asked the President of the Board of Trade what increase in exports to the United States of America has taken place since the Anglo-American Trade Agreement came into operation as compared with the exports to that country during the corresponding period a year ago?

During the first three months of 1939, exports of United Kingdom goods consigned to the United States were valued at £6,885,000, representing an increase of £1,922,000 as compared with the first quarter of 1938. The corresponding figures for re-exports to the United States were £1,951,000 and £319,000, respectively. It should be borne in mind that exports to the United States were at an unusually low level at the beginning of 1938.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the quantity of coal exported from this country to countries within the British Empire and to foreign countries in 1938?

During the year 1938, 4,911,000 tons of coal were exported from this country to British countries and 30,950,000 tons to foreign countries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will draw the attention of the Food Council to the official prices which have been returned during the first part of May, 1939. and, in particular, to the price of London straight-run blended flour, which has been sold at 18s., whereas an official price of 24s. was returned; to the repeatedly false prices which are returned as official prices, which tend to put up the price of bread; and whether, in this connection, he will urge on the Food Council the advisability of inspecting the cables from the Canadian millers and comparing them with the home millers' prices, in order to see that the Food Council may be enabled to see whether the price which was returned as an official price is too high?

I understand that the price of 18s. per sack quoted by my hon. Friend refers to a type of flour known as "country straights," which is unsuitable for use in commercial bread baking without admixture with a stronger and more expensive flour. The official price of 24s. per sack to which he refers is for standard grade flour suitable for baking. This price is subject to the usual commercial discounts, which, however, would in no case amount to a sum approaching 6s. per sack. The other parts of the question do not therefore arise.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware that the recent order to British manufacturers for, approximately, £1,000,000 of locomotives from the Turkish Government, stipulates that those locomotives must be of German design and all accessories are to be purchased in Germany; whether those accessories are to be financed out of the credit granted to Turkey, as is the main contract; and what steps he is taking to insist on these accessories being manufactured in England?

I have been asked to reply. The locomotives to which the hon. Member refers will be manufactured in this country. The existing locomotives in Turkey are of German origin, and in order to obtain the contract it was necessary for the manufacturers to accept the condition that certain accessories, representing a small proportion of the total order, must be obtained from Germany though they will be fitted here.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will assure the House that it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to promote good relations between the German Reich and Poland, and to facilitate in any way possible a peaceful solution of the differences existing between the two countries?

Yes, Sir, but His Majesty's Government can only take specific action if such a course commends itself to both parties.

asked the Prime Minister what is the present position regarding steamship "Stangate," and whether she is still held by the Spanish National Government?

His Majesty's Ambassador was informed this morning by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that an order had been given on the 15th May for the release of the steamship "Stangate." I understand that this ship has now left Palma.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government will approach the Japanese Government with a view to a long-term treaty of non-aggression?

In view of the fact that both His Majesty's Government and the Japanese Government are parties to the Briand-Kellogg Pact, such an approach would appear to be unnecessary.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what dividend was received during 1938 on the Suez Canal shares held by the Treasury expressed in sterling and a percentage of the sterling cost of the shares in 1876?

The dividends and statutory interest received during 1938 on the Suez Canal shares held by the Treasury amounted to £1,699,269; this represents approximately 41 per cent. of the sterling cost of the shares purchased in 1876.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the great interest shown in aircraft production, he will make available to Members of this House some photographs showing current methods of aircraft production?

Yes, Sir. I have made arrangements for copies of photographs showing various processes of production of aircraft in this country to be placed in the Tea Room of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in cases where, when making requisitions to meet national needs is becomes expedient to take over the total output of any firm, he proposes to safeguard firms so placed from losing their ordinary commercial trade through competition from firms whose output is not required for such emergency conditions?

I have no power, under existing conditions, to requisition the output of any firm.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he has considered the publication of a booklet concerning air-raid precautions for museums, art galleries, and libraries; and when, and by whom, such a booklet will be published?

