign Government to the serious prejudice and danger of British shipping there should be consultation between the Governments of the Commonwealth concerned.

The measures of assistance already referred to might be expected to result in due course in the placing of orders for new ships. But it must be some time before measures of this kind can take effect, and the need for new shipbuilding orders is urgent, as shipbuilding capacity must be maintained. Two further proposals will be made to ensure that ships shall be built forthwith.

To give more confidence to the shipowner it is proposed to provide funds from which owners of tramps and cargo liners (other than refrigerated or passenger vessels) ordered in the next few months from United Kingdom shipbuilders would receive a grant of an appropriate amount in each of the next five years, with the exception of any year in which earnings were such as to make a grant unnecessary. The amount to be used for these grants would not exceed £500,000 a year during the five-year period. The scheme for this purpose will require to be carefully worked out, particularly as regards the amount and basis of the annual payments, and the method of relating the payment, if any, that should be made in any year to conditions in that year. In this connection, I should add that the Government have received assurances from the shipbuilding, marine engineering and iron and steel industries that they will not raise prices by reason of the increased placing of shipbuilding orders which I hope will result from the Government's schemes of assistance, and that they will co-operate fully in adjusting prices to the lowest possible level.

The Government propose also to ask Parliament to make available a sum of £10,000,000 for loans to shipowners over a period of two years on favourable terms for the purpose of building in Great Britain tramps and cargo liners (other than refrigerated vessels and passenger vessels), including tramps and cargo liners intended for the coasting trade. The loans would be made on financial terms similar to those under the "Scrap and Build" Scheme which was authorised by the British Shipping (Assistance) Act, 1935, but no condition as to scrapping old vessels will be attached to them. As under that scheme, an Advisory Committee will be established to examine applications for loans, and the Board of Trade will have to be satisfied in each case that the grant of a loan will promote the general interests of British shipping.

In order to encourage owners to place orders now it will be proposed in the legislation authorising these two schemes that any vessels ordered after to-day's date will not be debarred from consideration for assistance under the schemes, provided that they are of the kinds covered by the schemes.

While the Government have reached the conclusion that in present circumstances and as a temporary measure financial assistance under the schemes outlined above is necessary in order to ensure the provision of new ships for our merchant fleet and increased work for our shipyards, they will require the shipping and shipbuilding industries to consider together the possibility of devising means for securing in the future the more regular ordering of new tonnage.

The Government have decided that they are unable to provide financial assistance for the coasting trade other than participation so far as coasting tramps and cargo liners are concerned in the loans at favourable rates of interest to be provided from the £10,000,000, which the House is to be asked to make available for new building. Steps are being taken, however, to encourage municipal or other public authorities, etc., to ensure that British tonnage is used for their coastwise shipments. Apart from this the representations of the coasting trade regarding railway and road competition and regarding the importance of effective co-ordination between the railways, road hauliers, canals and coasting shipping will receive the Government's careful and sympathetic consideration. The Government do not propose any general measures of assistance for tankers.

In addition to the financial assistance outlined above the Government will continue to take all possible steps to promote the interests of British shipping in connection with trade negotiations and other discussions with foreign Governments.

Finally, the Government have decided that the present situation calls for a further exceptional measure to increase the amount of tonnage under the British flag. They accordingly propose to ask Parliament to make a sum of £2,000,000 available for the purchase of suitable vessels on the United Kingdom register which, though still capable of service, would otherwise be sold to foreign owners or for breaking-up. Vessels so purchased would not be brought out for trading except in an emergency, but would be maintained in condition so that they could be brought out for use when required.

It will be a condition of the assistance to be made available for tramps and cargo liners that the owners of such vessels shall offer to the Government any vessels they may propose to scrap or to sell to foreign buyers. The details of the scheme, particularly regarding arrangements for purchase and sale of the vessels and for their maintenance, are under discussion with the shipping industry.

The legislation necessary to give effect to these various proposals will be introduced as soon as possible.

May I ask whether the organisation of the shipping industry to which the right hon. Gentleman has alluded in his reply is to precede the grant of financial assistance, or whether financial assistance will be granted to the industry unconditionally? Also, whether as regards the coasting trade, for which there is to be no financial assistance, he proposes to make any restriction on the foreign coasting trade which is unfairly competing with the coasting trade of this country; and, also, whether as regards the laid-up vessels, for which a £2,000,000 grant is provided, he will say who will be responsible for the maintenance and the upkeep of the vessels?

