asked the Secretary of State for War whether any instructions or advice have been given to recruiting personnel when asking for references as to character, to make inquiries direct or indirect into the political opinions or past activities that might indicate the political opinions of men desiring to join the Army?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information in connection with the fire at Shoeburyness, Essex, on Monday, 10th July; what was the cause of the fire, and the amount of damage?

The fire occurred in the sergeants' mess on the night of 9th/10th July, after the mess had been closed at 11.45 p.m It was discovered at 1 a.m. and was extinguished by 1.45 a.m. A Court of Inquiry found that there was no evidence to suggest any fault in the electric light wiring or incendiarism, and was of opinion that the fire originated in a small room used for keeping brooms and cleaning material, and may have been caused by a match or cigarette end. The amount of the damage is estimated at £1,000.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman been able to find out who threw the match or cigarette as suggested?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information in connection with the woman found shot on Sunday in the married quarters at Fulwood Barracks, Preston?

I am informed that the wife and daughter of Sergeant R. Smith, Depot, The Loyal Regiment, were found shot on 10th July last in his married quarters at Fulwood Barracks. I regret that both of them died as a result of the wounds received. Sergeant Smith was taken into civil custody, and the case is being investigated by the civil authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange for the payment of dependant allowances to unmarried wives and their children in respect of men called to the colours from the Reserve and/or the Territorial Army?

The issue of dependants' allowance to unmarried wives and their children is not provided for in the Regulations, but assistance may be given in particular cases, where the circumstances are regarded as warranting this special course, on the recommendation of the Military Service (Special Allowances) Advisory Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for War for what purpose German officers recently visited the anti aircraft artillery camp in North Norfolk; and whether similar facilities are available to other nations?

The officers who visited the anti-aircraft camp were the German Military and Air Attaches. Such visits are a normal courtesy accorded to the official Service representatives of foreign Powers, and are of a reciprocal nature. Similar facilities are available to the representatives of other nations.

asked the Secretary of State for War what particular action he has taken to ensure that undue expense shall not fall on regimental officers?

There are standing instructions in the regulations on the subject of the limitation of contributions and subscriptions, and economy in messing and entertainment and other matters, to which the attention of all commanding officers is directed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I put in the word "particular" because I am aware of these general instructions; has he taken any steps recently, in view of the expansion of the Army, to make it quite clear that these expenses are strictly limited; and are General Officers Commanding being given any instructions to give their particular attention to this matter?

No, Sir, no particular instruction has been issued, but, as the hon. Gentleman is aware, there are several references to this matter in King's Regulations, and I have not taken any special steps

In view of the expansion of the Army and the declared desire of the right hon. Gentleman to make sure that the officerships of the Army shall be open to all classes, will he consider drawing particular attention to those regulations and ask General Officers Commanding to see that they are enforced?

I think the views of the Army Council are well known on the subject, and I will consider whether any thing more is necessary, and, if so, what can be done.

Is it not usual in times of emergency for particular attention to be paid to matters of economy, especially on the part of officers?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the present efforts that are being made to enlist men for His Majesty's Forces, he will consider and give particulars of what further steps the Government now propose to take to ensure that civilian employment is offered to time-expired men on leaving the Army?

Vocational training at Ministry of Labour Training Centres is available for every man of good character, who has completed not less than six years with the Colours, and has not served as a tradesman during his service at a trade which has a counterpart in civil life. Of such men trained during 1938, just over 77 percent, were placed in immediate employment. The interests of any men who are not found immediate employment are specially looked after by the Ministry of Labour. The majority of them are soon placed.

Does not the Minister agree that if some guarantee were given to these men about employment it would assist the recruiting campaign?

I did not quite hear the question, but the answer is that practically all these men are able to obtain employment.

That is not an answer to my question. Is it not possible for the Minister, when enlisting these men, to give them some guarantee of future employment after they have finished their service?

It would be quite impossible to give a guarantee of that kind; but, as the hon. Gentleman knows, very decisive efforts are made, and made with success.

Surely, it would be possible for the Minister to put pressure on other Government Departments such as the Post Office to employ a very much larger number of ex-service men?

