asked the Secretary for Mines whether it is his intention to make a personal inspection of some of the mines in each county; and, if so, will he visit one or two of the deep and hot mines in Lancashire, so as to get an understanding of the conditions prevailing there?

Yes, Sir. I hope in the near future to visit collieries in all the larger coalfields, and when visiting Lancashire it is my intention to do what the hon. Member suggests.

I am glad to hear that, and we will wish him well in his inspection, but is the hon. Gentleman aware that mine workers are of opinion that the colliery owners, when they receive a visit from an inspector or the Secretary for Mines, show only the very best conditions? We want him to be aware of that fact and to ask to see the normal, and even the worst, conditions, so that he will know what is happening?

I hope that the hon. Gentleman will consider going with me.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will instruct the mines inspectors to get returns on all overtime worked below ground in mines and to report to him the circumstances that causes such overtime to be worked?

The hon. Member will appreciate that the primary duty of the divisional inspectors is to secure the observance of the statutory requirements in regard to health and safety, and I fear that the issue of general instructions as suggested might interfere with the discharge of that primary duty. I would point out however that the divisional inspectors are always ready to investigate cases of overtime which are brought to their notice.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that overtime is causing great concern to the mine workers, and that at the annual conference this year there is a resolution in favour of doing away with it altogether; and, in the light of that fact, is it not well that the Secretary for Mines should be aware of what is taking place, so that when this matter comes before him he will know how to deal with it?

I think that this is a problem that arises with a greater degree of acuteness in some areas, and if in any particular area there is sufficient evidence to warrant inquiry, I shall be ready to order a general inquiry in that area.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that some years ago joint committees composed of employers and workpeople were set up to go into the question of overtime, and can he say whether these committees are functioning?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can make a statement on the recent discussions with representatives of Poland on the Anglo-Polish coal agreement?

At the invitation of His Majesty's Government, Monsieur Rose, the Polish Vice-Minister of Commerce and Industry, visited London last week to discuss with me the position of the British and Polish coal industries in the export market. I am glad to be able to inform the House that during these conversations the two Governments found themselves in agreement that the collaboration of the two industries, the object of which has been to eliminate competition between them, should be maintained, and that the existing coal trade agreement between the two industries should be continued, subject to such modification as might be necessary in view of recent political changes in Central Europe. We, therefore, agreed to recommend that there should be further consultations between the representatives of both industries at an early date.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether there is at present any delay in supplying coal in accordance with contracts entered into, both in the home and foreign markets; and, if so what steps does he propose to take to meet the requirements of the markets?

I have made inquiry, and I am unable to find evidence of any general delay in supplying coal under contracts to our markets at home or abroad.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of coal-cutting machines, and the number of conveyors in the mining industry in South Wales and Monmouthshire in 1938?

During the year 1938, 535 coal-cutting machines and 1,306 conveyors were in use at mines under the Coal Mines Act, 1911, in South Wales and Monmouthshire.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of fatal accidents and non-fatal accidents to boys under 16 years of age in the mining industry in South Wales and Monmouthshire in 1938?

During the year 1938, two boys under 16 years of age were killed by accidents at mines under the Coal Mines Act, 1911, in South Wales and Monmouthshire. The number injured and disabled for more than three days is not yet available.

Will the Secretary for Mines, when he carries out his inspection referred to in his answer to the first question on the Paper, pay particular attention to the mechanisation that is going on in the mines, and see to it that the inspectorate is largely drawn from men who have engineering and workshop experience?

I will consider that point.

asked the Secretary for Mines the average output per person employed in the mining industry in South Wales and Monmouthshire from 1920 each year to 1938; and also the average wages paid per person for the same period?

As the reply involves a number of figures, I will, with the hon.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is giving consideration to the question of the underground gasification of coal in operation in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, with a view, if found desirable, of encouraging similar works in British coalfields?

I am aware of the experiments which are being carried out in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in connection with the gasification of coal in the mine. The technical development of the process does not yet appear to have reached the stage when its commercial possibilities in this country can be assessed.

Are inquiries still proceeding with regard to this experiment?

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the information :

he can now give the House a full report of the decisions arrived at by the International Sugar Council; and if His Majesty's Government are satisfied that in the absence of amendment the machinery of the International Sugar Agreement is designed adequately to safeguard the interests of the British Colonial producer and the consumers of sugar in this country?

