asked the Minister of Labour whether there has been a decrease in unemployment among disabled ex-Service men comparable with the decrease in unemployment among the insured males; and whether he can state the figures for unemployment among disabled ex-Service men at suitable dates in each quarter of the last 12 months?

As the reply includes a number of figures, I will, if I may, circulate a statement in the Official Report.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that more than 200 men have been suspended from work at Bowhill colliery, Fife, and have been informed that unemployment benefit will not be paid if the men are drawing holiday pay; that in the case of a man working 30 weeks in the pit he receives only 5d. more than he would get as unemployment pay although he has been contributing to this holiday pay by means of deductions all the while that he was working; and whether he will take steps to remedy this anomaly?

I understand that the insurance officer has now decided that these miners may take advantage of the Customary or Recognised Holiday Provisional Regulations which I made on 14th July. This will mean that they will not necessarily be disallowed benefit for the whole of the holiday week but only for as many days as their holiday payments represent in wages.

asked the Minister of Labour what percentage of the total number of discharged Regular soldiers are in receipt of unemployment benefit; and how this percentage compares with the figures for all registered workers?

At 19th June, 1939, the latest date for which figures are available, about 6.4 per cent, of discharged Regular soldiers holding current unemployment books were registered as unemployed at Employment Exchanges in Great Britain. The corresponding figure for all insured males, aged 16-64,was 9.5 Per cent. Figures for the number of discharged Regular soldiers in receipt of unemployment benefit are not available.

Is it not a fact that the proportion of pensioners is larger than that of ordinary workers?

:My hon. and gallant Friend will sec that there are less proportionately. In one case the proportion is one to nine and in the other one to 6.4.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men employed at the Glascoed ordnance works and the number recruited through the Employment Exchanges in Monmouthshire?

I am informed that the number of workpeople employed on the construction of the Glascoed ordnance works on 21st July was 6,046. Since the beginning of the work, 4,535 workpeople have been engaged through the Employment Exchanges in Monmouthshire. In addition, 721 workmen (mostly skilled) from other areas have been engaged through the medium of the temporary employment office on the site.

Have not most of the 6,046 who are now employed been recruited from outside; and, in view of the fact that 4,000 people are still unemployed in the area, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the people in the locality should be employed first?

We like to do that.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men of 50 years of age and upwards who have been recruited through the Employment Ex changes of Monmouthshire for employment at the Glascoed ordnance works and the number of such men who are now in employment at the works?

I regret that this information is not available, but a rough count on Friday last showed that there are at least 475 men aged 50 or over engaged on the works.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the owners of the tinplate and steel- sheet works at Glanamman, Garnant, and Brynamman, Carmarthenshire, have indicated to the local authorities in the area that they propose to abandon those works; and whether he will make representations to the owners to endeavour to secure the re-opening of all or some of these works or alternatively take measures to provide new industries for these areas?

I understand that the works at Glanamman, Garnant and Brynamman have been idle since March, 1930, July, 1930, and May, 1929, respectively. As a result of the representations made when a deputation was received on my behalf in May last, I approached my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal about the possibility of using the Raven sheet works at Glanamman in connection with A.R.P. contracts. I found that he had already been in communication with the owners and, unfortunately, it had been found that these works were in such a derelict state that the cost of putting them into production was prohibitive. I have no information about the possibility of re-opening the works at Garnant and Brynamman. In reply to the last part of the question, I have nothing to add to the statements already made about the measures available to encourage the establishment of new 'industrial undertakings in areas of heavy unemployment outside the Special Areas.

Is the Minister aware that the statement made to him that the cost of re-opening Glanamman works would be prohibitive is denied by the workmen, and will he use his influence to secure that reopening?

That is now the policy. With regard to the first part of the supplementary question, the answer is something between £6,ooo and £7,000.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that a cost of £6,000 in renewal of the works is prohibitive to a firm that is receiving Government orders worth tens of thousands of pounds?

I have answered both the questions of the hon. Member. He knows that a petition from the council was made.

asked the Minister of Labour when new hosiery factories are established with Government or other assistance in the Special Areas, the Commissioners consult with, or inform the National Joint Industrial Council of the Hosiery Trade, and, if not, will he make representations that such consultations should take place?