The Government Departments do co-operate, but I do not think that the problem is to-day what it was in the past, as our records show that almost every soldier on leaving the Colours is getting employment at the present time.

Would it not be a dangerous practice if men who served in the Army were to get special treatment: compared with men who had done their best to keep things going at home?

As good employers, we naturally try to look after the men when they leave the Service.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many appointments in the Regular and Territorial Armies have been awaiting confirmation by the Treasury for periods of over two months, six weeks, and one month, respectively; and whether he will consult with the Treasury with a view to securing that all appointments submitted to them by the War Office for confirmation should be dealt with within 14 days?

His Majesty's Government is one and indivisible, and it would be a War Office responsibility to answer for any delays which my hon. Friend has in mind if he will specify them.

asked the Secretary of State for War the total number of men employed at the construction works, near Durham, for the week ending 3rd June, and subsequent weeks, and the total number of hours for which they were paid?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, if I may, circulate it in the Official Report. It will be seen that the average number of hours a man a week is 52.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great dissatisfaction existing on this job about these hours? Will he make further inquiry? Is he aware that a deputation of the British Legion who came to see me said that of the men who had complained, there was only one now left on the job, because they had complained?

The hon. Member asked me a question last week and suggested that the men were being compelled to work 80 hours a week. I denied that, and I have now set out in detail the complete schedule of working hours, showing that the average is 52. The lowest is 42 and the highest 56. Both those figures are very considerably below the figure suggested by the hon. Member.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since he gave his answer last week my hon. Friend the Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Batey) and I have been on the job— we went last Saturday— and met a deputation, who refused to accept the figures he gave?

I am amazed at what the hon. Member suggests. I have set out for each week the number of men employed, the total number of hours worked and the average hours per man. I will circulate them, and I am willing to examine them with the hon. Member. I cannot understand how such a difference can exist.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when I went with my hon. Friend last Saturday the men said that they had been working 100 hours a week? Will he agree to have an inquiry on the spot? If so, we will agree to go there and meet his representative.

In the circumstances, if the hon. Member will give me a written statement from any man who alleges that he has worked 100 hours, I will willingly consider it.

As this is an important matter, since men have been dismissed—

We have a large number of questions on the Order Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of Members of the House who now hold commissions in the Army?

Eighty-four hon. Members hold commissions in one branch or another of the Army.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of the commissions are held by members of the Government? Is it two or three?

I cannot say precisely, because the question refers to Members of the House; but there are such commissions.

If I put down a further question will the right hon. Gentleman answer it?

I always try to answer questions.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a decision has yet been reached regarding the issue of a badge for Army reservists?

Yes, Sir. His Majesty has been graciously pleased to approve that the Army Reserve should be redesignated "The Royal Army Reserve," and that a silver badge shall be issued to members of the Regular Army Reserve of Officers and the Royal Army Reserve, including officers and other ranks of the Supplementary Reserve, and militiamen who remain in the Army Reserve after they have completed their six months' training. Issue will be made as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of J. Futcher, of Sunnyside, Parton, Wiltshire, who was run down by a motor vehicle, on 13th May, which was driven by a member of the Royal Army Service Corps; that the case of careless or dangerous driving was withdrawn from the civil court and dealt with by the military authorities; under what authority this was done; and whether a report of the proceedings will be made available to the injured person?

The police withdrew the summons on being informed that the soldier had been summarily dealt with by the Officer Commanding the Divisional Royal Army Service Corps, who was unaware that police proceedings were pending. As the case was dealt with summarily, there is no report of the proceedings, except that the soldier was charged with negligent driving and failing to report an accident, and was awarded 168 hours detention.

Can the right hon Gentleman say on what authority the military authorities can deal with a case of this description, to the exclusion of the case being dealt with in a civil court? Is he aware that for compensation purposes whenever a case is dealt with in a civil court the injured person or his representative can claim a copy of the proceedings?

The commanding officer, as I have said, was not aware that any proceedings were being taken in a civil court. In the circumstances he punished the man as being one of his men. The police: on learning of this did not continue any proceedings against him. Normally, such a case as this would be tried before a civil court.