As regards the first question, obviously the grant of this assistance is urgent, whereas proposals for the reorganisation of the shipping industry will take considerable time. Therefore, the legislation will be introduced as early as possible, and the discussions with regard to the possibility of reorganisation will, I hope, begin at an early moment. As regards the coasting shipping, they deliberately did not put forward any suggestion for an alteration with regard to foreign ships. With regard to laid-up tonnage, the responsibility for the maintenance of that reserve will fall on the Government.

Will it be made quite clear that none of this subsidy will be used to increase dividends but will be entirely used for strengthening the shipping services?

The hon. Member can be assured that it will be used for the strengthening of our shipping services.

As representing a constituency in which there are 1,000 unemployed shipyard workers, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether steps will be taken to ensure that orders for ships to be built by Government assistance will be placed in those yards which do not benefit from naval construction?

The object of the proposal is to stimulate the normal demand for shipping, and the hon. Member can be assured that his point will be taken into consideration.

While thanking the President for his reply, may I ask him if he will reply to the latter part of my question in which I point out that 7,000,000 tons of shipping is being built abroad? What action are the Government going to take with regard to this 7,000,000 tons?

Of course any ship-owner who now orders shipping abroad will not get any advantage from the financial proposals I am now proposing in order to assist shipbuilding.

Are the Government going to take any action to see whether it is possible to bring back some of this 7,000,000 tons of shipping now being built abroad, so that the ships may be built in this country?

There is no question of bringing back to this country ships which are in the middle of being built abroad.

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his statement, may I ask whether in the proposals to be brought before Parliament the ship-repairing industry will be borne in mind? In his statement he referred only to shipping and shipbuilding; and ship-repairing is an integral part of the industry?

I do not think the hon. Lady will expect a reply now, but I will bear the point in mind.

Among the interests still to be consulted, does the right hon. Gentleman include the trade unions? May I also ask whether he will be laying down conditions that any vessels built under the subsidy must not subsequently be transferred from the British flag, as so many vessels have been in recent times?

As regards the first supplementary question, I have, as a matter of fact, been in consultation with the representatives of the Seamen's Union and I have assurred them that I shall be only too glad of their assistance in working out the details of the scheme. As regards the second point, the hon. Member will realise that under the new provisions it will be necessary for any ship-owner owning a ship in the classes referred to, whether they receive assistance or not, if they wish to sell a ship off the United Kingdom register, to offer it to the Government first.

Arising out of that part of the statement dealing with the subsidy for cargo liners and liners trading between this country and the Dominions, may I enquire whether the Dominion Governments are to be asked to make a contribution towards the subsidy? With regard to that part of the statement relating to the subsidy for shipbuilding, will there be any clause containing provisions which will give encouragement to ship-owners to order coal-burning or dual fuel-burning vessels as against oil-burning vessels?

With regard to the first question, the hon. Gentleman will realise that as far as liners are concerned it will be necessary for each specific case to be made out to this committee in respect of each individual service which is threatened by subsidised competition, and it will be for the Government, of course, when that case is made out, to consider whether it is an appropriate case in which they could ask a Dominion Government to assist them. With regard to the second question, about coal-burning, it has been brought to my notice and it will be one of the subjects that I shall discuss during the negotiations with regard to the details of the scheme.

Will it be made widely known that the conditions in these new ships are to be much better than those in the old? Is my right hon. Friend aware that one of the reasons why there is a shortage of merchant seamen is because of the appalling conditions in the old ships? Will he make it very well known that the conditions in the new ships will be much better, as that would have a tremendous effect on recruitment?

The Noble Lady is quite right. Any new ships built under the scheme will have to conform to the new requirements, which will be a great advance on anything previously done.

Is it proposed to remove the restrictions imposed by Shipbuilding Securities, Limited, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Middlesbrough, which used to be an important shipbuilding centre, has had every shipyard closed down through these restrictions?

That is quite a different question. I am confident that these proposals will lead to a large number of orders being placed, but I cannot hope that they will lead to orders of such magnitude that the existing yards will not be able to build the ships.

Is it not already clear that "Where the carcase is, there will the eagles be"?

The hon. Members who ask me questions on this subject are representing their constituencies with the same sincerity that the hon. Member felt when he asked me a question about the India Agreement earlier this afternoon.

I want to know whether the Minister in working out the details of the scheme will provide Members of this House with the names of supporters on the Government benches who are going to benefit?