On 24th March last, Sir George Gillett, then Commissioner for the Special Areas, met a deputation of representatives of employers' and workers' organisations in the hosiery trade, including the chairman of the Joint Industrial Council. Since that date the Commissioner, in conformity with arrangements agreed with the deputation, has, through his representatives, consulted the National Federation of Hosiery Manufacturers' Associations on a number of individual cases in which he has been asked to assist the establishment of hosiery undertakings in the Special Areas. The Commissioner is, however, unable to accept responsibility for consulting representatives of the industry when he is not directly concerned.

Has any application for a new hosiery factory been made for Greenock, which is a Special Area, and where there is skilled labour of the appropriate type available?

That does not arise out of the question on the Paper.

asked the Minister of Labour what records are kept of the permanence of positions obtained by men who have obtained these positions on leaving Government instructional centres and training centres; and what results are shown by such records?

No such records are kept in respect of men leaving instructional centres. Sample inquiries are conducted into the progress of a number of men leaving Government training centres each year. The inquiry in respect of men leaving in 1937 (which is the last completed) covered approximately 25 per cent, of the total who completed a course that year, and showed that the average amount of employment per man was 41 weeks in the 12 months after leaving the centre. Forty per cent, of the cases examined had no unemployment at all in the whole 12 months (in the engineering group of trades this figure was 50 per cent.). Of the 60 per cent, who had some unemployment during the 12 months, under one-third had been unemployed only for periods varying between one and eight weeks. The average unemployment recorded per man was 10 weeks. Sickness, etc., accounted for one week per man.

Are these the fullest records that can be got?

Yes, certainly. I had this specially done because of my own and the public interest in the matter.

Are records kept of any alternative work which these persons could accept when they have finished their training?

This is a very large and detailed undertaking, and I could not, of course, hope to give a further reply.

asked the Minister of Labour the reason why, in the Glasgow districts 1 and 2 of the Unemployment Assistance Board, the payments of unemployment allowances made through the Employment Exchanges are, for the week ending 12th May, 1939, in district 1 only equal to the average of all the districts, and in district 2 are less than the average, although the total number of payments for both Glasgow districts is higher than in any other part in the country, including the three districts of London, and is indicative of a larger volume of long-period unemployment?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a similar question by the hon. Member for Hamilton (Mr. D. Graham) on 28th June.

asked the Minister of Labour how many unemployed persons have been sent by the Unemployment Assistance Board into a workhouse; and the average length of time the' are compelled to stay in the workhouse?

Up to the end of June, 1939, a total of 266 determinations under Section 40 (2) (d) of the Unemployment Assistance Act, 1934, had been made, and in 72 cases the applicant concerned entered an institution. The period of residence in an institution depends on the circumstances of the individual case and no figures showing the average period of residence are available. Determinations made under this Sub-section are subject to review at any time, and are formally reviewed not later than three months after the man first enters the institution.

Surely the Minister can say how long these men have been compelled to stay in the workhouse while they have been refused unemployment benefit. Surely the number is sufficiently large to enable an average time to be stated?

We can only deal with each individual case on its merits. As the hon. Member knows, these are difficult cases.

How is it that the Minister can give an average when it suits him? Why cannot he give an average now?

In these difficult cases, what alternative to going into the workhouse is given to these men?

As the hon. Gentleman knows, it is not an alternative. As he knows, some thousands have come out of institutions. It was always contemplated that there would be, and it is a fact that there is, a number of difficult cases. As regards estimates ahead, the numbers have proved to be much less than we expected.

Are they given a chance of work?

If it is available.

asked the Minister of Labour how many work centres have been started by the Unemployment Assistance Board; how many unemployed persons have been sent to them; and the length of time they have to stay?

