asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the amount of nickel-plated steel-strip imported from Germany in each of the last three years, and up to the latest available date?

I regret that the desired information is not available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can publish a table showing the monthly variations in the price of the ordinary brands of zinc excluding duty or Empire premium on the London Metal Exchange since August, 1935?

Following are the figures for which the hon. Member asks:

Jones asked the President of the Board of Trade what were the import figures of granite of all kinds during each of the last five years?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Japanese agents are endeavouring to unload on the British market a large consignment of salmon; and, as it is not in the public interest that their efforts should succeed, in view of the Japanese attacks on British citizens and interests in China,

The following statement shows the total quantity and declared value of the under mentioned descriptions of granite imported into the United Kingdom during each of the last five years:whether he will take steps to prevent this?

I understand that considerable supplies of last year's output of canned Russian and Japanese salmon are in bond in this country but that a large part of these supplies already belongs to British subjects. As regards the second part of the question, the situation to which the hon. Member refers is, of course, receiving the closest attention of His Majesty's Government at the present time.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many steam trawlers and steam drifters were employed in naval service on any date convenient in the records during the latter half of 1917; what was the approximate total number of officers and crews employed thereupon; and what are the corresponding numbers at the present time?

The information asked for is not immediately available. I am having it obtained and will communicate it to the hon. Member shortly.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will consider the use in submarines of iron-nickel accumulators instead of lead, thus obviating chlorine hazard when sea-water comes into contact with lead-type accumulators?

The possibility of using iron-nickel accumulators in submarines has frequently been considered, and accumulators of this type have been fully tested. These tests showed that this type of accumulator has serious disadvantages which makes it less suitable for use in submarines than the batteries which are at present used. The problem of providing the most satisfactory type of battery for use in submarines is constantly under investigation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether it is proposed to scrap any ships of the "Royal Oak" class?

As my hon. Friend the Civil Lord state don the 3rd May, the implications of the denunciation of the Anglo-German Agreement, with which this question is bound up, are being carefully considered, and I do not wish to anticipate any general statement on the subject. As I explained in my reply to a supplementary question on 17th May, any decision as to the scrapping of these ships is in no way urgent, as they do not in any case fall due for scrapping until the end of 1941.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will confer with the Department of Overseas Trade to arrange a plan to operate actively a policy designed to increase the export and import trade of Nigeria, as the existing machinery is inadequate for developing the sale of the natural productions of Nigeria, in the British Empire and in foreign countries?

My right hon. Friend is in touch with the Department of Overseas Trade on this subject, but broadly speaking it is rather a question of attempting to accelerate the general economic progress of Nigeria than of improving the existing machinery for dealing with export and import trade.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Bill legalising trade unions in Nigeria, which was introduced into the legislative council early this year, has been passed into law?

The Nigeria Trade Union Ordinance was enacted last December and was brought into operation on 1st April, I939.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will state the daily output of coal at the Government colliery at Enugu, Nigeria; the number of workers employed underground and on the surface, respectively; and the respective rates of wages?

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the Government colliery at Enugu. The latest figures available, in respect of the year ended the 31st March, 1938, show that the total tonnage sold during the year was 391,159 tons, obtained in 267 working days, giving an average daily output of approximately 1,465 tons. The number of workers employed underground was 1,894, and the number employed on the surface 528. Of the former, 507 worked as hewers and were paid wages varying during the year from 2s. 11d. —3s. 6.5d. per shift, and the remainder of the underground workers were paid wages varying from is. 1.5d. —is. 4.5d. per shift; wages paid to surface labour varied from is. to is. 5.2d. per shift during the year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies under what Statute or Statutes are the conditions of employment and rates of wages in Nigeria regulated?

Conditions of labour are regulated by the Labour Ordinance, 1929 (No. 1 of 1929), as amended by Ordinances No. 14 of 1932, No. 17 of 1932, No. 12 of 1933, No. 29of 1933, and No. 39 of 1938, and in so far as matters relating to the health of workers are concerned, by the Public Health Ordinance, Cap. 56 of the Revised Edition of the Nigerian Laws. Ordinance No. 17 of 1932 provides inter alia that the Governor may, in certain circumstances, by Order-in-Council fix minimum rates of wages.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information to give as to the recent attack on Jews in Jerusalem by Britishers in plain clothes; and whether these were members of the police force or Army?