Yes, Sir. It is intended that such a booklet shall be published by the British Museum. My technical advisers have assisted in its preparation, and it will be published within the course of the next month.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether any steps have been taken to organise a service to deal with broken glass in the streets in the event of air-raids to avoid the dislocation of essential traffic by burst tyres?

Local authorities charged with the duty of preparing air-raid precautions schemes are under a statutory obligation to include, in their schemes, arrangements for the clearance of debris from highways, streets and public places, and this would clearly include the removal of broken glass or other objects which might obstruct the passage of essential traffic.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether any steps are being taken to purge the lists of air-raid precautions workers of the names of those who have enrolled but who have not taken further steps to train or make themselves effective in the branch of air-raid precautions work for which they have enrolled?

This is a matter to which I expect local authorities to pay very close attention, and I have no reason to think that they are not doing so.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that the Home Office type of steel shelter, four feet eight inches wide by six feet long and weighing approximately 800 pounds, is being retailed to the public at a price of over £10; and what steps he proposes to take to stop the national emergency being exploited in this manner?

I am not aware that there are on sale any unit shelters of the dimensions and specification required for the order placed by my Department.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any statement to make respecting the recent disturbances in Chelmsford prison; and whether he has instituted any special inquiry, with a view to removing any legitimate grievances that may have given rise to the disturbances?

There has been full inquiry, in the course of which over 100 prisoners were interviewed individually. The inquiry shows that there was no widespread dissatisfaction or any grounds of grievance. A small group of prisoners, however, had spread the idea that as a result of a staff change harsh methods of treatment might be expected. Shortly afterwards there was an assault by a prisoner on an officer, and the prisoners got the mistaken idea that some officers had attacked the prisoner. During evening recreation on the 10th instant some shouting and disorder took place, but when the Governor arrived and addressed the prisoners, they returned quietly to their cells, and there has been no subsequent sign of trouble.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state the number of houses built in England and Wales during the six months ended the 31st March and the number of slum houses replaced during that period?

I regret that the desired information is not yet available as returns from a number of local authorities as to the progress of building by private enterprise without State assistance have not yet been received. During the half-year ended 31st March, 1939, 56,966 houses were completed under the Housing Acts, of which 42,149 were provided for the purpose of slum clearance.

asked the Minister of Health whether since the re-housing of working-class people living in unfit houses is more a matter of national than of local concern, he is prepared to consider a higher grant for this work in order to relieve already overburdened local rates?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Normanton (Mr. T. Smith) on 3rd May, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Devon County Council is deducting from the salaries of relieving officers who act as registrars 50 per cent. of the registrar's salary; by what authority this is done; and whether he will take steps to prevent this in future?

The action attributed to the county council in the question had not previously been brought to my notice. I am making inquiries and will communicate further on the matter with the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will state the total wages paid in the mining industry in South Wales and Monmouthshire in 1938 and the number of persons employed?

It is estimated that in 1938 the wages paid in the coal-mining industry in South Wales and Monmouthshire amounted to £19,076,000 and the value of allowances in kind to £445,000. The average number of wage-earners employed was 133,911.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will give the number of pithead baths erected in the coalfields of this country before 1935; the number which were provided with canteens; and the number which have applied since 1935 to the Miners' Welfare Committee for canteens to be added to the existing baths?

The number of pithead baths erected or commenced by the Miners' Welfare Committee before 1934,

Name of Site. Year of Purchase. Area in Acres. Price per Acre. Gross Annual Value immediately prior to acquisition. Rateable Value, i.e. after derating of agricultural lands. £ £ £ Granton Mains Farm … 1931 160 250 600 75 East Pilton … 1932 120* 259 —* —* West Pilton … 1935 118 355 314 39 * The total area acquired by the corporation was 143 acres with a gross annual value of £554 and a rateable value of £125. The area of 120 acres acquired for housing is not separately entered in the valuation roll.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the number of disability pensions and the number of disability gratuities awarded to members of the Territorial Army in the years 1936, 1937, and 1938, respectively, showing, separately, those granted for total disablement?

