asked the Secretary for Mines what further measures have been taken to promote research into the problems of extracting oil from coal, following upon the report of the Falmouth Committee; and whether any steps have been taken, or are contemplated, to establish a plant to develop the Fisher-Tropsch process in this country?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 14th March to a question by the hon. Member for Neath (Sir W. Jenkins).

Have the Government made any proposals for the purpose of carrying out the recommendations of the report?

No, Sir. That rests with private enterprise. What the Government did was to carry out the principal recommendation by extending the guaranteed preference under the Finance Act last year.

Have the Government left the matter entirely to private enterprise?

The House gave a guaranteed preference for a large number of years, which represents great assistance to any people undertaking this work.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that at the conference of delegates of Lancashire and Cheshire mineworkers, held on Saturday, 1st April, a resolution was carried calling upon colliery owners and the Mines Department to give immediate attention to the provision of more outlets on long-wall faces; that the present methods are inadequate to meet the danger arising from a weighting roof; and what steps he is taking to meet this request?

Yes, Sir. The resolution, however, voices primarily an objection to the use of metal chock release devices, and the question of the number of exit roads from longwall faces is raised consequentially. On the first point I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given him on 28th March. The second point was dealt with in evidence to the Royal Commission on Safety, but the Commission made no recommendation in the matter, and I am advised that, in general, the limitation of the number of gate-ways on long wall faces tends to ensure greater safety from falls of ground, since a large proportion of the accidents from falls of roof at the face occur at and about gate-ends.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this matter is causing great concern to mineworkers, and will he instruct the Mines Inspector to make a special report on this particular question and see what can be done?

I think we have all the information necessary on this question.

:Is not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there is uneasiness on the part of the men working on these longwall faces, and that if he does not speed up legislation to deal with this matter, there will be a crash one of these days on these faces?

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of mining districts in which agreements have been concluded for holidays with pay; the approximate number of workers covered by such agreements; and how many are already in operation or are to operate this year?

Agreements for holidays with pay affecting the main classes of workpeople have been concluded and are in operation in the 14 principal mining districts, and in two others payments were made in 1938, although agreements have not been signed. The approximate number of workers affected is 733,000. Full information is available in the statement placed in the Library as a result of the question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Walls-end (Miss Ward) on 1st November last.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman tell me whether in every case the cost of these holidays goes into the ascertainment?

I think the hon. Member had better look at the full statement in the Library, and then if there is anything further he would like me to ascertain, I will do so.

Is it not the case that in all these districts the miners, to the extent of 87 per cent., pay for their own holidays with pay?

I cannot undertake to answer questions about wage arrangements without notice. If the hon. Member will put a question on the Paper, I will do my best to answer it. All the information which I have is given in the statement in the Library. Perhaps the hon. Member will study that.

Is it not a fact that in all the agreements there is a penalty clause?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will issue instructions that all goods entering Great Britain should be clearly marked with the country of origin?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave on 28th March to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Sudbury (Colonel Burton).

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the difficulty under which British ribbon manufacturers contend, owing to the competition of German goods which obtain 40 per cent. export premium, and of Japanese goods which are offered at half the price of a British manufacturer's initial cost; and whether, in the interests of the industry, he will prohibit the imports of these goods from those two countries?

I am aware that British ribbon manufacturers experience competition from imports from Germany and Japan, but I would point out that the aggregate of the imports of ribbons from these two countries has not increased in recent years. I have no power to prohibit the imports of these goods.

Can the Government do nothing to help these firms, which have very few looms occupied at present?

If my hon. and gallant Friend has any particular case in mind, I should be glad to have it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information to give the House on the recent visit of the British trade delegation to various foreign countries?

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he can now make a statement on the conversations between himself: and the representatives of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the Polish Government?

I would refer the hon. Members to the statement made by the Prime Minister on 6th April in reply to a question by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Wakefield (Mr. Greenwood), to which I have at present nothing to add.

May I ask to whom we should put questions about the conversations taking place between the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department and other countries? Ought questions to be put to him or to his right hon. Friend?

Of these two questions, one was put to me and the other to my right hon. Friend. For the convenience of the House, I answered both.

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. May I ask for your guidance as to what should be done in these circumstances? Are we to address questions of this kind to the appropriate Minister or to some other Member of the Government?

To the appropriate Minister.

Further to my point of Order. Is not the Minister in this case the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, who conducted the conversations and is best capable of giving an answer?

One of these questions was addressed to the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department.

May I point out that Question 55 was addressed to the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, but that it was replied to by the President of the Board of Trade, who has nothing to do with the matter":

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement as to the position and prospects of the Anglo-Spanish clearing arrangements?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 14th March to a similar question by the hon. Member for Bassetlaw (Mr. Bellenger), to which I have nothing at present to add.

Are there not funds available for distribution in the Anglo-Spanish Clearing Office in London, and is it proposed to make an early distribution of these funds?

If my hon. Friend will look at previous answers, he will see the debt position explained. It is not exactly correct to say that there is money in hand for distribution.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the percentage reductions in supplies of Dominion and foreign mutton and lamb announced on 16th February last were intended to apply to the respective quotas or to the actual totals of these imports in the preceding year; and whether, in deciding upon these percent ages, he had taken account of the large increase in mutton and lamb imports between1936 and 1938?

The percentage reductions apply in the case of the Dominions to the actual imports in the last 12-monthly period, and in the case of foreign countries to the basic quota requirements in the current year.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is satisfied that these reductions which represent less than one-half of the increase on imports in the past two years are sufficient to influence the course of prices of home-killed mutton and lamb?

The figure was arrived at after consideration of the probable absorption of mutton and lamb in the United Kingdom during the course of that year.

Before these reductions were decided upon, was the Food Defence Minister consulted?

I was the Food Defence Minister at the time.

Can the Minister give an assurance that the reduction in supplies will not affect the ability of working-class people to get reasonably cheap mutton and lamb?

If the right hon. Gentleman was Food Defence Minister at the time the reductions were decided upon, had he in mind recent events in Europe; and, if so, is he satisfied that the supplies available will be sufficient for an emergency?

What I had in mind was the great value, from the point of view of food supplies in an emergency, of the existence of numbers and prosperity in the sheep industry in this country and the fact that the best reserve of mutton and lamb would be in the British field rather than in the foreign refrigerator.

Was this reduction effected with the consent of the Dominions concerned?

With their acquiescence.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what quantities of iron-ore and petrol have been imported by Germany from the British Empire during the years 1936, 1937, and 1938, respectively?

The quantities of iron-ore imported into Germany from countries in the British Empire during 1936, 1937and 1938 were, in thousand metric tons, 355, 1,027 and 1,591, respectively; the corresponding figures for imports of petroleum were, also in thousand metric tons, 35, 21 and 18, respectively.

Is it not about time the British Empire ceased to act as powder monkey for these dictators?

None of the iron ore came from the United Kingdom.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the difficulty experienced by exhibitors and/or renters in obtaining sufficient attractive British films to comply with the quota provisions of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1938; will he give particulars of any recommendations that have been made to him by the Films Council appointed under this Act for the purpose of making any variation of these clauses; and what action he proposes to take?

I have received no representations in the sense of the first part of the hon. Member's question. As to the latter part of the question, I have nothing to add to my answer to the hon. Member of 4th April last.

Has the right hon. Gentleman had brought to his notice the very curious position in which exhibitors are finding themselves through not being able to obtain sufficient suitable British films?

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there has been any increase in Anglo-American trade since the Anglo-American Trade Treaty was signed?

In view of the short time which has elapsed since the entry into force of the trade agreement between the United Kingdom and the United States, it is too early to draw any definite conclusions from the statistics at present available. There are, however, already signs of a considerable expansion in exports of United Kingdom goods to the United States. The increase in the first two months of this year, as compared with the same period of 1938, exceeded£1,000,000. Imports from the United States, on the other hand, show a substantial decline, but it must be remembered that imports from this source were at a peak level last year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is proposed to make retrospective the grant of financial assistance to shipbuilding firms and shipowners where orders for the construction of new tonnage have been placed?

Yes, Sir. I would refer the hon. Member to the passage in my statement on 28th March which deals with this point.

On what authority does the right hon. Gentleman propose to make these grants retrospective? Does it not require legislation?

If the hon. Gentleman remembers the passage in my speech or looks at it again, he will see that all I have said is that I shall propose to Parliament, when I introduce legislation, that these grants shall be made retrospective. It will be for Parliament to decide whether they accept that proposal or not.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered the representations urging that ships built with the assistance of the Government subsidy shall be coal-burning ships; and whether he will make this one of the conditions for the payment of the subsidy?

I am receiving a deputation on this subject to-day.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that the public interests are threatened since the milling interests have become bakery owners, he will request the Food Council to investigate, and intervene if necessary, as recommended by the Royal Commission on Food Prices?

If my hon. Friend can furnish me with evidence that the public interests are being threatened, I will bring it to the notice of the Food Council.

Is not my right hon. Friend suffering from a certain unaware-ness? Can he inform us whether the Food Council are an active body or not? If they are, why do they not act and inquire into this matter as was laid down by the Royal Commission? Will my right hon. Friend very kindly give me an answer?

I will give an answer, and all my answers are given very kindly. The Food Council is an active body, but they are not in possession of the information, or, perhaps I should say, the suspicions of the hon. Member, which are not always found to be well-founded. What I have said is that if he will furnish me with evidence of the accuracy of his fears, I will pass it on to the Food Council who, I have no doubt, will make active inquiries into the matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that among a large body of well-informed opinion, the view is held that the activities of the milling combines are highly damaging to both producer and consumer; and what activity does the Government propose in that respect?

I think the hon. Gentleman should bring that question to the notice of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Hillsborough (Mr. Alexander) who is associated with one of the largest of those combines.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that what we all protest against is the activity of these price-fixing associations?

asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent the marine diesel engines imported from Ger many during the past year have been subsidised by the German Government; and whether it is his intention to reconsider the free importation of subsidised goods into registered shipyards?

I have no information in regard to the first part of the question. I do not think it would be desirable to limit in the way my hon. Friend suggests the importation of goods used for shipbuilding.

In view of the international situation, will my right hon. Friend consider withdrawing the right of free entry of these goods into registered shipyards in this country from foreign countries?

In view of the international situation, what I want to do is to see that as many ships as possible are built as quickly as possible. I am not prepared, therefore, to withdraw facilities which are utilised solely for that purpose.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the import into this country during the last three years, in volume and in value, of marine diesel engines from Germany and from other foreign countries, respectively?

During the year 1938 imports into the United Kingdom of marine internal combustion engines of diesel, semi-diesel and similar types, including parts thereof, consigned from Germany amounted to 1,375 tons, valued at£121,000, while imports consigned from other foreign countries amounted to 5,621 tons, valued at£438,000. I regret that comparable particulars for earlier years are not available, as such imports were not separately recorded prior to 1938.

Am I to take it from that reply that the policy of the Government is to foster conditions whereby British ships are dependent for their engines on foreign supplies?

They are not dependent for their engines on foreign supplies, but, as any hon. Gentleman who has any acquaintance with shipbuilding knows, there are cases in which it is only possible to get orders in this way.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the pro posed sale to Germany of the steamers "Laleham," "Peckham," and "Meopham"; and whether, in view of his recent pronouncement on British shipping, he will take steps to stop this sale?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give any information in connection with the selling of three British ships, the Laleham," "Peckham," and the "Meopham," with a carrying capacity of 24,000 tons, to a German firm; and what action he intends taking about the matter?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the House any information about the sale to German owners of the steamships "Laleham," "Peckham," and "Meopham"; and about the personal control of the Alpha and Apex steamship companies which sold them?

I am informed that the sale of these three ships to German owners has been completed and the British registers closed, and that it is the intention of the sellers to build at least one new vessel in replacement in this country. Representatives of the company were informed on two occasions that while the Board of Trade had no power to prevent the transfer of British merchant ships to foreign flags, the Board would prefer that ships of this kind should, in present circumstances, remain under the British flag. Although the Board of Trade have, at present, no power to prevent the sale of British ships to foreigners, it will be made a condition of the assistance proposed for the shipping industry that any vessels which the owners may wish to scrap or to sell to foreign buyers shall be offered to the Government in connection with the scheme for a reserve of tonnage. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the directors of the Alpha Steamship Company, Limited, and of the Apex Steamship Company, Limited.

Is my right hon. Friend prepared to see that no assistance is given by the Government to this Alpha Company in the building of the new ship?

That is certainly a point that I shall have in mind.

Were the three ships in question offered for sale to the Government?

Until legislation is passed not only is there no compulsion on shipowners to offer ships, but I have no power to accept them. In other instances where shipowners have had offers from abroad and have approached the Board of Trade, on being informed that we should prefer that, in existing circumstances and especially in view of, we hope, the passing by this House of legislation allowing this reserve of tonnage, the ships should remain on the British register, in those cases they have acceded to our request.

Am I to understand then that you have no power and no authority to purchase these ships?

We have no power to purchase these ships. I gave an indication to the House in my statement the other day that we desired the authority of this House to create such power, but until the Bill is passed into law, we have, of course, no authority to do it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the names of the owners of these ships?

I have said that I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the directors.

Is it not a fact that something like 90 per cent, of the capital of the companies which sold these ships is foreign owned?

I could not give an answer offhand, but I believe the capital is largely British.

Why not give the names now, so as to give the necessary publicity and so that they can get in the evening papers?

No doubt the evening papers will be able to get them in time.

Read them out.

There are two companies concerned, one of which owns two of the ships, and one the other. The directors of the Alpha Steamship Company, Limited, the former owners of the steamships "Laleham" and "Peck-ham," are H. B. Logan (British), A. B. Peck (British), and E. Geraci (naturalised British subject). The directors of the Apex Steamship Company, Limited, the former owners of the steamship "Meopham," are H. B. Logan (British), E. Geraci (naturalised British subject), and Sir Ian Stewart-Richardson (British).

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider withdrawing the naturalisation of this person?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland particulars of the number of members of the prison service that have been allowed to resign and/or reduced in rank during the five years ended to the last convenient date; and the reasons for these resignations and/or reductions in rank?

During the five years 1934–38, three members of the Scottish Prison Service were allowed to resign in consequence of breaches of discipline, and one was reduced in rank.

Can we be informed whether these officers were in temporary or permanent employment?

I should have to look into that.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether he is aware that the site for a new prison to replace Duke Street Prison was acquired in March, 1937, but that as the building has not yet been begun several years must elapse before it is completed; and whether, in view of the undesirability of retaining Duke Street Prison for this length of time, he will immediately make other arrangements for the prisoners and demolish Duke Street Prison;

(2)whether he is aware that in 1937 the average daily number of male and female prisoners in Duke Street Prison was eight and 76 respectively; and, in view of the fact that there is accommodation in Perth Prison for 330 male and 167 female prisoners whereas the average daily number of prisoners was 53 and six, respectively, why the prisoners from Duke Street Prison are not immediately transferred to Perth and the Duke Street Prison demolished?

I have carefully considered the suggestion that, pending the erection of a new prison, the female prisoners detained in Duke Street Prison should be accommodated elsewhere. I regret, however, that this is not practicable. Apart from other considerations, the unoccupied accommodation at Perth Prison, to which the hon. Member refers, consists mainly of out-of-date cells, which are not habitable and of rooms for hospital and other purposes.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it is time he was removing this blot from the landscape in Glasgow? Is he aware that I have put this question for 10 years to every Secretary of State for Scotland, that the first reply was that there was no land, that then they got the land, that then the exhibition came along and they could not get the tradesmen to do the job, and that now they have got the land and the exhibition is away, and still they are not doing anything, but that they have agreed to it?

I answered the hon. Member rather more fully on 20th December last about the reason why, at present, we were postponing building.