Yes, Sir. The High Commissioner has informed my right hon. Friend that nine cases of alleged unprovoked assault have been reported. These cases have been thoroughly investigated, but in none of them has it been substantiated that British police or troops were concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will consider the appointment of a Jewish mayor of Jerusalem, seeing that Jews constitute two-thirds of the population, and contribute not less than 75 per cent, of the municipal revenue?

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend considers that it is in the public interest for the present Moslem Mayor of Jerusalem to continue in office until the expiry of the present Municipal Council in January, 1940.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received official information regarding the two bomb explosions which occurred on Monday, the 19th instant, in Haifa, one in the market place and the other in Hadarha; and whether he will give the numbers of those killed and injured?

Yes, Sir. The High Commissioner for Palestine has reported that 18 Arabs were killed and 24 wounded as the result of the explosion of a bomb in the vegetable market at Haifa on the 19th June. No casualties have been reported in connection with the further bomb explosion in Hadar Hacarmel.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has a statement to make as to the position in Palestine?

The situation remains substantially as described in the reply given by my right hon. Friend to a question by the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams) on 5th June. As has been reported in the Press, a number of outrages, involving serious casualties, have occurred since that date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information about the disturbances which have occurred at the mine belonging to the Sierra Leone Development Company at Marampa; what are the duties and terms of reference of the labour adviser who has been sent there; and whether he has been sent merely to make a report or has he any powers of action?

My information is that disorders took place; on 2nd, 3rd and 10th May. Four Court Messengers were badly injured, and five arrests were made. The strike ended on the morning of 22nd May. As regards the remainder of the question, the appointment is that of Labour Secretary to the Government of Sierra Leone and no terms of reference have been laid down. The officer is to be attached to the Secretariat, and among his duties will be those of inspecting and advising upon labour conditions and promoting good relationships between employers and employed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give information regarding the strike of mine-workers at Marampa in Sierra Leone; what is the average daily wage of the Marampa miner and whether, because of the widespread unrest in this Colony, and, in view of the repressive legislation which it is proposed to introduce, he will consider the dispatch of a Royal Commission to investigate labour and social conditions in all the British West African Colonies, protectorates and mandated territories?

A strike of approximately 3,000 labourers broke out at Marampa on 2nd May and ended on the morning of 22nd May. As regards the second part of the question, the information requested is not available, but inquiry for it will be made. As regards the third part, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given by my right hon. Friend to questions by the hon. Member for Consett (Mr. David Adams) on 15th March and 24th May.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will state the reasons for the passing of the Incitement to Disaffection Ordinance, the Sedition Ordinance, the Undesirable Publication Ordinance, and the present consideration of the Deportation Ordinance by the Legislative Council of Sierra Leone; and whether he is aware of the large amount of opposition to these measures in the Colony?

The object of this legislation is to ensure that the Government should have adequate powers, and that those powers should be specifically defined, to enable it to take such steps as may be necessary to safeguard peace and good order. The introduction of such legislation was considered all the more desirable in view of the increasing strategic importance of Freetown and of the presence of a garrison there. As regards the second part of the question, my right hon. Friend is aware that in Sierra Leone some opposition to these measures has been expressed; this appears to have been largely due to misapprehension of the nature and object of the legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that many mothers in Sierra Leone are prepared to sell off their children to secure the means of paying the taxes levied on them in order not to undergo the penalty of failure to pay which includes tying, peppering, and flogging; and whether he will make an investigation into these cases of cruelty in the protectorate?

The allegation that children are being sold to secure funds for the payment of tax is without foundation. Some instances of alleged ill-treatment in connection with the collection of tax have been reported and particulars of the action taken are being obtained from the Governor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the four proposed Ordinances now before the Sierra Leone Legislative Council will have to be submitted to him for his approval before they can become operative; and whether, before he gives his consent, he will have copies of these Ordinances placed in the Library for the information of Members?

