asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he received a report of the serious recent flooding of the River Afan; whether he will make inquiries of the danger of the colliery refuse tip in the Glyncorrwg village on the Nolton estate, which might become a serious menace to the low-ly-lingdistricts in the valley, to Port Talbot town and docks and railway; and whether he will take steps to erect a retaining wall to prevent the river getting behind the tip?

After special inquiries into the matters referred to by the hon. Member, I am advised that comparatively little damage was done in the Afan Valley by the flooding caused by excessive rainfall between 6th and 8th July. As regards the colliery refuse tip at Glyncorrwg, I understand that officers of the Port Talbot local authority, the dock authority and the railway company are not satisfied that serious damage is likely to result to their interests if the river is diverted behind the tip. The river at this point is part of the main river of the Mid-Glamorgan Rivers Catchment Board. I have no power to take the action suggested in the last part of the question, but I am communicating with the Catchment Board.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether in order to provide against the possibility of a protracted war and to avoid having to act in a hurry and at the last moment, he will now arrange with home-growers to increase the area for the 1940 sugar-beet crop, and so prevent the scarcity and dearness of imported sugar experienced in the last War?

A proposal to increase the sugar-beet acreage as a measure of war preparation raises wide issues that can hardly be dealt with by way of Parliamentary question and answer. I would, however, remind my hon. Friend that in any future war, we should in any event be better off than in the last War, since at that time the home production of sugar was negligible, whereas we now produce at home roughly a quarter of our normal consumption requirements.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the present composition of the Potato Marketing Board; to what extent the members of this board represent producing, distributing, and consuming interests, respectively; and whether, before granting this board un-restricted powers as a trading body, he will take steps to ensure that the board is fully representative of distributors and consumers of potatoes?

The Potato Marketing Board consists of 31 members of whom 24 are elected by registered producers voting by districts; five special members are elected by registered producers in general meeting; and two members are co-opted by the elected members after consultation with the Market Supply Committee. I understand that of the 29 elected members of the present board, 25 are farmers and four are merchants.As regards the last part of the question, the election of board members is governed by the provisions of the Agricultural Marketing Acts, and I have no power to require the representation of any special interests. I ought to add, in case there should be some misapprehension in my hon. Friend's mind, that the proposed amendments to the Potato Marketing Scheme would not have the effect of giving the board unrestricted trading powers.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether before seeking the approval of Parliament for the draft amendments to the Potato Marketing Scheme, he can arrange to make available to Members the report on these amendments, which was submitted to him by the person holding the inquiry into the objections which were made by the various trade associations?

No, Sir. In accordance with established and strictly observed practice, the reports of Commissioners appointed to hold public inquiries under the Agricultural Marketing Acts are always treated as confidential to the Minister.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many of the attested herds in England and Wales include cows of the Ayrshire breed; and how many such cows are so included?

At the time of entry in the register of attested herds, 115 herds in England and Wales comprising 8,540 animals were wholly, and 78 herds comprising 6,400 animals were mainly, composed of cattle of the Ayrshire breed. Information as to the number of other attested herds that contain Ayrshire cattle and as to the number of Ayrshire cows in attested herds is not available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many firms have taken advantage of the milk in industries scheme; how many workpeople, men and women, respectively, are employed by those firms; how many of these take advantage of the scheme; and will he give the names of the larger firms that have recently joined the scheme?

:I am informed by the National Milk Publicity Council that at the end of June this year 7,123 firms in England and Wales were taking advantage of the milk in industries scheme. These firms employ 2,237,500 persons, but I am unable to say how many of these actually take milk under the scheme. A similar scheme is organised by the Scottish Milk Marketing Board in its area and I understand that about 1,200 firms are taking advantage of it. While I cannot say how many persons are employed by those firms, I am informed that about 50,000 people are consuming milk under the scheme. As regards the last part of the question, I am told that the scheme has recently been adopted in England in the Vickers-Armstrong works at Barrow-in-Furness and in the Imperial Chemical Industries Works at Billingham, and in Scotland by Messrs. Barclay, Curie and Company and Messrs. Stewart and Lloyds, both of Glasgow, and by Messrs. Redpath, Brown and Company, of Edinburgh.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many miles of main rivers have been improved under the Land Drainage Act of 1930; what grants have been made in respect of such schemes; how many miles of internal drainage streams have been cleansed under this Act and the Agricultural Act of 1937; the grants paid in respect of this work, giving England and Wales separately, also the percentage grants for each scheme, separately; the number of schemes carried out by local authorities, and the number carried out by drainage boards?

Up to 30th June 1939, no schemes in England and Wales, estimated to cost in all £12,869,124 (excluding interest charges) have been approved under Section 55 of the Land Drainage Act, 1930, for grants totalling £6,656,954 (again excluding interest charges), the percentage of grant ranging from 15 per cent. to 75 per cent. I regret that it is not possible to make any division between England and Wales as there are three catchment boards whose areas extend into both countries and whose expenditure cannot be apportioned between them. I am not in a position to give the number of miles of rivers improved or to be improved, and any such figure would have little significance since a considerable amount of work on sea defences and pumping stations is included in the figures given above.Four hundred and ninety-two schemes, estimated to cost in all £632,455, have been approved under Part III of the Agriculture Act, 1937, for grants totalling £266,415. All of these, with the exception of 29 schemes, estimated to cost £3,107 including grants of £1,036, are situated in England. The rate of grant for each scheme of stream clearing is 33⅛ per cent. and for each constructional scheme 50 per cent. Three hundred and ninety-two schemes, estimated to cost £611,996, were submitted by drainage boards and 100 schemes, estimated to cost £20,459, by county councils. I am again not in a position to give the mileage of watercourses improved or to be improved.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many acres of grassland have up to date qualified for the ploughing subsidy of £2 per acre?

Up to and including 18th July, notifications of intention to plough up grassland had been received in respect of approximately 186,000 acres in the United Kingdom. I am unable to say what proportion of this acreage will qualify for the Government grant, the payment of which is conditional upon the fulfilment of certain conditions of eligibility.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state the amount in deficiency payments received by wheat growers since the passing of the Wheat Act, 1932?