Will any obligation be placed on the recipients of the subsidy with regard to wages and conditions?

The subsidy will be paid only if the National Maritime Board conditions are observed.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider strengthening the representation at the forthcoming Pacific Conference, in view of the increase in the gravity of the international situation since the conference was summoned?

His Majesty's Government are satisfied that the composition of the United Kingdom delegation to the forthcoming conference in New Zealand is suitable to deal with the questions which are to be discussed.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that the events which have transpired since the conference was summoned have rendered it of far greater importance than was originally contemplated; and, from that point of view, would he not consider strengthening the representation in order to make it one of first-rate importance?

The matter has been very carefully considered, and we are satisfied that we have the right composition.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the remuneration and expenses paid to receivers appointed by debenture holders of companies; will he consider introducing legislation to amend Part VI of the Companies Act, 1929, so as to provide for a standard scale of fees and expenses, and also for the notification to the shareholders of such companies of a statement of receipts and expenses respecting such receivership; and that, in the event of there being no assets for distribution to the shareholders, a liquidator be appointed by the court to wind up such company?

I have received no complaints on the matter referred to by my hon. Friend. Every receiver appointed by debenture holders is required to file an abstract of his receipts and payments with the Registrar of Companies every six months and these abstracts are open to inspection. Where a receiver has been appointed by debenture holders and the company subsequently goes into liquidation, it is open to the liquidator to apply to the court to fix the amount of the receiver's remuneration. If there is no liquidation, it is always open to a creditor or shareholder of a company to present a petition to the court for a compulsory winding-up order. In the circumstances, I see no ground for legislation. The points raised in the question have, however, been noted for consideration when the amendment of the Companies Act, 1929, is under review.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the importance of the woven label and ribbon trade and of the cut- price competition of foreign imports, he will cause separate accounts to be taken in the Board of Trade returns of the quantity so imported?

I shall be glad to consider the practicability of arranging for a separate record to be kept of imports of the goods in question, but I am afraid that any change in the present form of the trade accounts could only be brought into force as from 1st January next.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet received any communication from the Films Council relating to variation of the quota; whether any recommendation is made; and whether the Board of Trade have approved such recommendation or otherwise?

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member last Tuesday.

Have the Films Council yet discussed this problem, and have the Board of Trade any knowledge of any decision which the council has reached?

I understand that they have already discussed it and intend to discuss it again. I have no doubt that as soon as they reach a decision they will communicate it to me.

Cannot the Films Council be asked to hurry up, as this is a very serious matter?

They must give adequate consideration to this important matter. Even if they recommend a change and the Government accept it, no change can be made until 1st October next.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that before the film "Sword of Honour" is permitted to be shown in provincial cinema theatres the Butcher Film Distributors have ordered that every scene showing the Union Jack must be cut out; whether he will ask the Films Advisory Council to inquire what conditions are imposed by distributors on exhibitors and report as to what steps should be taken to put an end to this practice, and in the meantime confer with distributors and exhibitors to ensure that no similar conditions should be imposed in future?

I understand that the distributors concerned have issued a statement to the effect that no such instructions were given. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the film distributors have passed on the blame to the renters and exhibitors who indignantly deny any objection to the title or the Union Jack?

Everyone seems to have denied everything.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and the Government of India have yet agreed upon the date for bringing into force the Anglo-Indian Trade Agreement; and what, if any, legislative measures will require to be taken in the United Kingdom in order to implement the said agreement?

Article 16 of the agreement provides that it shall come into force on a date to be mutually agreed between the two Governments, and that meanwhile the two Governments will apply its provisions as far as possible. The date in question has not yet been formally agreed upon. So far as the United Kingdom is concerned, no legislation is required to enable immediate effect to be given to the provisions of the agreement other than those expressed to come into force at a future date. For these and for certain formal purposes legislation will be required before the end of this session.

Is it intended that the House shall have an opportunity of considering the agreement before it comes into effect?

The position in regard to agreements and the responsibility of the Government has often been discussed in the House. There will be some legislation connected with this agreement which will enable the matter to be discussed.

Is it not a fact that this agreement runs for three years and ties our hands for that time? Ought not the House, therefore, to have an opportunity of looking into it?

It has always been laid down that agreements of this kind are the responsibility of the Government. I am responsible to the House for the Board of Trade and for the course taken by the Government.

