asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that it will now be impossible to introduce during the present Session any legislation providing for the Government's long-term policy in respect of milk, he can give an assurance that temporary legislation will be introduced and other steps taken to ensure an adequate grant for additional quality premiums, and, secondly, to provide for the more effective limitation of imports of milk products?

As regards milk legislation this Session, my right hon. Friend is not at present able to add to the reply which he gave to the hon. Member for the Forest of Dean (Mr. Price) on 1st May. With regard to the regulation of imports, I would remind my hon. Friend that powers are already available under the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1933. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is replying to a later question by my hon. Friend regarding the proposal to apply these powers to imports of processed milks.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many young men between the ages of 17 and 20 it is estimated could be employed during the next three years on bringing into a state of perfection, the field drainage of Great Britain?

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend regrets that it is not possible for him to form an estimate of the kind to which my hon. Friend refers.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will give the names of the organisations to be represented on the White Fish Industry Joint Council; and the number of representatives which it is proposed to accord to each?

The following organisations have been asked to submit names for membership of the White Fish Industry Joint Council: The British Trawlers' Federation. The Aberdeen Steam Fishing Vessels Owners' Association. The Association of Sea Fisheries Committees of England and Wales. The Federation of Port Wholesale Fish Merchants' Associations. The National Federation of Inland Wholesale Fish Merchants. The National Federation of Fishmongers. The Scottish Federation of Fishmongers. The National Federation of Fish Friers. The Parliamentary Committee of the Cooperative Congress. The Trades Union Congress. The Association of British Salt Fish Curers and Exporters. The Food Manufacturers' Federation. The Corporation of the City of London. The Midland and Southern Markets Authorities Association. The Northern Markets Authorities Association. The Oyster Merchants' and Planters' Association.

The numbers of representatives which it is proposed to accord to the various interests are given in the following table: Owners of Deep Sea Fishing Vessels 6 Inshore Fishermen 2 Port Wholesalers 2 Inland Wholesalers 2 Fishmongers 2 Fish Friers 2 Co-operative Movement 2 Labour Interests 2 Salt Fish Merchants 1 Fish Canners 1 Markets Authorities 1 Oyster Merchants and Planters 1 Fish Smokers 1

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider the waiving of the copyright fees chargeable under the Copyright Act, 1911, for the reproduction of ordnance survey sheets, except in cases where any publication of the reproduction is made?

I regret that I am unable to agree to the waiving of any of the rights conferred on the Crown by the Copyright Act, 1911.

asked the Prime Minister what were the undertakings given by the Italian Government with regard to the withdrawal of war material from Spain after the termination of the war; and whether he is satisfied that these undertakings will now be carried out?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Nuneaton (Lieut.-Commander Fletcher) on 3rd April, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he will give an assurance that His Majesty's Government will not grant credit facilities to the Spanish Government under the Export Credit Facilities Act until all outstanding questions between both countries have been settled?

The hon. Member's question is purely hypothetical, as in

PAYMENT OF REGISTRARS IN SCOTLAND. Local Authority. Number of Registrars. Method of Remuneration. By annual Salary in terms of Section 51 of Registration Act, 1854. By the statutory fees of office, plus a "further sum" in terms of Section 50 of Registration Act, 1854. By such fees only. Counties. Zetland … … 23 17 3 3 Orkney … … 24 21 3 — Caithness … … 11 9 2 — Sutherland … … 17 17 — — Ross and Cromarty … … 40 39 1 — Inverness … … 50 44 6 — Nairn … … 4 3 1 — Moray … … 22 18 4 — Banff … … 28 28 — — Aberdeen … … 92 91 1 — Kincardine … … 19 19 — — Angus … … 51 51 — —

present circumstances there is no question of guarantees being given in respect of exports to Spain.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many registrars there are under each of the local authorities in Scotland; how many in each case are paid by salary, how many by salary plus fees, and how many by fees alone; how these fees are fixed, by whom fixed, and by whom payable; in what way payment of the fees is enforceable in the event of nonpayment; and what proposal he has to make, in conjunction with the Treasury, to regularise the position of registrars in Scotland?

The information requested in the first two parts of the question is given in the following table, which has been prepared on the basis of the latest information available in the Department of the Registrar-General for Scotland. The fees are, with a few exceptions, fixed by Statute and payable by the local authority or the applicant. The ordinary process of the law is available for the recovery of unpaid fees, should the necessity arise. I am not aware of any irregularity in the position of registrars in Scotland.

Local Authority. Number of Registrars. Method of Remuneration. By annual Salary in terms of Section 51 of Registration Act, 1854. By the statutory fees of office, plus a "further sum" in terms of Section 50 of Registration Act, 1854. By such fees only. Perth … 75 74 1 — Fife … 58 54 4 — Kinross … 5 5 — — Clackmannan … 5 5 — — Stirling … 25 23 2 — Dunbarton … 13 10 3 — Argyll … 61 35 26 — Bute … 9 9 — — Renfrew … 17 14 3 — Ayr … 55 46 9 — Lanark … 44 40 4 — West Lothian … 17 17 — — Midlothian … 21 21 — — East Lothian … 24 24 — — Berwick … 33 33 — — Peebles … 15 15 — — Selkirk … 6 6 — — Roxburgh … 33 33 — — Dumfries … 44 44 — — Kirkcudbright … 31 31 — — Wigtown … 17 16 1 — Large Burghs. Inverness … 1 1 — — Aberdeen … 3 3 — — Arbroath … 1 1 — — Dundee … 5 5 — — Perth … 1 1 — — Dunfermline … 1 1 — — Kirkcaldy … 1 1 — — Falkirk … 1 1 — — Stirling … 1 1 — — Dumbarton … 1 1 — — Clydebank … 1 1 — — Greenock … 2 2 — — Paisley … 1 1 — — Port Glasgow … 1 1 — — Ayr … 1 — 1 — Kilmarnock … 1 1 — — Motherwell and Wishaw … 2 2 — — Glasgow … 19 19 — — Hamilton … 1 1 — — Airdrie … 1 — 1 — Coat bridge … 1 — 1 — Rutherglen … 1 1 — — Edinburgh … 8 8 — — Dumfries … 1 1 — — Total … 1,046 966 77 3

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Herring Industry Advisory Council has yet been appointed; and, if so, what is its membership?

