asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of Irish-born citizens now serving in the Glasgow Police Force; and are such still being enlisted?

The numbers are 28 born in Eire and 32 born in Northern Ireland. Subject to suitability, it is open to the chief constable to continue such enlistment.

Do I understand from the right hon. Gentleman that they are still enlisting constables into the Glasgow Police Force from Southern Ireland?

Yes, Sir. I said that both in Eire and in Northern Ireland enlistment is still open, subject to suitability.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Glasgow Members are capable of looking after Glasgow without help from the right hon. and gallant Gentleman and without these very offensive questions being put by the right hon. and gallant Gentleman?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, may I ask him whether the Glasgow Members are capable of looking after the I.R.A.?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we are capable of looking after Glasgow better than the right hon. and gallant Gentleman is of looking after Newcastle-under-Lyme?

rose—

Mr. Stephen.

On a point of Order. From whatever direction in this House this kind of question comes, there are other people that must resent them, and on that account I want to know whether I cannot ask a supplementary question. This type of question is uncalled for.

Supplementary questions are only to elucidate the answer which has been given.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses are at present under construction by the housing departments of the Glasgow Corporation; how many were completed last year; and how many it is hoped to complete this year?

I am informed that the number of houses presently under construction by Glasgow Corporation is 3,430. The corporation completed 2,788 houses in 1938, and hope to complete 3,000 this year.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications were received from householders in the Dennistoun, Whitevale, and Mile End wards of the Camlachie Parliamentary Division of Glasgow, respectively, during each of the last five years, for suitable housing accommodation; how many of those applications were successful; and how many applicants at the present time are waiting for houses to be allocated to them?

I regret that the information asked for by the hon. Member is not available.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the applications for Glasgow have been suspended for three months, and also whether the Glasgow Corporation housing department have not got the addresses of those who make application?

I understand that the records are not kept in wards. A letter has been sent to the hon. Member giving such information as I have about the whole city in regard to these applications. As regards the first part of his supplementary question, I have no information about that, but I will inquire.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the deplorable housing conditions in Millburn Park, Alexandria, where people have been living for two years in wooden huts; whether he will consult with the local authorities concerned with a view to providing permanent homes for these people before next winter; and whether he is aware that there are six ex-service men and 20 Territorials amongst the people who are seeking decent homes?

The conditions at Millburn Park, Alexandria, have been brought to my notice, and I am making further inquiries into the position.

In the event of the right hon. Gentleman finding that the conditions are as stated in the question, will he rectify them at the very earliest moment, because these ex-service men and 40 Volunteers who are anxious to fight for their country are living in dread of having to go through another winter, and they have nowhere to lay their heads?

I am making inquiries, and in consultation with the local authorities I will see what can be done.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the serious shortage of houses in many of the urban districts of Scotland; whether he is aware that many working-class families now occupy highly-rented single-apartment houses as sub-tenants, with no security of tenure, and with no prospect of finding alternative accommodation when threatened with eviction; and whether any further action is to be taken to meet the shortage?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered a communication from the Culross Town Council approving the resolutions passed by the Convention of Royal Burghs on subsidies for reconstruction, and for tenants other than those affected by the Overcrowding and Slum Clearance Acts; and in view of the wide demand and the urgent need for action in this connection, will he take the necessary steps to provide these subsidies?

I would refer to the statement which I made on the general housing position during the Debate on 4th July.

May I take it that there is agreement that there is no shortage of material or of labour in Scotland as far as housing is concerned, and if that be so, what is the reason for the delay in the construction of houses?

I could not make quite so broad a statement as that. In general, the position regarding material is pretty satisfactory, but there are some local difficulties as regards labour. I would add that I am receiving a deputation on the question of housing in Edinburgh on Friday.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise the really serious urgency of this question, and will he do everything in his power to get the necessary means from the Treasury to advance the building of houses on the lines suggested?

Yes, Sir, I do recognise the urgency, and I have already taken steps which provide better subsidies for the purpose.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why munition factories like that at Bishopton can spring up in next to no time, but when it comes to the building of houses there seems to be some unknown delay?