Will the right hon. Gentleman reply to the last part of the question, and will he insist that in future the military authorities shall not deal summarily with such a case but shall allow the proceedings to be taken in a civil court?

I have said that, normally, proceedings would be taken by the civil authority. In this case some days had elapsed and the commanding officer was not aware that any proceedings were being taken. If he had been, he would not have tried the case summarily. The hon. Member may rest assured that the normal procedure would be for the civil court to take proceedings in the ordinary way. In regard to the last part of the question, I think I answered that specifically in the original reply. There is no report of the proceedings except the charge and the sentence.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps he is taking to ensure that an adequate supply of horses, both riding and draught, is available in this country in case of emergency?

I am advised that there is an adequate supply in this country of both riding and draught horses for military needs in emergency.

Is it not a fact that many foreign countries are buying all the horses they can?

I do not know whether foreign countries are buying all the horses they can, but the President of the Board of Trade showed the other day that they were buying very few.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that both our horsed cavalry regiments are employed abroad he will consider reconverting some of the mechanised cavalry to horses?

The question presupposes that a mechanised cavalry regiment can be transformed into a horsed cavalry regiment merely by providing it with horses and the appropriate equipment. A far more expeditious method in case of need would be to make use of the 15 yeomanry regiments.

Are not foreign countries keeping a far larger proportion of regular cavalry in their armies, and would it not be much wiser for us to do the same?

We have a large number of regiments.

Is my right hon. Friend aware how very valuable the mounted regiments have proved in Palestine, and that the infantry brigadiers are now wanting to have a proportion of their infantry battalions mounted?

I do not think they are staying much longer in Palestine.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say where the correspondence column is stationed?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that excessive prices are being paid for materials required in the construction of Militia camps at Devizes, Perham Downs and Bulford; that stoneware pipes are being put in at 9s. 7d. per yard instead of concrete pipes at 6s., and that bricks are being invoiced at 70s. per 1,000 whereas they should cost 52s. 6d. per 1,000; and what steps he will take to stop this waste of public money?

I am informed that concrete pipes are not manufactured under 9 inch diameter, whereas by far the greatest portion of the drainage system in barracks and camps consists of 4 inch and 6 inch pipes. Further, concrete pipes are not absolutely impermeable, and the medical authorities prefer earthenware. No source of supply of bricks at 52s. 6d. a thousand delivered at site is known to the War Department or their contractors, and I should be grateful to the hon. Member if he will give me information of such a source.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the standard price for bricks of this quality is 44s. 6d. per 1,000, and is he aware that since this information came into my hands the resident engineer at the camp has been suspended for passing the information on to me?

I am reluctant to accept either of those statements. If the object of the hon. Member is to assist the Government to get the best possible terms, perhaps he will send me the information so that I can deal with it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that on frequent occasions I have endeavoured to assist the Government, but that I have received no response whatever, and that the Government have shown no interest whatever in suggestions of manufacture without profit?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that. Ipswich has now been scheduled as a suitable place into which to evacuate children from London in case of emergency, he will reconsider the decision of his Department taken in 1936 with regard to the spending of some £30,000 for machine-tools required by a firm in that town for the production of shell?

In view of the fact stated in the first part of the question it would be clearly imprudent to comply with the suggestion contained in the second part of the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Minister of Health has declared a part of Ipswich not to be a vulnerable area, and that the factory in question is on the outskirts of the town, and that at the price at which orders for shells were being placed at the time the saving effected during the past few years would have more than compensated for the cost of the plant? Will not the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the position?

If it is true that the Minister of Health is evacuating children to Ipswich it would surely be imprudent for us to establish a shell factory there.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an undertaking that the period of the removal of the depot of the Hampshire Regiment from Winchester will not be extended beyond the three years at present con templated?

On the assumption that the militia would be in existence only for three years, the answer, as far as can be foreseen, would be in the affirmative.

Suppose it proves to be incorrect, will the right hon. Gentleman give further attention to it?

I can only say what the present intention is. I cannot say what will be the position in three years' time.