The number of disability awards for permanent or prolonged disablement to members of the Territorial Army during the years 1936, 1937 and 1938, were two, nine and eight, respec- which is the year to which I think the hon. Member intended to refer, was 180 of which 69 were provided with canteens. There is no record of the number which have applied for canteens since that date.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that in 1931 the Edinburgh Corporation acquired from the Duke of Buccleuch approximately 150 acres of the Granton Mains farm for housing purposes; that also in 1931 the corporation acquired from the Barnton, Sauchie, and Bannockburn estates approximately 122 acres at East Pilton; in 1935 the corporation acquired from the estates 118 acres lying to the north side of Ferry Road and between their Granton Mains housing area and Penny well Road; and what was the price paid in respect of each of these purchases, together with the value at which each of these lands had been rated previous to acquisition by the corporation?

The following table gives the information asked for:

tively, including four awards in 1937 and three in 1938 in respect of total disablement. Gratuities for short periods of disablement are awarded locally, and the number of these could not be ascertained without considerable inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the duties of the Director of Industrial Planning; and whether he has any experience of industry?

The duties of the Director of Industrial Planning are shown on page 261 of Army Estimates, 1939. The answer to the last part of the question is "Yes, Sir."

asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether he will indicate where, and to what extent, illumination of main roads has been undertaken to date under the provisions of Section 6 (4) of the Trunk Roads Act, 1936;

(2) which local authorities have now agreed with him for the illumination, or better illumination, of trunk roads at the joint expense of the Ministry and the authority concerned?

Agreements under Section 6 (4) of the Trunk Roads Act have been concluded with 11 lighting authorities. Approval has, in addition, been given to schemes submitted by 22 authorities, subject to agreement of the technical and financial details. Following are particulars:

AGREEMENTS MADE UNDER SECTION 6 (4) OF THE TRUNK ROADS ACT, 1936.

Authority, Trunk Road and Approximate Distance.

ENGLAND AND WALES.

Berks County Council: London—Bristol Trunk Road No. 9 from Reading County Borough to Junction with Pitts Lane, Earley—1,500 yards.

Gloucestershire County Council: Exeter—Leeds Trunk Road No. 16 from Gubshill Manor—Mythe House, Tewkesbury—2 miles.

Monmouthshire County Council: Newport—Shrewsbury Trunk Road No. 17 from boundary to boundary of the Borough of Abergavenny—1 mile 440 yards.

Nuneaton Town Council: Birmingham—Great Yarmouth Trunk Road No. 15 from Bond Gate to Hinckley Road, Nuneaton—700 yards.

Romford Town Council: London—Great Yarmouth Trunk Road No. 3 from Gallows Corner to Paines Bridge—1 mile 193 yards.

Staffordshire County Council: Exeter—Leeds Trunk Road No. 16 from Bird Street Junction to Birmingham Road Junction, Lichfield—927 yards.

Stockton Town Council: Penrith—Middlesbrough Trunk Road No. 24 comprising Darlington Road, Hartburn Lane, Yarm Road, Yarm Lane and Bridge Road—2 miles 1,056 yards.

Authority, Trunk Road and Approximate Distance.

SCOTLAND.

Cullen Town Council: Perth—Aberdeen—Inverness Trunk Road No. 30 from Seafield Road to West End of Castle Terrace, Cullen—1,076 yards.

Macduff Town Council: Perth—Aberdeen—Inverness Trunk Road No. 30 from Buchan Street to Union Road, Macduff—1 mile 159 yards.

Portsoy Town Council: Perth—Aberdeen—Inverness Trunk Road No. 30 from boundary to boundary of the Burgh of Portsoy—1,232 yards.

Prestwick Town Council: Gretna—Stranraer—Glasgow—Stirling Trunk Road No. 28 from Prestwick Cross—Pow Burn, Prestwick—704 yards.