The following have been appointed members of the Council by the Ministers until the 31st March, 1942: J. T. Bennett, Esq. John McCrindle, Esq., J.P., F.Z.S. J. Bradshaw, Esq. J. V. Breach, Esq. George A. Marnoch, Esq. Adam Brown, Esq., J.P. P. P. Phillips, Esq. Alexander Cowie, Esq. Provost M. Schultze. N. A. Suffling, Esq. James Donaldson, Esq. H. Sutton, Esq. R. J. Tripp, Esq. John Gardner, Esq. J. E. Tulip, Esq. D. Hillman, Esq. John Veitch, Esq. W. Johnson, Esq. Alexander Wood, Esq. G. Lumsden, Esq. D. A. Macrae, Esq.

In accordance with the Herring Industry Act, the Chairman of the Council will be such member of the Herring Industry Board as the board may from time to time appoint. Mr. George Hogarth, the chairman of the board, has been asked to act in this capacity at present.

asked the Prime Minister what reports have been received by the League of Nations from the High Commissioner at Danzig with reference to the position there?

The High Commissioner has been in direct contact at Geneva with the Committee of Three appointed by the Council to follow the situation in Danzig. After a meeting on 23rd May the committee authorised the issue of a statement to the effect that it had decided to ask the High Commissioner to return to Danzig for the purpose of making a report on the situation.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the necessary earthwork for the railway from Kunming towards the Burma frontier for some miles beyond Kunming is already complete; and whether he can state to what point it is intended to carry it and when the Chinese Government expect to have trains running?

My Noble Friend is informed that embankment work in the direction stated is proceeding. He has received no communication from the Chinese Government in regard to their intentions in the matters referred to in the second and third parts of the question.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the medical officer for the Port of Grimsby reported a total of 353 British and foreign vessels with defective crews' accommodation in 1937 and that amongst the vessels there were 227 cases of structural defects caused by wear and tear in British ships alone; whether these cases were reported to the Board of Trade surveyor; and how many of the structural defects have been remedied?

I am aware of the facts stated by the hon. Member. I am informed that the defects to which the hon. Member refers were not reported to the surveyor of the Board of Trade because they were of a minor character, and that 148 of the defects had been remedied before the end of the year 1937.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has noted that defects in crews' accommodation were reported in 128 foreign-going and 31 coastwise steamers at the Port of Grimsby in 1937, and that the defects were remedied in only 28 and eight cases, respectively; how many of these vessels were British; and what action has been taken against the masters or owners who have failed to arrange for the defects to be remedied?

I am aware of the facts stated by the hon. Member. I am informed that 13 of the steamers in which defects were found were British, and that the defects in British steamers which were not immediately remedied were reported either to the owners or to the port health authority of the next port of call.

asked the Minister of. Health whether he can announce the name of the person with experience in country planning who is to be added to the board of directors of the English Camps Company?

Professor Abercrombie was appointed to the board of the National Camps Corporation on the 18th of this month.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the effect on the health of the public of the proposed repeal of the Medicine Stamp Duties; and what representations he has received on the subject?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 23rd May to my hon. Friend the Member for Abingdon (Sir R. Glyn), of which I am sending him a copy. As regards the second part, I have received representations against the proposed repeal from bodies representing retail chemists, and in favour of the repeal from an association representing the grocery, provision and allied trades in London and surrounding districts.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Essex County Council and other local authorities who are anxious that members of their staff shall not suffer severe financial loss during their service in His Majesty's Forces are faced with the probability of a serious increase in their rates if they adopt the practice of paying the balance between their service pay and their municipal wage or salary; whether he is aware that the class of militiamen will create further anomalies and difficulties in this respect; and whether he will offer some guidance to these local authorities and issue a circular with a view to encouraging just action and yet avoiding the imposition of further burdens on the ratepayers?

I have received no information from local authorities which would enable me to estimate the effect on their rates of any action they might take in this matter. I have, however, already issued a circular to them in connection with the contemplated legislation in regard to the pay and superannuation of their employés called up for national service in the event of an emergency, and I understand that the matter is at present being considered by the associations of local authorities. The position of employés of local authorities who may be affected by the Military Training Bill and the Reserve and Auxiliary Forces Bill is among the points which will be dealt with by the Orders in Council for which the Bills provide. I have it under consideration at the present time and I contemplate issuing a circular to local authorities as soon as the necessary decisions have been reached.

asked the Minister of Health how many men and women, respectively, over the age of 65 are in employment in the United Kingdom and in Scotland, respectively, at the last available date, and at the corresponding date a year ago?