Is it not a fact that until 1932 there was always a definition clause to these agreements?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to state the policy of the Government on the agreement reached between representatives of British and German industry; whether further negotiations are proceeding; and whether he can give an assurance that no final decision will be taken without the approval of hon. Members?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the present position with regard to trade agreements and negotiations contemplated, or arranged, with Germany?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he now has any further statement to make respecting the trade agreement between the Federation of British Industries and the Reichsgruppe Industrie of Germany; and whether any negotiations between particular industries, especially those connected with the manufacture of war materials, are still in progress?

I have discussed this matter with representatives of the Federation of British Industries and informed them that while there can be no doubt regarding the value of the preliminary work they have accomplished, recent political developments have created a situation which, while it lasts, has made further progress impossible.

Can we have an assurance that, should there be any change in the political situation which will warrant proceeding further with this matter, nothing definite will be clone until the House has had an opportunity of considering it?

That is really a hypothetical question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman reply to the last part of my question?

I have already informed the House that I told the Federation that at the present moment further progress is impossible.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of any kind of trade agreement or any kind of negotiations which are being carried on now that are likely to cover war materials?

I could not say without notice.

Does it cover the Coal Agreement?

The Coal Agreement is a separate point. Such discussions as would have taken place would have been not with Germany, but with Poland. However, I understand that at present no date has been fixed for any future meeting.

If any agreement is come to between the Federation of British Industries and the German group will the President of the Board of Trade inform the House before there is any attempt to put it into operation?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements his Department has considered and/or made for the holding of a national census of distribution?

Proposals for the holding of a census of distribution have been considered, but I am not satisfied that there is sufficiently general support for the proposals to justify the introduction of the necessary legislation.

Has consideration been given to the results of such a census in other countries, and does the Minister think that the results obtained there would also be obtained in this country?

It would be very expensive and would cost probably £500,000. It is not a project on which the Government could embark unless there were clear indications that it was wanted by the interests concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the detailed arrangements in connection with the proposed trade mission to Rumania have now been completed, and whether he can state the date when the mission will leave for Rumania?

The arrangements are not yet complete, and consequently I am unable to state a date.

When, will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to make a statement?

As soon as possible.

Does the right hon. Gentle man know that he is fiddling while Rome is burning?

This is not a question of Rome but of Rumania.

In view of the extreme and obvious urgency of this matter cannot the President of the Board of Trade say that the delegation is going at the earliest possible moment?

I have said that already.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any agreement has been reached with Denmark regarding increased purchases by that coontry from the United Kingdom?

Yes, Sir. Certain trade matters have recently been the subject of discussion with the competent Danish authorities. I am glad to be able to inform the House that the Danish Government have made an offer which has been accepted by His Majesty's Government, to provide facilities during 1939 for increasing by about 23,000,000 kroner the imports of a wide range of United Kingdom goods.

Does that range include agricultural products?

It is a very wide list, but, in agreement with the Danish Government, particulars of it have always been kept confidential.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number and value of fabric gloves of cotton, and artificial silk, respectively, imported into Canada, Australia, Union of South Africa, and New Zealand, from Great Britain, Germany, and Czecho-Slovakia, during the years 1936, 1937, and 1938, or the last convenient period?

As the desired information is not available from the trade returns of the Dominions concerned, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT particulars of the exports of cotton and artificial silk gloves to these Dominions from the countries mentioned, so far as the information is available from the respective trade returns of the exporting countries for the years 1936 to 1938.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider calling at an early date a conference of business

:International contacts between business men already take place frequently under various auspices with results of undoubted value in the direction of improving international relations. In the circumstances I do not consider that His Majesty's Government could usefully intervene with a view to the summoning of a special conference.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now prepared to make an Order that goods from abroad shall be marked with the specific country of origin, and not merely marked foreign?

I have no powers to make the Order which my hon. and gallant Friend suggests, but I have at present under consideration representations for an amendment of the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926, which authorises the use of the mark "foreign."

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the growing volume of subsidised German imports into this country, he will consider the imposition, by legislation, of special anti-dumping duties on the lines of those imposed by the American Government?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider following the American lead and levying a special 25 per cent. ad valorem tax on goods coming to this country of German manufacture?