The total sums received by wheat growers by way of deficiency payments for the six completed cereal years 1932–33 to 1937–38 amount to £27,415,874. For the current cereal year, 1938–39, the estimated total amount of deficiency payments is £9,200,000, of which approximately £6,971,400 has already been advanced to growers by the Wheat Commission.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the practice of adulterating cheese by the addition of water; and whether he intends to take steps, by prescribing standards for cheese under the Foot and Drugs Act, 1938, or otherwise, to prohibit this practice?

Representations have been made to me that the regulations to be made under the Food and Drugs Act, 1938, which comes into operation on the 1st October next, should deal with the composition of cheese, and I will take them into consideration.

asked the Minister of Health whether negotiations for providing milk for civil servants in Whitehall have been completed; what arrangements have been made for the distribution of milk; when the arrangements will come into operation and at what times of the day the milk will be available; and how many civil servants will be able to avail themselves of the scheme?

So far as my Department is concerned arrangements are being made as indicated in the question by the Departmental Whitley Council, through the National Milk Publicity Council. The delivery of milk will be between the hours of 10 and 11 a.m. to such of the staff as wish to participate. The date agreed provisionally for the commencement of the scheme is the 4th September, 1939.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of the provisions of the Civil Defence Act, he proposes to ask for quarterly statements from different local authorities in the country as to the extent to which they are carrying out the instructions of this Measure?

I shall certainly take steps to keep myself informed of the progress made in the administration of the Act, but I cannot at this stage say at what intervals it will be necessary to call for formal reports. The Regional Officers of the Department will be in constant touch with the local authorities.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he proposes to publish for the benefit of the public a statement in simple language as to the chief provisions of the Civil Defence Bill as soon as it has received the Royal Assent?

The provisions of the Civil Defence Act which are of direct interest to the general public have been the subject of frequent communications to the Press and have received wide publicity. The provisions relating to commercial and industrial establishments were explained in a leaflet of which over 60,000 copies were distributed free of charge to employers, trade organisations and trade journalists when the Bill was first introduced. A revised and amplified version has now been prepared and 100,000 copies will be available in a few days' time for similar distribution.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will state the total number of gas masks supplied for the county of Durham, and the number actually distributed up to date?

In round numbers, the county authorities have had 870,000 civilian respirators, and up to the end of June had issued 730,000.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he has now given consideration to the representations made to him by the joint hospital boards of the country in general, and the Wandle Valley Joint Hospital Board in particular, arising out of air-raid precautions for such hospitals; and is he now in a position to make a statement?

I have had this matter under consideration, and I expect to be in a position to announce a decision during the course of the next few days.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of the fact that Brentwood, Essex, is a local authority within the meaning of Section 12 of the Air-Raid Precautions Act, 1937, although not a county, county borough, or county district council, he will authorise a grant to assist them in the measures necessary for the protection of their hospital against air attack?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to-day to a similar question by the hon. Member for Pontypool (Mr. Jenkins).

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that the chief air-raid warden for the northern area of the Seisdon Rural District Council and the auxiliary fire service organiser in Codsall, Staffordshire, have resigned from these positions owing to the lack of equipment for the effective training of volunteers for air-raid precautions duties; and whether he will, in consultation with the Staffordshire County Council, facilitate the grants necessary to overcome these difficulties to assist in the protection of this rapidly developing area's population?

As regards the emergency fire services no scheme has yet been submitted by the Seisdon Rural District Council; it has not therefore been possible for my Department to issue fire-fighting appliances for use by that council. As regards general air-raid precautions services, the council has now received medical and other equipment which, together with the training equipment which they are already authorised to purchase, should be sufficient for training purposes.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that contracts for semi-fabricated angle-iron, amounting to 10,000 tons, have been placed by his Department or in connection with contracts for steel shelters ordered by his Department at a price of £22 per ton; that the price, including profit, should not be more than £14 per ton; and what steps he proposes to take to obtain revision of these contracts, and to prevent this waste of money on future contracts?

No, Sir, I do not recognise either the weight or the price quoted by the hon. Member as having any relation to any steel shelter contract or group of contracts arranged by my Department.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will state the price at which the most recent contracts for standard unit steel shelters have been placed, in view of the fact that at 25th May 400,000 had been ordered at £7 per shelter and that by 6th July a further 2,000,000 had been ordered at a revised price?

It was part of the original arrangement made when the first contract was placed that the price to be paid on further contracts would be fixed in the light of a detailed investigation of the cost of manufacture. The results of this investigation are now under consideration, and the price has not yet been finally fixed.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that the trial blackout in the Midlands on the night of the 13th–14th July was a complete failure in the Leicester area owing to the fact that the various railway authorities failed to extinguish their lights on the grounds that they had been instructed by his Department that they need not do so because they were not included in the area; and will he take steps to ensure that in future conflicting instructions are not issued by the Air-Raid Precautions Department to different authorities in the same area?

I regret that there was some confusion in this area owing to a misunderstanding of the intentions of the Leicester City Council. It was left to each local authority to decide whether it would co-operate in the blackout on this occasion; and the Town Clerk of Leicester informed my Department on the 26th June that his authority did not propose to take part in the blackout. In a subsequent letter he stated that his council would be recommended to co-operate; but no notification of the council's final decision was received, and in consequence the railway companies were not asked to co-operate in the Leicester area.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether any decision has now been arrived at by the Government relative to the construction of large underground air-raid shelters in London and the provinces, which could be used to protect the civil population from aerial attack by explosive, incendiary, or poison-gas bombs in times of emergency, and which could be utilised as garages or parking-places to relieve street congestion at other times?

I would refer the hon. Member to Section 8 of the Civil Defence Act.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that the Air-Raid Shelter Code does not specify any width for doors in openings and that shelters are being constructed in factory premises with doors so narrow as to be a source of danger to their occupants; and will he make regulations similar to those made by the London County Council and other licensing authorities for places of public entertainment with a minimum door-width of 3 feet 6 inches and make it compulsory for doors to open outward?