One work centre has been opened by the Unemployment Assistance Board. Determinations requiring attendance at this centre have been issued to 43 applicants, of whom 26 have attended. The period of attendance depends on the circumstances of the particular case. The form of determination used in these cases provides that it may be reviewed at any time, and will be reviewed at the end of three months from the date of first attendance.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in certain Employment Exchanges in the country notices are posted advertising employment for ex-service men at the General Post Office, the age of the men must be under 40 years of age; whether he will explain to the House the reason for the age limit and the nature of the work advertised; and whether he will make inquiries with a view to eliminating this age limit?

A notice of this nature was exhibited at the Rotherham Employment Exchange recently, relating to vacancies for postmen. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member, to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General on 8th February, 1938, to a question on this subject put by the hon. Member for Romford (Mr. Parker).

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to repeat that answer, because I could not hear it owing to the noise?

I referred the hon. Member to a long answer given by the Postmaster-General on 8th February, 1938. Perhaps the hon. Member will read the answer and communicate with me again if necessary.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can supply information as to the numbers of naval pensioners unemployed in the three naval ports; the number employed part-time; and the number who have ceased to be in benefit?

I regret that statistics giving the information desired are not available.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons in Great Britain who are definitely registered as seasonal workers; and the number regarded as being entitled to full, or less than full, insurance benefit rights?

I regret that statistics giving the information desired are not available.

Is it not possible to use some of the surplus of the Unemplyoment Assistance Fund for these workers?

The House knows that this matter was considered a few years ago, and a certain amendment made.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that while no statistics are available, there is plenty of evidence that a good deal of injustice is being done to seasonal workers?

asked the Minister of Labour what is being done to prevent the closing down of industries in the Teesside area; what steps have been taken to bring new industries into the district; and how many Government contracts have been allotted to the area?

I am having further inquiries made into these matters, and I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour whether steps are being taken to extend the system of special regional committees and councils '10 advise boys and girls from secondary schools as to the choice of a career; how soon such committees and councils may be expected to be set up in Durham and the North-East of England; and whether, in the absence of such committees and councils, he will cause records to be kept of vacancies notified to heads of secondary schools in all parts of the country, of vacancies filled, and of secondary school leavers who remain without employment?

The establishment of further special regional committees to advise boys and girls from secondary schools as to the choice of a career is under consideration, but it is not at present possible to say whether and when such committees can be established for Durham and the North-East of England. With reference to the second part of the question, I am in communication with my hon. Friend the President of the Board of Education.

When does the Minister anticipate such committees being set up?

I cannot say now, but I will let the House know. The present committees are doing admirable work.

Will it be at an early date?

I think so.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the case of a young domestic servant at the Maesteg police court. South Wales, on Monday last; and whether he will state the information given by the managers of Employment Exchanges to women sent to applicants for domestic servants?

My present information is that this girl was not in touch with an Employment Exchange, but I am not aware of the full facts of the case, and am having inquiries made. I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible. As regards the second part of the question, the exchanges endeavour to obtain from prospective employers full particulars of the terms offered, and place them before the women applicants.

asked the Minister of Labour what schemes the Government have in contemplation for providing employment and facilitating production when the arms programme is completed?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement I made in the course of the Debate on 30th June last.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman be a little more definite than he was on that occasion? Is there not a Cabinet Committee dealing with this matter, and does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that there are many apprehensions in the public mind as to the Government's intentions?

Yes, but apprehensions may not always be well-founded.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman be a little more definite, and say whether a Cabinet Committee is dealing with this matter?

That is another question, which the hon. Member knows should not be put to me. The statement that I made before was definite, and was well received.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a number of women employed by Messrs. Millard and Company, of Old Bond Street, London, at the Glasgow Exhibition, have not yet received their employment books, and that in some cases the necessary stamps were not fixed to the insurance cards; whether the local officials have yet collected the contributions due; and whether any legal action against the firm, under Sub-section (5) of Section 8 of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1935, is contemplated?

I understand that owing to the default of a servant of Messrs. Millard and Company the unemployment books of certain of their employés were not returned to them when they left the firm, and cannot be recovered. New unemployment books have been issued and all arrears of contributions have been paid by the firm, except in one case where the exact duration of the worker's employment has not yet been established. No legal action against the firm is contemplated.