I have no power to impose such duties. The subject of subsidised competition in the United Kingdom market has been considered on a number of occasions and I see no reason to differ from the conclusion reached that our existing tariff system is adequate to deal with competition of this kind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the high incidence of tuberculosis among seamen, as revealed in the report of the Committee of Inquiry into the Anti-Tuberculosis Service in Wales and the view expressed therein that this high rate is due to the unsatisfactory accommodation of seamen on ship and on shore; and what steps he is taking to deal with this problem?

I have seen the paragraph in the report which I believe the hon. Member has in mind. The views expressed in it take into account other factors in addition to accommodation on board ship, and are based on statistics for the years 1924 to 1935. All aspects of crew accommodation were reviewed in 1937 by the Board of Trade in consultation with the other interests concerned, and as a result new Crew Space Instructions were issued by the Board. The condition of the accommodation for seamen on shore is a matter for the local authority concerned, and questions in regard to this should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, unless they arise in connection with a seaman's lodging house which has been approved under by-laws confirmed by the Board of Trade under the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Acts.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Medical Officer of Health for Cardiff, who gave this evidence, was convinced that this disease was largely due to the accommodation in ships, and will he call for a special report and make a special investigation?

Hon. Gentlemen are aware that a great deal has been done in recent years with regard to accommodation, and a satisfactory standard has been laid down for all new ships. With regard to the question of an inquiry, a special inquiry was carried out in 1929 by the Ministry of Health and the Board of Trade. The result was to confirm the fact that tuberculosis is not particularly prevalent among seamen.

Will the right hon. Gentleman pay particular attention to the cases where the crew's accommodation is in such a position that ventilation is impossible owing to the crew having to sleep below water level?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of ships that have been granted provisional certificates of British registry by His Majesty's consuls abroad for the 12 months ended the last convenient date?

Seventy-five ships were granted provisional certificates of British registry during the 12 months ended 28th February last.

How many shipowners have applied for registration of ships that did not comply with the ordinary requirements?

I am afraid I cannot say.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, with a view to giving a measure of military training upon a voluntary basis to a substantial proportion of the population, and having regard to the fact that Territorial Army units all over the country have waiting lists of intending recruits, he will recommend that the establishment of the Territorial Army be increased to 2,000,000 men?

The suggestion envisages an increase in establishment to over eight times the present establishment of the Territorial Army, and would involve an enormous increase in the permanent staff, in training equipment and in building drill halls. His Majesty's Government have certain proposals under examination.

Having regard to the uncertainty of the strategic requirements of the immediate future will my right hon. Friend give consideration to the question as to whether some such substantial increase is necessary, if only on the ground that there is safety in numbers.

Yes, Sir, I have said that I will consider this matter.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that training for the Army is very different now from what it was before, and is more intensive, and that in peace time these reserves will not be able to train properly?

I quite agree with the first part of the question of my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of recent events, he will consider increasing the number of divisions in the Regular Army?

His Majesty's Government have the question of manpower under review.

Does my right hon. Friend not realise that until our Army has been placed upon an adequate footing the attractions of an anti-aggression pact are very small to all those small peace-loving Powers about which we hear so much?

When will my right hon. Friend be in a position to inform the House of the result?

asked the Secretary of State for War the present strength of the Regular Army, the Territorial Army, less anti-aircraft units, and the reserves available for the Regular and Territorial Armies, respectively?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, should circumstances arise necessitating the throwing in at once of all the 500,000-odd men we can mobilise, there will be no reserve to fill the gaps that will immediately occur; and what steps are being taken to provide for that eventuality?

It is a little difficult to deal with a matter such as that in reply to a question. I did deal with it at some length on the Army Estimates.

Is it not a fact that there is no reserve for the 12 Territorial divisions of the field army which were announced recently, and will my right hon. Friend take an early opportunity of informing the House how those divisions are to be reinforced?

I did deal with that matter in my speech on the Army Estimates, but the proposals which I then made were not, of course, final.

When will the right hon. Gentleman's new scheme be ready?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that certain units of the Army serving abroad have been issued with pyjamas of Japanese manufacture; and will he take immediate steps to see that in future only articles of British manufacture are issued to all British troops?

Pyjamas for troops at all stations abroad, other than the Sudan, are made of British materials. With regard to the last part of the question, it is the practice to supply articles of British manufacture whenever available and suitable, unless the difference in price is found to be excessive, and I will look again into the provision of sleeping suits in the Sudan.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his answer, I would ask whether he realises that the supply of pyjamas in the Sudan has given rise to great concern, especially in the north-west, and that the present position will not help recruiting?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these Japanese pyjamas are of very inferior quality?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider applications from Czech soldiers to be permitted to join units of the British Army?