My right hon. Friend has not yet seen the text of the Bills as passed by the Legislative Council; but, subject to any special provision contained therein, each Bill assented to by the Governor would take effect and come into operation as law on the date of its publication in the Sierra Leone Gazette. Copies of the Ordinances, when received, will be placed in the Library of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, having regard to the great importance of our Crown Colonies, he will consider the possibility of setting up a committee of both Houses of Parliament to review the Annual Reports of each Colony and deal with matters affecting the development of their vast resources and the well-being of the inhabitants?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. and gallant Member for Nuneaton (Lieut.-Commander Fletcher) on 12th June.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any decision has yet been reached on the question of setting up a committee of all parties in the House to keep the affairs of the Colonial Empire under continuous and vigorous review?

No, Sir

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a new scheme for financing the plans for land reclamation in Gambia has been devised; and what are the proposals?

No, Sir. The despatch to which I referred in the reply on this subject to the hon. Member's question of the 14th of June is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give the figures of Japanese subjects settled in British colonial territory and the estimated value of their possessions in such territory?

The information for which the hon. and gallant Member asks is not available in the Colonial Office.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received any information from the Governor of Kenya about the expulsion of 10 pupils from the school at Hono, Alego, on 25th May, because of the parents inability to pay school fees; and will he reconsider the question of the advisability of abolishing school fees to be paid by Africans who, in thousands of cases, are paid wages of 8s. per month?

My right hon. Friend has been informed by the Governor of Kenya that this is the first occasion on which his attention has been drawn to the fact that the principle of fee-paying has been enforced in such a way as to lead to the expulsion of children, without provision for the remission of fees. The Governor is having an inquiry made into the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that British subjects of Jewish extraction in Kenya have received letters from official German sources addressed to Deutsch Ost-Afrika, in some cases demanding payment of their alleged share of a collective fine recently imposed on Jews in Germany; and whether he will take steps to prevent these illegal demands?

I would refer to my right hon. Friend's reply of the 7th June to a similar question by the hon. Member for Stourbridge (Mr. R. Morgan). Inquiries with regard to these allegations have been addressed to the Governors of the East African territories, including Kenya.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give particulars of the statements which appeared in Cyprus newspapers, and which caused the censorship to be re-imposed; and whether he will give instructions that publication of the report of discussions in this House, and of articles appearing in the British Press relating to Cyprus may be permitted?

As I stated in answer to a question by the hon. Member on 14th June no newspaper in Cyprus has recently been placed under censorship. The communication made to the editors of newspapers to which the hon. Member no doubt refers followed the publication of articles which, in the opinion of the Cyprus Government, were having the effect of keeping alive agitation and intimidating those persons in Cyprus who were co-operating with Government.With regard to the second and third parts of the question, a further report is being asked for from the Acting Governor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he instructed the Commissioner of Nicosia to inform the editors of the Nicosia newspapers that report of procedings in this House relating to Cyprus matters were prohibited matter; and what are the grounds for the suppression of news and articles in Cyprus?

The Law of Cyprus vests discretionary powers in relation to the Press in the Colonial Secretary of Cyprus with whom, I understand, the Commissioner of Nicosia consulted before making communications to the editors of the local Press regarding the publication of prohibited matter. There was no question of instructions from the Secretary of State, In answer to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the first part of the answer which I gave to-day to a question by the hon. Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Mathers).

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he considers that an average attendance of 55 per cent. is a satisfactory attendance for children in the elementary schools in Jamaica; what steps he proposes to take to raise this percentage; is he aware that it is obligatory for children attending the elementary schools in Jamaica to provide their own school utensils, such as pens, pencils, exercise books, and other school books; and will he consider altering this?