May we take it that the workers will not suffer loss as a consequence of these regulations?

That is so.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any information as to which of the draft conventions on maritime questions adopted at Geneva in 1936 were ratified as a result of the decisions recently taken by the French Senate and Chamber of Deputies; and whether he proposes to ratify these also?

The most recent information which I have regarding the action taken by the French Government in respect of the Conventions referred to is contained in Industrial and Labour Information for 17th July, 1939, a copy of which will be found in the Library. It is there stated that on 15th June, 1939, the Senate adopted Bills, which had previously been passed by the Cham- ber of Deputies, to ratify the Officers' Competency Certificates Convention, the Holidays with Pay (Sea) Convention, and the Shipowners' Liability (Sick and Injured Seamen) Convention. The proposed action by His Majesty's Government regarding the six Maritime Conventions in question will be found in Cmd. 5745, which was presented to Parliament in May, 1938.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the final adoption of these conventions depends upon Great Britain and other countries; and should not this country be prepared to set an example to other countries?

The White Paper shows that in many respects Great Britain does, by her influence, show an example.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the opposition of the Metropolitan Joint Committee of Master and Operative Bakers and Confectioners to the proposals of the trade board for the baking industry, he will cause further investigation to be made before confirming the board's decision?

These proposals have been under examination by the trade board and its district committees, and by the trade generally for more than 12 months, and the board, upon which all branches of the trade are fully represented, decided unanimously to submit them for confirmation. After considering all the relevant facts, including the representations to which my hon. Friend refers, I have reached the conclusion that there are no grounds which would justify me in withholding confirmation. The minimum rates fixed by the board will become operative as from Monday, 4th September, and notices to this effect will be circulated to employers in the course of the next few weeks.

Will my right hon. Friend give this matter a little deeper thought? Is he aware that poverty and unemployment may be caused; and does he not think that the small man is entitled to a square deal?

I have given the matter as deep thought as the hon. Member has.

Is the Minister aware that his announcement will be received with deep appreciation by all employers and workers in the baking industry; and is he, further, aware that the organisation referred to in the question resembles that of the three tailors of Tooley Street, in that it is most unsatisfactory?

I believe that this arrangement will be generally welcomed, and it is a fact that, of the 16 members composing the employers' side of the board, six represented small working bakers and their associations.

Does the Minister want to see the small man victimised?

Certainly not. These small men are not victimised; they welcome this arrangement.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Andrew Brown, hairdresser, Bruce Street, Dunfermline, whose calling up for military training has been postponed till the 1st September owing to his being the owner of a one-man business, has never been insured for unemployment benefit; what provision will he make for the maintenance of Brown on his return from military training in the event of his having to dispose of his business and failing to find employment at his trade; and why is the owner of a one-man business to be placed in a worse position than men otherwise employed?

I am aware that Mr. Andrew Brown is not insurable under the Unemployment Insurance Acts. The Hardship Committee granted postponement in the hope that satisfactory arrangements could be made as regards his business, but if after training he is obliged to dispose of the business and fails to find employment at his trade, the resources of the Employment Exchange service will be available to him. As regards the last part of the question, I cannot accept the statement that owners of one-man businesses generally are placed in a worse position than men otherwise employed.

What means of maintenance will this man have after his return from military service. At the moment he is faced with a dilemma. If he puts in a man to keep his business going he will lose money, while if he sells his business he will be without a job when he comes back. He is not insured against unemployment; what is the right hon. Gentleman going to do to maintain him?

I cannot answer the two hypothetical questions, but, as regards the question of finance, as the hon. Member knows, if he has not completed his arrangements by 1st September he can apply for a further postponement, and, if there are financial difficulties, there is a tribunal under the Act for the purpose of dealing with the question.

Would the Minister mind answering the last part of the question?

Is the Minister aware that this man is most anxious to complete his six months training as soon as possible, and that, in order to make arrangements, he wants to know his position?

I will inquire into the matter and see what arrangements can be made.

Can the Minister tell us whether anyone in a similar position has yet received a grant to enable him to keep his business open?

