asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number and acreage of allotments being used for the production of foodstuffs in Scotland in 1933 and 1938, respectively; and whether he is taking steps to increase the area of land being so utilised, in view of the need for conserving and increasing our available food supplies in the national interest?

According to returns furnished by local authorities, there were 21,417 allotments, totalling 1,400 acres, in cultivation in Scotland in 1933, and 19,378 allotments, totalling 1,372 acres, in cultivation in 1938. The responsibility of providing allotments is placed by Statute on local authorities, and financial assistance is given to them, and to local allotment associations, to help in providing equipment. Annual grants are also made to the Joint Committee of the Scottish National Union of Allotment Holders and the Society of Friends to encourage the demand for allotments. I am considering whether any further steps can be taken to ensure that the fullest possible use is made of these provisions.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, so far as England is concerned, the Minister of Agriculture has recently urged the importance of this matter upon local authorities? Will he do the same?

I am considering what are the most useful steps to take. Recently I had a deputation to see me on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the new offices on the Calton Hill, Edinburgh, will accommodate all the personnel of the Departments operating in Edinburgh under his jurisdiction; and, if not, what Departments are being excluded from the new building?

With certain exceptions mentioned below, it is contemplated that the headquarters staffs of the proposed Home Department and of the Departments of Education, Health and Agriculture, the General Board of Control and a branch of the Stationery Office—to the number of about 1,300 in the aggregate—will be accommodated in the new building. The Insurance Division of the Department of Health, the Statistics Section of the Department of Agriculture, the Pensions Branch of the Education Department, the Registrar-General's Department and the Scottish Juvenile Welfare and After-Care Office—to the number of about 530 in the aggregate—will remain out with the new building. The scheme of allocation is at present under review, and some alterations in the arrangements mentioned may be required.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say where the Departments that are being excluded from the new building are to be provided for, and who is responsible for the under-estimate of the requirements of the staff to be housed in the new building?

I cannot agree with that point of view. It was never intended that the building should house all the staff under the Secretary of State's control, but it will make possible a most useful concentration of the essential staffs of the administrative Departments. The Departments have, owing to emergency work, required considerable increases in staff since the building was designed. As regards the location of the staffs outside the new building, perhaps the hon. Gentleman will give me notice.

Is it not possible to increase the size of the building?

I do not think so.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the refusal of the Department of Health to meet the cost of or lend officers to assist in making the survey of water supplies in rural areas has seriously handicapped many authorities, with the result that counties which made returns months ago are unfairly delayed in their water and drainage supply schemes; why such surveys are required of Scottish local authorities when no similar demand was made in England, where the Minister of Health made his own estimate of needs; and whether he can announce the provision of grants for the execution of essential drainage and water supply developments?

The answer to the first and last parts of the question is in the negative. Following a meeting with my predecessor, the Association of County Councils in Scotland set up a committee to examine the whole question of rural water supply and drainage in Scotland. The surveys which my hon. Friend doubtless has in mind are being made in connection with the work of this committee, and the Department of Health is not in a position to undertake them. The information obtained, in addition to giving a general picture of requirements, will be of great value to the county councils concerned in carrying out their statutory functions.

Is it not the case that these surveys are being very seriously delayed, and that, until the results of the Government's review are available, other counties which have submitted their surveys will be held up in regard to the carrying out of their necessary work?

If my hon. Friend has in mind any particular case, I shall be glad if he will let me know. In point of fact, a number of the surveys are well forward.

Is it not true to say that surveys have repeatedly been made with regard to water supplies, and that there is really no need for fresh surveys, which are merely side-stepping the issue? Will the Secretary of State do something to accelerate the provision of the water supplies which are so urgently needed?

I cannot accept that as regards Scotland. There are certain districts where we have not an accurate picture of the position.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the salary of sheriffs in Glasgow and the salary of county court judges in England; and if he is satisfied with the present salaries and conditions of Glasgow sheriffs?