No, Sir. The school attendance in Jamaica cannot be considered to be satisfactory, although the figures are improving and the average monthly attendance in 1938 was 4,698 higher than in 1937.Economic conditions are the main cause of irregular attendance and of non-attendance. The provision of better and more adequate school accommodation is a necessary prelude to the extension of compulsion. Within its financial resources the Government of Jamaica is doing what it can to extend facilities and ensure their being used.My right hon. Friend is aware that school children in Jamaica are obliged to purchase their own school books and stationery. The free issue of books by Government, although recognised to be desirable, has so far been precluded on account of expense. My right hon. Friend would prefer to await the report of the Royal Commission before considering any changes in the educational system of Jamaica which are likely to involve heavy expenditure.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make any statement on the disturbances which have occurred in Jamaica during the past week-end and the circumstances which have given rise to them?

The Governor has reported that on the evening of the 16th June a riotous mob after leaving a public street meeting attacked and attempted to bum the headquarters of the Jamaican Ex-Service Men's Trade and Labour Union in Kingston, but were driven back by the police who were compelled to open fire on the mob. Only three or four rounds were expended and there were no casualties amongst the mob, but four policemen were sent to hospital with injuries from stones thrown by the mob. Attempts were made also to loot and wreck small shops principally owned by Chinese traders. These attempts were all prevented by police action.On the 17th June the local forces were called up for active service and 400 special constables were mobilised. A system of intensive mobile patrols was instituted throughout the Corporation area of Kingston and St. Andrew and the essential services placed under armed guard. The 17th June passed without serious incidents except that during the night a Chinese shop was looted and the owner and his wife assaulted. Two arrests have been made in connection with this. On the 18th June at about 7.30 a.m. a riotous mob attempted to attack members of the Jamaica Ex-Service Men's Trade and Labour Union proceeding to work at No. 2 Pier under police escort. The escort was attacked by a mob of about 600 with sticks and stones and compelled to fire four rounds in self defence. As a result one member of the mob was wounded and has subsequently died in hospital.A coroner's inquest will be held in due course. Since then no serious incident has occurred. Intensive mobile patrols are being continued and the police are continuing to disperse all attempts to assemble in public places.The cause of this outbreak of disorder is attributed to (

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any formerly German subjects in Tanganyika have applied for British naturalisation?

Yes, Sir, I understand that a number of German subjects in Tanganyika have applied for, or made inquiries about, naturalisation as British subjects during the past 10 years.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the humble memorial of the members of the Federated Malay States railway clerical service on the subject of the revised 1938 railway clerical scheme, which was forwarded to him on 16th November, 1938; why no reply was given; and whether any action has been or is going to be taken in the matter?

A copy of the memorial was received direct from the memorialists by my right hon. Friend yesterday, but he has had no time to examine it nor has he yet received the observations of the High Commissioner upon it. He will communicate with the High Commissioner in the matter with a view to giving it early and full consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has under active consideration political reform in Mauritius; and whether he will reconsider the rule that 15 or more persons may not assemble for the purpose of discussing political matters without the authorisation of the governor and the presence of the police to take notes, or see that it is observed not only where workers are concerned, but also in the case of the enfranchised classes in the colony?

With regard to the first part of the question, there has been informal discussion on this subject between the Governor and my right hon. Friend. With regard to the second part of the question, my right hon. Friend is aware of no such rule as that referred to by the hon. Member. Under the existing law the sanction of the Colonial Governmen is required before public meetings can be held to discuss any matter of general interest. The question of revising this provision is now under consideration. My right hon. Friend has no reason to believe that the law as it stands has been administered otherwise than with complete impartiality.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether any action has been taken, or is to be taken, by the Board to reduce the size of classes in secondary schools which are over the normal limit of 30 pupils per class, in view of the increase in the number of such classes to 4,747 on 1st October 1938 as compared with 4,684 on 1st October, 1937?