That is a different question.

asked the Minister of Labour how many men between the ages of 20 and 21 years are now signing the unemployment register; is he aware of the difficulty these young men have in finding employment; and will he arrange for unemployed men to be at once called up for training so that they may afterwards get a chance of employment in their normal occupation?

The available statistics do not enable me to answer the first part of the question. As regards the second and third parts, I would refer the hon. Member to previous answers on the same subject, the latest being that given to the hon. Member for Westhoughton (Mr. Rhys Davies) on 6th July

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of the people about whom I have sent him particulars have been told that they are not likely to be called up before November? Are they to remain out of work until November, and to be a public charge?

The answer points out that arrangements have been made, as far as possible, to meet such cases. If the hon. Member has any cases, perhaps he will bring them to my notice.

I gave you six.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will look into the case of Joseph Green, 98, Lord Street, Leigh, who is unemployed and who should have been called up this month but whose calling up has been deferred until September, whose statutory benefit is exhausted, and who cannot get allowance from the Unemployment Assistance Board because the means of the household are slightly above the scale; and will he see what can be done in the interval of Green being called up?

I am having inquiries made, and will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mr. N. Makepiece, of Castleford, who will be 20 years of age in August next, has been discharged by Slaters Tea Stores, Pontefract, and a man 28 years of age employed in his place; whether he will have inquiries made; and what action he proposes to take to prevent employers getting rid of young men just prior to their being called up for military training?

I am making inquiries into this case, and will write to the hon. Member when they are complete. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Military Training (Prevention of Evasion) Regulations, 1939, which came into operation on 9th June.

May we take it that action will be taken against these employers?

Wherever we get evidence, we shall certainly take action to the maximum of our powers. In many cases ex parte statements which have been made have not been proved.

Will there be a black-list of these employers?

We must first prove the cases. I quite understand that the House and the country desire the utmost power of the law to be used where there is evidence which proves a case.

I sent the Minister particulars of a case where the facts were crystal clear, and no action was taken.

I did not agree that the facts were crystal clear.

How many hundreds of cases have been communicated to the Minister?

Singularly few cases. Not more than 60 all told, out of a total of over 50,000.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the case of John Adrian Hey-wood, of 52, Bradley Hall Road, Nelson, Lancashire, who is now 20 years of age, who has worked for Messrs. Jepson, Bardsley and Jepson, Carr Dye Works, Nelson, since he was 14 years of age and who has now been dismissed; and, as this is a breach of the regulations under the Military Training Act, what action he proposes to take?

I am making inquiries into this case, and will write to the hon. Member when they are complete.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, when he is considering this, bear in mind that this boy has been given a testimonial which says: "To all whom it may concern"—

The hon. Member cannot give this information at Question Time.

Send it to me.

I am sure it will be realised that by the time the right hon. Gentleman writes to me this House will be no longer sitting. I want to direct the right hon. Gentleman's attention—

This is a time for asking questions and not for making a statement.

If I cannot put a supplementary question about it, I must give notice that, owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the hours and conditions of workers in clubs and hotels; and whether he will consider extending the Trades Board Act to more of the catering trade?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the question put by the hon. Member for Durham, Sedgefield (Mr. Leslie) on 29th June last.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that one of the workers in this House, which, after all, is the best club in the world, starts at seven—

rose —

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the hardship caused in the retail distributive trades by very long hours and conditions of employment, he will expedite the consideration of the report of the Retail Trades Distributive Conference and state what action he will take to remedy these conditions?

My hon. Friend may rest assured that there will be no avoidable delay in reaching a conclusion on this very important matter. It will, however, be appreciated that the machinery for regulating the conditions of employment of a group comprising some 2,000,000 of workers employed by a very large number of employers calls for very careful examination.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that tailoring firms not ordinarily engaged on Government contracts are being compelled to displace hand-workers in order to manufacture uniforms to Government specification; and what action he proposes to ensure the continued employment of these hand-workers?

I am not aware of this circumstance. If the hon. Member will be good enough to send me particulars of the displacement to which he refers I shall be glad to look into the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the register of university teachers referred to in the National Service Handbook has been compiled; and what forms of service they will be called upon to undertake?