It is not the policy to enlist foreign nationals into units of the British Army.

Arising out of that answer, which I could scarcely hear, may I ask whether it is a fact that several Czech soldiers have actually made application for permission to join the British Army and whether, if that be so, my right hon. Friend will consider the question of granting to these would-be recruits —good material—something like temporary nationalisation so that they can join up?

I was not aware that several of them had made application, but they will be considered on their merits.

Has not the Secretary of State received a definite offer from a group of Czech officers placing their services at the disposal of the British Government and the British Army, and will he not consider those offers sympathetically?

Has the right hon. Gentleman appealed to all the capitalists and bankers of the country and their sons to join the Army, and is there a shortage of them? After they go, the workers can be considered.

Were those offers received from the Czechs since the Government sold Czecho-Slovakia?

asked the Secretary of State for War why the troops in Palestine are on a peace footing in the matter of pay, clothing, and allowances; whether he is aware that this is the cause of considerable discontent; and whether he will consider altering conditions to remedy this grievance?

I do not follow the implication in the question. Rates of pay are the same in peace and war, and the allowances in issue are appropriate to the circumstances in Palestine and would not necessarily be varied, either as to rates or conditions of issue, if the troops were placed on other than a peace footing. Compensation has been allowed in respect of abnormal wear and tear of clothing.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of factories, by counties, which, under his scheme of self-defence, have undertaken to provide from their own personnel a certain amount of anti-aircraft defence; whether he is satisfied with the response in each county; and whether there still remain any important industrial centres of any size which are undefended by any such factory armaments or by Air Ministry plans?

I cannot, in the public interest, disclose the particulars asked for, but the response is satisfactory. The general scheme of our air defences as a whole affords a large measure of protection to all vulnerable points.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he now is in a position to make a statement regarding the) findings of the jury at the Linlithgow Sheriff Court on 28th February, anent the death of William Gilmour Girvan; and to say what action he is taking on the jury's recommendations?

I am informed that the relatives of the deceased man have made a claim for damages against the West Lothian County Council, the chief constable and one of the constables in the West Lothian police force. I regret that I am unable to make a statement pending the disposal of this claim.

Was not the last recommendation of the jury one which called for a general order with regard to leaving prisoners in the position of the man who died, and does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the position calls for a general order to all prisons?

I am considering whether my Department can take any action in the matter, but I cannot make a full statement on the case itself at the present time.

I can quite understand that.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is prepared to put an end to the housing of untried prisoners, detectives, and police in the same building at the Central Police Station, Glasgow; and whether he is aware that frequent protests have been made against the police having access to the untried prisoners, some of whom are boys, and advising them to plead guilty to offences, on the promise of being liberated as first offenders on probation, and to be detained in custody if they plead not guilty?

As the hon. Member is aware, the Criminal Investigation Depart- ment is situated in part of the Glasgow central police office, and the cells are in another part of the building and under the control of another branch of the force. The cells are used only for persons aged 17 or over, and, under Statute, persons detained in them must, wherever practicable, be brought before the court not later than the day following arrest. I am not aware of any protests of the nature referred to in the last part of the question, and I am informed that the chief constable has no knowledge of any such protests or cases. In the circumstances, I do not think it is necessary to alter the present system.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in a recent High Court case, detectives admitted in the witness box when I was present that they had taken one prisoner from the cells on three occasions and had asked him to make a certain statement without an agent being present, and that numerous such cases have come to my attention; and does he not agree that it is a scandal that these men should be housed in the same building, as the Criminal Investigation Department can go to them at: any time of the night in order to take them from their cells and examine them?

If the hon. Gentleman has any evidence of that kind I shall be glad if he will give it to me, but I have not had any such protests.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that I myself was taken from the cells in the middle of the night in the same way?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the cost of public assistance given to old age pensioners in the Greenock area during 1937 and 1938, respectively; and what is the present number of such old age pensioners?

I regret that the information asked for in the first part of the question is not at present available. With regard to the second part, Greenock Town Council inform me that the number of old age pensioners who received public assistance during the week ended nth March, 1939, was 749.

Is not this a very high proportion in relation to the population, and does not the expenditure on this matter weigh very heavy on the municipality; and will the right hon. Gentleman consider taking the necessary steps to spread the burden over the whole country?