Article 5 of the Regulations for Secondary Schools provides that the number of pupils taught together at any one time must not without the concurrence of the Board exceed 30, and must never exceed 35. Permission to admit more than 30 pupils to any form in the first year of the course is given by H.M. Inspectors on behalf of the Board, after satisfying themselves that the concession is justified by the special circumstances of the case.In English schools the increase in the number of such classes between October 1937 and October 1938 is exactly proportional to the increase in the total number of classes. In Welsh schools the proportion is higher, but every effort is being made to limit the size of classes without unduly restricting admissions.It should be remembered that October comes at the beginning of the school year which numbers are at their peak, and that a certain amount of wastage takes place in the course of the school year. In the circumstance:; I do not think that special action by the Board is called for.

asked the Secretary for Mines what mines have been closed and what new mines have been opened in Nottinghamshire during the last 10 years, giving the dates in each case?

The information is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether there is now any improvement in the conditions of the people of Newfoundland?

There was a reduction in May of 4,000 in the number of persons in receipt of public relief in Newfoundland, but the total was still over 80,000 compared with 57,100 in May, 1938, a poor seal-fishery and adverse climatic conditions having delayed the usual seasonal fall. Now however that the shore-fishery and the active working season on the land have opened this month, the relief figure may be expected as in past years to show a substantial reduction until the end of the summer. Conditions thereafter must depend on the results of the coming season, of which it is still, of course, too early to give an estimate, but it is my hope that, although market difficulties still persist, the new and extended measures which the Commission of Government are taking to assist the economic life of the country will contribute towards a general improvement in conditions.

asked the Attorney-General whether further investigation has rendered it possible to take any action to allow Mrs. Florence Borders to prosecute her appeal in the case brought against her by the Bradford Third Equitable Building Society and to prevent poor litigants being debarred from appealing and so obtaining justice in the courts?

As to Mrs. Borders appeal, it is incorrect to say that Mrs. Borders cannot appeal unless the cost of the note of the evidence is borne by public funds. If the appeal proceeds and if a proper application is made to the Court of Appeal, it may well be that the court will permit Mrs. Borders to appeal on such materials as she can produce with regard to the evidence. In that event there will be no difficulty in obtaining three transcripts of the judgment of the learned judge at the expense of the vote if the Court of Appeal consider that this would be in the interests of justice.I must not be taken as expressing any opinion as to the course which the Court of Appeal should take in the matter which may be affected by considerations of justice to the building society as well as to Mrs. Borders.On the general question, the Lord Chancellor has carefully considered the whole question of poor litigants (not appealing as poor persons) in relation to the costs of the shorthand notes for use on appeals. It seems to him that several matters call for inquiry on this subject, and he proposes at once to appoint a committee under the chairmanship of a Lord Justice to consider what should be done and to report.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will extend the terms of reference of the Committee on Poor Persons Procedure so as to enable them to inquire into the system known as the Poor Man's Lawyer Association?

No, Sir. The committee has been set up to investigate the working of the Poor Persons Rules; its labours would be greatly increased and the issue of the report delayed if the terms of reference were extended to cover the subject to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the number of coal miners who were unemployed in the West Riding of Yorkshire on 1st January during each of the years 1931 to 1938?

The table below shows the numbers of insured males, aged 16–64, in the coal-mining industry, recorded as unemployed at Employment Exchanges in the West Riding of Yorkshire at a date in January of each of the years 1931 to 1938:

asked the Minister of Labour on what grounds he has given his consent to the erection of a new factory for the processing and manufacture of cloth at Moorside, Workington, when there are ample mills and plant not being fully utilised in the West Riding of Yorkshire, where there are large numbers of trained operatives unemployed; and what is the amount of financial assistance which is being given to the promoters by the Special Area Commissioners?

The Commissioner for the Special Areas has assented to the provision by the West Cumberland Industrial Development Company of a factory at Workington for the manufacture of a cheap cloth of a type at present imported in considerable quantities from abroad. Assurance; were received that the kind of labour required was not available in the area of the main concern of the promoters and that a new undertaking producing cloth of this particular type would not result in any reduction of work in the mills of the parent concern.As regards the latter part of the question, assistance is being given under Section 3 of the Special Areas (Amendment) Act, 1937, to the new undertaking but it would be contrary to practice to furnish details of the financial assistance given by the Commissioner in any individual case.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the number of unemployed jute workers in Scotland at 31st December last; and the number now unemployed?