No precise figures are available, but the approximate number of employed persons aged 65 and upwards, as shown by the receipt of contribution cards bearing one or more contributions for the half-year ended 1st January, 1939, was as follows: — Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Scotland. Men … 317,000 35,000 Women … 67,900 6,500 Totals … 384,900 41,500

The corresponding figures for the half-year ended 2nd January, 1938 were: — Great Britain and Scotland. Northern Ireland. Scotland. Men … 313,400 34,300 Women … 66,600 6,300 Totals … 380,000 40,600

asked the Minister of Health how many representations he has received to the effect that certain local authorities are not conforming with the provisions of the Rating and Valuation (Postponement of Valuations) Act, 1938, but are re-assessing property contrary to the provisions of that Act; what authorities are concerned; and what action he is taking in the matter to see that the law is enforced?

I have received a number of representations on this matter which on investigation have been found to relate to the making of amendments in respect of particular hereditaments in the current list. As my predecessor pointed out in the Debate on the Second Reading of the Rating (Postponement of Valuations) Bill, it was important to preserve the right to make amendments when it was clear that an assessment was not in conformity with the general level of assessments in the area.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give particulars respecting the application made about July last by the Nottingham Corporation for power to borrow sums of money for the purchase of lands as follows: £15,156 for 298¾ acres at Trent Lane; £3,500 for 34 acres near Bagnall Road and Mill Street; and £852 for 14½ acres south of Balloon Wood, Wollaton; whether the purchase of these lands has been completed and if so at what price; and what was the rateable value in each case previous to purchase?

These loans were sanctioned in August last and their purchase has been completed at the following prices: Trent Lane £14,800, Bagnall Road and Mill Street £3,410, Balloon Wood, Wollaton £800. Apart from a cottage on the Trent Lane area rated at £26 the lands being agricultural were de-rated.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the protection of tenants by introducing legislation to withdraw from landlords the right to levy distress without previous resort to a county court?

The matter to which the hon. Member refers is included in the terms of reference of the committee now sitting under the chairmanship of His Honour Judge C. W. Lilley.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that wherever the protection of the Rent Restrictions Act has been withdrawn from tenants it has resulted in immediate rent increases amounting in some cases to 10s. per week; and whether as a consequence he is prepared to move the repeal of the decontrolling provisions of the 1938 Act and introduce a new Act extending the protection of rent control to all members?

I have no information which would lead me to suppose that there has been any widespread increase in the rents of the comparatively small number of houses decontrolled under the Act of last year. I cannot adopt the suggestion in the last part of the question.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that the epidemiological aspects of the evacuation of children under the air-raid precautions scheme have been given the consideration which their serious nature demands?

The attention of local authorities has been directed in paragraph 54 of the Ministry of Health's Memorandum Ev. 4, supplemented by paragraphs 13 and 14 of the Board of Education's Circular 1469, of which I am sending the hon. Member copies, to the importance of preventive measures against the risk of the epidemic spread of infectious diseases. Arrangements have also been made to supplement the existing public health laboratory services by the establishment of additional laboratories in localities where it is thought that they will be most needed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the resolution passed by the Essex County Council on 16th May urging upon His Majesty's Government that all approved expenditure in connection with air-raid precautions should be wholly a national charge; and will he give the nature of his reply?

No, Sir. I have not seen a copy of the resolution referred to by my hon. Friend.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether his attention has been called to the increase in price for large air-raid shelters quoted at £44 in March last for delivery anywhere, which are now priced at £62 10s. delivered London only; and what steps does he propose to take to prevent such profiteering?

My attention has been called to one such case and I am inquiring into the circumstances.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can state the latest prices being charged for air-raid shelters, and, also, if he will state the comparative prices for similar shelters three months ago?

There has been no change in the price of the standard steel shelter supplied to my Department.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider issuing the Territorial Army badge to members of the Officers' Emergency Reserve affiliated to and carying out training with anti-aircraft units of the Territorial Army?

I do not think that the Territorial Army badge would be appropriate to the Officers' Emergency Reserve.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there will be a shortage of cavalry pants for Yeomanry regiments during this year's camps; and whether he will expedite their issue?

There are adequate stocks of these garments, and requirements of Yeomanry regiments can be met at once.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men each of the Lancashire Territorial Army and Air Force Associations still need to bring their units up to establishment?

The numbers required on 20th May to bring the Territorial units of the East and West Lancashire Territorial Army and Air Force Associations up to establishment were 341 officers and 4,418 other ranks, and 374 officers and 2,728 other ranks, respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the personnel of the 213th Anti-Aircraft Battery of the 57th (Wessex) Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery, received written notices on 17th May, that they would be called out on 27th May for a fortnight's manning of the gun positions; that a few days later the notices were cancelled; that considerable inconvenience was caused to many men who had to inform their employers and make other arrangements for their fortnight's absence from their normal occupations; whether he will state what authority was responsible for the issue and cancellation of the notices; and whether he will take steps to ensure that such inconvenience is not again caused to this or any other unit?

Under a provisional scheme which had been issued to units, the 213th Anti-Aircraft Battery was to be called out on 27th May. But it was clearly stated that no action was to be taken until confirmation was given, and it was subsequently found that a later date would be more suitable.

The Officer Commanding 213th Anti-Aircraft Battery, on receiving warning on 12th May that the Battery might be called up on 27th May under the scheme, thought it best to pass the warning on to the men of his Battery, in view of the short time available. I much regret if inconvenience was caused by an endeavour to keep the unit acquainted, if only provisionally, with the programme.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any allowance for dependants is granted to B reservists during the period they are called up for training purposes; and, if this is not so, whether he will consider placing them on the same footing in this respect as the militiamen who are shortly to be called up for training?