The hon. Member knows the difficulties with regard to local authorities and that the matter is not completely in my hands, but that I must work largely with the local authorities. I am as anxious as he is to see progress made.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that there are many non-graduate teachers in Scotland who have not been put on the graduate scale despite the fact that they have given many years of efficient service; and whether he will represent to the National Joint Council for the Revision of Salary Scales that the position of such teachers should have first consideration in their deliberations?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his question of 27th June, in which I indicated that I would be ready to consider carefully any recommendations concerning teachers' salaries that the National Joint Council might desire to place before me. The question whether the council should give priority of consideration to any particular matter may, I think, be left to the discretion of the council itself.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that among those teachers are some of the most efficient teachers in Scotland and that they have gone on for years suffering this penalty because circumstances have prevented them taking a degree, and will he not do something to get justice for them, in view of the long period of injustice which they have suffered?

I have indicated that I am open to receive representations from the council and will consider them carefully.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not bring to the attention of the Advisory Committee the necessity for something being done at once for these teachers?

I think the council are well aware of the position, and I have no doubt the hon. Member's question will come to their notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether difficulties exist with regard to the acceptance of the recommendations of the Poor Persons Representation (Scotland) Committee; if so, what are the nature of the difficulties; and what steps he is taking in the matter?

The recommendations of this committee have not yet met with such a measure of general acceptance as would justify the introduction of legislation.

Is it not a fact that this committee made a recommendation in 1937 and that the Secretary of State has been considering that ever since, and can he not tell the House now what are the difficulties that prevent his coming to a decision?

I have indicated before to the hon. Member that one of the difficulties is that this matter is contentious and that there is a number of inerests involved. As I explained in my answer, I do not see such a general measure of acceptance of the recommendation as would at present justify the introduction of legislation.

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to bring the contending parties together with a view to settling the difference?

Yes. Discussions are in-fact proceeding.

Is this matter more contentious than that of Scottish marriages?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has received a report of the findings of the conference of local authorities held recently in Glasgow on the question of pensions; and, if so, has he any statement to make?

I have seen Press reports of a conference of representatives of Scottish public assistance authorities in Glasgow on 21st June, but the views of the conference have not been communicated to me.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average price for lobsters received by lobster fishermen on the West of Scotland for the current year, and 1914, respectively; whether he is aware that their expenses and cost of living are about treble what they were in the pre-war period, with the result that they are unable to earn a livelihood; and what proposals he has to place this industry on a sound basis so as to secure an adequate livelihood to these fishermen?

The average price received by West Coast fishermen for their lobsters during the first five months of 1939 is, I am informed, approximately 1s. 8d., as compared with 10½d. for the whole of 1914. According to my information, the working expenses and the cost of living of the lobster fishermen have not risen to the extent stated in the question, and the fishermen, as a rule, continue to find the fishing remunerative. At the same time there is reason to believe that this industry may be capable of further development, and I am at present considering what steps can be taken for that purpose.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say to what extent the cost of living has been raised, if not to the extent stated in the question?

I could not give the exact figure, but my information is that it is not so high as suggested by the hon. and learned Gentleman.

Will my right hon. Friend remember that we catch lobsters on the East Coast of Scotland as well, and that we shall look for some share of the benefits?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is in a position to make a statement regarding the formal opening of the new Government buildings in Edinburgh?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the new Government offices in Edinburgh will be ready for occupation; whether any formal opening of this building is contemplated; and whether he can indicate the date?

It is hoped that the new Government building on the Calton Hill, Edinburgh, will be ready for occupation early in September. I am glad to be able to announce that His Majesty the King, accompanied by Her Majesty the Queen, has graciously agreed to open the building formally on the afternoon of Thursday, 12th October. With the King's approval, the new building will be known as St. Andrew's House.

asked the Seretary of State for Scotland what applications he has had from local authorities for action to be taken on the strength of the provisions in the Public Health (Coal Mine Refuse) (Scotland) Act; what attitude he has taken; and whether he has indicated his general policy in this connection to the local authorities?