At 12th December, 1938, there were 5.606 insured persons, aged 14–64, in the jute industry classification recorded as unemployed at Employment Exchanges in Scotland; the total for 15th May, 1939, the latest date for which figures are available, was 4,9I7.

asked the Attorney-General what reply has been sent to the petition sent to him, signed by residents of Tewkesbury Road, Tottenham, complaining of statements made by Tottenham magistrates which are alleged to be a reflection on the character of those residents?

I have received no petition, but my Noble Friend the Lord Chancellor has received a letter from a Mrs. Remington enclosing a petition from a number of residents of the district, and he is making inquiries into the matter. I will inform the hon. Member of the result of these inquiries as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that lock-keepers on the Forth and Clyde canal are responsible for attendance 24 hours per day for six days per week; that in lieu of the two statutory holidays they are only allowed off for eight hours on each of two days instead of being allowed off for two days of 24 hours; and whether he will intervene with the company responsible for the working of the canal with a view to remedying this grievance?

My information is that the conditions under which these men are employed are in accordance with the provisions of a National Agreement between the main line railway companies and the union representing the men concerned and that, if it is desired to raise any question with regard to these conditions, the appropriate course is to use the agreed machinery of negotiation.

asked the Minister of Health how many houses have been built in the rural areas in Lancashire under the Housing Act, 1938, and how many of these houses are occupied by agricultural labourers?

By the 30th April last 139 houses had been completed in the rural districts of Lancashire under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1938, but I have no information as to how many of these are occupied by agricultural labourers. Proposals are at present before my right hon. Friend for the erection of 148 houses in those rural districts, specifically for the agricultural population.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will authorise the issue of a visa to Mr. and Mrs. Julius Lilienthal, of Vienna, applied for as domestic servants by Mr. Reginald Tanner, of Marlow, at the beginning of April; and whether the issue of visas in such cases has been restricted or limited in any way by the Home Office?

Inquiries are being made and a reply will be sent to the right hon. and gallant Gentleman as soon as possible. The issue of visas in respect of married couples for joint domestic service in private households depends on (1) the number of such persons who are competent to fill such positions, and (2) on the ability of the voluntary committee to find posts in which the conditions it has been thought necessary to lay down are fulfilled.

asked the Home Secretary how many drivers of motor vehicles were charged with manslaughter, and how many were convicted of this offence during each of the last three years?

The published returns of offences relating to motor vehicles show that the figures during the last three years for offences of manslaughter are as follow:

asked the Minister of Health whether he will approve the decision on the part of public assistance committees to disregard holiday credits in assessing relief to be given to applicants for public assistance?

I have no power to authorise public assistance authorities to disregard holiday credits in assessing relief.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will consider an alteration in the Ladies Gallery, in order that a greater number of seats should be provided, and that a better opportunity should be given to visitors to hear the Debates and see the Members who are speaking?

I will consult the authorities of the House as to the hon. Member's suggestion, but in view of the structural difficulties it may not be possible to make any alteration. However, an experiment is being carried out in order to see whether an improvement can be effected.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the number of men who enlisted in the Regular Army during 1938 and 1939 and the number of applicants who were rejected on medical grounds?

The numbers of recruits finally approved for the Regular Army during the calendar year 1938, and during the period 1st January to 31st May, 1939, were 38,827 and 20,197, respectively. The numbers of applicants for enlistment into the Regular Army during the periods in question who were rejected at medical examination were 7,299 and 3,278 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the advisability of applying to members of the Territorial forces and the Regular Army, and to militiamen, in respect of death or injury during peace-time training, the scales of compensation for members of air-raid precautions services, other than auxiliary firemen, fixed by the Lord Privy Seal on 2nd March, 1939?

The question of improving the scales applicable to soldiers has been under consideration, and, as stated in the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend, the Member for Ludlow (Colonel Windsor-Clive) on Thursday last, an improvement has already been made in the scales of pensions for widows.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, at the present time, a ban is imposed on ex-Army horses being exported from this country for possible use by other armies; whether it is possible to identify these horses by the identification mark at present used; and, if not, whether he will ensure that a more easily identified mark is used?