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake not to move the Rifle Depot under any cir cumstances?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make any statement on the position of Members of Parliament under King's Regulations, paragraph 530, who are called up for service under the Reserve and Auxiliary Forces Act, 1939?

Hon. Members who are called up for service under the Reserve and Auxiliary Forces Act will be given leave to attend to their Parliamentary duties both in the House and in their constituencies. The case of a by-election or of a General Election could be dealt with, if it arose, by release from service.

Will the right hon. Gentleman somehow make it known that hon. Members of the House who are away with their Territorial or other units are not, as the Opposition would make out, on pleasure?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the complaints regarding the food supplied to the Thirtieth Surrey Anti-Aircraft Search light Battalion, Royal Engineers, during their training at war stations in Sussex and Hampshire; that Japanese tinned salmon and tinned tomatoes from Italy were supplied; that at first no fresh milk was available but, as a result of complaints, eventually it was supplied at the rate of one and a half pints per day for 10 men; and whether he is prepared to make close inquiry into this matter?

Fish, tomatoes and milk are purchased by units at their discretion from their cash allowance. I am informed that, in the case of this unit: No Japanese salmon whatever was supplied. Some Italian tomatoes were bought there being a shortage of other suitable brands. Fresh milk was supplied as soon as it was asked for, and was not restricted to one and a half pints a day for 10 men.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that similar complaints have been made by units stationed at Weston and also by units in Bradford, who complain that they are getting foreign rations, and that they have to pay 10s. a week out of their pay to make up the rations? Will he refund the men this money?

I really think that the hon. Member is under a misapprehension. I can say from my own know ledge, having visited a number of these camps, that far from there being any complaints of a serious character, the men express the utmost content and good spirit.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the War Office have purchased certain private property in Sydenham Road and Tavistock Road, Croydon, a modern property which will have to be demolished, so involving com pensation, when there are many vacant sites in other parts of Croydon?

The 63rd Searchlight Regiment for which new headquarters is to be provided on this site was formed by the conversion of the 4th Battalion, The Queen's Regiment, which was recruited in Croydon and has always had a close connection with that town. For this reason, it was considered essential that centrally situated headquarters should be provided. In this closely built-up area it proved impossible to find a vacant site, and, after consideration of various alternative sites, it was decided to acquire the one in question, which contained fewer existing buildings than any of the alternatives. With the exception of four houses which are being retained as quarters, the buildings are not modern.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the case of a youth, a member of the special constabulary, who was anxious to join the Territorials, but was told by the chief of the special constabulary not to do so as men in the special constabulary would not be called up provided they were carrying out the duties required of them; and, as the young man now finds himself called upon to register under the Military Training Act, will he allow him to join the Territorials, which he is still keen to do?

I am informed that there appears to have been some misapprehension as to the alleged statement. So far as the War Office is concerned, there is no apparent reason why this young man should not join the Territorial Army, unless or until he has been called up for Militia service, but service in the Territorial Army would not now exempt him from Militia service.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether militiamen called up under the Military Training Act will be permitted to bring before the Military Service (Special Allowances) Advisory Committee, loss and hardships they have suffered through having been dismissed from their employment by reason of the fact that they are liable to be so called up, or through being refused employment for the same reason?

As the hon. Member will see from Part B of the relevant White Paper (Cmd. 6043), the Advisory Committee to which he refers can deal only with cases in which monetary assistance is needed by persons who are undergoing training. Such cases as those to which he refers are, therefore, not within its scope. I would, however, refer the hon. Member to the provisions of Section 7 of the Military Training Act, and of the Regulations made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour under that Section (Statutory Rules and Orders, No. 625, 1939) in regard to dismissal from employment or failure to reinstate a man after the conclusion of his training. It is, of course, not in the power of the Government to compel a potential employer to engage a man not already in his service, whether or not he is liable to be called up as a militiaman.

If a man is in financial difficulties through having been dismissed from his job because he was liable to be called up, is there no tribunal to whom he can go and ask for an allowance?

Yes, Sir, there is, and I have answered that part of the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I put the question to the Minister of Labour, who said that the matter did not come under him and it ought to be referred to the Secretary of State for War?