Members of staffs of universities have recently been re-circularised to ascertain their willingness to be enrolled on the Central Register of persons with special qualifications, and the bulk of the replies have now been received. The object of the Register is to-provide a ready means of selecting qualified persons for vacancies in war-time as and when they may arise; it is not in general possible to specify these vacancies in advance nor is any guarantee given that a post will be offered.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what kind of employment they will be called upon to undertake?

I could not do that in answer to a supplementary question. The House will see that there is a whole range of scientific and special forms of employment available.

I am not asking the right hon. Gentleman to do so in answer to a supplementary question, but in answer to the question itself.

I have said that, in general, I could not do that.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that cases have occurred where firms desirous of giving their employés the most effective form of bomb-proof shelters have been instructed by the factory inspector that only a cheaper splinter-proof shelter can be approved; and why he is discouraging firms from providing the most effective shelter within their means?

There is nothing in the Civil Defence Act, and it would be far from my intention, to prevent employers from providing shelter in excess of the standard prescribed by the Code wherever they think fit to do so. It is, however, right that inspectors should see that employers are not left under any misapprehension regarding the basis of Government grant provided under the Act. As was made clear when the Bill was under discussion, grant is payable in respect of expenditure in excess of the cost of shelter conforming to the Code standard only where previous approval is sought and obtained as contemplated by Section 22 (4) of the Act.

Will the Minister agree to meet a delegation of the people affected, who are very definite in their complaint, which is set out in the question?

Certainly, Sir.

asked the Lord Privy Seal the number of steel shelters that have been distributed free of cost in Birmingham up to date; and when the distribution will be completed?

The total number of shelters so far allocated to Birmingham from contractors' works is 65,266. On the basis of the expected rate of production and the capacity of the local authority to accept deliveries, the free distribution to Birmingham will be completed by mid November next.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether any foreign governments and, if so, which, have supplied their vulnerable areas with steel shelters similar to the Anderson shelters issued in this country?

I am not aware that any foreign Government is making a free distribution of domestic shelters similar to those which are being distributed in this country.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what provision has been made in the form of bomb-proof shelters for the protection in emergency of dock and warehouse workers, and others, in the port of Liverpool who would be required to remain at work during air raids;

2) asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made in providing bomb-proof shelters for office workers and shop assistants employed in large block-buildings and emporiums in such large cities as London, Liverpool, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow?

I will, with permission, also answer Question No. 141, to which I have been asked to reply. There are already in existence at the Port of Liverpool blast and splinter proof shelters of an approved type which will accommodate in culverts, trenches and vaults, nearly 40 per cent, of the men likely to be found on the dock estate, excluding men working on ships who would find shelter in the ships. The Dock Board are now actively proceeding with the construction of further shelters of an approved type which, when completed, will be capable of accommodating; all persons likely to be found on the dock estate in war time. As regards the provision of shelter for offices workers and shop assistants in Liverpool and other large cities, the Civil Defence Act has only been in force for a fortnight, and I am not yet in possession of any returns showing the extent to which shelter for such employés has been provided.

Arising out of that part of the answer which says that 60 per cent, will find shelter in ships, will the right hon. Gentleman say in what part of the ships these people will find shelter?

The hon. Gentleman must have misheard my reply. I said that already provision has been made for 40 per cent, of the people likely to be present on the dock side, excluding those working in connection with ships, and that shelter accommodation for the remaining 60 per cent. is in course of being brought into existence.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is now in a position to make a further statement relative to the air-raid protection which is being provided for the dwellers who are living in tenements in the cities in Scotland?

Good progress has been made in the discussions which are being held between the technical officers of my Department and the local authorities concerned: but those discussions are still proceeding, and I think it better to defer making any further statement for the time being.

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect that the progress of these discussions will be completed and action taken?

I hope within the next few days.

Are representatives from the large burghs of Scotland being included in these discussions?

The discussions are with the representatives of the particular cities and centres concerned.