PRELIMINARY APPROVALS ISSUED.

Authority, Trunk Road and Approximate Distance.

ENGLAND AND WALES.

Bedford Town Council: London—Carlisle—Glasgow—Inverness Trunk Road No. 12 from the boundary at Elstow to the boundary at Clapham—3 miles 490 yards.

Chepping Wycombe Town Council: London—Fishguard Trunk Road No. 10 comprising the built-up area within the Borough excluding the village of West Wycombe—5 miles 1,584 yards.

Chesterfield Town Council: Exeter—Leeds Trunk Road No. 16 from the Borough boundary, Sheffield Road to Horne's Bridge—1 mile 159 yards.

Dover Town Council: London—Folkestone—Dover Trunk Road No. 4 from "The Hare and Hounds" to Continental Boat Station—2 miles 580 yards.

Failsworth Urban District Council: Liverpool—Leeds—Hull Trunk Road No. 21 from Manchester City boundary to Old-ham Borough boundary—3 miles 1,720 yards.

Filton Parochial Committee: Exeter—Leeds Trunk Road No. 16 from Bristol City Boundary to Gipsy Patch Lane—1 mile 1,210 yards.

Havant and Waterloo Urban District Council: London—Portsmouth Trunk Road No. 6 from boundary of Petersfield Urban District Council to boundary of Portsmouth County Council—3 miles 1,408 yards.

Hendon Town Council: London—Holyhead Trunk Road No. 11 from Rookery Way to Sheareshill Avenue—833 yards.

Kendal Town Council: London—Carlisle—Glasgow—Inverness Trunk Road No. 12 from Helsington Garage to Summer Howe—3 miles 352 yards.

Kettering Urban District Council: London—Carlisle—Glasgow—Inverness Trunk Road No. 12 from Windmill Avenue to St. Botolphs Road and Kettering General Hospital to Urban District boundary—952 yards.

PRELIMINARY APPROVALS ISSUED.

Authority, Trunk Road and Approximate Distance.

ENGLAND AND WALES—cont.

Mirfield Urban District Council: Liverpool—Leeds—Hull Trunk Road No. 21 from junction with Sunny Bank Road to junction with Dewsbury and Huddersfield County Road—1 mile 704 yards.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Town Council: Winchester—Preston Trunk Road No. 13 from Borough boundary, London Road, to Stubbs Gate and from Upper Green to the top of Yew Tree Bank—2 miles.

Oldbury Town Council: East of Birmingham—Birkenhead Trunk Road No. 14 from Hogley Road West—Buckfield Lane—2 miles 1,056 yards.

Peterborough Town Council: Norman Cross—Grimsby Trunk Road No. 23 from Lincoln Road East to Marholm Road—2 miles 250 yards.

Reigate Town Council: London—Brighton Trunk Road No. 5 from Frenches Road to Hooley Lane—1,750 yards.

Salisbury Town Council: London—Penzance Trunk Road No. 8 from Wilton Road to London Road—2 miles 704 yards.

St. Albans Town Council: London—Carlisle—Glasgow—Inverness Trunk Road No. 12 from boundary to boundary of the City—3 miles 880 yards. London—Holy head Trunk Road No. 11 from Park Street to Redbourn Road—3 miles 528 yards.

Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council: Winchester—Preston Trunk Road No. 13 from Clopton Bridge to London, Midland and Scottish Bridge Approach—1,000 yards.

Taunton Town Council: Exeter—Leeds Trunk Road No. 16 from Corporation Street to Wellington Road and East Reach to Bridgwater Road—1 mile 1,390 yards.

SCOTLAND.

Auchterarder Town Council: London—Edinburgh—Thurso Trunk Road No. 1 from boundary to boundary of the Burgh—i mile 1,540 yards.

Galashiels Town Council: Edinburgh—Carlisle Trunk Road No. 26 from Tweed Road Junction to Burgh Chambers—1,033 yards.