Sheriffs Substitute in Glasgow receive salaries of £1,750 a year, and County Court Judges in England £2,000 a year. The Sheriff Principal of Lanark receives a salary of £2,400 a year. A revision of the salaries of sheriffs was settled in 1937, after consideration from all points of view, and no change is contemplated at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the Second Scottish National Housing Company, Limited, have repeatedly received letters from the Sandyhills Tenants Association requesting a reduction in rents of steel houses, and other complaints, and have refrained from answering or acknowledging these communications; whether he will instruct his officers on the board of this company to see that they act courteously to their tenants; on what date they intend to reconsider the rents of these houses at Sandyhills; and whether he will instruct them to receive a deputation of tenants on the subject of rent reduction?

I have communicated with the company about the first part of the question, and will write to the hon. Member when my inquiries are completed. I understand that the company are to consider the rents of the Sandyhills houses and the question of receiving a deputation from the tenants on this subject at a meeting to be held to-morrow.

Has this association been notified that consideration is being given to the matter, and that a deputation has been agreed to?

I understand that the meeting to-morrow is to consider receiving a deputation, as well as the question of rent.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many burning colliery refuse heaps there are in Scotland, and on how many of these is refuse still being tipped?

I am informed that 68 colliery refuse heaps are on fire in Scotland, and that refuse is still being deposited on 50 of these.

Will not my right hon. Friend take steps to see that inflammable refuse does not continue to be tipped on these heaps, which are already on fire?

Yes, Sir. Discussions are now proceeding between the inspectors of the Department of Health and of the Mines Department on the one hand, and the colliery companies on the other, and they have in mind the point that my hon. Friend has made.

Has the right hon. Gentleman given any consideration to the question of stowing redd instead of piling it up?

That is a matter for the Mines Department rather than for me.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of persons in Scotland now in receipt of Poor Law relief; and how many old age pensioners are included in that number?

There were 127,036 persons, with 104,940 dependants, in receipt of poor relief on15th March, 1939. The number of old age pensioners in receipt of poor relief during the week ended 11th March, 1939, was 42,387.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that difficulty is being experienced by brickworks in some parts of Scotland in disposing of supplies, resulting in loss of time; and whether he will consult with the Service Departments with a view to placing orders for bricks required for works in Scotland with Scottish firms, with particular reference to the Scottish Special Area?

I understand that some brick makers have accumulated reserves of bricks, but the stocks generally do not appear to be unduly high. Having regard to building operations in progress and in contemplation, and to the number of skilled operatives now available, there seems to be no reason to doubt that a demand for bricks at least equal to the present output will be maintained for some time. I am, however, in communication with the Departments in regard to the suggestion made in the second part of the question.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether anything has been done by the interests concerned to promote a scheme for the draining of the waterlogged coal measures in South-West Durham, where over 13,000,000 tons of coal are submerged?

The discussions referred to by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour, in reply to a question by the hon. Member on 2nd March, are still proceeding.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these waterlogged areas are a serious menace to the men working there; and is the Mines Department satisfied that these millions of tons of coal should be lost?

I would remind the hon. Member that my powers in this matter are only powers to persuade a reluctant minority.

Is it not possible for the hon. Gentleman to speed up the interests concerned with a view to reclamation in this area?

The deputy-chairman of the Coal Commission has recently made an investigation into this matter on the spot.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the increase in the use of shale dust for coal-dusting purposes; and whether, in view of the fact that shale dust contains substantial percentages of free silica, and may be a cause of silicosis, he will take steps to prohibit its use for this purpose?

I believe there has been some increase in the use of shale dust, due to the necessity to use for stonedusting a dust which shall remain freely dispersible under the conditions of use. I am advised that shale dust has been very extensively used for stonedusting for 20 years, and experience does not in any way suggest that its use is a cause of silicosis or that there is any need to prohibit its use.