It is not proposed to extend dependant's allowance as such to reservists, but they will be eligible for family allowance in respect of their wives and children. It will be open to a reservist to represent any case of special hardship in regard to a dependant to the War Office.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Government have considered the proposal that in certain cases exemption from training under the Military Training Bill may be granted on condition that the men concerned join the Territorial forces and with what result?

It is not considered that service in the Territorial Army should be made a qualification for exemption in such cases.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the shortage of 480,000 tons of sugar to meet the requirements of Great Britain; whether the International Sugar Council has now agreed to re-allot 239,000 tons to those countries which reduced their quotas in July, 1938, of which amount 80,000 tons will be available for Great Britain; and whether the Government urged an increase in the permitted exports of British Colonies of 153,205 tons?

At their recent meeting, the Executive Committee of the International Sugar Council estimated that the export quotas approved last July for the current quota year were 480,000 tons below probable world requirements. As I informed the House on Tuesday last, the Council last week approved the immediate addition of 239,000 tons to the quotas of countries which reduced their quotas in July, and decided to meet on 13th June to consider the allocation of a further 153,000 tons to British countries. As the quotas are world export quotas, it is not possible to forecast the proportion either of the shortage which would have occurred on this market had no action been taken or of the 239,000 tons which will come to this country. As regards the last part of the question, the United Kingdom delegation to the International Sugar Council were represented on the Executive Committee which recommended the allocation of 153,000 tons of additional quotas to the British colonies and dominions which export sugar.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the value of preferences granted to South African products and the value of customs preferences granted by South Africa to British goods for the financial year ending the 31st March, 1938, respectively?

The approximate amount of rebate allowed in respect of goods consigned from the Union of South Africa and delivered for home consumption in the United Kingdom at preferential rates of duty during the 12 months ended March, 1938, was £2,374,000. The value of the preferential rebate of duty granted during this period in respect of United Kingdom produce imported into the Union of South Africa is not available, but during the calendar year 1937 it amounted to £1,547,000.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the number of factories opened in Durham, Northumberland, the North Riding of Yorkshire, and the Greater London area during 1938, and the number of persons placed in employment?

I regret that the desired information in respect of 1938 is not yet available, but I will send the figures to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, since the consulted person when recently requested by the Central Milk Distributive Committee and the Milk Marketing Board to settle certain questions with regard to the price of milk for manufacturing purposes announced that it was premature to give any decision in view of the fact that an arrangement is expected to be reached at an early date for the effective control of supplies and prices of processed milks, he can now state whether such an arrangement is to be concluded before the end of June; and, if not, whether arrangements will be made for the questions submitted to the consulted person to be reconsidered?

As was stated on 4th May, in reply to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for The Wrekin (Colonel Baldwin-Webb), negotiations have been in progress with the various overseas supplying countries with a view to a general arrangement for the regulation of imports of processed milk. These negotiations are not in all cases complete, but I expect to be in a position to make an Order regulating imports under Section 1 of the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1933, very shortly. Any such Order will come into force as soon thereafter as the administrative arrangements can be completed. I may mention that during recent months imports of most of these products have been on a lower level than last year.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that many local authorities and private firms are considering what payment they will make to Territorials and militiamen who are called up for service or training; and, as they will be guided largely by Government policy, will he state whether it is proposed to pay to permanent civil servants, to temporary civil servants, and to permanent and temporary industrial workers in Government establishments, the difference between the value of their service pay and allowances and their normal weekly salary or wage in the Civil Service or Government establishment?

Generally, the arrangements will be as follows. All civil servants called up for service in accordance with the provisions of the Reserve and Auxiliary Forces Bill will be allowed for the whole period of absence the balance of their civil pay to bring up their total emoluments, service and civil, to the level of their civil pay. Subject to the exigencies of the public service, their position in the matter of their normal leave allowance will be unaffected.

In the case of civil servants called up for military training under the Military Training Bill the period of absence will reckon for purposes of increment and superannuation but there will be no issue of civil pay in respect of this period.

The necessary detailed instructions, which will include the bases of assessment of the various emoluments, will be promulgated at an early date and I will send a copy of them to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the concession granted by employers on the Clyde to their apprentices that the six months' training shall be included in their apprenticeship, with the result that boys who have served 4½ years' apprenticeship will, when they return after their military training, start as journeymen; and if he will approach other employers with a view to obtaining a similar concession?

I have no official information that a decision of the kind suggested has been reached; but I am glad to be able to say that this question is receiving consideration in the engineering and other industries. I feel sure that as a result of this consideration, equitable arrangements will be made in the various industries to meet the new circumstances.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the position of those persons who may be liable to be called up under the Military Training Bill who made application to join local Territorial forces on or before 26th April, but whose applications were refused on the ground that they would be called up under the Military Training Act?

Instructions have been issued to the effect that men who offered themselves for enlistment in the Territorial Army before 27th April, but whose enlistment was not proceeded with on the ground that they would be liable for service under the provisions of the Military Training Bill, should be notified that, if they enlist within 14 days of the receipt of such notification, they will be regarded as having been accepted for service in the Territorial Army before 27th April.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what reply he has made to the representations of the retail motor trade in connection with the additional horse-power tax in view of the anticipated loss of revenue due to the threatened abandonment of replacement orders in favour of cars of smaller horse-power?