As the House is no doubt already aware, the International Sugar Council decided last week upon the immediate addition of 239,000 tons to the sugar quotas of exporters to the free market, but objection was taken to voting by correspondence upon the recommendation of the Executive Committee that a further quantity of 153,000 tons should be released for British countries. I understand that a meeting of the council is being called for 13th June next to deal with this latter quantity. As regards the second part of the question, I should prefer to reserve my opinion pending the outcome of these discussions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make a statement on the recent trade negotiations with the Greek and Bulgarian Governments?

As regards the visit of Sir F. Leith-Ross to Athens, I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a copy of the communiqué published this morning, to which I have at present nothing to add. Certain trade matters have been under discussion with the Bulgarian Government, but I am not in a position to make any statement.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any loans will be given to the Bulgarian Government?

As I said, I am not in a position at the moment to add anything to the communiqué already issued.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state, according to his records, the amount of tonnage that has been ordered by British enterprises from German shipbuilders not for their own individual use, but as a means of withdrawing credit balances from that country; and will he give particulars of any official statistics that are available?

There are no official statistics from which any such information could be obtained.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is proposed to take any steps to protect either shipping interests or shipbuilding from the vessels so purchased abroad?

I am afraid that I do not quite understand the hon. Gentleman's question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider setting up such machinery as may be necessary with a view to securing more comprehensive and accurate statistics of invisible exports than are at present available; and whether he will consider granting larger credits to foreign countries for the purpose of purchases of British goods?

The scope of the information obtained for the purpose of estimating the balance of payments has been extended in a number of directions during recent years, and the possibility of further extension is kept constantly under review. As regards the second part of the question, the Export Guarantees Act, 1939, enlarged the amount and widened the scope of the guarantees available for facilitating exports from the United Kingdom.

Does not my right hon. Friend think that we have rather too many figures at the present time, and that statistics are not really very useful on all these matters if carried to extremes?

It depends upon what is extreme, but I cannot entirely agree with my hon. Friend. Statistics to determine whether we have a favourable or unfavourable balance of trade at the end of the year are essential.

Is it not the fact that statistics of invisible exports are absolutely essential?

I agree, and I think my hon. Friend will agree that, difficult as it is to arrive at accurate figures, there have been considerable changes in the last few years which do give more accurate figures than before.

Does not my right hon. Friend realise that statistics can be used almost anyhow as an argument by both sides?

I have less versatility, and perhaps more accuracy than my hon. Friend.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that figures cannot lie, but figurers can?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the main causes of the decline in our export trade in the first four months of this year; and what further measures are being taken to promote the increase of our overseas trade?

As regard the first part of the question, the main cause of the decline in value is a lower price level. For the first three months, the volume of exports was 3 per cent. higher than last year. As regards the second part, His Majesty's Government are constantly watching for opportunities to promote the increase of our overseas trade. In this connection, I may refer to the tour of my right hon. Friend the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department to certain Northern capitals and the trade mission to Rumania.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication whether the negotiations will be a success or not?

We are still in the middle of developments which resulted from them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what changes have been made by the Government of Eire in the duties on British carpets imported into that country; and what action has been taken by the Government in the matter?

The Eire duties on carpets were increased in the recent Budget from 30 per cent. ad valorem (full) and 20 per cent. (preferential), to 60 per cent. (full) and 40 per cent. (preferential). As regards the second part of the question, it is open to the industry in this country to make a request for a review of the new duties by the Prices Commission under the provisions of Article 8 of the United Kingdom—Eire Trade Agreement.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the very sharp increase in these duties will have a serious effect on the carpet trade in this country, and if representations are made will he take the matter up with the Government of Eire?

Representations have to be made by the trade itself and I shall be glad to give assistance. I had hoped that, as the preference has been increased, although the duties have been increased, too, that might have mitigated the damage to the carpet trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the two German North Atlantic liners of 16,000 tons, built in Belfast some years ago, which were offered for sale on the London shipping market on 16th May were offered to the Government; and whether the Board intend buying them?

No, Sir. It is not intended to buy foreign ships for the merchant ship reserve.

asked the Secretary of State for War the total strength of the Territorial Army as at the last convenient date and the number of men at the same date that were in the process of enlistment; and what increase this total represents on the corresponding date last year?

On 30th April, 1939, which is the latest date for which complete figures are available, the strength of the Territorial Army was 310,419, including 52,035 in process of enlistment. This represents an increase of 135,360 on the figure for 30th April, 1938. Between 1st May and 13th May, 1939, a further considerable increase took place, and the total, including some 52,000 in process of enlistment, reached 368,584.

Can we be informed why so many men are in process of enlistment?

It is because there has been such a large number of applicants.