I think there is a slight misapprehension. There are two different sets of regulations. As I said in my answer, the advisory committee are there to deal with cases in which monetary assistance is needed by persons who are undergoing training. Their protection in employment depends on regulations made by the Ministry of Labour.

The question relates to the man, called up and undergoing training, who finds himself in financial difficulties because of having been dismissed from his job, and I am asking to what tribunal can a man in these circumstances appeal for financial assistance?

I cannot add to the answer I have given.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the case of a Stirling shire militiaman, owner of a one-man business, who, on applying for a grant to enable him to maintain his business while on service, was given three months exemption to enable him to dispose of his business; and what action he will take to fulfil the undertaking that grants would be available for such cases?

The Hardship Committee, which deals only with postponement of service, postponed this man's service in order that he might make arrangements regarding his business. As regards monetary assistance, the man has been sent a form for the purpose of claiming special assistance, and, on return of the form, the claim will come before the Military Service (Special Allowances) Advisory Committee.

Is it not the case that this man was given three months in which to dispose of his business. In view of the hardship that is going to be imposed on very many young men throughout the country, can the right hon. Gentleman give the name of any young man in a one-man business who has been given any assistance to keep the business running while he is in the Army?

Here is a case where the man applied for postponement in order to make arrangements for the carrying on of his business by someone else, probably his brother. The question of the monetary assistance which he is claiming will receive the attention of the Committee to which I have referred.

asked the Secretary of State for War, what arrangements have been made to cover the case of those men under and of militia age who were discharged from the Territorial Army on the conversion of their units to other branches of the service, to which their own capabilities were not suited; and whether he proposes that such men should be exempted from militia service?

Under the Military Training Act such men are exempt from militia service only if they had completed four years' service in any of His Majesty's Reserve and Auxiliary Forces, or were service on 26th May last.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that numbers of Manchester youths of Scottish extraction have expressed a desire to serve in a Scottish regiment under the Military Training Act; and what steps he intends to take to enable them to join a Scottish Territorial battalion on completion of their six months' compulsory service?

Where possible, militiamen are posted for their six months' training to the unit or arm of the Service in which they wish to serve. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the answer I gave him on 20th June last.

Will my right hon. Friend give his kind consideration to the very strong desire expressed by militiamen of Scottish extraction in Manchester, that on the completion of their Militia service they should have a chance of serving in a Scottish Territorial battalion in the Man chester area just as they do in Liverpool?

Men of Scottish ex traction will feel that desire whether or not they live in Manchester, and it would not be possible to start Scottish units everywhere, though I will give consideration to the wishes expressed by my hon. and learned Friend.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the London Scottish are a very excellent unit?

That fact has never been disputed.

Is it not the fact that there is now a Scottish Brigade at the Ministry of Health?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Stanley Charles Chorley, 72, Stopford Road, E.13, possessing the use of only one eye, was passed Grade; 2, and on being asked his choice of the forces, decided Ordnance Corps, but has received orders to go to Devizes, on anti-aircraft searchlights; and whether he will cause investigation of this matter?

A man with one good eye may be placed in Grade II, and anti aircraft units are open to Grade II men. The number of men who chose the Royal Army Ordnance Corps was much in excess of the requirements of that Corps, and a selection had to be made of those whose qualifications seemed most suitable.

asked the Secretary of State for War the position of members of the St. John Ambulance Brigade who may come within the age of military ser vice consequent upon the outbreak of hostilities?

In the case of any man who becomes a soldier in war, his previous training and experience will be taken into consideration with a view to allotting him to a branch of the Service where his capabilities can be best used.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the earliest date at which a lay member of the Scottish Land Court is due to retire; whether the vacancy will be advertised; what method of selection will be adopted; and whether the successful candidate will be permitted to carry on any farms occupied by him at the time of his appointment?

A lay member of the Scottish Land Court will retire under the age limit on 9th September next. In terms of the Statute, appointments to the Land Court are made by His Majesty on the recommendation of the Secretary of State, and my recommendation is made after such inquiry as may be necessary and after consultation with my right hon. Friend the Lord Advocate and with the Chairman of the Land Court. It has not hitherto been found necessary to advertise for applications. It is a condition of appointment that the person appointed shall give up all private business during his tenure of office.

In view of the fact that so much of this Land Court work has to do with crofting tenancies, will the right hon. Gentleman use the opportunities of vacancies arising to appoint two lay members from the crofting community? Will he consult the crofting unions about these appointments?

I will bear in mind that consideration along with others which have to be taken into account in making the appointment.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that not only in the Highlands but all over Scotland the hills are being covered with bracken; whether he is aware that where there is bracken there is no feeding for sheep or cattle; and whether he will inform the House when he intends to take more active steps to exterminate this weed, either by making larger grants for the purpose or by other means?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has read the recent report of Professor W. G. R. Patterson, chairman of the Scottish Bracken Eradication Committee, to the effect that over 2,000,000 acres of farmland in Scotland have already been encroached upon by bracken; that bracken is getting such a hold that it is going to ruin our best sheep farms, and that unless the problem is dealt with seriously there is no future for sheep-farming as known to-day in Scotland; and whether, in view of the gravity of this report by an expert, he can announce any fresh plan for dealing with the problem?

I would refer to my reply to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for Govan (Mr. Maclean) on 27th June.

Has the right hon. Gentleman not seen the report which has been submitted by the Scottish Bracken Eradication Committee in which there is a suggestion by Professor Patterson that bracken should be attacked from the air, that it should be sprayed with sulphuric acid from the air? Cannot the Scottish Office do something to meet the expense of such a proposal?

I am aware of the report in question, and I have in mind the terrible trouble which bracken causes. The hon. Member will realise that a sum of £4,000 has been provided for bracken-cutting machines. and that efforts made to deal with bracken are being made. Principal Patterson recommended the extension of the use of cutting machines.

Is the Secretary of State not aware that £4,000 is a mere bagatelle, and is of no use in counteracting this terrible menace which is overrunning Scotland at the moment?

rose—

I must again point out the number of questions on the Order Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has reached any decision regarding the provision of subsidies to enable local authorities to undertake, respectively, the reconditioning of houses and the erection of houses for occupation by tenants who do not come within the scope of the Acts relating to slum-clearance or overcrowding; and whether any report is to be made avail able of the result of the conversation with representatives of the Convention of Royal Burghs in Edinburgh on 14th July?

At the meeting referred to I intimated that, while I did not minimise the case submitted by the convention, I could not at present promise to introduce the necessary legislation in view of the urgent need for making progress with slum-clearance and overcrowding work, and the difficult labour position. I promised, however, to keep the local authorities' representations fully in mind for consideration at a more opportune time.

Will the Secretary of State bear in mind the fact that in some districts in Scotland overcrowding has been more or less overcome, and that the real problem is the one mentioned in the question?

I will bear what the hon. Member says in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of houses completed by the Scottish Special Housing Association to date; the number under construction at the pre sent time; and the number contracted for but not yet begun?

At the 30th June, 1939, 66 houses had been completed; 1,498 were under construction and 2,320 were contracted for but not yet begun.

How many of these houses are timber houses?

The houses completed are of timber, and of the 1,498 under construction, 414 are timber and 1,084 are concrete.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the progress that is being made by this association?

No, Sir, I should like to see faster progress, and the association assure me that they have the construction of a much larger number of houses in contemplation.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of working-class houses for letting purposes built by private enterprise in Scotland for the last 10 years and the equivalent figures for England and Wales?

The number of working-class houses built for letting by private enterprise in Scotland since the 1st January, 1934, is 8,436. Prior to that date the number of private enterprise houses built for letting was not separately recorded. The total number of working-class houses, however, which have been built by private enterprise in Scotland from 1929 to June, 1939, is 67,400. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the fact that subsidies have been granted to coal and shipbuilding, and are now granted to the producers of sheep, cattle, sugar, wheat, barley, and oats, he will consider encouraging resettlement of the Highlands of Scotland by making grants for each child of parents living in the Highlands, thereby ensuring the increase of a now diminishing population which has in the past proved of great value to the country?