No applications have so far been received by the Department of Health for Scotland from local authorities for consent to proceedings being taken by them under the provisions of this Act. I am issuing a circular to local authorities calling their attention to the passing of this Act.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has given his sanction to the purchase by the Greenock Corporation of an area of ground extending to about 300 acres at Murdieston Farm; what part of the site is intended for use as a recreation park; for what purpose the remainder of this area is intended; what price has been agreed upon or paid for this land; and what was the rateable value previous to acquisition?

The corporation inform me that they recently purchased 76.5 acres of ground at Nether Murdieston for the purpose of safeguarding part of the burgh water supply. My sanction is not required to a purchase of this nature. The corporation are, I understand, considering whether the land could be made available for purposes of recreation, but have reached no decision. The price paid for the land was£8,000, and its rateable value before acquisition was £25.

Is that agricultural land?

I understand so.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has had a conference with the mines inspectors, Northern group, with a view to introducing a scheme for the protection of mine shafts, down cast and up cast, situated on the Durham coast during air raids in the event of war; and, if not, is it his intention to do so at an early date?

My Department has conferred with all the Divisional Inspectors about air-raid precautions at collieries generally, but the responsibility for taking appropriate measures in this respect rests primarily with the mineowners. As regards precautions in respect of shafts, arrangements are being made for the Lord Privy Seal and myself to meet representatives of the Mining Association to urge upon them the need for carrying out fully the advice given in the A.R.P. memorandum issued to all colliery undertakings. I am sending the hon. Member a copy and would refer him particularly to the first paragraph on page 12.

Will the hon. Gentleman undertake to expedite any scheme which he has in mind with a view to providing a margin of safety for those engaged in and about those mines in case of emergency?

That is the purpose of the meeting between the Mining Association and the right hon. Gentleman.

Has any agreement been reached on the type of protection which is to be afforded?

We have been in consultation on that matter.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in order to dispel the suspicion prevalent in the mining districts, he will request the colliery companies to make public when selling output quotas which result in the closing of collieries, not only the quantity of coal involved in the transaction, but also the price at which the coal is sold?

Section 8 of the Coal Mines Act, 1930, precludes me from publishing such information even if obtained, except with the consent of the parties affected. I am unable, therefore, to give a general undertaking in regard to this matter, but in particular cases in which hon. Members are interested, I will be ready to consider whether I could ask the owners if they would be willing to publish the information.

Is the Minister aware that in many colliery districts where men are displaced there is some suspicion that those who have invested their money in the industry are not losing by the closing of the colliery, whereas hundreds of displaced men are suffering great anxiety?

asked the Secretary for Mines, who are the members of the Departmental Committee appointed to investigate the suppression and collection of coal dust in mechanised mining; and whether it is intended that the committee shall, in the course of their investigations, visit the various coalfields and investigate the actual conditions in the coal mines?

This committee consists of 10 members, under the chairmanship of Sir Henry Walker, formerly Chief Inspector of Mines, and I will send the hon. Member a copy of the announcement made on 25th May giving the full particulars. As regards the second part of the question, Sir Henry Walker has informed me that it is his intention to make a series of underground inspections.

asked the Secretary for Mines particulars of the extent to which foreign coke has been imported into this country for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date; and have any special reasons been given to his Department as to why supplies of coke cannot be obtained in this country?

During the 12 months ended 31st May, 1939, no foreign coke was imported into the United Kingdom. The 3,387 tons shown in the official statistics as imported represent land sales from Eire to Northern Ireland, and a few small shipments of British coke from the Channel Islands.

Have any consultations taken place recently with the industry to see whether imports of this fuel can be stopped?

As I said, there is no foreign coke coming in.

If anybody wants to buy any coke will the hon. Gentleman tell them that there are 40,000 tons of coke on the floor at our place and that we would let them have it cheap?

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of accidents that occurred amongst mine-workers in the South Wales coalfield, surface and underground, respectively, during the years 1937 and 1938, classifying the accidents as caused by falls, etc., and those affected in age groups 14 to 20 years and 20 to 30 years, etc.?

As the reply involves a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate the available information in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of fatal and non-fatal accidents in the coalfields of Great Britain in the age groups as 14 to 16, 16 to 18, 18 to 21, and 21 onwards for the years 1927 to 1938?

