asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he will submit a statement showing the amounts, form, and under which Acts, financial guarantees or assistance has been given to investments or trade transactions to British and overseas traders during the years 1931–32 and 1938–39?

I assume that the hon. Member refers to the guarantees given by the Export Credits Guarantee Department under the powers conferred by the Overseas Trade Acts, 1920–34, the Export Guarantees Act, 1937, and Section I of the Export Guarantees Act,1939.During the year ended 31st March, 1932, the Department assumed liability up to a maximum of £7,571,646 in respect of contracts, policies and guarantees amounting to £11,942,979.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what the minimum wages paid to labourers, women workers and juveniles, on the tea and rubber plantations of Ceylon are since 1929?

The information is as follows:In the year ended 31st March, 1939, the Department assumed liability up to a maximum of £19,335,717 in respect of contracts, policies and guarantees amounting to £49,927,654.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the date and the terms of all agreements between this country and Japan concerning trade between the two countries and similar particulars of agreements between Japan and any of the Dominions or Colonies?

The following table shows the date of signature and date of termination of the agreements at present in force regarding trade between Japan and the countries indicated. The provisions of these agreements may be seen in the published copies.

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what he is doing to attempt to increase the volume of export of British textiles to Estonia, in view of the fact that Great Britain is Estonias best customer?

This matter is under active consideration, but I am not in a position to make a statement on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the tanning of hogskins is fast disappearing in Scotland, and can he state the cause of the decline in this once prosperous industry and does he propose to take any steps to restore it?

My right hon. Friend has received no representations from the tanners of hogskins in Scotland about a decline in their trade, but I understand that they have complained of difficulties in obtaining the pigskins which they require for tanning. If the hon. Member will send him particulars of the matter, he will be glad to look into it further.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any of the 40 industrial undertakings accepting the inducements at the disposal of the Special Area Commissioner indulge in the production of wood-wool; and, if so, the capacity of such plants; how many workers are employed; and what aid has been, and is yet to be given to such undertakings?

Assistance under the Special Areas Acts has been offered to one firm of the nature referred to, but no payment has yet been made.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will state the estimated loss sustained by the Special Areas (Scotland) Commissioners Fund, Special Areas Reconstruction Association and Scottish Industrial Estates, Limited, through the failure of Scotcraft Furniture, Limited, at Hillington?

As regards the Commissioner's contribution to this firm I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to his question on 16th May. As regards the remainder of the question no estimate can presently be made of what losses, if any, may be sustained.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in respect of their claims under the Czecho-Slovakia (Restrictions on Banking Accounts, etc.) Act, individual holders of bonds, issued or guaranteed by the former Czecho-Slovak Government, were required to register on or before 17th June, or whether claims lodged by the issuing agents or trustees for the loans were accepted; and whether the trustees for the Czecho-Slovakia 8 per cent. sterling loan and the Austrian Government 4½per cent. guaranteed conversion loan lodged claims on behalf of all British bondholders?

Pending submission of a detailed scheme to Parliament I cannot answer questions about its scope. As regards the date for lodging claims, it was announced in the Press on 30th May that claims would still be accepted for registration provided that the Treasury were satisfied that there was good reason for the claims not having been lodged by 17th June.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the inadequacy of all existing available funds for assisting the emigration and permanent settlement of refugees from Czecho-slovakia, His Majesty's Government will consider the allocation of some portion of the unexpended loan of £6,000,000 which was granted to the Czecho-Slovak Government?

The unexpended balance, which amounts to about £3,500,000, of the Free Gift to the former Czecho-Slovak Government will be used to assist refugees from Czecho-Slovakia. I fear that I can hold out no hopes of any further amount being made available for that purpose.

asked the Lord Advocate whether, in view of the report of the Royal Commission and the remarks of the judge in a recent law case on the subject of forgeries being exhibited at the Gretna Smithy Museum, he will take steps to see that this institution no longer entices visitors by false representations; and whether he will also prevent the word museum being used to delude the public?

I am obtaining a report upon this matter. I am not meantime in a position to say whether any justification exists for the intervention of the criminal authorities.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the numerous accidents that occur on the main road between Egham and Sunningdale, the most recent resulting in a fatal accident to a pedestrian, last Saturday, opposite the Wheat-sheaf Hotel; and what steps he proposes to take to make this road safer both for pedestrian and wheeled traffic?

An investigation is now being made into the causes of accidents which have occurred on this section of trunk road during the past 12 months, in order to ascertain to what extent road conditions have been a contributory cause and what remedial measures may be necessary.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the large number of fatal accidents caused by the fact that tail lights on lorries and vans are almost invisible owing to their small size and to their low position on the vehicles, he will consider issuing regulations to increase the size of such lights and to ensure that they are placed in a clearly visible position and to insist on the use of reflectors of a suitable size on a white background?