I share fully the hon. Member's desire to maintain a thriving population in the Highlands, but I am afraid the scheme which ho suggests— which could not in my view be confined to a particular area— is not practicable.

Seeing that the right hon. Gentleman, as he says, shares my anxiety about this matter, will he not demonstrate to all the world that he is going to put his anxiety into practice on behalf of the Highlands of Scotland?

There is a later question on the Paper on this subject.

Is the Secretary of State aware that already considerable sums are being paid for boarding out children from Glasgow and Greenock in these Highland homes, and would it not be much better if such grants were made to the heads of these Highland homes to support and nurture their own children?

That would raise many difficulties.

Is the Secretary of State aware that there are some people in Glasgow who think that they should get a subsidy, too?

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to be in a position to make a statement upon the Government's policy for the Highlands; and whether opportunity will be afforded to discuss the statement when made?

It is my intention to make a statement before the Recess.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question, which asks whether an opportunity will be afforded to discuss this?

That is not a question I can answer. It is a matter to be dealt with through the usual channels.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman in a position to give us an idea of the date when he will be able to make a statement? He said that he would do so before the Recess, but what does that mean? Are we to have this statement in time to have an opportunity of discussing it?

I shall make the statement at the earliest possible moment, but I cannot give an exact date.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the respective total numbers of staff of all grades of the Scottish Office at present engaged in London and Scotland; also the equivalent numbers anticipated after the opening of St. Andrews House; whether St. Andrews House will accommodate all such staff in Scotland as it is desirable to house in a headquarters establishment; and if not, the percentage of those who will be so accommodated?

I assume that my hon. Friend refers only to the staff of the existing Scottish Office, or the Scottish Home Department which will be formed by the merger of the Scottish Office, the Fishery Board and the Prisons Department, and not to the staff of all the Departments for which I am responsible. On this assumption the answer to the first part of the question is 106 and 44 respectively. The numbers of the headquarters staff of the Scottish Home Department to be employed in London and Scotland respectively will be approximately 70 and 164. The staff to be employed in London in cludes, in addition to the Defence and Fire Brigades Division of the Scottish Home Department, the Ministers' private secretaries with their clerks and typists, the clerks and typists assisting the London liaison officers of all the four main Scottish Departments, and all messengers and cleaners at Dover House. Except for two officers engaged on special duty, all the headquarters staff to be employed in Scotland will be accommodated in St. Andrews' House.

In view of the fact that the new building is ready, is the Minister going to make any arrangement for occasional meetings of the Scottish Grand Committee in the new building in Edinburgh?

That is another question.

asked the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that five young apprentice engineers were prosecuted at Dunbarton Justice of the Peace Court on 6th July, and fined 7s. 6d. each for camping on the foreshore at Glen-mallow, Loch Long; that this site has been used for many years as a camping ground; that no notice or warning of objection to the site as camping ground has been affixed nearby by the proprietors; that there is no fence or indication of boundary; and as this was these lads' first offence, he will take steps to have the fines remitted?

I am informed that 13 persons were prosecuted at this court on 6th July for camping without permission on land at Glenmallon, that in one case the charge was withdrawn, that 10 persons pled guilty and were fined 7s. 6d. or five days, and that the cases against the other two were continued until 10th August. I am obtaining a report from the justices on the cases already decided, and thereafter I will communicate further with the right hon. Member.

In view of the fact that tremendous public feeling has been aroused by these proceedings, that 80 percent, of the young men involved were Militia men, that no notice was stuck up, that they have dug up an old Act that is 75 years old, and that no prosecution was taken while Sir Iain Colquhoun, the proprietor, was well and only when the man was stricken down were these disgraceful proceedings begun, cannot the right hon. Gentleman take some steps, in the interests of public decency, to get them stopped?

The right hon. Gentleman will not expect me to comment on the action of the magistrates until the inquiry is completed. I will bear in mind what he has said.

Will the Secretary of State, when making a further statement on the matter, state who were the justices of the peace who formed this particular court?