As the reply involves a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate the available information in the Official Report.

asked the Secretary for Mines into how many areas it is proposed to divide the Cardiff and Swansea inspectorate divisions under the proposed reorganised scheme; and whether, having regard to the incidence of silicosis in the South Wales coalfield, he proposes to appoint in this coalfield inspectors with special knowledge and experience to deal with measures for the prevention of this disease?

Can the Minister say whether there has been an increase or a decrease?

The figures will show that.

But cannot the Minister say now whether the figures indicate an increase or a decrease?

Perhaps the hon. Member will look at them. They are very complicated

Under the proposed scheme of reorganisation that part of the present Cardiff and Swansea divisions which includes the South Wales coalfield will be divided into three areas each forming one inspection district. The remaining part of the Cardiff division and five counties in the South-West of England will form a fourth district. With regard to the second part of the question, additions are being made to the specialist staff at headquarters both on the medical side and for dealing with the prevention and suppres- sion of dangerous dusts. When these officers have started work I will consider whether it is desirable that they should be assisted by specialists stationed in particular areas.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of men certified in the South Wales coalfield to be suffering from silicosis during each of the years 1935 to date, indicating also how many of them were below 40 years of age?

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

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in the setting up of new works, there is a likelihood of an oil-from-coal plant being placed in Lanca- shire where there are available sites and the full supply of fuel?

The question of the erection of oil-from-coal plants is a matter for commercial initiative; but I have no doubt that where the establishment of such plants is contemplated the points mentioned by the hon. Member in favour of Lancashire will not be overlooked.

When there is a question of setting up plants like this will there be an examination of various suitable sites round about these localities, and will consideration be given to them?

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has completed his examination of the possibility of persuading British tobacco companies to increase their purchases of Greek tobacco in order to assist towards a general development of Anglo-Greek trade; and what have been the replies of the British tobacco companies?

This matter is still under consideration, and I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Greece is refusing to grant import licences for British diesel oil-engines, while placing orders for similar engines with Germany; and whether he will make representations to Greece, with a view to assisting the manufacture of oil-engines at Lincoln?

I regret to say that difficulties of the kind to which my hon. Friend refers affect a number of branches of our export trade to Greece. I am looking into the case of which he has been good enough to send me particulars, and will communicate with him.

Would not many of the difficulties be overcome if our tobacco manufacturers took tobacco from Greece and blended a little Greek tobacco with the large amount that they get from America?

I have already answered one question on that point. I hope that my hon. Friend will not forget that the tobacco manufacturers, at the instance of His Majesty's Government, have already taken steps to blend Rhodesian tobacco.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has notified suitable British firms of the national advantage which would accrue to us by an increase in the importation of fruit products, minerals and raw materials from Bulgaria; and whether he will invite the London Chamber of Commerce to call a meeting of its members for the purpose of stimulating interest in the importation into Britain of raw products from Bulgaria?

His Majesty's Government are now discussing with the Bulgarian Government arrangements which it is hoped will produce some increase in our imports from Bulgaria and generally promote trade between the two countries. If and when these arrangements are concluded, it will be for Bulgarian exporters to take advantage of the unproved opportunities, and I think it may well be left to their initiative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of oil-tanker tonnage under construction in British shipyards in 1938; and what percentage this was of the total tonnage under construction in Great Britain in that year?

As the answer involves a table of figures I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many new works have been established in Lancashire since January, 1938; the number of employés; and where the works are situated?

As the answer involves a tabular statement I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount, both in value and yardage, of the rayon tissues, in the loom state and in the bleached state, of foreign origin which during the years 1937 and 1938 and the first three months of 1939, entered the United Kingdom for process and subsequent re-exportation either duty free by arrangement or of imports for this purpose on which drawback is claimed; and whether he is aware that these fabrics after processing in England are being exported as British fabrics?

