Written Answers
Scotland
Old Age Pensioners (Public Assistance)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is prepared to provide a statement as to the cost of public assistance to old age pensioners in the respective public assistance areas in Scotland on similar lines to that promised for England and Wales by the Minister of Health?
The information is as follows:
Scotland
Old age pensioners in receipt of Poor Relief.
The number of old age pensioners in receipt of Poor Relief in Scotland during the week ending nth March, 1939, was 42,387. Of this number 1,907 were in receipt of relief in institutions and 40,480 were in receipt of outdoor relief.
The following statement shows for each county and large burgh in Scotland (i) the number of old age pensioners in receipt of outdoor poor relief during the week ending nth March, 1939, (ii) the number of dependants of those persons, (iii) the total cost of outdoor relief in money and kind granted to those old age pensioners and their dependants during that week and (iv) certain other particulars.
| — | Week ending 11th March, 1939 | Estimated annual cost of outdoor relief in money or in kind to old age pensioners and their dependants falling to be met out of rates and the Block Grants. | ||||
| Number of old age pensioners to whom outdoor relief in money and kind was granted during the week | Number of dependants of persons in Col. 1 other than those who are them-selves in receipt of old age pensions | Total cost of outdoor relief in money or in kind granted to persons accounted for in Cols. 2 & 3 | Amount | Equivalent rate in the pound | ||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| COUNTIES —contd. | £ | £ | s. | d. | ||
| Inverness | 245 | 106 | 70 | 3,650 | 3·7 | |
| Kincardine | 37 | 29 | 12 | 626 | 1·8 | |
| Kirkcudbright | 107 | 25 | 29 | 1,512 | 3·1 | |
| Lanark | 3,053 | 660 | 1,234 | 64,344 | 8·6 | |
| Midlothian | 606 | 93 | 145 | 7,561 | 5·7 | |
| Moray & Nairn | 210 | 71 | 71 | 3,702 | 8·0 | |
| Orkney | 53 | 4 | 12 | 626 | 7·3 | |
| Peebles | 36 | 4 | 11 | 574 | 1·6 | |
| Perth & Kinross | 271 | 39 | 65 | 3,389 | 1·6 | |
| Renfrew | 648 | 74 | 195 | 10,168 | 3·4 | |
| Ross & Cromarty | 182 | 59 | 42 | 2,190 | 4·1 | |
| Roxburgh | 127 | 15 | 39 | 2,034 | 4·7 | |
| Selkirk | 87 | 9 | 25 | 1,304 | 1 | 2·4 |
| Stirling | 806 | 126 | 221 | 11,524 | 5·2 | |
| Sutherland | 67 | 10 | 18 | 939 | 3·4 | |
| West Lothian | 738 | 97 | 190 | 9,907 | 9·6 | |
| Wigtown | 130 | 19 | 39 | 2,034 | 7·5 | |
| Zetland | 30 | 5 | 11 | 574 | 9·8 | |
| 12,872 | 2,549 | 4,094 | 213,473 | 6·1 | ||
| BURGHS. | ||||||
| Aberdeen | 755 | 161 | 259 | 13,505 | 2·0 | |
| Airdrie | 357 | 79 | 146 | 7,613 | 11·6 | |
| Arbroath | 109 | 3 | 14 | 73 | 1·5 | |
| Ayr | 173 | 30 | 44 | 2,294 | 1·3 | |
| Clydebank | 465 | 76 | 207 | 10,794 | 7·5 | |
| Coatbridge | 715 | 148 | 277 | 14,444 | 1 | 0·9 |
| Dumbarton | 183 | 43 | 56 | 2,920 | 5·0 | |
| Dumfries | 177 | 41 | 62 | 3,233 | 3·7 | |
| Dundee | 2,071 | 173 | 496 | 25,863 | 4·0 | |
| Dunfernline | 251 | 33 | 68 | 3,546 | 2·9 | |
| Edinburgh | 2,603 | 359 | 992 | 51,726 | 2·0 | |
| Falkirk | 407 | 58 | 169 | 8,812 | 7·7 | |
| Glasgow | I4,93I | 1,831 | 6,969 | 363,384 | 7·8 | |
| Greenock | 724 | 121 | 274 | 14,287 | 5·9 | |
| Hamilton | 563 | 100 | 208 | 10,846 | 11·0 | |
| Inverness | 189 | 30 | 53 | 2,764 | 3·1 | |
| Kilmarnock | 239 | 20 | 60 | 3,129 | 2·4 | |
| Kirkealdy | 535 | 98 | 158 | 8,239 | 6·1 | |
| Motherwell & Wishaw | 660 | 172 | 234 | 12,201 | 6·9 | |
| Paisley | 614 | 76 | 179 | 9,334 | 3·4 | |
| Perth | 153 | 26 | 39 | 2,034 | 1·4 | |
| Port Glasgow | 250 | 34 | 91 | 4,745 | 10·3 | |
| Rutherglen | 234 | 33 | 87 | 4,536 | 5·7 | |
| Stirling | 250 | 23 | 62 | 3,233 | 3·6 | |
| Burgh Totals | 27,608 | 3,768 | 11,204 | 584,212 | 5·3 | |
| County Totals | 12,872 | 2,549 | 4,094 | 213,473 | 6·1 | |
| Grand Total | 40,480 | 6,317 | 15,298 | 797,685 | 5·5 | |
* For the purposes of the estimates in Cols. 5 and 6 it has been assumed that the weekly cost of outdoor relief to old age pensioners and their dependants, as shown by the figures relating to the week ending 11th March, 1939, represents a true average of the weekly cost throughout a period of twelve months. In point of fact, the outdoor relief granted during that week to the household of an old age pensioner often included an extra winter allowance. It is estimated that the actual annual cost of outdoor relief to old age pensioners and their dependants in Scotland is in the region of £ 770,000.
West Highland Roads
asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the numerous complaints made by motorists visiting the West Highlands about the bad condition of the roads after leaving Fort William and Invermoriston; and what action has been recently taken and is being taken to improve the road to Cluanie and Kyle?
I assume that the hon. Member refers to the Mallaig Roadwhich proceeds westwards from Fort William. Steps are being taken to improve its condition. In July, 1937, the reconstruction of seven miles between Arisaig House and Lochailort was put in hand and should be completed next autumn. Reconstruction works on a further nine miles from Arienskill to Loch Shiel will be started shortly.The condition of the Invermoriston-Cluanie Road and the Invergarry-Cluanie Road as far as Tomdoun is not
| Year. | Stirlingshire. | Clackmannanshire. | ||||||
| Fatal Accidents. | Non-fatal Accidents. | Fatal Accidents. | Non-fatal Accidents. | |||||
| 1935 | … | … | … | … | 28 | 673 | 3 | 79 |
| 1936 | … | … | … | … | 25 | 713 | 3 | 87 |
| 1937 | … | … | … | … | 32 | 715 | 3 | 77 |
| 1938 | … | … | … | … | 26 | 685 | 2 | 79 |
Piers (Argyllshire)
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what piers in the County of Argyll are owned by local authorities and privately owned, respectively; and what steps are now being taken to repair piers reported as dilapidated and unsafe?
Information available indicates that there are 90 piers in the County of Argyll, of which 23 are owned by local authorities. The question of repair of piers is a matter for the consideration of the local authority or other person or body in whom the work is vested and I
satisfactory but the county council did not consider it desirable to deal with either while the Caledonian Power Bill (1938), by which power was sought to divert portions of these roads, was before this House. A survey is now being made of the Invergarry-Cluanie Road.
Road Accidents, Stirlingshire And Clackmannanshire
asked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the number of fatal and other accidents involving motor cars, etc., in Stirlingshire and Clackmannanshire, respectively, in the years 1935, 1936, 1937 and 1938, and the number of these accidents in which drink was a contributing cause?
The number of accidents involving personal injury on the roads in Stirlingshire (including the Burgh of Stirling) and Clackmannanshire during the last four years were as follow:am not in a position to say what steps are being taken by the respective parties. If the hon. Member will let me know of any specific cases that he has in mind I shall endeavour to obtain the information he desires.