What is the reason for the delay in the acceptance of applicants?

There is no delay.

Is it not a fact that the Military Training Bill has rather dislocated the arrangements for voluntary enlistment?

No, Sir.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take care to see that these figures are sufficiently advertised, because they reflect rather well on the Secretary of State for War?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a statement on what are to be the special advantages, inducements, etc., for men who, on completing their Militia service, join the Territorials, in comparison with those who remain in the Reserve and who, therefore, will not have to put in military training throughout the year as do the Territorials?

No special advantages or inducements will be offered, but it is expected that a number of militiamen, after the completion of their six months' training, will wish to join or rejoin the Territorial Army, and the Military Training Bill provides accordingly. The Reservists will do an extra period in camp to compensate for the absence of drills.

Will my right hon. Friend see that the militiamen are entitled to the Territorial efficiency medal, and will take that into account in their service?

They will not lose their entitlement to the medal. I shall have pleasure in taking that into consideration.

Is it a fact that Territorials and militiamen, after conscript service, will both receive exactly the same allowances?

The bounty will be the same, but I think that if anything, the Reservist will do more work than the Territorial, because he will probably have to go to camp for three consecutive weeks as compared with the Territorial's two weeks. At any rate, the intention is that there should be no advantage given to the Reservist over the Territorial. In fact, the reverse would be the case.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is the intention to take away the rank of Territorial non-commissioned officers should the Territorial Army be embodied for war and should Territorial noncommissioned officers then have to take their places with Regulars; and, if not, why should their rank be removed from them during their temporary embodiment for six months Militia service?

A Territorial noncommissioned officer on embodiment would remain a Territorial and would retain his rank as such. A Territorial who is called up for service with the Militia is not embodied.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that many pension schemes contain no provision enabling the manager of the scheme to provide for broken service and that termination of employment means termination of membership of the scheme; and will he take steps fully to protect the interests of members of such schemes whose employment is terminated by Militia service?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given on 16th May to the hon. Member for Evesham (Mr. De la Bère).

Did not the right hon. Gentleman give a general assurance that these matters would be considered by the Government when they framed the regulations?

If the hon. Member looks at the answer, he will see that the point is covered.

asked the Secretary of State for War the total remuneration per annum, including all allowances, which is at the present time payable, respectively, to a Territorial officer and to a Regular officer who holds the appointment of adjutant to a Territorial unit, assuming that in both cases the officer in question is a married man with the rank of captain?

A Territorial Army officer holding the appointment of adjutant to a Territorial unit at present receives a consolidated yearly allowance of £317 if commissioned before 26th October, 1925. and £294 if commissioned on or after 26th October, 1925. A Regular officer holding the same appointment receives his regulated Army emoluments which depend on his length of service, namely, £631, £677 and £759 for a married captain of 8, 11 and 14 years' service respectively. The rate to be paid, in future, to a Territorial Army officer who gives full-time service as adjutant is under revision.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give Reservists the opportunity of attending Territorial drill parades if they so desire to do without payment?

The Territorial Army has already a very heavy task in training its own personnel. Some Reservists have already done training this year, and it is intended to call up a large number under the provisions of the Reserve and Auxiliary Forces Bill.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will permit Reservists the privilege of wearing a distinguishing badge similar to the badge worn by members of the Territorial Army?

I have already directed an examination of this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Manchester and Salford Equitable Co-operative Society have given notice that members of their staff who wish to attend Territorial camps must arrange to do so during their normal annual holiday; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is prepared to take powers to compel employers to grant leave of absence to those of their employés who are members of the Territorial or Auxiliary forces to attend their full annual training?

I am informed that the Manchester and Salford Equitable Cooperative Society cannot see their way to grant extra leave for attendance at Territorial camps, and I regret their decision. But, for reasons which have previously been explained to the House, I do not think it would be in the interests of the Territorial Army to take compulsory powers to deal with cases of this kind.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is the intention to transfer to the Ministry of Supply when constituted the War Office Department in Manchester recently opened by Sir Frederick Marquis; and whether contractors for Army clothing are in future to send their tenders to Sir Frederick Marquis or to the War Office in London?

Yes, Sir. Contractors for Army clothing should continue to send their tenders to the Contracts Department.

Has the attention of my right hon. Friend been drawn to the fact that rather extensive publicity from Manchester has had the unfortunate effect of raising the prices of certain raw materials?

I should be sorry to believe that. All that has happened at Manchester is that an office has been opened and I do not see how that could achieve the result to which my hon. Friend refers.

In view of the big demand for Army clothing, would it not be advisable for the War Office to set up a clothing factory of their own?

asked the Prime Minister whether, owing to the many late sittings of the House, he will take the necessary steps to have the House to meet earlier in the day?

No, Sir.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman prepared to take the opinion of hon. Members of the House on this matter?

The hon. Member will perhaps recollect that this question has been examined very closely; indeed, it was examined during the term of office of the Government of 1930, and it was found that it would be very inconvenient.

But are not things going worse? Are we not getting more late siatings than ever we did in 1930?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when I first came into the House we used to meet at 2 o'clock?

Can the right hon. Gentleman do something about the almost permanent suspension of the Eleven o'clock Rule?

I do not think that is the case. My memory goes back, like the hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. Thorne), a long way, and the suspension of the Eleven o'clock Rule took place then quite as often as it does now.

asked the Prime Minister when the Commission on the Location of Industry is expected to report?

I am afraid that I have nothing further to add to the reply which the Prime Minister gave on 2nd May to the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Lawson).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the avoirdupois weight of tobacco on which the extra 2s. per lb. is levied is calculated before or after allowance has been made for moisture; and what is the percentage in weight so allowed?

The rates of duty in the case of unmanufactured tobacco differ according as the tobacco contains (a) 10 per cent. or more, or (b) less than 10 per cent., of moisture. The weight of tobacco on which duty is levied is the weight inclusive of any moisture contained in the tobacco at the time of weighing.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the consumer is not paying more than an extra 1½d. per ounce for his tobacco?

The hon. Member knows that there is a graduated scale of duty, but if he is interested and would like to go into more detail, I shall be glad to show him the scales.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an assurance that His Majesty's Government will not sanction the raising of any loan by or on behalf of the Spanish Government until all outstanding questions between both countries have been settled?

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the answer which I gave on 18th May to the hon. Member for North Lambeth (Mr. G. Strauss) and other hon. Members.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the answer to which he has referred me indicates that the position was not suitable for the granting of international loans? Would that cover any application for the granting of credits under the Export Credits Act?

The answer to which I have referred the hon. and learned Member was an answer regarding loans raised in the London market. I pointed out that the conditions were not such as to make that a practical policy. I think the export credit question is a separate one, and I do not think that my answer covered that, nor indeed did the question.

Have the Spanish Government put down anything towards meeting their obligations with regard to compensation for loss of life and damage to our shipping?

That is another question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can account for the rate of interest paid on Treasury bills which increased from just over 10s. per cent. at the beginning of last March to £1 11s. 2d. per cent., which is the highest rate since the beginning of the cheap money period in 1932; is he aware of the prejudicial influence of this change on the gilt-edged market and on the prospects of Government financing; and what he proposes to do in the matter?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Bassetlaw (Mr. Bellenger) on 16th May. The latest rate is 13s. 3½d

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the higher rates which are demanded from time to time are in the interests of his policy of cheap money rates?

There are a number of factors which enter into the question, and conditions very often vary from week to week. Like the hon. Member, I am very pleased when the rate comes down.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that the policy of the Government is a cheap money policy?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the fact that the demand for and supply of Treasury bills is solely governed by the policy of the Bank of England, the Exchange Equalisation Account and the Treasury; is he aware that as a result of their joint operations the cash in the joint stock banks has declined by over £10,000,000 in one month, February to March, and that the bill portfolio has fallen to £190,000,000 from over £300,000,000 last autumn causing a deep disturbance in the money market; and what steps does he propose to take to restore the position?

I cannot add anything to the replies which I gave my hon. Friend on 30th March and 18th May.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can inform the House as to the estimated cost to the nation of the subsidy to farmers in regard to sheep, oats, and barley, per annum, and of the entire subsidies given to industry in general; and as to what would be the cost of advancing every old age pensioner five shillings per week?

As the answer includes a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

I take it that the answer is not very long, and as we have got through so many questions already, could we not have the figures?

Can we have the figures, at any rate, of the cost of advancing old age pensioners five shillings a week?

I do not want to read the whole of the answer, but I will do my best to summarise it. The estimated cost for one year of the proposed subsidy for sheep, oats and barley announced by the Minister of Agriculture would be: sheep, £2,500,000; oats, £2,970,000; and barley, £900,000, that is, at the prices ruling last year. Of course, the amount of the subsidy will vary with the level of prices. The provision made in the Estimates for the current year in respect of subsidies given to industry in general under existing legislation—there are about six or seven sets of figures—add up, I am afraid, to something like £12,000,000. The amount included in the table for oats and barley will not be required under the proposal announced by the Minister of Agriculture on 18th May. As regards the latter part of the question, the additional cost involved in increasing old age pensions by 5s. a week including pensions to widows between the ages of 65 and 70 and widows' pensions when the widow is aged over 65, would be about £38,000,000 a year at the present time, but would rise steadily for many years and would be about £46,000,000 in 10 years' time.

Does the right hon. Gentleman exclude de-rating as far as a subsidy to industry is concerned?

I do not think the derating provisions are included in the figures. The question is as to specific grants to special industries.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not agree that a rebate of this kind is, in fact, a subsidy?

When the Chancellor of the Exchequer said that to increase old age pensions would cost £46,000,000 in 10 years, does it means £46,000,000 for each year?

I said that it would be about £46,000,000 a year in 10 years' time.

Is the right hon. Gentle-man not aware that he would have the support of the whole House if he found this £46,000,000?

Is it not true that the Government are spending on nursery schools about one-eighth of the amount of the subsidy given to barley alone?

Has the right hon. Gentleman expressed any opinion to his colleagues on the growing practice of giving this money by an estimate instead of by proper enactment?

Following is the answer :

The estimated cost for one year of the proposed subsidies for sheep, oats and barley announced by the Minister of Agriculture on 18th May, would have been as follows at the prices ruling last year: £ Sheep … … … 2,500,000 Oats … … … 2,970,000 Barley … … … 900,000 The amount of the subsidy in each case will, of course, vary from year to year according to the level of prices.

The provision made in the Estimates for the current year in respect of subsidies given to industry in general under the existing legislation was as follows: £ Beet Sugar 3,000,000 Cattle Industry 4,265,000 Milk 919,410 Land Fertility Improvement 1,500,000 Oats and Barley 930,000 Bacon 425,010 Herring Industry 73,450 Civil Aviation 1,999,000 The amount included in this table for oats and barley would not be required under the proposals announced by the Minister of Agriculture on 18th May.

As regards the latter part of the question, the additional cost involved in increasing old age pensions by five shillings per week, including pensions between the ages of 65 and 70 and widows' pensions when the widow is aged over 65, would be about £38,000,000 a year at the present time. The cost would rise steadily for many years and would be about £46,000,000 a year in 10 years time.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information he has received as to the intention of the German Government to repudiate Czechoslovak Government debts?

In the course of the conversations referred to in the reply given yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for Norwood (Mr. Sandys), it has not appeared that there is any intention of repudiating Czecho-Slovak Government debts.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the statement that was made by the French Finance Minister two or three days ago in the French Chamber, in which he stated that the German Government were contemplating the repudiation of these debts and that the French Government proposed to raise the tax on German imports into France?

I have not had my attention called to that, but I think the hon. and learned Gentleman will regard the information I have given him as being more positive than that.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the purpose of the conversations now taking place between His Majesty's Treasury and representatives of the German Government regarding the disposal of Czech balances held by the Bank of England and other institutions and persons in this country; and whether he will undertake that no part of such balances shall be paid over to the German Government, or to the Reichsbank, or to any subsidiary or agent thereof without the previous consent of this House?

In reply to the first part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to the hon. Member for North Lambeth (Mr. G. Strauss) yesterday. In reply to the second part of the question, there will, as stated in that reply, be no general release of assets unless and until a satisfactory arrangement has been made in regard to financial obligations due from Czecho-Slovakia to British holders. If an agreement is reached, it will be laid before Parliament in the usual way.

With regard to the first part of the answer, do I understand from the Chancellor of the Exchequer that when the Governor of the Bank of England, in his position as a director of the Bank for International Settlements has to come to a decision, that he makes no report whatever to the Treasury, and that therefore the Treasury and the Chancellor of the Exchequer are ignorant of most important international events that are happening in the Bank for International Settlements?

I think the right hon. Gentleman is referring to a matter which was mentioned at Question Time yesterday, and I am very glad of the opportunity to deal with it in a short answer. There are two quite distinct things. There are, as the House knows, the assets, which have been blocked in this country, held on behalf of and at the order of Czecho-Slovakian institutions or individuals. Those we hold, and except in the case of helping refugees and the like we do not part with them, and we are engaged in seeing whether we cannot, by means of those assets, repay the debts due from Czecho-Slovakia, to provide a fund that will continue to be available for refugees, and to meet the claims of British holders who had, for example, bank balances in Czecho-Slovakia before the German annexation. That is the object of the discussion I have mentioned.

The other matter is, as I understand, an asset—it was gold, I think—which was held by the Bank of England for the Bank for International Settlements at Basle. I should like to make it plain to the House that the Treasury did hear indirectly that it was believed that the German Reichsbank was seeking to get from the Bank for International Settlements an amount of gold with which it had been entrusted by the Czech National Bank; but the House will appreciate that that was a matter quite outside the blocking of Czech assets. Consideration was given in the Treasury to the question whether His Majesty's Government could in any way intervene. We had no desire to see the transfer made, but the matter was quite outside the Czecho-Slovakia (Restrictions of Banking Accounts) Act and it was clear that no such intervention would be possible in view of the formal and explicit undertakings given in the Protocols of 1930 and 1936 as to the immunity of the assets of the Bank for International Settlements from every form of interference and restriction.

Replying directly to the question put to me, it is certainly not the fact that the Governor of the Bank of England reports to the British Government on a matter of this sort. It is a mistake to suppose that the Governor of the Bank of England serves on the Board of the Bank for International Settlements as a nominee of the British Government. That is not so at all. He is there as governor of one of the central banks, just as other eminent bankers who serve on the Board. I had this information, but not from the Governor of the Bank or the Bank. It came, indirectly, I think from a Continental source. As soon as I heard it I considered with my advisers whether there was any way in which we could put restraint on the matter. It was plain there was not, and it is clear that the London bank has got to obey the mandate given to it by its customer the bank in Basle.

Are we to understand that in a matter of this supreme international importance the Governor of the Bank of England acts entirely in his individual capacity, and that he does not officially inform the Government; and even if the Government only heard of it unofficially, how could that justify the Prime Minister in the very sweeping statement he made last Friday that the whole matter of this payment to Germany through the medium of the Bank for International Settlements was a mare's nest?

There is no difficulty in understanding that. The statement that was made in the newspaper was that the British Treasury had agreed to release this sum. That was not true. The statement made by the right hon. Member for Carnarvon Boroughs (Mr. Lloyd George) was that the Treasury had agreed to the transfer. He pointed to me and said that I, as Chancellor of the Exchequer, had sanctioned the transfer. I had done nothing of the kind. Nobody had ever asked me for leave and I had not given leave. If it had been within my power I would not have given leave, but the matter was wholly outside my power, and in the circumstances I thought the right hon. Gentleman's statement was a monstrous suggestion to make.

Are we to understand from my right hon. Friend's reply that no Czech assets under the Act will be released without the prior consent of this House?

Without the prior consent of the Treasury. I stated in my first answer that we certainly shall not release any assets at all except for the purposes which I have mentioned, and about which, I trust, there is no difference of opinion.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer said he would lay such an agreement before the House. What did he mean by that? Will he recollect that we had an unfortunate experience of his private arrangements for loans for Czechoslovakia, under which money was lost?

Is it not about time that the Government took over the Bank of England?

Do we understand that the Bank for International Settlements are holding this gold in trust for the people of Czecho-Slovakia, and by handing it over to another nation that has annexed Czecho-Slovakia they were, in fact, committing a breach of trust, and that our Government, hearing about it and agreeing to the transfer, are, in fact, conniving at a breach of trust committed by the Bank for International Settlements?

If the hon. Member will excuse me he is getting this matter quite wrong. The question was whether the Bank of England, which held a particular asset, had to obey the mandate of its customer the Basle Bank and hand that asset over. I did not know then, and I do not know now, what is the state of the account between the bank in Basle and Czecho-Slovakia. Why should I know? It has nothing to do with me. I told the House perfectly candidly that indirectly the Treasury had some information that this might be the result, and we did everything we could to find out whether we had a means of stopping it, and I do not think the House of Commons could expect me to do more than that.

Why should the House of Commons be ignored by the Treasury?

Was it candid of the Treasury to inform the Prime Minister that it was a mare's nest? I can understand it being said that what the right hon. Member for Carnarvon Boroughs had said was terminologically inexact, but to suggest that the whole thing was a mare's nest is surely very far from the facts.

I am afraid that I must ask the right hon. Gentleman to look at what was stated. It was stated in the Press and stated in this House that the Treasury had been facilitating, or authorising, or assisting this transfer. There was not a syllable of truth in that statement, and I think my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister was perfectly justified in saying what he did say.

In view of the fact that Germany repudiated the Treaty, along with other Treaties, how can she have any claim on the Bank for International Settlements at Basle, which was set up in connection with the Reparation Clauses of the Treaty of Versailles?

The only issue I am aware of is that a bank in London was called upon to hand over that which had been deposited with it by a bank in Switzerland, and that is all I am concerned with, and, I should have thought, it is all that anyone who understands banking could only be concerned with. London will not remain the banking centre of the world for long if banks do not obey the cheques and orders of their customers.

Are the British Government going to hand to British citizens the money which they invested in Czechoslovakia and have now lost?

The object of blocking this money and of the discussions now going on is to secure that Czecho-Slovakian funds here shall be made available to repay debts owing by Czechoslovakia to citizens in this country.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many timber houses had been authorised, and of these, how many had been completed under each of the local authorities in Scotland at the last available date; what was the position at the corresponding date a year ago; and whether he has any statement to make regarding the effect of operations under air-raid precautions and National Service schemes on the rate of production of houses in Scotland?

As the answer involves a tabu-

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the fact that on the occasion of the last housing survey in Scotland it was discovered that over 500,000 persons were living in one or two-room apartments, of which over 46 per cent. were overcrowded, he can now say what legislation the Government propose to introduce to remedy these conditions?

I would refer the hon.

lar statement, I propose with the hon, and learned Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the erection of 100 timber houses in Greenock is being held up for lack of timber, and will he look into the matter and do his best to expedite the erection of these houses, which are urgently required?

I will do that.

Can my right hon. and learned Friend give the answer to the last part of the question, which does not involve figures?

Following is the answer :

Member to the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1935, which relates to the special problem of overcrowding in Scotland, and to the Housing (Financial Provisions) (Scotland) Act, 1938, which increased the Exchequer assistance made available for this purpose. The survey referred to was made under the former Act to ascertain the extent of the overcrowding problem.

Is the Minister satisfied with the improvement that has been made since the last survey?

I am never satisfied, and there is a great deal more to be done, but the fact remains that substantial progress is being made.

When will the next survey be made?

No decision has been arrived at as to making a general survey, but I am in touch with the local authorities, and in a number of cases regional figures are available.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the erection of timber houses in Scotland is being held up owing to lack of material, and will he keep that fact in view?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that since 1935 there has been expended on farm institutes and county demonstration farms in England a sum of £294,000; why no such institutes or farms have been inaugurated in Scotland; and whether it is now proposed to take any steps to promote the establishment of these institutes in Scotland?

I understand that the figure quoted in the first part of the question is an estimate of the capital expenditure to be incurred by local authorities in England and Wales in respect of certain schemes which have been approved since 1935 as eligible for grant-aid. In Scotland, as the right hon. Gentleman is aware, agricultural education is carried out at the three Agricultural Colleges, to each of which a demonstration farm is attached. It has not so far been found necessary to adopt the Farm Institute system. The colleges receive grants from State funds and the maintenance grants borne on the Vote of the Department of Agriculture for Scotland for the period of five years to 31st March, 1939, have amounted in the aggregate to about £270,000.

Can the Minister say whether Scotland is receiving its appropriate share of money in this particular respect?

I think that is so.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of decisions of the Glasgow Licensing Court that have been overturned upon appeal to the Glasgow Licensing Appeal Court during the past three years; and whether it is either the practice or the duty of members of the licensing courts to declare; any interest they may possess directly or indirectly in the business of the sale of alcoholic liquor prior to their adjudication upon any liquor licensing question submitted to them?

My right hon. Friend is informed that the findings of the Licensing Court were altered on appeal in 18 cases during the period referred to. With regard to the second part of the question, while there is no statutory obligation to make a formal declaration as to interest, provision for disqualification on the ground of interest is made by Section 9 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act, 1903, and under the common law.

Does that also apply to an indirect interest, and in view of the fact that the Government are now promoting a Measure to deal with the disqualification of local councillors who may have an indirect interest in a matter on which they are called upon to vote, can the right hon. and learned Gentleman say whether the same stipulation applies to a member of a licensing court?

I am afraid I cannot commit myself to an answer to the abstract question which the right hon. Gentleman has asked. Much would depend upon what exactly is to be considered as falling within the expression "indirect interest."

Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman appreciate that there is a greater danger to the public interest in a matter of an indirect interest held by a member of a licensing court, who is not elected by local citizens, than there is in connection with the matters concerning which a Bill is being promoted by the Government?

I think there is great force in what the right hon. Gentleman has said, and I shall draw the attention of my right hon. Friend to the point that has been raised.

May I ask whether the Government propose to give any time to facilitate the passage of a Private Member's Bill dealing with this point that was introduced the other day?