In view of the feeling generally in South Wales that the increase in silicosis in the steam coal mines may be due to shale dust, will the hon. Gentleman call for a report on the matter by the divisional inspectors for Cardiff and Swansea?

I would, in the first instance, prefer to investigate any special case that the hon. Gentleman might bring to my notice.

asked the Secretary for Mines the maximum age at which per sons can now be appointed as inspectors of mines and what period of practical experience of coal-mining is required; and whether he is satisfied that these conditions secure the appointment of persons with full practical experience of coal mining?

The maximum age for the appointment of junior inspectors is 35, and for sub-inspectors 40. At least five years practical experience underground is required of candidates, including—in the case of junior inspectors—recent employment for two years as manager or under-manager or in some other responsible capacity requiring regular attendance underground. The present requirements as to practical experience were endorsed by the Royal Commission on Safety in Coal Mines except for a reservation by one member, and I am advised that they are sufficient.

asked the Secretary for Mines the earnings per person employed and the total wages paid in the mining industry in 1938?

During the year 1938, the average cash earnings per wage-earner employed in the coal mines in Great Britain were £145 7s. 5d., and the estimated total amount of wages paid, £111,005,000. The average value of allowances in kind was £5 12s. per wage-earner, and the estimated total value, £4,280,000.

Will my hon. Friend circulate this information regularly through the Vote Office?

asked the Secretary for Mines the output of coal, quantity exported, and the average declared value per ton f.o.b. in Great Britain in 1938, together with similar particulars for South Wales and Monmouthshire?

The quantity of saleable coal raised in Great Britain during 1938 was 227,015,308 tons. The quantity of coal exported was 35,860,908 tons, and its average declared value per ton f.o.b. 20s. 10d. The corresponding figures for South Wales and Monmouthshire were 35,292,748 tons, 14,583,638 tons, and 23s. 1d., respectively.

asked the Secretary for Mines the average output per person employed and the average wage paid per person employed in the mining industry in South Wales and Monmouthshire in 1938?

During the year ended 31st January, 1939, the average output of saleable coal per wage-earner employed in coal mines in South Wales and Monmouthshire was 264 tons, and the average cash earnings per wage-earner during the same period were £144: the average value of allowances in kind was £3 7s. 1d.

Do these figures of persons employed include juveniles?

I should like notice of that question.

Do they include under-managers and such people?

Perhaps the hon. Member will kindly put that question down.

asked the Secretary for Mines what number of coalmines were temporarily closed and not re-opened in County Durham last year?

During 1938, seven pits in Durham, each employing 10 or more persons, and in the aggregate 1,879 persons, were temporarily closed and not reopened.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is aware that, approximately, 60,000 tons of calcium carbide is imported annually into this country; that the need is on the increase in view of the growing need of carbide, certain chemicals, plastics and material for manufacturing high-speed cutting tools; and will be take action in order that the manufacture of carbide and ferroalloys can be carried on in this country, and treat this matter as one of urgency;

I am well aware of the uses to which calcium carbide and the plant for making calcium carbide can be put. But the House has on more than one occasion rejected the Caledonian Power Bill, which was designed to develop hydro-electric works to provide cheap current for carbide production; and while my right hon. Friend would welcome any well-considered plan for setting up a factory in this country, he has no powers to intervene with private enterprise. The provision of Government factories is not in contemplation.

Is it not time that, in the light of the circumstances, the Government took the initiative and, if necessary, introduced legislation themselves?

My right hon. Friend the present Secretary of State for the Dominions has already made a statement on this subject to the effect that, while the provision of carbide in this country would be desirable, he did not regard it as vital.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that when this House rejected the Caledonian Power Bill a pledge was given from that Box that we were going to produce carbide in this country?

My right hop. Friend has already dealt with that question in a recent answer.

Can my hon. Friend say what was the result of the negotiations which took place between industrial groups as a result of the failure of the Caledonian Power Bill to pass this House, with a view to starting the production of calcium carbide in South Wales, and will he give every encouragement to any group anxious to start such a scheme?