Second National Housing Company
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can state the names of the members who serve on the Second Scottish National Housing Company's Board; the number of meetings held each year since its formation; and the names and number of meetings attended by each member during every year?
The following is the information:
| List of Directors of Second Scottish National Housing Company and Record of Attendances at Board Meetings. | |||||||||||||
| Year to 28th February. | 1927. | 1928. | 1929. | 1930. | 1931. | 1932. | 1933. | 1934. | 1935. | 1936. | 1937. | 1938. | 1939. |
| Total Meetings called | 33 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 12 |
| Directors' Attendances — | |||||||||||||
| Sir John R. Findlay—Original Member. | 17 | 10 | 8 | 5 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Died 13th April, 1930. | |||||||||||||
| Dr. T. G. Nasmyth— Original Member. | 22 | 5 | 10 | 4 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 9 | 6 | 8 | — | — |
| Died 11th February, 1937. | |||||||||||||
| Mr. James Norval — Original Member. | 20 | 11 | 10 | 13 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 8 | 6 | — | — |
| Died 3rd October, 1936. | |||||||||||||
| Mr. David Ronald — Original Member. | 30 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 7 |
| Sir Henry Ballantyne —Original Member. | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Resigned 28th November, 1930. | |||||||||||||
| Mr. John A. Inglis —Original Member. | 14 | 13 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 11 |
| Sir D. M. Stevenson —-Original Member. | 5 | 6 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Resigned 22nd July, 1932. | |||||||||||||
| Sir W. E. Whyte | — | — | — | — | 5 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 6 | 12 | 7 |
| Appointed 24th June, 1930. | |||||||||||||
| Sir Edmund Findlay | — | — | — | — | 1 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 2 | — | — | — | — |
| Appointed 28th February, 1931. | |||||||||||||
| Resigned 27th July, 1938. | |||||||||||||
| Mr. J. Stewart Seggie | — | — | — | — | — | — | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 12 | 6 |
| Appointed 18th August, 1932. | |||||||||||||
| Mr. W. B. Robertson | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 3 | 10 | 5 |
| Appointed 23rd December, 1936. | |||||||||||||
| Mr. G. M. McNaughton | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 |
| Appointed 25th January, 1939. | |||||||||||||
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can give the date when the Second Scottish National Housing Company considered the question of reducing the rents of steel houses in Sandyhills Scheme at Shettleston; what decision was arrived at; and if he is aware that two reductions have taken place in houses of a similar size owned by Glasgow Corporation?
In accordance with the promise which he gave to the hon. Member in answer to a question on 12th July last, my right hon. Friend brought to the notice of the company the reduction in the rents of Glasgow Corporation houses. My right hon. Friend is informed that the company have not yet come to any decision as to a revision of the rents of their Sandyhills houses and he will again bring the matter to their notice.
Police Motor Patrols
asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the recommendations of the Alness Committee, he will now arrange for the system of special police motor patrols, at present in the case of certain areas in England paid for out of 100 per cent. grants from the Road Fund, to be extended to Scot-land on the same terms?
It is not at present possible for a statement to be made in this matter.
Agriculture
Subsidies (Northern Ireland)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state the amount of subsidies to agriculture paid out of moneys provided by this Parliament to the Northern Irish Parliament?
No subsidy to agriculture is paid at present to the Northern Ireland Government out of monies provided by Parliament. The following Exchequer payments have been made to the Government of Northern Ireland under the Milk Acts, 1934 to 1937:
| £ | ||||
| 1934 | … | … | … | 152,077 |
| 1935 | … | … | … | 136,776 |
| 1936 | … | … | … | 100,229 |
| 1937 | … | … | … | 31,898 |
| 1938 | … | … | … | 228 |
| 421,208 |
The statutory authority for the payments lapsed after 30th September, 1938.
The Cattle Subsidy, Lime and Basic Slag Subsidy and Oats and Barley Subsidy are payable direct to farmers in Northern Ireland and not to the Northern Ireland Government. Provision has been taken in the Estimates for the current year for the payment of the following amounts in Northern Ireland:
| £ | ||
| Cattle | … | 221,800 |
| Lime and Basic Slag | … | 60,000 |
| Oats and Barley | … | 157,000 |
| 438,800 |
Hops
asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that for two consecutive seasons the hop growers have been unable to produce the quantity of hops required by home brewers; and whether he intends to suggest to the Hops Marketing Board an increase in the existing acreage?
So far as I am aware, the acreage of registered producers is adequate in a normal season for the purpose of meeting the brewers' requirements. In fact, I understand that, with only slight variations in acreage, the quantity of hops produced in three out of the last five years has exceeded those requirements. Should the brewers anticipate any future difficulty in regard to the supply of hops it would appear to be open to them to raise the question with the Permanent Joint Hops Committee which functions in connection with the Hops Marketing Scheme and considers questions of supplies.
Poultry Industry
asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now make a statement as to when the Poultry Bill will be introduced?
I regret that I am not yet in a position to announce definitely when the Poultry Industry Bill will be introduced, but I hope it will be soon after the Easter Recess.
Refugees
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the impossibility of dealing adequately with the refugee problem out of voluntary funds, and as at the end of February there were less than 20,000 refugees in this country, he will introduce legislation 10 secure for the benefit of refugees in general, and preferentially for those from Czecho-Slovakia, the recoverable portions of the £6,000,000 promised to the former State of Czecho-Slovakia?
A statement on this subject will be made during the course of to-day's Debate, and I would ask the hon. Member to await this statement.
asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that private persons who are willing to take refugees into their families are being asked to guarantee £50 for re-emigration purposes; that this is causing strong feeling and may have the effect of preventing refugees from obtaining temporary homes; and whether he will take steps to remedy the matter?
When application is made to the Home Office for the admission of a refugee to this country with a view to temporary residence here and subsequent emigration, it is necessary that the Home Office should be satisfied that means for his emigration will be available. The question how the money for this purpose will be provided is a matter for the voluntary societies and charitable individuals who are arranging to help the refugees, but I understand the financial position of the voluntary organisations dealing with the majority of the cases is such that if they are to accept responsibility for additional cases they must find guarantors who will be prepared to make provision for the expenses of emigration.
asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the events which took place at Croydon Airport on Thursday, 30th March, arising out of the arrival of 12 Czech refugees; and whether he will take steps to prevent a recurrence of such episodes?
Yes, Sir; 12 Czechs arrived at Croydon Airport late in the evening of 29th March having flown from Poland via Denmark. They were with-out adequate means of support and had no plans for their future, and the voluntary societies having had no opportunity of investigating the circumstances of these people and of considering whether they could properly be included among those selected for admission to this country did not feel able to accept responsibility for them. Accordingly it was felt that it would be contrary to the policy of admitting selected cases to give these people leave to land, and it was decided that they must be sent back to the country from which they had come, which I would point out to my hon. Friend was not Germany but Denmark. Subsequently, however, one of the voluntary organisations decided to accept responsibility and leave to land was granted. As holders of Czech passports have since 1st April been required to obtain visas, it is unlikely that any similar case will recur, but anxious as I am to give sympathetic consideration to any applicants who have special claims on the hospitality of this country I feel bound to repeat the warning I have already given that persons who are anxious to get to this country should not think that they can count on preferential treatment merely because they manage to reach a port of arrival here.
Trade And Commerce
Import Duties Advisory Committee
asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state the number of applications considered by the Import Duties Advisory Committee in the years 1936, 1937, and 1938, and the number of recommendations made in these three years?
It is difficult to say at what point inquiries and representations from various quarters become what may be regarded as a definite application, and it would consequently be misleading to attempt to give a figure of the number of applications. It is the general practice of the committee, however, if and when a case for the modification of a duty has reached a certain stage, to advertise it. The number of such cases (other than those concerning drawbacks) advertised in the period referred to in the question was 114. The number of recommendations for the modifications of duties made by the committee during this period was 79. In addition, 39 recommendations were made concerning drawbacks. The particulars I have given do not, of course, include applications for licences to import particular consignments of goods free of duty.