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many towns have now reported that they have got 100 per cent, recruitment of air-raid precautions workers; and whether he can give the names of the first six towns to report success to this degree?

No towns in respect of which separate statistics are available have as yet actually secured the full complement of volunteers required for war establishments and reserves in each of the various Air-Raid Precautions Services, though in a number of cases the deficiencies still remaining are insignificant, and in others the problem is in the main one of redistribution, the numbers enrolled being in excess of the total required. Volunteers are still being enrolled, the actual rate of enrolment according to the latest returns being over 21,000 a week.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that A.R.P. has taken a new name now, and is called the "Anglo-Russian Pact"?

asked the Lord Privy Seal the total number, of all grades, at present enlisted in the air-raid precautions services of this country; and the percentages of men and women so enlisted?

On 8th July, the latest date for which the figures are available, the numbers enrolled for Air-Raid (General) Precautions Services were 915,541 men and 568,488 women. The corresponding figures for the Auxiliary Fire Service were 179,661 men and 10,466 women, and for the Auxiliary Police Force 241,246 men.

asked the Lord Privy Seal the numbers of steel helmets and gas-masks that will have been issued for air-raid precautions services by the end of this month?

Issues for local air-raid precautions services, including police and fire services, will by the end of this month have amounted to 1,900,000 respirators and over 1,100,000 steel helmets.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will consider the provision of facilities for all women who desire to be evacuated from dock areas and other dangerous districts in time of war?

The Government evacuation scheme provides for detailed plans for the evacuation from congested areas of school children, young children and their mothers and expectant mothers. I believe that the proposal to give priority to the claims of these groups commands general acceptance, and I am sure it is right to concentrate attention for the present on the completion of these detailed plans. At the same time, it is the policy of the Government to be prepared for all eventualities; and the possibility of a wider measure of evacuation from some of the most vulnerable areas is kept constantly in view.

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep in mind the fact that the more women that could be removed from these very dangerous areas, the less chance there would be of panic taking place should trouble come; and will the Government keep that point of view closely in mind?

Yes, Sir, that is one of the considerations to be kept in mind.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware that students of Queen Mary College, London University, are to be evacuated to Cambridge in the event of a national emergency; and whether, as they will be required to pay £2 a week, he will say what steps he proposes to take in the case of those students who have not the means to pay this sum?

The evacuation arrangements affecting London University students are being made by the appropriate University authorities, who will be responsible for considering any necessary financial measures.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that there are many professional women who are anxious to render National Service but are incapable of taking up physically strenuous work; and whether he will make known the forms of National Service in which the training and experience of such women can be utilised?

Women with special professional, scientific or technical qualifications who would be prepared to undertake work of a specialist character in the event of emergency should communicate with the Ministry of Labour, who are maintaining a central register of the names of persons so qualified who would be available in time of war to meet the needs of Government Departments and industrial concerns for additional technical and professional staff.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to make that known to the women concerned?

I will do anything I can in that direction.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a portion of a large number of X-ray units for civil hospitals in time of emergency now being constructed for, or on behalf of the Ministry of Health, are being fitted with X-ray tubes of British manufacture and a greater portion with foreign X-ray tubes, although British tubes are available and efficient; and will he recommend that only British X-ray tubes be fitted in all such units?

The majority of the tubes for mobile X-ray apparatus ordered for the emergency hospitals are to be British and the remainder American. The orders were placed with the British X-ray Engineers' Association and allocated by them to all the firms in the industry in this country. In the present state of the industry it would not be practicable to insist upon the exclusive use of British tubes.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now make a statement on the memoranda submitted to him by the hon. and learned Member for North Hammersmith (Mr. Pritt) and others; and what action is it proposed to take?

I hope shortly to be in a position to make a statement on this subject.

Will the Prime Minister bear in mind that there has been a very prolonged delay in coming to any decision on this matter, and can he give an assurance that a statement will be made before the Adjournment of the House?

"Shortly" means that.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will now take the initiative in instituting an inquiry into the possibility of sharing the world's economic resources on a basis fair to all countries?

Any inquiry into such a question would have to extend to political as well as economic problems. In the opinion of His Majesty's Government the time is not propitious for the initiation of any general conference for the consideration of these matters.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the resolution passed by the International Conference of Chambers of Commerce recently in Copenhagen that they are of opinion that this preliminary is essential to the well-being of humanity?

They did not express any opinion as to whether the present time is propitious.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that a better share of the economic resources of the world is given to old age pensioners?

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether, in view of the critical period which may be approaching, he will now state when it is proposed that Parliament shall reassemble after the summer Recess;

(2) what means are proposed to recall Parliament in the event of any international emergency during the coming Recess?

I would ask my hon. Friend to be good enough to await the statement which I shall make on Business at the end of Questions to-day.

Does that answer also apply to Question No. 48?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware that under the new grant regulations for elementary education maintenance allowances granted by local education authorities to necessitous children between 14 and 15 years of age will not now rank for Government grant, whereas under the previous regulations such expenditure did rank for Government grant; and will he take the necessary steps to see that all expenditure incurred by local education authorities on maintenance allowances for necessitous children of at least 14 years of age in attendance at elementary schools can be regarded as approved expenditure for the purposes of Government grant as in the case of secondary schools?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for the Hillsborough Division of Sheffield (Mr. Alexander) on 17th July, a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education when he expects the survey of the condition of health of the schoolchildren in Lancashire to be completed; and whether he will make the report available to Members of this House?

I assume that the hon. Member refers to the answer which I gave to his supplementary question on 20th July, The Board are not making a survey of the health of school children in Lancashire, but as part of their general survey of the adequacy of the provision of free meals and milk for necessitous undernourished children in all areas they have recently examined the position in the Lancashire county area and have addressed a letter to the local education authority. Extensive provision for this purpose is made by the authority and the arrangements appear to be generally satisfactory, but the Board have made certain suggestions for their improvement.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education how many children in England and Wales are being educated in classes containing more than 40 children?

The number of children in classes in public elementary schools with more than 40 pupils on the register on 31st March, 1938, was 2,028,342.

Does not the Government think that it is of the utmost importance to get these children into smaller classes—that it is even more important than the question of old age pensions?

The prescribed limit for the size of classes is 40 for children over 11 and 50 for those under 11. Inasmuch as two-thirds of the children are under 11, the figure asked for in the question has no great significance. I would add that of all reforms I think a reduction in the size of classes is very important.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what efforts are being made to secure uniformity throughout the country in the definition of beneficial employment, with special reference to a drastic limitation of hours of work between. 14 and 16 years of age?

The hours of work have to be considered in deciding whether to grant an employment certificate under the Education Act, 1936, and this aspect of the question has formed a leading feature in discussions between neighbouring local education authorities with a view to co-ordinating their action, as recommended in the Board's Circular 1457.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will give a list of the areas of land purchased by the local education authority for school purposes in the West Riding of Yorkshire during the past 10 years, together with the price paid in each instance and the rateable value previous to acquisition?

To ascertain the particulars asked for by the hon. Member would involve a disproportionate amount of labour which my Department cannot undertake.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will enumerate the schemes for sewerage and playing fields put forward by the West Riding Urban District Council during the past 10 years; the area of land affected; the price asked in each instance; and, when purchased, the rateable value previous to acquisition?

I regret that a list of the particulars asked for is not available and could not be obtained without a disproportionate amount of labour.

Is there a deliberate intention on the part of Government Departments to withhold information from the House, because this reply that I have now received is identical with one I got from the Board of Education earlier today? Is there a deliberate attempt to withhold the information?

In view of the very heavy burdens which this House has placed upon the Departments in connection with defence requirements, we look very carefully into demands for information which may place further work on the staffs.

Could not the information be obtained by asking the landlords to supply it?

asked the Minister of Health what was the rateable value of the 7.77 acres of land which the Ching- ford Borough Council proposed to purchase for housing purposes, for which purchase a compulsory order was sanctioned by his Department after a public inquiry, and which compulsory order was afterwards withdrawn by the Chingford Borough Council; and what was the price which the owner demanded for this land?