I received a deputation from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders on Tuesday and promised to examine the views they put before me. I may add that in the Estimates presented with my Budget due allowance was made for all relevant considerations.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what law, according to the protocols, the Bank of International Settlement is subject, and what action His Majesty's Government propose to take, in view of the fact that the board of the said bank, which contains two representatives of the Bank of England, has recently taken a decision with respect to the Czech gold, which constitutes a recognition that the German Government is the de jure Government of Bohemia and Moravia, contrary to the policy of His Majesty's Government?

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the convention respecting the Bank for International Settlements signed at the Hague in January, 1930 (Command Paper 3484) and the Constituent Charter granted by the Swiss Government to the bank in 1930 in accordance with that convention. No doubt the bank carries out banking transactions in accordance with what it understands to be its legal obligations, and I am not aware of any evidence that the transaction referred to in the question can properly be held to imply that de jure recognition had been granted to the incorporation of Bohemia and Moravia in the Reich. In any case, it is clear that there is no action which His Majesty's Government can usefully take in the matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) who compose the committee or advisory section of the Machine Tool Trades Association who agreed to the importation of machine tools; why have the needs not been met in this country; why are national factories not being established to manufacture the machine tools; can a statement be made on the costing system that the Government proposed to the Machine Tool Trades Association; why it was disagreed to; and what is the present position;

(2) whether he can make a statement on the consultations and negotiations that have taken place between Government representatives and the Machine Tool Manufacturers' Association; and it not, when he expects to be in a position to make such a statement?

pursuant to his reply (OFFICIAL REPORT, 24th May, 1939; col. 2300, Vol. 347) supplied the following information:

Following are the names of the representatives of the Machine Tool Trades Association with whom the discussions have been conducted: Mr. Harold Butler (President). Sir William Lang, J.P.(Ex-President). Sir Alfred Herbert, K.B.E. Mr. E. C. Farrell. Mr. J. H. Goddard. Mr. G. S. Maginness. Mr L. Weight (Secretary).

asked the Home Secretary whether he has now come to a decision with regard to the publication of the report of his advisory committee on the question of non-inflammable sub-standard films; and whether it is proposed to adopt the recommendations of the report?

The report will be published and placed on sale at an early date. The primary responsibility for the administration of the Cinematograph Act, 1909, is placed on the cinematograph licensing authorities, and my right hon. Friend is communicating with the representative associations of those authorities on the subject of the recommendations of the committee.

asked the Home Secretary whether alien refugees admitted for settlement into Crown Colonies and Dependencies will thereby be enabled to obtain British nationality; if so, after what length of residence they will be permitted to apply for it; and if he can give an assurance that it will not be possible for such persons to be thereafter entitled to settle permanently in Great Britain?

The statutory qualifications for naturalisation are uniform throughout the British Empire. The minimum residence required before a person is eligible to make an application is five years. It does not follow that a certificate would be granted to a person unless it appeared that he had the intention of remaining settled in that part of the Empire in which he is resident. The grant of a certificate is discretionary. But should such a person come to the United Kingdom, he has, as my right hon. Friend stated in reply to a question on the 12th instant, the same rights and privileges in this country as any other British subject.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will make inquiries with regard to the action of the police in the disturbances in the streets of Jarrow during the evening of Saturday, 13th May?

My right hon. Friend has made inquiries but as he finds that certain persons have been charged with offences arising out of the disturbances, any statement must be deferred until after the hearing of the charges.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that members of the special constabulary are required to pay postal charges when answering correspondence requesting them to volunteer for duty; and whether, in view of the fact that these men are already giving their services and time to duty, he is prepared to grant free postal facilities for such communications?

My right hon. Friend's attention has not previously been drawn to any difficulties on this account, but he will be glad to consider the matter further if my hon. Friend will furnish him with particulars of the cases he has in mind.

asked the Home Secretary what steps are taken to prevent the employment of young persons in other occupations when they have worked the maximum number of hours legally allowed under the provisions of the Factory Act and the Shops Acts?

The enactments dealing with the hours of young persons contain various provisions relating to different combinations of occupation. If the hon. Member will send me details of any particular cases he has in mind I shall be glad to look into them and inform him of the position.

asked the Home Secretary whether any estimate has been formed of the cost to the Lancashire cotton textile industry of carrying out the provisions of the new Factories Act; and whether he can give an assurance that factory inspectors will be instructed to have regard to the new commitments which have been imposed on the industry in connection with Civil Defence?

My right hon. Friend is advised that it would be extremely difficult to form anything like an accurate estimate, partly because the cost varies considerably as between one factory and another and partly owing to the difficulty of saying how much of the cost of improvements or replacements should be attributed to new legal rejuirements. It also has to be remembered that the Act was passed nearly two years ago and came into force last July; that a great deal has been done before and since then to bring factories into conformity with the new provisions, and that all the work necessary for the purpose should have been done already or should at least be in train. In cases where an employer has not yet fully complied, the course to be followed must depend on the circumstances, including the extent to which he has taken active steps to that end and the nature of the particular requirement with which he has not yet complied. I can assure my hon. Friend that the inspectors in dealing with a particular case would not overlook commitments in respect of Civil Defence requirements at the factory in question.

asked the Home Secretary what steps are taken by factory inspectors to ensure the provision of meal-room accommodation at factories where many employés, especially girls and women, are compelled to have their meals on, about, or near the factories at which they are employed?