The answer to the first part of the question is "No, Sir," and, in this connection, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for English Universities on 12th June last.As regards the second and third parts, the numbers branded on the hoofs of Army horses wear out in time, but a permanent brand would involve some measure of cruelty and depreciation in the market value of the horse.

asked the Secretary of State for War what quantities of beef, mutton and lamb were consumed by the Army for the last contract year; their respective total values, and what proportion of such beef, mutton and lamb was home-produced?

During the last contract year ended 31st March, 1939, approximately 33,000,000 lbs. of beef and mutton were purchased at a cost of some £655,000, for the Army and the Royal Air Force at home. Of this quantity, approximately 128,000 lbs. consisted of fresh meat, and the cost of this was £2,285. The remainder was of Dominion origin. In addition, a small quantity of lamb was provided for hospitals. Separate figures for the Army and the Royal Air Force, and for beef and mutton, are not available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Messrs. T. Hamblin and Company, dispensing opticians, of Aybrook Street, W.I, are asking their emploéys to join the Territorials and dismissing them if they decline to do so; and whether he will take legislative action to prevent employers penalising their employés in this way?

I have no information to this effect. It is not a matter in which my right hon. Friend has authority to intervene.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the railway companies are providing camping facilities by the conversion of railway coaches into what they term caravan coaches, which are placed on railway sidings; and whether he will inquire if the railway companies are being charged rates on these carriages by the local authorities of the districts in which these arrangements are made?

I am informed by the railway companies that rates are payable in respect of the caravan coaches referred to inasmuch as the charges for such coaches are included in the net receipts upon which the assessments of railway undertakings are based.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the frequent breakdown of locomotives attached to passenger trains on the Wemyss Bay— Glasgow route; how many of such locomotives are over 30 and 40 years old, respectively; and whether he will make representations to the company with a view to securing to the public using this route a better service;(2) whether he is aware that the passenger-train services on the Glasgow— Ayr, Glasgow—Largs and Glasgow— Wemyss Bay routes are causing dissatisfaction, inconvenience and needless expense to travellers using them; and will he inquire into the failure of the company to provide a punctual and efficient service?

Between 1st January and 14th June this year there were four engine casualties on the Glasgow— Wemyss Bay section, the locomotives being 22, 6, 6, and 3 years old respectively. I am informed that during last winter speeds had to be reduced at Langbank owing to the reconstruction of a bridge carrying a public road. Recently there has been a heavy traffic on the routes mentioned to and from the coast, particularly on the 3rd June (when 384 trains were run), on the 4th June (when there was delay owing to an engine failure), and on the 10th, June (when 360 trains were run). Nevertheless, the average number of minutes late per train, Monday to Friday (1st May to 16th June) was less than two minutes, and on Saturdays, only 5½ minutes.

asked the Minister of Transport how many accidents took place at the crossing of the East Lancashire and Moss Bank roads, St. Helens, in 1938; and whether electromatic lights are to be installed?

Eight accidents, of which five did not involve personal injury, occurred at this junction during 1938. It is not proposed to instal traffic lights, but the County Council are putting in hand appropriate remedial measures, including the removal of the refuges in Moss Bank Road and the resiting of those on the trunk road, as well as the erection of light standards and the marking of traffic lanes.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to allow the carrying out of delegated Government contract work by a firm known to be under German control; and if, when there is evidence of a bias against the employment of British Jews being exercised by such a firm, he is prepared to make inquiry into the matter?

If the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of the case he has in mind, I shall be happy to make inquiry into it.

asked the Prime Minister whether, during the negotiations relative to the Anglo-Italian Agreement any undertaking was given by the Italian Government to discourage and discontinue Press attacks on this country?

The assurances received were contained in Annex 4 of the agreement of the 16th April, 1938, which recorded the agreement of the two parties that publicity or propaganda designed to injure the interests of the other party would be inconsistent with the good relations which the agreement was intended to establish.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can inform the House when the Anglo-Japanese Treaty was submitted to the League of Nations for revision or denouncement, and what new treaty or agreement was substituted?