I must look into the case first, and I am pursuing my inquiries.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the Lancashire and Cheshire Miners' Federation have carried a resolution asking him to have a formal investigation under Section 83 of the Mines Act, 1911, into the cause of the accident at Astley Green Colliery on 6th June, in which five men lost their lives; and will he consider doing this, as it is felt it would give greater satisfaction than having an inquiry under Section 82?

I have been asked to reply. My hon. Friend has received a request to this effect from the Mine-workers' Federation. The procedure under Section 82 of the Act which he had proposed to adopt, would enable a full report to be published much sooner than would be possible under the procedure of Section 83; but if after the inquest is finished it is felt that there are reasons for holding a further public inquiry, he will certainly reconsider the matter. I have been asked to suggest that in the meantime the workers' representatives should bring to the notice of the Divisional Inspector any special aspects of the accident to the investigation of which they attach particular importance.

While I am sorry that the Secretary for Mines is not present, I hope that the right hon. Gentleman will convey to his hon. Friend the serious feelings of the mineworkers with regard to this matter and urge him, if possible, to have a formal inquiry in order to give satisfaction to this great body of men.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of His Majesty's inspectors there are in the whole of the coalfields; and the number of inspections made by them during day and night shifts, respectively, in the year 1938?

The number of His Majesty's inspectors engaged upon the inspection of coal mines in 1938 was 104, and during that year they made 19,788 inspections on day shifts, 2,291 on after noon shifts, and 2,464 inspections on night shifts.

Do the figures show an increase in the number of inspections made in 1937?

Yes, Sir. The number of inspections on night shifts shows a substantial increase— 2,464 as compared with 1,654.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of inspections made by His Majesty's inspectors in the collieries of County Durham in the years 1937, 1938, and to a convenient date this year, together with the number of such inspections made during the afternoon and night shifts, respectively?

The total numbers of inspections made at collieries in County Durham during the years 1937, 1938 and during the six months ended 30th June, 1939, were 2,708, 2,681 and 1,495 respectively. Inspections made on afternoon shifts numbered 108,201 and 149 respectively, and those on night shifts 186,240 and 211 respectively.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of men certified in the Durham coalfield to be suffering from silicosis during each of the years 1935 to date?

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

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of workers employed in the coal-mining industry in Scotland, certified to be suffering from silicosis, in each of the years from 1935 to 1939?

The number of coal miners in Scotland certified under the Various Industries (Silicosis) Schemes, 1931 and 1934, was one in each of the years 1935 and 1936, two in each of the years 1937 and 1938, and three, according to provisional figures, in the first five months of 1939.

Is the right hon. Gentle man aware that there are in Scotland no facilities for the treatment of this disease similar to those in operation in England and elsewhere?

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of collieries that have been closed in Great Britain during the three years ended the last convenient date; the number of same which have not been reopened; and the aggregate number of men directly affected?

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

Cannot the Minister give an answer to the last part of the question?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many mines there are in Southwark?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been directed to the decision of the Com missioners of Income Tax that in future, bookmakers, whose runners are found guilty and fined, may deduct such fines as expenses for the purpose of Income Tax assessment; and is it his intention to alter this anomaly in the near future by regulation or otherwise?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the recent decision that fines paid by bookmakers will count for relief in Income Tax; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I assume that the decision referred to is one given by General Commissioners of Taxes on a particular appeal, to the effect that in the computation of the profits of a street bookmaker for assessment to Income Tax under Schedule D sums paid by him to his runners in reimbursement of fines imposed upon them were deductible expenses, as being payments made wholly and exclusively for the purposes of the book maker's business. I do not find in the decision any reason for proposing an alteration of the relevant rule of the Income Tax Acts, which is of general application in the computation of profits of trades and business for Schedule D purposes.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how much he is losing by this decision?

No I could not say.

Why not legalise book makers?

Will it be in order for a motorist who is penalised; say for obstruction of the highway, to adopt a similar principle?

I think he would have to show that the outlay was "wholly and exclusively for the purposes of his business."

Is not the ultimate result that the Exchequer is paying in part fines imposed on those who have committed offences against the law?