The Factories Acts do not contain any requirement that meal-room accommodation must be provided at factories either generally or in the circumstances indicated in the question. Mess-rooms or other facilities for taking meals in the works are, however, required by the Act or Regulations for persons employed in various classes of work where, in view of the nature of the process, such accommodation is specially needed, and it is the practice to require messrooms or other facilities for meals as a condition of shift working under the Employment of Women and Young Persons Act, 1936. If the hon. Member has any particular cases in mind where special hardship is said to have arisen owing to the absence of facilities for taking meals in the works, and will send my right hon. Friend the details, my right hon. Friend will have them looked into and consider what can be done.

asked the Home Secretary which organisation had employed and released, in order that he might take up the position of trust that he abused, Edward Walker Edwards who was sentenced at Manchester on the 18th May for offences under the Official Secrets Act after he had secured a position on the clerical staff of the Territorial Army; and whether, having regard to the fact that another official of this organisation had been previously convicted of incitement to mutiny in the forces, the Minister will give an assurance that a close watch will be kept upon its activities and connections?

As stated at the trial, this man was a member of the Communist party. My right hon. Friend can give the hon. and gallant Member the assurance that a careful watch is kept on all organisations whose activities may be injurious to public security.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the continued activities of the organisation known as The Link in circulating in this country Nazi propaganda, entitled News from Germany, attacking this country and supporting the German policy of aggression; and whether its activities are being carefully watched by his Department?

The information my right hon. Friend has as to the method of distributing the sheet entitled News from Germany shows that it is posted from Germany, and the hon. Member is, I believe, under a misapprehension in thinking that it is distributed by the organisation known as The Link?

asked the Home Secretary whether he will issue a visa, granting transitory residence to Mr. and Mrs. Schaje Schulbaum, Liechtenstein-strasse, 23–14, Vienna, 66, whose maintenance is guaranteed by Mrs. Florence Nelstrop and Mrs. M. Monkhouse, both of Disley, in view of the fact that application was lodged on 18th March with the German Jewish Aid Committee and no settlement has been obtainable yet?

Inquiries are being made into this case and a communication will be sent to the hon. and gallant Member as soon as possible.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will take steps by means of an auditor's certificate or by requiring a deposit with the Paymaster-General, or otherwise, to satisfy himself that the German Jewish Aid Committee, the Movement for the Care of Children from Germany, and other refugee organisations, have sufficient funds at their disposal to enable them to meet the cost of sending to some country of final settlement the children already in their charge, for whose temporary introduction into this country permission has been given?

I am satisfied myself that the Movement for the Care of Children from Germany has taken proper steps to set aside a sufficient sum to meet all its liabilities in respect of children under its care, including money for their emigration.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the recent refusal of the chairman of a bench of magistrates to hear a case because a female witness appeared without a hat; and whether, in the interests of litigants, he will circularise all benches of magistrates discouraging such discrimination?

My right hon. Friend has seen a newspaper report of the case to which the hon. Member refers. It is, of course, the responsibility of those charged with the duty of administering the law to ensure that proper respect is paid to the courts. My right hon. Friend has no information to suggest that it is necessary or desirable for him to give to courts any guidance on this matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will specify the authorities in the Metropolitan police district which have now adopted the draft by-law, agreed between the Home Office, the Standing Joint Committee of the Metropolitan Borough Councils and the Commissioner of Police, with a view to the abatement of noise caused by street musicians and singers; and if he will identify those cases where adoption of the by-law has received his confirmation?

The by-law in question has been adopted by the borough councils of Battersea, Bethnal Green, Chelsea, Fulham, Hackney, Hampstead, Holborn, Hornsey, Islington, Kensington, Paddington, St. Marylebone and Westminster. In all these cases the by-law has been confirmed. My right hon. Friend understands that the St. Pancras Borough Council was considering the adoption of the by-law yesterday. Otherwise my right hon. Friend knows of no case in which the by-law has been adopted but not yet confirmed.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can state the number up to date, of offences committed against the law attributed to persons belonging to the Irish Republican Army, and the number of persons claiming to belong to this body sentenced for such offences in this country?

I would refer the hon. Member to the figures given on the 8th May in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Bootle (Mr. Errington). Since 5th May the number of further outrages or attempted outrages attributed to the activities of the Irish Republican Army is 20 and the number of fresh persons connected with such activities who have been convicted on various charges is nine.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Home Office Committee on Industrial Diseases has recommended that Weit's disease should be scheduled under Section 43 (3) of the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1925?

The Committee investigated this question and considered that infection by leptospira ictero-haemorrhagiae might properly be scheduled, subject to special and novel conditions. The Home Office has been in consultation with representatives of employers and workmen on the terms of a draft Order, and some further inquiries are being made.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction in the fishing industry at Milford Haven because of the continued employment of Spanish fishermen who were introduced two-and-a-half years ago as instructors in the Pareja method of fishing; when are the permits of the Spanish fishermen due to expire; and will he undertake not to renew them as the services of instructors are no longer required and over 100 British fishermen at the port are unemployed?

My right hon. Friend is aware of the circumstances in which a certain number of Spanish seamen have been engaged on trawlers at Milford Haven to instruct British seamen in a new method of fishing. Their permits to continue this activity will expire early in 1940, and, as at present advised, my right hon. Friend does not propose to renew them. Steps are being taken to warn the Spanish instructors and their employers accordingly.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, as the quotas for imported fish were fixed when it was the custom to import fish whole and as fish is now imported filleted and headed, giving an advantage of over 100 per cent. in edible weight, he will consult with the Board of Trade and the Sea Fish Commission with regard to some amendment in the quotas?