The hon. Member will find directions as to the width of entrances to shelters on page 13 of the Code. Most shelters will be designed to accommodate numbers far less than those accommodated in places of public entertainment, and it has not been considered necessary to stipulate more than 2 feet 6 inches as a minimum width for entrances. On the question whether doors should open outwards or inwards, the balance of advantage is so uncertain that it has been considered best to leave this point to be determined according to the circumstances of each particular case.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can state the total expenditure sanctioned to the most recent date on air-raid precautions work, equipment and salaries, stated separately, in the administrative county of Monmouthshire, Glamorganshire, Newport, Cardiff and Swansea?

The expenditure of a local authority on air-raid precautions is not limited to expenditure sanctioned specifically for that authority. Considerable grant-earning expenditure may also be incurred without specific reference to the Department under the terms of general circulars, and local authorities also have general power under Section 7 of the Air-Raid Precautions Act, 1937, to incur expenditure on air-raid precautions. The latest available information as to the expenditure in these areas relates to the period 1st January, 1937, to 31st March, 1939. In that period, the expenditure, both capital and revenue, of the local authorities concerned on air-raid general precautions and air-raid fire precautions was, according to the local authority's returns, estimated as follows:

	£
Glamorgan Co.	28,347
Monmouth Co.	9,939
Cardiff C.B.	18,807
Newport C.B.	14,417
Swansea C.B.	9,362

Towards this expenditure grants will be payable on the appropriate basis under the Act of 1937. The returns rendered by the local authorities are not in such a form as to enable it to be stated how much of the expenditure is attributable to salaries and how much to equipment. The above figures do not take any account of the substantial expenditure incurred by the Government in the free supply of equipment and appliances to the local authorities in question.

asked the Minister of Health what arrangements are proposed in connection with the scheme for the evacuation of schoolchildren in time of emergency; for the washing and mending of the clothing of the children who have been evacuated; and whether the provision of such services has been discussed in relation to the payments to be made to billet-holders?

I have no doubt that many householders will be willing to undertake the washing and mending of the clothes of children who are living with them. Where, for one reason or another, this presents difficulties, any arrangements that can be made locally for the work to be done by voluntary helpers will be of great assistance and volunteers prepared to undertake this sort of work are being recruited.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has information as to the names and addresses of the Irishmen who went from Liverpool to Spain to fight for General Franco?

Yes, Sir; the names and addresses were published in various Irish newspapers at the time.

asked the Home Secretary what is the estimated cost to his Department of a prosecution for exceeding the speed limit in a built-up area, including the court's time of the officers concerned?

Prosecutions for this offence are not initiated or undertaken by the Home Office, and I regret that I am not in a position to hazard any estimate of the cost of such a prosecution.

asked the Home Secretary what percentage of the 25,001 drivers prosecuted by the Metropolitan Police

—				1935.	1936.	1937.	1938. (provisional).	Total.
Number of Persons	…	…	…	53,358	59,579	60,551	58,745	232,233
Charge withdrawn or dismissed			…	3,980	4,007	3,640	3,474	15,101
Dismissed under Probation of Offenders Act, with or without costs.				16,867	18,535	17,981	17,198	70,581
Recognizances without Probation Order.				2,839	3,069	3,033	2,836	11,777
Recognizances with Probation Order				14,297	14,524	15,986	15,800	60,607
Approved Schools	…	…	…	2,518	3,105	3,124	2,915	11,662

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the shortage of doctors that would arise in the time of war, and the serious results of that shortage in the treatment of air-raid casualties and the moral of the civilian population, he will consider increasing the number of work permits to well-qualified refugee German and Austrian doctors?

After consultation with representatives of the medical profession permission has been given to a certain number of foreign doctors who have come here as refugees to practice or take appointments in this country, but there is a limit to the number of foreign practi-

My right hon. Friend has been in communication with the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, who informs him that the information asked for is not available.

asked the Home Secretary how many juveniles have appeared before the various juvenile courts from the 1st January, 1935, to the latest available date; how many were acquitted; how many dismissed on payment of costs; how many put on probation; and how many sent to approved schools?

The numbers of children and young persons under the age of 17 dealt with for offences at Courts of Summary Jurisdiction (including Juvenile Courts) in England and Wales during the four years from 1935 to 1938 inclusive, together with the other particulars required, are as follow:tioners who can properly be absorbed in the medical profession. The information my right hon. Friend has as to the present position does not suggest that there is any such shortage or prospective shortage of doctors as would warrant any large addition to the number of foreign practitioners.

asked the Home Secretary what number of aliens have been admitted to Great Britain since September 1938; and what was the number admitted during the previous 10 months?

In the 10 months from September 1938 to June 1939 the number of aliens who entered the United Kingdom was 381,674 and the number who left was 332,866. The corresponding figures for the previous 10 months were 399,875 arrivals and 388,966 departures.

asked the Home Secretary how many point-duty police officers have been replaced by traffic light control systems in the Metropolitan area since the commencement of 1938; and what annual cash saving to his Department results there from?

Since the 1st January, 1938, a total of 57 constables has been withdrawn from traffic point duty in the Metropolitan Police District, through the installation of automatic traffic signals. The cost of this number of constables is approximately £18,000 a year, but there is no immediate saving as the strength of the force is at present considerably below the authorised establishment and the officers relieved from traffic control have therefore been transferred to other duties.

asked the Home Secretary in how many industries application has been made for the reduction of hours to 44 per week for young persons under 16 years of age; in how many have decisions been made; and what the decisions were?

I presume the hon. Member is referring to applications for regulations under Section 71 of the Factories Act to allow more than 44 hours in particular classes of factory; and I would refer him to the answers given to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, East (Mr. Mander) on 13th July and to the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher) on 29th June.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that the Corporation of the City of London have as ample powers as those of the county council under the London Building Acts to ensure safety in non-factory premises?

The provisions of the London Building Acts in regard to means of escape in case of fire extend to the City of London and are administered by the county council. The provisions in the Bill, now before the House, giving the county council further powers in respect of lifts which are not subject to the Factories Act would also apply to the City.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to state when he expects to publish the report of the Royal Commission on the Workmen's Compensation Act in order to increase the benefits for accidents?

I cannot forecast at present how soon the commission will be in a position to submit a report.

asked the Minister of Health how many persons receiving old age pensions are receiving public assistance in the county of Cumberland, and the total amount paid by the Cumberland Public Assistance Committee under this heading during 1938, and the first half of 1939?

During the week ended the 11th March last the number of old age pensioners to whom outdoor relief in money or in kind was granted in the administrative county of Cumberland was 1,531. The estimated annual cost of out-relief to old age pensioners and their dependants falling to be met out of rates and the block grants is about £35,000 for the county.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received the information from the various local authorities about the number of old age pensioners who are receiving Poor Law relief?

Yes, Sir. This information was received and was published in the answer which I made in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Rotherham (Mr. Dobbie) on the 6th April, and of which I am sending the hon Member a copy.

asked the Minister of Health whether, when the first supplies of transfused blood are exhausted additional supplies will be obtained on a similar system of bulk collection, or whether those registering for transmission will be required to travel to different parts of the Metropolis or the provinces for the purpose of blood transfusion?

The arrangements which are now being made are for selecting and registering donors of blood, and these volunteers will not be asked to give any blood unless and until an emergency arises. Their services will be required at the places where they have been registered, or, if they have moved, at the nearest hospital where the blood is being collected.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is able to indicate the nature of the responses received to his recent circular to local authorities inviting them to take steps to ensure the employment of British ships for the con-

Types of houses.			Average cost* per house included in contracts let or in direct labour schemes by
			Local Authorities in		The North Eastern Housing Association.
			Northumberland during twelve months ending 31st May, 1939.	Durham during twelve months ending 31st May, 1939.	Northumberland during twelve months ending 30th June, 1939.	Durham during twelve months ending 30th June, 1939.
			£	£	£	£
A.1	…	…	274	239	289	263
A. 2	…	…	325	319	338	330
A. 3	…	…	375 (all sizes)	359 (all sizes)	362	369
A.3 large		…	—	—	—	426
A.4	…	…	453 (all sizes)	425 (all sizes)	430	486
*The average costs include the cost of paths, drains and fences but exclude the cost of land, roads, sewers and architect's fees.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state the number of new houses estimated to be required in Wales to rehouse the people living in slum property and overcrowded houses, giving separate figures for the rural and urban areas; the number of houses now being built for these purposes; and when

So far, 173 local authorities have replied to the circular. All are sympathetic to the proposal and 164 have undertaken to include the necessary stipulation in their form of tender.

asked the Minister of Health what are the average costs of the following types of houses built by local authorities in Northumberland and Durham and the North-East Housing Association: A1, A2, A3 large, A4, and A4 large?

The returns furnished by the local authorities do not distinguish large A3 and A4 types of houses.it is expected that the whole of the population will be adequately provided for with suitable housing accommodation?

At 31st May, 1939, the latest date for which figures are available, 3,323 new houses in rural areas and 9,376 new houses in urban areas had been provided in Wales with Monmouthshire for the purposes mentioned in the ques- tion and the numbers under construction for all purposes were 1,168 and 752, respectively. Estimates based on the programmes of the local authorities indicate that the further numbers of new houses required are from 4,000 to 5,000 in rural areas and about 9,000 in urban areas. The programmes are, however, increased from time to time and the special investigation being carried out by my inspectors into housing conditions in rural Wales show clearly that further surveys by the local authorities are necessary and that such surveys are likely to lead to a substantial increase in the programmes.

asked the Minister of Health, how many houses have been built in rural areas under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act for agricultural workers?

Up to 31st May, 1939, the latest date for which complete information is available, the number of houses provided for agricultural workers in rural districts in England and Wales under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1938, was 1,789.

asked the Minister of Health what was the area of the land proposed to be purchased in September, 1938, by the Sunderland Corporation for £22,000 under a slum-clearance scheme; and what was its rateable value previous to purchase?

The area of land to which the hon. Member refers is 3.73 acres. £22,000 was the total cost, including cost of demolition, clearance, etc. The cost of acquisition alone was £10,566 and the rateable value was £1,930.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in connection with his inquiries into inoculation against diphtheria, he will ascertain the number of the child population in the city of Hamilton, Ontario, in the years 1925 to 1927, and the number of these who were inoculated against diphtheria in those years?

I will make inquiries and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health whether any children who had been inoculated against diphtheria have contracted that disease in the Borough of Heston and Isleworth; and whether there have been any fatal cases in immunised children since immunisation was started?

I am making inquiries and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health in which districts the 18 cases of smallpox registered in England and Wales during the 12 months ended 31st December, 1939, occurred; and what were their ages?

The districts in which the 18 cases of smallpox notified in England and Wales during the 12 months ended 31st December, 1938, occurred and their ages are given in the following table:

District.	Age.
Gravesend Borough	23, 34,38 and 60.
Irlam Urban District	21.
Leighton Buzzard Urban District.	5.
London Port Health District	23 and 28.
Ripon and Pateley Bridge Rural District.	24, 28 and 73.
Urmston Urban District	18, 45 and 45.
Wigan County Borough	19, 47, 51 and 51.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the total amount of contributions paid into the National Health and Contributory Pensions Scheme during the last accounting year by employers, employed persons and the Exchequer, respectively?

The total amount of the contributions paid into the National Health Insurance scheme for Great Britain for the year ended 31st December, 1938, was approximately £36,565,000 made up as follows:Contributions by employers, £15,073,000.Contributions by employed persons, £14,786,000.Contributions by the Exchequer, £6,706,000.The total amount of the contributions paid into the Contributory Pensions scheme for the year ended 31st March, 1939, was approximately £81,700,000 made up as follows:Contributions by employers, £15,900,000.Contributions by employed persons, £16,600,000.Contributions by the Exchequer (inclusive of the cost of over-70 pensions payable by virtue of the Contributory Pensions Acts), £49,200,000.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give and lay upon the Table any new information or conclusions arising from the first year's working of the Population Statistics Act, 1938?

Work is in progress upon the returns obtained under the Population (Statistics) Act during the latter half of 1938. This information is an extension of the normal birth and death statistics compiled by calendar years; and it is not possible to treat it separately from or in advance of the year's birth and death statistics as a whole.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the British Steel Federation have entered into an arrangement with four particular firms for the control of the purchase and sale of scrap-iron and steel to their own advantage and to the advantage of the four firms but to the disadvantage of the trade as a whole and the public purse; and whether he will cause a full investigation to be made into the matter?

I am aware that the British Iron and Steel Federation employ four firms as their advisers in regard to dealings in scrap iron and steel, but I am informed that this arrangement does not provide for any control of the purchase and sale of scrap by these firms. I have no reason to think that the arrangement is a matter with which I should interfere.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total amounts paid out from Exchequer funds during the operation of the subsidy to tramp shipping?

The total cost to the Exchequer of the tramp shipping subsidy under the British Shipping (Assistance) Acts, 1935–37, was £4,002,183.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he proposes to take with reference to the resolution passed by the South Staffordshire and North Worcestershire Joint Town Planning Committee and forwarded to him urging that all Government Departments consult town planning authorities at the earliest possible moment in connection with any schemes which are being proposed for the erection of aerodromes, camps, or drill halls?

Arrangements have been in operation for some time for the Defence Departments to consult the Ministry of Health and the Department of Health for Scotland in regard to the planning aspect of proposals for the acquisition of sites for defence purposes. Owing to the various technical considerations involved it is in general desirable that the consultation should be with those Departments in the first instance, though in most cases there would also be consultation with the local Planning Officer. Arrangements have, however, been made for County Territorial Associations to consult directly with the Planning Authorities in connection with the selection of sites for Territorial Army and Auxiliary Air Force purposes.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he will take steps, if necessary by introducing legislation, to make available for the assistance of refugees from the former Czecho-Slovakia the unexpended balance of the £6,000,000 loan promised under the February agreement to the Czecho-Slovak Republic on the understanding that it would ultimately be used for the settlement of refugees within Czecho-Slovakia? (2) How much of the loan of £6,000,000 and of the grant of £4,000,000 promised to the former Czecho-Slovak Republic under the February agreement remains unexpended and under the control of the Treasury; and how much of the £4,000,000 grant allocated to the migra- tion and settlement of refugees from Czecho-Slovakia remains unexpended and not already required for refugees for whom responsibility has already been taken by the responsible British committee or by similar organisations in other states.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for East Willesden (Mr. Hammersley) on Thursday last, and to the Supplementary Estimate presented on Tuesday last for a grant-in-aid to the Czecho-Slovak Refugee Trust Fund. The unexpended balance of the free gift amounts to about £3,500,000. It will be for the trustees of the fund to decide how much of this unexpended balance will be required for existing commitments.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what was the total amount of Customs duty collected on foodstuffs for the financial year ended 31st March last?

The approximate amount of Customs duties collected during the financial year 1938–39 on foodstuffs, including tea, coffee, cocoa and certain foodstuffs used in part as feeding stuffs for animals (which owing to their nature cannot be separately distinguished) was £41,852,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer under what statutory authority an insured person is immune from Income Tax on benefits paid to him under the National Health Insurance Acts?

Benefits under the National Health Insurance Acts are not regarded as constituting "income" and consequently as attracting Income Tax. There is no express definition of "income" in the Acts but the above view has always been maintained in administering the Acts.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give instructions that no assessments shall be made or enforced against other persons in pursuance of the decision of the Special Commissioners in the case of Mr. Forsyth, pending the hearing of Mr. Forsyth's appeal to the High Court?

I would remind the right hon. Gentleman that in the case to which he refers the assessment was made in accordance with practice and has been confirmed on appeal. In the circumstances I cannot accept the suggestion made in the question; but in any case in which an assessment is or becomes the subject of appeal, no action will be taken to enforce the assessment pending the decision of the High Court in the case referred to.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether un-established officers in the Civil Service who accept invitations to re-enlist for three years as Army instructors will have their employment in the Civil Service fully safeguarded?

While every effort would be made to offer re-employment to the men referred to, I regret that it is not practicable to give an unqualified undertaking to reinstate unestablished officers after an absence of three years, though I can assure the hon. Member that any such cases would be sympathetically considered.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Italian Government notified the British Government of their intention to recall Count Grandi prior to the publication of their decision?

No, Sir, but I would add that there is no settled procedure in such matters.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that a Mr. Edward Sendall, of 31, Burcham Street, Poplar, applied for the old age pension, making a statement that his wife was earning an average of 15s. weekly by trading in second-hand clothing as a street trader; on the 28th June Mr. Sendall was visited by an inspector from the pensions office, who challenged the amount and suggested it should be £2 weekly, and subsequently erased the former figure, and inserted £2; and by what authority did his officer take this action to alter without authority a statement made by an applicant?

I am having inquiry made and when my information is complete I will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Prime Minister whether any Governments with representatives in China have now obtained full information regarding cases of bombardment by Japanese aircraft of civilians; whether such information has now been sent to the Council of the League of Nations in accordance with its resolution of May, 1939; and whether His Majesty's Government's representative on the Council will ask for its publication forthwith?

My Noble Friend has had no reports on this subject from the Secretariat of the League of Nations. It will be recalled that at the time when the resolution was adopted, His Majesty's Government, in common with other Governments represented on the Council, agreed that reports received by the Council should be published, provided that the Government which furnished them raised no objection.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to German propaganda containing certain allegations, particularly against the British judiciary, made by a British subject named Wicks, now resident in Germany; and whether he will take steps, either through the British Broadcasting Corporation or otherwise to refute these allegations and make the facts known in Germany?

I am surprised that such importance should have been attributed in the German Press to the unsupported allegations of an individual regarding the British judicial system. I am satisfied that there is no basis what so-ever for these allegations concerning a case which has been fully heard by a judge and jury and by the Court of Criminal Appeal and has also formed the subject of judicial proceedings before a registrar in bankruptcy. I understand that the B.B.C. would normally include in their broadcasts in German any statement likely to correct German misapprehensions about this country and I have no doubt that they will do so in the present case.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware of the complaints of the Guild of Air Pilots as to the inadequacy of the de-icing methods now used on British commercial aircraft; and what steps he proposes to take?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Central Southwark (Mr. Day) yesterday.

asked the Secretary of State for Air why the departure of an aeroplane from Croydon for Paris was delayed on Thursday evening for two hours beyond its scheduled time for departure?

I have made inquiries and find that a request was received by Imperial Airways for two seats on the last service to Paris on the 13th July. A published summer timetable showed services at both 8.45 p.m. and 10.45 p.m., but the latter service has not been operated for some time. When the two seats were asked for, no applications had I understand been received for the 8.45 p.m. service, and in the circumstances the company decided to schedule the service for 10.45 p.m. on that day. I am informed that when requests for seats on the 8.45 p.m. service were later received, the company notified prospective passengers of the altered time of departure, and would have run a service at 8.45 p.m. as well as at 10.45 p.m. had there been a substantial demand for it.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the licensing authority set up under the Air Navigation Act, as from 19th July, 1938, is compelled to issue a report to this House each year; and whether he will postpone further consideration of the British Overseas Airways Bill until this report has been presented?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; as to the second, I regret I can see no reason for adopting the course suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that no proper pharmaceutical service is provided in His Majesty's Air Force although such service is provided in His Majesty's Navy; and whether he will consider the advisability of giving the airmen the benefit of the services of qualified pharmacists?

The medical branch of the Royal Air Force includes an establishment of qualified dispensers, and members of the branch receive special training in dispensing along recognised lines. Quartermasters and warrant officers in the medical branch have to supervise dispensing, and accordingly only qualified dispensers are eligible for promotion to these ranks. I am satisfied that these arrangements provide efficiently for the dispensing requirements of the Royal Air Force.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that a member of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve lost his life in a crash on the night of 7th June last whilst undergoing a course of intensive training at North Weal aerodrome after a course of two years volunteer training; that he was the sole support of his widowed mother; that no compensation in respect of the loss of her only son has been awarded to her, and that she now finds herself practically destitute; and will he have inquiries made into this case with a view to awarding a suitable pension to the dependant of this young man who was killed whilst serving in His Majesty's Forces?

I am aware of this regrettable accident. An application on behalf of the pilot's mother is being considered by my Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the number of engineer apprentices recruited for the Royal Air Force during 1938 and from 1st January, 1939, respectively; how many came from the Glasgow district; and whether any of them were sent to His Majesty's ship "Caledonia," at Rosyth?

Engineer apprentices are not recruited for the Royal Air Force, but aircraft apprentices between the ages of 15 and 17 are entered for training in the trades of fitter, fitter (armourer), wireless and electrical mechanic, and instrument maker. The number of apprentices attested during 1938 was 2,139 and the number since the 1st January last is 1,090. Fourteen of the 1938 entry and 11 so far of the 1939 entry came from the Glasgow area. None of these was sent to His Majesty's ship "Caledonia"

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has considered the copy of a resolution recently passed by the council of the Portsmouth and District Free Church Council, urging the need for an increase in the number of Free Church chaplains in the Air Force; and whether he proposes to take any action to bring about the increase desired?

I am not aware of the resolution referred to, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the establishment of Free Church chaplains is in general proportion to the number of officers and airmen who belong to those denominations. The establishment for the current year is still under discussion in my Department, and it is probable that some increase in the establishment of Free Church chaplains will be made.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that facing-bricks costing 140s. per 1,000 are being used at Norwich St. Faiths aerodrome; that local facing-bricks are available at 100s. per 1,000, and that the local authority customarily use facing-bricks costing 60s. per 1,000; and what are the reasons for incurring this higher expenditure?

The facing-bricks which are being used are of two types costing respectively 132s. 6d. and 122s. 6d. per 1,000 delivered. I am aware that local facing-bricks are available at 100s. per 1,000, but these do not meet the requirements of my Department. The bricks used by the local authority, which cost 60s. per 1,000, also would not meet Air Ministry requirements.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he proposes to arrange flights of Royal Air Force machines to the Scandinavian countries and the Baltic States?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply I gave to the hon. and learned Gentleman the Member for Kingswinford (Mr. A. Henderson) yesterday.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will take appropriate steps to prevent the dislocation of business in the courts owing to the temporary absence of an existing Lord Justice of Appeal when incapacitated by illness?

Appropriate steps arc taken to appoint a judge of the High Court to sit as an additional Lord Justice of Appeal when the state of business in the court requires it owing to the temporary absence of a Lord Justice. The hon. Member will appreciate that absence by illness from time to time is inevitable, but every endeavour is made to ensure that there should be as little dislocation of business as is possible when the occasion arises.

asked the Minister af Labour how many aliens have been granted permission to take up employment in the cotton textile industry during the past three years; and whether any agreement has been reached with the organisation of employers and employès as to the principles which should govern such permission?

Since 1st January, 1936, permission has been granted for the employment of three aliens in occupations connected with the manufacture of cotton and cotton cloth, excluding finishing processes. No agreement to regulate the admission of aliens for employment in this industry has been made with representative organisations, but permission is granted only upon satisfaction of the conditions that the employment of an alien is reasonable and necessary and that the interests of British subjects will not be prejudiced.

asked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made with the construction of the promised new Employment Exchange at Hornchurch?

An offer for the site has now been accepted and the draft contract is being examined by the solicitors. The working drawings are in hand but actual construction work cannot, of course, commence until the purchase of the site has been completed.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will give the reasons for which the area officers of the Unemployment Assistance Board declined to receive a deputation who desired to discuss with him how those drawing benefit from the Board could lay in stocks of food reserves; and whether he will arrange for the deputation to be received at an early date?

The question at issue involves matters of general Government policy in regard to which I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Leigh (Mr. Tinker) on 13th February last. I am informed by the Board that they do not feel that it can appropriately be discussed by their area officers with local deputations.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mr. Henry George Ayres, of 262, Lancaster Road, W.10, was discharged from the employment of Lancegaye, Limited, Hythe Road, Scrubs Lane, on the evening of Wednesday, 12th July, 1939, being then under notice to begin his Militia service on Tuesday, 18th July, 1939; and what action he will take in the matter?

According to my information Mr. Ayres' employment was terminated on 12th July with 11 other employès whose ages ranged from 19 to 32. I have no evidence to support the suggestion that the dismissal was due to his liability under the Military Training Act.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that large numbers of young men, between the ages of 20 and 21 years and also those nearing the age of 20 years, are being discharged from their employment because of their liability under the Military Training Act; that they find in almost all cases that it is impossible because of their age to secure other employment; and what steps is he proposing to take to assist these young men?