I regret that statistics of the kind asked for in the first part of the question are not maintained and could not be compiled without disproportionate labour and expense. As regards the last part of the question, the courts alone are able to say whether the application of the description "British made" or "Made in England" to imported fabrics processed in this country is a false trade description within the meaning of the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887. I am, however, prepared to institute proceedings in any case in which there is sufficient evidence to suggest a false description, and the question of obtaining the necessary evidence through the operation of Section 13 of the Import Duties Act or of the drawback system is being considered.

Arising out of the first part of that answer, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he is aware that the Manchester Chamber of Commerce regard the obtaining of this information as a matter of importance? As the data is in the hands of the Customs and Excise, and drawback has to be claimed within six months, would he consider whether it is possible to obtain the information?

I have gone into the matter, and I can tell my hon. and learned Friend that I do not think the information could be obtained without a quite disproportionate amount of labour and expense. It seems to me that the more important part of my answer is the second part, which deals with the possibility of checking this practice by means of prosecution.

Is my right hon. Friend thinking of going right through the Merchandise Marks Act with the idea of bringing in further legislation?

It does not need any amendment whatever. It is a matter of getting sufficient evidence to prove that there has been a breach.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the names of the countries that are affiliated to the International Sugar Council; and what is the British representation upon the council?

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate in the Official Report a list of the countries which are members of the International Sugar Council. The United Kingdom delegation consists of Sir Hugh Elles, who has been appointed chairman of the council, and officials of the Board of Trade and the Colonial Office.

I take it for granted that the right hon. Gentleman is keeping a sharp eye on what the International Sugar Council are doing?

We have been in rather constant communication with them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why raw sugar for prompt shipment to the United Kingdom is quoted at a premium of approximately 6d. per cwt. over the price of raw sugar for August shipment, and more than Is. per cwt. than the price for early September shipment, and an even greater premium for October-November shipments?

There are, I think, two reasons for the premium on sugar for early shipment as compared with sugar for shipment from September onwards. In the first place, supplies for the remainder of the current quota year are at present, so far as can be estimated, somewhat below requirements. Secondly, requirements in the third year, which begins on 1st September next, are expected to be less than the basic quotas, while certain proposals which the International Sugar Council has made to deal with the position have not yet been approved by all the Governments concerned.

What country has withheld its approval of the present suggestions of the International Sugar Council; must not the effect of those premiums be that all manufacturers and users of sugar in this country will reduce their present stocks in order to avoid sub- stantial loss; and what action are His Majesty's Government taking to avoid this reduction in raw sugar stocks?

We have written formally to the International Sugar Council saying that we consider there is a shortage of sugar and asking them to take steps.

Is there a possibility of getting 80,000 tons of sugar sent from Russia?

That depends upon the Russian Government.

Are those prices for Cuban or for West Indian sugar?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, seeing that the wilful damping of coke is an offence under some of the local laws, he will consider introducing legislation taking powers to amend the general law, in order to pre scribe a maximum moisture content for all coke offered for sale to the public?

The suggestion made by the hon. Member will be borne in mind when any convenient opportunity arises for amending the law.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider, as this is already an offence under some local laws, that it would be better to make the legislation general?

It is for that reason that I am giving the matter consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the growth of the provident check system of trading in Scotland; that poor people are persuaded to pay by in stalments 21s. for what are alleged to be checks valued at 20s.; that the shop- keepers supplying goods on these checks give goods to the value of 16s. 6d. and return to the promoters 2s. 6d. for each 20s. worth of checks received; and will he take steps to control and regulate this system of trading, which bears heavily on the poorest sections of our population, and to provide fairer treatment for them?

I have not previously received any complaints about the operation of this system. I shall, of course, be prepared to consider any details the hon. Member may care to give me, but, on my present information, I am not clear that any action is called for or possible.

Are not the details in the question sufficient to warrant an inquiry into the conduct of the organisations that are carrying on this practice?

Apart from those details, I should want certain particulars as to the names, and some proof that in fact control and regulation are necessary.

Am I to understand that, if the right hon. Gentleman gets the names of the firms and proof that the statement in the question is correct, he will make inquiries into the matter?

I will certainly see what action is called for if the hon. Gentleman will give me the names and, in particular, proof of the value of the goods which were supplied.