Is it the fact that a certain English company has taken up a sufficient number of shares in a foreign company to enable them to manufacture carbide so that it may be imported into Britain?

I should require notice of that question, but there is at the moment a project on foot for starting a company in this country, and we very much hope that it may come to fruition.

If private enterprise is failing to produce essential war materials, will the Government consider national manufacture such as was undertaken in the last War?

Is it not the fact that the reason why the Caledonian Power Bill was rejected was that the Government would not support it?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the growing system of barter between Germany and the South American Republics, whereby great damage is being done to British trade; whether he will consider the recommending to traders the possibility of some form of exchange clearing with some South American countries; and whether his advisers have studied the necessity for concluding bulk export arrangements where possible and, if so, with what result?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, circumstances vary in each individual country, and I am doubtful whether clearing and other similar arrangements provide an appropriate remedy in many cases; but my right hon. Friend is always prepared to consider the views of the trading community on this matter. As regards the third part of the question, I assume that my hon. Friend has in mind the possibilities of extended co-operation between exporters, for example, through the formation of large-scale selling organisations. As my right hon. Friend has said before, he thinks that exporting interests in this country might with advantage give their close attention to these possibilities.

Has the hon. Gentleman considered the advisability of commending import boards and export boards to His Majesty's Government, and does not he think that that would be the only possible means of meeting competition from abroad?

There are certain cases in which the balance of trade would certainly not make that possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now make a statement as to whether he is prepared to consider limiting the subsidy for shipbuilding to coal-burning ships?

No, Sir, but my right hon. Friend proposes to frame the scheme in such a way as to give some preference to coal-burning vessels. He hopes to be in a position to make a further announcement on this point within a few days.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the decline in imports will have an adverse effect on the stocks of essential commodities which the Government are storing in preparation for an emergency?

Constant watch is being maintained on the stocks of essential commodities in this country, and the hon. Member may rest assured that where in any case it appears that they might not be adequate in the event of an emergency, the necessary steps are being taken to meet the situation.

If there is a fall in the imports of raw materials does not that mean that our own stocks are being reduced? What are the Government doing about it?

My answer covers that point.

Does the hon. Member realise that there are many blast furnaces idle?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Germany is demanding an artificially high rate for the German mark in relation to Rumanian currency, thereby giving Germany greater hold over Rumanian economy; and whether he is considering any action which may be taken to counter act this move?

I am aware that the question of the reichsmark-lei rate was discussed during the negotiations which led up to the Rumanian-German Agreement of December last. The rate fixed by that Agreement was in fact very little higher than that which obtained previously. As the hon. Member is aware, a Trade Mission is at present in Rumania with the object of promoting Anglo-Rumanian Trade.

Has the hon. Member any. information whether recent pressure has been applied to Rumania to raise rates higher than was contemplated in former negotiations?

I have no information on that point.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he can now make a statement on the progress made in the trade negotiations between his Department and representatives of foreign countries?

I would refer the hon. Member to the very full answer I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for North Newcastle (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle), and the hon. Member for West Newcastle (Sir J. Leach), and to the supplementary question asked by the hon. Member himself.

Cannot we have information on the success or non-success of these negotiations, and cannot the right hon. Gentleman make a fuller statement in the form of a White Paper so that we can judge whether these negotiations are worth while?

I said yesterday that I thought the time had not come for a White Paper. Negotiations have yet to take place.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the large number of defects reported by port medical officers of health under the headings of insufficient heating, defective stoves, stove-pipes, radiators, and steam-heaters; and whether any special attention is being given by his Department to the problem of providing adequate heating arrangements in crews' quarters and maintaining them in a proper state of efficiency?

The whole question of the heating of crew accommodation was fully considered by all concerned when the crew space instructions of September, 1937, were drawn up. Under existing arrangements, cases of insufficient and defective heating found by officers of the port health authorities are notified to the local Board of Trade Surveyors, who take appropriate action in each case in the light of the current crew space instructions.

Will the hon. Gentleman say what "appropriate action" means?

Where structural defects are found, action must be taken to remedy them.

Will the hon. Gentleman be advised by me, when I say that in fact ships, after reporting, do leave these ports without any notification of their port of destination?

If the hon. Member has particular information on that point, I shall be glad if he will let me have it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of vessels registered in this country in which mess-rooms are provided for the crews?

I regret that this information is not in the possession of the Board of Trade.

Will the hon. Gentleman undertake to supply this information at some future date?

That would involve an amount of labour which would be quite unnecessary, in view of the information which would be obtained.

Is it not the fact that no amount of work would be wasted which provided information about the shipping of this country?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number and tonnage of British ships which have been sold to foreign companies since 1st January, 1938?

The number of ships of 100 tons gross and over registered at ports in the United Kingdom which have been reported to the Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen as having been sold to foreign owners during the period 1st January, 1938, to 20th April, 1939, is 210, the gross tonnage of these ships being 539,000 tons.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information in relation to the foreign ships trading between the Argentine, this country, and the Continent, their owner ship, and the length of time in the possession of their present owners; and how many of them have been sold by British owners?

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether approval was given by his Department before the sale of three steamers to Germany was finally concluded by the Alpha and Apex shipping companies?

No, Sir. The Board of Trade have no power to approve or prohibit the sale of British ships to foreigners. As was stated in answer to questions on 18th April, representatives of the Alpha and Apex Steamship Companies were informed that the Board of Trade would prefer that ships of this kind should, in present circumstances, remain under the British flag.

Has the hon. Gentleman seen the statement which was issued by the late owners of these vessels that, before the contracts were exchanged for the sale of the vessels, official approval was given by his Department, and, in view of that statement, would it not appear that the Board of Trade have themselves been a contributory factor in selling these ships to a foreign nation?

No, Sir; no approval was given. On the contrary, it was stated by my right hon. Friend that he much, preferred that these ships should not be sold so that they left the United Kingdom Register and passed into foreign hands, and indeed these people were informed that, if they wished, they could submit these three vessels for inclusion on the Register of owners who wished to take advantage of the scheme for redundant tonnage already announced by my right hon. Friend.

In view of the reply to this question, and to question number 26, are the Government going to take any power to prevent our Mercantile Marine being sold in such great quantity at this time to other nations?

My right hon. Friend has already announced, as the right hon. Gentleman is no doubt aware, that, as a condition of subsidy to the shipping industry, owners will be required to give options upon vessels intended to be sold off the United Kingdom Register, and we hope that we shall soon have these powers—and the sooner the better—in order to prevent these ships being sold abroad.

That does not amount to a prohibition, but merely affects the granting of financial assistance. The owners who do not want financial assistance are free to sell their ships.

That covers the whole of the Merchant Navy.

Will the hon. Gentleman state categorically to this House that the statement made by the previous owners of these vessels as reported to the Press is untrue?

I should want to have notice of the precise notice in the Press to which the hon. Member is referring. I really cannot give a categorical denial of that kind without knowing what I am denying.

Does my hon. Friend know of any negotiations pending for the sale of ships to foreign Powers?

I should require notice of that question.

Is it not the case that when the question was put down, the statement made by the directors of the company was well known to the Board of Trade as well as to the Press. Is there any reason why we cannot have a straight answer as to whether the statement is correct or not?

rose—

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

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has completed his consideration of the Report of the Imperial Shipping Committee on British Shipping in the Orient, dated 8th December, 1938; and whether he is now in a position to make a statement?

I fear I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when he will be prepared to make a statement, as the report has been with him for a year?

The details of the scheme which are at present being considered are affected in many respects by the report of this Committee, and until these details have been formulated, I am afraid that it will not be possible to make a statement.

Is it not the fact that the Japanese are making very definite inroads into British trade in those waters, and will the hon. Gentleman expedite the consideration of this report?