I am afraid I cannot answer that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that, owing to a number of Scottish clerks to the registration of voters not being employed directly by the local authorities but by the assessors, they are disqualified from participation in the superannuation schemes of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1937; and whether, in order to do away with the hardship involved thereby, he will take steps to have such clerks included in the local government superannuation scheme?

My right hon. Friend is aware of the position of the clerks in question. The Act of 1937 provides for the superannuation of employés of local authorities. Personal employés of officers of local authorities can, under the Act, be brought within the scope of a superannuation scheme only if they are transferred to the service of the local authority itself. My right hon. Friend cannot hold out any hope of a modification of this provision.

In view of the difficulties with which these clerks are confronted, is there no way in which the Secretary of State could bring them within the Act, or arrange that they should automatically be transferred to the employment of the local authorities?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether he is aware that big shoals of basking sharks have, during the last few days, entered the Firth of Clyde and large sharks have been seen in Kildalloig Bay, Ardnacross Bay and Campbeltown Loch; as the shark-hunting cruiser from Carradale does not carry wireless, the local fishermen have not been able to secure her help and are afraid to put to sea; and will he consider sending a fishery cruiser, or other suitable vessel, to assist in the destruction of these sharks;

(2) whether he will take special steps to stop the depredations of sharks on the herring shoals in the Firth of Clyde; is he aware that last year after the sharks had left the Firth the herring season proved a record one both for the size of the shoals and the time that the herring remained in the Firth; and will he therefore immediately safeguard the fishermen from the interruption to their livelihood and the damage to their nets and gear caused by these sharks?

My right hon. Friend is informed that basking sharks have been observed in the Firth of Clyde, and he has seen Press reports of their appearances. No complaints of damage to gear have however been reported to local fishery officers, and there are no indications of reluctance on the part of fishermen to engage in fishing. As the hon. Member is aware, herring fishing in all areas is subject to wide fluctuations owing to numerous causes, and while herring fishing in the Clyde was more successful last year than in 1936 or 1937, my right hon. Friend is informed that it did not constitute a record either for the extent of the shoals or the period of operations. The operations of the commercial vessel engaged in shark hunting probably offer the best method of dealing with the problem, but the Fishery Board's cruisers have instructions to keep the matter under observation and to take every opportunity of destroying basking sharks by the methods which have proved successful in the past.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that only last week, just outside the bay of Campbeltown, fishermen had their boats thrown into the air, and that at the week-end bathers off the coast at Girvan were chased out of the sea?

I have asked the fishery cruisers to pay particular attention to this question. Last year they destroyed no fewer than 50 of these sharks.

Is it not a fact that the "Maid of the Mist" has no wireless? Surely it is imperative that these vessels should have wireless in order that they can get into contact with other vessels?

The vessels of the fishery patrol all have wireless. The other is a commercial vessel and is not under my control.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Clyde Fishermens' Association consider this menace so serious, that the President yesterday intimated that a meeting of the association would be held in the next two or three days to consider it; and will the right hon. Gentleman look into the position and get into touch with the association and take into very careful consideration their views on the subject?

My right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Advocate has already intimated that no complaint of damage to gear has yet been received.

Is the Minister aware that this is a very serious menace to visitors to holiday resorts on the Clyde, and will he take steps to ensure that the danger is eliminated, because the basking sharks in the Clyde are as dangerous as the financial sharks elsewhere?

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, how much work could be found for young men between the ages of 17 and 20 during the next three years on further afforestation; or whether, in the opinion of the Forestry, Commission, Great Britain has reached saturation point in the matter of afforestation?

I have been asked to reply. There will be more work for men between the ages of 17 and 20 during the next three years on further afforestation, but the Commissioners cannot state the proportions of adult and juvenile workers. Great Britain has not reached saturation point in the matter of afforestation.

Is it not the fact that there is enormous scope for further afforestation in this country?

Speaking generally, the Forestry Commission experiences very little difficulty in acquiring all the land required within the limits set by the funds placed at its disposal.

Are these employés paid trade union rates, and has the hon. and gallant Gentleman any difficulty in finding labour?

The rates of wages are very largely determined by the county rates of the agricultural wages boards.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, how much land, within a radius of 10 miles of Brandon, has so far been acquired by the Forestry Commission; and how much of the remainder, which is not used for agricultural purposes, is suitable for development by the Forestry Commission?

Forty-nine thousand, acres have been acquired by the Forestry Commissioners within a radius of 10 miles of Brandon. No detailed information is available as to how much of the remainder is suitable and available for development by the Commissioners.

Is it not a fact that there are vast stretches which are at present completely barren and not used for anything, which could be put under timber?