No, Sir. My experience does not bear out the implication contained in the question. On the contrary, the results of my investigations into cases where it was alleged that men had been dismissed from their employment because of their liability under the Military Training Act leads me to the conclusion that the allegations cannot usually be substantiated and that employers are not seeking to avoid their obligations under the Act.As regards young men who are unemployed and wish to be called up for training early, I have already announced that arrangements have been made to enable this to be done so far as is practicable.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of young men who have been called up under the Military Training Act who are registered as mine-workers at the Employment Exchanges in each of the mining counties in Scotland; and whether he has had any complaint from any of the coalowners regarding the effect it will have on the economic working of the collieries?

Statistics are not available to answer the first part of the question; the reply to the second part is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the arrangement in the Scottish coalfield regarding the holidays with pay agreement by which a deduction may be made for loss of time; if he has any information as to whether the period of training will count under the agreement; and, if not, whether he will state what action it is proposed to take to ensure that the men affected will not be prejudiced because of their service in the Army?

I have no information as to the way in which the holidays with pay agreement will be interpreted in relation to the period of training of militiamen. The matter is one which, I would suggest, should be discussed between the parties to the agreement.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether orders have been given or will be given that only the minimum number of contractor's employès shall in future be carried on a submarine engaged on diving trials; what is considered to be the minimum number; and will the captain of the submarine or the contractors be responsible for this number being kept down to the minimum?

With regard to the first part of the question, orders have been given in the sense indicated by the hon. Member. The captain of the submarine, in consultation with the principal (ship) overseer will be responsible that only a minimum number of persons over and above the submarine's complement remain on board for such trials.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, observing that only abbreviated reports of the public inquiry into the "Thetis" disaster are appearing in the Press, he will arrange for a verbatim report of the evidence, other than that given in camera, to be published for Parliament and the public, in addition to the report of the tribunal?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Prime Minister on the 10th July to the hon. Member for the Scotland Division of Liverpool (Mr. Logan), to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many battleships of the "Queen Elizabeth" class have already undergone large repairs; and when those now in dockyard hands will be completed?

:The present position concerning large repairs to "Queen Elizabeth" class ships is that "Barham," "Malaya" and "Warspite" have been completed. "Valiant" and "Queen Elizabeth" are at present in hand for large repairs, modernisation and re-engining, and work on them will be completed as soon as possible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that, according to the printed statements on the naval pensioners declaration forms, reservists are liable to be called up in a state of emergency and whether, in consequence of the Admiralty's statement that the pending partial mobilisation is simply to train reservists, any decision has been made as to the treatment of naval pensioners who ignore the calling-up notice on the grounds that no state of emergency exists?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Admiralty have decided that it is necessary in the national interests that ships of the Reserve Fleet should be placed in commission temporarily and it is for this purpose that the men are being called out for service under the powers given to the Admiralty by the Order-in-Council made on the 25th May, 1939, under the Reserve and Auxiliary Forces Act, 1939. It is not open to a naval pensioner to ignore the calling-up notice.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether it is proposed to call up men of the Royal Naval Reserve who were pensioned prior to 1933 in view of the Government's policy that pensioners, if called up, would be men who have left the service most recently?

This depends entirely on the rating and branch of the pensioners. Men will be called up to meet manning requirements, and in some branches and ratings this will involve calling up pensioners discharged prior to 1933.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware of the acute unemployment amongst royal naval reservists in the dockyard towns; and whether he will consider obtaining the number of men required for temporary service without disturbing middle-aged men who are in work and who have already served 22 years to obtain their pension?

The total number of ex-regular sailors on the books of the Employment Exchanges at the three dockyard ports is 350 including non-reservists, men over age and those medically unfit. It is obvious, therefore, that it is impossible to meet naval requirements from this source even if all the fit reservists were of the type required now, but, where possible, unemployed reservists are being called up.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange that no militiamen be posted for duty before they have been told the amount of the allowances to be made to their dependants?

It is hoped to arrange this in future.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, except in cases of urgent emergency, Militia recruits requiring artificial dentures may be directed to secure treatment in the manner authorised by the National Health Insurance Act, namely, by obtaining dental letters from their approved societies for presentation to any registered dentist?

I have been asked to reply. Militiamen reporting sick on dental grounds during training will receive any necessary treatment from the Army, free of charge, including artificial dentures, when they are essential. While under training, they will not be eligible for dental benefits under the National Health Insurance Act. Those militiamen who were insured persons under the National Health Insurance Act before being called up for service will continue to be insured throughout their training, the whole of the contributions being paid from Army funds. They will, therefore, re-enter civil life in exactly the same position with regard to dental benefits in their approved societies as if they had remained in insured civil employment.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that no proper pharmaceutical service is provided in His Majesty's Army although such service is provided in His Majesty's Navy; and whether he will consider the advisability of giving the soldiers and Militia the benefit of the services of qualified pharmacists?

I am advised that the requirements of the Army, including the Militia, are adequately met by the existing arrangements by which non-commissioned officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps, trained as dispensers, act under the general supervision of a medical officer.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on what grounds Windygates, Fife, has been scheduled as a safe area to which people from Methil and Buckhaven may be evacuated; whether he is aware that this village houses the greatest stock of whisky in the county, spread in warehouses over the whole area, and therefore a single explosion or incendiary bomb dropped on the village would cause fires and great loss of life; whether he is aware that the village is entirely without air-raid precautions, trenches and shelters; and whether he will reconsider his decision?

The village of Windygates is situated in two semi-rural parishes in which there is no congestion of population, and the existence of large stocks of whisky does not, in the opinion of my advisers, make it unsuitable for the reception of persons evacuated under the Government scheme. I may add that the Government evacuation scheme does not provide for evacuation from Methil or Buckhaven.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps have been taken to secure the allocation of an aeroplane for herring spotting in Shetland waters?

I have been in communication with my right hon. friend the Secretary of State for Air and am informed that a Royal Air Force flying-boat which left this morning for Zetland to carry out normal training is also being made available to co-operate with the herring fishing fleet in further experiments on the aerial spotting of herring.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that there are 75 communities in Shetland, comprising 533 households, that have no access to the road system of the county; that 60 miles of new roads, costing approximately £53,000, are needed; that it is impossible for either the district councils or the county council to meet the cost of construction; that many of these roads have been on the list for over 40 years; and whether he will arrange for a 100 per cent. grant for their construction on the understanding that the county council would thereafter be responsible for their upkeep?

I understand that the County Council of Shetland submitted to the Highlands and Islands Committee a list of such cases, corresponding approximately in number and estimated cost to what is stated in my hon. and gallant Friend's question. The Department of Agriculture for Scotland has made grants towards the cost of constructing roads of this type and, while I cannot give an undertaking that the who e cost of such work will be met from Exchequer Funds, further assistance will be offered as funds are available.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the inconvenience, delay, expense, and, at times, danger caused in the handling of passengers, mails, and livestock in the county of Orkney through the lack of small-boat piers at the islands of Hoy, Graemsay, Wyre, Egilsay and Papa Westray; that it is impossible for either the district councils or the county council to meet the cost of construction; and whether he will arrange for a 100 per cent. grant for their construction within the next two years on the understanding that the county council would thereafter be responsible for the upkeep?

I am prepared to consider applications for assistance towards the provision of piers in the congested districts if they are submitted by the appropriate county council or harbour authority and subject to funds being available. I have received an application for a grant-in-aid of constructing a pier at Moaness, Hoy and have informed the county council that it will have favourable consideration provided that the council proceed in terms of the Harbours, Piers and Ferries (Scotland) Act, 1937. I understand that the matter is having the council's attention.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the approximate number of insured persons in Scotland who have been in receipt of sickness and disablement benefit under the National Health Insurance Act for one year or more?

The exact information for which the right hon. Gentleman asks is not available, but the number of insured persons in Scotland, reported by approved societies as having been certified incapable of work continuously, throughout the year ended 30th June, 1938, was 31,044.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the superior of the land at Muir-house, Motherwell, has raised objection to the erection by the Scottish Special Areas Housing Association of houses on that site; and whether, in view of the urgency of building new houses in that area, he will endeavour to get the superior of the land to withdraw his objections and enable the association to proceed with the erection of this housing scheme?

I am informed that the superior has with drawn his objection, which was to the building of poured concrete houses, subject to his being satisfied with the plans and the external finish of the houses.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the Scottish Special Areas Housing Association have, for the last two years, been endeavouring to obtain a site at Millburn Park, Alexandria, on which to build 300 houses for the purpose of housing 300 families who are at present living under deplorable conditions; that the owner of the ground refuses to sell the site; and whether, as this association has been set up by the Government, he will state what steps he is prepared to take to have this site acquired so that those families can be removed to decent housing conditions?

I assume that the hon. Member has in mind a site at Bonhill for which the association have been negotiating since April, 1938. Difficulties, partly of a legal kind, have been met in this case, but the association expect that outstanding points will be settled and the scheme proceeded with at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered a protest from the Kilsyth Town Council against the manner in which airraid precautions equipment is being distributed; whether he is aware that on 7th March two parcels were received, one containing a spade, a pick and an axe and the other a crowbar; that on 7th June a spade came; that these articles were sent from London, but could have been purchased more cheaply from local merchants; and whether he will have the Department of supplies so reorganised as to secure an improvement in the quantities and methods of delivery?

I have received a representation from Kilsyth Town Council to the effect stated by the hon. Member. The complete equipment of a light trailer pump consists of some 36 different articles, and the equipment recently delivered at Kilsyth relates to two such pumps. Effort is made to ensure that as far as possible pumps and articles of equipment are delivered about the same time. The production of numerous different firms cannot, however, be exactly synchronised, and in order to expedite training and other preparations it is desirable that supplies should be delivered as soon as they become available. All pumps and equipment are supplied by His Majesty's Office of Works at the sole cost of the Exchequer, under a system of bulk contracts which ensures the greatest economy in purchase costs.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many petitions in favour of reform of the machinery of government in Cyprus have been received by the administration in the past two months; what was the number of signatories to these petitions; and what action was taken upon them?

It will be necessary to obtain this information from the Government of Cyprus and I have asked the Acting-Governor for a report.

asked the Minister of Supply how many messengers are being recruited by his Department; and whether he will ensure that prior consideration is shown to unpensioned and unemployed ex-service men in allotting such posts?

The provision made for the employment of messengers at the headquarters of the Ministry of Supply is 110 as shown on page 11 of the Supplementary Estimate for the Department. Apart from transfers from other Government Departments, messengers will be recruited through the Employment Exchange service of the Ministry of Labour, which provides for the authorised preference for ex-service men. Up to date 29 messengers have been engaged. With one exception, where special considerations applied, all have been recruited in this manner; all are ex-service men and were, I understand, except in the case of transfers, unemployed on engagement. It would be contrary to established practice to regard the receipt of a pension as a disqualification for such employment.

asked the Postmaster-General why, to send a sum as small as 1s. to Canada, one must pay 6d. for a money order, whereas an ordinary postal order would suffice in the cases, for example, of Newfoundland or Jamaica; and whether he will consider how to abolish this anomaly?

British postal orders are not at present payable in Canada. The matter has been under discussion for some time with the Canadian Post Office, but it has not yet been possible to arrange for payment of British postal orders at post offices in the Dominion.

asked the Minister of Transport when he intends to issue a White Paper stating how he proposes to deal with the recommendations of the Select Committee on Road Accidents?

Substantial progress has been made with this statement, but I am not yet in a position to announce a definite date by which it will be issued.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education how many local education authorities in England and Wales are supplying school meals to necessitous children; and which local authorities in Middlesex are doing so?

Two hundred and eighty-two local education authorities in England and Wales are providing sohd meals and/or milk for necessitous, under-nourished children. Of this number, 151 provide both solid meals and milk, four provide solid meals only and 127 provide milk only. Eight additional authorities are proposing to supply free milk or milk and meals. The Board are surveying the position in all areas and are making representations where necessary. Of the 13 authorities in Middlesex five provide milk only, seven provide solid meals and milk and the remaining authority has an approved scheme for the provision of milk which will shortly be put into operation.