We are fully conscious of that fact.

But you never do anything.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make a statement on the arrangements that are to be made to increase the number of cooks provided for each unit and on the scheme to be adopted to improve the cooking of food?

As I indicated in introducing Army Estimates, it has been decided to reorganise the system of training, appointment, remuneration and promotion of Army cooks, and further information on this subject has been recently published. The numbers and the rates of pay of Army cooks are being materially increased, and increased establishments for individual units will shortly be promulgated. Army cooks will henceforth be graded as tradesmen and their opportunities for training and advancement will be extended. The new equipment supplied to cookhouses in the future will be comparable with that of the best kitchens in civilian life, and it is anticipated that the measures now taken to provide the soldiers with good food, well cooked and properly served, will prove a very real and permanent attraction in Army life.

May I ask the hon. Member to ask the hon. Member for the Harrow Division(Sir I. Salmon) to give a practical demonstration to these potential cooks of the Army?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will publish weekly, by counties, the total Territorial establishment required under the extended scheme, the number of men actually on the establishment, and the accessions to strength in the seven days immediately preceding the day of publication?

Yes, Sir, I am arranging for the publication weekly of the latest figures for the Territorial Field Army by Divisional Areas.

asked the Secretary of State for War particulars of the extent the Bren light machine-gun is to be manufactured in the Dominions; and whether the Government now have the right to manufacture these guns and the component parts for the same?

The extent to which various Dominions may decide to manufacture the Bren machine-gun is for their own decision. The answer to the second part of the question is "Yes, Sir"

Will these guns be manufactured in sufficient quantities to supply Territorial units?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the sole manufacturing rights for the Bren machine-gun were acquired by Great Britain and the Dominions?

Manufacturing rights—not sole rights—for the Bren machine-gun were acquired under an agreement entered into on 24th May, 1935, which also enables us to grant licences to manufacture to the Dominions.

Are we to understand that payments for these rights are still being made to the appropriate parties who granted the rights?

I should require notice of that question, but I imagine that any contract entered into by us would be fulfilled.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the coastal, landward, and anti-aircraft defences of Gibraltar are now in a complete state of preparedness to resist possible enemy attack?

Every practicable precaution has been taken.

In view of the statement made by a colleague of the right hon. Gentleman to a similar question recently, are we to understand that the anti-aircraft defences, which were not all that could be desired in the last crisis, are now in a state of complete preparedness?

I do not know to which right hon. Friend the hon. Member is referring, but additional anti-aircraft guns have been sent and the position is satisfactory.

Does the right hon. Gentleman remember that when the guns which were placed against Gibraltar were mentioned to him and his colleagues, it was described by them as a mare's nest?

Is it a fact that these additional guns have been found to be uncapable of being used owing to some part being missing?

No, Sir, that is completely untrue.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. T. R. Sexton, formerly No. 2559577, signalman, Royal Signals, Territorial Army, who, in the course of manoeuvres, met with an accident which resulted in the loss of a leg; whether he is aware that this man has been awarded a disability pension of 50 per cent. only, amounting to 16s. 3d. per week; and whether, in view of the fact that the disablement pension of a member of the Territorial Forces who may be injured in peace-time is considerably less than the amount granted for the same injury sustained by a soldier on war service, and in view also of the necessity for stimulating recruiting, he will take steps to remove this anomaly?

Mr. T. R. Sexton, who was invalided from the Territorial Army in 1936, is in receipt of a 50 per cent, disability pension assessed under the current pension code.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the amount of the pension referred to in the question, which is inadequate for this disability, together with the general question of pensions to the Territorial ranks?

I shall be only too glad to ask my advisers to reconsider this case.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give this matter his personal attention, seeing that the pensions paid to the Territorial ranks are below those paid to Regular soldiers disabled in the Service, and seeing that there is a "drive" for recruits for the Territorial Army, will he see that adequate pensions are paid to those who may be disabled?