Tranent Town Council: London—Edinburgh—Thurso Trunk Road No. 1 from boundary to boundary of the Burgh—1 mile 158 yards.

asked the Minister of Transport what omnibus companies in Scotland have agreements with the railway companies providing that outgoing omnibus passengers may return by rail?

The following is the answer:

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the motion unanimously passed by the annual general meeting of the Convention of the Royal Burghs of Scotland held at Edinburgh on 4th and 5th April last approving the scheme for the construction of a Forth road-bridge at Queensferry; if any estimate has been made of the probable cost of the bridge; and if and when the necessary legislation may be expected?

I have received a copy of the motion to which the right hon. Member refers. The cost of a Forth road-bridge and approaches at Queensferry is estimated at about £3½ millions.

My predecessor stated on 27th July, 1938, that in view of the need for concentrating the financial resources of the country upon its most urgent requirements, and particularly upon defensive rearmament, the Government are unable in the present circumstances to offer a contribution towards the cost of this bridge.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps have been taken to give effect to the recommendation of the Baillie Committee in regard to the publication of Statistics which have a bearing on questions affecting competition and wages?

I regret that pressure of work in the offices of the traffic area licensing authorities has not made it possible to extend the published statistics of vehicles authorised under A, B and C licences on the lines suggested in the report of the Baillie Committee. I will consider the matter further when the burden of defence preparations in these offices diminishes.

asked the Minister of Transport how many drivers of vehicles, other than motor cycles, were killed in the 12 months ended 31st December, 1935, and in the 12 months ended 31st March, 1937, respectively, in accidents attributable to pedestrians; and how many pedestrians were killed in accidents attributed to drivers, other than pedal cyclists, during the same periods?

In road accidents in Great Britain, in which the sole or main cause was attributed by the police to a pedestrian, no driver of a vehicle, other than a motor or pedal cycle, was killed in the year 1935 and one such driver was killed in the year ended 31st March, 1937.

In road accidents in Great Britain in which the sole or main causes were attributed by the police to drivers other than pedal cyclists, 382 pedestrians were killed in the year 1935 and 438 pedestrians were killed in the year ended 31st March, 1937.

asked the Minister of Transport at what date work on the South Uist roads will begin under the crofter counties scheme; and whether he can state the estimated number of men to be employed?

I regret that I cannot add anything to the information given to the hon. Member in reply to a similar question on 22nd March.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on the progress of the Benbecula Ford scheme, the number of men employed, and the wage per hour paid?

The construction of the approach road on the Benbecula side is proceeding satisfactorily, and work has recently been commenced on the construction of the viaduct proper; 38 men are at present employed at wages varying from 10½d. to 1s. 2d. per hour.

asked the Minister of Transport when he intends to implement the promise given to the House by his predecessor to visit the Western Isles in order to obtain first-hand knowledge of the bad condition of the second-class and unclassified roads and to study the sea transport services with a view to improvement?

I hope that it may be possible for me to make the journey to which the hon. Member refers, but in the present circumstances I cannot undertake to settle a date for this inspection.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will, in the interests of safety on the roads, introduce legislation compelling heavy motor vehicles to carry two rear lights, separately wired, one high and one low?

The lighting of commercial vehicles is one of the questions that will be considered when the occasion arises for further legislation relating to road vehicles.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that although there is extensive congestion at Morden Station in the early morning peak hours, the London Passenger Transport Board refuse to issue workmen's tickets overnight; and whether he will make representations to the board on this matter?

The London Passenger Transport Board state that the practice of issuing workmen's tickets overnight increases the congestion, which is already acute, on the last trains on which such tickets are available, and that it is difficult, if not impossible, to restrict holders of tickets issued overnight to the time prescribed for their use in the morning. The board also state that there are four windows and eight machines available for the issue of workmen's tickets at Morden Station and that the number of machines is shortly to be increased to 13.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many playing fields created through the auspices of the National Playing Fields Association and National Fitness Council are available in Scotland; and how many applications are now receiving consideration, together with the acreage and cost?