My right hon. Friend is already considering, in consultation with the other Departments concerned, whether some arrangements can be made by which fish imported in filleted or headed form shall be computed for quota purposes at the equivalent weight of whole fish.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has been informed of the proposed scheme for laying up home-water trawlers; whether he has asked the opinion of the Sea Fish Commission; and whether he will take steps to prevent the laying-up of British trawlers while foreign imports of fish continue?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the proposals of the British trawl owners to lay up 400 trawlers in order to restrict supplies and force up prices; and whether he proposes to take any action?

This proposal has been brought to the notice of my right hon. Friend, and he is given to understand that it is still the subject of discussion within the industry itself. My right hon. Friend is in touch with the White Fish Commission on the subject, but neither he nor they have any power to prevent trawler owners from voluntarily laying up vessels if they decide to do so.

asked the Attorney-General whether he is in a position to state the number of cases each year in 1932 to 1938, respectively, in which distress has been levied for arrears of rent?

No, Sir. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Romford (Mr. Parker) on the 21st November, 1938, which was in the following terms:—Distress on account of arrears of rent can be levied in England and Wales through a certificated bailiff without recourse to the courts. No statistics, therefore, are available which would enable me to give the hon. Gentleman the information for which he asks.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the depression in Rhondda, the Commissioner of Special Areas has had sites cleared such as may be acquired by new industries; and, if not, can he say if such clearance may be looked for in the future?

Factories have been provided by the Commisioner for the Special Areas for new industrial undertakings which are now in operation at Ynyswen and Porth. In reply to the second part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Abertillery (Mr. Daggar) on 2nd March, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the number of the insured population in Rhondda, the number employed and unemployed, respectively, to the 1st April, 1921, and the same date in 1939?

Figures are not available for any year earlier than 1923, and the total number of insured persons can only be given in respect of July in any year. The table below gives the numbers of insured persons in respect of whom unem-

Year. — Estimated number insured at July. Number recorded as unemployed. April. June. 1923 … … Aged 16 and over … 55,940 1,554 1,138 1938 … … Aged 16–64 … 36,950 13,015 13,716 1939 … … Aged 16–64 … — 11,758 — NOTE.—The figures for 1938 and 1939 given above exclude persons within the Agricultura Scheme.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the number of appeals against the stopping of winter allowances received by appeal tribunals in Scotland this year; and the number that were refused a hearing?

During the months of March and April a total number of 1,375 appeals against determinations of need were lodged in Scotland and in 45 of these cases leave to appeal was refused. I regret that it is not possible to distinguish in these figures appeals against withdrawals of Winter Allowances.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the total number of persons at any recent date receiving allowances from the Unemployment Assistance Board in each of the townships of Aspull, Blackrod, Hindley, Horwich and Westhoughton?

The table below shows the numbers of payments of unemployment allowances made direct through the Employment Exchanges in question during the week ended 12th May, 1939. There is no separate exchange at Blackrod.

Employment Exchange. Number of Payments. Aspull … … 387 Hindley … … 1,058 Horwich … … 230 Westhoughton … … 398

ployment books were exchanged at Employment Exchanges at Rhondda at July, 1923, and July, 1938, and the numbers recorded as unemployed at a date in April and June of those years and in April, 1939.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the numbers receiving assistance from the Unemployment Assistance Board in each district, the sum paid in each district and the average payment made to each applicant in each district, during the last week of December, 1938, and at the latest convenient date?

I am having the figures extracted and will send them to the hon. Member as soon as they are available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the numbers of persons employed, on the registers of the Chatham and Gravesend Employment Exchanges, at the latest convenient date; and give corresponding figures for the years 1936, 1937 and 1938?

The available figures relate to the total numbers of insured persons whose unemployment books were exchanged at the Chatham and Gravesend Employment Exchanges (including the Juvenile Employment Bureaux) at the exchange of books beginning in July of each year, and the numbers of insured persons recorded as unemployed at those offices. The figures desired in relation to the total number of insured persons were given in reply to my hon. Friend's question of 21st November last. The table below shows the numbers of insured persons aged 16–64, recorded as unemployed at the Chatham and Gravesend Exchanges at a date in April of the years 1936, 1937, 1938 and 1939: Date. Chatham. Gravesend. 27th April, 1936 … 3,139 1,673 19th April, 1937 … 2,171 1,182 4th April, 1938 … 2,310* 1,464* 17th April, 1939 … 2,230* 1,509* * The figures for 4th April, 1938, and 17th April, 1939, are compiled under the revised method of counting the unemployed, introduced in September, 1937, in which persons subsequently found to be in employment at the date of the count are excluded from the figures.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the circumstances in which men have been sent from the Hull Employment Exchange to work in storing minesweeper gear under the naval dockyard stores department; whether he is aware that the men commenced work on 13th April, not receiving any wages until 25th April when payment was made for two days followed by a week's wages on 28th April; that they were finally paid-off on 12th May at one-and-a-half days' notice, and had to wait until the following week for wages earned the previous week; that Unemployment Assistance Board's payments having ceased at the commencement of work no further assistance could be obtained although the men were without wages so that the wife of one of the men concerned had to apply for public assistance to support her family; and whether he will ensure that men sent from an Employment Exchange to work of a Government or semi-Government character shall be paid promptly?

I have been asked to reply. The men in question were engaged through the local Employment Exchange under the usual conditions applicable to Dockyard workpeople, that is to say, they were to be paid on Fridays for the work they had done during the previous week. This was explained to the men at the time they were engaged and they raised no objection to the arrangement which, it is understood from the manager of the Employment Exchange, is usual with many private employers in the district of Hull.