The whole question of the lighting of vehicles is receiving further examination in view of the recommendations contained in the report on the Prevention of Road Accidents made by a Select Committee appointed in another place. The suggestions of my hon. and gallant Friend will be considered in this connection.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the proposed closing of the Brentford—Kew Ferry; will he consult with the local authorities in the area and take such steps as will preserve this historic and useful facility for crossing the river; and will he make a grant for this purpose?

I understand that the ferry to which the hon. Member refers is a row-boat ferry, operated under private ownership, and that it is unlicensed by the Port of London Authority. My attention had not previously been drawn to the proposal to close it, but I will make inquiries.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will inquire when the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company propose to improve the front of their property facing Lime Street, Liverpool, thereby making a long overdue improvement?

The railway company inform me that they have under consideration various schemes for the development of the station site and frontage at Lime Street, Liverpool, but that no decision has yet been reached.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the capital cost of a complete traffic-light control installation at an ordinary crossroad and what is the annual maintenance charge?

The cost of installing traffic signals varies considerably according to the width of the road, the type of surfacing and other local conditions. At an ordinary crossroad where no special method of control is required the capital cost of a complete vehicle-actuated installation is usually between £650 and £850. The maintenance cost varies according to the cost of current and the number of signal faces provided, and in the case of an ordinary crossroad is about £70 to £85 a year.

asked the Minister of Transport what control his Department possesses over the choice of sites for the erection of light traffic-control signals in the Metropolitan area; and whether the traffic is watched before sanction is given for the erection of an installation?

All traffic control signal installations require my approval under the directions issued in pursuance of Section 48 (1) of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, and the volume, direction and character of the traffic are fully considered before an installation is approved.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Government propose to take over the control of canals and canal-carriers in time of war; and, if not, whether he is satisfied that they and the national interest would not be injured by their being placed in a different position from railways under Government control?

Measures are being taken to secure the best use of canals in the national interest in time of war and a Canal (Defence) Advisory Committee, which includes representatives of the Canal Association and the National Association of Canal Carriers, has been constituted. It is not at present considered that it would be necessary to apply to canals generally the scheme of control of railways, at any rate at the commencement of an emergency.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, with out new legislation, he will take steps to ensure that isolated consumers of electricity who make a capital contribution in order to obtain a supply, should receive a refund if other persons in the vicinity subsequently take advantage of their initiative, and themselves become consumers?

It is not possible without new legislation to ensure that isolated consumers of electricity should receive refunds in the circumstances to which the hon. Member refers, but I am always prepared to ask the Electricity Commissioners, in suitable cases, to endeavour to arrange some adjustment.

asked the Secretary of State for Air to what extent the balloon barrage units in the Liverpool and Merseyside area are prepared for national emergency, both as regards enlistment and training of personnel and provision of balloons and other necessary equipment?

Enlistment of personnel in the Liverpool and Merseyside balloon squadrons has progressed satisfactorily and the squadrons are now practically up to strength. Training has been proceeding for some time, operational equipment is available and all units will be fully equipped as soon as the buildings, now being constructed, are completed.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has arrived at a decision as to what steps he will take to ensure that Members of Parliament and others who take active interest in politics and have volunteered for service in the Auxiliary Air Force should not be penalised by being called up under the Reserve and Auxiliary Forces Act?

As stated in my reply to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Stockport (Squadron Leader Hulbert) on the19th, hon. Members called up for service will be given leave as necessary to attend to their Parliamentary duties both in the House and in their constituencies. The grant of leave to Parliamentary candidates would be considered in each case on its merits.

asked the Minister of Labour why, and by what authority, Mr. H. Clear, of 121, Dacre Park, Lewisham, has recently been compelled to collect his Unemployment Assistance Board allowance in two parts each week, presenting a receipted rent book before drawing the second part of the allowance?

In view of Mr. Clear's frequent failure to pay his rent when due the Board decided that he should be required to prove by the production of a receipt that he had in fact paid it before granting any allowance in respect of rent. This action is taken under the authority of the Regulations and of the Rules relating to proof of need.

asked the Minister of Labour how many men, 65 years of age or over, were estimated to be engaged in industry in Great Britain on 1st January, 1939?

As stated in the first part of my reply of 12th July to the hon. Member for the Rother Valley (Mr. Dunn) statistics of the number of men aged 65 and over who are in employment at a particular date are not available. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health that the approximate number of men aged 65 and upwards in the United Kingdom who obtained some insurable employment in the half-year ended 1st January, 1939, as shown by the receipt of contribution cards bearing one or more contributions for the period, was 317,000. The number of such men in employment at any particular date is substantially less than this figure.

asked the Minister of Labour, with respect to the 258,742 boys placed in employment by local offices during the year 1938, what number and proportion of these boys have been placed in occupations of the nature of van-boys, errand boys, messengers, and warehouse boys; and what number and proportion have been introduced into trades which give an opportunity of skilled work in later life?

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that construction on the Hampden bomber is being held up through a dispute at the Crickle-wood factory of Messrs. Handley Page, Limited; that the dispute, which affects the electricians, has been caused by the employment of non-union labour; and will he take steps to bring about a satisfactory end to this dispute?

I am aware of the circumstances of this dispute. According to my information the stoppage of work is not recognised by the trade union concerned. After full consideration I am of opinion that intervention by the Department would not serve any useful purpose.

asked the First Commissioner of Works when ice ceased to be placed in the intake-air chambers of the House of Commons; and whether he will consider a revival of this practice during periods of hot weather?

Ice has not been used for cooling the air supplied to any part of the Houses of Parliament for at least 30 years. I have no information as to periods earlier than that, but it would not be practicable to make use of ice for this purpose with the present form of ventilation.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is considering providing better accommodation for the kitchen and dining-room staffs of this House?

I am aware that the accommodation for the Kitchen and Dining Room staffs of this House leaves a great deal to be desired. I have been in consultation with the appropriate authorities at the House with a view to taking such steps as may be practicable to make an improvement, and have already decided to carry out, during the Recess, certain alterations recommended by the Chairman of the Kitchen Committee to my predecessor last March.

asked the hon. Member for Dulwich, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, what proportion of the staff of the House of Commons is liable to dismissal when the House is not sitting; and what adjustments can be made to prevent this?

About 70 per cent. of the staff in the Kitchen Department arc liable to be dismissed during the Christmas and Summer Recesses. To pay full wages to this section of the staff during these periods would cost about £2,500. This sum could be found in one of three ways, namely:

asked the hon. Member for Dulwich, as representing the Kitchen Committee, whether his attention has been called to the recent death of Arthur English, a member of the Kitchen Committee's staff, in circumstances connected with his employment; whether he is aware that the widow is entirely without means; and whether the Kitchen Committee propose to make her any payment through the Workmen's Compensation Act or otherwise?

I was very sorry to hear of the recent death of a member of the Kitchen staff, but cannot agree that it was due to circumstances connected with his employment in the Kitchen Department. If it is found that the widow is entirely without means, then I am sure that the Kitchen Committee will give very sympathetic consideration to her case.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is proposed to institute any classes for teaching local topography to drivers of ambulances in case of war?

The importance of instructing volunteer ambulance drivers in local topography was pointed out in a circular which my right hon. Friend issued to local authorities in March. I will send my hon. Friend a copy.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state the measure of response to his appeal for extra nurses and auxiliary nurses, respectively, who would be needed in case of war?

By the 30th June over 9,000 trained nurses and assistant nurses had been enrolled, and 45,000 women had applied for training as nursing auxiliaries. In addition about 24,000 immobile nursing members of Voluntary Aid Detachments have been released from their Service obligations with a view to their becoming available as nursing auxiliaries, and enrolment of these is now proceeding.

asked the Minister of Health what amount is paid in contributions under the voluntary pensions scheme by a woman entering the scheme on her twenty-fifth birthday, assuming that she was a regular contributor until she qualified for an old age pension; what amount is paid by a woman entering the scheme on her twenty-ninth birthday; and what advantage there is to a woman entering this voluntary scheme at 25, rather than at 29 years of age?

A woman who entered the special voluntary contributors pensions scheme on her twenty-ninth birthday would pay contributions at the rate of 7d. a week, and if she maintained an average of 50 contributions a year up to age 65 she would pay a total of £52 10s. If she entered just after her twenty-fifth birthday, paying at the rate of yd. a week, she would pay a total of £58 6s. 8d.; but if she entered just before her twenty-fifth birthday the rate of contribution would be only 6d. a week and she would pay a total of £50 up to age 65.A woman who enters the scheme at age 25 has the advantage over one entering at age 29 that, should she at any time after five years' continuous insurance find it impossible to maintain her contribution payments, the modified pension to which she would become entitled on the attainment of age 65 would take account of the longer period during which she had made such contribution payments.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the extended periods of training now being proposed for retired and emergency naval officers and naval reservists, any special arrangements will be introduced to provide for the promotion of some of these men; and whether he regards the present regulations as being satisfactory having regard to the additional services that have recently been and may in future be required of them?