I presume that the hon. Member refers to the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, which ceased to exist on the conclusion of the Four-Power Treaty between Great Britain, France, Japan and the United States of America. This treaty was signed at Washington on 13th December, 1921, and ratifications were exchanged on 17th August, 1923. Notification of the accession of His Majesty's Government to this treaty was made to the League of Nations on the 16th April, 1924.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total sum which has been provided by the British taxpayer for land purchase and the assistance of agriculture in Ireland, and the annual interest thereon still payable; and what capital sum has been provided during the same period for the assistance of agriculture in Great Britain and the annual interest payable thereon?

As my hon. Friend will be aware, assistance for the purposes referred to has been provided over a very considerable period of time, and I think that he will agree that the research which would be necessary to provide him with an answer to his question would not adequately repay the time and money spent on it.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state the number of farm workers in Lancashire in 1931 and at present; and to what extent machine farming has affected the employing capacity of agriculture?

The number of workers employed on agricultural holdings of over one acre in Lancashire, exclusive of the occupiers themselves and domestic servants, was 27,813 in 1931 and 23,448 in 1938. The returns for June, 1939, are not yet tabulated. I regret that information is not available to enable me to reply to the second part of the question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give any figures to show, at the latest convenient date, what proportion of agricultural holdings are occupied by owner-occupiers and what proportion by tenants; and what proportion of the cultivated acreage of this country is occupied by owner-occupiers and what proportion by tenants?

No information is available to show the proportion of agricultural holdings owned by the occupiers, but it is estimated that in 1938 approximately one-third of the total area of cultivated land and rough grazings was farmed by owner-occupiers.

asked the Secretary of State Air for what are the names of the two Scottish firms holding contracts with his Department for the construction of aircraft and the names of the corresponding 26 English firms; and when did the two Scottish firms first obtain such contracts?

The two firms holding contracts for construction of aircraft in Scotland are Blackburn Aircraft Company, Limited (Dumbarton Works), and J. and G. Weir, Limited. These firms obtained these contracts on 15th December, 1936, and 15th May, 1939, respectively.The list of firms holding contracts for construction of aircraft in England is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the invitation from Kirkcaldy Town Council to attend a conference of local authorities and others in Scotland on the question of old age pensions; and will his Department be represented?

The invitation to attend this conference which my right hon. Friend has received was not addressed to him in his capacity as Secretary of State. The Department of Health will not be represented. I would add that my right hon. Friend received on Saturday a deputation from the Convention of Royal Burghs and from Scottish local authority associations when their views on this question were laid before him.

asked the Chancellor of the. Exchequer whether he is aware that the Government of New Zealand is now seeking to raise a loan in London and if he is prepared to enter into negotiations with New Zealand with a view to guaranteeing this loan and thereby assist this Dominion to borrow more cheaply?

I understand that the object of Mr. Nash's visit to this country is to discuss various questions, including financial questions, with His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom. Pending conclusion of these discussions it is not possible to make any statement concerning them, but I can say at once that no question of a guaranteed loan arises.

asked the hon. Member for Dulwich, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, what were the total quantities of Scotch salmon and Severn salmon sold in this House, respectively, during 1939?

The quantities of salmon consumed to date, are as follow: Scotch salmon 906 lbs., Severn salmon, Nil.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the threatened strike of school teachers under the Glasgow Corporation education authority, in order to enforce their demand for the restoration of the 1931 economy cuts of 10 per cent. of their salaries as all other salary cuts operating at the crisis period have now been restored; and whether he will consult the Glasgow Corporation with a view to cancelling these emergency measures and prevent extreme action by the school teachers?

I have received no intimation that a strike of school teachers in Glasgow is threatened, though I have observed references to the matter in the Press. The scheme of scales of salaries now in operation in Glasgow conforms to the requirements of the conditions as to minimum national scales of salaries for teachers at present in force, and in the circumstances I feel that no useful purpose would be served by a consultation such as is proposed by the hon. Member.