The hon. and learned Gentleman is now raising a much larger question.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman prepared to give some real consideration to this question, in view of the- demand that has been made in all parts of the country for justice in this matter?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the location of the 50 schools visited by the Scottish Milk Marketing Board's propaganda officers during February; how many schools in Greenock have been so visited during the last year; and what arrangements for visits there and elsewhere in Scotland have been made for the current year?

I regret that I am unable to give the information which the hon. and learned Member desires.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are his proposals for dealing with the problem of destruction of land in the Isle of Barra by sandblow this year?

The Department of Agriculture for Scotland have the position in the Island of Barra under observation, but remedial measures such as have already been taken in Vatersay cannot, for technical reasons, be effectively undertaken in Barra at present.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is very good agricultural land there, and that the roads, on which so much money has been spent, are being spoiled and obstructed by this sand? Surely there is justification for spending a little extra money in order to save the facilities on which money has already been spent?

The difficulty is a technical one, due to the contour of the land. I shall be glad to see the hon. Member about it.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations have been received since 1930 from the Ross and Cromarty County Council regarding the construction of a road linking Ness district and North Tolsta, Isle of Lewis; and whether he will make a statement?

Representations on this subject were made by the county council of Ross and Cromarty in 1931 and 1935. After careful consideration, however, the Departments concerned reached the conclusion that the benefits likely to result from the construction of the road would not justify the expenditure involved.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that opening up this road would not only prove a great convenience for tourists coming to the island, but would also open up some of the best agricultural land in the island, where the soil is largely virgin soil?

My information does not agree with that of the hon. Member regarding the nature of the land in that part of the island.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that my information is based on a geological survey made by a professor of Edinburgh University?

It does not agree with the information I have, which is to the effect that this particular project would not be justified.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will consider offering financial assistance for lobster ponds in the Western Isles; and what other proposals he has to assist this industry, especially with regard to transport and marketing?

As the hon. Member is aware, certain recommendations on the subject of lobster fishing, including the continuance of research into the technical difficulties of ponding lobsters, have been made by the Sub-Committee of the Scottish Economic Committee on the Highlands and Islands, and these are at present receiving consideration. In the meantime, the Fishery Board's pamphlet giving guidance as to the best methods of packing lobsters is being revised.

Will not the right hon. Gentleman consider those cases where a relatively small amount of assistance would help to settle the problem?

I am anxious that we should find the best way of assisting the lobster industry.

Will my right hon. Friend consider the possibility that the abolition of the capitalist class would diminish the demand for lobsters?

asked the Lord Advocate the name and address of the debt collector in the East End of Glasgow who has been arrested; the nature of the charge against him; whether he has been liberated on bail; the amount of bail; and the date of his trial?

James Turkington, carrying on business as a debt collector at 1086, Gallowgate, Glasgow, was arrested on 4th instant on charges of subornation of perjury, perjury, and fraud, and was subsequently liberated on £100 bail. The date of the trial has not yet been fixed.

Is it the case that when this man was arrested a large number of people were there and cheered the arrest; and can the Lord Advocate give the reasons for the cheering?

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been drawn to the introduction of the Meco chock system on the conveyor faces at Calder Collieries, Hargreaves, Limited, Burnley, and that when they are with drawn sparking takes place, and the work men are of opinion that if firedamp is present the sparking will ignite it; and will he have an inspection made of the Meco chock to find out whether it is a danger to mining?

I have been asked to reply. I am informed that the Meco chock release device is in use on conveyor faces at Calder Colliery and at a number of other collieries throughout the country, and that frictional sparking sometimes results when the chocks are being with- drawn. The question whether such sparking is capable of igniting firedamp has recently been investigated by the Safety in Mines Research Board, and under the conditions of the experiments so far conducted—which have been very severe—no ignition has occurred.

Do I understand that this system has been investigated?

It has been investigated.

If that is so, could an experiment be carried out with the miners' representative present, to see what is the effect?

I will convey that request to my right hon. and gallant Friend.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what percentage of gas was used in the experiment?

Not without notice.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that there is in operation in the Donbas Coalfield, Russia, a coalmine in which all the processes of coal production are carried out by hydraulic methods; and if, as it is claimed, that hydro-mechanisation will considerably expedite the work of coal winning and lessen costs, he will make inquiries into this process?

Yes, Sir. I understand that experiments are being made on these lines at one pit, but they appear to be in a very early stage.