The men employed at Hull were, for administrative purposes, under the orders of the naval store officer at Coventry and the fact that they did not receive pay for the first 2½ days until the 25th April, in- stead of on the 21st April, was due to delays in correspondence between Hull and Coventry.

Arrangements have been made to ensure that in the future men at such outlying stations shall be paid promptly and shall normally be paid on discharge up to the date on the actual day of ceasing work.

asked the Minister of Transport how many parishes in Lindsey were without electricity in 1914, 1924, and at the latest available date; how many are now provided, and what prospect there is of the provision of increased supply in the future, and can he give this information by rural districts?

The Electricity Commissioners are in communication with the electricity undertakers concerned. As soon as information is available, I will convey it to my hon. Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he can now say if he has received a report from the school inspector in connection with the unhealthy school at Ramsgate, St. Lawrence extra Church of England school; and what action he intends taking?

I have received a report from His Majesty's Inspector on the premises of this school, from which it is clear that they are unsatisfactory in several respects. Negotiations for the transfer of the premises, which are in two ownerships, have been in progress between the local education authority and the managers for some time, and the latter have now given notice of their intention to close the school. I understand that the local education authority are considering the question of improving the existing premises, should they become possessed of them, or of providing a new school on a new site.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what advice has been given by the Board to local education authorities concerning schoolmasters who wish to join some branch of His Majesty's Forces; whether he is aware that some local authorities are informing would-be applicants that, in view of the increased duties that will devolve upon teachers in time of emergency, and the fact that they would not, therefore, be available for duty with the Territorial or other units, it would be inadvisable for them to apply to recruiting offices; and, as teachers in all parts of the county are as anxious as others to respond to the national appeal for service, and, to secure uniformity, steps will be taken to issue instructions to all local authorities forthwith?

A circular on this subject will be issued in a few days.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that there is wide discontent in Hornchurch at the wholesale discharge of local men from work on the reconstruction of Abbs Cross Lane and their replacement by Irishmen; and whether he can state why he rejected the local council's standard condition that 75 per cent. of local labour should be employed on local works when making a 60 per cent. grant towards the scheme?

I am not aware of any discharge of local men from work on this scheme and their replacement by Irishmen, nor have I rejected the local council's standard condition of employment. On the contrary, I have accepted a modification by which, in addition to the standard contract rule that the contractors shall employ not less than 75 per cent. of local labour through the local Employment Exchange, such local employment is to be confined to persons who have resided in the Hornchurch district not less than six months immediately preceding the date of the contract.

I understand that a number of Irishmen are residents in Hornchurch and are eligible for employment under the contract but I do not know how many of the men employed on the works are Irishmen. The rate of grant for this work is not 60 per cent., but 50 per cent.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that, owing to lack of Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve training facilities at Plymouth, men under 40 years of age, holding mates' certificates and with many years' experience at sea, are being advised to become air-raid wardens; and will he make arrangements to afford training facilities as soon as possible?

It is not proposed to form a Division of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve at Plymouth, the new Divisions which are to be formed at Hull, Southampton and Cardiff being in general sufficient to meet requirements. The possibility of forming a small R.N.V.R. unit limited to the Writer and Supply Branches, is, however, still under consideration.

It has also been decided to form a Naval Auxiliary Company at Plymouth, the members of which will be trained to discharge certain naval services in the port in an emergency. Men with sea experience will be particularly acceptable in this local Naval reserve.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to a statement in the Scottish Fishery Board Report for 1938 that the number of fishermen employed fell from 19,364 in 1937 to 17,915 in 1938, being now little over half the number employed in 1913; and whether he is satisfied that, in the event of emergency, there now exist sufficient numbers to meet all naval requirements and also sufficient to man the fishing fleets and the merchant service?

My attention has been drawn to the reduction referred to by my hon. Friend. I am satisfied that in an emergency naval requirements can be met without jeopardising the manning of the Mercantile Marine and the fishing fleet.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can state the number of fatal and non-fatal accidents which have occurred in Rosyth Dockyard during the past three months; and whether steps are being taken to prevent similar accidents in future?

No fatal accidents have occurred among Admiralty employés at Rosyth during the last three months; two contractors' workmen have, however, been killed at that establishment in this period. The numbers of non-fatal accidents to direct employés and to contractors' employés in the last three months at Rosyth are 34 and five, respectively. These accidents were in the main of a minor character.

Every precaution is taken to prevent the occurrence of accidents at Rosyth Dockyard as at other Admiralty establishments, and all accidents involving loss of life or absence from duty for more than three days on account of disablement are reported to His Majesty's Inspector of Factories in the district.

asked the Postmaster-General what instructions have been given to the district officers in regard to the facilities to be given to postmen who are anxious to join units of the Territorial Army; whether he is aware that in some cases Post Office messenger boys and postmen have informed local recruiting officers that they are desirous of joining but are being discouraged from so doing by their immediate superiors; and whether arrangements have been made for Post Office officials, now pensioned, to take the places of those who are accepted for service in one branch or other of the forces should an emergency arise?

Post Office controlling officers have instructions to give every encouragement to Post Office servants who desire to join units of the Territorial Army and I am not aware that postmen and boy messengers have been discouraged from so doing. I do not anticipate any difficulty in replacing, either by the re-employment of pensioners or in other ways, any such men called up for active service.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the resolution adopted by the Corporation of Greenock, on the 16th May, 1939, in support of coastwise services, a copy of which has been transmitted to him; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the answer I gave on the 9th May to my hon. Friend the Member for Kidderminster (Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne).