asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the number of ordinary poor in Greenock as at 31st March, 1939, had risen by 331, and their dependants by 199, from the previous year, while the number of able-bodied poor had decreased by 154, and their dependants by 77 during the same period; how many of these ordinary poor were previously categoried as able-bodied poor; and what is the reason?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The local authority inform me that in the course of the year 137 persons were transferred from the able-bodied to the ordinary category, mainly in consequence of a slight change in the basis of classification adopted by the authority.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many town clerks in Scotland are over 80 years of age; in what towns they are placed; and whether he has any statement to make regarding steps that might be taken to meet the position?

I regret that I am not in possession of the information asked for in the first two parts of the question. As regards the last part, the tenure of office of town clerk is governed by Section78 of the Town Councils (Scotland) Act, 1900, and, in cases where the town clerk is admitted by the local authority to a superannuation scheme, by the provisions of the Local Government Superannuation (Scotland) Acts.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in giving approval to by-pass schemes, regard is had to the volume of traffic relieved and the relative cost of the by-pass; and what was the traffic according to the last Census Returns at the following places where bypasses have been authorised: East Barnet, Farnham, Maidstone, Warwick, Selby, Chichester, Ashford, Winchester, Maidenhead, Stamford, Retford, Esher and Cobham, Staines, Luton, and Preston, respectively?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can now make any statement on the legislation which will be needed to give effect to the railway companies square deal demands?

I am giving immediate consideration to the report which the Transport Advisory Council have submitted to me in this matter, but am not yet in a position to make any statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many taxpayers in occupation of agricultural land in the latest

Yes, Sir. The volume of traffic to be relieved and the cost are two of the factors considered in approving schemes for by-passes.Particulars of the traffic taken in August, 1938, at points on the roads to be by-passed, to which the hon. Member refers, were as follows:financial year elected to pay Income Tax on the basis of Schedule B, and how many elected to pay Income Tax on the basis of net profits; whether any deductions are allowed when rental is the basis of Income Tax assessment; and how many taxpayers in the last five years have exercised their option of change, respectively, from the Schedule B basis to that of net profits, and from the net profits basis to that of Schedule B?

I regret that the statistics collected do not enable the information asked for in the first and last parts of the question to be given. As regards the second part of the question, where a farmer is assessed under Schedule B on the basis of rental value, no deduction for expenses is allowable, but it is open to him to claim to have the assessment reduced to the amount of the actual profits of the year if they are less than the amount of the Schedule B assessment.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he has considered the request from the Liverpool, Birken-head and Wirral Districts Building and Allied Employers' Association, that its members should be allowed to tender on all occasions for any building work being undertaken by his Department; and will he state the nature of his reply, having in mind the heavy degree of unemployment in Liverpool and district, and the fact that members of this association have much plant not in use?

The request was considered and the association were informed that it is open to any of its members to apply for tender documents in cases where my Department advertise in the Press for tenders. It is customary to include representative local firms on all occasions when offers are invited in limited competition, but I have no information as to the firms in membership of the association.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now make any statement as to the result of the negotiations with representatives of the sheep-breeding industry; and whether any system of price insurance has been mutually approved?

I am not yet in a position to make any statement with regard to the result of my discussions with representatives of the National Farmers' Union on the subject of price insurance.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has considered the request from the Liverpool, Birkenhead, and Wirral districts Building and Allied Employers' Association that its members should be allowed to tender on all occasions for any building work being undertaken by his department; and will he state the nature of his reply, having in mind the heavy degree of unemployment in Liverpool and district, and the fact that members of this association have much plant not in use?

The Admiralty maintain a list of firms eligible to tender for building works but requirements for such works in the Liverpool area are small. The Secretary of the Association referred to in the question has, however, been informed that if any of his members who wish to be included in the Admiralty list will write to the Admiralty, giving the necessary particulars, their applications will receive consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the many advantages of dual-firing in the Navy, he will state the reasons why dual-firing has not been, and is not proposed to be, introduced in the Navy?

Dual-firing is not proposed to be introduced in the Navy as a larger and more expensive ship for the same military characteristics would be required.

asked the Minister of Labour how many permits were issued to women aliens in 1936, 1937, and 1938, respectively, to work or to train as hospital nurses in this country?

The numbers of permits issued during 1936, 1937 and 1938 in respect of the employment and training of female aliens as nurses in hospitals were, 87, 171 and 224 respectively. In addition favourable recommendations were made to the Home Office during 1936, 1937 and 1938 in respect of female aliens already in the United Kingdom who wished to enter hospital posts, the numbers being 44, 61 and 98 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can give a report upon the acceleration that is now taking place, or is proposed, in the immediate future of the Empire air services?

In the summer timetables introduced this week on the Empire services, the following are the main accelerations achieved in the flying boat services:

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the number of those who have volunteered for the Civil Air Guard will be substantially reduced by the exempted occupations of a number of applicants; and what steps he proposes to ensure that there is a sufficient number of pupils to keep the approved light aeroplane clubs fully employed by the Civil Air Guard scheme for the remaining three years of the agreed period?

I am aware of the matter referred to by my hon. Friend. My right hon. Friend has the matter under review in consultation with the Commissioners of the Civil Air Guard and the Ministry of Labour, but he is satisfied that there will be an adequate number of suitable pupils to keep the Civil Air Guard facilities fully employed for some months ahead.