Pig-Iron (German Imports)
asked the President of the Board of Trade what quantities of iron-ore and pig-iron have been imported by Germany from France during the years 1936, 1937, and 1938, respectively?
The quantities of iron-ore imported into Germany from France during 1936, 1937 and 1938 were, in million metric tons, 6.9, 5.7 and 5.1, respectively; the corresponding figures for imports of pig-iron, in thousands of metric tons, were 68.4, 48.4 and 170.9, respectively.
Egg Supplies
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make any statement as to the effect of European territorial changes on the supply of eggs to the British market; and whether these restrictive causes are likely to be permanent?
I have no reason to suppose that these changes are likely to have any special effect on supplies of eggs to the United Kingdom market.
Fishing Industry (Life-Saving Appliances)
asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the present regulations for safety appliances in fishing vessels; and whether a copy is available in the Library?
The present regulations regarding lifesaving appliances in fishing vessels are contained in the Merchant Shipping (Life Saving Appliances) Rules, 1938, a copy of which is in the Library.
Tithe Rentcharge
asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that arrears of tithe rent charge, which do not enjoy the advantages of reduction and limitation allowed to tithe annuities under the 1936 Act, are collected by the new and more stringent methods prescribed by that Act; and whether he will take steps to get this inequitable arrangement altered?
The Tithe Act, 1936, provides for the review by the Arrears Investigation Committee of arrears of tithe rent charge with a view to remission or recovery by instalments in appropriate cases. The results of the committee's review were set out in the reply which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Sudbury (Colonel Burton) on 30th March. As regards the latter part of the question, I cannot agree that the methods of recovery prescribed by the Act are inequitable, or that they call for amending legislation. The Tithe Redemption Commission are always prepared to give sympathetic consideration to any reasonable proposals for payment from those who experience difficulty in meeting their obligations.
Ancient Building (Church Cottage, Fordwich)
asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is now in a position to give a definite assurance that Church Cottage, Fordwich, a sixteenth century structure of considerable architectural and historical interest will not be scheduled for demolition and will be restored and preserved?
I have no information about this cottage, but I will make inquiries and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend.
India (Constitutional Reform)
asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether His Majesty's Government are satisfied that their policy with regard to constitutional changes initiated by rulers of Indian States adequately safeguards the continued fulfilment by rulers of their obligations to the Paramount Power?
The policy indicated in the reply on 16th December to my hon. Friend, the Member for Kidderminster (Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne) is not to be taken as implying that the Paramount Power would recognise a Ruler as having endowed any constitutional body which he may create with a greater degree of authority than that which he himself is recognised as possessing. No State would be regarded as relieved of its obligations to the Paramount Power by the fact that its Ruler had divested himself of the control necessary to discharge them, and the Paramount Power would remain free to take such steps as might be required to ensure their fulfilment.
Rating (Air-Raid Shelters)
asked the Minister of Health whether for public information and guidance, he can state whether overhead or underground shelters attached to private residences or business places are to be subject to rating assessment; whether he is aware that some rating officials are suggesting that these structures will be so rated if used for any other purpose, such as storing garden tools, than shelters against air raids; and whether, if existing legislation is not enough to protect tenants, he will incorporate a new clause in the legislation now before the House?
My hon. Friend is doubtless aware of the terms of the Rating and Valuation (Air Raid Works) Act, 1938, which govern this matter and of the Debate in this House on the particular issue raised by his question. The circumstances of individual cases will inevitably vary and, while I have no authority to give directions to the responsible local authorities, I have no doubt that they will apply common sense to the interpretation of the statutory provisions, especially where—as in the instance cited —any increase of assessable value could only be negligible.
asked the Minister of Health whether pending any fresh legislation on the matter, he will recommend to all local authorities that air-raid protection shelters, privately acquired and erected, shall not be made liable for additional rating?
This matter is governed by the Rating and Valuation (Air Raid Works) Act, 1938.
Certified Mid Wives (Wales)
asked the Minister of Health whether according to his latest reports, sufficient certified midwives have been obtained in all the districts in Wales to work the State maternity scheme; and whether he can give any details?
I am sending my hon. Friend a statement showing the number of domiciliary midwives practising in Wales and their distribution between the areas of the different local supervising authorities. It would appear, on the latest information available to me, that an adequate number of domiciliary midwives has been provided for Wales.
Widow's Pension (Mrs H Golding)
asked the Minister of Health whether he will expedite inquiries connected with the application for pension by Mrs. H. Golding, 174, Chandos Road, Stratford, Case No. 08454008?
All possible steps are being taken to complete the inquiries in connection with Mrs. Golding's application for an old age pension as quickly as possible. Difficulty has been experienced in proving her age and in verifying her insurance particulars.
National Health Insurance
Dental And Optical Benefits
asked the Minister of Health what would be the cost of making dental and optical benefit a statutory provision under the National Health Insurance Acts; what would be the payments needed from the employers and employed per person which would be necessary to defray this extra charge; and what would be the necessary increase in the State grant for the same purpose assuming that the three contributions are made on the same basis as to-day?
I am not in a position at present to add anything to the replies which I gave to the hon. Members for Pontypool (Mr. Jenkins) and Royton (Mr. Sutcliffe) on 16th March last.
Women (Restoration Of Reductions)
asked the Minister of Health when it is intended to restore the cuts in National Health Insurance allowances to unmarried women, widows, and married women?
The experience of the claims for sickness and disablement benefits by insured women since the reduction of the standard rates of benefit by the Act of 1932 has not been such as to enable the previous rates to be restored. A further substantial fall in the claims would be necessary before that step could be taken.
Old Age Pensioners
Public Assistance (Statistics)
asked the Minister of Health whether he can inform the House as to the number of people in the country who are in receipt of old age pensions; and the total cost to the local authorities in the country of public assistance relief to old age pensioners?
The following statement contains the detailed particulars received from the local authorities in regard to the number of old age pensioners in receipt of poor relief and the cost of that relief, which I announced in the House on the 16th February that I was obtaining.
| Administrative Counties and County Boroughs. | Week ending nth March, 1939. | Estimated annual cost of out-relief in money or in kind to old age pensioners and their dependants falling to be met out of rates and the Block Grants.* | ||||
| Number of old age pensioners to whom out-relief in money and kind was granted during the week. | Number of dependants of persons in Col. 1 other than those who are themselves in receipt of old age pensions. | Total cost of out-relief in money or in kind granted to persons accounted for in Cols. 2 and 3. | Amount. | Equivalent rate in the pound. | ||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| ADMINISTRATIVE COUNTIES. | £ | £ | s. | d. | ||
| England: | ||||||
| Bedford | 432 | 46 | 144 | 7,509 | 1 · 2 | |
| Berks | 615 | 114 | 217 | 11,335 | 1 · 7 | |
| Buckingham | 894 | 132 | 266 | 13,870 | 1 · 6 | |
| Cambridge | 442 | 114 | 163 | 8,499 | 2 · 3 | |
| Chester | 2,627 | 461 | 921 | 48,024 | 2 · 7 | |
| Cornwall | 868 | 224 | 213 | 11,106 | 1 · 9 | |
| Cumberland | 1,531 | 451 | 687 | 35,822 | 11 · 3 | |
| Derby | 3,060 | 599 | 1,064 | 55,480 | 4 · 5 | |
| Devon | 1,236 | 364 | 396 | 20,649 | 1 · 6 | |
| Dorset | 1,008 | 192 | 375 | 19,554 | 2 · 9 | |
| Durham | 12,032 | 3,151 | 6,015 | 313,639 | 2 | 0 · 3 |
| Ely, Isle of | 395 | 49 | 139 | 7,248 | 6 · 4 | |
| Essex | 5,275 | 939 | 2,047 | 106,736 | 2 · 7 | |
| Gloucester | 1,212 | 273 | 365 | 19,032 | 2 · 9 | |
| Hereford | 332 | 114 | 88 | 4,589 | 2 · 1 | |
| Hertford | 987 | 172 | 371 | 19,345 | 1 · 2 | |
| Huntingdon | 142 | 30 | 47 | 2,451 | 2 · 9 | |
| Kent | 4,920 | 935 | 1,859 | 96,934 | 2 · 2 | |
| Lancaster | 10,484 | 1,677 | 4,415 | 230,211 | 5 · 5 | |
| Leicester | 839 | 149 | 272 | 14,183 | 2 · 6 | |
England And Wales
Old Age Pensioners (Poor Relief).
At the 31st December, 1938, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 2,380,913 persons in England and Wales in receipt of old age pensions under the Old Age Pensions Act and the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act.
The number of old age pensioners in receipt of poor relief in England and Wales during the week ending nth March, 1939, was 265,493. Of this number 29,439 were in receipt of relief in institutions, and 236,054 were in receipt of outdoor relief.
The following statement shows for each administrative county and county borough in England and Wales (i) the number of old age pensioners in receipt of outdoor poor relief during the week ending nth March, 1939, (ii) the number of dependants of those persons, (iii) the total cost of out-relief in money and kind granted to those old age pensioners and their dependants during that week, and (iv) certain other particulars.
| Administrative Counties and County Boroughs. | Week ending nth March, 1939. | Estimated annual cost of out-relief in money or in kind to old age pensioners and their dependants falling to be met out of rates and the Block Grants.* | ||||
| Number of old age pensioners to whom out-relief in money and kind was granted during the week. | Number of dependants of persons in Col. 1 other than those who are themselves in receipt of old age pensions. | Total cost of out-relief in money or in kind granted to persons accounted for in Cols. 2 and 3. | Amount. | Equivalent rate in the pound. | ||
| 1 | 2 | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6. | |
| ADMINISTRATIVE | ||||||
| COUNTIES—contd. | £ | £ | s. | d. | ||
| England—contd. | ||||||
| Lincoln: | ||||||
| Parts of Holland | 330 | 83 | 101 | 5,266 | 3 · 9 | |
| Parts of Kesteven | 447 | 146 | 159 | 8,291 | 4 · 5 | |
| Parts of Lindsey | 1,115 | 305 | 359 | 18,719 | 4 · 0 | |
| London | 26,696 | 2,455 | 11,444 | 596,723 | 2 · 4 | |
| Middlesex | 7.244 | 895 | 3,875 | 202,052 | 2 · 5 | |
| Norfolk | 1,543 | 480 | 644 | 33,580 | 7 · 4 | |
| Northampton | 627 | 110 | 175 | 9,125 | 2 · 1 | |
| Northumberland | 2,120 | 568 | 672 | 35,040 | 4 · 2 | |
| Nottingham | 2,460 | 527 | 887 | 46,251 | 5 · 2 | |
| Oxford | 351 | 122 | 109 | 5,690 | 2 · 2 | |
| Peterborough, Soke of | 195 | 39 | 79 | 4,119 | 3·0 | |
| Rutland | 54 | 15 | 17 | 886 | 2 · 6 | |
| Salop | 956 | 319 | 286 | 14,913 | 3 · 3 | |
| Somerset | 1,573 | 337 | 442 | 23,047 | 2 · 3 | |
| Southampton | 903 | 208 | 340 | 17,729 | 1 · 2 | |
| Stafford | 1,683 | 430 | 439 | 22,891 | 1 · 9 | |
| Suffolk, East | 502 | 187 | 217 | 11,315 | 2 · 8 | |
| Suffolk, West | 498 | 11 | 179 | 9,334 | 5 · 4 | |
| Surrey | 2,286 | 333 | 894 | 46,616 | 0 · 9 | |
| Sussex, East | 640 | 98 | 229 | 11,941 | 1 · 0 | |
| Sussex, West | 475 | 131 | 179 | 9,334 | 0 · 9 | |
| Warwick | 1,036 | 168 | 348 | 18,146 | 1 · 8 | |
| Westmorland | 132 | 36 | 50 | 2,607 | 1 · 6 | |
| Wight, Isle of | 307 | 81 | 131 | 6,842 | 2 · 6 | |
| Wilts | 668 | 248 | 325 | 11,732 | 1 · 8 | |
| Worcester | 948 | 222 | 293 | 15.278 | 2 · 4 | |
| York: | ||||||
| East Riding | 713 | 142 | 252 | 13,140 | 3 · 7 | |
| North Riding | 1,470 | 415 | 613 | 31,969 | 4 · 7 | |
| West Riding | 9,383 | 1,810 | 4,228 | 220,460 | 7 · 8 | |
| WALES (with Mon-mouth): | ||||||
| Anglesey | 395 | 79 | 108 | 5.631 | 8 · 8 | |
| Brecknock | 449 | 161 | 179 | 9.307 | 8 · 9 | |
| Caernarvon | 962 | 248 | 418 | 21,796 | 9 · 3 | |
| Cardigan | 212 | 42 | 66 | 3.441 | 5 · 2 | |
| Carmarthen | 857 | 197 | 275 | 14.339 | 6 · 9 | |
| Denbigh | 1,113 | 272 | 356 | 18,563 | 6 · 2 | |
| Flint | 673 | 151 | 226 | 11,784 | 4 · 9 | |
| Glamorgan | 10,877 | 2,235 | 4,203 | 219,156 | 1 | 9 · 8 |
| Merioneth | 168 | 27 | 54 | 2,816 | 4 · 4 | |
| Monmouth | 4.869 | 1,057 | 1,868 | 97,403 | 2 | 0 · 5 |
| Montgomery | 230 | 63 | 64 | 3,337 | 5. ·0 | |
| Pembroke | 421 | 103 | 111 | 5,788 | 5 · 7 | |
| Radnor | 91 | 28 | 32 | 1,669 | 2 · 1 | |
| COUNTY BOUROUGHS. | ||||||
| ENGLAND: | ||||||
| Barnsley | 792 | 170 | 342 | 17,833 | 1 | 0 ·.6 |
| Barrow-in-Furness | 531 | 97 | 196 | 10,239 | 6 · 8 | |
| Bath | 254 | 27 | 90 | 4,693 | 1 · 9 | |
| Birkenhead | 1,158 | 192 | 439 | 22,891 | 6 · 0 | |
| Birmingham | 4,458 | 662 | 2,126 | 110,856 | 4 · 0 | |
| Administrative Counties and County Boroughs. | Week ending nth March, 1939. | Estimated annual cost of out-relief in money or in kind to old age pensioners and their dependants falling to be met out of rates and the Block Grants.* | ||||
| Number of old age pensioners to whom out-relief in money and kind was granted during the week. | Number of dependants of persons in Col. 1 other than those who are themselves in receipt of old age pensions. | Total cost of out-relief in money or in kind granted to persons accounted for in Cols. 2 and 3 | Amount. | Equivalent rate in the pound. | ||
| 1 | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6. | |
| COUNTY BOROUGHS—contd. | £ | £ | s. | d. | ||
| ENGLAND—contd. | ||||||
| Blackburn | 1,095 | 113 | 340 | 17,729 | 6·4 | |
| Blackpool | 319 | 41 | 97 | 5,058 | 0·8 | |
| Bolton | 1,130 | 105 | 464 | 24,194 | 6·1 | |
| Bootle | 682 | 111 | 214 | 11,159 | 5·7 | |
| Bournemouth | 443 | 67 | 186 | 9,699 | 1·3 | |
| Bradford | 2,038 | 218 | 883 | 46,042 | 5·8 | |
| Brighton | 905 | 84 | 292 | 15,226 | 2·1 | |
| Bristol | 2,212 | 368 | 926 | 48,284 | 3·6 | |
| Burnley | 823 | 107 | 267 | 13,922 | 6·5 | |
| Burton-upon-Trent | 139 | 10 | 31 | 1,1516 | 1·4 | |
| Bury | 346 | 44 | 106 | 5,527 | 3·8 | |
| Canterbury | 84 | 14 | 28 | 1,460 | 1·6 | |
| Carlisle | 260 | 39 | 96 | 5,006 | 3·2 | |
| Chester | 184 | 37 | 65 | 3,389 | 2·2 | |
| Coventry | 651 | 103 | 298 | 15,539 | 2·7 | |
| Croydon | 1,139 | 170 | 507 | 26,436 | 2·8 | |
| Darlington | 229 | 64 | 64 | 3,337 | 1·6 | |
| Derby | 947 | 81 | 419 | 21,848 | 6·1 | |
| Dewsbury | 340 | 43 | 123 | 6,414 | 5·3 | |
| Doncaster | 298 | 88 | 93 | 4,849 | 2·3 | |
| Dudley | 255 | 63 | 78 | 4,067 | 3·8 | |
| Eastbourne | 350 | 46 | 118 | 6,153 | 1·7 | |
| East Ham | 892 | 153 | 338 | 17,624 | 5·8 | |
| Exeter | 198 | 29 | 57 | 2,972 | 1·1 | |
| Gateshead | 1,245 | 285 | 452 | 23,553 | 11·1 | |
| Gloucester | 62 | 27 | 18 | 961 | 0·6 | |
| Great Yarmouth | 481 | 91 | 136 | 7,116 | 5·5 | |
| Grimsby | 903 | 190 | 230 | 11,993 | 6·3 | |
| Halifax | 326 | 28 | 97 | 5,058 | 2·2 | |
| Hastings | 276 | 26 | 94 | 4,901 | 1·6 | |
| Huddersfield | 502 | 50 | 217 | 11,315 | 3·1 | |
| Ipswich | 625 | 124 | 264 | 13,766 | 5·8 | |
| Kingston-upon-Hull | 3.549 | 519 | 1,795 | 93,596 | 1 | 1·8 |
| Leeds | 3,713 | 475 | 2,045 | 106,632 | 7·6 | |
| Leicester | 1,338 | 141 | 493 | 25,706 | 3·3 | |
| Lincoln | 1,090 | 113 | 554 | 28,887 | 1 | 4·5 |
| Liverpool | 7.564 | 1.405 | 2,290 | 119,393 | 4·8 | |
| Manchester | 6,779 | 897 | 3,888 | 202,731 | 8·2 | |
| Middlesbrough | 1,055 | 214 | 339 | 17,676 | 6·6 | |
| Newcastle-upon-Tyne. | 2,582 | 474 | 1,030 | 53,707 | 5·3 | |
| Northampton | 647 | 57 | 218 | 11,367 | 3·8 | |
| Norwich | 1,104 | 182 | 465 | 24,246 | 8·1 | |
| Nottingham | 2,897 | 372 | 1,128 | 58,826 | 7·4 | |
| Oldham | 1,105 | 139 | 422 | 22,004 | 8·5 | |
| Oxford | 97 | 16 | 35 | 1,825 | 0·5 | |
| Plymouth | 1,169 | 172 | 430 | 22,421 | 3·2 | |
| Portsmouth | 1,018 | 108 | 348 | 18,146 | 2·5 | |
| Preston | 590 | 83 | 204 | 10,637 | 3·9 | |
| Reading | 621 | 84 | 292 | 15,226 | 4·5 | |
| Rochdale | 691 | 80 | 193 | 10,064 | 4·8 | |
| Rotherham | 952 | 180 | 451 | 23,516 | 1 | 2·4 |
| St. Helens | 941 | 172 | 300 | 15 643 | 3·7 | |
| Salford | 1,513 | 180 | 815 | 37,833 | 9·1 | |
| Sheffield | 5,155 | 837 | 2,259 | 117,79I | 9·6 | |
| Administrative Counties and County Boroughs. | Week ending 11th March, 1939. | Estimated annual cost of out-relief in money or in kind to old age pensioners and their dependants falling to be met out of rates and the Block Grants.* | ||||
| Number of old age pensioners to whom out-relief in money and kind was granted during the week. | Number of dependants of persons in Col. 1 other than those who are themselves in receipt of old age pensions. | Total cost of out-relief in money or in kind granted to persons accounted for in Cols. 2 and 3. | Amount. | Equivalent rate in the pound. | ||
| 1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6. | |
| COUNTY BOROUGHS—cont. | £ | £ | s. | d. | ||
| ENGLAND—cont. | ||||||
| Smethwick | 405 | 55 | 210 | 10,950 | 7·0 | |
| Southampton | 1,366 | 223 | 470 | 24,507 | 4·0 | |
| Southend-on-Sea | 871 | 94 | 403 | 21,019 | 3·5 | |
| Southport | 329 | 26 | 117 | 6,101 | 1·6 | |
| South Shields | 1,090 | 258 | 431 | 22,474 | 10·7 | |
| Stockport | 737 | 31 | 265 | 13,802 | 4·0 | |
| Stoke-on-Trent | 1.856 | 331 | 602 | 31,390 | 6·8 | |
| Sunderland | 2,753 | 532 | 1,197 | 62,415 | 1 | 5·0 |
| Tynemouth | 508 | 97 | 152 | 7,915 | 5·3 | |
| Wakefield | 615 | 98 | 272 | 14,171 | 9·9 | |
| Wallasey | 481 | 84 | 158 | 8,239 | 2·4 | |
| Walsall | 710 | 137 | 290 | 15,145 | 7·5 | |
| Warriagton | 597 | 48 | 253 | 13,192 | 8·8 | |
| West Bromwich | 447 | 69 | 159 | 8,276 | 5·8 | |
| West Ham | 2,480 | 317 | 917 | 47,815 | 8·2 | |
| West Hartlepool | 769 | 190 | 277 | 14,444 | 10·7 | |
| Wigan | 762 | 138 | 231 | 12,045 | 7·3 | |
| Wolverhampton | 843 | 139 | 305 | 15,904 | 4·4 | |
| Worcester | 141 | 22 | 36 | 1,877 | 1·3 | |
| York | 467 | 80 | 148 | 7,717 | 3·1 | |
| WALES: | ||||||
| Cardiff | 2,247 | 388 | 838 | 43,696 | 5·9 | |
| Merthyr Tydfil | 1,775 | 360 | 642 | 33,476 | 3 | 4·8 |
| Newport (Mon.) | 650 | 162 | 226 | 11,784 | 4·2 | |
| Swansea | 1,410 | 232 | 457 | 23,829 | 5·9 | |
| SUMMARY. | ||||||
| ENGLAND (excluding Monmouth): | ||||||
| London | 26,696 | 2,455 | 11,444 | 596,723 | 2·4 | |
| Other Administrative Counties | 89,990 | 18,752 | 36,486 | 1,902,529 | 3·4 | |
| County Boroughs | 91,969 | 14,036 | 37,678 | 1,959,996 | 5·4 | |
| Total | 208,655 | 35,243 | 85,608 | 4,459,248 | 3·8 | |
| WALES (with mon-mouth) | ||||||
| Administrative Counties | 21,317 | 4663 | 7,960 | 415,030 | 1 | 2·1 |
| County Boroughs | 6,082 | 1,142 | 2,163 | 112,785 | 7·5 | |
| Total | 27.399 | 5,805 | 10,123 | 527,815 | 11·9 | |
| ENGLAND AND WALES: | ||||||
| London | 26,696 | 2,455 | 11,444 | 596,723 | 2·4 | |
| Other Administrative Counties | 111,307 | 23,415 | 44,446 | 2,317,559 | 3·9 | |
| County Boroughs | 98,051 | 15,178 | 39,841 | 2,072,781 | 5·5 | |
| Total | 236,054 | 41,048 | 95,731 | 4,987,063 | 4·1 | |
* For the purposes of the estimates in Cols. 5 and 6 it has been assumed that the weekly cost of out-relief to old age pensioners and their dependants, as shown by the figures relating to the week ending nth March, 1939, represents a true average of the weekly cost throughout a period of twelve months. In point of fact, the out-relief granted during that week to the household of an old age pensioner often included an extra winter allowance and it is estimated that the actual annual cost of out-relief to old age pensioners and their dependants is in the region of £4,500,000. | ||||||
Civil Defence
Evacuation Camps
asked the Minister of Health whether he proposes, in the event of the Government's subsidised camps not being immediately required for evacuation purposes, to allow interests already operating camps in this country on a commercial basis, to lease them during the holiday periods; and, if not, what steps are to be taken to avoid unfair competition between the new subsidised camps and existing commercial camps?
As was explained in the Second Reading Debate on the Camps Bill, the normal peace-time use of the proposed camps will be as school camps, but in the event of their being available for other purposes there will be nothing to prevent the public corporations who manage the camps letting them to suitable bodies. There is no reasonable ground for anticipating any unfair competition with existing commercial camps.
Property Owners
asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of the large amount of commercial property which will be affected by Part 3 of the Civil Defence Bill, he can give a definite assurance that representatives of the National Federation of Property Owners will be appointed to the Standing Joint Committee which is to be set up for consultation with regard to this part of the Measure?
I will certainly consider how representatives of the owners of commercial buildings may best be brought into consultation in these matters; but I am not at present in a position to make any definite statement as to the precise form which this consultation will take.
Cyprus
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proposals have been made by the Governor of Cyprus for developing roads, and improving housing in the villages; to what extent the decision to provide milk for necessitous children has been given effect; and what measures are under consideration for dealing with the indebtedness of the farmers?
I have not received any recent proposals from the Governor of Cyprus for developing roads or improving houses in the villages. Both, however, are objects that engage the constant attention of the Cyprus Government. The road system in Cyprus is of a good standard, and in this year's estimates some £32,000 is provided for village roads and other minor works. Government officials endeavour by propaganda to improve village housing conditions.I am asking the Governor for information about the provision of milk for necessitous children.A law to provide for the relief of agricultural debtors was published in Cyprus in November in draft to allow of comments from interested parties. In the light of the comments received a number of amendments have been made to the original draft bill and I am now considering the revised draft. The law will established a Debt Settlement Board which will have power to make settlements based on the debtor's capacity to pay.
Palestine (Arab Boy's Conviction)
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now inform the House of the results of his inquiry into the case of the Arab boy of 13 who, on 25th March, was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment and 18 lashes with a whip?
Yes, Sir. The High Commissioner has informed me that this Arab boy was found guilty by the Military Court at Jerusalem on 24th March of shooting a Jew. No doubt his intent was to kill, but fortunately he only succeeding in wounding his victim. He was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment and 18 strokes by whipping. Such whipping is inflicted with a light rod, or cane or birch. On 29th March the General Officer Commanding confirmed the sentence, but reduced the strokes to 12 and directed that the sentence of imprisonment should be served in a reformatory.The power of confirmation rests solely with the General Officer Commanding, and I am not in a position to intervene, but I should like to explain to the House that I am informed that the present policy of the terrorist organisation in Palestine is to encourage youths under 18 who, if caught, cannot be sentenced to death, to carry lethal weapons with intent to kill.
British Army
Territorial Army Commissions
asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the number of commissions granted in the Territorial Army in the years 1935, 1936, 1937 and 1938 respectively, showing the number of these granted to applicants in the ranks?
Following is the answer
| Commissions granted in the Territorial Army. | ||
| Financial Year. | Total commissions granted from all sources (including from the ranks). | Commissions granted from the ranks. |
| 1934–5 | 801 | 71 |
| 1935–6 | 928 | 100 |
| 1936–7 | 1,701 | 101 |
| 1937–8 | 1,713 | 119 |
| *April, 1938, to February, 1939, inclusive. | 2,783 | 312 |
| Totals | 7,926 | 703 |
| * These are the latest available figures. | ||
Royal Arsenal, Woolwich (Suspensions)
asked the Secretary of State for War whether individual discharges and suspensions in the high-explosives establishment at Woolwich Arsenal, when-even they may occur, are determined by length of employment or efficiency only; and whether any consideration is given in such circumstances to employés' previous service in His Majesty's Forces?
When discharges due to reduction at the Royal Ordnance Factories are necessary, the long standing rule is that, subject to considerations of efficiency, the latest entrants are discharged first, special consideration being given to disabled ex-service men. The case of suspensions raises practical issues of a different nature, but, in that case also, length of service is usually the governing factor.
Uniform
asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is intended to issue the new style of trousers, as worn by the Royal Engineers, Chatham, to all soldiers in the British Army in the near future?
The new pattern trousers are now being issued, but, until the existing stock of old pattern trousers is used up, half the requirements of recruits of the Regular Army and of Supplementary Reserve and Territorial Army personnel are being met by issues of the old pattern.
Soldiers And Trade Union Membership
asked the Secretary of State for War what provision is made for those serving in the ranks in the Regular Army to join or retain membership in trade unions connected with either their former and/or future trades?
Soldiers who wish to join, or retain membership in, trade unions are free to do so.
Non-Commissioned Officers And Cadetships
asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the number of rankers considered by the War Office for appointment to cadetships in the years 1936, 1937 and 1938, respectively?
The numbers of applications from non-commissioned officers of the Regular Army for appointment to cadetships at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, received and considered by the War Office during the years 1936, 1937 and 1938 were 162, 102 and 65, respectively.
Soldier-Clerks
asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that it is in the best interests of military efficiency that serving soldiers should be retained for long periods at the War Office, away from their units, performing clerical work of the precise type which is allocated to ex-soldier-clerks?
I would refer the hon. Lady to the answer given yesterday to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Birkenhead West (Colonel Sandeman Allen) and to my hon. Friend the Member for Deritend (Sir J. S.medley Crooke).
Territorial Army Recruits (Employment)
asked the Minister of Labour whether, to encourage voluntary enlistment in the proposed increased Territorial Army, he will consider the advisability of asking employers of potential recruits, through the Employment Exchanges, whether they would be prepared to give an honourable undertaking that no employé of theirs serving in His Majesty's Forces should be penalised in consequence of time given for his training and service?
I will consider my hon. Friend's suggestion in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War.
Traffic Congestion, London(Waiting Cars)
asked the Minister of Transport whether he will have an inquiry held into his proposal to prohibit vehicles from waiting in certain London streets and into alternative proposals for reducing congestion?
I do not think that a Public Inquiry would be the most appropriate means of dealing with this matter. I have decided to refer the various representations to the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee for their consideration and report. At the same time, I have asked the committee to hold public sittings for the purpose of hearing representations.
Unemployment
New Employment Exchange, Hornchurch
asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give any definite information as to the progress of work on the promised Employment Exchange to be built at Hornchurch?
Plans have been prepared and we shall proceed with the new building without any unnecessary delay, but work on urgent defence measures must of necessity take precedence.
Unemployment Fund (Credit Balance)
asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the balance of the credit of the Unemployment Insurance Fund as at 1st April, 1939?
After the application on 31st March, 1939, of a sum of £3,000,000 to the reduction of the debt of the Unemployment Fund in accordance with the recommendation of the Unemployment Insurance Statutory Committee, the balance of the fund at 1st April, 1939, was about £43,285,000, including investments at cost.
Domestic Service Training
asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the number of girls between the ages of 14 and 21 unemployed on the 31st December last, or nearest date available; and what steps are being taken to train such girls for domestic service?
At the 12th December, 1938, the only date in that month for which figures are available, there were 85,639 young women and girls aged 14 and under 21 years on the registers of the Employment Exchanges in Great Britain. The Central Committee on Women's Training and Employment administer, on behalf of the Ministry of Labour, a scheme for training women and girls for domestic service.
asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the number of girls between the ages of 14 and 21 in 1936, 1937, and 1938, placed in domestic service through the Employment Exchanges?
I regret that information is not available for the age group mentioned. The numbers of vacancies in private domestic service filled through the Employment Exchanges by girls aged 14 to 17 and women aged 18 and over are as follow:
| Year. | Women Age 18 and over. | Girls Age 14–17 | ||
| 1936 | … | … | 50,734 | 15,929 |
| 1937 | … | … | 50,226 | 15,1671 |
| 1938 | … | … | 42,704 | 14,021 |
Miners (South Wales)
asked the Minister of Labour what number of miners are unemployed in the Gwaun-cae-Gurwen, Cwmllynfell, and Ystalyfera areas each week from January, 1939, to date; will he ascertain how many weeks the whole of the men were idle during 1938; and what is the cause of this unemployment?
The available figures relate to the number of insured persons in the coal-mining industry classification recorded as unemployed at the Ystalyfera Employment Exchange on one date in each month. These include Cwmllynfell, and are given below:
| 16th January, 1939 | … | 1,227 |
| 13th February, 1939 | … | 901 |
| 13th March, 1939 | … | 1,317 |
Disabled Ex-Service Men
asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider the further modification of conditions as to payment of contributions under Section 22 of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1935, by limbless and other seriously disabled ex-service men who are so severely handicapped in obtaining employment, to ensure that all such men who are unable to follow their normal occupation, shall, whilst unemployed and registering at Employment Exchanges, be entitled to benefit under the Act?
This matter was very carefully considered by the Royal Commission on Unemployment Insurance in the light of representations from the British Legion. While the Commission recommended that the existing provisions, which were introduced by the Act of 1927, should be continued, they were not in favour of any further relaxation. I have myself considered the matter on a number of occasions and I see no ground for differing from the Royal Commission's recommendation.
Newington
asked the Minister of Labour how many men were sent to work from the Newington Employment Exchange in response to applications from employers or their agents during the month of March in 1936, 1937, 1938, and 1939; and similar particulars relating to the women's department, excluding juniors in both instances?
The following table shows the numbers of vacancies notified by employers which were filled during the months in question by men and women on the registers of the Borough (Walworth Road) Employment Exchange. This Exchange serves the Newington area.
| Month. | Men. | Women. | |
| March, 1936 | … | 847 | 554 |
| March, 1937 | … | 730 | 432 |
| March, 1938 | … | 757 | 552 |
| March, 1939 | … | 762 | 610 |
Greenock
asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the fact that, of the 6,261 applicants for benefit or unemployment allowances in the Greenock area as at 16th January, 1939, over 17 per cent. had been unemployed for two years or more and over 11 percent. for three years or more; how many of these were men and how many women; how many had been unemployed for three to five years and over five years, respectively," and if he can give any information regarding the type and causes of this long unemployment?
pursuant to his reply (OFFICIAL REPORT, 2nd March, 1939, cols. 1426–27, Vol. 344) ,supplied the following statement.The table below analyses by sex and duration of employment the numbers of persons applying for unemployment benefitor allowances at the Greenock Employment Exchange at 16th January, 1939, who had been continuously on the register for two years or more.
| Length of current spell of registered unemployment. | Men. | Women. |
| Two but less than three years. | 364 | 29 |
| Three but less than five years. | 222 | 24 |
| Five and more | 451 | 13 |
Employment In Factories (Young Persons)
asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the number of girls between the ages of 14 and 21 employed in factories with, if possible, a rough percentage of the number of such girls whose places could be taken by men?
At July, 1938, approximately 924,000 young women and girls, aged 14 and under 21, insured under the Unemployment Insurance Acts, were classified as belonging to manufacturing industries. This figure includes, however, clerks, typists, and other ancillary workers. Separate figures are not available in respect of those employed on manufacturing processes nor is it possible to make an estimate of the proportion whose places could be taken by men.
Domestic Servants (Aliens)
asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the number of women of alien origin admitted into this country in 1936, 1937 and 1938 for the purpose of taking work as domestic servants?
I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department that no separate statistics are kept showing how many of the foreign women who enter the United Kingdom in a particular period are coming for employment in domestic service. The number of permits issued by the Ministry of Labour in respect of female foreigners from abroad for employment as domestic servants in private households during 1936, 1937 and 1938 were 8,031, 12,897 and 13,757 respectively. In addition, from 1st April 1938, to the end of that year permission was given by the Home Office in respect of approximately 1,300 refugee women from Greater Germany to proceed to this country for domestic service under the auspices of the Co-ordinating Committee for Refugees.
National Service
asked the Minister of Labour what is the total number of volunteers so far enrolled in the various branches of National Service included in the National Service campaign; how far are these numbers short of the total required; what proportion of the volunteers have already completed the necessary training; what proportion are at present being trained; and what proportion have not yet commenced training?
Between the launching of the National Service Campaign and the end of March, the number of applications for enrolment in all branches reached a total of over750,000, and during the last fortnight of this period the flow of applications was greatly accelerated. I am not yet in a position to supply an analysis such as the Noble Lady desires, of the figures for the end of March.
European Situation (Information)
asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider holding an inquiry as to whether the failure of His Majesty's representative at Berlin to warn His Majesty's Government of Herr Hitler's intention to invade Czechoslovakia indicates defects in the methods of accumulating and supplying information through diplomatic channels?
No, Sir. I cannot accept the reflection on His Majesty's Ambassador contained in the hon. Member's question.
Poland
asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the conditions under which Eastern Galicia was handed over to Poland, such conditions including autonomy within the Polish State, he will, in the course of his conversations, draw the attention of Colonel Beck to the favourable effect on political stability in Central Europe of a grant of a reasonable measure of autonomy in Eastern Galicia, in view of the menace of German imperialism?
My Noble Friend does not think that the present moment is suitable for raising this question.
asked the Prime Minister whether he will represent to Colonel Beck that His Majesty's Government has always shown interest in the claims to reasonable minority treatment of the Ukrainians of East Galicia; is well aware of the opportunities offered to German propaganda by the existence of these claims; and considers that the closer relations now established with Poland would be strengthened by any steps taken to meet these claims in a friendly spirit?
My Noble Friend does not think that the present moment is suitable for raising this question.
China (Opium Traffic)
asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a British-owned newspaper in Shanghai published on 1st March the names and addresses of 34 opium-dens in the Shanghai district outside the jurisdiction of the Shanghai Municipal Council which have been licensed by the Japanese authorities for 500 dollars each per month; and whether he will make strong representations to the Japanese Government on the necessity for immediately suppressing opium traffic in the area under their control?
My Noble Friend is making inquiries about this report.
Consular Service
asked the Prime Minister whether he will state the number of British Consuls who are of other than British nationality; and whether he will give the numbers according to nationality?
There are 99 unsalaried Consuls and Vice-Consuls whose nationality is other than British. The numbers according to nationality are as follow:
| Nationality. | Consuls. | Vice-Consuls. | |
| Belgian. | … | — | 1 |
| Danish | … | 1 | 11 |
| Ecuadorean | … | — | 1 |
| Finnish | … | — | 8 |
| French | … | — | 4 |
| German | … | — | 2 |
| Greek | … | — | 3 |
| Icelandic | … | 1 | 4 |
| Italian | … | — | 3 |
| Netherlands | … | — | 6 |
| Norwegian | … | 1 | 21 |
| Portuguese | … | — | 4 |
| Roumanian | … | 1 | — |
| Spanish | … | — | 3 |
| Swedish | … | — | 11 |
| Swiss | … | 1 | 3 |
| U.S.A. | … | — | 5 |
| Yugoslav | … | — | 4 |
| 5 | 94 |
Education
Long Crendon
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether, in view of the fact that the report of the public inquiry held in November, 1938, at Long Crendon has been misunderstood, and that there were only 75 families with parents in favour of a Church of England school, he will now reconsider his decision in favour of a non-provided school?
No, Sir. The Board's' decision does not rest only upon the consideration of the wishes of parents but also on that of the other factors prescribed in Section 19 of the Education Act, 1921.