I am informed that 189 playing field schemes in Scotland have received or have been promised assistance through the organisations referred to, and that in 130 of these cases, playing facilities are already available. I am further informed that 27 schemes extending to about 165 acres and estimated to cost about £80,000 are at present under investigation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the threefold increase of juvenile prisoners between 14 and 17 in Scotland for 1938; and what reasons are officially given for such an increase?

I am aware that the number of young persons committed to prison before trial in 1938 was 60 as compared with 21 in the previous year. The 1937 figure was exceptionally low, and as the number of untried young persons committed to Remand Homes in 1938 was 890 as compared with 951 in 1937, there was actually a decrease of 22 in the total number of young persons committed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the buying and selling of Chinese children still persists in Hong Kong and Malaya; whether his attention has been drawn to a statement of Mr. R. H. Oakeley, assistant protector of Chinese, Selangor, that it is no offence to sell a boy; and what steps he is taking to alter this?

My attention has been drawn to a Press report of the statement mentioned. The buying and selling of children with a view to slavery, prostitution or other immoral or unlawful purpose, is forbidden by law in both Malaya and Hong Kong. The recent Commission which investigated the problems of Mui Tsai in Hong Kong and Malaya made searching inquiries as to the existence of any system of transfer affecting boys, but reported that no such system involving an element of bondage either on the pretext of adoption or on any other pretext could be found to exist. Recently there have been cases of boys sent to Malaya for the purpose, it is believed, of removing them from the zone of hostilities in China, and I have taken steps to assure myself that the authorities in Hong Kong and Malaya are cooperating to maintain a strict watch against the development of abuses from such arrangements, and if circumstances should warrant specific legislation to control them, it will be enacted.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that refugees recently ordered away from Palestine waters in Greek ships have been refused permission to land in Greece, that food is exhausted, overcrowding and sanitary conditions deplorable; and will he now allow them to land in Palestine?

I am aware that the steamship "Astir" whose unsuccessful attempt to land illegal immigrants in Palestine was mentioned in my reply to the right hon. Member on 26th April, has not been allowed to land her passengers at a Greek port. I have no official information as to the conditions on board this vessel since she left Palestine. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government, in connection with their forthcoming statement of policy, to allow the Mufti of Jerusalem to return to Palestine?

No, Sir. His Majesty's Government cannot lose sight of the facts, not only that the present Mufti of Jerusalem was the head of an organisation which they held responsible for the campaign of terrorism and assassination against British and Jews, but also that he is the head of a faction which has for many months past pursued persistently a similar compaign against large numbers of Arabs. They have decided, therefore, to exclude him indefinitely from Palestine.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has under consideration the release of those persons who have been interned in detention camps in Palestine and the re-admission of those who have been deported or excluded?

Yes, Sir. As soon as peace and order have been sufficiently restored, consideration will be given to the possibility of the early release of a number of those, Arabs and Jews alike, who have been interned under the Defence Regulations. Consideration will also then be given to the question of the re-admission to Palestine of those who have been deported or excluded in connection with the recent disturbances.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make any statement on the development of native individual land holdings in the reserves in Kenya Colony for the cultivation of economic crops?

Among several of the tribes in Kenya there has for many years been a marked tendency towards the system of the private tenure of land. In some areas, notably amongst the Kikuyu, this system is already well established. In their report of 1933, the Kenya Land Commission recommended that the tenure in each Native Reserve should be built on the basis of the native customs obtaining therein, but that it should be progressively guided in the direction of private tenure, proceeding towards the individual holding through the group and the family holding. This recommendation forms the basis of the policy of the Government of Kenya in this matter.

asked the Minister of Labour whether young men aged 20 to 21 years working in Royal Army ordnance factories will be called up for service under the Military Training Bill?

There is no provision in the Military Training Bill exempting men from liability to be called up on the ground of the place or nature of their employment.