The number of higher ratings among Pensioners and Royal Fleet Reservists are more than sufficient to meet requirements. The arrangements for advancement in the other Reserves are satisfactory while the existing powers of the Admiralty in regard to the promotion of officers of the Naval Reserves and of re-employed officers are considered adequate.

asked the Prime Minister why the Turkish Government have been asked by His Majesty's Government to prevent the passage of ships containing Jewish refugees from Germany from going through the Bosphorus; whether he appreciates the bad effect such a request must have in America; and what answer was made by the Turkish Government to this request?

His Majesty's Government have made no such request to the Turkish Government. The second and third parts of the question do not therefore arise.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will inquire as to the conditions of and on the three refugee ships off the Lebanon coast debarred from entry?

My Noble Friend has received a report that on the 20th July the steamship "Frossoula" was being de-ratised in Beirut harbour while the passengers were in quarantine. He has received no reports about conditions on the other ships to which the right hon. and gallant Gentleman refers. I would emphasise that His Majesty's Government are in no way responsible for conditions on ships engaged in the smuggling of illegal immigrants into Palestine.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Foreign Publicity Department of the Foreign Office proposes to consult with Dominion representatives concerning the co-ordination of Empire news services and counter-measures to anti-British propaganda through out the Empire?

It is not within the scope of the Foreign Publicity Department of the Foreign Office to deal with publicity within the various parts of the Empire overseas. This is a matter for the several Governments. The News Department of the Foreign Office is, however, in constant touch with the representatives of the Press of the Dominions, as with other Press representatives, and is always ready to make available to them correct information concerning any particular matters in respect of which misleading statements are being circulated.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men have bought themselves out of the Army during the last five years, and how many during the last two years in order to enter the police force; and whether he will state the regiments of these last and how many from each regiment?

Following are the figures:

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that concrete pipes are made down to 4 inches diameter and that concrete glazed pipes suitable for sewage work 12 inches in diameter are available at 5s. 6d. per yard compared with 9s. yd. for stoneware, and that the whole of the West Middlesex sewage scheme was completed with such pipes; and why is it that such pipes are not being used in camps at Devizes, Perham Downs and Bulford?

:I have now ascertained that such pipes are in fact made, but, that in the diameters mainly required by us, stoneware is cheaper.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the decision to issue a silver badge to each member of the Regular Army Reserve of Officers and the Royal Army Reserve, including officers and other ranks of the Supplementary Reserve, he will consider issuing a suitable badge to each member of the Territorial Army Reserve of Officers?

Members of the Territorial Army Reserve of Officers are entitled to the Territorial Army badge.

asked the Secretary of State for War (I) whether he is aware that the lowering of the family-allowance age, the calling up of Army reservists, and the calling up of militiamen under the Military Training Act, 1939, are creating great hardship for members of the Royal Army Pay Corps, inasmuch as the volume of work lengthens the already long working hours without any form of additional pay being given in compensation; and if he will take steps to remove this hardship;(2) whether he is aware that entrance into the Royal Army Pay Corps entails the possession of exceptional qualifications; that the work is of a highly responsible nature; that frequently office accommodation is inadequate; that hours of work are generally lengthy and annual holiday amounts to only 10 days; that a serious promotion block exists; that pay is only at Group C tradesmen rates; and will he take steps to remove these grievances?

A considerable amount of extra work has recently been thrown upon the Royal Army Pay Corps, and, notwithstanding an increase in the Corps and the employment of Supplementary Reservists, it has been necessary, as in many other cases, to prolong hours of work and to curtail leave.Office accommodation has been, and is being, kept under review, and, in several cases, new offices are being provided. The promotion prospects are good, and no serious block exists. No grievance about pay has been represented.I am glad to take this opportunity of paying a tribute to the admirable work of the Corps in the recent pressure, which it is hoped will diminish now that the initial intake of militiamen has been absorbed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether members of the St. John Ambulance Brigade, who are called up to serve in the Militia, will be given the opportunity to continue ambulance work by admission to the Royal Army Medical Corps?

Every effort will be made to post to the Royal Army Medical Corps men who apply for that corps. It would be well that members of the St. John Ambulance Brigade should say so when being interviewed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any statement to make regarding negotiations between the Government and the National Farmers' Union on the subject of home-produced meat for the forces?

I am not aware of any such negotiations.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider including in any new Order-in-Council under the Military Service Act provisions for witnesses unable to attend judicial proceedings owing to military service to be excused on these grounds?

I have been asked to reply. Soldiers are not exempt from attendance at court, on subpoena, as witnesses, and I can see no reason for making any distinction in the case of militiamen.