Holiday Camps, South Wales
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is taking any steps to urge upon the Commissioner for Special Areas the necessity of building new holiday camps for school children in distressed areas of South Wales to make up for the loss sustained by the closing down of some of the camps last year?
With the exception of the camp at Pembrey the Commissioner for the Special Areas has not closed any school camps in South Wales. The question of replacing this camp has been under discussion between the Commissioner and the Board. I understand that the future of these camps and other camps is now under consideration with particular reference to the Camps Bill.
Coal Industry (South Wales)
asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will ascertain why the collieries owned by the Amalgamated Anthracite Company at Gwaun-cae-Gurwen, Cwmllynfell, and Ystalyfera are idle for weeks and, in some instances, one colliery working and three or four kept idle from one to eight weeks at a time; and will he inquire what has been the effect of amalgamation on the regular working of these collieries?
I am informed that the irregular working of the collieries in these districts is due to want of trade. I do not think that any inquiry could decide how the effects of absence of demand would have been distributed had the collieries been in separate ownership.
Telephone Service (Broadcast Relays)
asked the Postmaster-General whether his proposal to
| — | March, 1939. | March, 1938. | ||
| Numbers. | Approximate Cost. | Numbers. | Approximate Cost. | |
| Subordinate Officers (part time) | 3 | £8,250 | 3 | £9,050 |
| European Chargemen | 7 | 8 | ||
| Asiatic Workmen | 53 | 59 | ||
Royal Navy
Floating Dock, Singapore (Maintenance Services)
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty particulars of the personnel permanently employed by the Admiralty in the maintenance services of the floating dock at Singapore, and the yearly cost of these services; and in what way, if any, these have been altered during the previous 12 months?
pursuant to his reply (OFFICIAL REPORT, 22nd March, 1939; col. 1289, Vol. 345) ,supplied the following information:The personnel permanently employed by the Admiralty in the care and maintenance party of the floating dock at Singapore in March, 1939, and March, 1938, also the corresponding yearly labour costs, are as follow:have his allowance cut on Thursday, 6th April, whereas the allowance to officers who have children will not be cut?
I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Nun-eaton (Lieut.-Commander Fletcher) today.
Commissions (Statistics)
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what was the number of commissions granted in 1938, showing separate figures for Dartmouth entry, special entry, universities, reserves ex-ratings to sub-lieutenant rank, and warrant officers?
The number of officers of the Royal Navy who qualified for commissions during 1938 is as follows:
| Sub-Lieutenants, ex Dartmouth | 69 |
| Sub-Lieutenants, Special Entry | 20 |
| Sub-Lieutenants, Direct Entry | 7 |
| Lieutenants, ex R.N.R. | 28 |
| Sub-Lieutenants, ex R.N.R. | 85 |
| Sub-Lieutenants Rating | 4 |
| Air Branch. Captain, transfer from R.A.F. | 1 |
| Air Branch. Lieutenants, transfers from R.A.F. | 34 |
| Air Branch. Sub-Lieutenants, transfers From R.A.F. | 64 |
| Sub-Lieutenants (E), ex Dartmouth | 17 |
| Sub-Lieutenants (E), Special Entry | 15 |
| Sub-Lieutenants (E), Universities | 1 |
| Sub-Lieutenants, ex Artificer Apprentices | 2 |
| Sub-Lieutenants, ex M.M. | 1 |
| Sub-Lieutenants, ex Lower Deck | 8 |
| Paymaster Sub-Lieutenants, ex Dartmouth | 1 |
| Paymaster Sub-Lieutenants, Civil Service Competitive Examination | 14 |
| Medical Officers | 35 |
| Dental Officers | 15 |
| Instructor Officers | 14 |
| Warrant Officers. Executive Branch | 66 |
| Warrant Officers. Engineer Branch | 39 |
| Warrant Officers. Accountant Branch | 19 |
| Warrant Officers. Medical Branch | 2 |
| Warrant Officers. Schoolmasters Branch | 6 |
| 570 |
Ratings And Trade Union Membership
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what provision is made for those serving in the ranks in the Navy to join or retain membership in the trade union connected with either their former and/or future trades?
There is nothing in the regulations of the Service to prevent a naval rating from acquiring or continuing membership of a trade union.
Royal Air Force
Cadetships
asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will state the number of apprentices considered by the Air Council for cadetships in the years 1936, 1937, and 1938, respectively?
Selections for cadetships are made twice a year from among the apprentices passing out of the training establishments. All those who have obtained at least 70 per cent, marks in the Passing-Out Examination are considered on each occasion. The numbers considered in 1936, 1937 and 1938 were 122, 130 and 191, respectively.
Airmen And Trade Union Membership
asked the Secretary of State for Air what provision is made for those serving in the ranks in the Royal Air Force to join or retain membership in trade unions connected with either their former and/or future trades?
Airmen who are members of trades unions on enlistment may continue in membership if they so desire and other airmen may join a trade union at any time during their service. The advantages of joining a trade union before returning to civil life are brought to the notice of airmen some time before they are due for discharge or transfer to the Reserve.
Commuted Death Sentences
asked the Home Secretary how many persons sentenced to death, whose sentences had been commuted to penal servitude were released on licence during the period of five years ending 30th April, 1937; how many of such persons have been released on licence during the period of 23 months since 30th April, 1937; and what length of penal servitude was served in each case, prior to the release on licence?
The answer to the first part of the question is 42, and to the second part, 21. As regards the third part of the question, each case is considered on its merits and the periods of detention varied from less than one year to 20 years.4 had served over 15 years,23 had served periods between 10 and 15 years,19 had served periods between 5 and 10 years,5 had served periods between 2½and 5 years, and12 had served periods of less than 2½ years.In the last group was a woman who was licensed immediately to go into a sanatorium and another who was licensed after three months.
Air-Raid Precautions
asked the Lord Privy Seal whether it is his intention to arrange a test black-out for Tyneside and, if so, the approximate date of the same?
I understand that the local authorities concerned are considering the question of holding a black-out in the Tyneside area at a date to be fixed later.
asked the Lord Privy Seal whether a decision has now been reached as to the provision of deep bomb-proof shelters for the defence of industrial populations required to remain at or near their employment during war emergency?
On the general question of shelter in industrial and commercial establishments, I can only refer the hon. Member to what I said in the course of the Debate on the Civil Defence Bill. On the question of deep or heavily protected shelters, I hope to be in a position to make a full statement shortly after the Easter Recess.
asked the Lord Privy Seal what is the position of almshouses in London in relation to the provision of airraid shelters; and whether he is satisfied that in every case there are persons responsible for making this provision?
The responsibility for the provision of air-raid shelter rests, in the case of institutions endowed by private charity upon the governing body of the institution, and in the case of institutions provided by local authorities, upon the local authority. I am not informed of the measures taken in each individual case, but I have no reason to suppose that in general the authorities are not alive to their responsibilities in this matter.
asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can state when a supply of gas masks will be available for the county of Cumberland?
I have thought it right to retain a number of respirators as a reserve for urban areas which may be more exposed to risk of air attack, and have kept in reserve for this purpose respirators which would otherwise have been distributed to some of the more distant or more rural areas. I have, however, given instructions that the position of industrial areas within the county of Cumberland shall be further examined.
asked the Lord Privy Seal how many Scottish local authorities have submitted schemes for deep shelters; whether he has brought to the notice of such authorities the scheme submitted to him by the Finsbury Borough Council; and whether he has submitted to his technical advisers the matter of utilisation for air-raid precautions purposes of deep railway tunnelling such as exists in the Greenock areas?
I have received certain proposals from the burgh of Dundee and have approved them in principle. The city of Edinburgh asked for an expression of my views upon some suggestions for the construction of underground shelter in the city, and were advised not to incur any expenditure in this connection pending an announcement on the general question. No other Scottish authority appears to have formally submitted deep shelter schemes. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. As regards the last part of the question, I am ready, as I said in my reply to the hon. and learned Member on 16th February to give consideration to any proposals that the burgh of Greenock may submit.